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Showing posts with label Mr. Bowling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mr. Bowling. Show all posts

Baffert in stable condition following heart attack // 14 drawn for Louisiana Derby// Isn’t He Clever, Trinniberg lead 20 new TC nominations

Almost every post on the site this year has made some mention of Hall of Fame trainer and 3-time Kentucky Derby winner Bob Baffert.  While it’s usually concerning one of his many Derby prospects and where they’re headed next, today is of a more serious nature.  The trainer suffered a heart attack in Dubai, where he was overseeing two horses preparing for Saturday’s World Cup meeting. Luckily the issue was caught quickly by his wife and the trainer is recovering in the hospital// The Louisiana Derby (G2) drew a large field of 14.  The coupled entry of Mark Valeski, who just missed beating El Padrino in the Risen Star (G2), and Mr. Bowling, winner of the LeComte (G3) lead the field at 2-1.  Dominating maiden winner Cigar Street is the second favorite at 7-2.  Full entries, pps, and more can be found below// 20 late Triple Crown nominations were released today.  Those that paid the $6,000 late fee include Trinniberg, winner of the Swale (G2) and Sunland Derby (G3) runner-up Isn’t He Clever.  Bourbon Courage was also a late nominee and is most likely pointing to the Preakness if all goes well in the Derby Trial (G3) at Churchill.  A full list of nominees can be found below// Seven are still probable for the Florida Derby on Saturday including Union Rags and El Padrino// This past weekend’s Derby prep winners are doing well.  Sunland Derby winner Daddy Nose Best will ship to Kentucky Tuesday and train up to the Derby as trainer Steve Asmussen thinks he does best with time between races.  His Beyer Speed figure came back a very respectable 100, but nonetheless Daddy Nose Best will enter the Derby scene a longshot. Isn’t He Clever could go to the Arkansas Derby (G1) next if his $188,000 in graded earnings is not enough for the Kentucky Derby.  Spiral Stakes (G3) winner Went the Day Well may still be a little immature and need another race according to jockey John Velasquez.  Trainer Graham Motion mentioned the Lexington Stakes (G3) at Keeneland is being considered, which only gives the colt two weeks to train for the Kentucky Derby.  Either way, I’m guessing the horse will be an underlay Derby day based on his trendy connections and fact he hasn’t raced against any other likely Derby starters// New future odds were released for all Triple Crown nominees and can be found below…

Louisiana Derby (G2)
Entries: Entries
Preview Articles: Fair Grounds / Bloodhorse / DRF / TTimes / Brisnet


Late Triple Crown Nominations

Future Odds
Wynn Las Vegas 3/26 (via Courier Journal)


Articles
UAE Derby notes (The Downey Profile)
Went the Day Well (WHAS11-TV)


Rankings
Top 20 (WHAS11-TV)


Works
Mr. Bowling- FG- 1.00:40- B- 1/29
Shared Property- FG- 4F- 47:20- B- 2/44
Sabercat- OP- 5F- 1.01:80- B- 7/22
Optimizer- OP- 4F- 49:00- B- 9/29
Neck 'n Neck- PMM- 5F- 1.01:09- B- 2/13


Notes and bits from web and Twitter:
100 Beyer for Daddy Nose Best, 99 for Isn't He Clever in Sunday's Sunland Derby…”- Steve Byk via Twitter

Fed Biz gets a race date, works slow// No blinkers for El Padrino// More press for Starlight// New rankings

Although a mere allowance winner as of now, Fed Biz has received Kentucky Derby buzz befitting a February 3-year-old stakes winner.  Bob Baffert announced Fed Biz will get his first graded stakes attempt in the San Felipe (G2) at Santa Anita.  The colt worked a rather pedestrian 6 furlongs Wednesday. Stablemate Liaison also got an extended one mile work at Santa Anita and his move was slow as well, just as Baffert intended// Nice feature story on former Kentucky Governor Brereton Jones and trainer Larry Jones who have two colts- Mr. Bowling and Mark Valeski- in Saturday’s Risen Star (G2).  The trainer admits he hasn’t figured out how good either colt is, which is a major reason for running them against each other at the Fair Grounds.  They’ll have to face the favorite El Padrino who Todd Pletcher considered adding blinkers to for the race.  He decided against it based on the colt’s progression and laid-back attitude// More feature articles on Starlight Stable and Jack Wolf// Entries were drawn for the Miracle Wood Stakes at Laurel.  The 7 furlong contest appears to not have any serious Kentucky Derby contenders, but graded stakes placed Friscan could advance himself along the trail with a win//Another 3-year-old stakes race this coming weekend that will not get the attention of the Fountain of Youth or Risen Star is the Borderland Derby at Sunland Park.  Isn’t He Clever is favored and he’ll try to get back to winning ways off his 4th place finish in the Robert Lewis (G2) at Santa Anita// For Facebook users, be sure to “like” the relatively new CTD Facebook page here to receive update notices on the site// more…

