Thursday, March 26, 2015

Mar 28-29, 2015

LET'S GO TO THE RACES  Mar 28-29, 2015


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 are welcomed & would be appreciated.  Thanks!
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Additional Race Replays posted below in addition to the U.S. CARD links to BloodHorse results/replay page
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Dubai World Cup - Saturday Mar 28 - Blog - click here
 Dubai Race Replays posted at Dubai blog
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A full day of racing from Dubai to Florida to New Orleans, to Santa Anita. 


Two Kentucky Derby preps and two Kentucky Oaks preps in the U.S., and a Derby Prep in Dubai will provide enough points for the top three finishers to likely make it to the starting gate.  In New Orleans, the LOUISIANA DERBY will see INTERNATONAL STAR, MR. Z and WAR STORY try for 100-40-20-10 points to the top four finishers.  A third or 4th place finish likely would provide the points for Mr. Z to get in the gate.

In Dubai, the only two in the UAE DERBY, a Derby prep, nominated for the Triple Crown are MUBTAAHIJ and MAFTOOL, and a first or second for either horse will likely bring both horses to the U.S. for the Kentucky Derby.  You can see the race replays and the rivalry between these two which took place in the World Cup Carnival from January to March 7 at the Dubai World Cup Day blog - click here.

In Florida, UPSTART, MATERIALITY, ITSAKNOCKOUT will duke it out and only Materiality needs points to ensure entry, with at least a second needed.  Upstart and Itsaknockout with 50 and 36 points respectively have already stamped their tickets, so the race is likely a sharpening and learning experience.  Kentucky Derby Leaderboard - click here

In the Kentucky Oaks division, things are a little more wide open, with the top three finishers of the Gulfstream Oaks and the Fair Grounds Oaks likely garnering enough points for entry to that division on May 1  Only BIRDATTHEWIRE (Gulfstream Oaks) and I'MACHATTERBOX (Fair Grounds Oaks) have their spots secured.  A first or second will ensure those runners gate entry,  with Eskenformoney (Gulfstream Oaks) possibly only needing a third to secure her spot.  Kentucky Oaks Leaderboard - click here

Streaking Phaeton heads Gulfstream Oaks
Imachatterbox the talk of the Fair Grounds Oaks

3-26 from BloodHorse:  With Main Sequence racing halfway around the world, Twilight Eclipse will be the one to beat in the $150,000 Pan American Stakes (IIIT) at Gulfstream Park March 28.

The 6-year-old Purim gelding took the 2013 Pan American, where he set the world record, covering 1 1/2 miles in a blistering 2:22.63. 

In his last five starts, however, Twilight Eclipse had the misfortune of racing against Main Sequence, the 2014 Eclipse Award champion turf horse and champion older male, hitting the board in each start, but failing to cash in on the top prize.

Twilight Eclipse was only beaten a combined four lengths in those five starts by Main Sequence, who is racing in Saturday's Sheema Classic (UAE-IT) in Dubai instead. Read more at source

TWILIGHT ECLIPSE looks to have the stage all to himself on Saturday at Gulfstream in the Pan American, while earlier in the day, his nemesis, MAIN SEQUENCE, will be battling it out with DESIGNS ON ROME, FLINTSHIRE, and HARP STAR in the  $6 Million Sheema Classic in Dubai.

For more on the Derby Trail and undercard action in the U.S. on Saturday, check in at Jeremy Plonk's Countdown to the Crown for March 28, which will be posted Friday.
Coalport seeks fifth straight in Marvin Muniz Handicap
Moreno makes Fair Grounds debut in New Orleans Handicap


For fans of route races of at least 1 1/2 miles or longer, three races look to provide some degree of satisfaction that for now anyway, these types of races are alive and well in the U.S.  The PAN AMERICAN and the ORCHID at Gulfstream, both on the turf, and the TOKYO CITY CUP at Santa Anita on the main track, are each 12 furlongs or about 1 1/2 miles.  As pointed out above, TWILIGHT ECLIPSE in the absence of his rival all of last year, Main Sequence, should be able to add to his trophy case in the Pan American at Gulfstream. 
Bronzo (Fusaichi Pegasus) vying for first U.S. win in the Tokyo City at Santa Anita

Handicapping the Louisiana Derby - HRN
Louisiana Derby Preview - HRN
Handicapping the Florida Derby - HRN

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Triple Crown - Kentucky Derby
James Scully's Kentucky Derby Report 3-25-15
Derby Prep Alert
Steve Haskin's Derby Dozen - Mar 24
Jay Privman - Sunland Derby analysis - Firing Line
Matt Berneir and Dan Illman profile Dortmund - video
Take Charge Brandi out of Rebel and off Trail
Jeremy Plonk's Countdown to the Crown - March 28
ESPN Bill Finley: How is it that American Pharoah is not No. 1
ESPN Derby Rankings - 3-21-15 - It's a tie!
Courier-Journal's national media Kentucky Derby poll
Kentucky Derby.com  -  Updated points posted to Oaks and Derby qualif. races
DRF Road to the Derby - Preps, winners, replays
Derby Watch     Mike Watchmaker & Jay Privman keep a weekly tally on what's happening with their Top 20 Derby horses
BloodHorse KY Derby coverage

KY Derby Report - Mar 18 - James Scully - Brisnet
Avalyn Hunter profiles Upstart pedigree

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After a race is completed, the CARD for the American races below will have the race replay provided by BloodHorse.  Race replays for Dubai will be posted as soon as they are available.
 
