It's not Just a Coincidence, It's Munnings

In the paddock before the race, the most impressive horses were Munnings (Speightstown) and Just a Coincidence. Munnings has a huge blaze, reminiscent of Rags to Riches, and both horses have a lot of presence. One who was not happy before the race was Successful Mission, who was extremely agitated.

Munnings came out of the gate a bit slow (according to the chart, he hit the side of the gate, that would slow me down a bit too), but he smoothly gravitated to the lead. Just a Coincidence tried to give chase, but it was really no contest. Munnings looks like he is worth that $1.7 million price tag.

Result: July 26, 2008 
Saratoga Race 2

Equibase Chart

Retraceable Sings a Georgia Song

If any race could rival Munnings' maiden score for best Maiden Watch race of the day, it would be this one. First, the race was taken off the turf which resulted in two scratches (Alta Lake, Perfect Unbridal) and allowed the Main Track Only horse, Georgia Song to draw in. Retraceable (Medaglia d'Oro) was off ok, but was kept back from the speed and was in the clear on the outside. Panther Strike and Georgia Song were dueling on the lead and Retraceable began picking off horses one by one. On the turn, she inhaled the leader Georgia Song (Panther Strike had faded) and swept to the lead. It was a very professional win for a debut 2-year old. There was no hesitating, she did exactly what was asked. Retraceable also has the distinctive Medaglia d'Oro diamond that I have noticed on many of his offspring.

Result: July 26, 2008 
Woodbine Race 8

Equibase Chart

Rapid Redux Stakes-Placed

Not only was Sanford winner Desert Party scratched out of the Tyro, but also Dagnabit, and Silver Bayer. Thus, a field of three did battle in what was supposed to be the coronation of Notonthesamepage. Instead, it was Fellow Crasher who stole the crown. Notonthesamepage went to the lead, but he was under a stranglehold from Elvis Trujillo and resented it. When Fellow Crasher came alongside, he was then asked to go, but had no response. I don't like to criticize jockeys, but I think Trujillo made a mistake here. A 2-year old making his third start after a 2 month lay-off? You just confuse him by not letting him run. Rapid Redux (Pleasantly Perfect) tried to go with the others, but couldn't keep pace. He basically just jogged around in third. An easy way to become stakes-placed. This isn't a knock on Rapid Redux, he's a nice horse, but he needs to find a race with more than 3 horses in it!

Result: July 26, 2008 
Monmouth Park Race 6
Tyro Stakes

Equibase Chart

Glamorous Gal Triumphs Over Pattie

Passum Pattie (Peace Rules) broke slow and was parked wide and never really got involved. Glamorous Gal and Saldanha, not coincidentally two of the entrants with turf experience, dueled in the early going. But, Glamorous Gal shook loose and drew off. Mothers Eyes closed well, but she couldn't catch the top two.

Result: July 26, 2008 
Colonial Downs Race 8
Tippett Stakes

Equibase Chart

Sweetsaint Rules the Noble

Trippi Dippedy Dot went to the lead, but she was soon joined and passed by Sweetsaintomine, who began to draw off after only a half of a mile was run. Noble Rule (Peace Rules) came out of the gate ok, but settled near the back. She starting picking off horses and swept into 2nd. She was no threat to the winner, but she did close well. I think this one might need some more distance.

Result: July 26, 2008 
Calder Race 6

Equibase Chart

Frenchie's Dream Silences the Canary

P. J. 's Canary (Birdstone) came out a little at the start, brushing with Aiden's Affair. Whiskey n'Me went to the lead, joined by Frenchie's Dream who soon pulled away. P.J.'s Canary moved up nicely, but she couldn't shake Aiden's Affair who kept smacking into her. Frenchie's Dream won by 5 and I'm not trying to argue that an unhindered P.J.'s Canary would have caught Frenchie's Dream, but it didn't help her chances. On the other hand, Aiden's Affair who was tremendously green, did good to finish third and is one to follow next time.

Result: July 26, 2008 
Louisiana Downs Race 3

Equibase Chart

Update for Sue: Hooh Why Pays $78.40

Timeless Miss set the pace, but she had company in Secret Spell, and the favorite, She's Salty Too. She's Salty Too took the lead, but suddenly Hooh Why was closing. She got up at the last moment at 38-1. Lake Cook also rallied at big odds. Our filly, Sue's Update (Medaglia d'Oro) settled near the back and had little impact, although she did pass a few late.

Result: July 26, 2008 
Arlington Park Race 5

Equibase Chart

It's a Marquee Event with No Western Fire

Western Fire (Speightstown) was part of the pace in this one, but tired to finish 5th. Marquee Event was just off the pace early on and came running wide to take control. Kick On closed well to take the second spot, but was no threat to the winner.

Result: July 26, 2008 
Lone Star Park Race 4

Equibase Chart

The Colonel Rockets by Ambraw

Ambraw (Congaree) was in a good position in this one, just off the early pace, but just didn't have the kick to advance. He did run on evenly, however. Up front, Rocket Rocket set the pace and seemed to be home free. But, Colonel Rutledge came running wide and got up just before the wire. Nice debut for this son of Orientate.

Result: July 26, 2008 
Ellis Park Race 8

Equibase Chart

You Luckie Mann Promises Me Merlot

Favored Ambuscader hopped at the start and spotted the field several lengths. Promise Me Merlot secured a rail spot right behind the dueling leaders, You Luckie Mann and New God Code. You Luckie Mann shook off New God Code and drew off. Promise Me Merlot could not go with him, but he did hold off a closing Ambuscader.

Result: July 26, 2008 
Calder Race 12

Equibase Chart

It's Charlie's Moment to Speight the Halo

Speight the Halo (Speightstown) came out well and tried to go to the lead, but it was a little crowded up there. He settled back in third, behind Empire House and Luckiest Man. He seemed to be in a good position, but he ran out of steam in the stretch and faded to eighth. Meanwhile, both Street Hero and Charlie's Moment were closing. At the finish, it was Charlie's Moment's 21-1 nose in front. Charlie's Moment was making his first start after experiencing the ultimate equipment change, gelding.

Result: July 26, 2008 
Del Mar Race 7

Equibase Chart