Sept. 26-27, 2015

Let's Go To The Races - September 19-20, 2015
This is a non-commercial blog

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Time Ordered List and Entries - printable file

Note: Scroll down for a special treat to watch one of the most amazing performances in any racing genre you will ever see!

ANOTHER SUPER SATURDAY!

Another plethora of GRADE 1 races on Saturday: 5 at Santa Anita and 3 at Belmont Park! Six of the races are Breeders Cup Win & You're In opportunities.

Santa Anita Opening Fall Meet
Santa Anita offers fans diverse lineup for Fall meet

Breeders Cup News on weekend runners
If you’re a leading Breeders’ Cup contender and are stabled in California, there’s a good chance you’re running Saturday at Santa Anita, as all five grade I “Win and You’re In” races will surely have a major impact on several Breeders’ Cup races. And while the featured Awesome Again will award an automatic starting berth into the Breeders’ Cup Classic, it’s the Zenyatta for fillies and mares that could have the biggest impact on America’s richest horse race, as BEHOLDER will start as an imposing favorite in what her connections hope will be a springboard to the Classic.

The $300,000 Zenyatta, run at 1 1/16 miles, will award an automatic starting berth into the Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff, but Spendthrift Farm’s Beholder has her sights set on a much bigger prize. The 5-year-old daughter of Henny Hughes has been one of the leading fillies and mares in the country over the past three years for trainer Richard Mandella, but the dual-champion and two time Breeders’ Cup winner took her game to a new level in her last start, when she secured a Classic berth with a 8 ¼-length win over males in Del Mar’s TVG Pacific Classic (GI) August 22. Beholder, who won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies at Santa Anita in 2012 en route to being voted champion 2-year-old filly, and the Distaff there in 2013 to secure the 3-year-old filly championship, has won all four starts this year and secured a Distaff berth when she won Del Mar’s “Win and You’re In” Clement L. Hirsch (GI) by 7 lengths in August. Overall she’s won 14-of-19 career starts and will look to win the Zenyatta for the third straight year.  Read more at source

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If you are thinking of making a wager, you may want to check out Unlocking Winners by "The Keelerman" as he looks at what's on tap this weekend.  Unlocking Winners

Watchmaker Watch - Division Leaders

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FEATURED RACES

Time Ordered List and Entries - printable file
Race Entries

NOTE: Once race has completed, return to CARD for replay (about a 20- minute delay) A quick way to watch an entire day's big races quickly and easily.

SATURDAY
3:06 ET  BELDAME S G1, Bel, $400,000, 3+, f&m, 1 1/8m R5  CARD
4:04 ET  Hall of Fame S, Prx, $150,000, 2yo, 6 1/2f R8  CARD
4:16 ET  GALLANT BLOOM H G2, Bel, $300,000, 3+, f&m, 6 1/2f R7  CARD
4:18 ET  ACK ACK H G3, CD, $100,000, 3+, 1m R8  CARD
4:41 ET  La Prevoyante S r, WO, $125,000, 3yo, f, 1mT R8  CARD
4:49 ET  JEFFERSON CUP S G3, CD, $100,000, 3yo, 1mT R9  CARD
4:51 ET  PILGRIM S G3, Bel, $200,000, 2yo, 1 1/16mT R8  CARD
5:20 ET  Lukas Classic, CD, $175,000, 3+, 1 1/8m R10  CARD
5:26 ET  VOSBURGH S G1, Bel, $400,000, 3+, 6f R9  CARD
5:30 ET  FRONTRUNNER S G1, SA,BC, $300,000, 2yo, 1 1/16m R5  CARD
5:41 ET  COMMONWLTH OAKS G3, LP, $150,000, 3yo, f, 1 1/8mT R10  CARD

6:01 ET  J HIRSCH TURF CL S G1, Bel,BC, $600,000, 3+, 1 1/2mT R10  CARD
6:30 ET  ZENYATTA S G1, SA, BC, $300,000, 3+, f&m, 1 1/16m R7  CARD
7:00 ET  CHANDELIER S G1, SA,BC, $300,000, 2yo, f, 1 1/16m R8  CARD
7:30 ET  RODEO DRIVE S G1, SA,BC, $300,000, 3+, f&m, 1 1/4mT R9  CARD
8:00 ET  AWESOME AGAIN S G1, BC,SA, $300,000, 3+, 1 1/8m R10  CARD

