A Group II Winner for Speightstown

Lord Shanakill (Speightstown - Green Room by Theatrical (IRE)) won the Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes (Eng-II) at Newbury for his first stakes win on September 20. He tracked the early leaders and then had to hold off a late charge from favorite Gallagher. Lord Shanakill is the first stakes winner for his sire, Speightstown, and his leading earner with $220,740. Lord Shanakill's overall record now stands at 7 starts, 2 wins, 1 second, and 3 thirds. Read more about the race here. Maybe, we could see Lord Shanakill in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf?

Phu Bird Rolls Over Preslee, Peace Reigns

Phu Bird (Birdstone) and Peace Reigns (Peace Rules) both broke well and went for the lead, Phu Bird inside and Peace Reigns outside. In between them was the even-money choice, Executive Girl. Phu Bird took command and fought off Executive Girl to establish a clear lead. Roll Preslee Roll was well, rolling, but she was unable to catch Phu Bird, who becomes the 6th winner for Birdstone. Peace Reigns tired, but finished a decent 5th in this big field. The first three finishers were all entered in the race last Saturday that was lost to the elements. The delay did not seem to impact their performance.

Result: September 20, 2008 
Louisiana Downs Race 6
Maiden Special Weight

View Race Details and Full Equibase Chart

It's a Brave Victory Over Audible

Audible (Congaree) broke a tad slow, but went right up to the lead. However, he tired after a half and began to go backwards through the field. At that point, heavy favorite Brave Victory took over. Mayor Marv applied some token pressure, but in the end Brave Victory was all alone, winning by 7. All the Bases closed steadily, but greenly, and may be one to watch in the future. Also showing late interest at big odds was Inclusive Faith. This underlines one of the things that I love about maiden races. Even with the big favorite on top, the trifecta still paid $449 (not that I had it, but somebody did). This phenomenon isn't limited to maiden races, but you are more likely to find better value with maidens. In a race with experienced runners, a horse is usually 62-1 because that's what their past form indicates. But, a maiden may be long odds just because they are an unknown.

Result: September 20, 2008 
Belmont Park Race 2
Maiden Special Weight

View Race Details and Full Equibase Chart

Deeveetee Takes the Cafe with Greenapple Martini

Fiddlesticks went to the lead early, pressed by Deeveetee and stalked by Divine Destiny. Fiddlesticks called it a day in the stretch, where Cafe Au Mey entered the picture and the lead. However, Deeveetee was not giving in and those two battled to the wire. Deeveetee got her head in front to take the win. Rashnaa closed nicely for the show spot, while Divine Destiny showed heart again finishing 4th. Greenapple Martini (Medaglia d'Oro) was never really involved, always near the back (she finished 8th). Hopefully, she figured out what to do for next time.

Result: September 20, 2008 
Woodbine Race 4
Maiden Special Weight

View Race Details and Full Equibase Chart

Jenda Just Overmatches Missunitednations, Winestone

Fire Water set the early pace from her inside post. Her closest pursuer was Missunitednations (Peace Rules). Winestone (Birdstone) was up on the pace as well, while racing wide. Fire Water and Winestone started to fade on the turn, but Missunitednations continued to pursue the new leader, Just Jenda, who had made a move to the front on the inside. Just Jenda continued to increase her lead and won by more than 6. Missunitednations was well clear of third place finisher Denali Glitter. There was no catching Just Jenda on this day, but Missunitednations was much the best of the rest.

Result: September 20, 2008 
Philadelphia Park Race 10
Maiden Special Weight

View Race Details and Full Equibase Chart

Go Smarty Go!

September 21, 2008
Belmont Park Race 5
Maiden Special Weight

2-year Olds
Post Time: 3:11 PM HRTV/TVG

Go Smarty Go (Smarty Jones - Sarah's World by Holy Bull) makes his debut on the Belmont turf. He has been working since April, including several works on the Saratoga turf training track. Go Smarty Go sold for $35,000 as a yearling and $165,000 as a 2-year old. He is out of a winning mare who has produced 2 winners, including Higher World who won the Mazarine Breeders' Cup (Can-II). However, neither of Go Smarty Go's siblings won on the turf. Smarty Jones is the sire of 12 runners who have made 21 total starts, recording 4 wins, 2 seconds, 1 third, and $145,179.

