Here is my latest horse racing video featuring analysis of the G2 Pat O'Brien Stakes.
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Showing posts with label Eight Rings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eight Rings. Show all posts
Saturday, August 28, 2021
Friday, November 1, 2019
Kentucky Derby 2020 Blog: BC Juvenile Preview
The 2019 BC Juvenile will be run at Santa Anita Park on Friday, Nov. 1. Southern California based runners captured six of the nine previous runnings at Santa Anita (Capote, Brocco, Action This Day, Midshipman, New Year’s Day, Texas Red). Eight Rings is the top local hope this year and is expected to vie for favoritism with Dennis’s Moment.
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) 2019 Pre-Entries (in alphabetical order):
American Theorem - Solid 2nd in American Pharoah (G1). Not expected to run in Juvenile.
Anneau d’Or - Romped in turf route bow at GG. BC Juvenile Turf (G1) a better option.
Billy Batts - Turf router has already run six times. Would be a big surprise.
Dennis’ Moment - Talented shipper for Dale Romans. Strong win threat.
Eight Rings - Baffert’s local G1 winner might go all the way.
Full Flat - Japanese shipper is bred for dirt but this is a very big ask.
King Neptune - Competed in 9 overseas sprints and scored once in synthetic debut.
Maxfield - Slow starts and strong late run in both starts. G1 winner late threat.
Scabbard - Iroquois (G3) runner-up needs to make up ground on Dennis’.
Shoplifted - No threat in American Pharoah (G1). Not good enough at this stage.
Storm the Court - Non-threatening 3rd in American Pharoah (G1). Needs to show more.
Wrecking Crew - 2nd in Best Pal (G1) and Del Mar Futurity (G1). Needs to run faster.
BC Juvenile Comments: Eight Rings catches a field without much early zip, and will probably try to run them off their feet again. Dennis’ Moment has early-pressing versatility and continues to fire bullets after back-to-back wins. Maxfield cannot afford to break slow and spot the two favorites a few lengths. He can win this if the pace heats up. Scabbard is a decent finisher and looks best of the rest.
You can read the rest of this post at The Runaway Horse
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) 2019 Pre-Entries (in alphabetical order):
American Theorem - Solid 2nd in American Pharoah (G1). Not expected to run in Juvenile.
Anneau d’Or - Romped in turf route bow at GG. BC Juvenile Turf (G1) a better option.
Billy Batts - Turf router has already run six times. Would be a big surprise.
Dennis’ Moment - Talented shipper for Dale Romans. Strong win threat.
Eight Rings - Baffert’s local G1 winner might go all the way.
Full Flat - Japanese shipper is bred for dirt but this is a very big ask.
King Neptune - Competed in 9 overseas sprints and scored once in synthetic debut.
Maxfield - Slow starts and strong late run in both starts. G1 winner late threat.
Scabbard - Iroquois (G3) runner-up needs to make up ground on Dennis’.
Shoplifted - No threat in American Pharoah (G1). Not good enough at this stage.
Storm the Court - Non-threatening 3rd in American Pharoah (G1). Needs to show more.
Wrecking Crew - 2nd in Best Pal (G1) and Del Mar Futurity (G1). Needs to run faster.
BC Juvenile Comments: Eight Rings catches a field without much early zip, and will probably try to run them off their feet again. Dennis’ Moment has early-pressing versatility and continues to fire bullets after back-to-back wins. Maxfield cannot afford to break slow and spot the two favorites a few lengths. He can win this if the pace heats up. Scabbard is a decent finisher and looks best of the rest.
You can read the rest of this post at The Runaway Horse
Sunday, October 27, 2019
Breeders' Cup Juvenile & Juvenile Fillies 2019 Video Preview
Check out my BC Juvenile & Juvenile Fillies video preview for Today's Racing Digest.
Saturday, October 5, 2019
Santa Anita Park 2019 Weekly Recap (Sept 27-29)
Santa Anita Recap for Friday (9-27-19)
Fast main track and firm turf course. Three front running winners on dirt (6.5f, 6.5f, 8.5f). The winning turf course running styles were a stalker at one mile, a patient runner at one mile, an inside stalker at five panels, and a stalker at one mile.
