/HorseRacing 2019 Census (results)

Thank you to everyone who took the inaugural /HorseRacing census. We had 237 total responses over the course of 6 days. While I'm on my pedestal: FUCK SURVEY MONKEY FOR CHARGING YOU IF YOU WANT TO RETRIEVE THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY WITH MORE THAN 100 RESPONSES. THIEVES!
If there are any questions, please do reply to the post! I'm happy to provide more details.

Q1: How old are you?

Age	Percent	Count
Under 18	3%	6
18-24	22%	51
25-34	41%	96
35-44	22%	51
45-54	8%	19
55-64	3%	8
65+	2%	5
	Answered	236
	Skipped	1

Q2: What is your gender?

Gender	Percent	Count
Male	89%	209
Female	10%	23
Other	2%	4
	Answered	236
	Skipped	1

Q3: How are you involved with racing?

Inolvement	Percent	Count
Casual Fan	69%	141
Handicapper	54%	127
Track Worker	5%	12
Work with Horses	9%	21
Total Degen	18%	43
	Answered	236
	Skipped	1

Q4: What is your home race track?

Answers were broken down based on the location of the track chosen

Country	Percent	Count
Australia	2%	5
Canada	2%	5
Ireland	1%	2
Italy	0%	1
Nebraska	0%	1
South Africa	0%	1
Turkey	0%	1
United Kingdom	2%	4
United States	91%	193
	Answered	213
	Skipped	24

State	Percent	Count
New York	20%	39
California	17%	32
Illinois	10%	19
Kentucky	9%	18
New Jersey	7%	14
Maryland	5%	9
Ohio	4%	8
Pennsylvania	4%	8
Florida	3%	6
Texas	3%	5
Washington	3%	5
Minnesota	2%	4
Louisiana	2%	4
Massachusetts	2%	3
Philadelphia	2%	3
Arizona	1%	2
Arkansas	1%	2
Indiana	1%	2
Colorado	1%	1
Delaware	1%	1
Iowa	1%	1
Nebraska	2%	3
New Mexico	1%	1
North Carolina	1%	1
Virginia	1%	1
West Virginia	1%	1
	United States	193

Track	Percent	Count of Track
Saratoga	12%	22
Arlington	10%	18
Santa Anita	9%	16
Monmouth Park	7%	14
Belmont Park	6%	11
Churchill Downs	6%	11
Golden Gate	5%	9
Keeneland	4%	8
Laurel Park	4%	7
Parx	3%	6
Del Mar	3%	5
Emerald Downs	3%	5
Canterbury	2%	4
Woodbine	2%	4
Belterra Park	2%	3
Gulfstream Park	2%	3
Lone Star	2%	3
Suffolk Downs	2%	3
Thistledowns	2%	3
Fairmount Park	1%	2
Indiana Grand	1%	2
Oaklawn Park	1%	2
Penn National	1%	2
Pimlico	1%	2
Sam Houston	1%	2
Tampa Bay Downs	1%	2
Aqueduct	1%	1
Arapahoe Park	1%	1
Arizona Downs	1%	1
Colonial Downs	1%	1
Delaware Park	1%	1
Delta Downs	1%	1
Fair Grounds	1%	1
Fairgrounds	1%	1
Finger Lakes	1%	1
Gulfstream	1%	1
Lincoln Race Course	1%	1
Miami Valley	1%	1
Mountaineer	1%	1
Paririe Meadows	1%	1
Pocono Downs	1%	1
Presque Isle Downs	1%	1
The Meadows	1%	1
Turf Paradise	1%	1
	United States	187

Woodbine = 4
All other international tracks chosen had one selection

Q5: How long have you been involved with racing?

Experience	Responses
Less than a year	9%	21
1-3 years	22%	50
3-10 years	29%	67
10+ years	39%	90
	Answered	228
	Skipped	9

Q6: How often do you wager?

Frequency	Responses
N/A	8%	17
Every day	8%	18
A few times a week	36%	82
About once a week	14%	32
A few times a month	23%	52
Once a month	4%	10
Less than once a month	7%	15
	Answered	226
	Skipped	11

Q7: Which online wagering website do you use?

ADW	Responses
TVG	41%	91
TwinSpires	35%	78
Bet America	7%	16
NYRA Bets	17%	38
DRF Bets	10%	22
Other	32%	72
	Answered	223
	Skipped	14

Q8: Who is your favorite horse of all time?

Horse	Percent	count
American Pharoah	7%	16
Secretariat	7%	16
Zenyatta	6%	13
Justify	4%	8
Arrogate	3%	7
Rachel Alexandra	2%	5
Smarty Jones	2%	5
The one that wins	2%	5
Cigar	2%	4
Barbaro	1%	3
Big brown	1%	3
California Chrome	1%	3
Ruffian	1%	3
Seabiscuit	1%	3
Seattle Slew	1%	3
Silver Charm	1%	3
Songbird	1%	3
Winx	1%	3
Yoshida	1%	3
	Answered	216

Horses with less than 3 votes not shown
Honorable Mention:

• MaBallzEzHairy
  
• Me
  
• Not Maximum Security
  
• Your Mom
  

Q9: Who will be the Eclipse Champion 3 year old?

Horse	Percent	Count
Not Sure	27%	50
War of Will	19%	35
Omaha Beach	14%	27
Maximum Security	11%	20
Tacitus	8%	15
Travers Winner	2%	4
Country House	1%	2
Global Campaign	1%	2
Guarana	1%	2
King for a Day	1%	2
Mitole	1%	2
Plus Que Parfait	1%	2
Tax	1%	2
Winx	1%	2
	Answered	188

Horses with less than 2 not shown
Honorable Mention:

• ¯_(ツ)_/¯
  
• A 4k Claimer at MNR
  
• Can they skip this year?
  
• POWESHOW
  
• Wad of Will
  

Q10: What is one thing racing could do better?

Answers were placed in groups based on response

Suggestion	Percent	Count
Attract Families/Younger Crowd	16%	29
Horse Safety	11%	20
Central Governing Body	10%	19
Marketing/Public Image	7%	13
Statistics	6%	12
Drug Control	5%	10
Fix Santa Anita	5%	10
Lower Takeout	4%	7
Technology	3%	6
TV Coverage	3%	6
Larger Field Size	3%	5
Change Betting Structure	2%	4
Steward Transparency	2%	4
	Answered	186

Honorable Mention:

• Free Hot Dogs
  
• Ban Stronarch
  

Further Details
Attract Families/Younger Crowd

• "If they made the PPs (the formats and especially the data dumps) more accessible to younger people, they'd get more interested in running numbers and wagering. I have a bunch of friends who think it's impossible to figure things out, but would love to try their hand at handicapping. As it is, PPs looks like Greek."
  
• "Lower the learning curve to enable new young fans to get interested without needing expert family/ friends to teach everything"
  

Central Governing Body

• "Work to consistently and uniformly enforce rules across the entire industry, simply for the sake of not only protecting the horses but creating a better public image."

Marketing/Public Image

• "Transparency" x3
  
• "Be more open to the general public about how they treat their horses."
  

Statistics

• Stop being so f'n stingy with racing data. You want fans? Give 'em something they (fans) want, not what you think they want."
  
• "Have the tracks collectively purchase DRF and run it as a not-for-profit to get people interested in racing for a low price"
  

Fix Santa Anita

• "Pressure Santa Anita to make a surface change, it’s giving racing lots of bad press. "

Technology

• "HD Video"
  
• "Upgrade its technology, especially in the streaming and data presentation aspects."
  

TV Coverage

• "TV broadcasts that are actually focused on horse racing and not C-list celebrities"

Change Betting Structure

• "Radically amend the parimutuel system by slicing the house take and offering prop-type wagers that are more appealing to young gamblers"