Insider (Out of Place - Doe River by Kris S.) finished 4th twice on the dirt at Saratoga, and then 2nd on the Belmont turf on September 5. Insider is out of a turf winning mare, who has produced 2 winners.

The only other entrant with turf experience is Sugar Forest (Forestry - Saratoga Sugar by Gone West), who finished 5th on the turf at Saratoga on August 29. Sugar Forest, who sold for $150,000 as a yearling, is the 2nd foal out of a mare who was placed on the turf. Sugar Forest's dam is a full-sister to grade I winner Link River.

Two of the experienced colts are by first-year sires, Tapit's Brew (Tapit - Looking for a Win by Crafty Prospector), by Tapit, and Fieldstone (Werblin - Stormy Future by Future Storm), by Werblin. Tapit's Brew, who finished 5th at Saratoga on July 31, brought $280,000 as a 2-year old. Tapit's 34 runners have made 83 total starts, recording 13 wins, 18 seconds, 8 thirds, and $601,277. Looking for a Win, dam of Tapit's Brew, was a winner at 2 and a stakes winner at 3. Looking for a Win has produced 8 winners, including stakes winner Holy Fashion. Two of Looking for a Win's offspring have won on the turf. Fieldstone has run twice, finishing 5th at Churchill Downs on June 14, and 9th at Saratoga on August 2. Werblin is the sire of 11 runners who have made 24 collective starts with 2 wins, 4 seconds, 1 third, and $85,811. Fieldstone, who brought $82,000 as a yearling, is a half-brother to one winner.

Smax (Pulpit - Little Sister by Valid Appeal) is the only other experienced horse, having finished 6th on the Saratoga dirt on August 17. Smax was a $300,000 yearling and is out of grade III winner Little Sister. Little Sister earned $720,568 in a career that included a stakes victory at 2. Little Sister did not win on the turf. She is the dam of 4 winners, including stakes winner Takedown and No Fair who was stakes-placed on the turf.

Courageous Cat (Storm Cat - Tranquility Lake by Rahy) is out of millionaire Tranquility Lake, who won or placed in 17 turf stakes. Courageous Cat is a full-brother to After Market, a grade I winner on the turf who earned $903,685, and group II winner Jalil whose current earnings total $332,188.

Bringing $220,000 as a yearling was Known (Johannesburg - Recognizable by Seattle Slew), who is out of grade III winner Recognizable. Recognizable earned $312,850 in her career, but did not run on the turf. Known is a half-brother to stakes-placed Proud Leader.

Deuces Takem (Put It Back - Flautist (GB) by Lion Cavern) and Taum Sauk (Peaks and Valleys - Paula's Day by Henbane) both sold for $75,000 as 2-year olds. The dam of Deuces Takem is a half-sister to 5 winners, including turf stakes winner Song of the Sword (GB). Taum Sauk is out of a turf winning mare who has produced 5 winners. One of Taum Sauk's siblings won on the turf.

Victory March (War Chant - Mississippi Lights by Majestic Light) sold for $100,000 as a yearling is out of a mare who was placed on the turf. Victory March is a half-brother to 5 winners, including grade III turf winner Private Chef.

Viable (Vindication - Belle Breesing by Southern Halo) is a half-brother to 3 winners, including stakes winners Slew's Saga and Bell n' Gone. Slew's Saga was a stakes winner on the turf who earned $246,464.