Check out Today's Racing Digest for handicapping products, analysis, and more! Mongolian Groom capture above courtesy of Today's Racing Digest.
John Velazquez and Bob Baffert teamed up for two grade one wins in the juvenile ranks (Bast, Eight Rings). Phil D’Amato saddled two winners including Pee Wee Reese in the Eddie D Stakes (G3).
Chandelier Stakes (G1) Recap (9-27-19) - Winner: Bast ($2.40)
It was not easy but overwhelming favorite Bast got the job done, and I thought she ran well. The race shape completely changed after expected front runner Leucothea bobbled at the start and threw the rider. The pace really failed to develop after that, and Comical had a short advantage over Been Studying Her and Bast. There were three dirt routes on the day and this race by far had the slowest fractions (24.92, 49.54, and 1:13.98). Comical almost stole this one, but Bast pressed outside and got by the stubborn early runner to score by a neck. The top two were 3-lengths clear of K P Dreamin, and Been Studying Her was 15+ clear of Buyer’s Remorse. Bast remains my top ranked 2-year-old filly, and she looks like a solid threat in the BC Juvenile Fillies (G1).
Eddie D Stakes (G3) Recap (9-27-19) - Winner: Pee Wee Reese ($7.00)
Pee Wee Reese loves the Santa Anita turf course, and you have to like his early-pressing versatility. In this local prep for the BC Turf Sprint (G1), he chased inside, got first run, and held off an unlucky Eddie Haskell. The latter was shuffled back a bit from the inside post, and he stormed home from next-to-last to finish a clear 2nd. The top two ran well. Stormy Liberal just held 3rd over late runner Double Touch. Tribalist, Lombo, Boa Nova, and Mr Vargas trailed.
American Pharoah Stakes (G1) Recap (9-27-19) - Winner: Eight Rings ($4.40)
It looks like we have a solid BC Juvenile (G1) favorite. Eight Rings was so impressive in his debut, but I was not quite sure what we would get from him in this spot after he behaved badly and dumped his rider as the strong favorite in the Del Mar Futurity (G1). His new rider John Velazquez was not playing around in this spot. As soon as the gates opened, he shot straight to the front through fractions of 23.34, 47.06, and 1:11.71. He was clear throughout and the result was never in doubt. He increased his lead throughout and won by 6-lengths over inside stalker American Theorem. Storm the Court was a neck better than Express Train in the battle for 3rd, and they were followed by Shoplifted, Defense Wins, Fore Left, Nucky, and Collusion Illusion (pulled up, walked off). The winner was much the best, and the runner-up ran a quality race. The others never really got involved.
The Rainbow 6 pool was $114,213, and multiple winning tickets paid $2,568.74. There will be a jackpot carryover of $26,146 when live racing resumes on Saturday, Sept. 28.
SA Full Card Highlights for 9-27-19
SA 1 Gate Speed/Zorich Exacta ($8.40), Trifecta ($8.45)
SA 4 CURLIN’S JOURNEY ($8.40), Exacta ($11.10), Trifecta ($15.45)
Double (races 3-4, $30.40)
SA 5 BAST ($2.40)
Double (races 4-5, $11.00)
Pick 3 (races 3-5, $10.05)
SA 6 Pee Wee Reese/Eddie Haskell Exacta ($9.30)
Double (races 5-6, $10.20)
Pick 3 (races 4-6, $12.00)
SA 7 GROUND ATTACK ($21.80), Exacta ($29.70), Trifecta ($63.20)
Double (races 6-7, $75.80)
Pick 3 (races 5-7, $41.45)
SA 8 Eight Rings/American Theorem/Storm the Court Trifecta ($66.00)
Double (races 7-8, $60.00)
Pick 3 (races 6-8, $72.150
————--
Santa Anita Recap for Saturday (9-28-19)
Fast main track and firm turf course. Three front running winners on dirt (6f, 8f, 6.5f, 9f). The winning turf course running styles were a patient runner at one mile, a stalker at one mile, a stalker at a mile and a quarter, a front runner at a mile and a quarter, and a stalker at 5.5 furlongs.