Articles
3-year-olds to watch 2/22 (In The Money Blog)
Bloodlines of KY Derby runners 2007-2011 (And Down The Stretch They Come)


Rankings


Works
Liaison SA- 1M- 1.43:00- H- 1/2
Fed Biz SA- 6F- 1.16:00 H- 7/9
Brother Francis SA- 5F- 1.00:60- H- 3/10
Twelve Hundred HAW- 5F- 49:00- B- 1/23
Night Tide SA- 4F- 48:40- B- 11/18
Animal Spirits FG- 3F- 38:00- B- 10/13

Baffert, Bejarano grab two Southwest trophies, what did we learn from race?// Algorithms 'unbelievable' in work// more

In just under forty minutes trainer Bob Baffert and jockey Rafael Bejarano etched their names into two Southwest Stakes (G3) trophies at Oaklawn Park Monday.  The first by maiden winner Castaway was the more visually impressive performance when he pulled away from the pack down the stretch to claim victory by 3 3/4 lengths.  Jake Mo and Reckless Jerry completed a dollar trifecta that paid $1,065.  Castaway, who failed to break his maiden in his first five tries, is finally living up to his $435,000 price tag for Coolmore.

Stablemate and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Sprint winner Secret Circle had to work a little harder in the second version of the Southwest.  After sitting just off pacesetter Scatman for most of the mile contest, the two engaged in a spirited duel down the stretch before Secret Circle eventually crossed the wire a half-length in front.  It was another five lengths back to third place finisher Adirondack King.

Aside from Bob Baffert flexing even more muscle along the Kentucky Derby Trail, it’s difficult to get a read on all of the Southwest performers.  Perhaps it’s safe to assume the Arkansas-based contingent is a step below the Southern California, Florida, and New York circuits.  That not only leads us to question the quality behind the victors, but the performances of the winners themselves.  Secret Circle was game, however drifting noticeably in the stretch.  It’s very difficult to imagine him excelling at 10 furlongs. Maybe Castaway is an emerging star putting all the pieces together at the right time, but his final clocking was a second slower than Secret Circle and he had a perfect trip with modest fractions.

El Padrino received a lot of ink Monday ahead of the Risen Star (G2) at the Fair Grounds.  He deserves headlines at this point, but still surprising hardly anyone reported on Lecomte (G3) winner Mr. Bowling and his 5-furlong bullet work ahead of the Risen Star// Pletcher sent several Kentucky Derby contenders to the track for official moves Monday, including Algorithms and Discreet Dancer who are heading to Sunday’s Fountain of Youth.  According to the clocker, Algorithms looked “unbelievable”// Mike Harrington apparently backed off statements last week that Creative Cause will head to the Rebel (G2) at Oaklawn.  He will still try to separate him from Empire Way who is set for the San Felipe (G2) at Santa Anita// A non-intentionally funny article from Yahoo! on the “25 likely Kentucky Derby entries”.  Pretty bold statement to make on Feb 20th// Another entry from Hansen’s owner in the Courier-Journal blog.  I’m beginning to think alcohol plays a role in these posts…


Results
Southwest Stakes (G3)- Division 1
Winner: Castaway
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Jockey: Rafael Bejarano
Wrap-up articles: Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet

Southwest Stakes (G3)- Division 2
Winner: Secret Circle
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Jockey: Rafael Bejarano
Wrap-up articles: Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet


Upcoming:
Saturday- Risen Star Stakes (G2)- entries


Other Articles
Hansen to the next level (Hansen Blog via the Courier Journal)


Video
After the wire 2/20 (Bloodhorse)


