Thursday, December 25, 2014

Dec. 26 thru Jan. 1

LET'S GO TO THE RACES

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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GENTILDONNA TAKES THE ARIMA KINEN, or the JAPAN GRAND PRIX, in stylish fashion as her final farewell before going off to stud.  Well done!  Race replay in English.  Final result and write-up - click here


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OPENING DAY, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26
 









WATCH LIVE STREAMING FROM DRF ON SANTA ANITA OPENING DAY! (click here)

Revamped stakes schedule highlights Santa Anita winter-spring meet
ARCADIA, Calif. – Happy holidays – settle in and get comfortable.
There is a holiday for Southern California racing fans in late December – the opening day of the Santa Anita winter-spring meeting on Friday.

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California Chrome, the winner of both the 2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness, has been selected to receive the 2014 Secretariat Vox Populi, or “Voice of the People,” Award. The award recognizes the horse whose popularity and racing excellence best resounded with the American public and gained recognition for Thoroughbred racing.
California Chrome, who basked in the national spotlight throughout the year and built a coast-to-coast fan base of “Chromies,” was the clear favorite among the record number of voters in the Vox Populi online poll. He was one of a select group of nominees submitted by the Vox Populi Committee and Mrs. Penny Chenery, owner of beloved Triple Crown champion Secretariat in whose name she established the award in 2010.  More...

Time ordered list of races with links to the race cards.  After a race is completed, go back to the CARD for a replay via BloodHorse results page.

Friday, December 12, 2014

Dec. 13-14

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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Time Ordered Races/Entries - printable file

HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL RACES
December 14, 2014 - Sha Tin 


Results, Race Replays, Commentary, Hong Kong

Congratulations to the HKIR winners!  Summary of races, photos, etc.

Hong Kong Vase Results page  Race Replay   TDN write-up
Hong Kong Sprint Results page  Race Replay   TDN write-up
Hong Kong Mile Results Page  Race Replay   TDN write-up
Hong Kong Cup Results page  Race Replay   TDN write-up

Able Friend Bolts Up in Hong Kong Mile
Moreira conquers on Rome in Hong Kong Cup
Ambitious Dragon withdrawn from Mile
BloodHorse write-up on the four HKIR race results

RESULTS: Hong Kong International Race/Sunday:
G1 Hong Kong Cup: Designs On Rome victorious... Little Mike 9th
Chart and VIDEO: Hong Kong Cup [click on 'Multi Angle Race Replay' for video replay]
G1 Hong Kong Mile: Able Friend easily
Chart and VIDEO: Hong Kong Mile [click on 'Multi Angle Race Replay' for video replay]
G1 Hong Kong Sprint: Aerovelocity leads home Hong Kong one-two
Chart and VIDEO: Hong Kong Sprint [click on 'Multi Angle Race Replay' for video replay]
G1 Hong Kong Vase: Flintshire wins
Chart and VIDEO: Hong Kong Vase [click on 'Multi Angle Race Replay' for video replay]

John Moore, an accidental kind of trainer
Some insights into Hong Kong racing and why it's considered the envy of every other racing jurisdiction in the world.

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Pre-race coverage: The Longines Hong Kong International Races, also known as the Turf World Championships, have become recognised in this millennium as one of the pre-eminent race meetings of the world alongside Royal Ascot, the Arc Day, the Melbourne Cup, the Breeders' Cup and the Dubai World Cup.

The Longines Hong Kong International Races meeting is one of the most important fixtures for the world's leading horses, jockeys, trainers and owners. Tens of thousands of racing fans from around the world are attracted each year to Sha Tin for this premier Hong Kong sporting event. 
One reason is the prize money: a colossal HK$83 million (about $11 Million USD) divided between the four International G1s.

The Longines Hong Kong Cup was originally run as the Hong Kong Invitation Cup on 24 January 1988 when overseas entries were restricted to those from Malaysia and Singapore. Since then the number of countries and regions competing has increased significantly to include Australia, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Macau, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and the United States of America. The LONGINES Hong Kong Mile, Longines Hong Kong Vase and Longines Hong Kong Sprint were added in subsequent years to create the 4-race world event we have today.

Recognized as the “Turf World Championships”, the Longines HKIR races offer some of the world’s richest race prizes while attracting the world’s leading horses, trainers and jockeys to compete here annually.

