Woodbine Mile Weekend Analysis

re: Woodbine Mile Weekend Analysis

Monica V — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:52:21 GMT

Cindi,

Santa Anita has barn tours early in the mornings. You can call Santa Anita and see what they offer. Also, you might try calling Chip Woolley's barn there to see if you can come back and see MTB. The people at Santa Anita will be happy to help you.

re: Woodbine Mile Weekend Analysis

Greg J. — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:31:14 GMT

Jason,

I missed it, but Good Call on "Condemned"...

re: Woodbine Mile Weekend Analysis

steve s — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:50:29 GMT

Princess Haya 9 furlongs 1:45 97 beyer

Ventura 8 furlongs 1:32 108 beyer

THOSE BEYERS DONT MAKE ANY SENSE TO ME-THESE BEYER ARE SAYING THAT VENTURA IS MUCH BETTER THAN FOREEVER TOGETHER

those beyers are just plain crap

re: Woodbine Mile Weekend Analysis

Householder — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:36:14 GMT

We will know a lot more (about distance) after the Norfolk Stakes at Oak Tree but the Smart Strike colt Looking at Lucky should be the 2 year old to beat come BC Juv. time. He already has wins over the synthetics at Hollywood Park jumping up from Maiden to Stakes wins at Del Mar. This trend should continue at Santa Anita.

re: Woodbine Mile Weekend Analysis

Mike S — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:08:35 GMT

I absolutely love VENTURA, I think she's as awesome as racehorses get. If she didn't have that slight issue of waiting on horses she would be even more amazing. Even as it is, though, she is an absolute maniac down the stretch and she finishes with a rush. I would not bet against her in the Breeders Cup Filly & Mare Sprint.

re: Woodbine Mile Weekend Analysis

Mike Relva — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:07:42 GMT

DRAYNAY

Hello! I agree with your comment a couple weeks ago when you stated that that RA should run in the Donn.

re: Woodbine Mile Weekend Analysis

da3hoss — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:41:24 GMT

Matthew, they're talking Sprint because she's much better one turn only and a mile is pushing her limits (their words)...though 1:32+ is pretty good limits!

Tim, they're having a hard time hoding on to old fans (me) by calling the Distaff "Ladies" my mother and St. Theresa are ladies...

Householder: Zen looks like with that huge stride she's like a rocking chair...a pretty darn fast rocking chair!!! Ventura looks like a Mopar muscle car!

re: Woodbine Mile Weekend Analysis

ABZ — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:04:39 GMT

I can see why Ventura's connections are picking the BC F&M Sprint, as they will be the horse to beat in a $1 million dollar race, but I think they would have a real shot to do something historic...win a different BC race. The mile obviously would be tougher with Goldikova et al, but at double the purse and off her last race, why not?

re: Woodbine Mile Weekend Analysis

Matthew W — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 02:59:49 GMT

I DO enjoy the Top Euros coming to the Cup--if THAT is because of synthetics then that is an unintended good thing---the ACTUAL INTENT, safer, more consistent tracks---has been a collosal failure, no doubt! But I'll take the good with the bad--no Rachel, maybe Sea The Stars??? AND many more top Euros, to challenge us....

re: Woodbine Mile Weekend Analysis

Draynay — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 02:50:51 GMT

D'Funnybone = Old Fashioned

re: Woodbine Mile Weekend Analysis

Matthew W — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:54:56 GMT

Love Goldikova, think Ventura WOULD TOO be a threat to Goldikova--that's a real tough "hombre", is Ventura! I wouldn't sell her short at a mile vs anybody! She'll be way fresh, too! Alas, they're talkin' sprint!

re: Woodbine Mile Weekend Analysis

Tim G — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:21:40 GMT

Nope, if you don't get what I've said about publishing my picks????

Then not sure what can get it through.

I wasn't even at the races this weekend. Other related things to do.

re: Woodbine Mile Weekend Analysis

Householder — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:43:25 GMT

That's Looking AT Lucky...Baffert's 2 year old.

re: Woodbine Mile Weekend Analysis

TIm — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:32:46 GMT

Great news today! The BC decides to perpetuate a mistake and in the year of the fillies, is shooting themselves in the foot with Ladies Day! Another great decision! And we wonder why we can't attract new fans.

re: Woodbine Mile Weekend Analysis

LDP — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:33:30 GMT

GunBow,

Has there ever been a year where two fillies of any age have been nomintated for Horse of the Year, taking up 2/3 of the ballot?

re: Woodbine Mile Weekend Analysis

Householder — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:27:52 GMT

Add Ventura to the list of BC winners.

Zensational, Looking and Lucky, Gio Ponte, Zenyatta...Ventura.

1:32 and change for the mile closing in 22 seconds.