Works
Out of Bounds- HOL- 5F- 59:80 H- 2/25
Hierro- SA- 5F- 1.00:80- H- 10/33
How Do I Win- BEL- 4F- 48:64- B- 3/28
Shared Property- FG- 5F- 1.01:60- B- 20/63
Mr. Bowling- FG- 5F- 59:80- B- 1/63
Z Dager- FG- 4F- 50:60- B- 39/68
Class President- FG- 5F- 1.02:00- B- 24/63
Brown Eyed Jozi- OP- 5F- 1.01:00- B- 2/7
Discreet Dancer- PMM- 5F- 1.00:24- B- 1/9
Algorithms- PMM- 4F- 49:09- B- 7/21
Ender Knievel- PMM- 4F- 48:89- B- 5/21
Liberty Bound- PMM- 4F- 48:89- B- 5/21

Southwest may split in two, shippers arrive// Bodemeister aiming for stakes// Ten to vie in El Camino// Updated future odds

While the major racetracks have had difficulty attracting healthy fields for their noteworthy Kentucky Derby preps- five entered for the Hutcheson, six in the Withers and Holy Bull, and only four or five expected in Saturday’s San Vicente at Santa Anita- that is not a problem for Oaklawn Park and Monday’s Southwest (G3).  In fact, with possibly 21 horses pointing for the race, there is a distinct possibility the Southwest could be split into two races, both carrying a $250,000 purse and Grade 3 status.  Smarty Jones Stakes winner Junebugred, who will get some betting action in either race, worked a bullet 48 and 1 Tuesday morning.  According to trainer Steve Hobby, Junebugred has progressed from his last victory and should be a threat// The Southwest did lose one contender when trainer Larry Jones decided to keep Mark Valeski at the Fair Grounds.  He’ll have to face stablemate and Lecomte (G3) winner Mr. Bowling, and as Jones stated he’ll soon know which one is better// Ten entries are expected for the El Camino Real Derby (G3) at Golden Gate Fields.  In addition to likely favorite Russian Greek there will be a filly, Lady of Fifty, who recently won the California Oaks.  Information on the other eight possible contenders can be viewed in the linked DRF article below// As expected, Bob Baffert will send impressive maiden winner Bodemeiseter to a stakes race next time out in March.  Which particular race is unknown, but that’s often the case with Baffert who keeps decisions close to the vest until days before the race// Jason Shandler discusses Javier Castellano and his agent’s decision to ride Algorithms over Union Rags and says it simply came down to trainers.  Given that Todd Pletcher is loaded with at least five serious Derby prospects, a majority ridden by Castellano, they wanted to stay on as many as possible this early in the season.  It still seems something is missing in this theory.  If Castellano chose Union Rags, would he have been pulled from Gemologist, El Padrino, and Spring Hill Farm?  None of those horses have a scheduled race that conflict with Union Rags, so there is no reason he would lose those mounts, unless Pletcher hinted he would look elsewhere// more…


Articles
3-year-olds to watch (In The Money Blog)


Future Odds

Rankings
Paulick Derby Index 2/14 (Paulick Report)
Down and Derby Sweet 16 (Zipse at the Track Blog)

Works
Souper Speedy- PMM- 5F- 1.03:22- B- 3/6
Junebugred- OP- 4F- 48:20- B- 1/8
Worthington- SUN- 5F- 1.02:40- B- 14/32
Russian Greek- GG- 4F- 49:00- H- 2/10


Weekly Speed Figures*
Top winning 3yo BRIS figs last week: Golden Ticket-103; Bodemeister-101; Fed Biz, Good Morning Diva, Thunder Moccasin, Hardened Wildcat & Panthro-97

Top winning 3yo Beyers last week: Bodemeister-99; Fed Biz-97; Thunder Moccasin-93; Panthro-90; Good Morning Diva-87; Golden Ticket & Hardened Wildcat-83;

*DerbyContenders via Twitter

Interest builds for Saturday Derby preps// Another impressive Pletcher 3YO// New rankings and picks from around web

