Beyond the Blinkers

Esther Marr commentary on Thoroughbred retirement, aftercare, and interesting stories

April 2014 - Posts

Untapable Schools in the Paddock

Yesterday, on April 29, I had the opportunity to watch Longines Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) morning line favorite Untapable have a schooling session in the Churchill Downs paddock. The daughter of Tapit acted cool, calm, and professional as she stood in the schooling stall, and was then led around the paddock walking ring under the watch of trainer Steve Asmussen. Untapable walks around the Churchill Downs... Read More

Afternoon With the Regal Rosalind

Last Tuesday afternoon (April 15), I had the privilege of going to Keeneland and visiting Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) hopeful Rosalind at trainer Kenny McPeek's barn. The reason for the visit was to do a video interview with McPeek that will be posted in the next few days on Bloodhorse.com, but while I was there, I was also able to spend a few moments with Rosalind. She was accommodating while I petted her... Read More

Kentucky Oaks Name Game: 2014 Edition

It's time for my annual Kentucky Oaks name blog! I cover the Kentucky Oaks for the magazine, so for the last five years, I have researched the meanings behind the names of several of Oaks-bound fillies. Read some of my past entries here , here , and here . Whenever I make a "hunch bet," it's usually about 80-90% based on the horse's name. How much do name meanings weigh on your handicapping? These... Read More

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