Perhaps they should put her in against Zenyatta although she looks a lot more difficult to ride. Smith looks like he's about ready to fall asleep half of the time on Zenyatta.

re: Woodbine Mile Weekend Analysis

steve s — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:57:15 GMT

Greg J hit a nice longshot

I see Mike relva and tim g Didn't have any picks as usual

re: Woodbine Mile Weekend Analysis

steve s — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:44:50 GMT

Ventura is no threat to Goldikova-Stick with filly sprint

re: Woodbine Mile Weekend Analysis

steve s — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:27:47 GMT

Thanks to a great ride by Bejarano saving the week.

No thanks to Gomez for getting door slammed in face

re: Woodbine Mile Weekend Analysis

steve s — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:49:52 GMT

WHAT"s wrong with mike relva-I had regal ransom and so did everyone else excempt you

re: Woodbine Mile Weekend Analysis

stardustyrose — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:39:36 GMT

Cindi.

Sunday is beter than Friday. It seems to me that in the middle of the week and toward the weekend things are more hectic. The trainers have to get the horses registered to race, they have to do the post draws and all of this and that. What I would do is go EARLY in the morning. Hang out near the paddock and all in that area. Start talking to people. Be friendly with everyone (some will turn their nose up at you but that happens everywhere in this world) and strike up converstation(s). Within about an hour you will feel comfortable enough to either be introduced to the people that you want to see OR you will just starting talking to someone in Mine That Birds camp. Have some peppermints and carrots. They don't like to give their horses candy before the race but carrots are OK. The candy is AFTER the race (that would actually be a better time cause you could spend more time with the horse with less stress) Just be totaly up front!! Tell whoever that you want to get close to Mine That Bird and you have driven from out of state to see him. Don't tell them what state unless they ask LOL! Just come right out and say it. I always do this. "Would it be OK if I have someone escort me to the backside to see Mine That Bird and give him some love and treats and maybe take a picture? I really love that horse." More cases than not, people will say "sure come with me" (they will give you a temperary sticker with your name and the time and day to put on your shirt). That is the best way to meet people that "we feel" are hard to meet. It is "our fear" that someone is too good to talk to is the barrier of not being able to do this. Remember, you are just as good and equal as they are. Always remember that and you will meet who ever you want to in life. I have found that when I meet famous people, (while I am around them) they seem just as normal as everyone else. It is that OMG this is Mine That Bird that gets in the way. When I go down there, I want to see Zenyatta. :) I do this all the time so I have it down. :)

Greg J. I hit one exacta this weekend. I am think it was Ruthereen. I left the site and came back the next day and my balance was higher LOL......

re: Woodbine Mile Weekend Analysis

da3hoss — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 10:59:48 GMT

Well, Ventura was everything she is, yippee-skippee, almost the track record, too, as well as a new stakes record...what a horse.

D'Funnybone has plenty of Classic runners and producers in his pedigree base, linebred to Secretariat & Nashua, with Roberto, Swaps, Buckpasser.

Brilliance as a 2 year-old doesn't mean you aren't a classic horse...Seattle Slew ran the fastest mile ever for a two-year old while being eased...

re: Woodbine Mile Weekend Analysis

GunBow — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 10:31:10 GMT

Notes about the racing I witnessed in Toronto this past weekend:

1) Woodbine Mile- Ventura turned in a special performance in the Woodbine Mile. A beautiful, striking 5 year old, Ventura was absolutely sensational, unleashing a brilliant turn of foot that propelled her from the back of the pack to the lead in about an eighth of a mile. The final time of 1:32 flat was a stakes record, and gave the females yet another win over males in a graded stakes race. The Woodbine Mile was Ventura's 4th gr.1 victory, if one includes last year's Breeder's Cup Filly and Mare Sprint which was then ungraded, and she very easily could be on an 8 race graded stakes winning streak.

Ventura lost last year's gr.2 $750,000 Cash Call Mile at Hollywood Park by a nose after having the lead late in the stretch and while conceding 4 lbs to the winner. In last year's Woodbine Mile, Ventura was a solid 2nd on a yielding turf course she did not fancy. Then, in her two races preceding yesterday's victory, Ventura dropped gr.1 photo finishes to Gio Ponti and Informed Decision after leading in deep stretch. In yesterday's Woodbine Mile, however, Ventura did not lose focus, "prop", or hang in the stretch, instead drawing away from a horse, Ferneley, that was running a huge race himself. Bribon and Rahy's Attorney were slightly disappointing, but the main story was Ventura's brilliance.

2)Northern Dancer- An exciting race showcasing a number of gr.1 runners was unfortunately decided by the stewards. I am not going to argue the validity of Marsh Side's disqualifaction, but it was disheartening that the race was decided off the track. Marsh Side, Just as Well, Quijano, and Champs Elysees may not be Gio Ponti, but they are legit gr.1 types and are clearly evenly matched.

Speaking of Gio Ponti, how good does his resume look now that Ventura, 2nd to him in the Kilroe Mile, won the Woodbine Mile in breathtaking fashion, Marsh Side, 2nd to him in the Manhattan, crossed the wire first in the gr.1 Northern Dancer, and Just as Well, 2nd to him in the Arlington Million, was the official winner of the Northern Dancer? To further emphasize Gio Ponti's season, keep in mind that Quijano, moved up to 2nd in the Northern Dancer, ran 3rd to Gio Ponti in the Man O' War.

