There were weather delays at Laurel Park, the 9th race was canceled because of darkness, the track was muddy, and Peace Town (Peace Rules) stumbled at the break. All looked lost for heavily favored Peace Town. After a quarter, he had recovered enough to pass one. By the half, he was up to 3rd. Up front, Grosso and Helookslikearnold were battling. Helookslikearnold looked like a winner, but he couldn't hold off the wide closing Peace Town. An impressive win for Peace Town who becomes the first repeat winner for Peace Rules.

Result: August 14, 2008 
Laurel Park Race 8
Allowance Optional Claiming

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A Run Away Special

At the break, Reynaldothewizard (Speightstown) broke in the air and Medaglia d'Onore (Medaglia d'Oro) hit the gate. An inauspicious debut for our trio (Dueling Alex (Medaglia d'Oro) got away clean, but found trouble later when trapped on the rail). Join in the Dance and Unsung Song mixed it up early, setting some quick fractions (:21.66, 44:80). When the real running began in the stretch, however, it was Run Away and Hide and Break Water Edison that stole the show, separating themselves from the rest. Run Away and Hide prevailed, keeping his perfect record intact. Five lengths behind the top two, Reynaldothewizard, Join in the Dance, Proud Jefe, and Medaglia d'Onore all finished together. Reynaldothewizard was definitely affected by his tardy start, but not sure he would have threatened the top two regardless. Dueling Alex was 2 lengths behind Medaglia d'Onore, having no punch left after getting clear on the rail.

Read more about the Saratoga Special here.

Result: August 14, 2008 
Saratoga Race 9
Saratoga Special (gr. II)

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High Mist Over Tbilisi

High Mist was quickly out in front, establishing a four length lead by the quarter. She continued to cruise without exerting much visual effort. Deeveetee chased, but didn't make a dent in the lead. Know No Limits and Shellbrook closed a bit to pick up 3rd and 4th. Tbilisi (Birdstone) was off slow and trailed the field until the stretch, she did rally a bit and was able to pass two. A little experience should help this one.

Result: August 14, 2008 
Woodbine Race 5
Maiden Special Weight

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Vinnies Wild Over a Persian Storm

African Storm took the early lead, but Vinnies Wild Tale was never far back. Persian secured a nice stalking position and looked poised to go by them both, but a loss of momentum and a reluctance to switch leads resulted in a third place finish. Instead, it was Vinnies Wild Tale who took control, drawing off for a 4 length win.

Result: August 14, 2008 
Saratoga Race 5
Maiden Claiming

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The Truth Prevails

Sugaree Gold (Congaree) broke well and went right to the lead. However, she was hounded by Sorry Baby. Sugaree Gold was hanging tough, but she tired in the stretch and ended up last. Truthy, Kalapana, and To Hot for You were all closing, but Truthy was going best and took the victory.

Result: August 14, 2008 
Del Mar Race 5
Maiden Claiming

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Give a Wiggle and a Wink before Getting Away to See You Again

August 15, 2008
Woodbine Race 2
Maiden Special Weight
6 furlongs Turf
2 Year Old Fillies
Post Time: 1:37 PM

Wiggle and a Wink (Congaree - Friendofthefamily by Wild Rush) makes her debut on the turf at Woodbine. She has been working at Woodbine since late May, including a work on the turf training track on August 1. Wiggle and a Wink, who sold for $45,000 at 2, is the first foal out of a stakes winning mare whose wins included the Scottsdale Handicap on the turf. Congaree is the sire of 21 runners who have made a combined 35 starts, registering 7 wins, 4 seconds, 3 thirds, and $246,279.

The only experienced horse in the race is Xchangpleasantries (Menifee - Skyshine by Sky Classic), who was 5th in her only start on the Woodbine Polytrack on July 19. Xchangpleasantries' dam was a winner, and she has produced 4 winners from 5 to run.

Lady Shakespeare (Theatrical (IRE) - Lady Shirl by That's a Nice) is a full-sister to grade I winner and millionaire Shakespeare, who won the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational S. (gr. IT), the Woobine Mile (CAN-IT), and the Belmont Breeders' Cup (gr. II). Lady Shirl, dam of Shakespeare and Lady Shakespeare, was also a grade I winner on turf and earned $951,523.

