Horse Racing News - August 20th

[Justpat]

The Grade I Alabama is coming up.

Sis City, Spun Sugar, Ready and Alluring. Bill Mott has Sweet Symphony on first time lasix. Good day for it. It's hot and
steamy here. It rained all morning, then cleared off and warmed
up.

We scratched out of the sixth - taken off the grass. Port Chester
will run in the Saranac, Grade III 9/4. He deserves a shot.

The ninth race at the Spa is an overnight stake on the turf for
horses which have not won a sweepstakes on the turf in 04-05.
It was written for Bobby Frankel's horse, Diamond Green(Fr).

[Justpat]

1. Sweet Symphony won by six - easily.

She looks like she is just galloping the whole way around.

Spun Sugar second.

[two gun sid]

2. As Spun Sugar's biggest fan all I can say is...

Damn it. I wanted her to win this race.

[two gun sid]

3. Boxnoxious is best in NH Sweeps Prep

From USTA website:
SALEM, NH -- Bobnoxious notched the mild upset in the $20,000 New Hampshire Sweepstakes Prep at Rockingham Park on Saturday as he wore down heavily favored Whosurboy in deep stretch.

The five-year-old invader from Delaware, sent off as the 7-2 second choice in the field of six top pacers, raced in the second flight before making his bold move late and crossed under the wire in 1:51.4 on a fast track. Alpine Dandy, a 15-1 shot, got up to be second and Whosurboy hung on for third.

"The race came down pretty much as I expected," said Sam Beegle, who has now trained the winner to 12 victories this season. "Bob can do it any way he wants to. He's one tough cat. There's nothing pretty about him. He's the working man's horse, and he's a tough old horse."

Regular driver Tim Curtin didn't even have to encourage Bobnoxious with his whip as he drew away by 1 1/2 lengths. Beegle is looking forward to a return engagement in next Saturday's $100,000 New Hampshire Sweepstakes Final.

http://www.ustrotting.com/absolutenm/anmviewer.asp?a=11161&z=1


Bob was foaled about a mile down the road from us. I saw him being trained on Bailey Hwy. That's right, he trained on a dirt road. He won everything in MI as a 2 & 3 YO. He went out to Delaware last winter and won a bunch of races and became a huge fan favorite at Dover.

Go Bobnoxious!

[Justpat]

5. That name is a classic!

[two gun sid]

35. NH Sweeps at Rockingham on Saturday

Please join me in cheering Bobnoxious on in this $100,000 race. If he wins he will have over $600,000 in lifetime earnings. Not often you see a standardbred from MI amass a bankroll like that.

Go Bob Go!

[u4ic]

4. Roses in May retired

with a tendon injury: http://racing.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=29595

Promising 2 year old What a Song euthanized: http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/todaysnews/newsview.asp?recno=56833&subsec=1


I don't know if anyone has been following this, but it's bizarre to say the least: http://breeding.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=29582


Tests Confirm Horse Is Not Dubai Excellence

DNA testing has confirmed that the horse sent to stand at stud in Australia is not Dubai Millennium's half-brother, Dubai Excellence.

Michael Ford, keeper of the Stud Book in Australian, stated DNA tests had confirmed what many had suspected, that a case of mistaken identity has indeed happened. And, that it is fortunate it was discovered before the Southern Hemisphere breeding season begins in a few weeks.

The situation first came to light earlier this week when preliminary blood tests revealed the horse sold by Darley to stand at Evergreen Lodge, owned by Western Australia Turf Club chairman Ted Van Heemst, was not Dubai Excellence.

"We have tested this mystery horse and it is definitely not Dubai Excellence," said Ford. "The Australian Equine Genetics Research Centre at the University of Queensland, which provides the Australian Stud Book's parentage testing service, reported that DNA from a second set of hair samples proved that the horse currently standing at Evergreen Lodge in Western Australia is not who he is supposed to be. As to who this horse is, well we do not know that.

[Justpat]

6. I cannot wait to hear the explanation for this one.

Whoever is responsible better watch out. The horse is owned by
the Arabs.

[u4ic]

29. Looks like they found Dubai Excellence

in Ukraine!

http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=29667

The Blood-Horse has learned that the search for the stallion Dubai Excellence, a half-brother to Dubai Millennium, has turned to the Ukraine, the former Russian territory which is an independent country.
This is where the horse thought to be Samood, who has just been identified as the stallion believed initially to be Dubai Excellence in Australia, is meant to have gone, sources close to the situation have said.

Michael Ford, keeper of the Australian Stud Book, confirmed earlier this week that recent DNA test have confirmed a stallion presently in Australia and believed to have been Dubai Excellence, is actually Samood, an Irish-bred son of Caerleon out of the Ahonoora mare Park Appeal.