You can see the beginning signs of Derby fever in the horseracing world with the steady stream of articles, blogs posts, and twitter feeds related to Saturday’s preps.  Interest will further rise if one of the races produces a dominating well-bet winner, and several horses are capable of such a performance. Alpha, Liaison, Rousing Sermon, Sky Kingdom, Ecabroni and Reveron could all move to the top shelf next to Union Rags, Algorithms, El Padrino, Creative Cause, and Hansen with a convincing win.  Get all the info you need on the Withers, Sam F. Davis, and Robert Lewis Stakes here// Todd Pletcher looks to have another 3-year-old to watch in Raconteur, who won a first level allowance at Aqueduct.  I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in the Gotham (G3) next out// Jeremy Plonk believes El Padrino is the 2012 Kentucky Derby winner as long as he gets the earnings to enter.  I don’t mind the bold statement, but disagree in making the case using a 2-length allowance win over a sealed track.  Regardless, he’s an exciting colt to watch// Steve Haskin released his first “Derby Dozen” which is always an informative read.  He has Creative Cause at a surprising #1 (currently #2 in CTD Top 5) and makes good points why the colt should be discussed more in Derby conversations. 


Race page with PPs, race replays, articles and picks for Withers (G3), Sam F. Davis (G3), and Robert Lewis (G2) here


Articles


Rankings
Steve Haskin Derby Dozen (Bloodhorse Blog)
Wireplayers Derby Dozen (Wireplayers Blog)
Derby Dozen (Chicago Now)

Picks
Withers: Thorofan Blog
Robert Lewis: Ragozin Insider (TTimes)

Works
Majestic Stride- OP- 5F- 1.06:80- B- 19/20
Stat- PMM- 5F- 1.00:70- B- 3/11
Souper Speedy- PMM- 4F- 52:22- B- 22/22
Mr. Style- PMM- 3F- 38:12- B- 2/3
Night Tide- SA- 6F- 1.12:80- H- 2/22
Il Villano PMM- 5F- 1.01:98- B- 7/12


Notes and bits from web and Twitter:
Eddie Kenneally: Coolmore's Giant's Causeway MDN Battle Hardened -- cross-entered in GP 9 -- will run in TAM's G3 Sam F. Davis Saturday- Steve Byk via Twitter

Blingo: 37.20, 1:01.40 to the wire. Out big 1:13.20. Dude can cover some serious ground- ClockerDH via Twitter

Hansen, My Adonis work for Holy Bull// Midnight Transfer wins San Pedro, could stretch out next// Beyers released for Saturday stakes

In final serious preparation for next Sunday’s Holy Bull (G3), Champion 2-year-old Hansen breezed 5 furlongs in a quick 59 and 4 at Gulfstream.  All indications are that the work was par for the course, which means professional and eager// Hansen wasn’t the only Holy Bull contender who hit the track for a timed move.  My Adonis went a short 3 panels in a quick 34:81 at Palm Meadows.  It’s not often you see a trainer opt for such a short distance work one week out from a route, especially when the colt has not raced since a flat effort in November’s Delta Jackpot (G3)//

Midnight Transfer just nailed Got Even at the wire in the San Pedro Stakes at Santa Anita Sunday.  The son of 2007 Kentucky Derby runner-up Hard Spun could stretch out next in the San Felipe (G2).  Drill was the post-time favorite, but put in yet another dismal effort.  It appears the colt either peaked in October or simply needs time off.  Nevertheless, he still sits very high on the Graded Earnings list, which was updated today to reflect yesterday’s LeComte earnings//

Preliminary and estimated Beyer speed figures came out today for Saturday’s key 3-year-old races.  LeComte winner Mr. Bowling earned a low 80 while Graham Motion’s Kitten’s Joy Stakes winner Howe Great posted an 85.  Nothing stellar// The top three finishers from the LeComte, Mr. Bowling, Z Dager, and Shared Property will point for the next logical prep on the same track, the Risen Star (G2).  Larry Jones’s other promising colt Mark Valeski, an allowance winner last week, will ship to Arkansas for the Southwest (G3) on February 20// Speaking of the Southwest, another colt earned his way to the race Sunday with a maiden win at Oaklawn. Majestic Stride defeated several older horses handily and every step of the way.