Ochoa (Grand Slam - Where's the Church by Deputy Minister) is the top seller in the race, having brought $187,000 as a yearling. Ochoa is the 2nd foal out of a mare who is a half-sister to grade I winner Missed the Storm and grade III winner on the turf Green Means Go.

Selling for $145,000 as a 2-year old was See You Again (Holy Bull - Wildaboutyouagain by Risen Star), whose dam was a stakes winner at 2.

Divine Destiny (Friends Lake - Chic Sheba by Alysheba) is by freshman sire, Friends Lake. Friends Lake's 12 runners have made 21 total starts with 3 wins, 3 seconds, 5 thirds, and $194,150. Chic Sheba, dam of Divine Destiny, was a winner and has produced 6 winners from 7 to run.

Musical Heart (Sultry Song - Country Heart by Country Light) is out of a stakes-placed mare who has produced 3 winners from 3 to run, 2 of which won at 2.

Getting Away (Milwaukee Brew - Escutcheon by Our Emblem) is the 2nd foal out of an unraced mare who is a half-sister to 4 winners, including Check It Twice a stakes winner at 2.

Barrichello and L. A. will Rule Over the Insurgence

August 15, 2008
Woodbine Race 4
Maiden Special Weight
6 furlongs
2 Year Olds
Post Time: 2:31 PM

Barrichello (Speightstown - Everything by Geiger Counter) and L. A. Rules (Peace Rules - L. a. Explosion by Honour and Glory) face each other, and 5 first-time starters, as they both make their second starts. Barrichello finished 5th first time out on July 18 after starting slowly. Since that race, he has had one work at Woodbine. Everything, the dam of Barrichello, was a stakes winner who earned $238,912. However, she did not run as a 2-year old. Everything has produced one winner from 2 to race. Speightstown's 19 runners have made 27 total starts, recording 5 wins, 5 seconds, and 6 thirds and earnings of $262,471. L. A. Rules was 4th in his only start at Woodbine on July 6, just missing third. L. A. Rules sold for $40,000 as a 2-year old. His dam is half- or full-sister to 7 winners, 2 of which won as 2-year olds. Peace Rules has had 22 runners who have made 51 starts with 12 wins, 5 seconds, and 7 thirds and $260,298.

Selling for $70,000 as a yearling was Hot Proposition.(Touch Gold - Alpha Heat by Alphabet Soup), who is the first foal out of a stakes winning earner of $336,966. Hot Proposition's dam is a half-sister to 4 winners.

Lord of Greatness (Greatness - Dowager Lady by Whadjathink), who sold for $55,000 as a 2-year old, is out of a winning mare who has produced one winner from one to run. That horse was a winner at 2.

Insurgence (Pulpit - Erzulie Freda by Fappiano) sold for $50,000 as a yearling and is out of a winning mare. Insurgence is a half-brother to 7 winners, including Fancy Freda, a stakes winner at 2, and a grade III stakes winner at 3. Fancy Freda earned $200,516 in her career.

B'cause B'cause (Whywhywhy - Tomorrows Dancer by Tomorrows Cat) is a full-brother to stakes-placed Why Tomorrow

Faye's Gray (Macho Uno - Assuring Touch by With Approval) is the first foal out of a winning mare who is a half-sister to 3 winners.

Rocket will try to make a Well Intended Defense

August 15, 2008
Laurel Race 5
Maiden Special Weight
5.5 furlongs
2 Year Old Fillies
Post Time: 5:22 PM HRTV

Rocket Defense (Peace Rules - Seemslikearocket by Beau Genius) debuts on the grass at Laurel Park in a big field of 13. Stakes-placed Seemslikearocket, dam of Rocket Defense, was also a 2-year old winner. Seemslikearocket has produced 2 winners from two to run. Peace Rules already has one winner on the Laurel turf, Live the Dash who won there in his debut on August 9. Overall, Peace Rules has sired 22 runners who have made 51 total starts, recording 12 wins, 5 seconds, 7 thirds, and $260,298.

The most experienced horse in the race is Rowes Royal Chapel (Chapel Royal - Karen S. by Kris S.) who has made 6 starts, including 4 on the turf. Her best finish was 5th, which she achieved three times. Most recently, she finished 10th in a 5 furlong turf Maiden Special Weight race at Colonial Downs on August 2. Rowes Royal Chapel is by first-year stallion, Chapel Royal whose 37 runners have made 83 total starts, recording 11 wins, 11 seconds, 12 thirds, and $333,261. Karen S., the dam of Rowes Royal Chapel, was a winner and she has produced 3 winners including one turf winner.