Saturday August 3, 2019
Saratoga Race Course
Race: 5 (3:21 PM EST Post)
The Troy
Based off his five consecutive, front running wins (including two Grade:1s) and six consecutive “trips” speed figures, World of Trouble is one of the “fastest” horses in training today. I had the pleasure of seeing him up close and personal in the paddock before his Carter Handicap win and he just looks like a running machine. Super speedster draw the rail, a distinct tactical advantage for him, and although he’ll have his work cut out for him on Saturday afternoon, I am not jumping off of him until he otherwise tells me to………………………….Pure Sensation is another speedster who rolls into this race in peak form. The gray gelding by Zensational has rattled off three straight wins thus far in 2019, he handles any footing and recording a 101 BSF on a turf course labeled “soft” is impressive. He and my top pick must not get caught up in protracted speed duel or they could compromise each other’s chances……………………If they do, then look for the stretch runners Wet Your Whistle, who came from way back to win his last three in a row, including a Grade; 1 at Woodbine in his last, Leinster, who also came from behind to beat lesser in his last two, and possibly the unique, almost all white looking, Disco Partner, who albeit is just 2 for his last 9 and might on the down side of his career, to all have a say in the outcome of this one.
​
Race: 8 (5:06 PM EST Post)
Test Stakes
The Test Stakes is one of my more favorite races of the year as it always draws strong. This year is no different as it pits most of the best fillies in the land against one another. That said, I’ll take Bellafina who, like McKinzie, (see the Whitney analysis in a minute), is best at between seven furlongs and a mile and a sixteenth. I am throwing out her disappointing effort in the Kentucky Oaks as the 8/5 favorite as I don’t think she liked the quirky Churchill surface, nine furlongs is not her best distance and from what I understand, she was in heat that day. This absolutely gorgeous, two time Grade: 1 winning, $800,000 daughter of Quality Road cuts back in distance and is versatile as to where she can beat you from on or off the pace. She is 6 for 9 lifetime, 2 for 2 at seven furlongs and has been training very well at Del Mar of late…………………………Would the real Serengeti Empress please stand up? I mean, I wonder which filly will we see come Saturday, the one who wins by double digit margins, you know, the same one who wired the Kentucky Oaks field, or the who doesn’t run a step and gets beaten by double digit lengths? This daughter of the very handsome Alternation draws the rail so she should come out running but it’s hard to back her with her somewhat inconsistent ways…………………….Royal Charlotte is a gray, stretch running filly by Cairo Prince who is unbeaten in four career starts. She looked sensational coming with a brazen, four or five wide run on the turn and blew by her foes down the lane in winning the Victory Ride Stakes at Belmont last time out…………………….Honorable Mentions: Covfefe ran perhaps ran the best race of the year when shattering the track record at Pimlico two starts back. Good looking filly by Into Mischief won by 8, stop the clock in a supersonic 1:07.3 for 6F and scored a towering 107 BSF that day. I’m not sure, after a disappointing third last time out, if she bounced off such a colossal effort or if she just “freaked” that day and will now return to her normal mid-80’s speed figures. I have to drop her in the ranking right now until I know the answer to that question…………………………….Please Flatter Me has good speed and has won four of six lifetime starts. $12,000 filly, who has earned over $250,000, by Munnings figures to be prominent early on but how well can she hold late?................Your long-shot filly in here is Trenchtown Cat, who has run very well since being switched over to the dirt in her last two. By Discreet Cat, she might be quietly sitting on a big race and surprise a few people in here.
​
Race: 9 (5:46 PM EST Post)
Whitney Stakes
Like I mentioned in the Test Stakes, I think McKinzie’s “wheelhouse” distance is seven to eight and a half furlongs, but he’s won at nine furlongs before so I’m not that concerned about this distance. I’m coming right back with him here being what happened to him in the Met Mile was ABSOLUTELY criminal. Handsome colt was a little further back early on than what I thought he’d be but came with eye catching rally to put himself into contention nearing the eighth pole. He was blocked and had to alter course THREE TIMES from that point on, just missed winning and beating possible Horse of the Year Candidate Mitole. He continues to post “trips” including a 107 and a 109 in his last two and sports a career record of 11-6-4-0…………………..Off his monster win in the Suburban last time out, (won by 4, scored a 108 BSF) trainer James Jerkens is reaping the rewards of being patient with Preservationist, who will only be making his ninth career start at the age of six in this spot. Big horse by Arch took over mid-way through that race and was visually impressive powering through the lane. He improved his record to 8-5-1-2 that day and shows signs of bigger things to come………………………….Being the only two time winner of the Dubai World Cup, Thunder Snow is now the third leading money winner in history of the sport, anywhere in the world (behind Winx and Arrogate). That’s impressive….so was his run in the Met Mile, where he finished right behind McKinzie. Although this fan favorite has run well in all three trips to NY, this will be his first try at Saratoga. He commands respect regardless………………….Honorable Mentions: Vino Rosso has somewhat struggle in NY over the past year or so yet they ship him to Santa Anita and he runs the best race of his life (105 BSF) in winning the Gold Cup last time out. I don’t get that, why not leave him out there? Anyway, did he just like the surface or has he turned the corner in his career? I think it’s the surface angle but until I have that answer for sure, I have to keep him ranked lower in this race………………: Mononghela always gives a good account of himself as his 24-6-11-2 career mark would indicate. Although it was his first win in over a year, he ran lights out in winning the Philip Iselin at Monmouth last time out. A repeat performance of that race here would make him a contender…………………………Yoshida has the rare distinction of being a Grade; 1 winner on the dirt and turf and he is 1 for 1 on this oval. However, he is 3-0-0-0 this year and hasn’t been close to winning or even hitting the board. His speed figures are in a free fall as well. (104, 97, 91 in his last three.) I can’t play him unless he starts showing some signs of his old self.
​
Mountaineer Park
Race: 7 (4:55 PM EST Post)
West Virginia Governors Cup
Sir Anthony’s claim to fame is knocking off Audible back in December. This chestnut ridgling has run well in four races since including coming from well back to win the Cornhusker Handicap in his last. With a threat of rain in the forecast, note that this son of Mineshaft is 3 for 4 on off tracks……………….Yes, I’m going to try to beat morning line favorite Silver Dust in this spot even though he chased much better (McKinzie etc.) two and three starts back…………………Exclamation Point showed little in the aforementioned Cornhusker. I’m not quite sure what happened that day but he had won five of seven lifetime starts, albeit vs. lesser, heading into that race. …………………….Honorable Mentions: I’m not sure how Sky Promise is 12-1 on the morning line as I was expecting him to open at 6, 7 or 8 to 1. Good looking colt by Sky Mesa has won four of his last five including a couple of Grade: 3’s….could better this rating…………………..Kukulkan is the 2017 Mexican Triple Crown winner who has won 15 of 17 lifetime starts and finished right behind Silver Dust last time out……………..Snapper Sinclair can pop a big one now and again……………………Hawaakom is 0 for 7 this year but relishes a wet track
​
Race: 8 (5:35 PM EST Post)
West Virginia Derby
I was utterly shocked to see Mr. Money open up at 6/5. Based off his last three powerhouse, Grade: 3 wins in his last three I was expecting him to open at 3/5 or less. Good looking colt by Goldencents towers over this field in talent and speed figures. The icing on the cake here is that bullet drill last week at Churchill (4F- :46.2), which was the best of 95 who worked that distance that day, as it signals to me he is holding form and sitting on yet another big race………………….Although Math Wizard is just 2 for 11 in his career, it must be noted he always fires his best shot and has been “right there” in his last two races in fields that are similar to this one…………………..Albeit one by a DQ, Top Line Growth has won three of his first four starts including finishing well to get second (but put up to first) in the Iowa Derby last time out. Bay gelding by Tapizar should be in the hunt in this spot…………………………..Honorable Mentions: Your long-shot horse in this race is clearly Fluminense, who has run very well in two of three starts this year with an excuse (turf) in his one sub-par effort. 10-1 on the morning line is very generous for this $410,000 son of More Than Ready………………….If you draw a line through Grumps Little Tots’ effort in the Wood Memorial where he was overmatched, you’ll see he’s run well in his other five starts, highlighted by chasing a loose on the lead speedster in the Easy Goer in NY last time out. Colt by Sky Mesa could better this rating………………..Chilly in Charge is also interesting at 15-1 on the morning line. He has improved through each of his first five career starts topped off by beating a restricted Stakes field by a colossal margin last time out……………….I know that Plus Que Parfait is the 7/2 second choice and rightfully so after he ran very respectably in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Derby. This seems like a good spot for him but I don’t like his stride/motion and I’m just not a big fan of his overall.
​
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
Race: 5 (7PM EST Post)
Sorrento Stakes
Once again, these two year old races are tough to figure as these youngster’s forms are extremely volatile. That said, Comical wired maidens at first asking, shipped 3,000 miles and, after being five wide on the turn for home, gutted out a win in Saratoga’s traditional opening day, muddy tracked Schylerville Stakes. It takes a good filly to do something like that as a two year old. She now comes back west to Del Mar, has good speed (if necessary) and draws the rail here, so Leparoux should have options……………….Amalfi Sunrise was visually impressive, and ran off the charts, in her debut on June 23. Filly by Constitution, who has gotten off to a good start at stud, stalked a fast pace, took over on the turn for home and opened up at will in deep stretch. No telling how good she might be…………………..Powerfulattraction came from behind with a brazen, four wide rally at the quarter pole, took command in mid stretch and cruised home a 1 ½ length winner in her quickly run debit at “Los Al” on June 29. Good looking filly gets first time Lasix here and could be a menace late especially with what I am anticipating to be a fast early pace…………………………Honorable Mentions: Shedaresthedevil is another who was impressive rolling past the front runners late and drawing off to win her debut by 3 ½ widening lengths. Still another who could be coming late and it looks as though the longer she goes the better she’ll be…………………………..Shanghai Kelly also won by a wide margin first time out but takes an enormous step up in class here.
Race: 8:30 PM EST Post
Yellow Ribbon
This weekend wouldn’t be complete if you didn’t play, or at least watch, Vasilika, who is an absolute win machine. Although she might have her work cut out for her in this spot, it’s tough to get past her staggering stats which include winning 13 of her last 15 starts, is unbeaten this year, is a multiple Grade: 1 winner and is 2 for 3 on this turf course…………………The clear threat to her here is Beau Recall, who has won three of her last five and, after being a ridiculous six wide on the turn, was making up ground while charging hard late behind the super talented Rushing Fall last time out. This bay mare finished that race is swift 1:32 and, although 0 for 3 on the Del Mar turf course, she merits respect……………………..Elysea’s World possesses a good closing run and finished within shouting distance of Vasilika twice thus far in 2019…………………….Honorable Mentions: Toinette is 4 for 5 on the turf in her career including a pair of Grade: 3 Stakes wins. Daughter of Scat Daddy is clearly talented, I’m just not sure asking her to beat Vasilika (and Beau Recall for that matter) off a 9+ month layoff might be asking too much…………………Valedictorian is dominant early speed in here, is another multiple Grade Stakes winner and is 9 for 19 on the turf. I won’t be shocked if she is still hanging and banging in deep stretch in this spot, especially if she not challenged early…………..your long-shot horse in this race is Storm the Hill, who knocked at the door several times last year and probably needed her close up, third place finish last time out as it was her first start in 6 ½ months.
​
By: Gerard Apadula
Director of Equine Operations and Development
Knights of the Round Stable Thoroughbred Racing Team
[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
2019- Record: 46-132 = 35%
2018- Record: 107-261= 41%
2017- Record: 92-235 = 39%
2016- Record: 91-229 = 40%
2015- Record: 67-180 = 37%
2014- Record: 29-73 = 40%
2013- Record: 20-59= 34%
2012 -Record: 24-73= 33%
2011 –Record: N/A
2010- Record: 24-74= 33%
​
Little Bets N’ Pieces
**** Immediate Impact, a half-sister to champion Arrogate, made a big splash in her debut last Sunday in the first race at Del Mar. The 2-year-old daughter of Into Mischief, trained by Bob Baffert, won by 6 3/4 lengths.
Immediate Impact recorded a final time of 1:04.3 for 5 1/2 furlongs. She was sent off as the heavy 1/5 favorite and, according to Baffert, will be headed into Stakes company next time out.
Both Immediate Impact and Arrogate are out of Bubbler, a four-time minor stakes winner.
Bubbler's other two foals of racing age include recently retired stakes winner Osare (Medaglia d'Oro) and the unraced 3-year-old Boyne Beauty (Giant's Causeway).
​
**** Deep Impact, one of Japan's greatest horses and a champion sire for the past several years, died this past Wednesday. He was 17.
The Shadai Stallion Station said in a statement that the horse underwent surgery on his neck last Sunday as part of ongoing treatment.
The operation had appeared to have been successful but Deep Impact struggled to stand up the following day and, following x-ray examination, it was found that he had a fracture of the cervical spine and had to be put down.
Deep Impact, a son of Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Sunday Silence won his first seven starts including the Japanese Triple Crown before a narrow defeat (one of only two in a 14 race career) in the Arima Kinen Grand Prix.
He has sired over 100 group winners and stood for over $350,000 in 2019.

With the Kentucky Derby now just three weeks away, our highlighted race of the week will be the last prep race for the Derby in the Grade: 1, $1 million Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
We will also be looking at the Oaklawn Handicap, a Grade: 2, $750,000 nine furlong contest also for four year olds and up.
Elsewhere, we will take a look at three Graded Stakes races at Keeneland Race Course. The Ben Ali Stakes for four year olds and up, the Jenny Wiley Stakes, an 8 ½ furlong test for four year olds and up fillies and mares on the turf and the Lexington Stakes for three year olds who are desperately trying for some last minute Kentucky Derby points in hopes that a win or a good showing will catapult them into this year’s “Run for the Roses”.
Lastly, on Sunday we will be examining the Grade: 1, $750,000 Apple Blossom back at Oaklawn Park, another 8 ½ furlong race for four year olds and up fillies and mares.
Saturday, April 13, 2019
Keeneland Race Course
Race: 7 (4:24 PM EST Post)
Ben Ali Stakes
If you look up “racehorse rounding back into top form” in the dictionary you might see a picture of Flameaway. The one time Kentucky Derby threat ran a very good third in the Grade: 3 Mineshaft off a nearly six month break two starts back. I really like the way this $400,000 son of Scat Daddy won his last, as he took pace pressure every step of the way while wiring the field. That last race, back to back excellent works since and this being his third start off the layoff, all point to another good effort upcoming. Lastly, I don’t see him having any problems in what is projected to be an off track on Saturday.…………………….Based off his last two races, a win and a fast closing third, both at Laurel Park, Bonus Points also seems to be in peak form right now. The Todd Pletcher trainee draws a good post for his running style and should be coming late in this spot……………………… I know Solomini is quite popular but I’m not a big fan of his. In fact, I believe he is one of the most overrated horses in quite some time…maybe since Keen Ice. Yes, he’s a Grade: 1 winner and yes, he’s hit the board in 9 of 11 career starts but two facts stand out about him to me. 1) He’s won one race since that Grade: 1 win (a span of 16 months) and that was against $40,000 optional claimers and 2) the fact still remains he is 2 for 11 lifetime. This son of Curlin will likely be over bet in this spot. ………….Honorable Mentions: Third Day is a $575,000 son of the corvette looking Bernardini who did well to finish third in the aforementioned Mineshaft Handicap in his last. This handsome colt was trapped behind a slow pace yet finished just a neck behind Flameaway in that race and his one and only race in the slop was an impressive win. Bottom line here is, he could better this rating especially if the track does come up wet…………………The cleverly named Nun the Less looks better suited for the synthetics but note he is 2 for 2 on off tracks. Merits a longshot look if the rains come…………….First Mondays, a $450,000 son of Curlin who missed the break in his last, and Just Whistle, who was a good third in the Peter Pan Stakes last year, both could run well here and neither would be a huge surprise.
​
Race: 9 (5:34 PM EST Post)
Stonestreet Lexington
Anothertwistafate rattled off three super impressive, large margined wins over the synthetics this year but looked just as good, if not better, in his neck loss last time out in the Sunland Park Derby on the dirt. This $360,000 son of Scat Daddy sat just off screaming early fractions (:45.3, 1:09.3, 1:34.3) before “running on” to just miss the win. Note the :24 second flat internal fraction as it’s the sign of a quality runner. If this handsome, smooth strided colt, who ripped a sensational half mile work for this (:46.4) last week runs well enough here to make it into the Derby (he’s on the threshold on points), no one better go to sleep on him as he appears to have big time talent and would pose an enormous threat………………….Based off his close up, on the board finishes in the Sham, Southwest and Louisiana Derby, Sueno clearly looks next best………………….I really liked Zenden’s Tampa Bay Derby effort at 20-1 in his last. This son of Fed Biz normally assumes a stalking position early on in his races but in the Tampa Bay Derby, this horse blew the gate and ripped off super fast fractions (:22.3, 45.4 and 1:09.3). He understandably tired late but I thought he did extremely well to finish fourth and was only be beaten by four lengths to the likes of Tacitus and Win Win Win. Looks best of the rest here………………..Honorable Mentions: Call me stubborn, but I’m STILL not giving up on the late running Roiland, who has a habit of running well at double digit odds………………Anyone have any idea what to do with Harvey Wallbanger, who wins the Holy Bull at 30-1 then comes back and completely tanks in the Florida Derby? Because I sure don’t. He’s a tough horse to play with such inconsistencies…………If you are hunting a longshot in this race, take a good look at Shang, who is a neck shy of being unbeaten in five starts vs. lesser. Although he obviously will be taking a huge step up in class, it should be noted he ran the last 2 ½ furlongs of his last race in an excellent :30.1, his speed figures are climbing, he handles the wet track very well and the #1 post at this meet is winning at 18% thus far.
Race: 10 (6:12 PM EST Post)
Jenny Wiley Stakes
Rushing Fall is a very special filly. This gorgeous, $320,000 daughter of More Than Ready is 6 for 7 in her career, has already captured two Grade: 1 wins and, had it not been for a questionable ride when losing her one race by a neck, she could be unbeaten. There is nothing not to like about her as she can handle the distance, is adaptable to any pace scenario, handles any “give” in the turf and is 3 for 3 at Keeneland. If you are looking to beat her, which might prove futile, you can use the angle that this will be her first start in exactly 6 months but that’s not enough for me……………………I like Rymska. She is a big, all black (very rare) five year old mare who is 7 for 13 in her career. This multiple Graded Stakes winner could not have looked any better in taking down the Hillsborough at Gulfstream in her last and you get the third start off the layoff angle. Easily looks next best here…………………Bellavais has been gradually improving since October. $485,000 mare by Tapit finished very well in her last and won her previous time out, both at Gulfstream Park. It appears she too can handle a soft turf course and has been on the board in 10 of 15 career races…………….Honorable Mentions: Onthemoonagain is a French invader who has fared very well in all four U.S. starts. Chad Brown trainee could better this rating with the right pace scenario……………Got Stormy came back running off a long layoff when whipping high level optionals. Steps up but that race could set her up for a good effort here……………….The longshot horse in this race is Princess Warrior, who looks overmatched on paper but note her two races on off turf courses were both very good.
Oaklawn Park
Race: 9 (6:22 PM EST Post)
Oaklawn Handicap
After back to back big efforts at “big balloons,” Rated R Superstar has methodically worked his way back into what appears to be top form. Although his rider is ice cold right now, he does like this track and seems to be ok if it rains as expected. …my best guess in an extremely wide open horse race…………………….Giant Expectations disappointed as the 8/5 favorite in the Essex in his last. This 6 year old by Giant Frost chased Battle of Midway and McKinzie two back and wasn’t embarrassed by any stretch, so you know he has ability. It’s the consistency I question as he hasn’t won a horse race of any kind in 16 months. That said he looks next best…………….Quip was up against it when he had to chase the absolutely streaking right now Prince Lucky in his first race back off a long layoff. This good looking son of Distorted Humor did well to finish third in that race and should be tighter for this…………………Honorable Mentions: Tenfold’s claim to fame is running Justify to three quarters of a length in the 2018 Preakness Stakes. This son of Curlin was a very close up fourth in his first race since, handles the slop just fine and should improve off his 2019 debut. Figures close………………Lone Sailor figures to do his normal “drop way back early but come with big run late only to fall short late” routine. Logically, the faster the pace, the better his chances are and the pace figures to be honest in this race……………..Keep an eye on Chris and Dave here too if it rains. Although he seems overmatched, he is 4 for 6 on wet tracks…………..I got to spend several minutes up close and personal with Lookin’ at Lee last year at Saratoga before the Travers. He is a very nice looking, well made horse, but he just hasn’t run to those looks as his 3 for 21 career record would indicate.
Race: 11 (7:43 PM EST Post)
Arkansas Derby
There are a lot of “moving parts” with the big, almost perfectly strided, Improbable, so this race should tell the tale of where we stand with him. His last race, The Rebel, didn’t answer any questions for me. In fact, it seems to have posed more. Let’s start with why he was run down in deep stretch by Long Range Toddy. Was it because he was “parking lot” wide, off a boneheaded ride by DVD, throughout the entire race and, with that being his first race in 10 weeks, maybe he understandably tired late? I don’t know, like I’ve said before, Baffert is the master at sending them out ready, regardless of the situation. Was it the City Zip breeding that is causing the dreaded distance limitation? I don’t know that yet either being he romped, not once but twice, at 8 ½ furlongs before. Whatever the answers are, I know this much….Baffert is not sitting on his hands with this gorgeous colt. I don’t blame him one bit for making a rider change (from DVD to Jose Ortiz) and he is adding blinkers in this spot as well. I absolutely LOVED his last work where, with blinkers on, he sat just off his work mate, passed him on the turn for home and was "reaching out" soooooooooo beautifully down the lane I mumbled “wow” while stopping the clock in either 1:13.3 or 1:14 flat depending on what racing publication you read. This might prove futile, but I am sticking with him until he proves otherwise. That said, this race is a “do or die” for him. He will need to step up right now, in this spot to remain a serious Derby threat………………………….Horse Racing is a lot like other sports in the sense that the best baseball/basketball/football team doesn’t always win, but more of who gets hot heading into the playoffs. In this case, it’s who is getting good at just the right time and, aside from Tacitus and perhaps Vekoma, is there another horse in the country who is getting good right now more that Omaha Beach? After losing a couple of heart breaking, maiden races earlier in his career, this very handsome, very well bred colt (by War Front out of a mare super sire from years ago Seeking the Gold) ran a hole in the wind in the slop to finally break his maiden two starts back. He won by 9 that day and stopped the clock in a blistering 1:21 flat for seven panels. His next and last start was in a division of the Rebel, where he assumed command early, fended off a few others early in the race and then dug in and fended off none other than Two Year Old Colt Champion Game Winner in a thrilling stretch run. The Rebel proved two things. 1) He can handle the route distance and 2) he has the guts of a tight rope walker. Back to back bullet works since the Rebel signal he is holding form and possibly getting better. Big Money Mike gets the leg up……………….The aforementioned Long Range Toddy is a stretch runner who is 7-4-1-1 in his career has never finished more than two lengths behind the winner in his three career defeats. That, readers, is consistency. He draws the extreme outside post which could actually help him in this spot and I love his work pattern since his Rebel upset (8-1) win……………….Honorable Mentions: Although Galilean was passed in the stretch of the Rebel by Long Range Toddy, I still like this very handsome, $600,000 son of Uncle Mo. After annihilating Cal-Breds in his two prior races, this colt, who has a very efficient and smooth stride, did very well to finish third, beaten by less than three lengths in his first try vs. open company and outside the state of California as well. Bottom line here is, he is no easy throw out……………………...Country House is another late runner who, on the surface, looks to be struggling a bit outside the friendly confines of Gulfstream Park but a closer look shows he had legitimate excuses both times. He broke slowly (again) and chased a streaking War of Will two back and, after you guessed it, breaking slowly again, he was ridiculously wide in the Louisiana Derby. That said, this son of Lookin’ at Lucky could be a menace with a clean break and what is projected to be a hot early pace………………….Gray Attempt has won 4 of 6 in his career and is 2 for 3 on this oval plus he recorded a monster work in the mud last week (5F- :58.3). The problem I’m seeing with him is a mile or a mile a sixteenth looks to be “all of it.” In other words, on paper he looks better suited to sprinting.
​
Sunday, April 14, 2019
Oaklawn Park
Race: 8 (4:42 PM EST Post)
Apple Blossom
This year’s renewal of the Apple Blossom features a rematch from the Azeri Stakes with two of the best older females in the land in Elate and Midnight Bisou and this race figures to be a doozy. Midnight Bisou, who I liked since early last year, got the better of it last time and I’m sticking to my guns that she has a world of talent, will continue to get better and have a tremendous year when it’s all said and done. Four year old by Midnight Lute is off to a good start (2 for 2) in winning the Houston Ladies Classic in January and the aforementioned Azeri in March. She “takes her racetrack with her” as she is 7 for 13 in her career while winning on four different ovals in all parts of the country. Lastly, I believe she still holds a fitness edge over main rival Elate as this will be her third start (off the layoff) while Elate will be making her second start in eight months…………………….Elate is clearly the main threat in this spot. Head hunters in New Guinea could see this two time Grade: 1 winner needed her last as it was her first start in eight months. Filly by Medaglia d’ Oro did very well to finish second in the Azeri when beaten by just one length as the even money favorite. When I was at Belmont Park (before heading over to Aqueduct for the Wood Memorial) last week, I heard several folks on the backstretch talk about how she may not be coming back the same as last year after, by trainer Bill Mott’s admittance, “a few minor injuries”. I’ll give her a mulligan for the Azeri but like Improbable this weekend, she needs to improve off the Azeri to prove that theory wrong………………….Wonder Gadot is another who probably needed her first race of 2019 when finishing second vs. optional $50,000 claimers on March 8 as it was her first start in over four months. Another daughter of “King of the (sales) Ring” Medaglia d’ Oro, this filly actually won two thirds of the Canadian Triple Crown (beating the boys) last year and still has that very long and flowing stride, which is especially good when on her right handed lead………………..Honorable Mention: Escape Clause is an absolute win machine while registering a mind boggling 20 wins in 30 career starts. Granted, she was beating up on far lesser competition at smaller tracks for most of it but still that’s quite a feat. That said, she did win a Grade: 2 at Santa Anita in January and could not have looked any better while blowing out her rivals at Sunland Park in her last. Mare by Going Commando (how did the Jockey Club miss that name by the way?), who stands for less than $1,000, won by 7+, getting a mile in a track record 1:34 flat.
​
By: Gerard Apadula
Director of Equine Operations and Development
Knights of the Round Stable Thoroughbred Racing Team
[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
2019- Record: 22-72 = 31% (My Plays: -$2,314.14)
2018- Record: 107-261= 41%
2017- Record: 92-235 = 39%
2016- Record: 91-229 = 40%
2015- Record: 67-180 = 37%
2014- Record: 29-73 = 40%
2013- Record: 20-59= 34%
2012 -Record: 24-73= 33%
2011 –Record: N/A
2010- Record: 24-74= 33%
Little Bets N’ Pieces
****Superstar Winx makes her final career start in the Group: 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Royal Randwick. If her win streak continues, this will be her 33rd straight win and 25th Group: 1. The scheduled post time is 11:05 p.m. ET on Friday, April 12th.
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**** Lady Pauline, a half-sister to Lady Aurelia, was an eye catching, first time out winner last week at Keeneland.
Going off at an enormous 1-5 betting favorite, the Stonestreet homebred blew the gate and showed a very impressive speed to win by 9 3/4 lengths, stopping the clock in :51:3 for 4 ½ furlongs.
We’ll need to keep an eye on her moving forward.
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****In all my years of being involved in this sport, I’m not sure I’ve seen a stronger book of mares to be bred to one first year stallion ever.
Justify, who stands at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud in Paris, KY., for $150,000, has the following list of mares booked: (although this is not all of them)
A Raving Beauty Multiple G1 winner
A Z Warrior G1 winner
Afleet Maggi Dam of G1 winner Dream Tree
African Jade Dam of G1 winner Lord Nelson
Appealing Zophie G1 winner, dam of Belmont Stakes winner Tapwrit
Bar of Gold Won Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint
Bella Jolie Dam of champion sprinter Runhappy
Birdatthewire G1 winner
Blossomed Dam of G1 winner Sippican Harbor
Brave Anna G1 winner
Bubbler Dam of champion Arrogate
Caledonia Road Champion 2-year-old filly
Champagne Room Champion 2-year-old filly
Charming Dam of champion 2-year-old filly Take Charge Brandi,
Classic Strike Dam of G1 winner Union Strike
Dazzling Song Dam of G1 winner Magnum Moon
Diamondsandrubies G1 winner
Diva Delite Dam of G1 winner Midnight Bisou
Dream Dancing G1 winner
D’Wildcat Speed Dam of filly Lady Aurelia
Emma’s Encore G1 winner
Found won Breeders’ Cup Turf
Got Lucky G1 winner
Grace Hall G1 winner
Grazie Mille Dam of G1 winner Mo Town
Groupie Doll Two-time champion female sprinter and winner of the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint
Havre de Grace 2011 Horse of the Year, sold for $10 million
Ithinkisawapudycat Dam of G1 winner Sweet Loretta,
Khancord Kid Dam of Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint winner Bar of Gold
Kosmo’s Buddy Dam of G1 winner Knicks Go
Mining My Own Dam of Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird and G1 winner Dullahan
Misty For Me G1 winner, dam of Cartier champion 2-year-old colt U S Navy Flag
Moonshine Memories G1 winner
Morena dam of Belmont Stakes winner Creator
Noted and Quoted G1 winner
Pretty ‘n’ Smart Dam of G1 winner Cupid
Rare Event Dam of G1 winner Improbable
Sambuca Classica Dam of champion 2-year-old male Classic Empire
Silk and Scarlet Dam of G1 winner Master of Hounds
Silky Serenade Dam of G1 winner Restless Rider,
So Sharp of G1 winner Sharp Azteca
Storm Dixie Dam of Kentucky Oaks winner Princess of Sylmar
Tapestry G1 winner
Together Forever: G1 winner
Turbulent Descent G1 winner
Untouched Talent dam of G1 winner Bodemeister
Vale Dori G1 winner
Yellow Heat Dam of G1 winner R Heat Lightning
Zipessa G1 winner