"It seems that the mix-up occurred when both stallions shared a paddock near Newmarket in England" Ford said. "The wrong stallion left for Europe instead of going into quarantine for his trip to Australia."

[aaronbees]

17. At this rate....

with the older division horses falling like flies, perhaps Funny Cide should be aimed toward the Breeder's Cup Classic now. :P Honestly, though, it's a shame about Roses in May ... his Dubai win was impressive; the curse continues.

[Justpat]

21. Funny Cide probably should aim for the BC.

He is in the next barn from us. He looks great - dapples all over
and he has some foot issues being worked out. He should have a
good fall.

[bread_and_roses]

22. Thank you for that news

I am a great fan of FC and always happy to hear good news of him.

And congratulations on your win - I read about it lower down in the thread. I also loved your 'crooked...but tons of class' description :).

[Justpat]

24. If we could put this horse's heart and mind into

a sound body we'd have another TC winner. As it is, we watch
him in awe and respect for the wins he manages to pull off
on class alone. Every leg turns in a different direction.

[two gun sid]

7. Ritchey confident Afleet Alex will race again this year

From Thoroughbred Times:
Afleet Alex is not healing as quickly as his handlers had hoped three weeks after surgery to repair a hairline fracture in his left front cannon bone, but trainer Tim Ritchey said the three-year-old son of Northern Afleet is making progress.

"He is healing well," Ritchey said Saturday from Delaware Park. "He has not healed as much as we would have liked, but there is no reason to think that he won’t be back to the track this year."

The winner of the Preakness Stakes (G1) and Belmont Stakes (G1) this spring after finishing third in the Kentucky Derby (G1), Afleet Alex had a screw inserted through the fracture that was discovered on July 27. He had been walking at Ritchey’s barn at Saratoga Race Course in 30-minute sessions four times a day.

On Friday, Dr. Larry Bramlage reviewed X-rays and examined Afleet Alex in Saratoga, where it was determined the fracture was not healing as quickly as he had first thought it might.

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/todaysnews/newsview.asp?recno=56848&subsec=2

[two gun sid]

8. Foal pictures.

I went crazy with the camera on Friday. I so enjoy these horses.



The little guy was being a monster and tried to get me about 3 times. Nothing mean or vicious, just being a horse and playing.



One more of 2 YO trotter Mick and Jack.

[aaronbees]

15. Nice photos, Sid...

that little monster is a cutie.

[u4ic]

25. Great pics, sid!

Wow, your little one is just adorable. He's got that impish look to him...;-)

Your 2 yr old is lovely, he has a lot of presence.

[two gun sid]

34. Thanks, aaronbees and u4ic.

Mick the 2 YO is my favorite horse. He's such a character, I wish everyone could meet that big bum. He has a racing heart. His immature body is letting him down.

The foal is gonna be weaned pretty soon. He's such a little shit I'm not looking forward to it. I know I'm gonna catch the blues with him.

[Justpat]

9. We won the third today at the Spa.

Thank God.

It was a crooked legged four year old NY bred. He has appalling
conformation but tons of class. We love him.

[two gun sid]

10. Congratulations!

I see Frankel finished 2nd in the 9th yesterday.

[Justpat]

11. I have to admit that I was glad that he was 2nd.

They wrote it just for him - then Graham Motion won by at least
a length.

[two gun sid]

12. Two years ago it was Bobby Frankel's world...

and we just lived in it. Now he's not winning races wrote for his horse. That's all I'm gonna say about that.

[u4ic]

27. I've been thinking the same thing...

[aaronbees]

16. Congrats! ...

:toast: :bounce:

[Justpat]

20. Thanks!

[u4ic]

26. Congrats, Old Broad!

:toast:

[two gun sid]

13. Borrego Wins Pacific Classic in Upset

From ChicagoSports.com:
DEL MAR, Calif. -- Always close and consistent, Borrego had never broken through with a victory in a big race.

That changed Sunday, with the 4-year-old colt coming from off the pace to win the $1 million Pacific Classic by a half-length in a thrilling finish at Del Mar.

Borrego held off Perfect Drift, another persistent older horse who finished second to Pleasantly Perfect in last year's race at the seaside track.

Lava Man was a neck back in third and Choctaw Nation was a head back in fourth.


http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/horseracing/wire/sns-ap-rac-pacific-classic,1,134902.story?coll=sns-ap-horseracing-headlines&ctrack=1&cset=true

[jakefrep]

14. American Ideal blows away Confederation Cup field...

...American Ideal set a track record of 1:50 3/5 in winning Confederation Cup XXIX at Flamboro Downs Sunday night.

This horse is probably the Little Brown Jug winner if he's healthy. He was extremely impressive winning that race last night. I was there. Flamboro is a very nice half-mile track just outside of Hamilton, Ontario.