Some may remember the hub-bub over Sweet Ducky last year on the Derby trail.  The promising colt was sold to controversial Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov who attempted to bring him into the Derby by way of the UAE Derby (G2) in Dubai.  After a 13th place finish those dreams were dashed.  Now, the leader has purchased another hopeful, Maritimer, who is a multiple stakes winner on the Canadian circuit.  According to the Toronto Star the connections will try the same Dubai-to-Kentucky plan.  It remains to be seen whether the colt would be allowed in the Derby considering Sweet Ducky was prohibited to run in New York and Kentucky in 2011…

Rankings
CTD Top 5     


Articles
Hansen workout reports: DRF / Bloodhorse / TTimes
Joneses “celebrate” two stakes win (Fair Grounds Barn Notes)


Stakes Results
San Pedro Stakes- Santa Anita- Winner: Midnight Transfer- chart / replay


Works:
Fed Biz- HOL- 5F- 1.01:00- H- 9/32
How Do I Win- BEL- 4F- 49:65 -B-19/51
My Adonis- PMM- 3F- 34:81- B- 1/9
Thunder Moccasin- PMM- 4F- 49:77- B- 24/38
Margano- GP- 4F- 48:95- B- 10/26
Hansen- GP- 5F- 59:80- H- 3/39
Big Screen- GP- 5F- 59:40- H- 2/39

Mr. Bowling guts it out in LeComte/ Motion exacta in Kitten’s Joy/ Impressive maiden breaker for Pletcher

The Grade 3 LeComte Stakes provided a thrilling finish with Mr. Bowling holding on by a neck over Z Dager, but it’s questionable whether a serious Kentucky Derby contender will come from the race.  The large field was strung-out wide and most appeared to be laboring down the stretch.  Although it wasn’t necessarily visually impressive, the winner did defeat 12 mostly promising sophomores.

Mr. Bowling failed as the favorite in his last race in the Iroquois (G2) at Churchill Downs in November.  His third-place showing was admirable however, especially considering it was not the best of trips darting from the outside, in, and outside again. 

Training steadily since then and posting strong workout times, he was the second favorite in the LeComte.  Jockey Robby Albarado kept the son of Istan in a good spot early just behind the pacesetters and triggered a bold move into the final turn.  A sustained run down the stretch, with a little swerving, was just enough to hold off the charging Z Dager and Shared Property.  The latter had to stay wide almost the entire race and could be heard from down the road. 

Mr. Bowling’s trainer Larry Jones, who is no stranger to the Derby trail, said the Risen Star (G2) would be the next logical target.  Those with high expectations that disappointed included the little Oklahoma-bred Ted’s Folly, graded winner Exfactor who was stretching out for the first time, and Seven Lively Sins who was piloted by leading Fair Grounds jockey Rosie Napravik.

Another 3-year-old stakes (ungraded) was held on turf at Gulfstream Park.  The Kitten’s Joy Stakes was won by Howe Great. Graham Motion trained both the winner who has already won on dirt, and runner-up Lucky Chappy// Tarpy’s Goal, the inaugural CTD Notable performer, got back on track in a 7 furlong optional claimer at Gulfstream.  The son of High Cotton was coming off 5 straight defeats, including a turf try just last weekend// Thursby, a half-brother to last year’s Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom, finished 7th in his latest maiden race at Gulfstream.  The colt has now finished 12th, 10th, and 7th// Todd Pletcher had an impressive debut winner in the 9th race at Gulfstream named Liberty Bound.  The Mr. Greely-sired colt beat his stablemate Z Vilna by a winning margin of 4 and a quarter lengths// Steve Haskin offers his first Derby trail column, which focuses on the top 12 contenders based on pedigree// Nick Zito’s Casual Trick had a strong workout at Palm Meadows.  The trainer had said he will skip next weekend’s Holy Bull, but you never know…

Graded Stakes Results:

LeComte S. (G3)- Fair Grounds
Winner: Mr. Bowling
Wrap-up articles: Bloodhorse / Brisnet / DRF / TTimes / The Times-Picayune


Other Results:
Kitten’s Joy Stakes- Winner: Howe Great- chart / video
Gulfstream Race 9 MSW- Winner: Liberty Bound- chart / video


Articles


Works:
Consortium PMM- 5F- 1.01:22- B- 6/28
Battle Hardened- PMM- 5F- 1.01:77 B-11/28
Casual Trick- PMM- 4F- 47:33- B- 3/72
Souper Speedy- PMM- 3F- 39:88- B- 7/7
State of Play- TAM- 6F- 1.14:40- B- 2/3