Check out my Breeders' Cup Classic 2017 video and click here to read the companion blog.
Showing posts with label Gunnevera. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gunnevera. Show all posts
Friday, November 3, 2017
Friday, May 19, 2017
Preakness week 2017 photos: Gunnevera
The Runaway Horse is your media source for Preakness 2017. Our live, on-site pictures at Pimlico this week include this one of Gunnevera (Stacy Edwards Photography).
Preakness 2017 Video Preview for Today's Racing Digest
Jarrod Horak previews Preakness 2017 for Today's Racing Digest.
FREE PREAKNESS DOWNLOAD FROM TRD
For fans of Today's Racing Digest, check out the FREE Preakness 2017 download link below:
Preakness week 2017 videos: Gunnevera at Pimlico Race Course
The Runaway Horse is your media source for Preakness 2017. Our live, on-site videos at Pimlico this week include this short clip of Gunnevera visiting the Pimlico oval.
Sunday, May 14, 2017
Kentucky Derby 2017 Recap + Preakness Preview: Can Always Dreaming Do It Again?
Always Dreaming made his presence felt throughout en route to a sharp victory in Kentucky Derby 2017 last Saturday at Churchill Downs.
The wet fast (sealed) surface did not slow down Always Dreaming and he is now 4-for-4 in two turn events with a combined win margin of 23+ lengths. He gave trainer Todd Pletcher his second Derby win and heads to Preakness 2017 as the strong favorite.
Speaking of favorites, Always Dreaming became the fifth straight chalk to win the Derby, joining Nyquist, American Pharoah, California Chrome, and Orb. The last four Derby winners also share a similar early/pressing running style.
Always Dreaming traveled to Pimlico early to get acquainted with the surroundings and continues to show high energy in his morning activity.
Lookin At Lee overcame the dreaded inside post to rally for the place at 33-1 and was five lengths clear of California stalker Battle of Midway. Two-year-old champ Classic Empire finished a troubled 4th and wins the hard-luck award after getting bumped hard at the start and rallying wide (bumped, carried out stretch).
There are ten probable starters for the Preakness with five Derby participants (Always Dreaming, Lookin At Lee, Classic Empire, Gunnevera, Hence) and five new shooters (Cloud Computing, Conquest Mo Money, Multiplier, Senior Investment, Term of Art).
Royal Mo was supposed to be a Preakness starter but was injured during his final workout at Pimlico on May 14. The injury, a sesamoid fracture to his right front ankle, is career-ending, and he has been sent to New Bolton Center in Pennsylvania for further evaluation.
I will be back next week after the post position draw with final Preakness 2017 thoughts.
Check out my Derby recap + early Preakness 2017 video at the bottom of this blog post.
Preakness 2017 Contenders with Comments by Jarrod Horak
DERBY RUNNERS:
ALWAYS DREAMING (Bodemeister - Above Perfection, by In Excess)
Trainer (Todd Pletcher) - Jockey (John Velazquez)
Comments: The Preakness favorite has no knocks and I picked him on top in the Derby because of his improved 102 FIRE + 148 CPR in the Florida Derby. He owns early/pressing versatility and has never lost a route on dirt. He is a likely winner in Baltimore if able to turn around in two weeks and duplicate his Derby numbers. His sire Bodemeister was 2nd in Preakness 2012.
LOOKIN AT LEE (Lookin At Lucky - Langara Lass, by Langfuhr)
Trainer: (Steve Asmussen) - Jockey (Corey Lanerie)
Comments: Ended up sitting a great inside trip in the Derby and rallied from 16th to finish a clear 2nd. He won’t be 33-1 in Baltimore and other closers are just as capable. His sire Lookin At Lucky won the Preakness in 2010.
CLASSIC EMPIRE (Pioneerof The Nile - Sambuca Classica, by Cat Thief)
Trainer (Mark Casse) - Jockey (Julien Leparoux)
Comments: The 2-year-old champ has had an interesting sophomore campaign to say the least. A quarter crack, a bad back, aborted/missed works, and a missed start in the FOY are just some of the lowlights. He regrouped and won the Arkansas Derby (94 FIRE + 140 CPR) but had everything go wrong on the first Saturday in May (very troubled 4th). The Preakness will be his third start in five weeks and he has yet to run back to his BC Juvenile numbers (100 FIRE + 140 CPR).
GUNNEVERA (Dialed In - Unbridled Rage, by Unbridled)
Trainer (Antonio Sano) - Jockey (Mike Smith)
Comments: He ended up an okay 7th in the Derby after an eventful start and a wide run on the far turn and in the stretch. Always Dreaming also beat him in the Florida Derby as well and he can rebound if he runs back to his 100 FIRE + 156 CPR in the Fountain of Youth.
HENCE (Street Boss - Floating Island, by A. P, Indy)
Trainer (Steve Asmussen) - Jockey (Florent Geroux)
Comments: Went from 19th to 11th under the Twin Spires after a tight break and traffic leaving the five sixteenths pole. He looked good winning a decent renewal of the Sunland Derby (90 FIRE + 145 CPR) and will try to get involved late at Pimlico.
NEW SHOOTERS:
CONQUEST MO MONEY (Uncle Mo - Stirring, by Seeking the Gold)
Trainer (Miguel Hernandez) - Jockey (Jorge Carreno)
Latest Workout: 4f in :48.40 (11/34) at Prairie Meadows on May 12.
Comments: Connections paid $150,000 to make him eligible for the Preakness. The son of Uncle Mo has early/pressing speed and finished 2nd in the Arkansas Derby and 2nd in the Sunland Derby.
CLOUD COMPUTING (Maclean’s Music - Quick Temper, by A. P. Indy)
Trainer (Chad Brown) - Jockey (Javier Castellano)
Latest Workout: 4f in :48.85 (2/32) at Belmont Park (dirt training) on May 13.
