Sections

Showing posts with label Den's Legacy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Den's Legacy. Show all posts

Den’s Legacy, Super Ninety Nine out of Derby picture// Updated standings// Churchill activity from Frac, Java, Normandy// Derby Trial probables// more…

Summary:
Surprisingly, Bob Baffert did not allow the drama to build and wait until the last minute to announce his decision on Super Ninety Nine and Den’s Legacy. Tuesday, he told Churchill officials that both colts will not point to the Derby. All Baffert mysteries are not solved however, as we will have to wait a little while longer for his decision on Code West and Power Broker. That news should come later in the week when he’s on the Churchill grounds and looks over both horses, however even after that there will be lingering questions on the health of Govenor Charlie. The colt finally jogged around the Churchill track Tuesday- as opposed to just jogging (I erroneously reported yesterday he hadn’t yet made an appearance)- but Mike Welsch labeled his gallop just “average”// Welsch said Normandy Invasion was the “star of the show” before alluding to rumors the colt has lost weight since the Wood Memorial. Trainer Chad Brown didn’t seemed concerned and says, “I’m right where I want to be with him”// Frac Daddy continues to make a very good impression around the Churchill oval as does stablemate Java’s War// Vyjack was “sharp” but if you take note of trainer Rudy Rodriguez’s comments and the unconventional equipment they have to use, the colt is still a bit of a head case// Full reports and videos can be found below// As for upcoming official breeze announcements: Goldencents is scheduled for a 6-furlong breeze Thursday; Itsmyluckyday may or may not work Thursday; Java’s War and Frac Daddy will work Saturday; Palace Malice will work with blinkers and Mike Smith aboard Sunday// There are 8 or 9 probables for Saturday’s Derby Trial (G3), a race in which the winner receives 20 points towards the Kentucky Derby. Titletown Five is a definite starter, and his connections D. Wayne Lukas and Football Hall of Famer Paul Hornung have every intention of going to the Derby if they get the requisite points. Other probables include Demonic, Officer Alex, Forty Tales, Ruble, Treasury Bill, and Zee Bros// Speaking of D. Wayne Lukas, there is a nice feature on him from the Courier Journal linked below// more…


Articles:
Kentucky Derby update 4/23 (Churchill Downs)


Rankings:
Derby Top 10 (Left at the Gate)
Top 15 (NY Daily News)

Weekend Review: Verrazano, 4 other Kentucky Derby starters work at Churchill// Orb breezes in Florida// Baffert shakes up standings// Coolmore Lexington results and figs// more…


Summary:
Sunday was a day of important workouts at Churchill Downs with Verrazano, Revolutionary, Mylute, Normandy Invasion, and Will Take Charge all getting serious time on the strip. Likely morning line favorite Verrazano was the headliner with Gary Stevens the surprising rider. Apparently Verrazano was slow in the early going and needed some urging to catch up to his stablemate. Once he did, the two were essentially neck and neck down most of the stretch. Mike Welsch from the Daily Racing Form labeled the work simply “Good, not a wow”. Trainer Todd Pletcher on the other hand said it was “excellent” and Verrazano “got over the track nicely”// Revolutionary finished his 4-furlong work the best of the bunch according to Welsch. Three-time Derby winner Calvin Borel guided the son of War Pass along the rail most of the way as expected. Pletcher said, “we might as well let him get used to it”// Rosie Napravnik was aboard Mylute who Welsch said went well, although he shut down just after the wire. His final time of 47:80 was the second fastest of 81 horses going the same 4-fulrong distance// Normandy Invasion was “a little rank” in the early going of his 4-panel breeze, but eventually settled down. Welsch explains trainer Chad Brown has been trying to get Normandy Invasion more forwardly placed in the early stages of his races// D. Wayne Lukas’ Will Take Charge made a strong closing move during his extended one mile breeze, although jockey Jon Court had to urge him along in the final strides// Over at Payson Park in Florida, Orb had an official 5-furlong work before traveling to Kentucky. Trainer Shug McGaughey said it was “perfect” seeing as Orb saved his best strides for the end// Full workout times, reports, and videos from Sunday can be found below// The point standings continue to be a topic of debate and confusion mainly due to Bob Baffert, who seems to force the spotlight on himself this time of year. Just last week he was quoted as saying, “and then there was one,” alluding to Govenor Charlie representing his lone Kentucky Derby starter. Now, Baffert is not ruling out four of his trainees- Super Ninety Nine (#18), Den’s Legacy (#20), Code West (#23), and Power Broker (#27). The first two are set to work at Santa Anita Wednesday, after which Baffert will decide whether to point for the Derby or not. The latter two colts are already at Churchill, but Baffert will make a decision on their status later in the week when he can observe them in person// Todd Pletcher was mum on next race plans for Saturday’s Coolmore Lexington Stakes (G3) winner Winning Cause. He said a decision will be made as late as next weekend// As expected, Falling Sky will officially go to the Kentucky Derby, “as long as he breezes like we want him to” according to trainer John Terranova// Trainer Paul Aguirre said Sunday that Tiz a Minister (currently #24) will go to the Derby if he’s eligible. The colt is set to race Saturday at Hollywood Park, but Aguirre has no reservations about wheeling him back in just a week if need be// more…