The International Races on December 14, 2014, overview for each fixture:
LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m, HK$25,000,000 US$3,225,000)
LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m, HK$23,000,000 US$2,967,100)
LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m, HK$18,500,000 US$2,386,700)
LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (2400m, HK$16,500,000 US$2,128,600)

International stars such as:  CIRRUS DES AIGLES, MILITARY ATTACK, CALIFORNIA MEMORY, ABLE FRIEND, GOLD-FUN, AMBITIOUS DRAGON, SOLE POWER, LUCKY NINE, SPALATO, FLINTSHIRE, RED CADEAUX, will be on hand looking for the four Group 1 events.  Some of the world's top jockeys and trainers will also be on hand. 
 
There is a 13-hour time difference between New York and Hong Kong, so The Hong Kong Cup, Sprint, Mile, Vase are the 4 main races for the day with a post time at 1:00 a.m. EST Sunday for the Vase (Race 4). I watch these races on TwinSpires that live streams the races, in English. You do have to set up an account, however, you do not have to bet, and you will love the interface. There are other services I'm sure that will air coverage, including I believe HRTV, and check with TVG to see what they will do.

TDN: 'Power' to attempt to go one better in Sprint
Earlier this week, Sabena Power’s Sole Power (GB) (Kyllachy {GB}) was named the Horse of the Year in Ireland. This coming Sunday, the 7-year-old will look to improve off a runner-up effort in last year’s G1 Hong Kong Sprint.

Hong Kong Jockey Club - Home page
Flintshire 'fresher' in Hong Kong than at Santa Anita
YouTube channel
DESIGNS ON ROME, DOMINANT and GOLD-FUN tune up on the turf - News - 2014 HKIR
Old classic CIRRUS DES AIGLES still has what it takes - News - 2014 HKIR
Video - Two Minutes with Cirrus Des Aigles trainer
Jockey Challenge results - video
 
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AROUND THE U.S.

Eighttofasttocatch retirement ceremony at Laurel Park

It's LOUISIANA CHAMPIONS DAY
FAIRGROUNDS
SUNBEAN has a chance to raise his earnings to over $1Million

Sunbean repeats in Louisiana Classic
Race Replay - Result LA Classic

Brittlyn Stable’s Sunbean will look to become only the sixth millionaire in the history of Louisiana-bred thoroughbreds on Saturday when the 4-year-old gelding defends his title in the $150,000 Louisiana Champions Day Classic against 4 other charges.  If he does so, it will be his third added-money victory in just six weeks.
 
“He’s doing really good right now,” said trainer Ron Faucheux.  “We have every reason to run him.  He’s training really well and we can probably give him about two months after this to freshen him.  We’re going to go for it.”  Read more
 
LOS ALAMITOS
Take Charge Brandi wires field in Starlet - Video embedded

A couple of races for two year olds:  the G1 STARLET on Saturday for 2 year old fillies, and the KING GLORIOUS on Sunday for 2year old colts.  D. Wayne Lukas' Breeders Cup G1 Juvenile Fillies winner and recent winner of the G3 Delta Downs Princess, TAKE CHARGE BRANDI is entered in the STARLET on Saturday.

Matt Bernier and Dan Illman handicap the STARLET, with this being TAKE CHARGE BRANDI'S push for end of year honors. She faces some good competition in FEATHERED, who has shipped in to challenge Brandi's position atop the Juvenile fillies division.


REMINGTON PARK
The $250,000 SPRINGBOARD MILE at Remington Park on Sunday for two year olds, with the $100,000 TRAPEZE for 2 year old fillies.

Entries index - BloodHorse
 
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For North American races, as well as the Hong Kong races on Sunday, return to the CARD after the race has completed for a video replay.  May be a delay before the replay is posted.

Saturday, December 6, 2014

2015 KY Derby - Early Handicapping

 

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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In the lead up to the 2015 Kentucky Derby, Jeff Siegel, among others will be making predictions based on the experience to date of the many runners who will be vying for post positions come the first Saturday in May 2015.  I enjoy having the information at hand to review the records of various horses.  This post will attempt to organize available information, including providing links to more sites.  These horses have all been added to the Horses To Watch blog:  Horses To Watch blog
 
In addition to active horses, Horseracing Nation has several categories for horses: Top 250 All-Time, Top 250 All-Time Females, Kentucky Derby Contenders, Oaks Contenders,  International Top 500.  It's a fun place to explore, since each horse has a profile and usually has some videos of key races.
Points races for qualifying for Kentucky Derby:  America's Best Racing - Road to the 2015 Triple Crown
 

2015 KENTUCKY DERBY
TOP TEN AS OF 12-5-14
 
 
 

1
American Pharoah (2012)
Pioneerof the Nile - Littleprincessemma (Yankee Gentleman)
J: Victor Espinoza         T: Bob Baffert
O: Zayat Stables, LLC   B: Zayat Stables
Pedigree   Equibase
Profile on HRTV 9-14-14   
Debut was a dud; broke maiden in the G 1 Del Mar Futurity 9-3-14 by 4 3/4 - Replay
Frontrunner S 9-27-14 - Santa Anita - Replay  Beat Calculator by 3 1/4 Texas Red by 4 3/4 