Perfect Pet (Marquetry - Red Devilette by Oh Say) has made 5 starts and has finished 2nd three times, including her most recent race, the Jamestown Stakes at Colonial Downs. Her dam was a winner and has produced 4 winners, but no 2-year old winners.

Ukons Pic (Canadian Frontier - Bic's Pick by Deputy Commander), by first-year sire Canadian Frontier, finished 2nd in her only start, a Maiden Special Weight race at Charles Town on August 2. Ukons Pic, who sold for $65,000 as a yearling, is out of a mare who is a half-sister to 5 winners, including Mari's Sheba dam of Congaree. Canadian Frontier's 11 runners have made 20 total starts, recording 3 seconds and 1 third.

Quickquestionforya (Partner's Hero - Kelly's Question by Mr. Greeley) finished 8th in her only start on July 4 on the Colonial Downs turf. Quickquestionforya is the 2nd foal out of a winning mare who is a half-sister to 8 winners.

Also finishing 8th in her only start was Forest Hush (Macho Uno - Forest Flight by Forestry), who ran in a Maiden Claiming race at Charles Town on August 1. Forest Hush is the 2nd foal out of an unraced mare, who is a half-sister to champion Skip Away and 8 other winners.

The remaining horses are making their first start, including Glorious Deal (Rahy - Healing Hands (GB) by Zafonic) who sold for $22,000 as a 2-year old. Healing Hands, dam of Glorious Deal, was a winner on the turf and she has produced one winner, who won on the turf.

Toe Shoes (Disco Rico - Ahimsa by Valley Crossing) is the first foal out of a winning mare who is a half- or full-sister to 5 winners, including 3 2-year old winners.

Apron Dance (Polish Payola - Fight Overnight by Fight Over) is out of a 2-year old winning mare who has produced 2 winners.

Tidal Change (Runaway Groom - Tiding Over by Unbridled) is a half-sister to one winner, and her dam is a half-sister to 5 winners, including 3 turf winners.

Reina Terra, dam of Nancy G. (Fusaichi Pegasus - Reina Terra by Blushing Groom (FR)), was a winner and has produced 8 winners, including turf stakes winners Brushing Gloom and Clash by Night.

Franklin's Philly (Crypto Star - Franklin's Mint by Franklin Me) is the first foal out of a mare who was a winner at 2, and earned $183,980 in her career. Franklin's Philly's dam is also a half- or full-sister to 6 winners, including stakes winners Skip the Print and Mia Cat Dancer.

Well Intended (Montbrook - Well Registered by Well Decorated) is a half-sister to 3 winners and a full-sister to 2 winners, including World Champion a 2-year old winner who was stakes-placed at 3.

Into My Soul with Precious Beans

August 15, 2008
Saratoga Race 9
Maiden Special Weight
1 1/16 miles Turf
2 Year Olds
Post Time: 5:30 PM HRTV/TVG

Into My Soul and Precious Beans will attempt to make their turf debuts at Saratoga. However, considering the track record at Saratoga this season, the odds are not good that this one will actually be run on the turf. If it does go on the dirt, it will be run at 7 furlongs.

Precious Beans (Medaglia d'Oro - Precious Feather by Gone West) will be making his fourth start, after finishing 3rd on June 27 and June 4, and 6th on April 26. Precious Beans had a nice 4 furlong work on the turf training track at Saratoga on August 1, recording a time of :47.66. Precious Beans' dam, Precious Feather, was a stakes winner who earned $257,441, including second place finishes in the Azalea (gr. III) and Turfway Breeders' Cup (gr. III). Precious Feather is the dam of 2 winners, one of which won as a 2-year old. Medaglia d'Oro's 23 runners have made 46 total starts, registering 8 wins, 5 seconds, and 7 thirds, and $290,273.

