Haskin's Derby Trail: E Train Rolling Toward Louisville

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: E Train Rolling Toward Louisville

Greg R — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 04:07:31 GMT

Elnaawi seems to be getting a lot of mentions recently and is becoming the latest "wise guy" horse. I was a major Street Sense fan. He was at his best at Churchill.

Lines of Battle appears the most promising prospect to come out of the UAE Derby for some time. If he can run 1 3/16 on Tapeta when he figures to like dirt as well or better than synthetic or turf, he could take Kentucky by storm.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: E Train Rolling Toward Louisville

Tiz Herself — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 00:11:44 GMT

Also hoping that Dewey Square and Capo Bastone surface although haven't seen a whole lot on either.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: E Train Rolling Toward Louisville

Tiz Herself — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 23:52:40 GMT

Am stoked to see Midnight Lute represented so well :) Mylute, Govenor Charlie (who I like as is a grandson of Silverbulletday), Midnight Lucky

Midnight Lute I hope to see in person some day. Will be interested to see where Govenor Charlie runs next.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: E Train Rolling Toward Louisville

Tiz Herself — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 23:48:33 GMT

Thanks Steve, Gary is one of my favorite riders of all time and to see him back on the Derby trail during his comeback and if he and Oxbow go to the gate May 4 will be a great pair.

Who do you like for the Oaks? Dreaming of Julia looked fantastic in the Gulfstream Oaks... I hope Kauai Katie gets her chance although feel that she may be more of a sprinter, I love Katie so much.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: E Train Rolling Toward Louisville

Pedigree Ann — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 15:13:39 GMT

Elnaawi has 3 races under his belt, and his only win is on the muddy Inner Track. He may be a progressive sort, but I think they should be looking towards a race than later the Kentucky Derby. Even with a good run in the Wood, it looks like too much, too soon for a nice prospect.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: E Train Rolling Toward Louisville

Trebloc — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:41:55 GMT

Nice to see Street Sense on a roll!

Good luck to Elnaaw's connections in the Wood!

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: E Train Rolling Toward Louisville

Steve Haskin — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 08:47:19 GMT

I changed that to soften it. He was a top sire of classic-type horses, including Triple Crown winner Narita Brian.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: E Train Rolling Toward Louisville

ThoroGreats — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 04:37:47 GMT

Steve, you may have answered this before, but wasn't Northern Taste the most dominant sire in Japan prior? He was leading sire 10 or 11 years.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: E Train Rolling Toward Louisville

Steve Haskin — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 03:57:10 GMT

Kyle, I like War Academy a lot, but I'm waiting for the Arkansas Derby to see how he does against better quality horses. Also, I'm anxious to see how Uncaptured and Java's War do in the Blue Grass.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: E Train Rolling Toward Louisville

Steve Haskin — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 03:26:43 GMT

Tiz Herself, I thought I had mentioned To Honor and Serve, but I neglected to. Thanks for mentioning it. I added it.

Gary Stevens will be riding Oxbow in the Arkansas Derby.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: E Train Rolling Toward Louisville

Bobby G — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 02:30:33 GMT

Another great article. Exciting to see these horses getting lined up for the Derby. Tiz a Minister made a really impressive move on the final turn in the San Felipe. If he hadn't gotten distracted coming out of it he might have won. The Santa Anita looks to be another great race.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: E Train Rolling Toward Louisville

SAK MAN — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 02:28:04 GMT

The only sad thing for me is CHANNING HILL being taken off the colt. The Nebraska Kid is a proven winner in New York. He has given the colt good rides so why change a good thing. Ah, such a fickle sport.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: E Train Rolling Toward Louisville

Coldfacts — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 02:05:25 GMT

I agree with the assessment of the race and do believe his performance was a lot better than it appeared. One pertinent point not highlighted is the fact the in the Gotham ELNAAWI was first time Lasix. He is likely to show even more improvement second time Lasix.

Of note as well is the fact that he is a half-brother to millionaire To Honor and Serve.

With the Mr. Prospector sire line contingent getting smaller with the elimination of Code West and Palace Malice based on lack of points, I will be cheering heavily for ELNAAWI despite by future pool wager on Mr. Palmer.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: E Train Rolling Toward Louisville

Dr Drunkinbum — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 00:31:28 GMT

Really cool article. I love the pedigrees of both Elnaawi and Lines of Battle. I agree that it will be strange if Elnaawi does not run a big race but there is some stiff competition in the Wood, likely the most competitive prep of all. Lines of Battle should definitely run better on dirt.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: E Train Rolling Toward Louisville

Tiz Herself — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 00:00:49 GMT

I do like Black Onyx too. His daddy Rock Hard Ten was one of my favorites of his generation and was fortunate to meet RHT in person in 2010.

Broodmare sire Cape Town sired 2003 Kentucky Oaks winner Bird Town who was out of Storm Bird mare Dear Birdie. KALAHARI CAT, by Cape Town has Storm Cat as her broodmare sire.

Second dam Desert Stormette also produced Desert Gold ($230k+) who broke her maiden at Churchill Downs by more than 6 lengths. Third dam Breezy Stories (Damascus) was bred by E P Taylor and also produced Desert Stormer ($800k+).

He is going to have quite a bit time off in between as well but should be well acclamated to Churchill come May 4.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: E Train Rolling Toward Louisville

Tiz Herself — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 23:51:51 GMT

Steve, I have to ask, has anything been said at all who Gary Stevens may be riding come Derby time?

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: E Train Rolling Toward Louisville

Tiz Herself — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 23:49:03 GMT

Another like on Elnaawi is big half brother To Honor And Serve was good enough to win the Nashua Stakes, the Cigar Mile, the Pennsylvania Derby, the Woodward Stakes at 9F, etc and he broke his maiden in the mud, should he break through in the Wood Memorial and have enough points to be Derby bound and it just happens to be raining... could be epic!