Hat trick for Abel Cedillo (2 graded wins). Riding double for Flavien Prat. Training double for Richard Mandella, and both winners were 2-year-old first time starters at one mile on turf. Bob Baffert and Doug O’Neill both saddled two winners. Phil D’Amato saddled two graded turf route winners (Cleopatra’s Strike, Mirth).
The Rainbow 6 pool was $143,185, and nobody had all six winners. Multiple winning tickets with five paid $381.96. There will be a jackpot carryover of $58,927 when live racing resumes on Sunday, Sept. 29.
John Henry Turf Championship (G2) Recap (9-28-19) - Winner: Cleopatra’s Strike ($20.60)
Cleopatra’s Strike was playable at 9-1. The consistent gelding with stalking speed looked like a bigger threat to finished 2nd or 3rd, but was definitely worth considering at that price. Acclimate set the pace as expected, but had to go fast from the outside post. He was rolling right along for a mile and a quarter race (22.79, 46.05, and 1:09.75). This was a strung out field, and the three runners behind Acclimate were in a good spot, along with United. Cleopatra’s Strike challenged Acclimate in the stretch, but the front runner was stubborn. In the end, Cleopatra’s Strike got clear by a length, and Acclimate would not let United pass him for the place. Oscar Dominguez, Ritzy A. P., and Grecian Fire were next, followed by Ya Gotta Wanna and The Street Fighter. Good race, and a good ride by Abel Cedillo. I don’t think he is going back to Golden Gate Fields any time soon.
You can read the rest of this post at The Runaway Horse
Fast main track and firm turf course. Three front running winners on dirt (6.5f, 6.5f, 8.5f). The winning turf course running styles were a stalker at one mile, a patient runner at one mile, an inside stalker at five panels, and a stalker at one mile.
Check out Today's Racing Digest for handicapping products, analysis, and more! Mongolian Groom capture above courtesy of Today's Racing Digest.
John Velazquez and Bob Baffert teamed up for two grade one wins in the juvenile ranks (Bast, Eight Rings). Phil D’Amato saddled two winners including Pee Wee Reese in the Eddie D Stakes (G3).
Chandelier Stakes (G1) Recap (9-27-19) - Winner: Bast ($2.40)
It was not easy but overwhelming favorite Bast got the job done, and I thought she ran well. The race shape completely changed after expected front runner Leucothea bobbled at the start and threw the rider. The pace really failed to develop after that, and Comical had a short advantage over Been Studying Her and Bast. There were three dirt routes on the day and this race by far had the slowest fractions (24.92, 49.54, and 1:13.98). Comical almost stole this one, but Bast pressed outside and got by the stubborn early runner to score by a neck. The top two were 3-lengths clear of K P Dreamin, and Been Studying Her was 15+ clear of Buyer’s Remorse. Bast remains my top ranked 2-year-old filly, and she looks like a solid threat in the BC Juvenile Fillies (G1).
Eddie D Stakes (G3) Recap (9-27-19) - Winner: Pee Wee Reese ($7.00)
Pee Wee Reese loves the Santa Anita turf course, and you have to like his early-pressing versatility. In this local prep for the BC Turf Sprint (G1), he chased inside, got first run, and held off an unlucky Eddie Haskell. The latter was shuffled back a bit from the inside post, and he stormed home from next-to-last to finish a clear 2nd. The top two ran well. Stormy Liberal just held 3rd over late runner Double Touch. Tribalist, Lombo, Boa Nova, and Mr Vargas trailed.
American Pharoah Stakes (G1) Recap (9-27-19) - Winner: Eight Rings ($4.40)
It looks like we have a solid BC Juvenile (G1) favorite. Eight Rings was so impressive in his debut, but I was not quite sure what we would get from him in this spot after he behaved badly and dumped his rider as the strong favorite in the Del Mar Futurity (G1). His new rider John Velazquez was not playing around in this spot. As soon as the gates opened, he shot straight to the front through fractions of 23.34, 47.06, and 1:11.71. He was clear throughout and the result was never in doubt. He increased his lead throughout and won by 6-lengths over inside stalker American Theorem. Storm the Court was a neck better than Express Train in the battle for 3rd, and they were followed by Shoplifted, Defense Wins, Fore Left, Nucky, and Collusion Illusion (pulled up, walked off). The winner was much the best, and the runner-up ran a quality race. The others never really got involved.
The Rainbow 6 pool was $114,213, and multiple winning tickets paid $2,568.74. There will be a jackpot carryover of $26,146 when live racing resumes on Saturday, Sept. 28.
SA Full Card Highlights for 9-27-19
SA 1 Gate Speed/Zorich Exacta ($8.40), Trifecta ($8.45)
SA 4 CURLIN’S JOURNEY ($8.40), Exacta ($11.10), Trifecta ($15.45)
Double (races 3-4, $30.40)
SA 5 BAST ($2.40)
Double (races 4-5, $11.00)
Pick 3 (races 3-5, $10.05)
SA 6 Pee Wee Reese/Eddie Haskell Exacta ($9.30)
Double (races 5-6, $10.20)
Pick 3 (races 4-6, $12.00)
SA 7 GROUND ATTACK ($21.80), Exacta ($29.70), Trifecta ($63.20)
Double (races 6-7, $75.80)
Pick 3 (races 5-7, $41.45)
SA 8 Eight Rings/American Theorem/Storm the Court Trifecta ($66.00)
Double (races 7-8, $60.00)
Pick 3 (races 6-8, $72.150
————--
Santa Anita Recap for Saturday (9-28-19)
Fast main track and firm turf course. Three front running winners on dirt (6f, 8f, 6.5f, 9f). The winning turf course running styles were a patient runner at one mile, a stalker at one mile, a stalker at a mile and a quarter, a front runner at a mile and a quarter, and a stalker at 5.5 furlongs.
Hat trick for Abel Cedillo (2 graded wins). Riding double for Flavien Prat. Training double for Richard Mandella, and both winners were 2-year-old first time starters at one mile on turf. Bob Baffert and Doug O’Neill both saddled two winners. Phil D’Amato saddled two graded turf route winners (Cleopatra’s Strike, Mirth).
The Rainbow 6 pool was $143,185, and nobody had all six winners. Multiple winning tickets with five paid $381.96. There will be a jackpot carryover of $58,927 when live racing resumes on Sunday, Sept. 29.
John Henry Turf Championship (G2) Recap (9-28-19) - Winner: Cleopatra’s Strike ($20.60)
Cleopatra’s Strike was playable at 9-1. The consistent gelding with stalking speed looked like a bigger threat to finished 2nd or 3rd, but was definitely worth considering at that price. Acclimate set the pace as expected, but had to go fast from the outside post. He was rolling right along for a mile and a quarter race (22.79, 46.05, and 1:09.75). This was a strung out field, and the three runners behind Acclimate were in a good spot, along with United. Cleopatra’s Strike challenged Acclimate in the stretch, but the front runner was stubborn. In the end, Cleopatra’s Strike got clear by a length, and Acclimate would not let United pass him for the place. Oscar Dominguez, Ritzy A. P., and Grecian Fire were next, followed by Ya Gotta Wanna and The Street Fighter. Good race, and a good ride by Abel Cedillo. I don’t think he is going back to Golden Gate Fields any time soon.
You can read the rest of this post at The Runaway Horse
Kentucky Derby 2020 Exceptional Eleven: Gouverneur Morris, Eight Rings, Dennis' Moment
It’s that time again! September means Derby fever. Well, not quite, but it is time to roll out my annual Kentucky Derby contenders list.
Check out Today's Racing Digest for handicapping products, analysis, and more! Eight Rings capture above courtesy of Today's Racing Digest.
Before meeting the first “exceptional eleven” of 2020, let’s look at some recent historical facts.
Having experience as a 2-year-old is a major plus. Justify ended the Apollo jinx in 2018. Apollo won the Kentucky Derby in 1882. He was an unraced 2-year-old, and it took 136 years for another late blooming sophomore to break the streak. This remains a very strong angle.
The last three Derby winners did not graduate until their 3-year-old seasons (Country House, Justify, Always Dreaming). All of the Derby winners from 2002-2016 graduated during their juvenile campaigns. During that 15 year run, starting with War Emblem and ending with Nyquist, 13 of those runners graduated by October 4. Orb and Smarty Jones were the exceptions. They graduated in November.
From 2000-2003, 3 of the 4 Derby winners had their final prep in the Wood Memorial (Funny Ride, Monarchos, Fusaichi Pegasus). It has been crickets for the Wood ever since.
From 2004-2019, most of the Derby winners exited the Arkansas Derby (4), Florida Derby (5), or SA Derby (4). You can make the Florida Derby a six pack if you count Maximum Security. The other Derby winners with different final preps were Animal Kingdom (Spiral Stakes), Mind That Bird (Sunland Derby), and Street Sense (Blue Grass).
Looking back, some of my initial September Derby blog juvenile contenders panned out, like my early 2010-2011 Number 1’s Stay Thirsty and Alpha. Both won the G1 Travers during their 3-year-old seasons. Others turn out to be disappointments like Fortify, and others got hurt along the way like Mastery.
International Star was my initial number one Kentucky Derby 2015 contender, and he was scratched the morning of the Derby. Three of my original eleven Derby contenders made it to the starting gate that year including Triple Crown winner American Pharoah. The other two were Frosted and Carpe Diem.
Mohaymen was my initial number one Kentucky Derby 2016 contender, and the 4-time grade 2 winner (Nashua, Remsen, Holy Bull, Fountain of Youth) finished 4th on the first Saturday in May.
Endorsed was my first number one Derby 2019 contender, and he was shelved after the Champagne. He did not make the Derby, but has shown promise in New York this summer with an allowance sprint win, a 2nd in the Curlin Stakes, and a solid 4th in the Travers. He is one to watch heading into 2020. Three of my original September “exceptional eleven” contenders made it to the starting gate in Derby 2019 (Code of Honor, Game Winner, Roadster).
An ideal Kentucky Derby contender would have a solid juvenile foundation, a blended speed-stamina pedigree, sharp graded stakes form, tactical speed, quality late pace ratings, and winning connections. Strong pre-Derby works are the icing on the cake.
The 2020 Derby points race series kicked off with the G3 Iroquois at Churchill Downs Sept. 14. Dennis’ Moment looks like a good one for Dale Romans, and he figures to vie for favoritism in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile with recent G1 American Pharoah Stakes hero Eight Rings.
Iroquois Stakes (G3) Recap (9-14-19) - Winner: Dennis’ Moment ($2.80)
This was a better than average renewal of the Iroquois, at least in regards to the top two finishers. The pace was honest and strong favorite Dennis’ Moment stalked from fourth, got the jump on Scabbard, and scored comfortably by a length and three-quarters. Irad Ortiz Jr. had the winner under wraps. Scabbard did not have the smoothest trip and was well clear of the rest. Lebda chased the pace and held 3rd, and was followed by Letmeno, Rowdy Yates, January Won, Flute Maker, Automate, Juggernaut, and Zyramid.
American Pharoah Stakes (G1) Recap (9-27-19) - Winner: Eight Rings ($4.40)
It looks like we have a solid BC Juvenile (G1) favorite. Eight Rings was so impressive in his debut, but I was not quite sure what we would get from him in this spot after he behaved badly and dumped his rider as the strong favorite in the Del Mar Futurity (G1). His new rider John Velazquez was not playing around in this race. As soon as the gates opened, he shot straight to the front through fractions of 23.34, 47.06, and 1:11.71. He was clear throughout and the result was never in doubt. He increased his lead throughout and won by 6-lengths over inside stalker American Theorem. Storm the Court was a neck better than Express Train in the battle for 3rd, and they were followed by Shoplifted, Defense Wins, Fore Left, Nucky, and Collusion Illusion (pulled up, walked off). The winner was much the best, and the runner-up was clearly second best in a quality effort. The others never really got involved.
Jarrod Horak’s “Exceptional Eleven" Kentucky Derby 2020 Contenders (9-29-19)
(1) GOUVERNEUR MORRIS (Constitution - Addison Run, by Unbridled’s Song)
Trainer (Todd Pletcher) - Owner (Team Valor International & WinStar Farm LLC)
Latest Workout: 5f in 1:00.80 (2/11) at Belmont Park on Sept. 27.
Comments: This was a very strong debut in the SAR slop at 5.5f on Sept. 2. He was bumped at the break and chased the pace, cruised up outside in the stretch, and finished with plenty in reserve to win by a very easy nine lengths. He has worked three times since his bow, including a Sept. 20 bullet. Todd Pletcher seems to have some talented youngsters, and this one is targeting the G1 Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland Oct. 5.
————--
(2) EIGHT RINGS (Empire Maker - Purely Hot, by Pure Prize)
Trainer (Bob Baffert) - Owner (SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables)
Comments: He looked like the real deal dusting sharp next-out winner Express Train in his 5.5f debut at DMR Aug. 4. The G1 Del Mar Futurity should have been a stroll in the park, but he ducked in sharply while bumping into Storm the Court, and both tossed their riders. He worked three times at SA after that fiasco, and returned with a vengeance in the G1 American Pharoah Stakes Sept. 28. In the latter race, he went straight to the front and was never seriously threatened in an easy two turn victory. He is the early favorite for the G1 BC Juvenile Nov. 1.
Derby Points (10)
————--
(3) DENNIS’ MOMENT (Tiznow - Transplendid, by Elusive Quality)
Trainer (Dale Romans) - Owner (Albaugh Family Racing LLC)
Comments: Clipped heels and dumped Robby Albarado in his June 23 bow at CD, and it has been all smiles since. He graduated by 19+ lengths in a 7f affair at Ellis Park July 27, and followed that up with a sharp win in the first points race in Churchill’s G3 Iroquois Sept. 14. Miguel Mena was aboard for both wins. He has all the tools to be a player on the Derby trail.
Derby Points (10)
You can read the rest of this post at The Runaway Horse
Check out Today's Racing Digest for handicapping products, analysis, and more! Eight Rings capture above courtesy of Today's Racing Digest.
Before meeting the first “exceptional eleven” of 2020, let’s look at some recent historical facts.
Having experience as a 2-year-old is a major plus. Justify ended the Apollo jinx in 2018. Apollo won the Kentucky Derby in 1882. He was an unraced 2-year-old, and it took 136 years for another late blooming sophomore to break the streak. This remains a very strong angle.
The last three Derby winners did not graduate until their 3-year-old seasons (Country House, Justify, Always Dreaming). All of the Derby winners from 2002-2016 graduated during their juvenile campaigns. During that 15 year run, starting with War Emblem and ending with Nyquist, 13 of those runners graduated by October 4. Orb and Smarty Jones were the exceptions. They graduated in November.
From 2000-2003, 3 of the 4 Derby winners had their final prep in the Wood Memorial (Funny Ride, Monarchos, Fusaichi Pegasus). It has been crickets for the Wood ever since.
From 2004-2019, most of the Derby winners exited the Arkansas Derby (4), Florida Derby (5), or SA Derby (4). You can make the Florida Derby a six pack if you count Maximum Security. The other Derby winners with different final preps were Animal Kingdom (Spiral Stakes), Mind That Bird (Sunland Derby), and Street Sense (Blue Grass).
Looking back, some of my initial September Derby blog juvenile contenders panned out, like my early 2010-2011 Number 1’s Stay Thirsty and Alpha. Both won the G1 Travers during their 3-year-old seasons. Others turn out to be disappointments like Fortify, and others got hurt along the way like Mastery.
International Star was my initial number one Kentucky Derby 2015 contender, and he was scratched the morning of the Derby. Three of my original eleven Derby contenders made it to the starting gate that year including Triple Crown winner American Pharoah. The other two were Frosted and Carpe Diem.
Mohaymen was my initial number one Kentucky Derby 2016 contender, and the 4-time grade 2 winner (Nashua, Remsen, Holy Bull, Fountain of Youth) finished 4th on the first Saturday in May.
Endorsed was my first number one Derby 2019 contender, and he was shelved after the Champagne. He did not make the Derby, but has shown promise in New York this summer with an allowance sprint win, a 2nd in the Curlin Stakes, and a solid 4th in the Travers. He is one to watch heading into 2020. Three of my original September “exceptional eleven” contenders made it to the starting gate in Derby 2019 (Code of Honor, Game Winner, Roadster).
An ideal Kentucky Derby contender would have a solid juvenile foundation, a blended speed-stamina pedigree, sharp graded stakes form, tactical speed, quality late pace ratings, and winning connections. Strong pre-Derby works are the icing on the cake.
The 2020 Derby points race series kicked off with the G3 Iroquois at Churchill Downs Sept. 14. Dennis’ Moment looks like a good one for Dale Romans, and he figures to vie for favoritism in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile with recent G1 American Pharoah Stakes hero Eight Rings.
Iroquois Stakes (G3) Recap (9-14-19) - Winner: Dennis’ Moment ($2.80)
This was a better than average renewal of the Iroquois, at least in regards to the top two finishers. The pace was honest and strong favorite Dennis’ Moment stalked from fourth, got the jump on Scabbard, and scored comfortably by a length and three-quarters. Irad Ortiz Jr. had the winner under wraps. Scabbard did not have the smoothest trip and was well clear of the rest. Lebda chased the pace and held 3rd, and was followed by Letmeno, Rowdy Yates, January Won, Flute Maker, Automate, Juggernaut, and Zyramid.
American Pharoah Stakes (G1) Recap (9-27-19) - Winner: Eight Rings ($4.40)
It looks like we have a solid BC Juvenile (G1) favorite. Eight Rings was so impressive in his debut, but I was not quite sure what we would get from him in this spot after he behaved badly and dumped his rider as the strong favorite in the Del Mar Futurity (G1). His new rider John Velazquez was not playing around in this race. As soon as the gates opened, he shot straight to the front through fractions of 23.34, 47.06, and 1:11.71. He was clear throughout and the result was never in doubt. He increased his lead throughout and won by 6-lengths over inside stalker American Theorem. Storm the Court was a neck better than Express Train in the battle for 3rd, and they were followed by Shoplifted, Defense Wins, Fore Left, Nucky, and Collusion Illusion (pulled up, walked off). The winner was much the best, and the runner-up was clearly second best in a quality effort. The others never really got involved.
Jarrod Horak’s “Exceptional Eleven" Kentucky Derby 2020 Contenders (9-29-19)
(1) GOUVERNEUR MORRIS (Constitution - Addison Run, by Unbridled’s Song)
Trainer (Todd Pletcher) - Owner (Team Valor International & WinStar Farm LLC)
Latest Workout: 5f in 1:00.80 (2/11) at Belmont Park on Sept. 27.
Comments: This was a very strong debut in the SAR slop at 5.5f on Sept. 2. He was bumped at the break and chased the pace, cruised up outside in the stretch, and finished with plenty in reserve to win by a very easy nine lengths. He has worked three times since his bow, including a Sept. 20 bullet. Todd Pletcher seems to have some talented youngsters, and this one is targeting the G1 Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland Oct. 5.
————--
(2) EIGHT RINGS (Empire Maker - Purely Hot, by Pure Prize)
Trainer (Bob Baffert) - Owner (SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables)
Comments: He looked like the real deal dusting sharp next-out winner Express Train in his 5.5f debut at DMR Aug. 4. The G1 Del Mar Futurity should have been a stroll in the park, but he ducked in sharply while bumping into Storm the Court, and both tossed their riders. He worked three times at SA after that fiasco, and returned with a vengeance in the G1 American Pharoah Stakes Sept. 28. In the latter race, he went straight to the front and was never seriously threatened in an easy two turn victory. He is the early favorite for the G1 BC Juvenile Nov. 1.
Derby Points (10)
————--
(3) DENNIS’ MOMENT (Tiznow - Transplendid, by Elusive Quality)
Trainer (Dale Romans) - Owner (Albaugh Family Racing LLC)
Comments: Clipped heels and dumped Robby Albarado in his June 23 bow at CD, and it has been all smiles since. He graduated by 19+ lengths in a 7f affair at Ellis Park July 27, and followed that up with a sharp win in the first points race in Churchill’s G3 Iroquois Sept. 14. Miguel Mena was aboard for both wins. He has all the tools to be a player on the Derby trail.
Derby Points (10)
You can read the rest of this post at The Runaway Horse
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