RESULTS
Note: For race replays, click on the CARD at each race for replay
Beholder continues stellar run in Zenyatta Stakes
Big Blue Kitten finds third time's the charm in record setting Joe Hirsch
Photo Call keeps progressing in Rodeo Drive
Smooth Roller earns first stakes win in Awesome Again
Songbird stays perfect in Chandelier
Tapiture's back in business in Ack Ack
Rock Fall fights back late to take Vosburgh
Isotherm arrives late to take Pilgrim

More on today's races
Songbird among workers for Chandelier S
Hard Not To Like looking for hat trick in Rodeo Drive
Beholder seeking third Zenyatta S, while Bayern looking for return to winner's circle
Replay of TVG Pacific Classic Aug 22, 2015
Nyquist, Songbird hoping to clinch Breeders Cup slots
Lukas Classic, Ack Ack among Churchill trio of stakes
Big Blue Kitten faces 6 in Joe Hirsch Turf Classic
Beholder tops big day at Santa Anita

SUNDAY
12:55 ET  Joseph A Gimma S r, Bel, $150,000, 2yo, f, 7f R1  CARD
2:01 ET  Bertram F Bongard S r, Bel, $150,000, 2yo, 7f R3  CARD
3:26 ET  Bull Page S r, WO, $125,000, 2yo, c&g, 6f R6  CARD
3:57 ET  Remington Green S, Rem, $100,000, 3+, 1 1/8mT R4  CARD
4:25 ET  Classy 'n Smart S (r), WO, $125,000, 3+, f&m, 1 1/16m R8  CARD
4:26 ET  Rem. Park Sprint Cup, Rem, $150,000, 3+, 6f R5  CARD
4:46 ET  MISS GRILLO S G3, Bel, $200,000, 2yo, f, 1 1/16mT R8  CARD
5:53 ET  Rem. Park Oaks, Rem, $200,000, 3yo, f, 1 1/16m R8  CARD
6:18 ET  Camino Real Futurity r, Alb.Dns, $100,000, 2yo, 6f R7  CARD
6:22 ET  OKLAHOMA DERBY G3, Rem, $400,000, 3yo, 1 1/8m R9  CARD
7:30 ET  CITY OF HOPE MILE G2, SA, $200,000, 3+, 1mT R8  CARD

RESULTS
Note: For race replays, click on the CARD at each race for replay
Shotgun Kowboy becomes just second Okie-bred to win Okla Derby

More on today's races
Competitive field of 12 entered for Oklahoma Derby
Include Betty highlights Remington Park Oaks
Avanzare, Talco meet again in City of Hope

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NEWS

California Chrome back to Sherman next month
Simple Verse Wins St Leger Appeal | TDN
Video replay from the stewards room   St Leger replay
TDN: Grey Gatsby possible for the Breeders Cup
Shared Belief prepping for Santa Anita return
Shared Belief returns to light training
Thoroughbred Makeover Project
RRP Makeover schedule and entries announced

BREEDERS CUP - Oct. 30-31, 2015
Breeders Cup Sept. 24 News Release
DRF
Horse Racing Nation
Breeders Cup web site
BloodHorse BC site

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You don't have to be a fan of harness racing to be impressed by this horse's grit and determination. One of most thrilling races in any genre. This race by the way is coveted by all who participate in harness racing.

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ONE FOR THE AGES

 

  

YouTube 20:12 min:    https://youtu.be/eKOAL4xifl0

Wiggle It Jiggleit is no johnny-come-lately, he has been blowing up the harness circuit for pacers all year long. Wiggle It Jiggleit, the No. 1-ranked horse in harness racing’s weekly poll, has won 18 of 20 races this year and pushed his seasonal earnings to $1.76 million with his victory in the Little Brown Jug.

CLASSIC JUG WIN FOR WIGGLE IT JIGGLE IT
http://www.standardbredcanada.ca/news/9-24-15/it-s-little-brown-jug-day.html
It’s rare to see any racehorse re-engage and come back on the way Wiggle It Jiggleit did in the stretch, especially off the fractions and an extended first-up trip, but the world record holder showed why he is a horse for the ages.

George Teague, a decorated horseman in his own right, was interviewed in the winner’s circle afterward, where he admitted that he thought his world record holder was beaten.

"Well, my thoughts,” said George, “I was a little bit confused when he left the gate. I was like, ‘this isn't working out as planned.’ And then he looked and he popped over at the eighths pole, that didn't work out as planned, and at the head of the stretch I dropped my head and said, 'this son of a gun is going to lose today.' And he proved me wrong."

George had said leading up to the Jug that Wiggle It Jiggleit was the best horse he has ever seen race, and the gelding’s astonishing effort in the second heat stamped that statement as true. "He's a little different than a lot of horses,” he said, “and that explains what he did today."