Comments: The unraced 2-year-old has only started three times. After winning his sprint debut at Aqueduct on Feb 11, he finished 2nd in the Gotham and 3rd in the Wood Memorial. The Preakness will be his first start away from the Big A.
MULTIPLIER (The Factor - Trippi Street, by Trippi)
Trainer (Brendan Walsh) - Jockey (Joel Rosario)
Latest Workout: 5f in 1:00.80 (8/20) at Keeneland on May 14.
Comments: He smartly captured the Illinois Derby in his fourth lifetime start. The late bloomer is improving rapidly and will probably try to strike from midpack in the Preakness.
SENIOR INVESTMENT (Discreetly Mine - Plaid, by Deputy Commander)
Trainer (Ken McPeek) - Jockey (Channing Hill)
Latest Workout: 5f in 1:02 (15/20) at Keeneland on May 14.
Comments: Graduated around two turns in his final juvenile start and the late runner has been up-and-down this year with his latest start a strong off the pace victory in the Lexington Stakes (102 FIRE + 141 CPR). He appears capable of earning a minor award at Pimlico.
TERM OF ART (Tiznow - Miles of Style, by Storm Cat)
Trainer (Doug O’Neill) - Jockey (Jose Ortiz)
Latest Workout: 6f in 1:13.80 (2/6) at Santa Anita on May 13.
Comments: The late runner exits a 7th in the SA Derby. Before that, he was 3rd in the San Felipe and 4th in the Robert Lewis. Other Preakness closers are more appealing but a 3rd or 4th place finish is not impossible.
The wet fast (sealed) surface did not slow down Always Dreaming and he is now 4-for-4 in two turn events with a combined win margin of 23+ lengths. He gave trainer Todd Pletcher his second Derby win and heads to Preakness 2017 as the strong favorite.
Speaking of favorites, Always Dreaming became the fifth straight chalk to win the Derby, joining Nyquist, American Pharoah, California Chrome, and Orb. The last four Derby winners also share a similar early/pressing running style.
Always Dreaming traveled to Pimlico early to get acquainted with the surroundings and continues to show high energy in his morning activity.
Lookin At Lee overcame the dreaded inside post to rally for the place at 33-1 and was five lengths clear of California stalker Battle of Midway. Two-year-old champ Classic Empire finished a troubled 4th and wins the hard-luck award after getting bumped hard at the start and rallying wide (bumped, carried out stretch).
There are ten probable starters for the Preakness with five Derby participants (Always Dreaming, Lookin At Lee, Classic Empire, Gunnevera, Hence) and five new shooters (Cloud Computing, Conquest Mo Money, Multiplier, Senior Investment, Term of Art).
Royal Mo was supposed to be a Preakness starter but was injured during his final workout at Pimlico on May 14. The injury, a sesamoid fracture to his right front ankle, is career-ending, and he has been sent to New Bolton Center in Pennsylvania for further evaluation.
I will be back next week after the post position draw with final Preakness 2017 thoughts.
Check out my Derby recap + early Preakness 2017 video at the bottom of this blog post.
Preakness 2017 Contenders with Comments by Jarrod Horak
DERBY RUNNERS:
ALWAYS DREAMING (Bodemeister - Above Perfection, by In Excess)
Trainer (Todd Pletcher) - Jockey (John Velazquez)
Comments: The Preakness favorite has no knocks and I picked him on top in the Derby because of his improved 102 FIRE + 148 CPR in the Florida Derby. He owns early/pressing versatility and has never lost a route on dirt. He is a likely winner in Baltimore if able to turn around in two weeks and duplicate his Derby numbers. His sire Bodemeister was 2nd in Preakness 2012.
LOOKIN AT LEE (Lookin At Lucky - Langara Lass, by Langfuhr)
Trainer: (Steve Asmussen) - Jockey (Corey Lanerie)
Comments: Ended up sitting a great inside trip in the Derby and rallied from 16th to finish a clear 2nd. He won’t be 33-1 in Baltimore and other closers are just as capable. His sire Lookin At Lucky won the Preakness in 2010.
CLASSIC EMPIRE (Pioneerof The Nile - Sambuca Classica, by Cat Thief)
Trainer (Mark Casse) - Jockey (Julien Leparoux)
Comments: The 2-year-old champ has had an interesting sophomore campaign to say the least. A quarter crack, a bad back, aborted/missed works, and a missed start in the FOY are just some of the lowlights. He regrouped and won the Arkansas Derby (94 FIRE + 140 CPR) but had everything go wrong on the first Saturday in May (very troubled 4th). The Preakness will be his third start in five weeks and he has yet to run back to his BC Juvenile numbers (100 FIRE + 140 CPR).
GUNNEVERA (Dialed In - Unbridled Rage, by Unbridled)
Trainer (Antonio Sano) - Jockey (Mike Smith)
Comments: He ended up an okay 7th in the Derby after an eventful start and a wide run on the far turn and in the stretch. Always Dreaming also beat him in the Florida Derby as well and he can rebound if he runs back to his 100 FIRE + 156 CPR in the Fountain of Youth.
HENCE (Street Boss - Floating Island, by A. P, Indy)
Trainer (Steve Asmussen) - Jockey (Florent Geroux)
Comments: Went from 19th to 11th under the Twin Spires after a tight break and traffic leaving the five sixteenths pole. He looked good winning a decent renewal of the Sunland Derby (90 FIRE + 145 CPR) and will try to get involved late at Pimlico.
NEW SHOOTERS:
CONQUEST MO MONEY (Uncle Mo - Stirring, by Seeking the Gold)
Trainer (Miguel Hernandez) - Jockey (Jorge Carreno)
Latest Workout: 4f in :48.40 (11/34) at Prairie Meadows on May 12.
Comments: Connections paid $150,000 to make him eligible for the Preakness. The son of Uncle Mo has early/pressing speed and finished 2nd in the Arkansas Derby and 2nd in the Sunland Derby.