2
Texas Red (2012)
(Afleet Alex - Ramatuelle (CHI), by Jeune Homme)
J: Kent J. Desormeaux    T: J. Keith Desormeaux
O: Brehm, Erich, Detmar, Wayne, Michaels, Lee, Desormeaux, J. Keith et al.
B: Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC
Pedigree     Equibase
Breeders Cup Juvenile 2014  Soundly beats Carpe Diem, Upstart, Mr. Z and Souper Colossal

3
Dortmund (2012)  C.
Big Brown - Our Josephina, by Tale of the Cat
J: Martin Garcia     T: Bob Baffert
O: Kaleem Shah, Inc.    B: Emilie Gerlinde Fojan
Pedigree    Equibase
Allow Opt Claiming 11-29-14 - Video - by 7 3/4

4
Blofeld (2012) C.
( Quality Road - Storm Minstrel, by Storm Cat)
J: John R. Velazquez
T: Todd A. Pletcher
O: Glencrest Farm LLC and JSM Equine
B: Keats Grove Farm
Pedigree    Equibase
Nashua S - 11-2-14 - Replay  Beats El Kabeir by 5

5
Carpe Diem  (2012
Colt by Giant's Causeway ex. Rebridled Dreams (Unbridled's Song) 

J: John R. Velazquez         T: Todd A. Pletcher
O: WinStar Farm LLC and Stonestreet Stables LLC   B: Coffee Pot Stable
Pedigree    Equibase
Another "brilliant baby" whose 2 year-old campaign resounds with promise.
Breeder's Futurity (video)10-4-14 - Keeneland Beat Mr. Z by 6 1/4

Breeders Cup Juvenile 11-1-14  Loses to Texas Red by 6 1/2, finishes in front of Upstart, The Great War, Mr. Z,  One Lucky Dane, Super Colossal 
MSW - 9-1-14 - Replay - Saratoga 

6
Competitive Edge (2012)
(Super Saver - Magdalena's Chase, by Cape Town)
J: John R. Velazquez   T: Todd A. Pletcher
O: Favreau, Nancy, Psoinos, Kathy and Tabor, Michael B.
B: WinStar Farm, LLC
Pedigree   Equibase
G1 Hopeful 9-1-14  Saratoga - Replay By 5 3/4 over I Spent It
Won MSW by 10 1/4 7-26-14 Saratoga

7
Ocho Ocho Ocho  (2012)
( Street Sense - Winner, by Horse Chestnut (SAF))
J: Mike E. Smith   T: James M. Cassidy
O: DP Racing, LLC     B: Siena Farms LLC
Pedigree    Equibase
BC Juvenile Turf Sprint 11-1-14 - Replay  Wins by 5 3/4
Delta Downs Jackpot 11-22-14 - Replay - Beats Mr. Z. by a nose

8
Mr. Jordan (2012)  C.
(Kantharos - Miss Skeetd, by Cloud Hopping)
J: Gabriel Saez   T: Edward Plesa, Jr.
O: Melin, David, Ellman, Leon and Plesa, Laurie
B: Philip Matthews & Karen Matthews
Pedigree   Equibase
Juvenile Sprint S - 11-8-14 - by 3 - Replay
Smooth Air S - 11-29-14 - by 4 1/2 - Replay

9
Frosted (2012)
Tapit - Fast Cookie, by Deputy Minister
J: Irad Ortiz, Jr.    T: Kiaran P. McLaughlin
O: Godolphin Racing LLC    B: Darley
Pedigree  Equibase
Remsen S - Aqueduct - 11-29-14 Lost the Remsen by 1/2 to Leave The Light On
MSW 10-30-14 - Aqueduct - Replay - Win by 5 1/4

10
Upstart  (2012)

The handsome UPSTART
Colt by Flatter ex. Party Silks (Touch Gold)
J: Jose L. Ortiz   T: Richard A. Violette, Jr.
O: Ralph M. Evans   B: Mrs. Gerald A. Nielsen

Pedigree  Equibase
Breeders Cup Juvenile 2014 - 11-1-14 - 3rd behind Texas Red & Carpe Diem
Maiden win - 8/15/14 - Race replay   Race chart
Stakes win - Funny Cide - 8/24/14 - Race replay
HRTV Horizon - Profile

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Articles/More links
Plesa looks ahead to 2015 with Mr. Jordan and Souper Colossal
Road to the Kentucky Derby - List of qualifying races/points