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Saturday, March 21, 2015

WORLD CUP DAY

WORLD CUP DAY - MARCH 28, 2015

DUBAI WEATHER - Races are run mostly at night
Friday, Mar 27 Overcast with a shower83° Lo 71°
Saturday, Mar 28  Partly sunny83° Lo 68° - Race day
Sunday, Mar 29  Pleasant with sunshine85° Lo 70°
 
 

(Subtract 4 hours from times shown to convert to New York Time)





Art Sherman - Renaissance Man
 
DUBAI WORLD CUP DAY!
$30 Million in one day of racing.  Coming in second you could still walk away a millionaire in some of the races!  There will be free live streaming in several places for this big event, which, because it is run in Dubai, will happen in the U.S. mostly on Saturday morning.  Dubai is 8 hours ahead of New York's EDT.  If it's 4 in the afternoon in Dubai, it's 8 a.m. in New York.

TVG will broadcast on television (if you have this in your cable lineup), but HRTV will not.  Your best bet will be to check in at www.amwestentertainment.com where free live streaming of the day's events will be broadcast.  Also, DRF will provide live streaming.  TwinSpires is free if you set up an account, and don't be put off by thinking you have to bet, you don't.  So, there will be several platforms to watch this extravaganza on Saturday.

When is it?
The Dubai World Cup will be staged on Saturday, March 28. Gates open on World Cup night at midday, with the first race run at 4.30pm. (8:30 a.m. EDT)   Scroll down to Featured Races for races and approximate post times, adjusted to EDT.
 


Several sites will provide wide coverage of all the action on World Cup Day

Scroll down for several ways to watch the World Cup Live
 
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Pat Cummings handicaps all the races for Dubai World Cup Day! click here

American-based horses looking to make a serious impact in Dubai
Brisnet's John Mucciolo gives his take on the fields as they have taken shape. 
A very strong contingent of U.S.-based horses will take aim at various races during the 20th edition of the Dubai World Cup on Saturday at Meydan. With top runners in the most lucrative races on the day, the U.S. group might be leaving the desert with a lot of dirhams (dollars).

World Cup (UAE-G1)
Reigning Horse of the Year California Chrome (Lucky Pulpit) looms the one to beat and could be a fairly short-priced favorite in the marquee event of the day. The Art Sherman trainee was a big second in the San Antonio (G2) in his 2015 bow, finishing behind arguably the best dirt horse in training right now, and 'Chrome appears to be training forwardly since the tightener. Proven at the trip, the four-year-old has reportedly settled in nicely since his arrival and could spearhead a one-two finish from the U.S. runners. Read more

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WATCH THE RACES LIVE!

Choose either AmWest site or DRF site for full Dubai racing experience

AMWEST ENTERTAINMENT - ALL ACCESS LIVE STREAMING
This site is comprehensive, handicapping, entries, race cards, and the LIVE STREAMING for each day's races.  Content will be added daily until March 28 at the AmWest site. 

DRF SITE w/cards, live streaming of races, click to see cards, links to handicapping with Pat Cummings and Jeremy Plonk

FOX SPORTS 1 WILL BROADCAST THE WORLD CUP, 12:30-1:30 EDT SATURDAY

 
  
DIRT IS BACK!
 
Doug Watson talks about the new dirt surface - How is it playing? 3-21-15

 

Scroll to Race Calendar/Replay section of blog at bottom of post for Replays
for all Carnival stakes

Mar 21-22, 2015

LET'S GO TO THE RACES  Mar 21-22, 2015


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 are welcomed & would be appreciated.  Thanks!
__________________________________________



HANDICAPPING:
Matt Bernier and Dan Illman handicap the Spiral and the Bourbonette - video
Watchmaker and Privman handicap the Derby preps

Jon Siegel, Joel Cunningham handicap two Derby preps this weekend


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DRF Live Streaming Gulfstream Park on Saturday and Sunland Park on Sunday
 