Buckle your seat belts and make sure your tray tables are in an upright position because between this Saturday and Monday, (President’s Day) we will be looking at least 10 races. Between the two days, any number of those races could be our highlighted “Race of the Week”.
But first things first as this Saturday our highlighted “Race of the Week” is the Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots. The 8 ½ furlong, Grade: 2 contest for three year olds drew a full field of 14 plus one AE is led by War of Will.
Two other races on Saturday’s card at Fair Grounds include the Rachel Alexandra Stakes, also a Grade: 2 event run at 8 ½ furlongs, but for three year old fillies, as well as the Mineshaft Stakes for four year olds and up.
The complexion of the Risen Star and Rachel Alexandra changed dramatically mid week when, after seeing both American Pharoah’s little sister, Chasing Yesterday and Kingly, a full brother to $2.2 million Mohaymen**,** both draw horrible posts, trainer Bob Baffert decided to “keep them both home”.
Other races we will examine include the Royal Delta Stakes, a Grade: 3 contest for four year olds and up and fillies and mares going a mile at Gulfstream Park, a pair of sprints, one for each gender, at Laurel Park in the General George and Barbara Fritchie Stakes and perhaps THE most competitive race of the weekend, the Santa Monica Stakes at Santa Anita. The seven furlong race drew as strong and as deep of a race you’ll ever find.
Saturday February 16, 2019
Laurel Race Course
Race: 8 (4:00 PM EST Post)
General George Stakes
Home Run Maker comes into this razor sharp off three straight wins vs. lesser. This son of Into Mischief, who hails from the unconscious (26-63= 41%) “Miah” barn, loves this surface (3 for 4 over it, yet 1 for 8 everywhere else) and that Feb 6th work (4F- :47.2) tells me he is holding form…..spring a mild upset in a race that is ridiculously difficult to figure…………………..Still Having Fun was just 3 for 11 in 2018 but it must be noted he was running against the likes of Promises Fulfilled, Patternrecognition, Audible and, most recently, third behind McKenzie in the Grade:1 Malibu last time out at 47-1. Colt by Old Fashioned, who sold for $12,000 but has earned over a half million bucks so far, will meet no such rivals in this spot and will probably be your post time favorite…………………….Uncontested ran a hole in the wind in his Laurel debut shortly before Christmas. This one time Kentucky Derby hopeful beat mid level optionals by five lengths while zipping six furlongs in 1:08 flat. A repeat of that effort would make him tough to beat here………………………Honorable mentions Laki is another surface love”horse for the course” type. This eight year old gelding is 7 for 11 on this oval and 0 for 5 everywhere else. His last four races/speed figures suggest he’s a contender in this spot as well……………..I’m not sure what Something Awesome was doing in the Pegasus World Cup in his last. I suppose Stronach had one last spot to fill. Anyway, this veteran son of Awesome Again is still another who fancies this surface (4 for 6) as he’s run some of the best races of his life over it and he drops to a more reasonable spot in this race…………………..It’s Good to Be Us is a $650,000 son of Tapit who has won three of his first four starts at Parx including being 2 for 2 at this distance. Steps up but could be equal to the task. (My Play: .50 Trifect box using the top 5. Cost: $30)
Race: 9 (4:30 PM EST Post)
Barbara Fritchie Stakes
Spiced Perfection has methodically improved while winning three of her last four, topped off by springing a mild (5-1) upset in the Grade: 1 La Brea Stakes at Santa Anita last time out. Filly by Smiling Tiger, who has gotten off to a good start at stud, makes her debut for new trainer Peter Miller and, if she can handle Grade: 1 runners, logically she should be able to handle this Grade: 3 field…………………Late Night Pow Wow has very impressive stats. This obscurely bred filly is 10 for 11 lifetime including being 2 for 2 on this oval and 4 for 4 at this distance. She also came home the last furlong in a very strong :11.4 while winning by 6+ in her last. Monster work on Feb 6 tells me she is probably sitting on yet another big effort but she will be swimming in deeper waters than what she’s used to………………………Dawn the Destroyer comes into this sharp as a tack while winning her last two in NY including the $100,000 Interborough at 7/5 last time out. Mare by Speightstown holds a double Brisnet speed figure advantage (her last “two” speed figures are better than anyone else’s last two) as well…….figures close………………..Honorable Mentions: Ms Locust Point beat an allowance field at Parx on New Year’s Day, signaling a possible return to the form she showed in late 2017/early 2018. Filly by Dialed In is 7 for 13 lifetime and 5-4-1-0 at this racetrack……………………Timeless Curls has improved steadily since the summer while winning five of her last six and stepping up in class each and every time. Filly by Curlin draws a good post for her running style and shows a bullet work (5F- :59.4) in preparation for this last week. (My Play: $1 triple box using all 5. Cost $60)
Fair Grounds
Race: 9 (4:25 PM EST Post)
Mineshaft Handicap
Although Lone Sailor was 1 for 10 in 2018 and just 2 for 15 in his career, he totally outran his 91-1 odds in the Breeders’ Cup Classic last time out. This bay colt was last and almost 20 lengths out of it early, but catapulted past eight horses, and made up some 14 lengths, to finish sixth behind the streaking City of Light. He’ll be making his first start since (3 ½ months) but the bullet (best of 61) 5F work of :59.3 last week states he might be ready…………………….Quip was on a lot of people’s Kentucky Derby list last year and he might be the most talented runner in this field. Although he’s been working well at Payson Park recently, has run well off of layoffs before, and this is his best distance, he’ll have to overcome an almost nine month layoff here and the dreaded #13 post position. Those factors might be asking juuuust a little too much from this son of Distorted Humor…………………….Flameaway is another who was Kentucky Derby material last year after very good second place finishes in the Tampa Bay Derby and Bluegrass Stakes. After running only one good race (second in the Jim Dandy) in four tries from that point, he was put away for the year. Although he might “need one” here, this $400,000 son of Scat Daddy is versatile and clearly has ability……………………Honorable Mentions: Harlan Punch has won two of his last three vs. lesser but does have a fitness edge over the top three. Third start off the layoff angle fits here too..........After a ridiculously wide trip, Silver Dust finished right behind Harlan Punch last time out. This $510,000 son of Tapit had won his two prior races to that and he appears to be slowly improving…..upset chance here. (My Play: $1 Triple box using all. Cost: $60)
Race: 11 (5:29 PM EST Post)
Rachel Alexandra Stakes
Needs Supervision has won three of her first four career starts, highlighted by winning the Silverbulletday on this oval in her 2019 debut last time out. Bay filly by Paynter has improved in each subsequent start and should only be “tighter” for her second start of the year in this spot……………………………… Positive Spirit is another who has improved through each of her first four starts, culminating in winning the Grade: 2 Demoiselle Stake at Aqueduct by a colossal margin. Good looking filly by Pioneerof the Nile poses a big threat here …………………Serengeti Empress showed little at 4-1 in the Breeders’ Cup Filly race in her last after winning her two prior races by a combined 33 lengths. Filly by Alternation drops back into a more reasonable spot for her 2019 debut but judging from her works and trainers comments: "I expect her to make a good showing, but at the same time, this is our first race back and it's not our end all race. It's important to understand that she'll improve off this race. Goal (Kentucky Oaks) is a couple of months down the road" trainer Thomas Amoss said, she may not be fully cranked up for this………Honorable Mentions: Oxy Lady finished less than three lengths behind Chasing Yesterday who would be a solid favorite in this race should she have run. No worries about her handling the track as she’s been training extremely well since arriving here right around the beginning of the year….could better this rating……………..Bell’s the One is unbeaten in three career starts and her speed figures say she could be a contender here. Filly by the speedy Majesticperfection will be stepping up in class big time here and will have to go 2 ½ lengths further than she’s ever gone before but from what I’ve seen in her first three races, she might be able to handle both. (My Play: .50 triple box using all 5. Cost $30)
Race: 12 (7:02 PM EST Post)
Risen Star Stakes
After running well in all four turf starts to begin his career, trainer Mark Casse switched surfaces with War of Will last November and this colt, who is bred to run to the South Pole and back without stopping, broke his maiden by five lengths. Casse then gave him two months off and this son of War Front came back to pulverize the LeComte Stakes field on Jan 19. He won by four but it must be noted this good looking bay was very wide on both turns so he could possibly have won by more…….......................In taking War of Will, Country House is pretty scary. This Lookin’ at Lucky colt, from the loaded for the Kentucky Derby Bill Mott barn, completely missed the break in his last but launched a very impressive, three wide run leaving the three eighths pole and left his foes in his wake down the lane. Yes, it was a field of maidens and yes, it was on that conveyor belt they call Gulfstream Park but still, it was visually impressive to watch. I am shocked at the 20-1 morning line odds………thought maybe he’d open at 6 or 8 to 1….............. Limonite is about 2 ½ lengths away from coming in this race unbeaten. Although it was 2 ½ months ago, I loved his Kentucky Jockey Club effort, where he came from last (of 14), circled the field four wide and was still charging hard, late in deep stretch to only be beaten by two lengths to (at this point in the season) upper echelon three year old Signalman…threat with a fast pace and repeat of that effort……………….Honorable Mentions**: Plus Que Parfait** had a nightmare trip in the LeComte (stumbled at the start, bumped hard shortly thereafter and six wide on the turn) but was only 6+ length behind my top pick....should be closer with a better trip this time………… I wouldn’t be so quick to throw out Henley’s Joy just because he’s making his first dirt start here. He is a two time Stakes winner and his works suggest he’ll handle the change in surface just fine………….. Couple of side notes: I’m not completely giving up on Roiland, who has gone off at high odds in his last three races, just yet. This horse packs a solid stretch run and could surprise a few people in this spot with the right pace scenario……………...Hog Street Hustle has run well in four of five tries including finishing second to my top pick in the LeComte last time out at 12-1. (My Play: $20 win on War of Will, $5 exacta box top 3, .50 triple box using the top 5. Cost: $80)
Gulfstream Park
Race: 11 (5:12 PM EST Post)
Royal Delta Stakes
Jala Jala has been a win machine in Mexico (13 for 23 lifetime) but has also duplicated that form at Gulfstream….twice. Chestnut mare by Point Determined was visually impressive kicking away from males at the six furlong marker while winning her last in hand by almost 5 lengths……narrowest of margins over Blamed, who clearly is a huge threat here. Filly by, you guessed it, Blame probably didn’t care for the sloppy track and probably needed that last race (fifth, beaten by 10+) as she was coming off a two month layoff as well. Irad Ortiz Jr. taking the leg up on this filly, who is 9-6-2-0 lifetime, won’t hurt her chances either……………………...I’m not sure if Tequilita is just getting better or the wet tracks in her last two helped her out. Regardless, this well bred (by Union Rags out of Grade: 2 winner Sangrita), Grade: 3 last time out winner merits a look in this spot……………….Honorable Mentions: Although Another Broad will be making her first start in more than two months, she is giving me every indication she could run well in this spot. New trainer Todd Pletcher has been working her fast and often at Palm Beach Downs and “JCC” will be in the irons……………Coming off a sloppy tracked, restricted Stakes win at Tampa Bay Downs in her last, Silver Bay looks the best of the rest. (My Play: $1 triple box using all 5. Cost $60)
Santa Anita Park
Race: 9 (7 PM EST Post)
Santa Monica Stakes
Trainer Bob Baffert entered a formidable 1-2 punch in this race in Dream Tree and Eclipse Award finalist for Champion Female Sprinter Marley’s Freedom…..Dream Tree rattled off five straight impressive wins before inexplicably mailing it in last time out. I’m going to give this $750,000 daughter of Uncle Mo a “mulligan” for that race and come right back with her here………….Marley’s Freedom was a multiple Graded Stakes winner on both Coasts last year, winning at distances from 6 furlongs to one mile. I loved her Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint effort (fourth, beaten by just a half length) and that race was sandwiched by five other wins. Monster work last week (5F- :58.4) signals she is ready to pick up where she left off in 2018………………………Selcourt is a speedy, $800,000 mare by Tiz Wonderful who won this race last year and sports a 7-4-2-1 record on this oval. I expect her to come out running and she may prove difficult to catch in this spot even though she is showing a slight down tick in form………………………..Honorable Mentions: Escape Clause boasts a 19 for 28 career record with most of that beating up on far lesser foes at small time tracks. That said, this $3,800 mare, who has earned almost $425,000 in her career, proved she belongs here with her tour de force win of the Grade: 3 La Canada last time out…..could conceivably better this rating………………I wonder which Paradise Woods will show up on Saturday for new trainer John Shirreffs? The one who has won two Grade: 1’s in blow out fashion or the one who shows brief speed and retreats after the first half mile? It’s really, really difficult to get a read on this temperamental mare. (My play: pass...not seeing much value)
​
By: Gerard Apadula
Director of Equine Operations and Development
Knights of the Round Stable Thoroughbred Racing Team
[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
2019- Record: 10-26 = 38% (My Plays: -$452.36)
2018- Record: 107-261= 41%
2017- Record: 92-235 = 39%
2016- Record: 91-229 = 40%
2015- Record: 67-180 = 37%
2014- Record: 29-73 = 40%
2013- Record: 20-59= 34%
2012 -Record: 24-73= 33%
2011 –Record: N/A
2010- Record: 24-74= 33%
Little Bets N' Pieces
**** Kentucky Wildcat, who made an eye catching move around the far turn to finish second in Saturday's Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs, was pulled up and vanned off the racetrack after the finish.
Evidently, the colt suffered a “non life threatening injury to his right foreleg.” He is expected to undergo surgery to repair the condylar fracture in Ocala in the next several days, but is no longer on the Kentucky Derby trail.
​
**** Australian super mare Winx will be going after her 30th consecutive victory in Saturday's Group: 2 Apollo Stakes at Royal Randwick. The Chris Waller trained daughter of Street Cry is expected to make four more starts before her retirement, culminating in the Group: 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes in April.
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**** When NYRA releases it stakes schedule for Saratoga and the Belmont Park fall meet, they will include the unveiling of two new turf stakes for 3 year olds and two new Turf Stakes for 3 year old fillies that will join the Belmont Derby and Belmont Oaks in becoming the "Turf Trinity" for males and "Turf Tiara" for fillies.
For males the "Turf Trinity" will be made up of three $1 million races at the same distances as the dirt Triple Crown for 3 year olds of the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.
Following the $1 million Belmont Derby at 1 1/4 miles July 6 at Belmont, the $1 million Saratoga Derby will be contested Sunday, Aug. 4 at 1 3/16 miles at Saratoga. The series will conclude with the $1 million Jockey Club Derby at Belmont Park Saturday, Sept. 7 at 1 1/2 miles.
"The Turf Trinity is designed to emulate the American dirt classics," said Martin Panza, NYRA's Senior Vice President of Racing Operations, in a statement. "The three race, $3,000,000 series complements the schedule with no overlap of the American Triple Crown races while also providing international runners an opportunity to race against 3 year olds later into the summer."
For fillies, the "Triple Tiara" starts with the $750,000 Belmont Oaks July 6 at Belmont at 1 1/4 miles, then the $750,000 Saratoga Oaks Friday, Aug. 2 at 1 3/16 miles, and the $750,000 Jockey Club Oaks Sept. 7 at a 1 3/8 miles at Belmont.
"The Turf Tiara, a three race $2,250,000 series, will shadow the colt division, providing a well defined pattern of races highlighting future turf stars while serving as a test of their speed, versatility and endurance," Panza said.