More here...

http://www.ustrotting.com/absolutenm/anmviewer.asp?a=11188&z=1

[two gun sid]

18. Michigan Elite raced at Saginaw

From USTA website:
The Michigan Colt Stakes Elite Series was raced on Sunday at Saginaw Harness Raceway.

The 2-year-old colt pace was carded as an early non-betting race, in which five colts went postward. Dark Blue, with Darrell Wright aboard, took command early and led at every call for owner and trainer Mike Abbiss, and cruised to a two and one-half length win, in 1:56. Action Figure, with Eric Goodell driving, and Takingitforgranite, with Peter Wrenn at the controls, rounded out the top-three finishers.

In the 2-year-filly trot, Premium Vintage was the crowd favorite -- and didn’t disappoint. She left alertly from the number seven post, cut the fractions, and cruised to a one and one-quarter length victory for owners Steve Oldford, Jarold Hawks, and Joe Konen. Premium Vintage now has posted five wins in 10 starts, and Jeff Sweeney was in the sulky on Sunday. Word For Word finished a game second, and Sashaway rebounded from a break at the top of the stretch and finished in third place.

In the 2-year-old filly pace, six fillies lined up behind the starting gate in search of the winner’s share of the $15,840 purse. Ladyfield, with Kim Pluta driving, went for the lead, followed by Baywatch with driver Tyler Buter, and got to the quarter pole in :291. Sweet Thunder, with Danny Davidson up, popped out of the three hole as she approached the half-mile pole, reached in 1:01, and battled nose for nose with Ladyfield as they passed the three-quarters in 1:302.

http://www.ustrotting.com/absolutenm/anmviewer.asp?a=11199&z=1

[two gun sid]

19. Falcon Almahurst dead at 30

From USTA website:
Falcon Almahurst was euthanized Sunday at Autumn Breeze Farm in Delaware County, Ohio. The 30-year-old son of Meadow Skipper had been retired from active breeding service since 1999 and was living out his life as a pensioner.

Standing his entire stud career in Ohio, Falcon Almahurst sired the winners of more than $48.1 million. He had 116 pacers with 1:55 marks, including the millionaire mare Stienam p, 3, 1:53.4, a Breeders Crown winner as a 3-year-old in 1985. He also sired the Little Brown Jug winner B J Scoot p, 3, 1:52.3h ($891,010).

Daughters of Falcon Almahurst produced Yes Its True p, 5, 1:50.2 ($883,029), Crisp Sahbra p, 6, 1:51.1 ($856,066) and other outstanding pacers such as Shadow Dance, Ultimate Falcon, K F Pr Sam, Falcons Scooter, Regent Hall, and Here’s A Quarter.

When Falcon Almahurst retired to stud at Hill Farms in Ohio at the end of 1978, he was the fastest 3-year-old ever on both a half-mile and mile tracks. His half-mile track mark of 1:55.2 was taken winning the fastest heat of the 1978 Jug over Abercrombie. Falcon dropped the raceoff in the Jug to Happy Escort.



http://www.ustrotting.com/absolutenm/anmviewer.asp?a=11189&z=1

[aaronbees]

23. Thanks, Dubya...

saw someone post this on the Thoroughbred Champions forum. Check the name and pedigree --> http://www.pedigreequery.com/thanks+dubya.

[bread_and_roses]

28. Yes Its True...Scandals!

Too perfect for "Dubya." Thanks for that!

[u4ic]

30. DIVINE PROPORTIONS retired

I was so looking forward to seeing her at the Breeder's Cup...x(

http://breeding.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=29680

Divine Proportions, who finished a puzzling fourth in the Aug. 14 Prix du Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard Jacques le Marois (Fr-I) after winning her first nine starts, has been retired after suffering a tendon injury, according to the Racing Post. The 3-year-old French-trained filly raced as a homebred for the Niarchos family.

"This news is very brutal for me as she'd never had a training problem and was in brilliant form before the Marois," said trainer Pascal Bary. "But I did suspect something might be amiss four or five days after she returned to Chantilly.

"Since returning to my yard she has undergone extensive tests and the vets have found tendon damage in her off foreleg. They have recommended that such a brilliant filly should not race again."

Divine Proportions earned a 2004 Cartier Award as top 2-year-old filly and was France's champion juvenile filly. Three of her four group wins that year came against mares. (TYPO in BH, that should be MALES)

[two gun sid]

31. Minus Classic Winners, Travers Draws Competitive Field

From the Bloodhorse:
Despite the absence of this year's two classic winners, Giacomo and Afleet Alex, Saturday's $1-million Travers Stakes (gr. I) drew a talented and competitive field of seven today, headed by Haskell Invitational (gr. I) winner Roman Ruler and Jim Dandy (gr. II) winner Flower Alley.

The most intriguing horse in the field has to be Bellamy Road, who has not run since popping a splint in the Kentucky Derby (gr. I). Trainer Nick Zito had originally scheduled the seven-furlong King's Bishop Stakes (gr. I) for Bellamy Road's return, but after conferring with owner George Steinbrenner and farm manager Ed Sexton, Zito decided the Travers would serve the son of Concerto better in the long run than subjecting him to a hotly-run sprint against undefeated Lost in the Fog.

After snatching the Whitney Handicap (gr. I) right from under the nose of Saint Liam with the speedy Commentator, Zito is hoping for a similar scenario in the 1 1/4-mile Travers. Zito believes if Bellamy Road can show the same brilliance he did in his sensational 17 1/2-length victory in the Wood Memorial (gr. I), he is talented enough to wire the Travers field. He will have the advantage of breaking from the rail, with regular rider Javier Castellano aboard.

Roman Ruler, who drew post four, is trained by Bob Baffert, who will be seeking his second Travers victory, having scored with Point Given in 2001. Flower Alley's conditioner, Todd Pletcher, has captured the Jim Dandy four times, including the last three runnings, but has yet to win the "Midsummer Derby." Jim Dandy winners in general have not fared well in the Travers, as only two have come back to capture the Travers in the past 20 years.

http://racing.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=29658

[two gun sid]

32. Take a Ride on The Roarin' Grand

From the USTA website:
The Grand Circuit has been in existence since 1871, when representatives from three racetracks in different states met to create a racing circuit. The first campaign for the Grand Circuit took place in 1873, when four tracks offered $169,300 in purses. From those humble beginnings, the Grand Circuit has blossomed into a yearly showcase of the finest two and three-year-old harness horses competing in North America, with purses now totaling many millions of dollars at racetracks and fairs in many areas of the continent.

When I was first learning about harness racing, The Roarin' Grand was a veritable Magical Mystery Tour of barnstorming stables. Beissinger, Miller, Garnsey, Riegle, Ervin, Harvey, Haughton, Dancer, Dennis, O'Brien, O'Mara. Albatross, Jate Lobell, Speedy Crown, Nevele Pride, Green Speed and Meadow Skipper.

Every week a new stop. Throughout the Midwest all summer and into the fall. The greatest trainers, drivers and horses all together in one place at one time. It was then, and continues to be, a very exciting part of harness racing.

Last week in Springfield, where I saw my first Grand Circuit event in 1969, Andy Miller was the star. He and brother Erv teamed up for a number of wins both in Grand Circuit events and in Illinois State Fair Stakes. Among Andy's Grand Circuit wins were Classic Photo (1:56.4) in the $50,000 three-year-old colt trot; Arts Day (1:54.1) in the $40,000 three-year-old colt pace; Maytime Hall (1:52.2) in the $40,000 three-year-old filly pace; and Hamlet Blue Chip (1:56.2) in a $27,000 division of the two-year-old colt pace.

http://www.ustrotting.com/absolutenm/anmviewer.asp?a=11247&z=19

[two gun sid]

33. Eleven enter the Cane Pace

From the USTA website:
Eleven 3-year-old colts and geldings were entered and split into two $57,600 eliminations for the $346,000 Cane Pace at Freehold Raceway. The eliminations will be raced at Freehold Raceway on this coming Saturday. The first four finishers in each division will return for the final -- the first jewel in the Pacing Triple Crown -- on Labor Day.

In the first division, Emposimato Stables' Jo Pa's Shark has been installed as the 2-1 morning line favorite. The gelded son of Cam's Card Shark will come into the Cane in top form, having won the $161,500 Miller Lite Cleveland Classic in his most recent outing, at Northfield Park on August 20.

Prior to that, Jo Pa's Shark had recorded a blazing, 1:521 mile in a New Jersey Sire Stakes at Freehold, and should prove to be the one to beat on Saturday in his excellent current condition.

Trainer Jim Campbell has named George Brennan to drive, and the duo will leave the gate from post position one.

http://www.ustrotting.com/absolutenm/anmviewer.asp?a=11261&z=1

This looks like a excellent race. I would recommend anyone interested in pacers to include this race a part of their weekend racing. I'll go ahead and give a betting tip. Village Jolt. When he turns on the speed you can hear a sizzling sound. Hey jake, who do you like?

[jakefrep]

36. American Ideal should handle these,,,

...at least based on what I saw last weekend at Flamboro. Village Jolt is pretty tough too.

As an aside, it seems as if most of the major races for 3-year-old pacers have had pretty short fields this year. Only 11 in the Cane, 13 in the Delvin Miller Adios, 14 in the Confederation Cup, and I think the Meadowlands Pace only had two eliminations. All of those races have drawn bigger fields in the past. I wonder what kind of field will enter the Little Brown Jug.