 
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Triple Crown - Kentucky Derby
Matt Berneir and Dan Illman profile Dortmund - video
Take Charge Brandi out of Rebel and off Trail
Jeremy Plonk's Countdown to the Crown - March 20
ESPN Bill Finley: How is it that American Pharoah is not No. 1
ESPN Derby Rankings - 3-21-15 - It's a tie!
Courier-Journal's national media Kentucky Derby poll
Steve Haskin's Derby Dozen - Mar 17
Kentucky Derby.com  -  Updated points posted to Oaks and Derby qualif. races
DRF Road to the Derby - Preps, winners, replays
Derby Watch     Mike Watchmaker & Jay Privman keep a weekly tally on what's happening with their Top 20 Derby horses
BloodHorse KY Derby coverage

KY Derby Report - Mar 18 - James Scully - Brisnet
Avalyn Hunter profiles Upstart pedigree

Time ordered races and cards below.  In the U.S. after race has run, CARD will take you to replay of race.

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FEATURED RACES

Time ordered races / entries - printable file

SATURDAY

International - Australia
1:30 a.m. ET  GOLDEN SLIPPER-G1, Rosehill $2,672,600US, 2yo, 1200m  CARD
2:10 a.m. ET GEORGE RYDER S.-G1, Rosehill, A$1,000,000 (US$766,015), 3+, 1500mT CARD

Japan's Real Impact (Jpn) Wins G1 George Ryder - replay
Japan's World Ace, Real Impact contest the George Ryder
Real Impact wins the George Ryder in a photo! Video Replay - English
TDN Write-up - G1 George Ryder
Update:  Vancouver wins for Gai Waterhouse!  She ties her father's record of 6 Golden Slipper wins
Golden Slipper Glory for Medaglia d'Oro's Vancouver: 13th Group 1 winner for Darley's Medaglia d'Oro (USA)

North America
1:56 ET  Private Terms S  Lrl  $100,000  3yo  9f  R4  CARD
2:18 ET  Mr. Sinatra  Aqu  $100,000  4+ R  8.5f R3 CARD
2:52 ET  Caesar's Wish S  Lrl  $100,000  3yo f  8f  R6  CARD
3:31 ET  Conniver S  Lrl  $100,000  3+ f/m S  7f     R7  CARD
3:50 ET  Harrison  Johnson Mem'l S  Lrl  $100,000  3+  9f  R8  CARD
4:00 ET  Inside Information S G2  GP  $200,000  4+ f/m  7f  R7  CARD 
5:30 ET  Royal Delta S (Sabin), G2, GP, $200,000, 4+ f/m, 1 1/16 mi  R10 CARD

5:42 ET  Bourbonette Oaks G3  TP  $150,000  3yo f  8f AW  #    R10  CARD
6:09 ET  Gazebo S  OP  $100,000  3yo  6f     R9  CARD
6:28 ET  Cincinnati Spiral S G3  TP  $550,000  3yo  9f AW  *   R11  CARD
7:00 ET  San Luis Rey S G2  SA  $200,000  4+  12f Turf    R8  CARD
* Derby or # Oaks prep = 50-20-10-5 points

More on today's races
Firing Line, Lord Nelson square off in Sunland Derby
Royal Son, Metaboss top choices in Spiral
Metaboss, Royal Son, Imperia among dozen in Spiral
House Rules sentimental choice in Royal Delta S

SUNDAY

International - Japan
Hanshin Daishoten G2  Hanshin  $1,173,000 a 4+  15f Turf    R  CARD  Preview
Spring S G2  Nakayama  $942,000 a 3yo  9f Turf    R  CARD

North America

Matt Bernier and Dan Illman handicap the Sunland Derby


2:18 ET  Stymie S  Aqu  $100,000  4+  9f     R3  CARD
5:36 ET  Bill Thomas Memorial S  Sun  $100,000  3+  6.5f  R7  CARD
6:30 ET  Dream of Summer S  SA  $100,000  4+ f/m S  8f  R7  CARD
6:35 ET  Sunland Park Oaks (L)  Sun  $200,000  3yo f  8.5f #  R9  CARD
7:07 ET  Harry W. Henson H  Sun  $100,000  3+ f/m  8f     R10  CARD
7:40 ET  Sunland Derby G3  Sun  $800,000  3yo  9f   *    R11  CARD
* Derby or # Oaks prep = 50-20-10-5 points

Firing Line headlines Sunland Derby; Lord Nelson scratches
Callback tries the Sunland Oaks for Baffert
Where's The Moon - Sunland Derby - Profile video
 
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NEWS
2015 Flat Season: 3-Year-Old Colts Preview: James Willoughby provides an update on the top European Classic prospects for 2015
Probable fields for Dubai World Cup
California Chrome and Able Friend on Royal Ascot's wish list
Training legend Billy Turner shares his thoughts on training

Friday, March 13, 2015

Mar 14-15, 2015


LET'S GO TO THE RACES  Mar 14-15, 2015



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 are welcomed & would be appreciated.  Thanks!
__________________________________________

Results, replays for 2015 Cheltenham Festival

Time ordered Races / Entries - printable file

ON THE DERBY TRAIL, PLUS SOME OVERSEAS GRADE 1s in AUSTRALIA & HONG KONG!