Into My Soul (Pleasantly Perfect - Stop Traffic by Cure the Blues) finished 6th in his only start, a 5.5 furlong race on the dirt at Saratoga on July 25 (a race originally scheduled for the turf). Into My Soul, who was a $50,000 2-year old, has been working at Saratoga for the past month and a half, including one work on the turf. Stop Traffic, the dam of Into My Soul, earned $864,518 and won or placed in 18 stakes including victories in the Ballerina (gr. I) and the Santa Monica (gr. I). Stop Traffic also won her 2-year old debut. Into My Soul is a half-brother to one winner. Pleasantly Perfect's 9 runners have made 13 total starts, recording 2 wins, 2 seconds, 3 thirds, and $84,367.

Luv Gov (Ten Most Wanted - City of Silver by Nepal) finished 5th, behind Precious Beans, on June 27 at Churchill Downs and most recently, finished 8th at Saratoga on August 2. Luv Gov is by first-year sire, Ten Most Wanted. Ten Most Wanted has had 19 starters who have made 41 starts, recording 2 seconds and 4 thirds. City of Silver, dam of Luv Gov, was a winner and has produced one winner.

Pointing Home (Point Given - Palace Story by Palace Music) has run three times, finishing 4th on May 21, and 6th on June 14 at Churchill Downs; and 4th at Saratoga on July 26 behind Munnings. A $50,000 yearling, Pointing Home is a half- or full- brother to 6 winners, 3 of which won as 2-year olds including Boot Scootin Daddy, who won the Michigan Futurity as a 2-year old and earned $118,070 in his career.

Finishing 4th in his only start on July 31 at Saratoga was Insider (Out of Place - Doe River by Kris S.) who is out of the winning mare, Doe River. Doe River has produced 2 winners, both of which won at 2.

Relatively Ready (More Than Ready - Relativa (ARG) by Parade Marshal) finished 5th in his only start on May 16 at Belmont. Relatively Ready is a half-brother to 2 winners.

The last experienced horse in the main body of the race is Tar Beach (Sky Mesa - Quichesterbahn by Broad Brush), who was 7th in his only start on July 5 at Churchill Downs. Tar Beach sold for $210,000 as a yearling and is out of a winning mare who has one winner, Eddie's Favorite. Eddie's Favorite has earned $49,533 through 2008.

Selling for $150,000 as a weanling and $300,000 as a yearling was Hype (More Than Ready - Western Woman by West by West). Western Woman, the dam of Hype, was a stakes winner at 2 and earned $114,800 in her career. Western Woman has produced 2 winners, including Tis a Man who was stakes-placed at 2.

Herr Mozart (Mr. Greeley - Clincher by Metfield) brought $260,000 as a yearling and is out of winning mare. Herr Mozart is a half-brother to one winner.

Evolutionist (El Prado (IRE) - Dream Supreme by Seeking the Gold) is out of grade I stakes winner and millionaire, Dream Supreme. Dream Supreme won or placed in 10 graded stakes and was 2 for 2 as a 2-year old. Dream Supreme is the dam of Majestic Warrior who won the Hopeful Stakes (gr. I) at 2.

Get Stormy (Stormy Atlantic - Foolish Gal by Kiri's Clown) is the 2nd foal out of a mare who is a half-sister to 11 winners.

Three horses are on the MTO list for the race, Take the Points (Even the Score - Ginger Ginger by Fred Astaire), Stormalory (Storm Cat - Miss Halory by Mr. Prospector), and Toby the Coal Man (Mineshaft - Major Melissa by Partner's Hero). Take the Points (Even the Score - Ginger Ginger by Fred Astaire) sold for $160,000 as a yearling and finished 4th in his only start on Churchill Downs on July 5. Take the Points is by first-crop sire, Even the Score whose 15 starters have made a collective 27 starts, registering 3 win, 3 seconds, and 3 thirds, and $87,220. Take the Points is a half-brother to 2 winners including stakes winner Tin Man Commin who was stakes-placed as a 2-year old. Unraced Stormalory (Storm Cat - Miss Halory by Mr. Prospector) is a half-sister to graded stakes winners Prory, Key Lory, Halory Hunter, Brushed Halory, and Van Nistelrooy. Debut runner Toby the Coal Man is the first foal out of a mare who is a half-sister to grade I winner and 2-year old champion, Declan's Moon.