CLOUD COMPUTING (Maclean’s Music - Quick Temper, by A. P. Indy)
Trainer (Chad Brown) - Jockey (Javier Castellano)
Latest Workout: 4f in :48.85 (2/32) at Belmont Park (dirt training) on May 13.
Comments: The unraced 2-year-old has only started three times. After winning his sprint debut at Aqueduct on Feb 11, he finished 2nd in the Gotham and 3rd in the Wood Memorial. The Preakness will be his first start away from the Big A.
MULTIPLIER (The Factor - Trippi Street, by Trippi)
Trainer (Brendan Walsh) - Jockey (Joel Rosario)
Latest Workout: 5f in 1:00.80 (8/20) at Keeneland on May 14.
Comments: He smartly captured the Illinois Derby in his fourth lifetime start. The late bloomer is improving rapidly and will probably try to strike from midpack in the Preakness.
SENIOR INVESTMENT (Discreetly Mine - Plaid, by Deputy Commander)
Trainer (Ken McPeek) - Jockey (Channing Hill)
Latest Workout: 5f in 1:02 (15/20) at Keeneland on May 14.
Comments: Graduated around two turns in his final juvenile start and the late runner has been up-and-down this year with his latest start a strong off the pace victory in the Lexington Stakes (102 FIRE + 141 CPR). He appears capable of earning a minor award at Pimlico.
TERM OF ART (Tiznow - Miles of Style, by Storm Cat)
Trainer (Doug O’Neill) - Jockey (Jose Ortiz)
Latest Workout: 6f in 1:13.80 (2/6) at Santa Anita on May 13.
Comments: The late runner exits a 7th in the SA Derby. Before that, he was 3rd in the San Felipe and 4th in the Robert Lewis. Other Preakness closers are more appealing but a 3rd or 4th place finish is not impossible.
Friday, May 5, 2017
Kentucky Derby 2017 Video Preview Featuring Pedigrees
In this Kentucky Derby 2017 preview video, Jarrod Horak takes a look at bloodlines.
Monday, May 1, 2017
Kentucky Derby 2017 Update: It's Derby Week!
The long and winding road to Kentucky Derby 2017 came to end on April 15 and many of the hopefuls have arrived at Churchill Downs for the big event on the first Saturday in May.
I have been covering the Derby hopefuls since last September and I am pleased to announce that I am including Today’s Racing Digest stats for the first time today.
In my comments below, I will be mentioning FIRE Number + CPR. The FIRE Number is based on speed throughout a race and the CPR (Comprehensive Performance Rating) is based on pace, final time, and closing fraction.
You can view my latest Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders video featuring Gormley and Irap at the bottom of this blog post. I will be back with a final Derby contenders video later this week.
Also, if you are interested in an excellent FREE Kentucky Derby report, please visit Today’s Racing Digest.
I will be back later this week after the post position draw with final pre-race thoughts.
My annual Kentucky Derby Day 2017 full card will be available later this week after post positions are drawn and fields are set.
Also, as an added bonus, if you purchase my 2017 Kentucky Derby Day full card from CD for $15 through The Runaway Horse, you will also receive my SA quick picks with wagering strategies (includes Ky Oaks Day stakes picks from CD on May 5) throughout Derby week (May 4-7). I will send all bonus picks via email as soon as they are complete.
Please visit The Runaway Horse Sales Page for more information.
Jarrod Horak’s “Exceptional Eleven" Kentucky Derby 2017 Contenders
(1) ALWAYS DREAMING (Bodemeister - Above Perfection, by In Excess)
Trainer (Todd Pletcher) - Owner (Brooklyn Boyz Stables)
Latest Workout: 5f bullet in :59.60 (1/35) at Churchill Downs on April 28.
Comments: Uncorked a big 102 FIRE Number and 148 CPR in the Florida Derby and looked great working at Churchill April 28. However, before and after his big work, he has refused to settle in morning gallops and that is not a good sign for a horse trying to navigate ten furlongs for the first time. Pletcher has five days to get him to settle. On May 1, he came to the track with a new set of draw reins under new exercise rider Nick Bush. He fought restraint early before settling much better during his mile and a quarter gallop.
Derby Points (100)
(2) GUNNEVERA (Dialed In - Unbridled Rage, by Unbridled)
Trainer (Antonio Sano) - Owner (Peacock Racing Stables, LLC)
Latest Workout: 5f in 1:03.60 (35/35) at Churchill Downs on April 28.
Comments: He needs pace help in the Derby and can get the job done if he runs back to his 100 FIRE + 156 CPR in the Fountain of Youth.
Derby Points (84)
(3) MCCRAKEN (Ghostzapper - Ivory Empress, by Seeking the Gold)
Trainer (Ian Wilkes) - Owner (Whitham Thoroughbreds LLC)
Latest Workout: 5f in 1:00.80 (10/32) at Churchill Downs on April 30.
Comments: He looked fantastic in his final two Derby works and appears to be ready to produce a top effort on May 6. He earned a 92 FIRE Number in the Blue Grass, his first career loss, but is 3-for-3 at Churchill and gives every indication that he will bounce back on Derby Day.
Derby Points (40)
(4) IRISH WAR CRY (Curlin - Irish Soverign, by Polish Numbers)
Trainer (Graham Motion) - Owner (Isabelle de Tomaso)
Latest Workout: 6f in 1:13.20 (1/2) at Fair Hill Training Center on April 30.
Comments: Derby winning trainer Motion was pleased with his final Derby work and earned strong Digest numbers in his two Derby prep wins in the Holy Bull (100 FIRE + 145 CPR) and Wood Memorial (104 FIRE + 141 CPR).
Derby Points (110)
(5) GORMLEY (Malibu Moon - Race to Urga, by Bernstein)
Trainer (John Shirreffs) - Owner (Mr. and Mrs. Jerome S. Moss)
Latest Workout: 7f in 1:28 (1/2) at Santa Anita Park on April 29.