The Jug victory was the first for Montrell and was an instant classic for the sport.

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Sept. 19-20, 2015

Let's Go To The Races - September 19-20, 2015
This is a non-commercial blog

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Time Ordered List and Entries - printable file

UPI Robert Kieckhefer covers the major horse racing events world wide

WEEKEND RACING
More turf this weekend, mostly in Maryland, New York and Kentucky Downs. The fillies are showcased at Kentucky Downs, with two of the races being marathons. Really is a treat to see these kinds of races in the U.S. and Kentucky Downs is our only "European" style course, which includes some "undulating" features of the track.

Of course, the headliners this Saturday are the Grade 1 Cotillion for the 3 yo fillies, and the G2 Pennsylvania Derby, both $1,000,000 purses.

Saturday's $1 million, Grade II PA Derby includes W. VA Derby winner MADEFROMLUCKY, Ohio Derby winner MR. Z and Los Alamitos Derby winner GIMME DA LUTE, plus Wood Memorial winner FROSTED, Grade III Smarty Jones winner ISLAND TOWN; and Holy Bull and Fountain of Youth winner UPSTART. Frosted, who finished second in the Belmont and Jim Dandy, is the morning-line favorite.

Saturday's $1 Million Cotillion at Parx Racing drew a nice field: Seven of the 12 are last-out winners, including EMBELLISH THE LACE, victor in the Grade I Alabama at Saratoga. Other graded stakes winners Include Breeders' Cup winner TAKE CHARGE BRANDI, I'M A CHATTERBOX, CALAMITY KATE, KEEN PAULINE, and PEACE AND WAR.

BULLETIN
Just read that Bob Baffert's Gimme Da Lute has been scratched due to minor injury.

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FEATURED RACES

Time Ordered List and Entries - printable file
Race Index

SATURDAY
2:42 ET  COMMONWEALTH CUP G2, LP, $250,000, 3+, 1 1/8mT  R4  CARD
3:00 ET  Alphabet Soup H (r), Prx, $100,000, 3+, 1 1/16mT  R6  CARD
3:32 ET  Bayern S, Prx, $150,000, 3+, 1 1/16m  R7  CARD

4:05 ET  KYDns Ladies Turf, KYDns, $300,000, 3+, f/m, 1mT  R7  CARD
4:05 ET  GALLANT BOB S G3, Prx, $300,000, 3yo, 6f  R8  CARD
4:46 ET  NOBLE DAMSEL S G3, Bel, $200,000, 3+, f/m, 1mT  R8  CARD
4:50 ET  COTILLION S G1, Prx, $1,000,000, 3yo, f, 1 1/16m R9  CARD
5:11 ET  C'WEALTH DERBY G2, LP, $400,000, 3yo, 1 1/8mT  R9  CARD
5:35 ET  KYDns Ladies Marathon, KYDns, $300,000, 3+, f/m, 1 5/8mT  R10  CARD
5:45 ET  PA DERBY G2, Prx, $1,000,000, 3yo, 1 1/18m  R10  CARD
6:05 ET  Dueling Grounds Oaks, KYDns, $200,000, 3yo, f, 1 5/8mT  R11  CARD
8:28 ET  Barretts Debutante S (r), LosAl, $100,000, 2yo, f, 6 1/2f  R8  CARD
10:11 ET  DOGWOOD S G3, CD, $100,000, 3yo, f, 7f  R9  CARD
10:25 ET  CHARLES TOWN OAKS G3, CT, $350,000, 3yo, f, 7f  R11  CARD
  
SUNDAY
4:35 ET  Ontario Derby G3, Woo, $150,000, 3yo, 1 1/8m  R8  CARD

NEWS
Footnote from last weekend's racing. Two controversial calls by the stewards in each jurisdiction decided the outcomes of the St Leger and the Irish Champions Stakes. Andrew Hawkins breaks down both races along with quotes from Twitter and replays from different angles of the two races:  Why stewards got it right in both St Leger and Irish Champion

The connections of Simple Verse prevailed in their challenge of their horse being DQ'd
Simple Verse Wins St Leger Appeal | TDN
Video replay from the stewards room   St Leger replay

Sept. 12-13, 2015

Let's Go To The Races - September 12-13, 2015
This is a non-commercial blog

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Time Ordered Races / Entries - printable file

UPI Robert Kieckhefer covers the major horse racing events world wide

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TREVE FLIES AGAIN!