Works:
Sunday
Orb- PAY- 5F- 1.02:10- B- 3/5
Mylute- CD- 4F- 47:80- B- 2/81
Normandy Invasion- CD- 4F- 48:20- B- 7/81
Revolutionary- CD- 4F- 48:80- B- 22/81
Will Take Charge- CD- 1M- 1.41:60- B- 1/1
Verrazano- CD- 5F- 1.00:20- B- 3/40
Tiz a Minister- HOL- 4F- 50:20- H- 35/40


Articles:
Verrazano workout [video] (Churchill Downs)
Rosario goes for the Roses on Orb (Courier Journal Blog)


Coolmore Lexington Stakes (G3)
Winner (pts): Winning Cause (20)
2nd, 3rd, 4th (pts): General Election (8), Pick of the Litter (4), Cerro (2)
Chart: Equibase
Replay: YouTube
Beyer/BRIS: 89/86
Recaps: Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet

Weekend Review: Rebel recaps and analysis// Key workouts// Can War Academy, Zaikov join chase?// Updated Wynn future odds// more…




Rebel Stakes (G2)
Winner (pts): Will Take Charge (50)
2nd, 3rd, 4th (pts): Oxbow (20), Den’s Legacy (10), Texas Bling (5)
Chart: Equibase
Replay: YouTube
Beyer/BRIS: 95/101
Recaps: Bloodhorse / Brisnet / DRF
CTD Analysis:
Will Take Charge has never really gotten any respect. Even after upsetting the Smarty Jones Stakes at 12-1, he was only 7-1 in the follow-up Southwest (G3). An 18-length defeat in the slop was all the ammo most bettors needed to write him off for the remaining Oaklawn series of races. On Saturday in the Rebel (G2) he made himself known once again with a well-timed come-from-behind victory down the stretch over stablemate Oxbow.

Will Take Charge’s break and early going was clean but he did have to navigate some traffic and make a wide move into the far turn. While some call the fractions just slightly faster than average, I think a 23.36 quarter and 47.19 half are quick for a 1 1/16 mile contest and did help Will Take Charge make up ground. The Beyer/BRIS speed figures of 95/101 are respectable, and despite the inevitable improvement of competition in upcoming races, Will Take Charge should be a threat considering his running style and proven class.

Runner-up Oxbow garnered just as much respect as the winner, if not more, based on his wide trip in the first half of the race. An argument can be made that Mike Smith moved too soon before the 2nd turn too, but he claims it was “the hand that was dealt to us”. I don’t buy it, but nonetheless it was a gutsy and encouraging effort from the other Lukas trainee.

Den’s Legacy seems to always be in the mix, with his show in the Rebel representing the fourth consecutive in-the-money finish in a Derby points race. He’s always at least a length behind the winner, and never making a strong final move, but his constant presence should be noted. Den’s Legacy probably needs another good finish to earn enough points for the Kentucky Derby.

