"The Other Bird," Zenyatta, Rachel Alexandra, and Birdy

Summer Bird in the Belmont...YAHOO! Love the 'other bird!' Wanted an underdog for the

Rachel Alexandra is incredible, but she's no Zenyatta, perfect 11 for 11 under 129 pounds. On any other day, Rachel would astound me, and she still does. She's amazing. But Zenyatta, is she even beatable? C'mon Jackson, quit ducking the big Z! Rachel cannot be named Horse of the Year without defeating Zenyatta. Rachel has run on sythenics before, and won, mind you. What exactly is the problem here?

Hehe, with Borel off 'Birdy, I hope "Chip" Wooley realizes how badly he needed 'Bo-rail.' Not that I hate Birdy, just Chip. Looking forward to the future.

Stuff to Catch Up On

What a couple of weeks! Because I'm a lazy blogger (have too much to do) I haven't been on lately and I apoligize.

Anyway, so much has gone on that I'll just start from the beginning and work my way down. Hang on, it might be a while.

Derby: Actually, I never got to discuss the Derby, so let's rewind back to that. As Green but Game, a statue should be erected in honor of whoever in the horse racing world put any money on the 'then-unknown-now-a-superstar' Mine that Bird. Kudos to Calvin Borel and Birdy's team. Honestly, so much has been said already about the Derby that I'm not going to drone on about it. Any questions about the Derby seem to have been answered in the Preakness, so we'll move on.

KY Oaks: Personally, I prefered it over the Derby. One, I picked the winner. And two, it was just a knockout race. Rachel Alexandra just floated around the track and demolished the field. It seems like the tides are changing. Last year, the Oaks was run in the slop and the Derby fast, with the girls seemingly tightly grouped and a knockout winner in Big Brown. This year, the exact opposite has happened. This was one of favorite races thus far. Keep 'ol Rachel in your back pocket, she's pretty useful to bet one.

Note: Kudos to Einstein! I had a bet on you too big boy, and I'm so happy you have through! Congrats Helen Pitts!

The Sale: We all knew, after the Oaks, that the buyers would line up. And seriously, Hal Wiggins didn't stand a chance. When you have a horse like that, the big buyers will line up for miles to add that particular jewel to their crown. And Rachel is more like a diamond. It's sickening though, every time it happens. Hal Wiggins did all the work with this filly, working with her, believing in her when no one else did, giving her a second chance. And then, just because he landed a special horse, she gets ripped out from under him. But I was shocked by the buyer. Jess Jackson? I expected to find IEAH sniffing around again, but maybe their blunders with Patena and I Want Revenge have taught them something. I doubt it though. Those people are too thick headed. Anyway, the fact that she went to Steve Assmusen's barn just lit a firecracker in my mind. I knew it was coming, but I was still furious. Poor Rachel and poor Hal. What a awful, gold-digging operation.

And what's in between....not much....ugh...no one really cares anyway, onto the Preakness!

Preakness: Let me be the first to say...I called it! I told all my friends it would be the filly, and boy was it ever! What a special girl! I'm so very proud of her, running with the big boys with all those things against her! I shall make a list of them now...

Things working against Rachel Alexandra in the Preakness

1. Changes trainer hands, new trainer coming in every morning, feeding and being with you
2. Change of barn, new sights, smells, horses, and nothing is familiar
3. Had already run a steller race in the Oaks, PR race
4. Race was not to her liking, either dry or slopply would be better. Soft track does not suit her style. In fact, the first thing Calvin mentioned after the race was that she didn't run her best.
5. Was the pace maker and set blazing fractions
6. Had to hold off an incredible closer in Mine that Bird
7. Was pressed by Big Drama for lead, speed duel, before striking out on her own
8. New grooms at the barn, new people taking care of her, leading her, grooming her, saddeling her, putting her bridle on
9. Never run at Pimlico
10. Has had a packed racing scheduale, compared to her rivals
11. Was running against fresh or fresher colts

Really, do I need to go on? Let's just say that when the jockey jumps from one horse to the other, it's a sign. The jock knows the horse better than anyone. I salute Calvin Borel on his smart choice, and hope he continues his succesful run this year. He had every right to take which horse he though was better, and he did. So stop screaming at him, Birdy fans who no nothing about racing. Leave Calvin alone. I like Birdy and we'll get into the Belmont later, but the filly's better. And on a side note, my little Musket Man finished third both in the Derby and the Preakness, and was right on Birdy's flank at Pimlico. Watch out for the Haskell, little Musket Man is one to watch.