Our focus will be at Gulfstream Park once again this week as our highlighted race will be the $400,000 Fountain of Youth Stakes for three year olds going a mile and a sixteenth.
The entire card at Gulfstream is very strong as they will be running a whopping nine Graded Stakes races of which we will be examining five.
Although I won’t be breaking down either race, keep an eye on the eighth race at Santa Anita today (Friday) as, although it’s a “non winner other than,” it has enough talent in it to be a Stakes race. Trainer Bob Baffert sends out mega talents Dessman and Roadster, while John Sadler’s Nolo Contesto, who drew the rail, also seems to have ability.
Also on Saturday at Santa Anita, Baffert will fire another missile from his arsenal in Flor De La Mar, a gargantuan filly who actually outworked Dessman in the mornings more than once and could not have looked any better in decimating maidens in her initial race last month.
Before moving forward and, since this will be read by thousands of you, my friend Trimi75 over at Reddit has been trying to remember a filly or mare from just a few years ago who swished her tail every time her jockey hit her left handed a la McKenzie.
She was ridden by Mike Smith and pretty sure she was trained by Bob Baffert. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Saturday, March 2, 2019
Gulfstream Park
Race: 5 (1:30 PM EST Post)
Canadian Turf Stakes
Hembree has developed into a very nice turf horse over the past year, highlighted by winning a Grade: 2 race in Canada last fall. It looks like this handsome son of Proud Citizen is picking up where he left off as he came from last, and some 10 lengths behind at the half mile pole, to zoom past the field and win his 2019 debut (the El Prado Stakes). Big work Feb 4 followed up by a maintenance drill last week signals to me he is sitting on another big effort and he’ll face many of the same rivals he beat in the El Prado…………………….Being by War Front, I’m not sure why it took the powerhouse team of McGaughey/Phipps so long to put Breaking the Rules on the turf. But since, this dark bay colt who is 4 for 8 in his career, has won two impressively including the Tropical park Derby last time out…..looms a major threat here…………………..Cowboy Culture closed well, late, to beat $50,000 claimers on New Year’s Day. He then came back and was absolutely flying down the stretch (again) but was impeded late and had to settle for fourth (but was “put up” to third), less than two lengths, behind Hembree in the El Prado….another threat, especially with a clean trip………………Honorable Mentions: Krampus was also impeded late in the El Prado, and also finished right behind Hembree. Gelding by Shakespeare has hit the board in 9 of 12 turf starts also………….Siem Riep probably needed his race in the El Prado in his last. Five year old by Tapit has speed, draws the rail and should be “tighter” for this (My play: $1 trifecta box all 5. Cost $60.00)
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Race: 6 (2:00PM EST Post)
Gulfstream Park Sprint Stakes
Quijote was visually impressive powering down the lane while pulling off a major upset (23-1) in the Sunshine Millions Sprint last time out. Ignore his race two back as it was on the synthetics and note he won by 6+ lengths three back. Colt by Pomeroy is sharp right now, shows a bullet five furlong work last week (1:00.1) and a 25% Irad Ortiz Jr. gets the leg up…………………..After winning the Gravesend Stakes at Aqueduct two back, then chasing (second) the supremely talent World of Trouble last time out, Recruiting Ready also seems to be in good form right now. Colt by Algorithms has speed, draws the rail (the rail is winning at a 20% clip) and also shows a big work last week….figures bang up…………………. ..Storm Advisory outran his odds in his last two vs. Graded Stakes runners on this oval. This veteran seven year old will be making his 54th start in this spot and, most importantly, he gets back to his best game (sprinting)……………….Honorable Mentions: Sweetontheladies is 0 for his last 13, dating back two years but his last two races weren’t bad including finishing within shouting distance of Quijote two starts back……………Santiamen just missed two starts back, then chased the speedy X Y Jet in his last. You get an underrated Tyler Gaffalione in the saddle and the third start off the layoff angle as well. (My play: $1 trifecta box using all 5. Cost $60.00)
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Race: 12 (5:01 PM EST Post)
Davona Dale Stakes
Off of back to back tour de force wins in the Grade:1 Frizette Stakes at Belmont Park and the Grade: 1 Breeders’ Cup Filly Juvenile, 2018 Two Year Old Filly Champion Jaywalk makes her 2019, three year old debut in this spot. Gray filly by Cross Traffic has excellent early speed and gets a tactical advantage by drawing the rail. Albeit, she is looking at bigger races down the road, she has been training very well and is hard to go against in this spot. “She not a big, robust filly, so we didn’t expect a big physical change. But, mentally, she’s matured quite a bit and is training very well. I am very happy with where she is now,” trainer John Servis said. “It’s been a long few months since (the Breeders’ Cup) November. Everyone is chafing at the bit to see her run. The freshening at Hidden Brook Farms has done her some good mentally, and she’s come back and trained great. She’s ready to run.”………………Champagne Anyone was charging hard, late in the Forward Gal Stakes in her last on Feb 2. Logical contender with the stretch out in distance in this spot and she might have a fitness edge over the rest as she is one of only three fillies in this race to have had a start in 2019………………………..Cookie Dough was visually impressive decimating Restricted Stakes fields in her last two to end 2018. Filly by Brethren will be coming off a four month layoff but has been training lights out for this her 2019 debut…………………….Honorable Mentions: High Regard has yet to run a bad race through six career starts. Good looking filly by Will Take Charge may not have cared for the sloppy track in her last start of 2018 and this distance seems to hit her right between the eyes……………..Bold Script is another who hasn’t run a bad race yet as her 5-2-1-2 career record would indicate. Oddly enough, this gray filly by wide spectrum sire Speightstown will be making her first dirt start here but is still another who is training very well of late. (My play: $1 trifecta box using all 5. Cost $60.00)
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Race: 13 (5:32 PM EST Post)
Fountain of Youth Stakes
On the Road to the 2019 Kentucky Derby, there is not another horse that intrigues me more than Hidden Scroll. This gorgeous, rather small colt by the equally gorgeous Hard Spun, ran one of the most impressive debut races I’ve ever seen in my almost 40 years of being involved in this sport. On Jan 26, this colt blew the gate and ripped through torrid early fractions (:22.2, :44.4 and 1:09.2) on his way to annihilating a maiden field while winning by 14 lengths and registering a towering 104 Beyer Speed Figure. For those of you who follow them, he also registered a mind boggling -2 Ragozin number. This Bill Mott trainee finished a mile in an outstanding 1:34.4 while basically being eased up on in deep stretch. I had to watch the race a few times to wrap my head around such a colossal effort. Of course, the elephant in the room is he did that on a sloppy track, which in turn begs the question; can he repeat that performance on a fast track?……………………..Although Vekoma will be making his first start in 118 days, he showed serious ability while winning his first two career races in New York. Chestnut colt by Candy Ride, who “swims” a little when he runs, whistled six furlongs in 1:08.4 in September, then came back about six weeks later to take down the Grade: 2, one mile Nashua Stakes in an excellent 1:36.3, proving he can carry his wealth of speed. Two other items I noted…he’ll go first time Lasix here and he ran a hole in the wind over the notoriously deep Palm Beach Downs Training Track last week, signaling readiness………………….Signalman might be your post time favorite in this spot and if he is, I’m going to try to beat him. Colt by General Quarter completely outran his 67-1 odds while making up a ton of ground late in chasing two year old colt champion Game Winner in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile race in November. This Ken McPeek trainee then came back about three weeks later and overcame traffic trouble to gamely win the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes at Churchill Downs…figures among the vanguard at the end of this one……………….Honorable Mentions: Global Campaign is a half brother to the super talented Bolt d’Oro. By Curlin, this colt beat maidens in his initial journey then came back to whip first level allowance foes while being “wrapped up” late both times. We have clearly not seen the best of this colt by any stretch and, at this point, there is no telling how good he is. We should find out more come Saturday……………………After winning his debut and then finishing a very good second in the Grade: 1 Champagne Stakes in just his second career starts, Code of Honor’s last race was too bad to be true. It’s clear that trainer Shug McGaughey backed off of him and “rebooted” so to speak. Albeit this colt is a stretch runner, so him drawing the rail hurts his chances, I am expecting a bounce back performance off his abysmal 2019 debut where he was a fading fourth, beaten by almost eight lengths………….Epic Dreamer set a fast pace in the Holy Bull last time out and had every excuse to cave in late but he did not. In fact, this son of Orb held very well late while checking in fourth but was only beaten by 2+ lengths….figures prominent early here and could be tough in the late stages once again…………….If you are hunting for a long shot in this race, take a look at Union’s Destiny, who blew the doors off of maidens back in August then ran sneaky good in the Smooth Air Stakes in December. Note the speed figure in the Smooth Air as it states he can contend vs. these. (My play: $1 trifecta box using the top 5. Cost $60.00)
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Race: 14 (6:06 PM EST Post)
Mac Diarmida Stakes
The well named Zulu Alpha appears to be a late bloomer as he’s won three of his last four and four of his last six dating back to last year. I love the way he split horses at the top of the stretch and went on to take the Grade: 3, W. L. Mc Knight last time out on this turf course. He’s trained well since, his speed figures are on the rise, he handles any footing and Ortiz Jr. takes the reins……looks best…………………Although at first glance Melmich looks like a one dimensional synthetics beast, having hit the board an astounding 34 times in 39 races over it including 17 wins, his last race on the turf was excellent. This Canadian, eight year old son of Wilko was last at the half mile pole but catapulted past eight horses and made up eight lengths in the last 4 ½ furlongs to finish a close up third vs. a Restricted Stakes field on this surface. Although he’ll be taking a big step up in class here, that race proven a) he can run effectively on the grass and b) he likes this surface…..figures close……………………….After wiring the field in the Grade:1 Turf Classic at Belmont last September, I think the connections of Channel Maker got a little carried away with themselves when throwing him in there vs. superstar filly Enable in the Breeders’ Cup Turf on November then putting him in the Pegasus World Turf Cup in his last two races. Although this gelding by English Channel has been plagued with inconsistencies throughout his career and is 0 for 3 on this turf course, the fact still remains he is taking an enormous drop in class, to a much more reasonable spot, here…………………….Honorable Mentions: Montclair has a very good year last year while beating up on lesser and winning four of eight starts up and down the East Coast. His speed figures are in the same zip code as some of the top contenders in this race and you get the third start off the layoff angle as well…………………..Hunter O’Riley quietly ran a huge ran in his last. This bay gelding had a tough trip (bumped and wide on the turn) but was less than five lengths behind Alpha Zulu in the W.L McKnight, which was his first start in 275 days. The son of Tiz Wonderful should be tighter for this and he has a good amount of “back class”…no surprise if he runs well on Saturday afternoon………………………..Vettori Kim will be making his first start since last summer but he too has back class and has been training forwardly. (My play: $1 trifecta box using the top 5. Cost: $60.00)
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By: Gerard Apadula
Director of Equine Operations and Development
Knights of the Round Stable Thoroughbred Racing Team
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[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
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2019- Record: 14-37 = 38% (My Plays: -$526.36)
2018- Record: 107-261= 41%
2017- Record: 92-235 = 39%
2016- Record: 91-229 = 40%
2015- Record: 67-180 = 37%
2014- Record: 29-73 = 40%
2013- Record: 20-59= 34%
2012 -Record: 24-73= 33%
2011 –Record: N/A
2010- Record: 24-74= 33%
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Little Bets N’ Pieces
**** Champion Abel Tasman has arrived safely in Ireland and will be bred to leading sire Galileo, Coolmore announced last Friday.
The powerhouse racing and breeding operation broke news of the mating on Twitter after acquiring the six time Grade: 1 winner in January, when they went to $5 million at the Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale.
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**** Maximus Mischief, the very handsome winner of last year’s Remsen Stakes, has been taken off the Triple Crown trail because of a soft-tissue injury to his right front leg that surfaced after a workout Feb. 24 at Gulfstream Park.
“I’m very disappointed. I was hoping for a Derby horse and to share the experience with my son for really the first time,” said Chuck Zacney. “It has been really, really precious.”
Zacney’s son Alex, who is 19, was the namesake for Afleet Alex, the Preakness and Belmont stakes winner in 2005 that was the first horse his father owned.