OAKLAWN PARK: One Derby Prep this weekend, the REBEL at Oaklawn will see the seasonal unveiling of AMERICAN PHAROAH after a long layoff since September.  Probably the most anticipated return since Lazarus! 

Two of the world's top rated horses will run this weekend:  ABLE FRIEND in the G1 Hong Kong Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup, and LANKAN RUPEE in the G1 Lexus Newmarket at Flemington in Australia.  Also at Flemington, the AUSTRALIAN CUP will see perennial bridesmaid at Melbourne, RED CADEAUX looking to further boost his bank balance.

A victory in Saturday's $1 million Australian Cup would swell the prize money of popular English stayer Red Cadeaux to nearly $8 million, making him clearly the largest stake money earner in British racing.

However, while the nine-year-old is well ahead of his English counterparts, only success in the Sydney and Melbourne Cup's later this year would begin to threaten the imposing bank balance of three-time Melbourne Cup winner Makybe Diva, who amassed more than $12 million during her phenomenal run of success.

On Saturday, Red Cadeaux makes his fifth visit to Flemington and his consistency in major races around the world has managed to swell his prize money to more than $7.3 million. Read more

 Razorback Handicap offers solid field of seven

BMW Hong Kong Derby 2015

The 2015 BMW Hong Kong Derby is a Hong Kong Group 1 race over 2,000 metres held on March 15th 2015. It is one of the most prestigious and historic races on the Hong Kong calendar, dating back to 1873. Only four-year-old horses can take part in the 2,000m event, making it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Hong Kong Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup

ABLE FRIEND FLIRTS WITH DANGER, PROVES MUCH THE BEST IN THE QSJC!
Able Friend Pulls Rabbit Out of Hat in QSJC:  Beautiful run by Able Friend, Race Replay
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Able Friend, Hong Kong's highest-rated horse, takes on 10 opponents, including top-class Irish runner Gordon Lord Byron, for the first international group I edition of the Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup March 15 at Sha Tin.

A 5-year-old Shamardal gelding, Able Friend slammed international rivals when victorious in the Longines Hong Kong Mile (HK-I) in December and then dominated in Stewards' Cup (HK-I) at the same distance in January. The latter race saw him ranked second (rated 124) to U.S.-based Shared Belief (125) in the first edition of the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings for 2015. Read more at source
 
Past heroes gunning for ABLE FRIEND in G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup_
HONG KONG QUEEN'S SILVER JUBILEE - Preview

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Triple Crown - Kentucky Derby
Matt Berneir and Dan Illman profile Dortmund - video

Take Charge Brandi out of Rebel and off Trail
Jeremy Plonk's Countdown to the Crown - March 13
Courier-Journal's national media Kentucky Derby poll
Steve Haskin's Derby Dozen - Mar 10
Kentucky Derby.com  -  Updated points posted to Oaks and Derby qualif. races
DRF Road to the Derby - Preps, winners, replays
Derby Watch     Mike Watchmaker & Jay Privman keep a weekly tally on what's happening with their Top 20 Derby horses
BloodHorse KY Derby coverage

KY Derby Report - Mar 11 - James Scully - Brisnet

Time ordered races and cards below.  After race has run, CARD will take you to replay of race.

Friday, March 6, 2015

Dubai World Cup Carnival 2015


Racing blog - Mar 7-8 - North America
Cheltenham - Mar 10-13


SUPER SATURDAY - MARCH 7, 2015



SUPER SATURDAY, MARCH 7, DUBAI WORLD CUP CARNIVAL.  This will be the last of the preps as next up on March 28 will be the WORLD CUP DAY.

Several running this Saturday have already won or placed high in races during the Carnival, including MUBTAAHIJ, LAYL (Street Cry), TAMARKUZ (Speightstown), ROMANSH (Bernardini), HUNTERS LIGHT. 

AFRICAN STORY, who won the World Cup last year, and the ever popular FRANKYFOURFINGERS are entered in the 10f AL MAKTOUM CHALLENGE on Saturday, a prep for the WORLD CUP. 

One of the horses running this Saturday has possible Kentucky Derby implications:  MUBTAAHIJ is slated for the 9.5 furlong AL BASTAKIYA (Race 2), on the dirt, the prep for the UAE DERBY on World Cup Day, a prep for the KY Derby with 100-40-20-10 points on the line to qualify to get in the KY Derby gate.  Also entered in this race is the Uruguyan sensation, SIR FEVER, who has yet to prove his form against top competition. (Scroll down for more on this horse)

The other who has been nominated to the KY Derby is MAFTOOL, who will be entered in the UAE Derby also, won the UAE 2000 Guineas on Feb. 12.  You will find that race replay below as well.