3) Canadian Stakes- After missing last year's Breeders Cup, I was really looking forward to seeing Forver Together up close and in person in the Canadian. Although I have the uptmost respect for Forever Together, I thought she was a huge underlay, and almost couldn't believe when she was 1-9 up until about 12 minutes before post. Forever Together ran a solid race in the Canadian, giving 11 lbs to Princess Haya. However, the fact that she never came with her typical explosive run, combined with the knowledge that she only ran 3rd in last year's Canadian, suggests that Forever Together simply does not run her "A" race at Woodbine going 9 furlongs. Therefore, I fully expect her to be at her best again in the Breeders Cup Filly and Mare Turf.

4) Summer Stakes- Bridgetown is clearly a 2 year old with alot of talent and potential. It says much about his quality that he was able to race close to a fast early pace of 22 and change and 45 and change and still hold off promising turfers Becky's Kitten and Fantastico Roberto. Bridgetown has already outrun his pedigree to a certain extent, given he is by champion sprinter Speightstown, but one would have to think, given his performance yesterday, that 9 furlongs is a definite possibility. Also keep an eye on runner-up Becky's Kitten, a son of turf champion Kitten's Joy out of a Cozzene mare, and 3rd place Fantastico Roberto, an Italian allowance winner by Refuse to Bend that was purshased by Team Valor before being brought over to North America. Also make note that while 6 of the 10 horses in the Summer Stakes were based at Woodbine, the 1-2 finishers were coming out of a Saratoga maiden race and Fantastico Roberto had last raced at Arlington Park.

5) Canadian Trotting Classic- With all due respect to Ventura, the most dominant and impressive performance I saw in Toronto this weekend was by Muscle Hill in the Canadian Trotting classic. Sent off at 1-9, Musle Hill made a scintillating move on the Mowhawk Racetrack backstretch, moving from 5th to 1st in a blink of the eye, before drawing away for a facile 3+ length win. The victory was Muscle Hill's 17th straight(he's 17 for 18 in his career), a streak which includes a 6 length win in the $1.5 million Hambletonian Final(in world record equalling 1:50 and 1). Amazingly, last year's Canadian Trotting Classic(Final) winner, Deweycheatumnhowe, had come into the elims having won 17 consecutive races(he would run 2nd in his elim before winning the Final), and 2007 CTC champion, Donato Hanover, entered the CTC Final with 15 straight wins( a strak that ultimately went to 19 races). The general consensus is that Muscle Hill is probably better than Dewey', and is set to surpass Donato and establish himslef as one of the greatest trotters in history.

re: Woodbine Mile Weekend Analysis

GunBow — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 08:53:11 GMT

A great weekend of racing, both thoroughbred and standardbred, in Toronto. For those living in the northeast, I strongly recommend making a trip to Woodbine. The Woodbine stakes program is very solid, and the facility itself is big enough to accomodate crowds up to 30,000 while maintaining the intimacy of a much smaller track. Admission is free, as is parking, and the EP Taylor turf course, on the outside of the dirt(poly) track, is a true jewel. Adding to the atmosphere is a large, beautiful paddock and the Canadian racing Hall of Fame(thoroughbred + standardbred). I've driven up to Woodbine about 15 times, and always return impressed.

re: Woodbine Mile Weekend Analysis

GunBow — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 08:43:38 GMT

Jason:

Tough beat with Marsh Side. It was a hard decision for the stewards. Marsh Side clearly did come over into Quijano, but I did not think the contact was that signifcant and it appeared Quijano was drifting towards the rail on his own anyways. Most importantly, I thought that Quijano came over onto Champ Elysees (forcing Go Go Gomez on Champ Elysees to take up) BEFORE Marsh Side began to seriously drift into Quijano. I thought it was possible that Marsh Side would be kept up but Quijano dropped to 4th behind Champ Elysees.

As I fan, without a betting interest, I never like to see a rich and prestigious race decided by the stewards. Of course, there are times when a dq is necessary, but the Northern Dancer was such a strong race that it is a shame that it ended in such controversy. The one thing that is certain is that Marsh Side was better than Just as Well on the day, even though the latter was declared the winner and the former was placed 4th.

The stewards faced a difficult decision, and I can't say definitively that they were wrong, but it's just not the way one wants to see a great race decided. And it was a great race. The finish was absolutely thrilling, with 4 gr.1 quality horses hitting the wire together after running the final quarter of the 12 furlong race in a remarkable 22 and 4. The quality of the field, and the setting for the race, in my opinion North America's best turf course(the EP Taylor course is 1.5 miles around and features a layout, with a "false" clubhouse turn, closer to the courses in Europe than the typical US turf courses), deserved a more glorious fate.