TREVE! She mows them down in the Prix Vermeille 9-13-15!
Song, "Fly Away, Treve"

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BULLETIN: 

KENTUCKY DOWNS POSTPONES SEPT 12 RACES  

Kentucky Downs has postponed its Sept. 12 card because of a rain-softened turf course and will move each race to Sept. 14, according to track president Corey Johnsen

TURF, TURF AND MORE TURF! 

Plenty of distance racing, not just overseas, but here in the Colonies and in Canada.

If you like Turf, if you like long distance racing, an action packed couple of days of racing awaits in North America, Across The Pond and on the Continent!

ACROSS THE POND

NOTE: Two controversial calls by the stewards in each jurisdiction decided the outcomes of the St Leger and the Irish Champions Stakes. Andrew Hawkins breaks down both races along with quotes from Twitter and replays from different angles of the two races:  Why stewards got it right in both St Leger and Irish Champion

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Group 1 action is in high gear.  It does get a  little confusing in that the English St Leger is also this weekend, as is the Irish St Leger. 

ENGLISH ST LEGER G1
World's oldest Classic, the St Leger was run first in 1776.  It is run left-handed. The "St" is written without a period, in fact the British tend to roll their eyes over the tendency of countries that run versions of the original St Leger in writing the "St" with a period. As an example, the new American version of this race, at Arlington Park, is written as "St." Leger.

RESULT: BONDI BEACH after SIMPLE VERSE DQ'd

IRISH CHAMPIONS S G1
At Leopardstown, CIRRUS DES AIGLES, GLENEAGLES, GOLDEN HORN, and GREY GATSBY are all slated for the Irish Champions Stakes on Saturday, but weather could play a part in whether all make to the starting gate. Stay tuned...   Gleneagles and Golden Horn given Longchamp options

RESULTS: GOLDEN HORN, FOUND 1-2 in CHAMPIONS S

Gleneagles scratched earlier.
The mouth-watering match up with Gleneagles and Golden Horn may wind up being sabotaged by the weather-gods. Heavy rain would inconvenience several other runners on the star-studded card on Saturday.

IRISH MATRON S G1
Also at Leopardstown on Saturday in the Irish Matron Stakes, some fillies and mares will meet up, some of whom you may recognize: CLADOCERA (Oasis Dream x Green Desert), EURO CHARLINE (owned by Team Valor, won the Beverly D last year), LEGATISSIMO (beat Tiggy Wiggy in 1000 Guineas; beat Arabian Queen in the Nassau; 2nd to Diamondsandrubies in Pretty Polly; 2nd to Qualify in Oaks Stakes, all Group 1 races, all this year) face off in the 1 mile contest.

SUNDAY, at The Curragh, the Irish Champions weekend wraps up with three Group 1 races: the first two for 2 year olds: for 2yo fillies, the Moyglare Stud S.  For 2yo colts and fillies, the Vincent O'Brien National S.

Lastly, the G1 IRISH ST LEGER will see fan favorite BROWN PANTHER, try for a second straight win in this race, beating Leading Light and Encke last year, and earlier this year, he won the Dubai Gold Cup. 

Sunday will also see TREVE's final prep in the PRIX VERMEILLE for her historic attempt to win the Arc for the third time. ARABIAN QUEEN, who ruined Golden Horn's perfect record at Juddmonte earlier this year, is one to watch out for.

In the race following the Prix Vermeille, another Group 1, the PRIX DU MOULIN, with KARAKONTIE (Japan bred, Broodmare Sire Sunday Silence, Grandsire Storm Cat, he won the BC Mile 2014); ESOTERIQUE, was second to Solow in the Queen Anne at RA, won the G1 Jacques Marois.

Times are EDT. Note: Great Britain/Ireland are 5 hours ahead of New York time. Times for French races were obtained from racing sites in Great Britain, so the time for the French races was converted from London time.

If you don't have the means to watch these races live, most should be posted soon after the running at YouTube, by those that do have access.

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With the recent passing of Green Desert, a very influential sire and sire of sires, he is represented this Saturday at Leopardstown in two G1 races:  he is the grandsire for Golden Horn, who is slated for the Irish Chmpion Stakes; and he is also the grandsire of Cladocera who is running in the Irish Matron Stakes. Then, in the Irish St Leger, Agent Murphy's grandsire is also Green Desert.

A couple of marathons, kind of unusual on U.S. shores
Eleven are entered for Saturday's $300,000 Dueling Grounds Derby at Kentucky Downs. You might think you are in Europe or Great Britain with horses going 13 furlongs (1 5/8 mi) on the undulating, European-style course.  CLOSING BELL, off his runner up showing in the Grade 1 Secretariat at Arlington, is the 2-1 morning-line favorite. CONQUEST PACEMAKER, in from Canada, will face GIN RIKI from California, and GOOD AND PROPER from Florida.