Peace Schedules a Conference at the Meridian Hour

September 21, 2008
Delaware Park Race 7
Maiden Claiming ($25,000)
6 furlongs
2-year Olds
Post Time: 3:27 PM

Peace Conference (Peace Rules - In Conference by Dayjur) makes his debut in Maiden Claiming company at Delaware Park. Peace Conference has been working since March, including a 4 furlong gate work at Delaware Park on September 3 in :49.80. A $50,000 yearling, Peace Conference is out of grade III stakes winner In Conference. In Conference has produced 5 winners, including Settle Up who finished third in the Tropical Turf Handicap (gr. IIIT).Peace Rules has sired 32 starters who have run a combined 83 times, recording 16 wins, 14 seconds, 10 thirds, and $392,122.

The most experienced entrant is Cobalt Kid (Rock Slide - Jacobean Style by John Alden), who has made 6 starts. In his last 3 starts, he has finished 3rd twice and 2nd once. Cobalt Kid is out of a winning mare who has produced 4 winners, including stakes-placed Root With Style. One of Cobalt Kid's siblings won at 2.

My Pal Max (Max's Pal - How to Splash by Bucksplasher) has run 4 times, most recently finishing 2nd at Delaware on September 3. My Pal Max is a half- or full-brother to 3 winners including two 2-year old winners, and his dam is a half- or full-sister to 8 winners.

Not too Busy Today (Tomorrows Cat - I'm a Little Busy by Polish Numbers) has finished twice at Timonium, most recently on September 1. He is out of the mare I'm a Little Busy, who was a winner at 2 and stakes-placed at 3. I'm a Little Busy has produced 2 winners.

Moon Royal (Mojave Moon - Elusive Crown by Royal Academy) and Bacchanalian (Ten Most Wanted - Brazen Bride by Miswaki) both finished 2nd in their only starts. Moon Royal, who ran at Penn National on August 14, is the 2nd foal out of the winning mare, Elusive Crown. Elusive Crown is a half-sister to 3 winners, including stakes winner Snoose Goose. Bacchanalian, who did his running at Delaware on September 7, is by first-crop sire Ten Most Wanted. Ten Most Wanted's 29 starters have ran 72 total times, recording 1 win, 7 seconds, 7 thirds, and $94,636. Bacchanalian is out of a stakes-placed mare who is a half-sister to 6 winners, including stakes winner Movant.

The remaining horses in the main body of the race are making their debuts including Dolan's Debacle (Friends Lake - Titia by Northern Spur (IRE)), by freshman sire Friends Lake. Friends Lake has sired 23 runners who have made 46 total starts, registering 5 wins, 8 seconds, 8 thirds, and $311,091. Dolan's Debacle is the first foal out of the stakes-placed mare Titia, who earned $256,217. Titia is a half-sister to 3 winners, including stakes-placed Pinetop.

Goodnight Irene, dam of Stormin Hero (Stormin Fever - Goodnight Irene by Twilight Agenda), was a winner at 2 and grade III stakes-placed at 3, while earning $133,661. Goodnight Irene has produced 3 winners from 4 runners, including stakes-placed Its Just a Dream.

Meridian Hour (You and I - Women's Work by Gold Meridian) is the 2nd foal out of a mare who is a half-sister to 4 winners, including stakes-placed Sky Watch.

Kissin' Me (Belong to Me - Kissin' Jeb by Jeblar) is out of the grade III stakes winner, Kissin' Jeb. Kissin' Jeb, who earned $143,140 in her career, has produced 3 winners from 3 to run.

Tumble Creek (Century City (IRE) - Kellerin by Charismatic) is the 2nd foal out of the mare Kellerin, who was placed at 2. Kellerin's first foal, Call Her Lady Day, is a winner.

Personal Edge (Personal First - Two Edge by Sword Dance (IRE)) is the first foal out of a winning mare who is a full-sister to 3 winners, and a half-sister to stakes-placed Light of Justice.

On the AE list is Smokin Canoe (Read the Footnotes - Pennie Canoe by Pentelicus), who has made 3 starts, including 2 on the turf. His best finish was a 2nd on the Colonial Downs turf on August 4. His most recent effort was a 7th place finish at Delaware on September 3. Smokin Canoe is by first-year sire Read the Footnotes whose 17 runners have made 40 total starts with 8 wins, 5 seconds, 3 thirds, and $245,887. Smokin Canoe is a half-brother to one winner.

P. J.'s Canary has Wings of Joy for a Relay

September 21, 2008
Louisiana Downs Race 5
Maiden Special Weight
7.5 furlongs turf
2-year Old Fillies
Post Time: 4:18 PM TVG

P. J.'s Canary (Birdstone - P J Prado by El Prado (IRE)) returns after finishing 2nd in her debut on the dirt on July 26, and 4th on the Louisiana Downs turf on August 31. She'll try the turf again in this one. P.J.'s Canary is a half-sister to one winner and her dam is a half-sister to 2 winners. Birdstone's 20 runners have made 46 total starts, recording 8 wins, 6 seconds, and 6 thirds and $339,764.

Princess Notgonna (Littleexpectations - Fire Attack by Red Attack) and Lucky Distinction (Distinction - Personal Diary by Our Native) also ran in P.J.'s Canary's August 31 turf race, finishing 3rd and 6th respectively. Princess Notgonna, who has run three additional times, sold for $15,000 as a weanling. She is out of the mare Fire Attack who won at 2 and earned $130,040 in her career. Fire Attack has produced 5 winners. Lucky Distinction, who was 7th in her only previous start, is out of a winning mare who has produced 3 winners.

J.B.'s Charisma (Leestown - Royal Charisma by Charismatic), Rock Jasmine (Horse Chestnut (SAF) - Ski Racer (FR) by Ski Chief), and Ima Jean's Dream (Olmodavor - Nice Mistake by That's a Nice) met in a mile and 70 yard contest on the Louisiana Downs dirt on September 4, finishing 4th, 5th, and 7th respectively. J.B.'s Charisma has had two previous starts, including a 6th place finish in the John Franks Memorial Sales Stakes. He is out of a winning mare who is a half-sister to 5 winners. Rock Jasmine, who was a $20,000 yearling, is out of the winning mare, Ski Racer. Ski Racer is the dam of 3 winners, including stakes winner Dynaski. Ima Jean's Dream, who previously was 5th on August 14 at Louisiana Downs, is by first-crop sire Olmodavor. Olmodavor's 22 runners have made 49 total starts, recording 10 wins, 3 seconds, 11 thirds, and $285,394. Nice Mistake, the dam of Ima Jean's Dream, was a stakes winner on the turf who earned $287,291. Nice Mistake has produced 5 winners, including 1 turf winner.

The most experienced runner is Maddy Walk (In a Walk - Bonne Idee by Moonlight Dancer), who has made 5 starts, including two 6th place finishes on the turf at Lone Star Park. In her most recent start, she finished 10th on the Louisiana Downs dirt. Maddy Walk is the first foal out of a winning mare who is a half-sister to 5 winners.

Magic Shaw (Scrimshaw - Meli Magic by Sovereign Dancer), by first-crop sire Scrimshaw, has run three times, most recently finishing 4th on the Louisiana Downs dirt on September 6. Scrimshaw's 21 runners have made 63 total starts with 7 wins, 8 seconds, 10 thirds, and earnings of $199,807. Meli Magic, dam of Magic Shaw, was a winner and has produced 6 winners, including stakes winner Gigi's Magic. Gigi's Magic, who was also stakes-placed at 2, earned $148,220 in her career.

Unraced fillies Relay (Smoke Glacken - Broadcast by Broad Brush) and Wings of Joy (Aldebaran - Merit Wings by Silver Hawk) complete the field. Relay is out of a winning mare who has produced 4 winners, including turf stakes winner Network. Wings of Joy, who was a $45,000 2-year old, is out of the mare Merit Wings, a stakes winner on the turf. Merit Wings has produced 2 winners.

Birdseye Seeks Monashee's Honor with a Swift Punch

September 21, 2008
Remington Park Race 6
Maiden Special Weight
7.5 furlongs turf
2-year Old Fillies
Post Time: 4:50 PM

Birdseye returns to the Remington Park turf, after finishing a decent third in her first try on the green stuff on August 30. Interestingly, Toxaway who was 8th in the August 30 race, broke her maiden next time out on September 19. Previously, Birdseye had finished 6th twice on the Lone Star Park dirt on June 28 and July 18. Birdseye sold for $60,000 as a weanling, but $20,000 as a yearling. The dam of Birdseye, Trail Guide, was a winner who has produced 9 winners from 10 to race. Three of her offspring won during their 2-year old season. Trail Guide's offspring include turf stakes winner Georgia's Joey and Sassy Skipper, who was stakes-placed on the turf. Birdstone's 20 runners have made 46 total starts, recording 8 wins, 6 seconds, and 6 thirds and $339,764.

Also coming out of the August 30 turf race at Remington Park are Laguna Amiga (Friends Lake - Blown West by Gone West), who was 2nd, and Swift Punch (Two Punch - Waltz by Pleasant Tap), who was 9th. Laguna Amiga has made 4 additional starts, including a 2nd and a 3rd on the Lone Star turf. She is by first-crop sire Friends Lake who has sired 23 runners who have made 46 total starts, registering 5 wins, 8 seconds, 8 thirds, and $311,091. Laguna Amiga is a half-sister to 2 winners. Swift Punch, who sold for $15,000 as a yearling, previously finished 5th and 2nd on the turf, and 10th on the dirt. Waltz, dam of Swift Punch, was grade II stakes-placed.

High Lion (Lion Hearted - Highest Offer by Roar) has made two starts, both at Lone Star Park, including a 3rd place finish on the turf on July 11. The dam of High Lion was a winner of $51,535. High Lion is her first foal, but she is a half-sister to 9 winners including Upper Noosh who won or placed in 9 turf stakes. As a 2-year old, Upper Noosh won the Miss Grillo Stakes (gr. IIIT).

Silk Tutta (Untuttable - Rampant Ride by Rampage) has made three starts, all on the dirt at Canterbury, finishing 8th on July 31 and 5th twice, on August 14 and August 28. She is out of a winning mare who has produced 3 winners.

Another with experience at Canterbury is Toss the Ring (Proud Citizen - Carnival Gal by Siphon (BRZ)), who finished 7th in her only start on August 31 at that track. Toss the Ring, who sold for $13,500 as a 2-year old, is a half-sister to one winner.

Lady Guthrie (Zavata - Guthrie by Lord Avie) has also made one start, finishing 9th at Remington Park on September 13. Guthrie, the dam of Lady Guthrie, was a stakes winner at 2 and stakes-placed at 3, while earning $153,270. She has produced one winner.

The final filly with experience is Eru (E Dubai - Pyrite Fab by Regal Search), who finished 2nd at Lone Star on July 18, and 10th at Remington Park on August 24. Both of her races were on the dirt. Pyrite Fab, dam of Eru, was stakes-placed at 2 and earned $138,799 in her career. She is the dam of three winners, all winners at 2.

Selling for $50,000 as a yearling was Megan's Tough Love (Rahy - Silent Partner by Capote). Her dam, Silent Partner, won at 2 and on the turf. Silent Partner has produced 2 winners from 3 to run.

Cherry Pink (Pure Prize - No Kayela by American Standard), who brought $22,000 as a yearlng, is out of stakes winner No Kayela. No Kayela earned $197,330 and has produced 4 winners, including stakes-placed Lil' Awesome Annie who was also a winner at 2.

Cordially (Stanislavsky - Chain Letter by Tank's Number) is the first runner for her sire, Stanislavsky. Stanislavsky was grade III stakes-placed. Cordially is the first foal out of a winner mare who is a half-sister to 3 winners.

Monashee's Honor (Monashee Mountain - Touch of Honor by Devil's Bag) is a half-sister to 3 winners, including one turf winner.

Desert Fox Will Make a Big Push to be a Flying Warrior

September 21, 2008
Arlington Park Race 8
Maiden Special Weight
6 furlongs
2-year Olds
Post Time: 5:25 PM HRTV

Desert Fox (Saarland - Sandshell by Silver Hawk) debuts at Arlington Park, after working at Churchill Downs since late July. Selling for $57,000 at 2, Desert Fox is out of the mare Sandshell, who was placed at 2. Sandshell is the dam of 3 winners, including stakes-placed winners Speedy Sonata and El Batallon, who both won at 2. Saarland's 19 runners have made 45 combined starts, recording 5 wins, 1 second, 10 thirds, and $170,727.

Quite a Handful (Mutakddim - Silent Queen by King of Kings (IRE)) has made 2 starts, both on the Arlington Polytrack. He finished 7th on August 9 and 4th on August 24. Quite a Handful 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.

Big Push (Black Mambo - Listentothebells by Allen's Prospect) and Jim's Trippin (Trippi - Miss Salt Lick by Salt Lake) both ran on the Arlington Park turf on September 7, but in different races. Big Push, who was 3rd in his race, is by first-crop sire Black Mambo. Black Mambo is the sire of 19 starters who have made 44 total starts, recording 6 wins, 6 seconds, 2 thirds, and $120,183. Big Push sold for $45,000 at 2 and is out of the winning mare, Listentothebells. Listentothebells has produced the winner Letsringthebell. Jim's Trippin was 6th in his race and sold for $42,000 at 2. He is out of a stakes-placed mare who has produced 4 winners. Jim's Trippin's half-sister Ariel Bright was stakes-placed at 2.

Finishing 3rd in his only start, on the Arlington Polytrack on August 24, was Repent N Receive (Repent - Rated P. G. by Silent Screen). He is out of a winning mare who has produced 8 winners, including stakes winner Eejay. Eejay earned $164,165 in his career.

The remaining runners are making their first starts, including two by Bernstein, Big Bernstein (Bernstein - Zipangu Alydar by Alydar) and True Bee (Bernstein - True Rose by Brunswick). Big Bernstein, who sold for $27,000 as a yearling, is a half-brother to 4 winners. True Rose, the dam of True Bee, was stakes-placed and earned $143,555. True Rose has produced one winner from one to run.

Selling for $290,000 as a yearling was Flying Warrior (Fusaichi Pegasus - Hishi Amazon by Theatrical (IRE)). His dam, Hishi Amazon, was a group I winner in Japan who earned $6,981,102. Hishi Amazon has produced 2 winners, including one that won at 2.

Dirt Farmer (Silver Deputy - Bird to the Wire by Storm Bird), who sold for $55,000 as a yearling, is a half-brother to one winner and a full-brother to Stormtothewire, who was a winner at 2.

Round Numbers (Leestown - Countess I. by Mr. Greeley) was a $50,000 yearling and is a half-brother to one winner, who did win at 2.

Back Alley Tales (Tale of the Cat - Our Dear Sue by Roberto), a $40,000 yearling, is a half-brother to 5 winners. His siblings include stakes winner Don't Read My Lips, who earned $231,322.

Easy (Vicar - Unaffordable by Unbridled) is a half-brother to one winner, and a full-brother to winner Unbridled Vicar. Unbridled Vicar was a winner at 2 and has earned $96,189 through 2008.

Junior's Boost (Smoke Glacken - Stoneway by Storm Boot) is on the AE list for the race. He sold for $40,000 as a yearling and is the first foal out of stakes winner Stoneway, who also won at 2.

2-Year Old Works

New to this Blog

September 20

Stones Throw (colt; Birdstone - Twinkler by Benny the Dip) worked 3 furlongs at Monmouth Park in :35.60. Stones Throw was a $32,000 2-year old and is the first foal out of a mare who is a half-sister to 7 winners, including group III winner Asema and Flat Top a grade I winner over jumps.

Working 5 furlongs in 1:02.00 at Fair Hill was Kelode (colt; Saarland - Precious Jewell by Fortunate Prospect). Kelode sold for $80,000 as a yearling and is the 2nd foal out of the stakes-placed mare, Precious Jewell. Precious Jewell is a half-sister to champion and millionaire Jewel Princess.