Oh, and those who are all, "Well, if it had been another fifty feet..." No. Stop there. The bottom line is not it wasen't another fifty feet Mine that Bird didn't pass Rachel, and I don't believe he would have anyway. Watch again. As they near the wire, as soon as Birdy is close enough for Rachel to notice him out of the corner of her eye, she kicks in it again. He never passes her after the wire in the gallop out. It just wasen't going to happen. Look at the pictures. She still looking at Mine that Bird, because she dosen't know it's over. Bottom line, Rachel won, Birdy was second. He's good but he's wasen't good enough. No one complained about Barbaro's Holy Bull Stakes, where Great Point was charging. Same sense. Stop being sore because Birdy lost when you didn't even know he was three weeks ago.

I could ramble about all the little races in between, but no one would read, so I'll skip right to Zenyatta's season debut, which was one to remember.

Milady: Watch Zenyatta. No, not the horse flying at the front. No, not the horse mid pack. No, not Life is Sweet, dodging along at the back. Look further back, dead last, for the casual mare just loping along because she has all the time in the world and she knows it. First start in seven months, and for a second there, I started wondering if she was a little flat. I had bashed the nay-sayers, then I got worried. But no need to be afraid! Zenyatta comes sweeping around the turn, like some other worldly bird or maybe a goddness, and just crusing to the wire. What's hilarous, it that all the other horses have ears back, trying their hardest. Then look at Zenyatta. She's just for a stroll, running easy and cool as a cucumber. This mare never ceases to amaze. Love Zenyatta, a perfect 10 for 10!

Next post: The Belmont!

He did it!

No, I don't mean Mine that Bird or the Preakness. Yes, I should be concered and be blogging about the Preakness. Yes, I should be blogging about 'Rachel's chances. But I'm too worried over the NUMB3RS finale. Charlie and Amita...will they get married?!

Something straight from fairytail center...

I couldn't believe it.

I cried.

I fully admit it without shame. I cried, sobbed great tears of happiness when I saw this.

Usually, romance and fairytail stories repulse me. I like realism. Stuff with meat, resistance. Stuff that matters. But this story, this is both unbelievable and true as day. It's incredible, and I know that it's a sign sent straight from the Lord himself. From Barbaro's slot, on his track, on his footing, with Anna Rose in the saddle. By more than 15 lengths.

Kudos to Nicanor and all connections who are too numerous to name. Kudos to big brother up in the sky. And kudos to the Lord for letting my dream come true.

Really?! REALLY?!

The problem with the Derby is that too many IGNORANT people get involved.

Just like this.

Desert CANDY?! Really, people?

Whew. The Derby is May 2, for anyone who didn't know. I don't know what to expect in the world anymore.

Song of the Week - April 23rd

- Rodney Atkins Lyrics

Easter Sunday Update

Let's just take this beautiful, special day to forget about the scum-bags of racing and reflect on the coming Derby as well as the recent developments on the Derby trail.

First of all, Papa Clem came through Arkansas Derby, General Quarters won the Blue Grass, and I Want Revenge has become to the next Big Brown.

And, *cry* my beautiful boy Old Fashioned was retired due to his injury he sustained in the Arkansas. Personally, I'm extremly proud of him for finishing second in the race against a very underrated colt while injuried mid-race. He had a ton of heart and talent, and I'm going to miss him very much on the track. Hope to see his foals soon!

Well done!

What a week!

Well Armed was clearly the star of the show in the Dubai World Cup, and WOW. I mean, did you watch it? It was incredible. What sweet revenge after the Breeders Cup for his connections! And way to go Aaron Gryder! I really like this jockey, and I think he's underrated. So was Well Armed. Fourteen lengths! Really people, this defies all!

And I was right (again) about an overrated Triple Crown hope (I hope.) Dunkirk did not win the Flordia Derby, and as much as Todd Pletcher snipped about the track and blah, blah, blah, I'm just not sure if this colt has what it takes. Sure, he's fast, but I'm not convinced that he has what it takes. You know, the grit and determination. I don't want another Big Brown dissapointment on my hands. And Quality Road was solid. I think he has grit. I tossed in his baby picture and his Flordia Derby win just for fun.

Indian Blessing finished a gritty second in Dubai (how could I forget about my girl?) against the boys. Yes, PETA, it can be done and not be dead. This filly is living proof that women have every right to play with the big boys in their sandbox (pun intended.) Way to go Blessing, I think you're a star.

THIS WEEKEND: Santa Anita Derby. Stay tuned!

PS - I went to watch the Carolina Cup this past weekend, and placed Good Night Shirt first and Preemptive Strike second...the EXACT order! Woo-hoo to me!

Can I wait till Friday, April 24th?!

Thanks to the fact that I have obtain the all-powerful power to Google, I have learned that NUMB3RS episode 5.20 shall be one to be remembered. So will the season finale, but if you are a Don-whumper fan, get ready. Cause you're gonna droll.

Just to help you out, I made a promo based on what I have heard about this incredible episode. Yes, I can't wait till April 24th.

Song of the Day

- Darryl Worley Lyrics

Goodbye, Arcangues

Well, sad news again.

Jerry Bailey's legendary 133-1 Breeders Cup Classic winner, Arcangues, died today in Japan. He was euthanized from founder complications. 

And while he will always be a 'Frenchy horse, I think America embraced him. We watched a shock and we got a shock. What a great race that was. If you havn't watched it, please, it's viewable on YouTube. Please go and see. You're missing out on a piece of history.

Bye, buddy. Already the world seems a bit less big.

ON FIRE!!!!

YES!

Friesan Fire and Team Larry Jones won the Lousiana Derby today...in a romp mind you. 7 1/2 lengths to be exact. In the slop. All the nay-sayers can just shut up because I WAS RIGHT ABOUT THIS COLT FIVE MONTHS AGO! I really can't express my excitment over the fact that while Friesan Fire was en route to punching his Derby ticket, making me the happiest fandicaper on earth, and gaining justice for Jones and Saez, he waltzed all over IEAH''s Derby dreams at the same time.

Now, I might regret saying this later. He will come back later and win and make me look like an ignorant fool. But right now, I'm so delighted that my horse, my trainer, and my favorite jockey have recieved just reward, that I don't care what a fool this may make me in the future, I'll gonna say it anyway 'cause I can.

PATENA SUCKS.

I know. Let the name calling, slander, suing and what not begin. But I'm having a party right now, and Patena is the pinata.

More on the rest of Saturday's prep later, (but really, who needs it? This was good enough for me!)

Wow...it's been a while...

Sup guys?

Geez, it's been a while. Studying and riding seems to suck the hours out of your day, so you could say that I'm had no time as of late.

But, forget about me! The exciting stuff is the Derby, and March is certainly an exciting time.  A lot of stuff has happened, so we'll begin.

First of all, let me express my never-ending dissapointment aimed at the IEAH Stables. Stardom Bound was not "much the best" as they expected her to be in the Santa Anita Oaks, but they just yank her off the Derby trail? I'm only slightly disgusted (yeah right) with their decision. She had a horrible trip, but she overcame it, fought back, and ran her heart out to win. I personally agree with Green But Game on this one in the fact that I'm furious at their lack of confidence in her. They're expecting the next Big Brown when they should just be content that they have a fantastic filly that just won them another Grade I race. I think she showed grit, courage, and heart, and don't appreciate all the negative comments aimed at her over this.

Then came the Big Cap. I will not bore you with the details, but the short of it was that I was jumping up and down screaming Einstein when they hit the stretch. Goodness, details are not needed here. Just watch the race!

Ventura showed grit, but Gio Ponti won out in the Kilroe Mile. I think it was a promising start against the males, an exciting race, and an exciting win for the underrated Gio Ponti. Just hope that Ventura's connections don't jump the boat like Stardom Bound's did.

My pick for the Gotham Stakes came through with flying colors as I Want Revenge ran away with it by 8 1/2 lengths! I was really looking for this colt to improve after running tough races, and he did. Very impressive performace, and he's swooped to my Derby Top Ten.

There's actually a lot more for me that I can discuss, but I'll do that later, because I want to get down to the business that's going on this weekend on the Derby Trail

Old Fashioned is definitly my choice in the Rebel, although a wet track might not be to his liking. Freisan Fire gets my vote in the LA Derby, while Giant Oak is worth the watch. Proud Spell finished second in her four year old debut, and EPSN had dropped KY Oaks coverage for this year. Yep, that all just about sums it up...

Be back tommorrow for results!

Best New Song

- Taylor Swift Lyrics

Derby Prep Weekend - March 1

Anyone (including me) who was not convinced with The Pamplemousse before, is now fairly impressed. His easy win in the Sham was very convicing. Alex Solis also took the nerve to say that he had, "Never ridden anything like him." Now, Alex has ridden some special horses, including Pleasantly Perfect, Brother Derek, and Kona Gold. We'll see how good The Pamplemousse will become, but he's earned a right to your top Derby Dozen, at least.

Midshipman off the Derby Trail? Is this a joke? Apparently not. The BC Juv. winner injured some soft tissue in his leg while galloping in Dubai, and he's out for a while. What a sham. While I was not his biggest fan, (or at all,) he was a beautiful colt that we've not really seen at his very best against the very best.

How about Quality Road! He beat a very 'quality' (pun intended) in the Fountain of Youth, and he looked quite the part. I have to say that I'm dissapointed in my other three picks: Capt. Candyman Can, Notonthesamepage, and This Ones for Phil. They just didn't have it today.

Just another reason to hate IEAH. Stardom Bound is most likey headed for the Santa Anita Oaks and the Kentucky Oaks than the Derby's. Really, she looks so good right now that I don't see why see can't race against the boys. IEAH, (Lord, I hate that name. I mean, it's a corp. In horse racing. This is just disgusting.)  is probably looking back at the Eight Belles fiacso and getting cold feet. Sorry Michael, but just about everyone that really knows about you hates you anyway, so you don't have that much to lose anyway. They probably want to try and pull the one-one running in the Oaks-Derby that Larry Jones nearly pulled off last year. Sorry again, but Larry Jones is much more incredible that IEAH and Rick Dutrow anyday.

Yes, I know that it's still open for her to enter either race, but after IEAH decided to bring Benny the Bull back after his career ending injury and after he won Sprinter of the Year, I just don't trust them. At all. And I'm not of fan of Patena. Not yet at all by any standards. I think he's overrated. 

And Dunkirk? I mean really...who is he?! I REFUSE to jump anywhere NEAR his bandwagon until I get soild proof of a Derby winner.

Got Fever?

Yes, folks, its that time of year again.

Derby Fever has hit. Full stride, actually. It should be enough to melt whats left of the ice storm in Kentucky, including Capt. Candyman Can (pictured) in his most recent victory, one that I liked.

This week features a some awesome races, with the reaturn of some notable racers. So, we'll start with a list:

Risen Star: Not usually a great race in prep for the TC. Take Notional for example. But he turned into something later, as an older horse, so we may see that again. Notable names here are Giant Oak, Freisan Fire, and Indygo Mountain. Giant Oak's runner-up effort in the Jockey Club Gold Cup was a gutty one, but right now, my money would be on Freisan Fire. Not only am I a HUGE Larry Jones fan, but this colt looked really pumped in his last start, and there's not a reason to believe that Larry won't keep him pumped. Is he a top TC contender? Not yet. We'll see after tommorrow. And keep Indygo Mountain in mind. Not sure why, but he interests me.

Robert B. Lewis Stakes: Keep in mind that Great Hunter won this race before, and now he can't win an allowance race. Not hatin' on 'Hunter, but it's the truth. Pioneerof the Nile is certainly the one to beat, but I don't love him yet. Let him win tommorrow, and he gets some of my support. He's been fast in the mornings, but Old Fashioned bests him. I Want Revenge is looking for it, as is Bittel Road, and I prefer 'Bit. Keep in mind Brother Keith and Charlie's Moment. Both are looking for the right time to make their move. This one is a bit wide open. 'Nile is the obvious choice, but sometimes, that's not the smart choice.