Jockey Jose Ortiz reported something was amiss after he worked the colt four furlongs in :49 flat seconds in what was supposed to be their final work before Saturday’s Fountain of Youth Stakes.
Oritz pulled the horse up after the work and did not gallop out at the end.
Plans call for Maximus Mischief to be sent from Gulfstream to Eisaman Equine near Ocala, Fla., where he will undergo further evaluation and be given ample time to recuperate.
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**** Super mare Winx is aiming for the March 2 Chipping Norton Stakes at Royal Randwick as her next engagement.
The now eight year old daughter of Street Cry claimed her 30th straight win just last week in the Feb. 16 Star Apollo Stakes.
“What you see is what you get with her. She is just a class act,” the mare’s trainer, Chris Waller said. “People are understanding how hard it is to win 30 in a row. You don’t do it by being the best horse on one day, but by being the best over three or four years. She has overcome track conditions, barrier draws, slow starts, wide runs you name it—that’s Winx.”
***** 2017 champion turf male World Approval has been retired from racing.
The 7-year-old gelding by Northern Afleet, who won the 2017 Breeders’ Turf Cup Mile, will take up residence at Live Oak Stud in Ocala, Fla.
World Approval will reside in an adjoining paddock to multiple Graded Stakes winning siblings Revved Up and Za Approval.
“How lucky we have been at Live Oak Stud/Plantation to have championed such a winning family,” said Charlotte Weber, owner of Live Oak Plantation. “I am proud and privileged to have experienced this Sport of Kings with such outstanding racehorses and shall protect them as we grow older together.”
All told, the almost white horse won 10 stakes, eight of them Graded, and earned $3,062,363.
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Just a quick note before we get started. I didn’t spend a lot of time looking at the Queen’s Plate at Woodbine, which is Canada’s version of the Kentucky Derby, but I did notice a few things.
Avie’s Flatter is the 5/2 morning line favorite and rightfully so as he is 4 for 6 in his career, 2 for 2 at Woodbine and has faced better in his last two. His main competition might come from Desert Ride, a filly who drew the rail but has shown strong late runs in all four career races while winning three of them. 8-1 on the morning line is generous for the daughter of Candy Ride. Second choice on the morning line Sky Wire, who is 3 for 5 in his career, likes this oval, should relish the stretch out in distance and should be “revved up” for this after recording several strong works in the mornings including a 5F move in :58 flat two weeks ago.
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Saturday, June 29, 2019
Belmont Park
Race: 7: (4:45 PM EST Post)
Perfect Sting Stakes
I found it difficult to separate the top two in here…… That said, I’ll go with Bellavais, who although finishing off the board both times, this $485,000 daughter of Tapit chased turf filly super star Rushing Fall in Grade: 1 races in her last two. Take note of that race last as this mare, who will obviously be taking an enormous class drop, was beaten by less than three lengths in a mile run in a supersonic 1:31.3. You should also note this mare flying low in the last quarter of that race as well, getting that distance in a smoking :22.1……….narrow (mostly fitness) margin over Uni, who I like quite a bit and rattled off four straight wins over four different turf courses and over three different turf conditions (important with rain predicted for the N.Y. area this weekend) last year including a Grade:1 win in California to end the year. Five year old mare by More Than Ready passed an impressive nine horses from the quarter pole to the wire in that race. Although she could not be training any better for this, it is still her first race in almost seven months. Albeit, she has run well off layoffs throughout her career, I think/hope she might “need one”……………………...Mrs. Ramona G always fires her best shot as her 7 on the board finishes out of 10 career tries would indicate and she clearly (2 for 3) like this turf course.
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Race: 8 (5:18 PM EST Post)
Mother Goose Stakes
The 2019 Mother Goose Stakes is Dunbar Road’s to lose as this gorgeous $350,000 daughter of Quality Road towers over this field in talent. She is a half length shy of being unbeaten in three starts and her last, over surface labeled “good,” was her best race yet. This is important being there is rain being forecasted in NY on Saturday…….down the road here………………Jeltrin is the “Rodney Dangerfield” of the three year old filly division thus far this year. This $7,000 filly by Tapizar continues to go off at huge odds then promptly outran those odds in four of her last five races, highlighted by winning the Grade: 2 Davona Dale at Gulfstream Park and paying $105.00 to win. Other races include going off at 125-1 in the Forward Gal Stakes yet finished fourth being beaten by less than three lengths and in her last where she ran a very respectable third in the Grade: 1 Acorn Stakes at 46-1 while chasing that juggernaut they call Guarana. She is untested in the wet but this race looks like a good fit for her……………….……Although Safta is a maiden only winner in four career starts, she poses a threat based off her consistent mid 80’s BSF, the fact she loves a wet track and she has never been worse than second in two tries over “Big Sandy”………………….Honorable Mentions: Cassies Dreamer also merits consideration in this spot. If you draw a line through her abysmal Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Filly effort, you’ll find a stretch runner who has hit the board in back to back Grade: 1’s last year and a horse who ran big in slop last time out. Could conceivably better this rating…........…Classic Fit is by the corvette looking Bernardini and has improved through each of her first four career starts. Good looking bay filly has won three straight vs. softer out of town and “first time Lasix” users always get my attention.
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Gulfstream Park
Race: 12 (5:30 PM EST Post)
Princess Rooney Stakes
Diamond Oops comes back to her favorite surface/track (3 for 4 on the Gulfstream Park dirt) after chasing the ridiculously fast Word of Trouble in a Grade: 1 turf race in NY last time out. Note how she was only beaten by less than four lengths in a six furlong race run in a mind boggling quick 1:06.1. Also notice, with rain being predicted for south Florida on Saturday, that this daughter of Lookin’ at Lucky ran (speed figure wise) the best race of her life in her one and only try over a sloppy track……..narrowest of margins over Jalen Journey who, after finishing fourth in his debut, pulverized her foes in her next and last three races, winning by wide margins and scoring stout speed figures. This $14,000 daughter of With Distinction (Storm Cat) should come firing out of the gate once again and play “catch me if you can” in this spot. Steps up but could take them “coast to coast” here…………………..Garter and Tie has methodically worked her way back into top form, highlighted by winning her last by a colossal margin while getting 6 ½ furlongs in an excellent 1:15.4. Tread lightly if it does rain however as she is 0 for 2 on wet tracks…………..Honorable Mentions: Cautious Giant is also in good form right now, has hit the board in an astounding 13 of 14 career tries on this oval and doesn’t mind the wet going…………………Royal Squeeze is razor sharp right now after winning four straight vs. lesser. Veteran takes a steep step up in class but note 8 of her 10 career wins have come at Gulfstream Park……………I like Fast Pass’s running style and it might help her quite a bit in the spot. Stretch runner by Successful Appeal is still another who comes into this in excellent form and could be coming late once again in this spot.
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Race: 13 (6:02 PM EST Post)
Smile Sprint Stakes
Stormy Embrace ran a hole in the wind while blowing out a restricted Stakes field in her last on this oval. This five year old mare won by 10 while getting seven panels in a rapid 1:21.2. Moreover, she chased Dream Pauline, who would have been 1/5 in here, in her last two and finished within shouting distance both times with both being in the slop. Logical choice for me but a slight “bounce” hesitation being that last race was her first in almost four months and she shows just one slow work since…………………………Saguaro Row is three for six in her career, topped off by beating mid level optionals in the Belmont slop (no easy task) last time out. Good looking filly by Union Rags has been steadily improving throughout her career….looks next best here……………………Trenchtown Cat cruised in her last, which was her first try on the dirt after being a Stakes winner on the turf two starts back. Filly by the gorgeous Discreet Cat came home in a very good :06.3 in that race and has trained ok in the slop……………………..Honorable Mentions: Razorback Lady has speed, the rail and although stepping up in class, she cuts back in distance. Note the very impressive eight on the board finishes in nine career starts at Gulfstream Park…………………..Royal Asscher clobbered lesser in her last two and has never been off the board at Gulstream Park… Long shot possibility?
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Churchill Downs
Race: 10 (5:26 PM EST Post)
Debutante Stakes
Magic Dance was sensational winning her debut on this surface about three weeks ago. Filly by More Than Ready won by almost five, going away lengths, and stopped the clock in an excellent :57.3 for 5F…right back here………………..Indy Takes Charge was also impressive winning her debut on this oval on May 31 except she finished 5F in :58.3, which is mathematically about five lengths slower than Magic Dance……………………..Cholula Lips wired maidens at 21-1 at Santa Anita her first time out and has trained well subsequently. Big question is how will she adapt from Santa Anita surface to the quirky Churchill surface, which are vastly different?....................Honorable Mention: I can’t seem to throw out Megan Marie, who broke her maiden by five two starts back then came with a solid, four wide run on the turn to get second against allowance foes in her Churchill debut. She is giving me every indication the stretch out in distance here will help her tremendously.
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Race: 11 (5:59 PM EST Post)
Bashford Manor Stakes
Rowdy Yates was visually impressive wiring maidens in his initial journey in his career and on the surface. Handsome colt by Morning Line came home the last furlong and a half in a snappy :18.2 while being eased up on in deep stretch………….Yet another narrow margin over Phantom Boss, who just missed behind the unbeaten and seemingly talented Fore Left in his debut then came back and hammered Cal State Bred maidens in his last. Colt by Shackleford clearly looms a major threat in this spot………………….Rookie Salsa won his first two then also chased Fore Left in the Tremont Stakes in NY last time out……………Honorable Mentions: The cleverly named Snell Yeah launched a brazen move on the turn for home but hung a bit down the lane in his last, improving quite a bit off his first career race. Outside shot here with further improvement………………..Silent Malice quietly made up a lot of ground late in his last after a nightmare trip. Colt by Palace Malice also improved greatly from his racing debut and also rates a chance here with further improvement.
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By: Gerard Apadula
Director of Equine Operations and Development
Knights of the Round Stable Thoroughbred Racing Team
[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
2019- Record: 40-115 = 35%
2018- Record: 107-261= 41%
2017- Record: 92-235 = 39%
2016- Record: 91-229 = 40%
2015- Record: 67-180 = 37%
2014- Record: 29-73 = 40%
2013- Record: 20-59= 34%
2012 -Record: 24-73= 33%
2011 –Record: N/A
2010- Record: 24-74= 33%
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Little Bets N’ Pieces:
**** Australian super mare Winx, who won 33 races in a row from May 2015-April 2019, has settled into her new surroundings well and seems very content in her retirement.
The ownership group of Peter and Patty Tighe (Magic Bloodstock), Richard Treweeke and Debbie Kepitis have announced her covering sire for the 2019 breeding season.
Winx will visit I Am Invincible for the 2019 breeding season.
I am Invincible stands at Yarraman Park in Scone, New South Wales. He was Australia's leading freshman sire in the 2013-14 season and recently made history by siring a record 28 Australian stakes winners in a season, including Group: 1 winners Oohood, Voodoo Lad, Viddora and Invincibella.
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**** Grade:1 winner and Grade: 1 sire Bluegrass Cat has been sold to Nimet Arif Kurtel to stand at his Karacabey Boarding Stud near Izmit, Turkey, where he will join Victory Gallop, Lion Heart and Corinthian. He is scheduled to depart Ballena Vista Farm in Califonia this week.
Bluegrass Cat has sired 33 Stakes winners and one champion in his career. From ten crops of racing age, Bluegrass Cat runners have earned more than $42 million, with his average starter earning of $72K.
Bluegrass Cat began his stud career at Winstar Farm and has resided for the last five years at Ballena Vista Farm.
“Bluegrass Cat was our first choice to bring to California to enhance the West Coast breeding industry. Each year, we had the horse, we received numerous inquiries regarding selling/moving the horse. The past few weeks interest intensified and we have had several parties pursuing Bluegrass Cat. Entities from Australia and South America also expressed solid interest in the horse. We ultimately settled on an outstanding operation in Turkey for Bluegrass Cat. Mr. Nimet Arif Kurtel will support him with his own mares and with plans to race the offspring. He will also have available a few limited seasons to other breeders. Bluegrass Cat will be missed not only by us at Ballena Vista Farm but the California breeders who supported him,” states Ballena Vista Farm manager Mike Jimenez.