You can quickly review all of the previous stakes preps below at the bottom of this blog at the Calendar and Stakes Replay section. No need to hunt for a particular race at the AmWest video site or the YouTube Dubai Fan Channel.  Your best bet are the replays I have posted below, which will get you familiar with the horses that have had success at the Carnival.

An all-time favorite, 9 year old gelding, REYNALDOTHEWIZARD has won twice at the Carnival: on Jan. 15, in the Dubawi, and on Feb. 12 in the Al Shimdagha.  Those races can be found below.

Finally, RON THE GREEK (new name, Wattani) has had a phenomenal run in the desert, with several wins, most recently Feb. 14.  Here is a link to his Horse Racing Nation page. Ron The Greek - Horse Racing Nation - Page with Race Replays  Scroll down to the comments at HRN to watch several of his races that have been posted there.  In the Dubai Handicapping Show two weeks ago, Joe Kristufek and Pat Cummings updated the Greek's plans for the World Cup: Update on Ron The Greek at 4:50 on the tape.  Posted here is the replay of his impressive win on Feb. 14, 2015 (the race was marred with a spill).
Ron The Greek - Feb. 14 - "Wattani"


Mar 7-8, 2015


LET'S GO TO THE RACES  Mar 7-8, 2015



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 are welcomed & would be appreciated.  Thanks!
__________________________________________

SANTA ANITA HANDICAP, KENTUCKY DERBY PREPS, PLUS A BIG MORNING OF SUPER SATURDAY IN DUBAI!!!  SO MUCH TO CHOOSE FROM ON SATURDAY!

DUBAI CARNIVAL   Link to Dubai blog - Live Streaming
Race results and race replays for Super Saturday have been posted

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2015 - Link to Cheltenham blog - Tuesday, March 10-13, 2015


SEVERAL WAYS TO WATCH
THE RACING ACTION ON SATURDAY

HRTV, TVG, TWINSPIRES, for those who have these services or
DRF will live stream Dubai World Cup Carnival Super Saturday - click here
DRF will live stream the racing at GULFSTREAM - click here
DRF will live stream the racing at SANTA ANITA, click here
DRF will live stream the racing at TAMPA BAY DOWNS - click here

PLUS:  DRF LIVE! with Matt Bernier and Dan Illman - Be sure to check in on Saturday!

Handicapping with Matt Bernier and Dan Illman - DRF - Videos


             Gotham - Derby Prep
             Santa Anita Handicap
             Frank Kilroe Mile
             San Felipe - Derby Prep
             Tampa Bay Derby
             Florida Oaks
             Tampa Bay Derby

TCI Insider - Video - Jon & Joel on the preps Saturday

DUBAI CARNIVAL
Link to Dubai blog - Saturday morning starting at 7:30 a.m. ET - Live Streaming

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2015
Link to Cheltenham blog - Tuesday, March 10-13, 2015

Triple Crown - Kentucky Derby
Take Charge Brandi out of Rebel and off Trail
Pursuit of the Crown - 3/1/15
Jeremy Plonk's Countdown to the Crown
Courier-Journal's national media Kentucky Derby poll
Steve Haskin's Derby Dozen - Mar 3
Kentucky Derby.com  -  Updated points posted to Oaks and Derby qualif. races
DRF Road to the Derby - Preps, winners, replays
Derby Watch     Mike Watchmaker & Jay Privman keep a weekly tally on what's happening with their Top 20 Derby horses
BloodHorse KY Derby coverage
James Scully's Kemtucky Derby report - March 4, 2015

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Note:  CARDS below will have race replays once race is complete, for North America

FEATURED RACES

Time ordered races Dubai, NA, Cheltenham - printable file
Handicapping Insights - Dick Powell - Brisnet 3-6-15
Index to races

LATE SCRATCHES: 
Promise Me Silver out of Honeybee
Chitu and Midnight Hawk out of San Carlos

RESULTS - Headlines - More replays at the CARDS below
Big Brown Colt Remains Perfect in San Felipe: Dortmund (Big Brown) goes box-to-wire to remain perfect in the GII San Felipe S.
Tapit Gelding Earns Grade I Success in Frank Kilroe: Ring Weekend (Tapit) came flying down the center of the track late to take the GI Frank Kilroe Mile.
Carpe Diem Romps in Tampa Bay Derby: Carpe Diem (Giant's Causeway) returned in style with an impressive victory in the GII Tampa Bay Derby.
Honor Code Earns Impressive Victory in Gulfstream H.:
Honor Code race result and replay  Was very impressive!  Honor Code (A.P. Indy) trailed by over a 12 lengths early and came charging late to take the GII Gulfstream Park H.
Dude Steps up For Smith  Wild Dude battles for San Carlos score
Scat Daddy Rising Star Scores in Gotham: El Kabeir (Scat Daddy) displayed an impressive late turn of foot to capture the GIII Gotham S.
Sarah Sis Takes Care of Biz in Honeybee
Dortmund cruises wire to wire in San Felipe
Shared Belief untouchable in Santa Anita Handicap
Carpe Diem returns a Tampa Bay winner
El Kabeir continues NY success in Gotham
Honor Code uses powerful rally to win Gulfstream H'cap

SATURDAY
1:50 ET  Cat Cay S  Aqu   $100,000  4+ f/m  8.5f  R3  CARD
2:20 ET  Tom Fool H G3  Aqu   $200,000  4+  6f   R4  CARD
3:00 ET  Swale Stakes G2, GP, $200,000, 3yo, 7f, R6  CARD
4:23 ET  Frank Kilroe Mile G1  SA   $400,000  4+  8f T R9  CARD
4:23 ET  Florida Oaks G3  Tam   $200,000  3yo f  8.5f T R9  CARD
4:39 ET  Hot Springs S (L)  OP   $100,000  4+  6f  R6  CARD
4:50 ET  GOTHAM S G3  Aqu   $400,000  3yo  8.5f  R9  CARD *
4:53 ET  Hillsborough S G3  Tam   $150,000  4+ f/m  abt 9f T R10  CARD
5:23 ET  TAMPA BAY DERBY G2  Tam   $350,000  3yo  8.5f  R11  CARD *
5:38 ET  HONEYBEE S G3  OP   $150,000  3yo f  8.5f  R8  CARD #
5:00 ET  Gulfstream Park H G2  GP   $300,000  4+  8f  R10  CARD
6:00 ET  SAN FELIPE S G2  SA   $400,000  3yo  8.5f  R7  CARD *
7:00 ET  San Carlos S G2  SA   $250,000  4+  7f  R9  CARD
8:00 ET  SANTA ANITA H G1  SA   $1,000,000  4+  10f  R11  CARD
* = KY Derby prep   # KY Oaks prep   Points = 50-20-10-5

More on today's races
FLASH:  PROMISE ME SILVER OUT OF HONEYBEE
3:00  Daredevil back in rescheduled Swale
4:50  EL Kabeir the horse to beat in the Gotham
5:00  Wicked Strong finds tough spot for comeback in Gulfstream Handicap
5:23  Stonestreet holding pair of aces in Tampa Bay Derby
         Tampa Bay Derby Carpe Diem tries to buck trend
         Ocean Knight in Tampa Bay Derby
5:38  Sarah Sis, Promise Me Sis square off in Honeybee
6:00  San Felipe attracts unbeatmen Dortmund, Ocho Ocho Ocho
         Dortmund to run in San Felipe
         On the muscle: Dortmund ready for San Felipe
8:00  Shared Belief faces dozen in Big 'Cap
         Shared Belief a massive favorite in Big 'Cap
         Horses you should know in the Big 'Cap.

SUNDAY
7:00 ET  Las Flores S G3  SA   $100,000  4+ f/m  6f  R8  CARD

NEWS
English Derby entries total 102

2015 Cheltnham

 
NOTE:  TIMES LISTED ARE ACTUALLY 1 HOUR LATER THAN POSTED. 
This happened because of Daylight Savings Time in the States.
SCROLL DOWN TO FEATURED RACES FOR CARDS & RESULTS
 

Link to Racing Blog for Sat-Sun, Mar 7-8
Link to Dubai blog for Saturday, Mar 7
Time ordered races Dubai, NA, Cheltenham - printable file

 
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Hero of Cheltenham!  Coneygree 

Coneygree with trainer Mark Bradstock, wife Sara
Photo:  Richard Cave
CONEYGREE GOES WIRE TO WIRE IN THE GOLD CUP -
FIRST NOVICE TO WIN CUP IN 41 YEARS!
 
 
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You can use this site  or scroll down to the Featured Races with cards and additional information about the races there.
 
Sporting Life Festival Guide
Another Cheltenham guide - Again, a place to catch up on the events at the Festival, or scroll down to the Featured Races section below 
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With a history dating back almost two centuries, Cheltenham has become synonymous with world class National Hunt horse racing, and from Tuesday 10 to Friday 13 March 2015, hundreds of thousands of people will descend on the Gloucestershire spa town for the world-famous spectacle of The Festival 2015. 
Encompassing the internationally-renowned Cheltenham Gold Cup, the four-day event will see more than 25 races take place, with almost £600 million being bet on some of the world’s finest race horses as they speed around Cheltenham Racecourse’s Old Course, New Course and Cross Country Steeplechase Course.
 
Some of the best and bravest horses and jockeys, nervous and excited trainers and owners, and a wide cast of human characters will once again be uniting, determined to have the time of their lives  Read more 
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Cheltenham Festival memories and magical moments - The attraction of the 'Greatest Show on Turf'
 
Racing expert Gerard O'Donovan gives us his earliest Cheltenham memories and experiences from the Festival and tells us why it's the greatest meeting in the world.
AP McCoy & JP McManus
 
I have been asked many times to explain the attraction of the Cheltenham festival. Although quite obvious to a racing enthusiast like myself, it is difficult to articulate to a 'non-believer'. The craic, the 'roar of the Irish', the poker sessions, the Guinness and the betting, these words spring to mind but do little to illustrate the experience of being at the Cheltenham races. 
 
It might be a cliché but the main ingredient of the festival is the Irish: the Irish horses, the Irish punters and the Irish craic. Racecourse Manager Edward Gillespie has gone on the record as saying the Festival owes its’ success to the travelling Irish faithful. 
 
Many racing observers believe the modern-day Festival began on March 7th 1964. ‘Mill House for England, Arkle for Ireland’, the immortal words of Peter O'Sullevan described the historic battle between two mighty champions representing two great national hunt nations. Read more 
 
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Major Races
 Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase,
World Hurdle, Gold Cup
For all races for the 4 days, scroll down to Featured Races
 
Hurricane Fly
CHELTENHAM MARCH 10 - CHAMPION HURDLE: Another showdown looming at Cheltenham will be between HURRICANE FLY and his chief rival, JEZKI. Scheduled for Wednesday, March 11, the Champion Hurdle will surely bring a lot of excitement as these two chief rivals duke it out.

"Last season ended on a disappointing note for the 11-year-old Hurricane Fly when he was beaten at both the Cheltenham and Punchestown festivals by Jezki.

FLASH:  3-7-15 - 8:00 a.m.:  WALSH TO RIDE FAUGHEEN - Just posted on twitter by Cheltenham Festival

"However, he has left that form well behind this season, getting the be...tter of his old rival Jezki on three occasions, bringing his tally of Grade 1 victories to a record-breaking 22." 
 
Redemption awaits the 11 year old champion for last year's losses. Ironically, so far anyway, the punters do not favor either of these rivals as likely winners. This could very well change as we get closer to the race.

For an in-depth look at Hurricane Fly, one of the super-stars of hunt racing, check out ABIGAIL ANDERSON'S special post:  KING OF HEARTS - HURRICANE FLY
 
Tuesday, March 10, 2015 - Cheltenham  10:20 a.m. EDT  CARD
Hurricane Fly faces Jezki and 15 others in the Champion Hurdle, billed as a showdown between The Fly and his chief rival, Jezki.
A.P. McCoy to ride Jezki in Hurdle
Mullins: Hurricane my each-way bet of the week
Surely only fast ground can stop Willie Mullins cleaning up at the Cheltenham Festival
Jockey Jamie Moore takes Sire de Grugy and others down to the beach

RESULTS:  Faugheen, Arctic Fire, Hurricane Fly   Result  Replay
The rest of Day One results posted below under Featured Races, including Replays

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CHELTENHAM March 11, 2015 - QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE
Sprinter Sacre and his trainer, Nicky Henderson
This will be a showdown between SIRE DE GRUGY and SPRINTER SACRE, although there seem to be some others who will keep the front two honest. Sprinter missed all of the 2014 season after he was pulled up in the Dec. 27 2013 Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton Park with what was later diagnosed as a heart problem. While he recovered fairly quickly, his trainer, Nicky Henderson felt he needed more time before he returned to training. In the race in which he was pulled up, Sire de Grugy was the winner, and has since that time seemed to inherit the spotlight that once was reserved for Sprinter.
 
When Sprinter returned to the races this January, in the Clarence House Chase, he gained the lead toward the finish but was overtaken by Dodging Bullets, with the notation that he seemed to tire toward the last.

ABIGAIL ANDERSON provided a wonderful in-depth look at SPRINTER SACRE 18 months ago, before a heart murmur sidelined him from competition. Now that he's back, everyone is going to be keen to see if he can regain his pre-injury/health issue form!  HE'S BETTER THAN FRANKEL! SPRINTER SACRE

Trainer Nicky Henderson now believes his charge is back to full form, and the punters seem to be willing to give Sprinter the benefit of the doubt and so far he is the favorite for the Queen Mother Champion Chase scheduled for March 11 at Cheltenham. Sprinter fans are hoping he will re-claim his title as the greatest chaser since Arkle and Flying Bolt in the upcoming Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham.
GO SPRINTER!
 
Gary Nutting's take:  "The Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase appears to have divided the pundits between those who predict a glorious return to winning ways for SPRINTER SACRE and others who insist he should be opposed at all costs.

"I'm in the former camp but it's not something I'm particularly bullish about and, like the Champion Hurdle, it's not a great betting race in my view, although its potential news and drama value puts it right up there in the anticipation stakes. "For what it's worth my gut reaction after his Ascot comeback run behind Dodging Bullets was a positive one as I liked the way he travelled and jumped for most of the race, while unlike the sceptics I'm happy to accept he will come on enormously for the run."

Wednesday, March 11, 2015 - Cheltenham  10:20 a.m. EDT   CARD
RESULT:  Dodging Bullets, Somersby, Special Tiara
Sprinter appeared to run well, but in the stretch, he was pulled up.  Speculation is he will be retired.  His age and the long layoff were against his being able to come back to his earlier form.  He owes no one nothing.  His record speaks for itself. 

WELL DONE, SPRINTER!  Nothing official as to whether he will be retired, however, it is assumed that is what is ahead. He was truly the very best and was perfect for a long time. He's 9, so was nearing the end of his career. A younger horse might have been able to come back after that illness and long layoff...at 9 it was doubtful at best. We wanted him to be what he once was....and in our hearts he always will be.

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CHELTENHAM MARCH 12 -WORLD HURDLE Paul Nicholls's Zarkandar knows what it takes to win at the Cheltenham Festival and the former Triumph Hurdle winner will aim to bag glory in what is a wide open renewal of the Ladbrokes World Hurdle, where he will lock horns with stablemate Saphir Du Rheu, who has returned to the hurdling sphere after a brief switch to fences.
Rock On Ruby is another previous winner having landed the Champion Hurdle before and he will step up in trip, whilst the likes of Whisper, Un Temps Pour Tout and Reve De Sivola add more depth to what is an ultra-competitive renewal of the Thursday showpiece.
Zarkandar  10/1
Saphir Du Rheu  4/1  10/1
Annie Power 
Rock On Ruby  10/1

Saphir Du Rheu and Zarkandar form a formidable twin assault for champion trainer Paul Nicholls, who won the race four times with the legendary Big Buck's.

Annie Power, runner-up behind More Of That 12 months ago, is also among the 22 confirmations, but is expected to instead take on her own sex in Tuesday's OLBG Mares' Hurdle. (She ran Tuesday, fell and finished near the back of the field - she appears to be ok.  Very disappointing as she was favored)

Her trainer Willie Mullins is still likely to be represented after also leaving in Abbyssial, Briar Hill, Pont Alexandre, Un Atout and Zaidpour. 

Noel Meade's Monksland, the Tony Martin-trained Dedigout, Jessica Harrington's Jetson and Lieutenant Colonel from Sandra Hughes's yard are other contenders from Ireland.

Former Champion Hurdle hero Rock On Ruby and last year's Coral Cup victor Whisper are also on the list.

Wednesday, March 12, 2015 - Cheltenham  10:20 a.m. EDT   CARD
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CHELTENHAM MARCH 13 - GOLD CUP
Tom Lee from Channel 4 Racing is with us this week and he has made his selection for the Gold Cup; Bobs Worth - to win the Gold Cup

Tom says of Bobs Worth 'Written off after one below par run in the Betfair Chase at Haydock back in November (when he drifted to 6/1 to retain his crown), Bobs Worth bounced back to his true form when returned to a more suitable track at Leopardstown, powering home like the top horse he is to get on top close home in the final 100 yards or so.'
Gold Cup Racecard | Friday's Cheltenham Tips

Silviniaco Conti's dominant display when winning the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day has launched the Paul Nicholls-trained raider to the head of the betting for the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup, but having tried and failed to land glory in the Cheltenham Festival showpiece before there will be many punters aiming to take him on.

A strong Irish battalion is spearheaded by last year's hero Lord Windermere, who will try to land back-to-back wins in the blue riband event, whilst the progressive Road To Riches and Carlingford Lough, who is set to be ridden by AP McCoy add more depth to the Emerald Isle challenge.

Holywell has tasted Cheltenham Festival glory on two previous occasions and he will bid for glory for Jonjo O'Neill, whilst the likes of Hennessy Gold Cup and Argento Chase winner Many Clouds and former winner Bobs Worth just add more depth to the race.

Friday, March 13, 2015, Cheltenham - 10:20 a.m. EDT    CARD

RESULT:  An amazing performance by the novice chaser, Coneygree, tops the Festival by winning the Gold Cup in wire to wire fashion.  It has been 41 years since another novice took the Cup.  RACE REPLAY

Coneygree stablemate, CARRUTHERS, finds winner's circle.  A week after basking in the glow of Coneygree's success at Cheltenham, the 12-year-old stable mate favorite of the Coneygree connections enjoys a trip he hasn't taken in quite a while.  "There were - just like at Cheltenham - emotional scenes in the winner's enclosure and Bradstock's wife Sara, whose father Lord Oaksey bred Carruthers and Coneygree, said: "That's even better. I really love this old horse."

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