Las Virgenes: Stardom Bound. Yes, I am going against the grain of reality, and voting for the champion filly. Recent years tell us that champion two year olds sometimes peak at two (Dreaming of Anna for example) and don't fare well in the TC, although they usually pick up later. If you want a longshot, I'd go with Sauncy Evening or African Skies.

Injuries Update: Both Saratoga Sinner (winner of the Holy Bull Stakes last weekend) and Square Eddie are out: Saratoga with a bone chip and Eddie with a sore shin. Didn't see much in Saratoga, but I like Eddie, even if he was a bit overrated. But he never gave up, and I'm sad that we won't get to see what else he can do for a while.

Works: Patena, the recent IEAH purchase who is 'overthrowing' Stardom Bound, is going to head into the La. Derby, while Old Fashioned continues to scare the holy crap out of everyone with his sizzling workouts. Can't wait for him to run in the Southwest Stakes next weekend.

Off the trail...

We skip to the San Antonio Handicap, where Well Armed and Tiago are set to clash, along with Champ Elysees, who needs to make a big move to stay in the stakes picture. Not sure what happened to Well Armed in the BC, but he's still one to watch and one that I like. Tiago is still my favorite, as he has been for years. I'm looking for a win from my boy, with Well Armed in for second. He ran so well in the Classic against Curlin, that I think he's shaping up to be great.

- pm06

Nicky's made it to the races

The most anticipated three year old in America is set to make his debut today.

Nicanor, the ghost of Barbaro, is the champion's younger brother, a little bay with a huge destiny. At least that's what the fans say. He was so late to mature, that he's starting his racing career very late and therefore, will probably not make the Triple Crown, not matter how good he is.

I, for one, am extremly excited. I have been following this beautiful colt since he was a yearling, and he has a curious nature. He's more inmature than Barbaro was, but he has the same look. And Edgar Prado will be his jockey for the eight race at Gulfstream Park on the Donn Handicap and Holy Bull Stakes undercap, a race Barbaro won as a three year old. Post time in 4:43pm. If you have TVG, as I do, watch it. I don't care what the outcome is, this is Nicky. The long-awaited brother of Barbaro. This is special.

And I will quote Edgar Prado new book, My Guy Barbaro, (which is also amazing and you should read it) by saying, "And call me crazy, but I believe that Nicanor is going to rewrite what the Barbaro story. He is going to give it a happy ending. Wouldn't that be something? People would cheer. They would fall down crying and laughing. It would be the greatest story ever told."

Yes, it would.

Too much to take in

The last couple of days have been jam packed.

So much has happened that I can't really take in all in. I'll give you the stats, but I can't bore you with the details, cause I'm feeling pretty drained right now.

Sad news first. Indyanne and Go Between are no longer with us. Indyanne was is a lot of pain from the sound of it, and she was put down. Go Between suffered a heart condition after a recent workout and died shortly after. Shock only begins to describe my feelings. And Begin, the dam of champ Xtra Heat, died.

Peppers Pride was retired and is booked to Tiznow. Can't wait to see what that combination that produces.

Derby fever has already hit with the San Rafael. Watch it if you can. Square Eddie, Fiddlers Afleet, Brother Keith and Charlie's Moment are worth watching.

Two of my fav sprinters (since Lute's retired) will be in the Mr. Prospect: Kelly's Landing and Black Seventeen. Watch them run one-two. (I hope.)

My 'bad cat' is back in the San Fernando too. Here's hoping he does well. I'm also interested in Nownownow, Slew's Tiznow, and Tres Borrachos.

Without Go Between or Smooth Air, who will you pick for the Sunshine Millions? I'm stumped. Maybe Macho Again?

Zenyatta gets justice with the NTRA Moment of the Year. Prelude to the HoTY?!

Country Star and Proud Spell are back for 2009.

Splash of Vanilla is at Keenland, while Azeri failed to sale.

And Storm Cat is back! (QH?!) For $20,000. Never though I'd see the day.