Comments: The SA Derby has been a productive Derby prep race recently but Gormley’s winning 98 FIRE Number puts him behind some of the top contenders this year.
Derby Points (125)
(6) PRACTICAL JOKE (Into Mischief - Halo Humor, by Distorted Humor)
Trainer (Chad Brown) - Owner (Klaravich Stables)
Latest Workout: 5f in 1:01.60 (19/35) at Churchill Downs on April 28.
Comments: He is training well enough for the Derby and matched Gormey’s 98 FIRE Number with a 2nd in the Blue Grass. He is 3-for-3 sprinting and 0-for-3 routing.
Derby Points (74)
(7) CLASSIC EMPIRE (Pioneerof The Nile - Sambuca Classica, by Cat Thief)
Trainer (Mark Casse) - Owner (John C. Oxley)
Latest Workout: 4f in :49.20 (47/84) at Churchill Downs on April 28.
Comments: His multiple setbacks this year are hard to overlook and he has not come close to the 100 FIRE Number he earned in the BC Juvenile last fall. He should be fitter than he has been in months but will it be enough?
Derby Points (132)
(8) GIRVIN (Tale of Ekati - Catch the Moon, by Malibu Moon)
Trainer (Joe Sharp) - Owner (Brad Grady)
Latest Workout: 5f in :59.60 (2/16) at Keeneland on April 29.
Comments: He earned back-to-back 100 FIRE Numbers in the Risen Star and LA Derby but came up with a foot issue at the worst possible time. It is almost impossible to have a setback and win a race like the Kentucky Derby and even though he looked good working April 29, seasoning is a big issue with a missed work and only four career starts.
Derby Points (150)
(9) IRAP (Tiznow - Silken Cat, by Storm Cat)
Trainer (Doug O’Neill) - Owner (Reddam Racing)
Latest Workout: 8f in 1:44.20 (1/2) at Keeneland on April 28.
Comments: Earned a 100 FIRE Number in the Blue Grass but must prove that was not a fluke because his other seven numbers were much lower.
Derby Points (113)
(10) PATCH (Union Rags - Windyindy, by A. P. Indy)
Trainer (Todd Pletcher) - Owner (Calumet Fam)
Latest Workout: 5f in 1:00.20 (3/35) at Churchill Downs on April 28.
Comments: I love his pedigree and rising numbers pattern but if Girvin lacks seasoning, this one does as well with only three career starts and one win.
Derby Points (40)
(11) THUNDER SNOW (Helmet - Eastern Joy, by Dubai Destination)
Trainer (Saeed bin Suroor) - Owner (Godolphin)
Comments: The mystery horse from Dubai arrived at Churchill Downs April 30. This is the type of year to consider a new face but Dubai shippers have yet to make a dent in the Derby.
THE NEXT NINE:
(12) Hence - 4f in :48.80 (8/22) at Churchill Downs on May 1. He looked good galloping out and might be the best of the Asmussen Derby runners.
(13) Battle of Midway - 6f in 1:13.40 (5/13) at Santa Anita Park on April 28.
(14) J Boys Echo - 5f in 1:01 (5/21) at Churchill Downs on April 29.
(15) Tapwrit - 5f in 1:00.20 (3/35) at Churchill Downs on April 28.
(16) Lookin at Lee - 4f in :50.20 (15/22) at Churchill Downs on May 1.
(17) Fast and Accurate - 5f in 1:01.20 (17/32) at Churchill Downs on April 30.
(18) State of Honor - 4f in :48.80 (34/84) at Churchill Downs on April 28.
(19) Untrapped - 4f in :50.40 (17/22) at Churchill Downs on May 1.
(20) Sonneteer - 4f bullet in :47 (1/22) at Churchill Downs on May 1. Maiden looked sharp working for first time since Arkansas Derby.
On the Outside Looking in:
(21) Royal Mo - 6f in 1:13 (5/14) at Santa Anita on April 29.
(22) Local Hero - 4f in :50.60 (18/22) at Churchill Downs on May 1.
I have been covering the Derby hopefuls since last September and I am pleased to announce that I am including Today’s Racing Digest stats for the first time today.
In my comments below, I will be mentioning FIRE Number + CPR. The FIRE Number is based on speed throughout a race and the CPR (Comprehensive Performance Rating) is based on pace, final time, and closing fraction.
You can view my latest Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders video featuring Gormley and Irap at the bottom of this blog post. I will be back with a final Derby contenders video later this week.
Also, if you are interested in an excellent FREE Kentucky Derby report, please visit Today’s Racing Digest.
I will be back later this week after the post position draw with final pre-race thoughts.
My annual Kentucky Derby Day 2017 full card will be available later this week after post positions are drawn and fields are set.
Also, as an added bonus, if you purchase my 2017 Kentucky Derby Day full card from CD for $15 through The Runaway Horse, you will also receive my SA quick picks with wagering strategies (includes Ky Oaks Day stakes picks from CD on May 5) throughout Derby week (May 4-7). I will send all bonus picks via email as soon as they are complete.
Please visit The Runaway Horse Sales Page for more information.
Jarrod Horak’s “Exceptional Eleven" Kentucky Derby 2017 Contenders
(1) ALWAYS DREAMING (Bodemeister - Above Perfection, by In Excess)
Trainer (Todd Pletcher) - Owner (Brooklyn Boyz Stables)
Latest Workout: 5f bullet in :59.60 (1/35) at Churchill Downs on April 28.
Comments: Uncorked a big 102 FIRE Number and 148 CPR in the Florida Derby and looked great working at Churchill April 28. However, before and after his big work, he has refused to settle in morning gallops and that is not a good sign for a horse trying to navigate ten furlongs for the first time. Pletcher has five days to get him to settle. On May 1, he came to the track with a new set of draw reins under new exercise rider Nick Bush. He fought restraint early before settling much better during his mile and a quarter gallop.