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Saturday, September 7, 2019
Belmont Park
Race: 8 (4:43 PM EST Post)
Grand Prix American Jockey Club Invitational Stakes
Marconi is a $2 million son of Tapit who chased a runaway, record setting performer in his last and showed little two starts back. This gray colt now returns to an easier spot over his favorite track at a distance he likes, and most importantly, he’s beaten just about every horse in this field already….some multiple times……………You’re to Blame is another who showed little last time out but had rattled off seven straight bang up races in a row prior, including finishing just a length behind my top pick two back…………………..After being winless over the last 14 months, Highland Sky pulverized a restricted Stakes field in the mud in his last. I’m just wondering…exactly where did that race come from? And how much did the mud move him up?............................Honorable Mentions: Both Rocketry and Carlino have ability, yet both seemed to have cycled out of form. Either are a threat should they bounce back to past races.
Race: 9 (5:15 PM EST Post)
Jockey Club Oaks Invitational Stakes
Lady Prancealot is just 3 for 14 in her career and has never run at this distance. That said, she possesses a strong late run so the stretch out in distance (logically) should only help. Also, her last race, where she was charging hard, late down the lane in a Grade: 1 run in 1:46.3 for nine furlongs, was excellent…Tepid pick in a tough race to figure………Love So Deep is a good looking daughter of the recently deceased Deep Impact (who stood for eye popping $354,000). She ran very well in her last two overseas and gets first time Lasix here….Huge threat to win it all…………Since being switched over to the turf, the regally bred Romantic Pursuit has finally started running to her breeding. Nice looking filly by “King of the (Sales) Ring” Medaglia d’Oro out of multiple (including the Alabama) Stakes winner Questing, she sports a record of 4-2-2-0 since the change in surfaces. She will be taking a huge step up in class but she is improving as her BSF would indicate (last 4: 75, 77, 79 and 81). ……………..Honorable Mentions: Edisa has run well in all six career starts in France, is 2 for 2 at this distance and could easily better this rating………………………Wonderment has disappointed in three starts in France thus far in 2019. But note, she was a Group: 1 winner last year and, you guessed it, she also goes first time Lasix in here…………………..If you are hunting a longshot, take a look at the stretch running Art of Almost. Albeit she is 0 for 5 on the turf, she has run solid races back to back in her last two.
Race: 10 (5:47 PM EST Post)
Jockey Club Derby Invitational Stakes
It appears the longer the distance, the better Digital Age is. Yes, he was beaten by two different rivals in his last two races and both return in this spot. However, those two rivals; A Thread of Blue is stretching out and Henley’s Joy is somewhat inconsistent, both have “play against” angles in this spot…..Another tepid pick in another tough race to figure…………………….The aforementioned A Thread of Blue has good speed, draws the rail and took the $1 million Saratoga Derby field coast to coast (at 13-1) in his last while running his best BSF to date. However, this son of the gorgeous Hard Spun will have to go 2 ½ furlongs longer than he’s ever gone before………………When Henley’s Joy is right, he’s one tough hombre. The problem is he’s only been right 4 times in 12 career starts…………………….Honorable Mentions (and there are several due to the fact these horses coming from other countries are sooooooo tough to figure.) Spanish Mission is two necks shy of coming into this riding a three race win streak overseas and is still another who goes first time Lasix for his U.S. debut………………….Pedro Cara, who won his last two, and San Huberto, who is 3 for 5 in his career, both ship in from other parts of the world and both also go first time Lasix………………….Tone Broke made a splash in his turf debut in his last didn’t he? The son of Broken Vow came from behind to win a $400,000 (albeit restricted) Stakes race at Woodbine and his BSF have jumped noticeably from 2018 to 2019.
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Kentucky Downs
Race: 7 (4:53 PM EST Post)
Runhappy Turf Sprint
Leinster is sharp as a tack right now while coming from behind and reeling off three straight wins including a supersonic 5 ½ furlongs at Saratoga last time out. Good looking colt by Majestic Warrior is 3 for 4 on the turf and the added distance in this spot should only help him………..Narrowest of margins over win machine Imprimis, who is 7 for 10 in his career. In fact, if you draw a line through his last, where he shipped to Royal Ascot and didn’t run all THAT bad, he would be 7 for 9. Stretch runner by Broken Vow shows higher Brisnet speed figures that Leinster and figures bang up here………………Although he’s run very well in all four starts, 2018 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint winner Stormy Liberal is 0 for 2019. His speed figures have dropped slightly recently as well and although it might prove futile, I’m going to try to beat him in this spot……………Honorable Mentions: Totally Boss is also in peak form right now after winning three of his last four vs. lesser…………Wet Your Whistle had a four race win streak snapped by my top pick in his last. Although beaten fair and square in that race, this four year old by Stroll could easily bounce back in this spot.
Race: 8 (5:28 PM EST Post)
Three Chimneys Ladies Turf Stakes
Mitchell Road has serious early speed and sports a record of 8-5-2-0 in her career. Good looking filly by English Channel had a four race win streak snapped by Champion Sistercharlie in her last. She will be the recipient of two of my more favorite angles, a drop in class and a cut back in distance as well. Also note, she is 2 for 2 at this distance….Solid choice……………Ms Bad Behavior has chased Vasilika in her last three races and other than being pulled up early in her last, has not been embarrassed by her by any stretch of the imagination. This daughter of Blame will meet no such rival in this spot and she has hit the board in 13 of 16 career starts…………….Simply Breathless won her first two U.S. starts nicely and may have found the 1 3/16ths miles of the Modesty Stakes in her last a little too far. Drops back to a mile, which is clearly her best distance, as her 4 for 8 record would indicate…………….Honorable Mentions: If Kallio, who ran a mile in 1:32.3 in her last race/win duplicates that effort here, she could surprise a few people in this spot……………………..Storm the Hill has been “right there” in her last two races and you get the third start off the layoff angle this daughter of Get Stormy.
Race: 9 (6:01 PM EST Post)
Spendthrift Ladies Sprint
Oleksandra has won three of her last four, highlighted by coming from well back early on to take down the Smart and Fancy Stakes in her last at Saratoga. Five year old mare by Animal Kingdom ran into a minor traffic issue in deep stretch in that race but once she shook loose, she was visually impressive exploding through the final sixteenth of a mile……………….Tiny Tina has come from behind to beat lesser in four of her last five tries. Narrow margin for the place spot being she might need more distance as her 0 for 4 record at 6 ½ furlongs would indicate……………………May Lily is just 4 for 18 in her career but her last three races were all good and the final times in those three also suggest she could be among the vanguard at the end of this one………………………….Honorable Mentions: Morticia has been the post time favorite in her last six in a row but only rewarded her backers twice. This mare by Twirling Candy clearly has talent but I don’t like all the money she’s burned especially in her last three as she went off as the “stick” favorite……………….Cool Beans merits respect in this spot based off the fact that she’s never been off the board in 11 career tries…………Coexistence always gives a good account of herself and finished right behind May Lily twice recently.
Race: 10 (6:35 PM EST Post)
Calumet Farm Kentucky Turf Cup
Arklow just missed in his last three in New York vs. better. Stretch runner by Arch should get the job done here……………..Campaign disappointed (me) in the Pacific Classic last time out. But this $675,000 son of Curlin handles the turf, drops in class and is 2 for 2 on this surface……………..As I’ve stated several times before, Bigger Picture is a threat in just about any turf race he runs in………………Honorable Mentions: Zulu Alpha also drops after chasing much better in his last three. Note, he was beaten fair and square by Bigger Picture three starts back…………………If you are hunting a longshot in here, take a gander at a few including Pillar Mountain, who usually fires his best shot and although clearly overmatched in his last, didn’t fair all THAT bad, My Boy Jack who possesses a strong late run and appears to be rounding into top form, and Botswana, who almost pulled off a colossal upset last time out and has hit the board in 8 of 11 career starts.……………………..Factor This and Hello Don Julio both have good speed but could hurt each other chances if they hook up early.
By: Gerard Apadula
Director of Equine Operations and Development
Knights of the Round Stable Thoroughbred Racing Team
[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
2019- Record: 60-165 = 36%
2018- Record: 107-261= 41%
2017- Record: 92-235 = 39%
2016- Record: 91-229 = 40%
2015- Record: 67-180 = 37%
2014- Record: 29-73 = 40%
2013- Record: 20-59= 34%
2012 -Record: 24-73= 33%
2011 –Record: N/A
2010- Record: 24-74= 33%
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Little Bets N’ Pieces
**** Vegas Showgirl, dam of recently retired super mare Winx, has given birth to a filly by Japan's late champion sire Deep Impact at Segenhoe Stud in the Hunter Valley.
Peter O'Brien, who manages Segenhoe Stud, described the filly as Vegas Showgirl's 'best foal ever' and added that the result rewarded her owners' willingness to embark on an international breeding program with their band of high-class mares.
"She has thrown leggy types, and Winx herself was a very leggy foal but she has lovely quality with very good limbs and really what you would expect," O'Brien said.
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**** Five time Grade: 1 winner Midnight Bisou, the top-rated older female in North America, will be offered Nov. 4 by ELiTE Sales at The November Fasig-Tipton Sales.
Currently owned by Bloom Racing Stable, Madaket Stables, and Allen Racing, Midnight Bisou is an 11 time Graded Stakes winner from seven furlongs to 1 1/8 miles. She is undefeated in 2019 and has never finished off the board in 17 starts while earning $3,245,000.
"Very rarely is an in-form, young, set-to-be crowned champion offered at public auction," said ELiTE Sales' Bradley Weisbord. "Here is an opportunity to buy the best filly in training, a five-time grade 1 winner, and a superstar physical. We're honored that Bloom Racing has chosen ELiTE to consign her."