A short field of only four in Saturday's $200,000 Temperence Hill Invitational at Belmont Park, at 1 5/8 miles. V.E. DAY, who hasn't won since last year's Travers, drew the rail, and will face TACTICUS who is off a victory in the 1 3/4 mile Birdstone Stakes at Saratoga last month. Completing the 4-horse line up are SLIM SHADEY and INDYCOTT.

If you crave more distance racing in the U.S., and if you like the Turf, you should enjoy the menu for racing this weekend. From the unique "European style" track at Kentucky Downs, to the oldest Classic race in the world, there's plenty to savor this weekend.

Kentucky Downs is a Thoroughbred horse racing track located on the border between Kentucky and Tennessee, in the city of Franklin, Kentucky, just off Interstate 65. It is unique among American tracks in that it is a European-style course — its surface is all turf (grass) instead of dirt, and it is not oval in shape.

Eight-year-old HYPER comes off a third-place finish in the American St. Leger at Arlington Park to line up as the morning line favorite in a full field for Saturday's $600,000, Grade III Kentucky Turf Cup at Kentucky Downs at 1 1/2 miles.

Kentucky Downs Track Layout
Conventionally known as a “European style” track, the Kentucky Downs course is not only irregulary shaped, but features a number of small rises and dips as opposed to the more common flat-racing surface. This type of surface is frequently referred to as "undulating".

Built on the site of a historic, colonial 'dueling grounds' Kentucky Downs features turf racing only on one of the most unique courses in North America. The track was originally designed for steeplechase racing, and still holds a number of steeplechase races throughout the season.


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FEATURED RACES

Time Ordered Races / Entries - printable file
Race Index

SATURDAY

International - Great Britain / Ireland

10:45 a.m. EDT  ST LEGER G1 - Doncaster R4  CARD

12:45 p.m. EDT - IRISH CHAMPIONS S G1 Leopardstown 3yo+, 1 1/4mi R5  CARD
1:20 p.m. EDT - IRISH MATRON S G1- Leopardstown, 3yo+, f/m, R6  CARD

Rain could put a damper on the Grade 1 action at Doncaster and for Ireland's Champions weekend  Alert for Irish Champions Stakes:  Gleneagles & Golden Horn given Longchamp options

St Leger at Doncaster
TimeForm's predictions:  The Great Voltigeur looks the key trial, and with STORM THE STARS winning that race in the style of one who will relish the extra distance, he's taken to confirm placings with Bondi Beach. The latter's stablemate Fields of Athenry has each-way appeal.  Timeform 1-2-3
STORM THE STARS (6)   BONDI BEACH (1)   ORDER OF ST GEORGE (4)

RESULT: BONDI BEACH after SIMPLE VERSE DQ'd
Footnote from last weekend's racing. Two controversial calls by the stewards in each jurisdiction decided the outcomes of the St Leger and the Irish Champions Stakes. Andrew Hawkins breaks down both races along with quotes from Twitter and replays from different angles of the two races:  Why stewards got it right in both St Leger and Irish Champion

The connections of Simple Verse prevailed in their challenge of their horse being DQ'd
Simple Verse Wins St Leger Appeal | TDN
Video replay from the stewards room   St Leger replay
Irish Champions Stakes


Timeform Prediction: This could be the race of the year. GOLDEN HORN suffered a shock defeat at York but there were excuses and he's taken to bounce back and confirm himself the real top-notcher he'd looked when winning the Derby and Eclipse in impressive fashion prior to that. Prince of Wales's hero FREE EAGLE could easily have more to come after just 5 starts and may provide the main threat ahead of GLENEAGLES. Timeform 1-2-3:
1. GOLDEN HORN (5)  2. FREE EAGLE (2)   3. GLENEAGLES (4)

RESULTS: GOLDEN HORN, FOUND 1-2 in CHAMPIONS S

Irish Matron S - Leopardstown
Timeform prediction: LEGATISSIMO showed what she's capable of when everything drops right (arguably unlucky not to have won at highest level on last 4 starts) in the Nassau at Goodwood last month and is narrowly preferred to David O'Meara's AMAZING MARIA, who goes in search of a hat-trick of Group 1 successes. EURO CHARLINE wasn't far behind AMAZING MARIA in the Falmouth and may prove best of the remainder.  Timeform 1-2-3:
1. LEGATISSIMO (7)   2. AMAZING MARIA (1)   3. EURO CHARLINE (4)

RESULTS: LEGATISSIMO, CLADOCERA 1-2 IN IRISH MATRON S

North America

2:01 ET  Temperence Hill Inv'l, Bel, $200,000, 3+, 1 5/8m  R3  CARD
2:45 ET  Open Mind S, CD, $100,000, 3+, f&m, 6f  R5  CARD
4:02 ET  Natalma S G2, WOO, $200,000, 2yo, f, 1mT  R7  CARD
4:04 ET  PTHA President's Cup, PRX, $200,000, 3+, 1 1/8mT  R8  CARD
4:09 ET  KDns Ladies Sprint, KDns, $300,000, 3+, f&m, 6 1/2fT  R8  CARD
4:18 ET  POCAHONTAS S G2, CD, $200,000, 2yo, f, 1 1/16m  R8  CARD
4:38 ET  Dueling Grounds Derby, KDns, $300,000, 3yo, 1 5/8mT  R7  CARD
4:40 ET  KDns Turf Dash, KDns, $300,000, 3+, 6 1/2fT  R9  CARD
4:49 ET  IROQUOIS S G3, CD, $150,000, 2yo, 1 1/16m  R9  CARD
5:08 ET  Summer S G2, WOO, $200,000, 2yo, 1mT  R9  CARD
5:19 ET  SANDS POINT S G2, Bel, $500,000, 3yo, f, 1 1/8mT  R9  CARD
5:10 ET  KENTUCKY TURF CUP G3, KDns, $600,000, 3+, 1 1/2mT R10  CARD
5:20 ET  Locust Grove S, CD, $100,000, 3+, f&m, 1 1/16m  R10  CARD
6:12 ET  SUPER DERBY G2, LaDns, $400,000, 3yo, 1 1/8m  R12  CARD

More on today's races
Pocahontas, Iroquois worth far more than purse money
International Cast points to tough handicapping challenge
Quiet Force and others look to rebound in Kentucky Turf Cup

SUNDAY
International - France / Ireland
10:10 a.m. EDT  PRIX VERMEILLE G1 - Longchamp 3+ f/m 1 1/2mi T  CARD
10:45 a.m. EDT  PRIX du MOULIN G1 - Longchamp 3+, 1m  CARD
10:40 a.m. EDT Moyglare Stud S G1 Curr Fillies 2yo R4  CARD
11:15 a.m. EDT  Vincent O'Brien Nat'l S Curr 2yo C/F R5  CARD
11:50 a.m. EDT  Irish St Leger G1 Curr 3+, R6  CARD

Brown Panther team eager for Irish St Leger return at The Curragh Sunday
Treve team confident in Vermeille test

Treve wins by 5+ at Longchamp Prix Vermeille

TREVE DAZZLES AT LONGCHAMP!
Dual Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe heroine Treve produced a dazzling display to win the Qatar Prix Vermeille at Longchamp.
MORE ON TREVE AT LONGCHAMP

'ARC ANGEL' TREVE SENSATIONAL AT LONGCHAMP

ERVEDYA TAKES THE PRIX DU MOULIN - KARAKONTIE THIRD

In focus: Treve's main Arc rivals
New Bay French Derby winner who represents master trainer Andre Fabre. Second favourite for the Arc after swatting aside rivals to win the Prix Niel on Sunday, the race Fabre used to prep his Arc winners Trempolino, Carnegie, Hurricane Run and Rail Link.

Jack Hobbs Winner of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby and warmed up for the Arc with an effortless win against inferior rivals on the all-weather at Kempton. Soft ground in Paris preferred by trainer John Gosden.

Golden Horn Leading three-year-old of the year having added Saturday's Qipco Irish Champion Stakes to wins in the Investec Derby and Coral-Eclipse. Potentially better at 1m2f and soft ground an issue but has a turn of foot to match Treve.

North America
1:55 ET  Bold Venture S G3, WOO, $150,000, 3+, 6 1/2f  R3  CARD
3:32 ET  NORTHERN DANCER T G1, WOO, $300,000, 3+, 1 1/2mT R6  CARD
4:46 ET  Allied Forces S, Bel, $100,000, 3yo, 6fT  R8  CARD
5:12 ET  Canadian S G2, WOO, $300,000, 3+, f&m, 1 1/8mT  R9  CARD
5:45 ET  WOODBINE MILE G1, WOO, $1,000,000, 3+, 1mT  R10  CARD
7:01 ET  British Columbia Oaks, Hstgs, $100,000, 3yo, f, 1 1/8m  R7  CARD
7:42 ET  British Columbia Derby G3, Hstgs, $200,000, 3yo, 1 1/8m  R8  CARD
 
WOODBINE REPLAY - Thrilling race
Mondialiste just inhales the competition at the end, squeezes through two front runners and puts nose on the wire first. A very determined blanket finish.

More on today's races
Lea rates 5-2 favorite in return to Turf in Woodbine Mile


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NEWS
Pizza Man hoping to deliver in Japan as well as at home
Richard Papiese, principal of owner/breeder Midwest Thoroughbreds, revealed that The Pizza Man will use the Shadwell Turf Mile as a prep for both the October 31 Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1), which also takes place at Keeneland, as well as the Japan Cup (Jpn-G1) at Tokyo Racecourse on November 29.

EYE ON THE PRIZE - ROAD TO 2016 KENTUCKY DERBY/OAKS
Review of some top 2016 Kentucky Derby Contenders
HRN 2016 Kentucky Derby Contenders

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COUNTDOWN TO THE CROWN - 2015 BREEDERS CUP CLASSIC

Sept. 4-7 - Labor Day Weekend

Let's Go To The Races - September 4-7, 2015
This is a non-commercial blog

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Time Ordered Races - printable file

UPI Weekend Racing Preview

Robert Kieckhefer presents a comprehensive preview of the

weekend's racing fare around the world.

Saturday, 5-6pm EDT
G1 Spinaway - G1 Woodward - Saratoga

Monday - 5-6pm EDT
Jockey Club on Fox 
G1 Hopeful - Saratoga

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TWO YEAR OLDS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
The two top races for two year olds will be on Monday: the $350,000 G1 Hopeful at Saratoga and the $300,000 G1 Del Mar Futurity.  Other 2 year old races are plentiful at Kentucky Downs, Saratoga, Del Mar, Woodbine, and Gulfstream Park. Overall, there are 10 stakes for two year olds this holiday weekend, with some of these runners no doubt likely will be seen on the Derby Trail early next year.

THE WOODWARD

Keeler Johnson handicaps The Woodward with prior race replays, and more

INTERNATIONAL
Saturday's Group 1 Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock has a bunch of top runners including Stewards Cup winner Magical Memory, Sole Power, Gordon Lord Byron, Tiggy Wiggy, Adaay and last year's winner, G Force.

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TRIBUTE TO A CHAMPION, HURRICANE FLY

The great hurdler has been retired after racing 9 years and setting a record that is likely to never be matched, 22 Grade 1 wins.  So many magical memories - 42 appearances, 26 wins, 22 Grade 1s, five Irish Champion Hurdles, three Morgianas, two Champion Hurdles at Cheltenham - but which ones stood out for you? His 5th Irish Champion Hurdle trophy is probably his best and favorite of those who have watched this horse perform at top levels for so many years. This article discusses 5 of the author's favorites.  Five Best Performances
2015 Irish Champion Hurdle - replay - #22 Grade 1  
2014 Ryanaire Hurdle - replay - also against Jezki, one of the Fly's frequent foes
Ruby Walsh leads tributes to the Fly

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FEATURED RACES

Time Ordered Races - printable file

Race Index

FRIDAY
9:00 ET  I'm Smokin S (r), Dlmr, $150,000, 2yo, 6f  R5   CARD
2:39 ET  Evan Shipman S (r), Sar, $100,000, 3+, 1 1/8m  R4   CARD

SATURDAY

International - Great Britain
10:45 a.m. ET  SPRINT CUP G1, Haydock, $455,000 US, 3+, 6fT  R4  CARD

Race result  Sole Power listed as "non runner"
Finish:  Twilight Son, Strath Burn, Magical Memory, G Force

Forecast: 11/2 Adaay, 6/1 Danzeno, 7/1 Mattmu, 8/1 Gordon Lord Byron, 8/1 Twilight Son, 10/1 G Force, 10/1 Magical Memory, 12/1 Waady, 14/1 Sole Power, 14/1 Belardo, 20/1 Pearl Secret, 20/1 Eastern Impact, 20/1 Watchable, 20/1 Tiggy Wiggy, 25/1 Interception, 25/1 Due Diligence, 25/1 Strath Burn

Timeform: A wide-open renewal may go the way of DANZENO, who looked a bit unlucky not to finish closer when fifth in the July Cup and can provide trainer Mick Appleby with a breakthrough success at the highest level. Twilight Son steps straight from a handicap into a Group 1 but should still make a bold bid to maintain his unbeaten record. The reliable Mattmu completes the shortlist.