Derby Points (100)
(2) GUNNEVERA (Dialed In - Unbridled Rage, by Unbridled)
Trainer (Antonio Sano) - Owner (Peacock Racing Stables, LLC)
Latest Workout: 5f in 1:03.60 (35/35) at Churchill Downs on April 28.
Comments: He needs pace help in the Derby and can get the job done if he runs back to his 100 FIRE + 156 CPR in the Fountain of Youth.
Derby Points (84)
(3) MCCRAKEN (Ghostzapper - Ivory Empress, by Seeking the Gold)
Trainer (Ian Wilkes) - Owner (Whitham Thoroughbreds LLC)
Latest Workout: 5f in 1:00.80 (10/32) at Churchill Downs on April 30.
Comments: He looked fantastic in his final two Derby works and appears to be ready to produce a top effort on May 6. He earned a 92 FIRE Number in the Blue Grass, his first career loss, but is 3-for-3 at Churchill and gives every indication that he will bounce back on Derby Day.
Derby Points (40)
(4) IRISH WAR CRY (Curlin - Irish Soverign, by Polish Numbers)
Trainer (Graham Motion) - Owner (Isabelle de Tomaso)
Latest Workout: 6f in 1:13.20 (1/2) at Fair Hill Training Center on April 30.
Comments: Derby winning trainer Motion was pleased with his final Derby work and earned strong Digest numbers in his two Derby prep wins in the Holy Bull (100 FIRE + 145 CPR) and Wood Memorial (104 FIRE + 141 CPR).
Derby Points (110)
(5) GORMLEY (Malibu Moon - Race to Urga, by Bernstein)
Trainer (John Shirreffs) - Owner (Mr. and Mrs. Jerome S. Moss)
Latest Workout: 7f in 1:28 (1/2) at Santa Anita Park on April 29.
Comments: The SA Derby has been a productive Derby prep race recently but Gormley’s winning 98 FIRE Number puts him behind some of the top contenders this year.
Derby Points (125)
(6) PRACTICAL JOKE (Into Mischief - Halo Humor, by Distorted Humor)
Trainer (Chad Brown) - Owner (Klaravich Stables)
Latest Workout: 5f in 1:01.60 (19/35) at Churchill Downs on April 28.
Comments: He is training well enough for the Derby and matched Gormey’s 98 FIRE Number with a 2nd in the Blue Grass. He is 3-for-3 sprinting and 0-for-3 routing.
Derby Points (74)
(7) CLASSIC EMPIRE (Pioneerof The Nile - Sambuca Classica, by Cat Thief)
Trainer (Mark Casse) - Owner (John C. Oxley)
Latest Workout: 4f in :49.20 (47/84) at Churchill Downs on April 28.
Comments: His multiple setbacks this year are hard to overlook and he has not come close to the 100 FIRE Number he earned in the BC Juvenile last fall. He should be fitter than he has been in months but will it be enough?
Derby Points (132)
(8) GIRVIN (Tale of Ekati - Catch the Moon, by Malibu Moon)
Trainer (Joe Sharp) - Owner (Brad Grady)
Latest Workout: 5f in :59.60 (2/16) at Keeneland on April 29.
Comments: He earned back-to-back 100 FIRE Numbers in the Risen Star and LA Derby but came up with a foot issue at the worst possible time. It is almost impossible to have a setback and win a race like the Kentucky Derby and even though he looked good working April 29, seasoning is a big issue with a missed work and only four career starts.
Derby Points (150)
(9) IRAP (Tiznow - Silken Cat, by Storm Cat)
Trainer (Doug O’Neill) - Owner (Reddam Racing)
Latest Workout: 8f in 1:44.20 (1/2) at Keeneland on April 28.
Comments: Earned a 100 FIRE Number in the Blue Grass but must prove that was not a fluke because his other seven numbers were much lower.
Derby Points (113)
(10) PATCH (Union Rags - Windyindy, by A. P. Indy)
Trainer (Todd Pletcher) - Owner (Calumet Fam)
Latest Workout: 5f in 1:00.20 (3/35) at Churchill Downs on April 28.
Comments: I love his pedigree and rising numbers pattern but if Girvin lacks seasoning, this one does as well with only three career starts and one win.
Derby Points (40)
(11) THUNDER SNOW (Helmet - Eastern Joy, by Dubai Destination)
Trainer (Saeed bin Suroor) - Owner (Godolphin)
Comments: The mystery horse from Dubai arrived at Churchill Downs April 30. This is the type of year to consider a new face but Dubai shippers have yet to make a dent in the Derby.
THE NEXT NINE:
(12) Hence - 4f in :48.80 (8/22) at Churchill Downs on May 1. He looked good galloping out and might be the best of the Asmussen Derby runners.
(13) Battle of Midway - 6f in 1:13.40 (5/13) at Santa Anita Park on April 28.
(14) J Boys Echo - 5f in 1:01 (5/21) at Churchill Downs on April 29.
(15) Tapwrit - 5f in 1:00.20 (3/35) at Churchill Downs on April 28.
(16) Lookin at Lee - 4f in :50.20 (15/22) at Churchill Downs on May 1.
(17) Fast and Accurate - 5f in 1:01.20 (17/32) at Churchill Downs on April 30.
(18) State of Honor - 4f in :48.80 (34/84) at Churchill Downs on April 28.
(19) Untrapped - 4f in :50.40 (17/22) at Churchill Downs on May 1.
(20) Sonneteer - 4f bullet in :47 (1/22) at Churchill Downs on May 1. Maiden looked sharp working for first time since Arkansas Derby.
On the Outside Looking in:
(21) Royal Mo - 6f in 1:13 (5/14) at Santa Anita on April 29.
(22) Local Hero - 4f in :50.60 (18/22) at Churchill Downs on May 1.
Saturday, April 22, 2017
Kentucky Derby 2017 Update: Arkansas Derby Recap
The road to Kentucky Derby 2017 came to a dramatic end on April 15 and 2-year-old champ Classic Empire threw his hat back into the ring with a victory in the Grade I Arkansas Derby.
Classic Empire was the Derby winterbook favorite but lost some of his luster in a flat show finish in the Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park. He came out of that race with a foot abscess and was forced to miss his next scheduled start in the Fountain of Youth Stakes.
Things went from bad to worse when he refused to work twice during the month of March and reportedly had a problem with his back. Trainer Mark Casse said no mas and sent him to Winding Oaks Farm to recharge his batteries. He finally came out of his funk and worked four times without incident.
Fast forward to the Arkansas Derby and Classic Empire settled in midpack from post 2 and rumbled down the middle of the track to beat Sunland Derby runner-up Conquest Mo Money by a 1/2 length, followed closely by Lookin At Lee, Sonneteer, and Malagacy. The top five finishers were separated by a couple of lengths in an ugly stretch run and the BSF came back a mediocre 94.
Classic Empire had every right to lose the Arkansas Derby but the champ stood up and refused to bend. He should be fitter now but can he come back in three weeks and run the race of his life in the Derby after everything that has happened to him this year? He has a very tough task ahead of him.
In other Derby news, Cloud Computing, currently ranked 20th on the Kentucky Derby points list, worked at Belmont Park on April 22 and trainer Chad Brown said that he will skip the Derby and point to the Preakness Stakes. According to Brown, he lacked the seasoning (only 3 starts) to run in the Derby. Untrapped moves up one spot to #20 and is now in the Derby for trainer Steve Asmussen.
Todd Pletcher is still undecided about the Derby status of Malagacy. He is concerned about the ten furlong distance.
Battle of Midway was acquired privately by Don Alberto Stable and WinStar Farm earlier this week. Jerry Hollendorfer will remain his trainer and Flavien Prat will ride him in the Derby. He worked 5f in 1:00.60 at Santa Anita Park on April 22.
Classic Empire was the Derby winterbook favorite but lost some of his luster in a flat show finish in the Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park. He came out of that race with a foot abscess and was forced to miss his next scheduled start in the Fountain of Youth Stakes.
Things went from bad to worse when he refused to work twice during the month of March and reportedly had a problem with his back. Trainer Mark Casse said no mas and sent him to Winding Oaks Farm to recharge his batteries. He finally came out of his funk and worked four times without incident.
Fast forward to the Arkansas Derby and Classic Empire settled in midpack from post 2 and rumbled down the middle of the track to beat Sunland Derby runner-up Conquest Mo Money by a 1/2 length, followed closely by Lookin At Lee, Sonneteer, and Malagacy. The top five finishers were separated by a couple of lengths in an ugly stretch run and the BSF came back a mediocre 94.
Classic Empire had every right to lose the Arkansas Derby but the champ stood up and refused to bend. He should be fitter now but can he come back in three weeks and run the race of his life in the Derby after everything that has happened to him this year? He has a very tough task ahead of him.
In other Derby news, Cloud Computing, currently ranked 20th on the Kentucky Derby points list, worked at Belmont Park on April 22 and trainer Chad Brown said that he will skip the Derby and point to the Preakness Stakes. According to Brown, he lacked the seasoning (only 3 starts) to run in the Derby. Untrapped moves up one spot to #20 and is now in the Derby for trainer Steve Asmussen.
Todd Pletcher is still undecided about the Derby status of Malagacy. He is concerned about the ten furlong distance.
Battle of Midway was acquired privately by Don Alberto Stable and WinStar Farm earlier this week. Jerry Hollendorfer will remain his trainer and Flavien Prat will ride him in the Derby. He worked 5f in 1:00.60 at Santa Anita Park on April 22.
Jarrod Horak’s “Exceptional Eleven" Kentucky Derby 2017 Contenders (Updated 4-22-17)
#1 - ALWAYS DREAMING
#2 - Gunnevera
#3 - McCraken
#4 - Irish War Cry
#5 - Battalion Runner
#6 - Girvin
#7 - Practical Joke
#8 - Gormley
#9 - Classic Empire
#10 - Irap
#11 - Patch
You can read my entire Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders update blog at The Runaway Horse.
* Churchill Downs photo by Stacy Edwards
#1 - ALWAYS DREAMING
#2 - Gunnevera
#3 - McCraken
#4 - Irish War Cry
#5 - Battalion Runner
#6 - Girvin
#7 - Practical Joke
#8 - Gormley
#9 - Classic Empire
#10 - Irap
#11 - Patch
You can read my entire Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders update blog at The Runaway Horse.
* Churchill Downs photo by Stacy Edwards
Friday, April 21, 2017
Kentucky Derby 2017 Contenders: Irish War Cry, Gunnevera, and Classic Empire
Kentucky Derby 2017 is just two weeks away and in this video I take a look back at the productive Holy Bull Stakes featuring Irish War Cry, Gunnevera, and Classic Empire.
Saturday, April 8, 2017
Kentucky Derby 2017 Update: Blue Grass, SA Derby, Wood Memorial Preview
The road to Kentucky Derby 2017 is barreling down to the wire with three
big prep races this week beginning with the Wood Memorial from
Aqueduct.
It would not be a Derby prep without a Todd Pletcher contender and he has morning line favorite Battalion Runner for the Wood Memorial. The lightly raced $700k purchase owns early pressing versatility and will try to hold off Irish War Cry, Cloud Computing, and Mo Town.
The Blue Grass Stakes from Keeneland features the undefeated McCraken in a race without much pace. If the favorite stubs his toe, look for Tapwrit (Pletcher), J Boys Echo, and Practical Joke to pounce, and look out if Wild Shot sneaks away early!
Finally, the SA Derby is a wide open 13-horse cavalry charge with Iliad the tepid morning line favorite. The chalk might not want to go nine furlongs and if that is the case look for a real scramble in the stretch.
You can find my SA Derby Video Play on my Free Picks page at The Runaway Horse.
Last week, Always Dreaming upended Gunnevera and company in the Florida Derby to become the latest in a long line of Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders for trainer Todd Pletcher. He looked good winning and has captured his last three route races by a combined 20 lengths!
State of Honor held on for 2nd in the Florida Derby and flattered the Tampa Bay Downs stakes form of McCraken and Tapwrit.
Gunnevera drew poorly and did not get the right setup but I was hoping he would finish a little better. He ended up an okay 3rd and should get more pace help on the first Saturday in May.
Florida Derby front runner Three Rules slowly faded and lost a 3-horse battle for 3rd (ended up 5th). His stamina was always in question and now we have the definitive answer. He does not have enough qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby and will probably show up in shorter stakes races late this year.
Girvin beat Pletcher trainee Patch in the LA Derby but the winning BSF was only 91. The aforementioned duo are both lightly raced and have plenty of upside but are not fast enough to win a race like the Kentucky Derby.
Local Hero stalked, pounced, and weakened to finish 3rd in the LA Derby. He has 30 Derby qualifying points but does not have the stamina to go a mile and a quarter.
Jarrod Horak’s “Exceptional Eleven" Kentucky Derby 2017 Contenders (Updated 4-8-17)
#1 - ALWAYS DREAMING
#2 - Gunnevera
#3 - McCraken
#4 - Practical Joke
#5 - Battalion Runner
#6 - Tapwrit
#7 - Irish War Cry
#8 - Gormley
#9 - Classic Empire
#10 - Iliad
#11 - Girvin
You can read my entire Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders update blog at The Runaway Horse.
* Churchill Downs photo by Stacy Edwards
It would not be a Derby prep without a Todd Pletcher contender and he has morning line favorite Battalion Runner for the Wood Memorial. The lightly raced $700k purchase owns early pressing versatility and will try to hold off Irish War Cry, Cloud Computing, and Mo Town.
The Blue Grass Stakes from Keeneland features the undefeated McCraken in a race without much pace. If the favorite stubs his toe, look for Tapwrit (Pletcher), J Boys Echo, and Practical Joke to pounce, and look out if Wild Shot sneaks away early!
Finally, the SA Derby is a wide open 13-horse cavalry charge with Iliad the tepid morning line favorite. The chalk might not want to go nine furlongs and if that is the case look for a real scramble in the stretch.
You can find my SA Derby Video Play on my Free Picks page at The Runaway Horse.
Last week, Always Dreaming upended Gunnevera and company in the Florida Derby to become the latest in a long line of Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders for trainer Todd Pletcher. He looked good winning and has captured his last three route races by a combined 20 lengths!
State of Honor held on for 2nd in the Florida Derby and flattered the Tampa Bay Downs stakes form of McCraken and Tapwrit.
Gunnevera drew poorly and did not get the right setup but I was hoping he would finish a little better. He ended up an okay 3rd and should get more pace help on the first Saturday in May.
Florida Derby front runner Three Rules slowly faded and lost a 3-horse battle for 3rd (ended up 5th). His stamina was always in question and now we have the definitive answer. He does not have enough qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby and will probably show up in shorter stakes races late this year.
Girvin beat Pletcher trainee Patch in the LA Derby but the winning BSF was only 91. The aforementioned duo are both lightly raced and have plenty of upside but are not fast enough to win a race like the Kentucky Derby.
Local Hero stalked, pounced, and weakened to finish 3rd in the LA Derby. He has 30 Derby qualifying points but does not have the stamina to go a mile and a quarter.
Jarrod Horak’s “Exceptional Eleven" Kentucky Derby 2017 Contenders (Updated 4-8-17)
#1 - ALWAYS DREAMING
#2 - Gunnevera
#3 - McCraken
#4 - Practical Joke
#5 - Battalion Runner
#6 - Tapwrit
#7 - Irish War Cry
#8 - Gormley
#9 - Classic Empire
#10 - Iliad
#11 - Girvin
You can read my entire Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders update blog at The Runaway Horse.
* Churchill Downs photo by Stacy Edwards
Saturday, April 1, 2017
Kentucky Derby 2017 Prep Race Video: Florida Derby + Louisiana Derby
This week's Kentucky Derby 2017 prep race video features a sneak peak at the Florida Derby with Gunnevera and the Louisiana Derby with Girvin.
Kentucky Derby 2017 Update: Florida Derby + Louisiana Derby Preview
The road to Kentucky Derby 2017 is in high gear this week with a pair of
important nine furlong preps starting with the G2 Louisiana Derby at
Fair Grounds.
Risen Star hero Girvin is the one to beat in the LA Derby. The patient runner is lightly raced and on the improve. Local Hero is the one to catch, Guest Suite is the one to fear late, and Patch tries to give trainer Todd Pletcher another Derby prep victory.
The Florida Derby features impressive late running Fountain of Youth winner Gunnevera but he must overcome a difficult outside draw and a potentially challenging pace scenario. FOY show finisher Three Rules might get brave if able to shake loose early and Always Dreaming might be able to step up and play ball in the big leagues for Pletcher.
You can view my Florida Derby/LA Derby video preview at the bottom of this blog post.
The two Derby preps last week (Spiral Stakes + Sunland Derby) hardly got the heart pumping.
First up was the Spiral Stakes on March 25 and former claimer Fast and Accurate earned an 82 BSF for his upset win. There was nothing behind him and his speed figure was below par in the slowest derby prep yet.
The Sunland Derby was contested on March 26 and Hence got a 93 BSF for his off the pace victory. There was not much behind him and his speed figure was okay at best.
El Areeb came out of his March 29 workout at Laurel Park with a knee injury and is expected to miss six months. 9th place Rebel finisher Royal Mo drops out of the Top 11.
Jarrod Horak’s “Exceptional Eleven" Kentucky Derby 2017 Contenders (Updated 4-1-17)
#1 - GUNNEVERA
#2 - McCraken
#3 - Three Rules
#4 - Practical Joke
#5 - Battalion Runner
#6 - Tapwrit
#7 - Irish War Cry
#8 - Gormley
#9 - Classic Empire
#10 - Iliad
#11 - Always Dreaming
You can read my entire Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders update blog at The Runaway Horse.
* Churchill Downs photo by Stacy Edwards
Risen Star hero Girvin is the one to beat in the LA Derby. The patient runner is lightly raced and on the improve. Local Hero is the one to catch, Guest Suite is the one to fear late, and Patch tries to give trainer Todd Pletcher another Derby prep victory.
The Florida Derby features impressive late running Fountain of Youth winner Gunnevera but he must overcome a difficult outside draw and a potentially challenging pace scenario. FOY show finisher Three Rules might get brave if able to shake loose early and Always Dreaming might be able to step up and play ball in the big leagues for Pletcher.
You can view my Florida Derby/LA Derby video preview at the bottom of this blog post.
The two Derby preps last week (Spiral Stakes + Sunland Derby) hardly got the heart pumping.
First up was the Spiral Stakes on March 25 and former claimer Fast and Accurate earned an 82 BSF for his upset win. There was nothing behind him and his speed figure was below par in the slowest derby prep yet.
The Sunland Derby was contested on March 26 and Hence got a 93 BSF for his off the pace victory. There was not much behind him and his speed figure was okay at best.
El Areeb came out of his March 29 workout at Laurel Park with a knee injury and is expected to miss six months. 9th place Rebel finisher Royal Mo drops out of the Top 11.
Jarrod Horak’s “Exceptional Eleven" Kentucky Derby 2017 Contenders (Updated 4-1-17)
#1 - GUNNEVERA
#2 - McCraken
#3 - Three Rules
#4 - Practical Joke
#5 - Battalion Runner
#6 - Tapwrit
#7 - Irish War Cry
#8 - Gormley
#9 - Classic Empire
#10 - Iliad
#11 - Always Dreaming
You can read my entire Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders update blog at The Runaway Horse.
* Churchill Downs photo by Stacy Edwards
Friday, March 31, 2017
HRN Handicapping Video of the Week: Florida Derby with Gunnevera
My HRN video race of the week is the Florida Derby with Gunnevera, Three Rules, and Always Dreaming.
Kentucky Derby 2017 prep race video: Florida Derby with Gunnevera + Louisiana Derby with Girvin
This week's Kentucky Derby 2017 prep race video features the Florida Derby with Gunnevera and the Louisiana Derby with Girvin.
Saturday, March 18, 2017
Kentucky Derby 2017 Update: Gunnevera moves to the top of the heap
Mastery, my top ranked Kentucky Derby 2017
since November 2016, looked sensational in his San Felipe return but the
unbeaten colt sustained a condylar fracture (left front leg) and is off
the Derby trail.
Mastery looked every bit a major Derby contender on Saturday, leaving talented rivals Iliad and Gormley in the dust. With Mastery out and McCraken and Classic Empire working their way back from injury, the road to the Derby is in total disarray.
Tapwrit looked strong visually in the Tampa Bay Derby but there was not much behind him and if anything the Top 4 finishers flattered Sam F. Davis hero McCraken. The latter is my new number one Derby contender by default.
This week’s Derby points race is the Rebel Stakes from Oaklawn Park. Bob Baffert has owned this race recently and American Anthem is his entrant this year. The lightly raced colt is the morning line favorite under Mile Smith.
Other Rebel contenders include Uncontested (Smarty Jones winner), Petrov (Southwest runner-up), Untrapped (Risen Star runner-up), and Royal Mo (Robert Lewis winner).
Jarrod Horak’s “Exceptional Eleven" Kentucky Derby 2017 Contenders (Updated 3-18-17)
#1 - GUNNEVERA
#2 - McCraken
#3 - Three Rules
#4 - Practical Joke
#5 - Royal Mo
#6 - Battalion Runner
#7 - Tapwrit
#8 - Irish War Cry
#9 - El Areeb
#10 - Gormley
#11 - Classic Empire
You can read my entire Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders update blog at The Runaway Horse.
* Churchill Downs photo by Stacy Edwards
Mastery looked every bit a major Derby contender on Saturday, leaving talented rivals Iliad and Gormley in the dust. With Mastery out and McCraken and Classic Empire working their way back from injury, the road to the Derby is in total disarray.
Tapwrit looked strong visually in the Tampa Bay Derby but there was not much behind him and if anything the Top 4 finishers flattered Sam F. Davis hero McCraken. The latter is my new number one Derby contender by default.
This week’s Derby points race is the Rebel Stakes from Oaklawn Park. Bob Baffert has owned this race recently and American Anthem is his entrant this year. The lightly raced colt is the morning line favorite under Mile Smith.
Other Rebel contenders include Uncontested (Smarty Jones winner), Petrov (Southwest runner-up), Untrapped (Risen Star runner-up), and Royal Mo (Robert Lewis winner).
Jarrod Horak’s “Exceptional Eleven" Kentucky Derby 2017 Contenders (Updated 3-18-17)
#1 - GUNNEVERA
#2 - McCraken
#3 - Three Rules
#4 - Practical Joke
#5 - Royal Mo
#6 - Battalion Runner
#7 - Tapwrit
#8 - Irish War Cry
#9 - El Areeb
#10 - Gormley
#11 - Classic Empire
You can read my entire Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders update blog at The Runaway Horse.
* Churchill Downs photo by Stacy Edwards
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