TV analysts and others commented on a “no-show” performance by favorite Super Ninety Nine. Even the colt’s connections couldn’t come up with a valid excuse other than a “deep track”. Maybe I watched a different race, but I saw multiple excuses. Starting from the outside post in a ten-horse field, Super Ninety Nine was kept wide into the first turn by Title Contender who was really urged in the opening strides by Luis Quinonez. Although Super Ninety Nine settled in the backstretch and was in a good position, he ran into more trouble down the stretch when sandwiched by Oxbow and Den’s Legacy and forced to pull back. By that time the race had already taken it’s toll on Super Ninety Nine and he threw in the towel. I believe with a better postposition and trip Super Ninety Nine could be heard from again. 




News Summary:
The day after the Rebel, next race plans were already tentatively scheduled for the top finishers. D. Wayne Lukas will separate his one-two duo by sending winner Will Take Charge to Keeneland for the Blue Grass (G1) and keeping Oxbow at Oaklawn for the Arkansas Derby (G1). Third place Den’s Legacy will also return to Oaklawn, while Bob Baffert will look for other options for dissapointing well beaten favorite Super Ninety Nine// The Sunland Derby (G3) is shaping up to be a popular race. With a virtual automatic entry to the Kentucky Derby for the winner and $800,000 purse it’s no surprise// As usual, a bevy of contenders put in official workouts over the weekend. Shanghai Bobby always gets ink following a breeze, and remains on target for the Florida Derby (G1). His foe Itsmyluckyday breezed at Calder Saturday, while another likely Florida Derby entrant Orb is set for a workout Monday// Recent San Felipe (G2) winner Hear the Ghost didn’t get much time off seeing as he breezed four panels at Hollywood, which is just a day over a week from that race// Finally, be sure to keep tabs on two winners from Friday. War Academy won an allowance at Santa Anita by over three lengths, while Todd Pletcher trained Zaikov trounced his competition in a maiden contest at Gulfstream by over fourteen lengths. It’s getting late and Pletcher indicated Zaikov’s next race would be an allowance, so it’s unlikely he’ll point for the Derby. War Academy on the other hand will take a shot in an upcoming 170-point Derby prep// more…


Articles:


Future Odds
Wynn Las Vegas 3/16 (Courier Journal Blog)

Rankings:
Top 10 (Star-Ledger)


Workouts:
Saturday
My Name Is Michael- PAY- 5F- 1.00:40- B- 1/9
He's Had Enough- SA- 6F- 1.13:00- H- 2/10
Know More- SA- 3F- 39:00- H- 7/10
Sunbean- FG- 4F- 50:60- B- 39/52
Frac Daddy- GP- 5F- 1.00:85- B- 1/29
Itsmyluckyday- CRC- 5F- 1.01:00- H- 1/12
Elnaawi- BEL- 4F- 50.33- B- 47/69
Siete de Oros- PARX- 1:01.67- B- 2/15
Heaven's Runway- OP- 5F- 1:02.80- B- 19/36

Sunday
Dewey Square- GP- 4F- 47:02- B- 1/26
Normandy Invasion- PMM- 5F- 59:76- B- 1/26
Palace Malice- PMM- 5F- 1.00:14- B- 2/26
Shanghai Bobby- PMM- 5F- 1.00:14- B- 2/26
Revolutionary- PMM- 5F- 1.00:65- B- 6/26
Capo Bastone- PMM- 5F- 1.02:51- B- 13/26
Positively- PMM- 4F- 48:88- B- 6/48
Clearly Now- PMM- 4F- 50:03- B- 32/48
Departing- FG- 4F- 50:60- B- 43/69
Mylute- FG- 4F- 50:60- B- 43/69
Dice Flavor- HOL- 6F- 1.14:00- H- 2/10
Hear the Ghost- HOL- 4F- 50:80- B- 31/38 

Will Take Charge on top of Lukas exacta in Rebel


Rebel Stakes (G2)
Winner (pts): Will Take Charge (50)
2nd, 3rd, 4th (pts): Oxbow (20), Den’s Legacy (10), Texas Bling (5)
Chart: Equibase
Replay: YouTube

Normandy Invasion returning to Aqueduct with new rider// Pletcher, Baffert contenders hit work tab// Rosie’s tough choice// New Top 5// more…