Timeform 1-2-3
1-DANZENO (1)                
2-TWILIGHT SON (14)   

3-MATTMU (12)

North America
4:33 ET  SARANAC S G3, Sar, $300,000, 3yo, 1 1/8mT  R8   CARD
4:35 ET  KY Downs Juvenile Fillies, Kdns, $300,000, 2yo, f, 7fT  R7   CARD
4:49 ET  Swynford S, Woo, $125,000, 2yo, 7f  R8   CARD
5:05 ET  KY Downs Juvenile, Kydns, $300,000, 2yo, 7fT  R8   CARD
5:11 ET  SPINAWAY S G1, Sar, $350,000, 2yo, f, 7f  R9   CARD      NBCSN
5:12 ET  BOILING SPRINGS S G3, Mth, $100,000, 3yo, f, 1 1/8mT  R10   CARD
5:35 ET  More Than Ready Mile, Kydns, $300,000, 3+, 1mT  R9   CARD
5:47 ET  WOODWARD S G1, Sar, $600,000, 3+, 1 1/8m  R10   CARD   NBCSN
6:24 ET  GLENS FALLS H G3, Sar, $200,000, 3+, f&m, 1 3/8mT  R11   CARD
7:40 ET  Del Mar Juvenile Turf, Dlmr, $100,000, 2yo, 1mT  R6   CARD
9:10 ET  DEL MAR DEBUTANTE G1, Dlmr, $300,000, 2yo, f, 7f  R9   CARD

More on today's races
Rachel's Valentina in G1 Spinaway; Liam's Map in Woodward
Spinaway Forecast: 5/2 Rachel's Valentina, 3/1 Constellation, 7/2 Tonasah, 7/2 Tap To It, 8/1 Banree, 12/1 Anna Rae
Woodward Forecast: 6/5 Liam's Map, 4/1 Effinex, 5/1 Wicked Strong, 6/1 Coach Inge, 10/1 Bay Of Plenty, 12/1 Protonico, 15/1 Mylute, 30/1 Commanding Curve

Keeler Johnson handicaps The Woodward with prior race replays, and more

SUNDAY
5:21 ET  Sapling S, Mth, $100,000, 2yo, 1m  R10   CARD
5:47 ET  PRIORESS S G2, Sar, $300,000, 3yo, f, 6f  R10   CARD
7:05 ET  Presque Isle Mile S, PID, $200,000, 3+, 1m  R5   CARD
8:10 ET  DEL MAR DERBY G2, Dlmr, $250,000, 3yo, 1 1/8mT  R7   CARD
9:10 ET  YELLOW RIBBON H G2, Dlmr, $200,000, 3+, f&m, 1 1/16mT  R9   CARD

More on today's races
Zenny's 3/4 sister SHE'S NOT HERE will be running in the Grade 2 Yellow Ribbon Handicap at Del Mar on Sunday, Race 9. Mike Smith will be aboard again. Last time out, they won very nicely on the Del Mar turf.

Another 2-year-old debuting this weekend, on Sunday at Saratoga in Race 6, is SHERINI. She is out of broodmare of the year Oatsee (dam of Shackleford, etc) and by Bernardini. She's owned by My Meadowview Farm and trained by Graham Motion.

PIERSON will be making his first start on Sunday, in Race 8 at Ellis Park! He is by Lonhro out of ST TRINIANS. He's owned by St George Farm (Mr Commons and Ebby's owner) and trained by Philip Oliver. This is St Trinians' first foal.

MONDAY
Times and Cards will be posted when available
5:11 ET  BERNARD BARUCH H G2, Sar, $250,000, 3+, 1 1/16mT R9 CARD  Fox Sports 1
5:47 ET  HOPEFUL S G1, Sar, $350,000, 2yo, 7f  R10   CARD        FOX SPORTS 1
7:20 ET  PID MASTERS G2, PID, $400,000, 3+, f&m, 6 1/2f  R5   CARD
TURF MONSTER H G3, Prx, $300,000, 3+, 5fT  R   CARD
GREENWOOD CUP G3, Prx, $200,000, 3+, 1 1/2m  R   CARD
Turf Amazon H, Prx, $200,000, 3+, f&m, 5fT  R   CARD
DEL MAR FUTURITY G1, Dlmr, $300,000, 2yo, 7f R   CARD
Del Mar Juvenile Fillies Turf, Dlmr, $100,000, 2yo, f, 1mT  R   CARD

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NEWS
Triple Crown winner, American Pharoah, to continue to race