Jazzi Dawn has a Stormy Intention for Miss Victoriana

August 15, 2008
Northlands Park Race 1
Maiden Special Weight
3.5 furlongs
2 Year Olds
Post Time: 8:00 PM

Jazzi Dawn (Saarland - Mountain Dawn by Mountain Cat) makes her debut at Northlands Park, against 4 fillies and 3 geldings all making their debuts. Jazzi Dawn was a $30,000 yearling and is out of a stakes-placed mare who earned $272,457. Jazzi Dawn is a half-sister to one winner, who has earned $50,900 through 2008. Saarland's 12 runners have made 26 total starts, recording 2 wins, 1 second, and 6 thirds, and $86,225.

In addition to Jazzi Dawn, the fillies are Whipper Wind (Wind Whipper - Sheza Ruby by Rubiano), Miss Victoriana (Explicit - Barb's Intent by Regal Intention), Kaylalyn (D'wildcat - Lovely Lola by Canyan Creek (IRE)), and More Salt Please (Salt Lake - La Luna de Oro by Glitterman). Whipper Wind is a half-sister to one winner and a full-sister to one winner. Miss Victoriana is the first foal out of an unraced mare who is a half-sister to 10 winners, including 3 that won at 2. Lovely Lola, dam of Kaylalyn, was a stakes-placed winner of $55,726. Kaylalyn is her first foal. More Salt Please is the first foal out of a winning mare who is a half-sister to a 2-year old winner. (One would like to suggest a mating of La Luna de Oro with Medaglia d'Oro, purely for the naming potentials).

The geldings are Stormy Intention (Regal Intention - Down to Earth by Metfield), Tricky Ladd (Not Tricky - Badger's Lass by Mr. Badger), and Wired Two Twenty (Brunswick - Gettin After It by Banker's Gold). Down to Earth, dam of Stormy Intention, was 1 for 1 at 2, and a stakes winner at 3. She is the dam of 4 winners, including New Media, a stakes winner at 2. Tricky Ladd is the first foal out of stakes-placed mare, who is a half-sister to three stakes winners. Wired Two Twenty is the 2nd foal out of an unraced mare, who is a half-sister to 3 winners.

2-Year Old Works

New to this blog

August 14

Working 2 furlongs at Woodbine in :25.60 was Maxwell's Demon (colt; Speightstown - Indy Pendence by A. P. Indy) who is a half-brother to one winner.

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

August 14

Conga Gold (filly; Congaree - Added Gold by Gilded Time) - Fair Hill, 4 furlongs, :50.00.

Conseated Lady (filly; Congaree - Seattle Stardust by Slew City Slew) - Saratoga, 4 furlongs, :48.92.

Midnight Break (colt; Congaree - Twilight Spectre by Imp Society) - Keeneland, 5 furlongs, 1:00.00.

Fiesta d'Oro (filly; Medaglia d'Oro - Ionian Bride by Icecapade) - Saratoga, 4 furlongs, :50.29.

Hug It Out (filly; Medaglia d'Oro - Dazzling Contrast by General Meeting) - Arlington, 4 furlongs (gate), :49.60.

Mario d'Oro (colt; Medaglia d'Oro - No Habra Ninguna (ARG) by Parade Marshal) - Belmont Park, 5 furlongs, 1:04.15.

Mindy Sue (filly; Pleasantly Perfect - Drifa by Tabasco Cat) - Arlington, 4 furlongs, :48.20.

Perfectionism (colt; Pleasantly Perfect - Soldera by Polish Numbers) - Hollywood Park, 3 furlongs, :37.40.

Saarbright (colt; Saarland - Lady Sabrina by Patton) - Arlington Park, 5 furlongs, 1:01.80.

Apple Fest (filly; Smarty Jones - Lovington by Afleet) - Hollywood Park, 3 furlongs, :39.80.

Smart N Lonely (filly; Smarty Jones - Lonely Girl by Relaunch) - Del Mar, 3 furlongs, :37.60.

Congor Bay (colt; Speightstown - Pico Teneriffe by Red Ransom) - Winding Oaks Farm, 4 furlongs, :49.20.

Despeightitall (colt; Speightstown - Deputy Royal by Deputy Minister) - Churchill Downs, 5 furlongs, 1:04.40.

Haynesfield (colt; Speightstown - Nothing Special by Tejabo) - Saratoga, 5 furlongs, 1:01.10.

Zak's in Town (colt; Speightstown - Zakcat by Vilzak) - Fair Hill, 5 furlongs, 1:02.00.