While the top four finishers of Saturday’s Risen Star will most likely continue on to the Louisiana Derby (G2), fifth place Normandy Invasion will go next in the Wood Memorial (G1) at Aqueduct where trainer Chad Brown says he has raced his best. Jennie Rees reported the colt will get a new rider in the Wood, although a name has yet to be announced. Owner Rick Porter is convinced Normandy Invasion was “so much the best horse” in the Risen Star. You can excuse an owner’s blind faith in his horse, but we also know breaking well from the gate and tractability play just as much of a role in winning a race than a good closing run. The latter trait especially is difficult to train, and it was apparent Normandy Invasion was a handful for a good portion of the race// Rosie Napravnik may have to make a tough decision on where to race March 30. Palace Malice will most likely return to the Fair Grounds for the Louisiana Derby (G2) along with other stakes horses Napravnik rode this past Saturday, however that’s the same day Shanghai Bobby is scheduled to run in the Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream// Todd Pletcher had to postpone scheduled workouts for his Florida string Sunday due to the track having too much moisture. Conditions were better Monday and several of his charges zipped through their breezes. Verrazano was the quickest of 38 going five furlongs in 59:21. For complete times on Shanghai Bobby, Revolutionary, Park City, Delhomme, and Overanalyze see below// Apparently trainer Shug McGaughey didn’t know the 50 points earned in Saturday’s Risen Star were likely enough to make the Kentucky Derby until Jennie Rees told him so. I know the point system is new and McGuaghey prides himself on being old school, but I would think any trainer with a prominent 3-year-old would do a little homework immediately following a victory in a key Derby prep. In any case, McGaughey is still leaning towards running in the Florida Derby next as opposed to shipping to New York for the Wood// In case you missed the list of probable runners for this Saturday’s Gotham (G3) at Aqueduct they are Grade 2 winners Overanalyze, Vyjack, and Honorable Dillon along with Escapefromreality, Siete de Oros, Ore Pass, Elnaawi, Sky Captain, West Hills Giant, Alcolite, and Champion Boy// On the West Coast trainer Bob Baffert sent out a trio of Kentucky Derby prospects for morning works at Santa Anita. Flashback led the charge as usual, with a bullet move going six furlongs in 1.11. Stablemate Den’s Legacy was just behind that while Power Broker continued his steady workout routine going four furlongs in a fast 47:80// A new CTD Top 5 with Super Ninety Nine making the cut// more…


Articles:
Pedigree Profile: Orb (Horseracing Nation)


Rankings:
CTD Top 5 (CTD)
Haskin’s Derby Dozen (Bloodhorse Blog)


Workouts:
Little Distorted- CRC- 4F- 49:20- B- 6/19
Malibu High- LAD- 4F- 49:00- B- 2/2
Delhomme- PMM- 5F- 1.00:09- B- 4/38
Verrazano- PMM- 5F- 59:21- B- 1/38
Shanghai Bobby- PMM- 4F- 49:61- B- 32/60
Overanalyze- PMM- 4F- 48:75- B- 17/60
Revolutionary- PMM- 4F- 48:43- B- 13/60
Park City- PMM- 4F- 48:43- B- 13/60
Flashback- SA- 6F- 1.11:00- H- 1/14
Den's Legacy- SA- 6F- 1.11:40- H- 2/14
Manando- SA- 5F- 1.00:00- H- 10/62
Clawback- AQU- 3F- 35:55- B- 1/1
Power Broker- SA- 4F- 47:80- H- 4/27


Quotes and Tweets:

"Will Take Charge galloped a mile and a half under wraps second set after the break Monday at #Oaklawn; pointing for Rebel, said Lukas"- Mary Rampellini via Twitter

"Frak Daddy back to track today. Throat looks much better and we have some forward motion. We have plenty of time to get him ready for Derby"- Kenny McPeek via Twitter

Updates on plans for Flashback, Verrazano, Revolutionary// New future odds, Flashback favored// Goldencents works 6 panels for Felipe