Don’t look now, but the road to the 2019 Kentucky Derby has started.
Churchill Downs, Belmont Park, Aqueduct, Keeneland and Los Alamitos have already run several races for two year olds who have long range plans for the Derby. Internationally, there have been two races in England run already and one in Japan.
On Sunday, Remington Park in Oklahoma City, OK will run the $400,000 Remington Springboard Mile for two year olds, as this is their long range race to start separating Derby pretenders from the Derby contenders. The eight furlong contest drew a field of eleven led by Epic Dreamer.
On Saturday, we will be looking at three races from Gulfstream Park in Florida headed by the $200,000, nine furlong Fort Lauderdale Stakes on the turf for three year olds and up.
While at Gulfstream we will also be looking at the Harlan’s Holiday Stakes, which will feature the gorgeous and mega talented Audible, and the My Charmer Stakes, a mile turf contest for three year olds and up fillies and mares.
Saturday, December 15, 2018
Gulfstream Park
Race: 5 (2:01 PM EST Post)
Harlan’s Holiday
I still think the incredibly handsome Audible is/was the second most talented three year old in the land in 2018. He started the year off taking down the Grade: 2 Holy Bull and then the Grade: 1 Florida Derby. I thought he ran lights out in the Kentucky Derby as well, as he had multiple traffic issues but still finished less than three lengths behind an eventual Triple Crown winner. This $500,000 son of Into Mischief then went on the shelf for 178 days but came back with a jaw dropping performance in his last at Churchill Downs. As far back as seventh at one point, he made an eye catching, five wide move on the turn to assume command of the race and cruised home two in front, stopping the clock in a sharp 1:22.2 for seven panels. This bay colt has worked well subsequently, is 5 for 7 in his career and, more importantly, he is 2 for 2 on this oval. The only thing that’s left is….are you willing to take what will probably be 1/5 or possibly 1/9 odds at post time? …………………………Village King looks to be about the only threat to Audible in this spot. After winning three of his first five starts in Argentina, this colt has clearly started to adapt to his new surroundings. He has progressively gotten better through his first three races in this country, topped off by a dead game win in the (rained off the turf) Red Smith Handicap at Aqueduct last time out. Trainer Todd Pletcher, who trains both Audible and this horse, sends out a solid 1-2 punch in this race……………………..Apostle is a $900,000 son of the “King of the (sales) Ring” Medaglia d’Oro. “MDO,” as he is affectionately called, sired an eye popping seven Grade: 1 winners last year and has sired more $1 million yearlings this year (8) than anyone else. Only two of greatest sires in the history of the sport (Northern Dancer and Storm Cat) had more. Not surprisingly, Apostle ran well in a turf experiment last time out and won his two previous races including one on this surface….looks best of the rest.
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Race: 9 (4:05 PM EST Post)
My Charmer Stakes
This race, and the other turf race (the Fort Lauderdale), get a little dicey with rain in the forecast for Saturday at Gulfstream so tread lightly should the turf course come up anything but firm. That said La Moneda, who sports a 9-6-2-0 record on the turf, is the logical choice here. This five year old mare had a four race win streak snapped by a poor ride (wide all the way around and a mistimed late move) in her last. In fact, that ride was so bad it probably cost the jockey the mount, as she gets a serious rider upgrade here (from Alvarado to Johnny V.). Additionally, she can handle some “give” in the ground and she is 4 for 4 at this distance……………………….. Play “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” with the rest of the field as they are closely matched. I’ll go with Bellavais who looked sensational beating high level optionals in her first race in almost a year, last time out. This $485,000, well bred (by Tapit out of Grade: 3 Stakes winner La Cloche, by the wickedly fast Ghostzapper) filly zipped a mile (a distance she is 4 for 7 at) in a strong 1:33 flat and she too can handle a little give in the ground…………………….I’m not a big fan of Capla Temptress, who is 0 for 5 this year, but she should appreciate the drop in class and not having to deal with star turf filly Rushing Fall in this spot like she did in two of her last three previous starts………………….Honorable Mentions: If Lafta draws in off the AEs, give her a look. Although this daughter of Kitten’s Joy will be taking a pretty big class hike, she is 2 for 2 at Gulfstream since coming over from France last year………………Cherry Lodge is a gorgeous, $450,000 filly by Bernardini who can pop a big race now and again. She will be stretching out in distance in this spot and with that, I suspect they will rate her off the pace and come with “one run”. If that’s the case, you could hear from her in deep stretch ……………..I’m Betty G has good speed but appears to be cycling out of form. A 22% Tyler Gaffalione, for whom she is 2 for 4 under, gets the leg up….could still be dangerous if left alone on an uncontested lead.
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Race: 11 (5:06 PM EST Post)
Fort Lauderdale Stakes
Qurbaan came from overseas and sprung a 13-1 upset in the Bernard Baruch at Saratoga in September. Five year old chestnut by broad spectrum sire Speightstown then launched a strong move leaving the half mile pole in the Grade: 1 Shadwell Mile in his last and, even though he hung like a cheap suit in deep stretch, he still managed to grab the “show dough”. He should relish the drop in class, the stretch out in distance and (hopefully) the firm turf course in this spot……...tepid pick in a tough one to figure out………………I’m not quite sure what happened to Glorious Empire in the Breeders’ Cup Mile last time out. The seven year old gelding showed speed for the first quarter mile but quickly shifted into reverse and backed all the way up to last before being eased late. His three previous races (all wins) were all top notch, highlighted by winning the Grade: 1 Sword Dancer at Saratoga two starts back. He has good speed, draws the rail, drops in class and cuts back in distance…certainly one or all of those factors should help him rebound in this spot…………………..After winning his last two “on the engine”, Blacktype is razor sharp right now. This French bred speedy seven year old won a Grade: 2 last time out and can handle a soft turf course…..figures prominent throughout………….....................…….Honorable Mentions: Albeit Projected in 0 for 6 this year, he always gives a good account of himself. This bay gelding has either won or finished less than two lengths behind the winner in each of his last seven straight races. That, readers, is consistency…………………………Mr Havercamp is 7 for 11 in his career. Although he might be a little better on the synthetic surface, he did win a Grade: 2 in Canada three starts back and then ran a strong second in a Grade: 1 two starts back, both on the turf. Also, that last work at Palm Meadows (4F- :47 flat, dogs up) just jumps off the page…………………………..I’m not quite sure what to make of Almanaar. Is it possible he may not have cared for turf courses labeled “good” in his last two, including being beaten by just 3 ¼ lengths in the Breeders’ Cup Mile last time out? Or is his form just erratic right now? I’ll go with the former and attack him like this….. If it’s a firm turf course come post time, I’ll move him up…if not, I’m going to leave him here…………………………Like Projected, Inspector Lynley is as consistent as the day is long. Five year old by Lemon Drop Kid rarely runs a bad race as his five on the board finishes in six races this year record would indicate………………..Zulu Alpha is peaking in form right now as he is just a neck shy of coming into this with a four race win streak in tow. My problem with him is even at peak form, I’m not sure he is good enough to beat these………………….Divisidero completely outran his odds (43-1) in the Breeders’ Cup Mile last time out when he finished fourth but was beaten by less than one length. Stretch runner by Kitten’s Joy likes this surface too, but he just doesn’t “win” often enough for me.
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^{Sunday, December 16, 2018}
Remington Park
Race: 11 (8:52PM EST Post)
Springboard Mile
Epic Dreamer has speed and the rail, which is always a dangerous combination. Although this colt by Orb hasn’t run in 51 days and will be trying this surface for the first time, he sports one of the most impressive work lines I’ve seen all year. Note the monster work over the deep surface of Palm Meadows on Nov 23 (5F- :58.3). Then note how he comes back a week later and rips a :47.4 half mile also at Palm Meadows, then comes to Remington Park and scorches a :47.1 half mile. Bottom line here is, he looks “revved up” for this and that last work also signals to me he will handle the RP surface just fine……close call in a fairly wide open horse race………………………It looks as though Dunph didn’t care for the sloppy track, or the wide trip, when checking in ninth, being beaten by 14 lengths in his last. Gelding by Temple City was super impressive winning his first two (dry track) starts, distance will be no problem and shows a strong work last week. I’m inclined to give him a “mulligan” for that last race and expect a good/bounce back performance here……………I think it’s a little out of control that trainer Steve Asmussen entered almost half (5) of this field (11). If they all start, and I doubt they will, the best of the bunch appears to be Long Range Toddy. This handsome colt by Take Charge Indy dead heated for fourth in his debut before pounding maidens in his second try, winning by almost six while coming home the last quarter in a decent :25 seconds flat. From there, he went off at over 10-1 and upset the field in the $100,000 Clever Trevor Stakes in his last. Although he cut back in distance for that race, I loved the way he withstood pace pressure on the lead, spurted away from the field at the three sixteenths pole, yet had enough left to fend off the late runners in deep stretch. I also like the ascending speed figures through all three career races, it signals to me he is getting better…………………………Honorable Mentions: Bankit used a brazen, four wide, sweeping run to lead, then drew off late in manhandling a NY State Bred field at Belmont in his last. Good looking colt improved his record to 5-2-2-0 with that win. It’s tough to get a read on whether this is a step up in class, a lateral move or a slight step down but no matter how you slice it, he figures bang up……………….Tone Broke seems to be coming to hand for, you guessed it, trainer Steve Asmussen as he was visually impressive in his last two races. Colt by Broken Vow broke his maiden by a colossal margin two back, and then came with a four wide rally to beat high level optionals last time out. Lastly, note the :24.3 seconds it took him to negotiate the last two furlongs, it’s among the fastest in this field…………………………………..Marquee Prince chased budding super star Improbable last time out when understandably being beaten by 10 lengths. His obviously meets no such rival (or monster) here and his previous two wins/races were good…………………….Six Shooter is improving with each subsequent race and has won two of his last three, highlighted by beating first level allowance foes while getting a mile in a good 1:36.4 last time out. That said, He’ll be stepping up in class big time here and the last quarter mile in his last race was run in a very pedestrian :26.3.
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By: Gerard Apadula
Director of Equine Operations and Development
Knights of the Round Stable Thoroughbred Racing Team
[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
2018- Record: 105-251= 42%
2017- Record: 92-235 = 39%
2016- Record: 91-229 = 40%
2015- Record: 67-180 = 37%
2014- Record: 29-73 = 40%
2013- Record: 20-59= 34%
2012 -Record: 24-73= 33%
2011 –Record: N/A
​
Little Bets N’ Pieces
**** North America’s richest race, the Pegasus World Cup, field is beginning to take shape.
The connections of Breeders’ Cup Classic third place finisher Gunnevera committed their stretch runner to the Jan 26 race.
In addition to Gunnevera, Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Accelerate, Seeking the Soul, Bravazo and True Timber are also confirmed.
Michael Tabor, Susan Magnier, and Derrick Smith's Coolmore have purchased a spot for a horse “to be determined”.
2018 Florida Derby winner Audible, assuming he runs well and comes out of the Harlan Holiday Stakes well on Saturday, is also being pointed to the Pegasus World Cup.
At this writing, 2018 Cigar Mile winner Patternrecognition is “under consideration” for the Pegasus.
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**** Keros, a half-brother to Breeders' Cup Classic winner Blame, broke his maiden by 10 lengths on Saturday night at Turfway Park.
The four year old by First Samurai, who was ridden by Malcolm Franklin and is trained by Tommy Drury, covered six furlongs in 1:10.2.
Keros was making his first start since being gelded and his third start overall. Campaigned by Claiborne Farm and Adele Dilschneider, like Blame, Keros has earned $15,342.
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**** After recording a four furlong work in :47 seconds flat on Monday morning, it appears two time Grade:1 winner Bellafina will make an early return to the races for her three year old debut.
"She did it really easily. We weren't necessarily looking to go quite as quick as she did, but she did it super easily and was just feeling good," trainer Simon Callaghan said of the bullet work of 87. "It definitely was a very good work."
The effort marked Bellafina's third half-mile move at Santa Anita since finishing a disappointing fourth as the favorite in the Nov. 2 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies at Churchill Downs. Before Monday's workout, the daughter of Quality Road went in :50 flat Nov. 24 and :49 2/5 Dec. 2.
"She's doing really well," Callaghan added. "We gave her sort of a down period after the Breeders' Cup for a couple of weeks. She's been mentally very good. We brought her back galloping and based on this morning's work I think it's likely we'll bring her back in the (Jan 6 ) Santa Ynez Stakes."
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***** It looks as though super mare Winx will be back in training for 2019.
Trainer Chris Waller said on Twitter Tuesday the winner of 29 consecutive races, including an unprecedented four straight Cox Plates, is coming back off a rest and that a campaign for next spring (fall in Australia) is “likely.”
She'll be 8 years old in 2019.
“Winx has enjoyed her spell and commenced some light pre training at the farm a few weeks ago,” said Waller. “She has progressed well since returning, is bright and looks in excellent condition so I look forward to her return to our stables this week”.
“I plan to meet with the ownership group and (jockey) Hugh Bowman next week to discuss her immediate future.”
Winx is currently tied in the “World's Best Racehorse Rankings” with Cracksman.
In her career, she was won an incredible 33 out of 39 starts.
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