After watching the July 24th episode of That Handicaping show, the Equiform peeps had Obi Wan Kenobi as a good price in his upcoming race. The suggestion was to play him as money potential on an exacta and with Obi Wan's past performances, that is a smart bet. After reading the PDF with their predictions I just had to return to a topic which is an oldie but a goodie for me.
The first Star Wars posts were inspired by my good friend Jedi Code. So I delved in and did some research on the far reaches of the Star Wars horse galaxy.
View previous topics here: A Racing Empire, Jedi Powers, A Jedi Enters Keeneland, Jedi Code
BUT FIRST
The video also mentions another favorite horse of mine to follow, Giant Gizmo. I remember handicapping his race during Kentucky Derby day and told Jason Shandler I liked his numbers. Jason liked a different horse but we combined skills and bet some exactas with who we liked. I am not going to lie, the name really helped too, but my handicapping paid off and that is my first real "by the numbers" win for me, which was very exciting. I wish him well and a quick, healthy recovery.
BACK ON TOPIC
So the Equiform pick is listed as: Taking Demarcation to win at 8-1 or greater, boxing him first and second in exactas with equally fast Obi Wan Kenobi (10-1) and Yate’s Black Cat (9-2).
I dived into researching Obi Wan Kenobi, because I remembered he was a stakes winner and he was by Skywalker. Skywalker also made me more curious, because surely he can not have just one Star Wars horse running around, I mean his name simply begs for more related names.
So here are my results from this epic search for Obi Wan Kenobi and Skywalker's histories:
Obi Wan Kenobi by Skwalker out of Sugah:
Breeder: Arthur B. Hancock
Owner: Arthur B. Hancock
Trainer: Frank L. Brothers
Racing Stats:
Won the Tri-State Handicap at Ellis Park Turf on 9/1/2007
2005 at 2 yrs had 2 starts and finished 1st in a MSW at Turfway Park
2006 at 3 yrs had 5 starts with two 1st place finishes and one 2nd place finish
2007 at 4 yrs had 10 starts with three 1st place finishes and three 3rd place finishes
2008 at 5 yrs has 3 starts with one 2nd and one 3rd place finish
Total: 20-6-2-4
I was really impressed with Skywalker's racing history and especially impressed with how many of his kids ran and became winners.
Skywalker won 1993 California Leading Sire
Racing History: 20-8-3-3 for $2,226,850 in earnings 1984-1987
Skywalker's Kids with Star Wars related names:
Galaxy Guy - Wnr
Rebel Alliance - Wnr
Jedi Sky - Unraced
Jeddai Judy - Wnr
Luke Skywalker - Wnr
Princess Leia - Unraced
Amidala - Pl
Han Solo - Wnr
Obi Wan Kenobi - SW
Skywalker's Breeders' Cup Classic Win:
Research:
With the help of the Jockey Club, I have done a more indepth research of Star Wars horses in existance. With their website, you can use their search as a very useful tool for naming. The Jockey Club search, searches by name entered, and will give you all horses close to the name. Once you have the name, then search for the specific name on a pedigree site, or past performance site.
There are many Star Wars names out there. I was impressed with how many
horses had done well and won big enough races to have their name
permanently reserved. Fun Searches are, of course, Obi Wan Kenobi,
Jedi, Pirate ect... Try finding celebrities, characters and heros you are a fan of. The Jockey Club Rule Book for naming.
Jedi Code:
Referring back to Jedi Code briefly, I forgot to mention a horse I have previously met and saw on my trip to Magdalana.
Ling Ling Qi. I met him when he raced against Jedi Code for the first time. However, he just happens to be based at Kenny McPeek's training facility. So I was able to see him again and ask him how he was doing. Ling Ling Qi has been in some quality races and a great horse to follow. Of course I rather follow Jedi Code, and Ling Ling Qi did beat Jedi Code.
Lets watch Jedi Code break his maiden one more time:
Side Note:
Other naming conventions that prove interesting can be found on this article about the Kentucky Derby contenders and their names.
There was a very fun post on here about naming conventions and names you find interesting out in the industry also, so go read up on that.