Summary:
Great quote from Todd Pletcher’s assistant Mike McCarthy on Withers winner Revolutionary: “That may have been one of the worst winning trips I've ever seen”. Despite Revolutionary shipping to Florida for training, he very well could end up back at Aqueduct for the Wood Memorial April 6, however Pletcher says the Florida Derby (G1) or Louisiana Derby (G2) March 30 are possible too. If Revolutionary returns to Aqueduct for the Wood, he will most likely have a rematch with Withers runner-up Escapefromreality, who could sneak one race in before that in the Gotham (G3) March 2// Pletcher is still in a quandary over where to send Verrazano next. The Fountain of Youth (G2) Feb 23, Tampa Bay Derby (G2) March 9, and Gotham are all in the discussion, but he has problems with all of those- whether it’s spacing, quirky track, or the fact he’s already pointing other horses to the same races// Bob Baffert has decided to keep Flashback at Santa Anita for a likely start in the San Felipe (G2) March 9, which could set up an intriguing matchup with Goldencents, the current co-leader in Derby points. Goldencents had an extended workout at Santa Anita Monday where he went six furlongs in 1.12:40, the fastest of eight// Baffert also stated that prospects Super Ninety Nine and Robert Lewis (G2) runner-up Den’s Legacy will ship somewhere outside Santa Anita for their next starts, all dependent on who’s doing best in a given week// John Terranova, trainer of Sam F. Davis (G3) winner Falling Sky, said Aqueduct’s Gotham or the Rebel (G2) at Oaklawn are being considered as next preps, although the Tampa Bay Derby is still the most logical. Perhaps he’s waiting to see what Pletcher decides with Verrazano?// New future odds were released, with Flashback as the favorite down to 9-1 followed by Violence at 12-1, and Verrazano 14-1.  Full links below and you can always access the latest odds on the right sidebar// More opinions and analysis from the busy weekend, as well as retooled rankings// more…


Articles:
Kentucky Derby update 2-4-13 (In the Money Blog)


Rankings:
Expert Picks (Churchill Downs)
Jerry Bossert’s Rakings (NY Daily News)


Workouts:
Goldencents- SA- 6F- 1.12:40- H- 1/8
Demonic- SA- 5F- 1.00:20- H- 3/27
Oxbow- OP- 5F- 1.01:40- B- 3/12
Proud Strike- FG- 5F- 1.00:60- B- 6/32
War Academy- SA- 6F- 1.12:60- H- 2/17
Manando- SA- 5F- 1.01:20- H- 21/42
Hear the Ghost- HOL- 5F- 1.01:40- H- 11/21
Little Distorted- PAY- 4F- 50:10- B- 11/14


Quotes and Tweets:
"Fortify, 4th in BC Juvenile, will make 2013 debut in UAE 2000 Guineas Feb. 14, Godolphin's Simon Crisford reports from Dubai"- Jay Privman via Twitter

Goldencents wins Sham, takes lead in Derby point standings

Sham Stakes (G3)
Winner (pts): Goldencents (10)
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Jockey: Kevin Krigger
2nd, 3rd, 4th (pts): Den’s Legacy (4), Manando (2), Dry Summer (1)
Chart: Equibase
Replay: Bloodhorse

CTD Analysis: While Goldencents’ newfound stalking style is encouraging, it was not a visually impressive performance.  He needed quite a bit of urging from jockey Kevin Krigger, who should be lauded for his skills and timing in the late stages of the race.  None of Goldencents’ four competitors had ever come close to winning a race on dirt, with the closest losing margin prior to the Sham being 6 lengths.  His Beyer speed figure came back 93- respectable for this stage of the trail, but nothing to instill a load of confidence.  Unfortunately, the Sham did nothing but keep his class questionable for me.  His pedigree also causes concern when distances start to increase later on the trail.

Looking elsewhere to find promising colts in the Sham is difficult too.  Den’s Legacy made a nice closing move along the rail and could move up, although a break might be in order considering his 9 career starts.  Manando just couldn’t hold onto the lead and will most likely need some education in harnessing his speed if he is to become a major player.    

Violence ships in, takes CashCall Futurity




CashCall Futurity
Hollywood Park
Winner (pts): Violence (10)
2nd, 3rd, 4th (pts): Fury Kapcori (4), Den’s Legacy (2), Oxbow (1)
Chart: Equibase
Replay: YouTube
Recap Articles: Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet