As I predicted, River Fancy's (Congaree) race was taken off the turf at Saratoga. What I couldn't predict was the partial washout of the track that resulted in the cancelation of 8 races on August 8. One would have thought that a horse called River Fancy would have excelled on a track like that, but she'll have to wait for a little drier footing.

A Dash Towards Turf Victory

Live the Dash (Peace Rules) was off a beat slow, but found a good spot on the rail in third, while Hard Truth and War Action battled up front. It looked like there was room for Live the Dash to get through on the inside, but he was swung wide instead, which I thought might be a mistake. But, Live the Dash was able to run down the leaders despite going wide and running greenly. Live the Dash is the 10th winner for Peace Rules.

Result: August 8, 2008 
Laurel Race 4
Maiden Special Weight

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A Sparkling Performance for Keat

Take a Day was the clear leader early, but was overtaken in the stretch by Sparkling Keat, who came four wide and kept running to score at more than 20-1. Hear No Angel also closed well to take the 2nd spot, while Whaleofaride held third throughout. I'm the Law (Peace Rules) had a good position in 4th early on, but faded in the stretch and ended up 6th.

Result: August 8, 2008 
Evangeline Race 6
Maiden Special Weight

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Hopefully, There Will be Something to Say

August 9, 2008
Philadelphia Park Race 1
Maiden Claiming ($25,000)
5 furlongs
2 Year old Fillies
Post Time: 12:25 PM

Needless to Say (Peace Rules - Expected Temper by Valid Expectations) will try to make her second start after finishing 6th in her debut on July 5. I say "try" because Needless to Say is on the Also-Elgible list for the race. Needless to Say who sold for $32,000 as a 2-year old, is out of a winning mare who is a half-sister to four winners including Tempered Appeal, who was a stakes winner as a 2-year old. Peace Rules is the sire of 22 runners who have made 46 total starts, recording 10 wins, 4 seconds, 6 thirds, and $217,023.

Finishing 3rd in front of Needless to Say on July 5 was Right Credentials (Trust N Luck - Expect Excellence by Pentelicus), who also finished 4th at Delaware Park on July 23. Right Credentials is out of a 2-year old winning mare who has produced 3 winners from 4 to run.

Trice (Snow Ridge - Tri Swiss by Tri Jet), Annika Girl (Monarchos - Hulamore by Mt. Livermore), Izzy Kate (The Cliff's Edge - Stylish Mission by Missionary Ridge (GB)), and Silverrod's Kate (Tactical Cat - Far Out Sandie by Line In The Sand) faced off on July 21 at Philadelphia Park, finishing 3rd, 4th, 6th, and 7th respectively. Trice, who had 4 previous starts, is out of a winning mare who has produced 9 winners including Thrice Rich a group I winner in Peru. Annika Girl, who also finished 4th on July 4, is the first foal out of a mare who is a half-sister to 3 winners. Izzy Kate who finished 2nd on July 4 in front of Annika Girl,  is by first-crop sire, The Cliff's Edge. The Cliff's Edge has had 16 runners who have made 34 total starts, recording 3 wins, 3 seconds, and 3 thirds, and $86,069. Izzy Kate, who sold for $31,000 as a yearling, is the first foal out of a mare who won $132,620. Far Out Sandie, dam of Silverrod's Kate, was a 2-year old winner who earned $166,125 in her career. Far Out Sandie has produced one winner.

Shemeansbidness (Kafwain - Westwood by Storm Bird), who sold for $45,000 as a yearling, has made 4 starts all at different tracks (Keeneland, Arlington Park, Churchill Downs, and Ellis Park). Most recently, she finished 2nd in a 5.5 furlong Maiden Claiming race at Ellis Park on July 18. Shemeansbidness is a half-sister to 6 winners, including 3 that won at 2.

Chiffies Roan (Tekken (IRE) - Genial Hostess by Beau Genius) finished 8th in her only start, a Maiden Special race at Philadelphia Park on July 22. She is out of a winning mare and is a half- or full-sister to 5 winners.

Exhilarated (Hard Buck (BRZ) - Copper Spirits by Copper Man) is the 2nd runner for first-crop sire, Hard Buck. Hard Buck's first runner, West Coast Miss, is a winner. Exhilarated is the 2nd foal out of a mare who earned $65,842 and who was 1 for 1 at 2.

Also by a freshman sire is unraced Mel's Turn (Alke - Fresa Baby by Arazi) who is by Alke. Alke's 13 runners have made 27 total starts, recording 4 wins, 5 seconds, and 5 thirds, and $178,840. Fresa Baby, dam of Mel's Turn, has produced two winners from 3 to run.

Out of It (Out of Place - Commercial Kisser by Kissin Kris) is the 2nd foal out of a winning mare who is a half-sister to 10 winners, including stakes winner Tonyspal Craig who was also 2 for 2 at 2 and earned $127,160 in his career.

A Midnight Break for Dreams d'Oro

August 9, 2008
Arlington Race 1
Maiden Special Weight
6 furlongs
2 Year olds
Post Time: 12:45 PM HRTV

Dreams d'Oro (Medaglia d'Oro - Morning Time by Gilded Time) and Midnight Break (Congaree - Twilight Spectre by Imp Society) go head to head in their debuts at Arlington Park. Dreams d'Oro has had one work at Arlington, while Midnight Break has been working on the Polytrack at Keeneland. Dreams d'Oro, who sold for $70,000 as a yearling, is a half-brother to two winners including stakes winner Morner. Morner won or placed in 5 stakes and earned $262,002. Medaglia d'Oro's 22 runners have made a combined 40 starts, recording 8 wins, 5 seconds, and 7 thirds, and $278,213. Midnight Break is a half-brother to 3 winners, including grade III stakes winner Ethan Man. Ethan Man was a debut winner at 2 and earned $227,294 in his career. Congaree is the sire of 19 runners who have made 30 total starts, recording 6 wins, 3 seconds, and 3 thirds, and $199,515.

Big Al Cordes (Smoke Glacken - Hondo Creek by Private Terms), who sold for $33,000 as a 2-year old, has made 2 starts, finishing 4th on June 8 and 2nd on July 6. Both of these races were at Arlington Park. Big Al Cordes is the first foal out of the winning mare, Hondo Creek. Hondo Creek is a half-sister to 5 winners.

Also a veteran of 2 Arlington Park races is Kid Gusto (Wiseman's Ferry - Dreamscat by Mountain Cat), who finished 6th both on June 22 and July 27. Kid Gusto, who sold for $18,000 as a 2-year old, is out of a winning mare who has produced 4 winners from 5 to race. These winners include Wise Mountain, a full-brother to Kid Gusto, who has earned $29,515 through 2008.

Bearpath (Dynaformer - Song 'n Silk by Unbridled's Song), a $170,000 yearling, finished 4th in his only start at Churchill Downs on July 5. Bearpath is the 2nd foal out of an unraced mare who is a half- or full-sister to 8 winners, including stakes winners Unbridled Hope and Forestier, as well as Silent Fred who was stakes-placed at 2.

The top seller in the race is Contention (Dixie Union - April Squall by Summer Squall) who brought $350,000 as a yearling (after selling for $110,000 as a weanling). Contention, who was 9th in his only start at Churchill Downs on July 2, is out of a stakes-placed winner of $77,785. Contention is a half- or full-brother to 3 winners.

The remaining entrants are making their first starts, including Uno Mas (Macho Uno - Queen Majesty by Regal Classic) who sold for $150,000 as a yearling. Uno Mas is a half-brother to Mariah's Bullet who was a 2-year old winner and earned $139,127 overall.

Klair Alley, dam of His Greatness (Honour and Glory - Klair Alley by Well Decorated), was a winner at 2 and earned $118,447 in her career. Klair Alley has produced one winner.

Quite a Handful (Mutakddim - Silent Queen by King of Kings (IRE)) sold for $22,000 as a 2-year old. He is the 2nd foal out of a winning mare who is a half-sister to 4 winners, including Test Boy. Test Boy was a stakes winner at 2, 4, and 5 and has earned $283,299 through 2008.

Tamborim (Belong to Me - Miu Miu by Kris S.) is the first foal out of a mare who was a debut winner at 2 and who earned $77,016 overall. Tamborim's dam is also a half-sister to Aavelord who won the Gallant Fox (gr. III) and earned $221,700.

Promise Me Merlot Hopes to Hit the Pay Zone

August 9, 2008
Calder Race 2
Maiden Special Weight
6.5 furlongs
2 Year olds
Post Time: 1:15 PM HRTV

Promise Me Merlot (Peace Rules - Promise Me Magic by Pentelicus) returns for his 3rd start, after previously finishing 2nd on July 26 and 6th on July 5. Both of those races were at Calder. Promise Me Merlot sold for $55,000 as a yearling. He is out of a winning mare who earned $100,700. She has produced 2 winners from 3 runners. Peace Rules is the sire of 22 runners who have made 46 total starts, recording 10 wins, 4 seconds, 6 thirds, and $217,023.

Im a Tigger Too (Roar of the Tiger - True Points by Gate Dancer) who is by first-year sire, Roar of the Tiger, sold for $28,000 as a weanling. He has raced 3 times, running 3rd in his debut on May 31, 4th in the B L's Sweep Stakes on June 15, and 7th on June 28 back in against maiden company. Roar of the Tiger has sired 21 starters who have made 49 total starts with 10 wins, 9 seconds, 9 thirds, and $249,821. True Points, dam of Im a Tigger Too, was a stakes winner at 2 and has produced one winner.

Pay Zone (Cape Canaveral - Tale of a Dream by Tale of the Cat) finished 6th in his only start at Calder on June 28 (in front of Im a Tigger Too). The dam of Pay Zone, Tale of a Dream, won her 2-year old debut and was a stakes winner that year. Overall, she earned $159,515. Pay Zone is her first foal.

Finishing 9th behind Pay Zone and Ima Tigger Too on June 28 at Calder was Saint From Spain (Sweetsouthernsaint - Asturiana by Annouce). Previously, Saint From Spain was 4th on May 24 at Calder. Saint From Spain is a half-brother to 2 winners.

Burley's Gold (Touch Gold - Mop Squeezer by Roanoke) was 2nd in his only start on July 12 at Calder. His dam, Mop Squeezer, was a stakes winner who earned $143,038. Mop Squeezer has produced 2 winners including 1 2-year old winner.

Unraced Sligovian Bay (Sligo Bay (IRE) - Tiva by Two Punch) is the first foal out of a winning mare who is a half- or full-sister to 8 winners, including Pro Fighter who was stakes-placed as a 2-year old.

In Speight of Rocketing Returns of Yore

August 9, 2008
Saratoga Race 2
Maiden Special Weight
6 furlongs
2 Year olds
Post Time: 1:33 PM HRTV

In Speight of It (Speightstown - Honest Deceiver by Is it True) returns after starting slow and gaining 4th in his debut on opening day at Saratoga. Since that race, he has had 2 works. Speightstown's 18 runners have made 23 total starts with 5 wins, 4 seconds, and 5 thirds, and $233,771 in earnings. In Speight of It was a $140,000 2-year old. Honest Deceiver, dam of In Speight of It, was a debut winner at 2. She also won stakes at 2 and 4 and earned $150,958. Honest Deceiver is a full-sister to grade I stakes winner and millionaire, Yes It's True. As a 2-year old, Yes It's True was a debut winner and won or placed in 7 stakes including wins in the Hollywood Juvenile Championship Stakes (gr. III) and the Sapling (gr. III).

Finishing in 5th, behind In Speight of It on July 23 was Flying Private (Fusaichi Pegasus - Beautiful Treasure by Unbridled). He previously had finished 8th on June 19 at Churchill Downs. Flying Private, who sold for $700,000 as a yearling, is out of a mare who was stakes-placed as a 2-year old and earned $65,025 overall. Flying Private is half-brother to one winner.

The rest of the field is making their debut including Solidify (Alajwad - Kali Dearest by Dearest Doctor), by first-year sire Alajwad whose 11 runners have made 27 total starts, recording 2 wins, 2 seconds, 5 thirds, and $26,768. Kali Dearest, dam of Solidify, was a winner and has produced 8 winners including stakes winners I'mnaughtyandnice and Grooms Derby.

Most impressive sales credentials come from Proud Ruler (Posse - Corporate Spirit by Corporate Report) who sold for $75,000 as a weanling, $165,000 as a yearling, and $375,000 as a 2-year old. Proud Ruler is a half-brother to 3 winners, including Borntobeloved who earned $198,441.

Miami Hammer (Include - Value Added by Far Out East), who sold for $100,00 as a yearling, is out the winner, Value Added. Value Added earned $112,508 and has produced 6 winners, including Diablo's Addition who was stakes-placed at 2.

Selling for $60,000 as a yearling was Yore (Yes It's True - Married for Money by Not For Love), who is a half-brother to one winner.

Spring Meadow, dam of Rocketing Returns (Gone West - Spring Meadow by Meadowlake), won or placed in 10 stakes including victory in the Las Flores Handicap (gr. III) and earned $496,123. Spring Meadow has produced one winner from one to race.

Ryan's Comet (Mineshaft - Cosmic Wing by Halo) is out of a stakes-placed mare who also won at 2. Ryan's Comet is a half-brother to 3 winners, including 2 that won at 2.

Greer Lynn Hopes to Skipakiss for Four Gifts

August 9, 2008
Arlington Race 5
Maiden Special Weight
6 furlongs
2 Year Old Fillies
Post Time: 2:38 PM HRTV

Greer Lynn (Speightstown - Roll Over Baby by Rollin On Over), who has been working at Churchill Downs for several months, debuts in a full field at Arlington Park. Roll Over Baby, dam of Greer Lynn, won or placed in 13 stakes, including 3 at age 2, and earned $180,806. Roll Over Baby has produced 7 winners, including stakes winners Majorbigtimesheet, Roll Hennessy Roll, Value Plus, and Sing Baby Sing and stakes-placed Werblin. Speightstown's 18 runners have made 23 total starts with 5 wins, 4 seconds, and 5 thirds, and $233,771 in earnings.

Oro Gatita (Golden Missile - Kitty On the Track by Kitwood) finished 2nd in her only start on July 23 at Arlington Park. A $22,000 2-year old, Oro Gatita is out of a mare who was a 2-year old stakes winner and earned $231,479 in her career. Oro Gatita is a half-sister to one winner who was stakes-placed at 2 and 3.

Also finishing 2nd in her only start was Robin My Girl (Mutakddim - Sea Robin by Robin des Pins), who ran at Prairie Meadows on June 6. Robin My Girl is out of a winning mare who has produced one winner from one to run. That winner, Derwinville, won at 2.

Lake Cook (Boundary - Amity by Afleet) finished 3rd in her only start on July 26 at Arlington Park. Lake Cook's dam, Amity, was stakes-placed and earned $100,438. Lake Cook is a half-sister to one winner and a full-sister to Boycott, who has won $160,466 through 2008.

Finishing 5th on July 12 at Arlington Park was Witch Princess (Exchange Rate - Evil by Hennessy) whose dam, Evil, was a winner. Evil is also the dam of Tiz Wonderful who won 3 of 3 at 2, including the Iroquois (gr. III) and the Kentucky Jockey Club (gr. II), and earned $254,672 overall.

The last horse in the main body of the field with experience is Keertana (Johar - Motokiks by Storm Cat) who finished 7th on July 5 at Arlington Park. Keertana, who is by first-year sire Johar, is a half-sister to one winner. Johar's 13 runners have made 21 total starts, recording 1 win and 4 seconds.

Also by a first-crop sire is debut runner Four Gifts (Even the Score - Agiftfromservice by Service Stripe) by Even the Score. Even the Score is the sire of 13 runners who have made 24 combined starts with 1 win, 3 seconds, and 6 thirds, and $53,620 in earnings. Four Gifts is out of a winning mare who is a full-sister to grade I stakes winner Cashier's Dream. As a 2-year old, Cashier's Dream won the Spinaway (gr. I) and the Debutante (gr. III), and finished 2nd in the Frizette (gr. I) and the Adirondack (gr. II). Overall, Cashier's Dream earned $423,042.

Skipakiss (Skip Away - Prom Kiss by Kissin Kris) sold for $20,000 as a 2-year old, and is the first foal out of a mare who is a half-sister to 4 winners, including 2 which won at 2.

Ghost Queen, the dam of Mrs Cindy's Walkin (Cactus Ridge - Ghost Queen by Silver Ghost), was a stakes winner at 2 who earned $178,323.

Stormy Easter (Holy Bull - Runforthecherries by Runaway Groom) is out of a winning mare who has produced one winner from one to race. That winner, Bernt to Run, finished 4th at Arlington Park on August 8. Overall, Bernt to Run has earned $48,408 through 2008 and also won at 2.

My Next Wife (Honour and Glory - Ultreya by Gone West) is the 3rd foal out of the unraced mare, Ultreya, who is a half- or full-sister to 6 winners including 3 2-year old winners. Ultreya is also a half-sister to Dream Empress who was entered in River Fancy's Saratoga race on August 8. "It's a Small World" is now echoing in my head.

The dam of Windmill Hill (Grand Slam - Magical Holiday by Slew o'Gold) was a winner and has produced 5 winners, including grade III stakes winner Sorcerer's Stone. Sorcerer's Stone won 3 straight races at 2 including the Honest Pleasure and the Arlington-Washington Breeders' Cup Futurity (gr. III), and earned $180,665 in his career.

On the AE list are High On Top (Dance Master - Hit the Bid by Lear Fan) and Chary (Montbrook - Lady Discreet by Boundary). High On Top has run twice, finishing 4th in a Maiden race at Arlington Park on July 12 and 6th in the Tippett Stakes at Colonial Downs (on the turf) on July 26. High On Top, who sold for $16,000 as a yearling, is a half-sister to 3 winners, including 2-year old winner Steely Vana. Unraced Chary sold for $130,000 as a 2-year old and is a half-sister to one 2-year old winner.

Hopes for an Electric Start to put Ann On the Run

August 9, 2008
Thistledown Race 7
Maiden Special Weight
5 furlongs
2 Year Old Fillies
Post Time: 3:11 PM

Texas-bred Electric Start (Congaree - Belle Visage by Horatius) takes on a field full of Ohio-breds. I'll let you decide you if this is an advantage for her or not. Electric Start, who has been working at Thistledown, is out of stakes winner Belle Visage who earned $149,991. Belle Visage is the dam of Spark Plug, stakes-placed at 2. Congaree's 19 runners have made 30 total starts, recording 6 wins, 3 seconds, and 3 thirds, and $199,515.

Sweet Talkin Money (Talk Is Money - Sweet Wekiva by Wekiva Springs) has started twice, finishing 7th on June 13 and 6th on July 26. Both of these races were at River Downs. Sweet Talkin Money is the first foal out of an unraced mare who is a half-sister to 4 winners, including stakes winner Sweet Minister. Sweet Minister, who was also stakes-placed at 2, earned $139,962 in her career.

The only other experienced runner is Pyrite Ore (Formal Dinner - Mining Silver by Silver Buck) who finished 7th in her only start, the Tah Dah Stakes at River Downs. Pyrite Ore is the first foal out of a winning mare who is a half-sister to 2 winners including Economist At Last. Economist At Last was a 2-year old winner and has earned $147,740 through 2008.

Tut's Shadow (King Tutta - Shadow Steele by Smart Strike) is the 2nd foal out of mare who was a 2-year old winner and who is a half-sister to 6 winners.

Sissy Sassy, dam of Meanasasnake (Ago - Sissy Sassy by Covered Wagon), was stakes-placed at 2 and has produced 1 winner.

Brians Brat (Academy Award - Unbridled Brat by Red Ryder) is out of a winning mare who has produced 3 winners, including 2-year old stakes winner Buckys Brat. Buckys Brat also won stakes at 3 and 4 and earned $234,230.

Pyrite Alright (Formal Dinner - Pyrite Premier by Premiership) is a half- or full-sister to 6 winners, including stakes winners The Great Tyler and Pyrite Apex. The Great Tyler earned $157,420 in a 28 race career. Pyrite Apex was a stakes winner at 2.

Ann On the Run (Ten Most Wanted - Ann Margot by Gate Dancer) is by first-year sire Ten Most Wanted whose 15 runners have made 36 total starts, recording 2 seconds and 1 third. Ann On the Run is a half-sister to 6 winners, including Draw Play who was stakes-placed at 2 and earned $261,627 overall.

Da Bear Causin' Havoc

August 9, 2008
Presque Isle Downs Race 3
Maiden Special Weight
5.5 furlongs
2 Year olds
Post Time: 6:20 PM

Causin' Havoc (Medaglia d'Oro - Degenerate Gal by Degenerate Jon) and Da Bear Facts (Congaree - Impending Bear by Farma Way) face off on the Presque Isle Tapeta.

Causin' Havoc was our very first Maiden Watch freshman sire starter, way back on April 9, where he finished 7th at Keeneland. He had some time off after that race, but he began working again on June 12 at Keeneland, and has been working regularly (every 7 days) since then. Degenerate Gal, the dam of Causin' Havoc, was a grade II stakes winner who earned almost a million dollars ($936,393), but she did not run as a 2-year old. She won or placed in 19 stakes including victories in the Apple Blossom (gr. II), the Falls City (gr. III), and the Arlington Matron (gr. III). Degenerate Gal has produced 7 winners including stakes winners Blacktie Bird and Positive Gal, who won the Gallant Bloom (gr. III). Two of her offspring won during their 2-year old seasons. Medaglia d'Oro's 22 runners have made a combined 40 starts, recording 8 wins, 5 seconds, and 7 thirds, and $278,213.

Da Bear Facts has run twice, finishing 6th at Presque Isle Downs on July 12 and 4th at Mountaineer on July 27. D Bear Facts' dam, Impeding Bear, was a stakes winner who earned $255,751. Impeding Bear has produced one winner from two to run and that winner won as a 2-year old. Congaree's 19 runners have started 30 total times, registering 6 wins, 3 seconds, and 3 thirds, and $199.515 in earnings.

Player's List (Gimmeawink - Darned Alarming by Darn That Alarm) is the most experienced horse in the race having run 6 times, including a 5th in front of Da Bear Facts on July 12. Most recently, Player's List finished 3rd at Presque Isle Downs on July 26. Player's List is by first-year stallion Gimmeawink whose 12 runners have recorded 1 win, 4 seconds, and 5 thirds, through 25 collective starts. Darned Alarming, the dam of Player's List, was stakes-placed and earned $146,505.

Finishing 9th behind Player's List and Da Bear Facts on July 12 was Man o'Wonder (Teton Forest - Glister Girl by Glitterman) who is by first-crop sire Teton Forest. Teton Forest has had 4 runners which have made a total of 6 starts, recording one win. Man o'Wonder, who sold for $90,000 as a yearling, is the first foal out of an unplaced mare who is a half-sister to 4 winners, including stakes winners Saratoga Summer and Ever Elusive.

Mr. Aldo (Aldebaran - Summertown by Diesis (GB)), who sold for $50,000 as a yearling, finished 6th in his only start at Presque Isle Downs on June 26. Mr. Aldo is a half-brother to 4 winners, including Solar Fire who finished 3rd in the Sorrento (gr. III) at 2.

Also a veteran of one race at Presque Isle is Gimignano (Mancini - Mean Marlene by Citidancer) who was 6th on May 31. Gimignano, who was a $25,000 2-year old, is a full-brother to 2 winners including B. B. Mancini, a stakes winner at 2.

The last experienced entrant is Ventry (Cuvee - Kriska Kreme by Charismatic) who is by first-year sire Cuvee. Cuvee's 23 runners have made 48 total starts with 2 wins, 8 seconds, and 9 thirds, and $107,565. Ventry is the first foal out of an unraced mare who is a half-sister to 3 winners.

Sword Place (Awesome Sword - Magical Place by Out of Place) sold for $23,000 as a 2-year old, and is a half-brother to 4 winners including Bill Place. Bill Place won the Bay Shore (gr. III) and has earned $260,952 through 2008. Bill Place was also a debut winner at 2.

Selling for $20,000 at 2 was Call Nine One One (Rainmaker - Dial for Missy by Phone Trick), by freshman sire Rainmaker. Rainmaker's 4 runners have made 10 combined starts, recording 1 second and 3 thirds. Call Nine One One is a half-brother to winner Would B Speedy.

Shockin Blow (Doneraile Court - R J's Gianna by Summer Madness) is a half-brother to 5 winners, including stakes winner Classic R. J. who has earned $162,709 through 2008.

Truely It Is, dam of Facilitator (Stormy Atlantic - Truely It Is by Is It True) was a winner of $106,705 and has produced 3 winners from 3 to run.

Party Hard and Bring It Home for a Freedom Ride

August 9, 2008
Del Mar Race 5
Maiden Special Weight
6.5 furlongs
2 Year Olds
Post Time: 7:00 PM TVG

Party Hard (Medaglia d'Oro - Keys to the Heart by Wild Again), who finished 3rd in his debut at Hollywood Park on July 13, returns in a 6.5 furlong contest at Del Mar. Party Hard is the first foal out of grade III stakes winner, Keys to the Heart, who earned $267,148 in her career. As a 2-year old, Keys to the Heart started 5 times, recording 1 first, 1 second, and 1 third, and earned $40,608. Medaglia d'Oro's 22 runners have made a combined 40 starts, recording 8 wins, 5 seconds, and 7 thirds, and $278,213.

Also returning from Party Hard's debut is Bring It Home (Came Home - Captain's Launch by Northern Flagship), who was 7th in that race. Bring It Home is a half-brother to Spacelink, who was a stakes winner at 2 and finished 3rd in the Swaps (gr. I) as a 3-year old.

Blazing Spirit (Cherokee Run - Flirty Frosty by Pleasant Colony) and Day with Desi (Sunday Break (JPN) - Country Marquet by Marquetry) ran in a different Maiden race on July 13 at Hollywood Park, a race in which Blazing Spirit closed from nowhere to take 2nd and Day with Desi finished 6th. The dam of Blazing Spirit was a stakes winner who earned $300,595. Blazing Spirit, who sold for $75,000 as a yearling, is a half-brother to 2 winners including Flirt With Fortune who finished 3rd in the Baldwin (gr. III) and earned $162,577 in his career. Day with Desi was a $60,000 2-year old, and is out of a winning mare who has produced 2 winner from 2 to race. One of Day with Desi's siblings won as a 2-year old. 

Freedom Ride (War Chant - Itsoeasy by Easy Goer), who was a $30,000 yearling has run twice at Hollywood Park, finishing 8th on May 22 and 10th on June 29. He is a half-brother to 3 winners including Easy Grades who finished 2nd in the Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) and the San Rafael (gr. II). Easy Grades earned $559,159 in his career.

Orthodox (Pulpit - Dominique's Joy by Strawberry Road (AUS)) finished 10th in his only attempt, a Maiden Special Weight contest at Churchill Downs on July 5. The dam of Orthodox, Dominique's Joy, won or placed in 5 stakes including victory in the Joe Namath Handicap (gr. III), and earned $264,643.

The field is completed by three making their debuts, including Arashi Cat (Fusaichi Pegasus - A Chance of Storm by Storm Cat), who sold for $200,000 as a yearling. Arashi Cat is a half-brother to 5 winners, including Grass World, a group III winner in Japan who earned $1,838,936. Arashi Cat's dam is a full-sister to grade I stakes winner November Snow and grade III stakes winner Scatmandu.

Selling for $150,000 at 2 was Mi Forest Amor (Forestry - Frolic Away by Pentelicus). Mi Forest Amor is the 2nd foal out of a mare who is a half-sister to 7 winners, including stakes winners Smok'n Frolic, Cherokee Chase, and Smoke'n Coal. Smok'n Frolic won the Demoiselle Stakes (gr. II), the Tempted Stakes (gr. III), and the Fashion Stakes at 2, and earned $1,534,720 in her career.

Cozzelle, the dam of Leyva Man (Formal Gold - Cozzelle by Cozzene) is a half-sister to 2 winners, both of which won at 2.

Speight the Halo Seeks Revenge for a Big Revolution

August 9, 2008
Del Mar Race 7
Maiden Special Weight
6.5 furlongs
2 Year Olds
Post Time: 8:00 PM TVG

Speight the Halo (Speightstown - Ballado's Halo by Saint Ballado) makes his third start, after finishing 2nd in his debut on June 29 (behind S. S. Stone) and a disappointing 8th last time out on July 26 at Del Mar. One possible explanation for his poor performance was that Trevor called him Spate the Halo throughout. We'll see if that changes this time out. Since that race, he has had a 4 furlong work at Del Mar. Speight the Halo's dam, Ballado's Halo, was a stakes-placed winner of $80,858 and she is also a full sister to champion Ashado, and grade I stakes winner Sunriver. Speight the Halo sold for $400,000 as a 2-year old in training. Speightstown's 18 runners have made 23 total starts with 5 wins, 4 seconds, and 5 thirds, and $233,771 in earnings.

Finishing 8th, behind Speight the Halo, on June 29 at Hollywood Park was Del Conte (Point Given - Dirty Diana by Flying Continental), who had previously finished 6th at Hollywood on June 5. Del Conte is the first foal out of the 2-year old stakes winner, Dirty Diane.

I Want Revenge (Stephen Got Even - Meguial (ARG) by Roy) comes out of the same July 13 race as Blazing Spirit and Day with Desi who are in Party Hard's race above. I Want Revenge was third that day after chasing the pace. I Want Revenge is out of a stakes winning mare who was also a 2-year old winner. She has produced one winner from one to race.

Finishing 2nd in his only attempt on July 18 at Del Mar, was Big Revolution (Slew City Slew - Sixty Five Roses by Victory Gallop). Big Revolution, who sold for $50,000 at 2, is the first foal out of an unraced mare who is a full-sister to Urban Conquest. Urban Conquest was stakes-placed at 2 and has earned $202,905 through 2008.

The final experienced runner is Joking Sam (Johar - Lajna (GB) by Be My Guest), who was 8th in his only start at Hollywood Park on June 5. Joking Sam is by freshman sire Johar whose 13 runners have made 21 total starts, registering 1 win and 4 seconds. Joking Sam is a half-brother to 7 winners, including Gold Land who won or placed in 18 stakes and earned $891,099. Gold Land, who was a stakes winner at 2, is by Gone West, sire of Johar.

Selling for $120,000 as a yearling and $525,000 as a 2-year old was Prime Lender (Sky Mesa - Growth Stock by Known Fact). Prime Lender is the 2nd foal out of a stakes-placed mare who earned $186,711 and was a 2-year old winner.

Wild Wild Posse (Posse - Wildwife by Wild Gale) sold for $150,000 as a weanling and $210,000 as a yearling. His dam won at 2 and has produced 2 winners including R Loyal Man, a stakes winner at 2 and 3 who has earned $179,888.

Poker Dave (Full Mandate - Pleasant View by Eskimo), who was a $40,000 2-year old, is out of a winning mare who has produced 4 winners. Included among these winners is Tobe Suave who won or placed in 5 stakes and earned $259,877.

Selling for $35,000 as a yearling, Tiger Blitz (Tiger Ridge - Glittering Sky by Air Forbes Won) is out of a mare who won her only start at 2. Tiger Blitz is a half-brother to 10 winners, including One Bad Bird, a stakes winner at 2 who earned $161,247.

Worth Repeating (Giant's Causeway - Lady Nichola by A. P. Indy) is a half-brother to one winner and his dam is a full sister to 2-year old winner and sire, Malibu Moon.

2-Year Old Works

Returning to the WorkTab (horses previously mentioned in this blog)

August 7

Medaglia d'Onore (colt; Medaglia d'Oro - Always Ready by Dixieland Band) - Saratoga, 5 furlongs, 1:01.84.

August 8

Milord (colt; Birdstone - Lady d'Accord by D'Accord) - Belmont Park, 3 furlongs, :39.91.

Torres Strait (filly; Birdstone - Maid of Gold by Tour d'Or) - River Downs, 5 furlongs (gate), 1:05.00.

Audible (colt; Congaree - Miss Marcia by Mr. Greeley) - Belmont, 4 furlongs, :49.21.

Toxaway (filly; Congaree - Doradoradora by Runaway Groom) - Remington Park, 4 furlongs, :50.28.

Payton d'Oro (filly; Medaglia d'Oro - Jealous and Jaded by Jade Hunter) - Delaware Park, 4 furlongs, :47.80.

Pearl of Valor (filly; Medaglia d'Oro - Maderia M'dear by Black Tie Affair (IRE)) - Saratoga, 4 furlongs, :51.66.

Deceptive Ruler (colt; Peace Rules - Behind the Bluff by Pine Bluff) - Vinery Stable, 3 furlongs, :37.40.

Herrand (filly; Peace Rules - Kelly's Lake by Salt Lake) - Retama, 4 furlongs, :51.00. 

Noble Rule (filly; Peace Rules - Vienna Knickers by Noble Saint) - Calder, 5 furlongs, 1:03.40.

Perfectionism (colt; Pleasantly Perfect - Soldera by Polish Numbers) - Hollywood Park, 3 furlongs, :39.00. 

Cottage Industry (filly; Saarland - Act Stormy by Storm Creek) - Belmont, 3 furlongs, :38.07.

Starland Queen (filly; Saarland - Haleyclaire by Thunder Gulch) - Monmouth Park, 3 furlongs, :36.40.

Saarbright (colt; Saarland - Lady Sabrina by Patton) - Arlington Park, 4 furlongs, :48.00.

Run Smart One (colt; Smarty Jones - Literary Light by Ide) - Saratoga, 4 furlongs, :52.66.