A red-letter day for Maiden Watch as we had 3 starters and 3 winners (a fourth entrant, Speight the Halo did not draw in from the Also-Eligible List). It was especially nice that all three were by different sires.

Collegiate got the ball rolling at Belmont, going to the lead straight out of the gate. She dueled with Market At Midday until the stretch, put that one away and then drew off to become the first winner for Saarland. Softly Spoken closed nicely, but she was no match for Collegiate. Market At Midday hung around for third. See the Forest looked best in the post parade, but faded without excuse to 4th.

Result: June 19, 2008 
Belmont Park Race 2

Collegiate	$5.80	$4.00	$2.60
Softly Spoken		$5.50	$3.40
Market At Midday			$2.40

Equibase Chart 

Experience Pays Off for Medaglia d'Onore

Some anxious moments in this one, as Medaglia d'Onore was stuck inside with no place to go for much of the race and at one point he looked like he was stopped. Finally, Julien Leparoux swung him out and he motored down the (admittedly tired) pacesetters, Unbridle's Dream and Cosimo. I think experience really helped him here as an unexperienced horse might have become frustrated when stopped and not gotten started again. Behind Medaglia d'Onore, Just Like Biscuit and the slightly green Lamm ended in a dead heat for 2nd.

Result: June 19, 2008 
Churchill Downs Race 5

Medaglia d'Onore	$20.40	$7.60	$5.00
Just Like Biscuit		$18.40	$11.60
Lamm		$3.40	$3.80

Equibase Chart 

Cradle of Peace Responds Favorable to a Drop into Maiden Claiming

Cradle of Peace was much the best in this one, pressing the pace before drawing off to win by more than 3. He was a bit reluctant to switch leads, but once that was accomplished he put the field away rather easily. Win Grammy Boy took the place spot by just a nose over 71-1 shot Archie Tucker. I actually was a bit surprised that no one claimed Cradle of Peace.

Result: June 19, 2008 
Churchill Downs Race 6

Cradle of Peace	$4.20	$3.00	$2.60
Win Grammy Boy		$5.00	$3.40
Archie Tucker			$11.20

Equibase Chart 

Smokey Lonesome First Winner For Teton Forest

Speight the Halo didn't draw into this one from the Also-Eligible list, but I thought the race was worth mentioning since Smokey Lonesome was victorious to become the first winner for Teton Forest (plus, Smokey is on my personal watch list, so why not mention him). Spaniard, the half-brother to Indian Blessing took all the money in this one (and I mean all the money as he was 4-5), but he was nowhere to be found at the end. The Final Roar set the pace but was run down by the pair of Smokey Lonesome and Candy Lion (the other Candy Ride in the race). Smokey Lonesome prevailed by a head. 

Result: June 19, 2008 
Hollywood Park Race 8

Smokey Lonesome	$23.40	$9.60	$5.80
Candy Lion		$6.60	$4.60
The Final Roar			$4.20

Equibase Chart 

Rapid Redux Returns, Field Includes Medaglia d'Oro Debut Runner, Prolific

Rapid Redux (Pleasantly Perfect - Thiscatsforyoucaryl by Storm Cat) makes his 2nd start after scratching out of 5 furlong contest at Monmouth on June 5. I wouldn't read much into that scratch, since the winner was his stablemate, Atomic Rain. Rapid Redux debuted on May 16 at Belmont, finishing a good 2nd in the slop. Out of the Storm Cat mare, Thiscatsforcaryl, Rapid Redux sold for $85,000 as a yearling. Thiscatsforcaryl failed to win at the track, but she has produced 6 winners including the stakes winner Be Like Mike (earnings $174,202) and Sacred Journey who finished 3rd in this year’s Southwest Stakes. Two of her offspring won as 2-year olds.

Among the horses facing Rapid Redux is Prolific (Medaglia d'Oro - Quadrahope by Quadratic) who makes his debut. Prolific is out of a mare who won once and placed 2nd once in 2 2-year old starts. Selling for $37,000 as a yearling, Prolific is a half-brother to 5 winners including El Prado Essence who earned $890,281 and won or placed in 16 stakes. As a 2-year old, El Prado Essence won her debut and finished 3rd in the Ontario Debutante Stakes.

Finishing 4th in the June 5 race that Rapid Redux scratched out of was Dectective (Officer - Butterscotch Sauce by Clever Trick). Detective is a half- or full- brother to 9 winners, 2 of which won as 2-year olds.

The only other experienced horse in the race is Going for Gold (Go for Gin - Token Beauty by Gold Token) who finished 2nd at Monmouth on June 4 in a 4.5 furlong affair. Interestingly, that was a Maiden Claiming race, so his connections must have seen something in his performance to think he could tackle Maiden Special Weight company. Going for Gold is the first foal out of an unraced mare whose dam earned $101,272.

The sales-topper in this field is Matador Run (Cherokee Run - Informative by Tabasco Cat) who brought $425,000 as a 2-year old (after selling for $325,000 as a yearling). Matador Run's dam, Informative, was stakes-placed as a 2-year old and also won her debut. She has had one foal reach the races, that offspring has one 2nd place in 4 starts.

The dam of Delaware Slew (Delaware Township - Slew Gin Beauty by Slew Gin Fizz) is half-sister to grade III stakes winner Don Six who earned $612,123 and won or placed in 13 stakes. 

Monmouth Park Race 3
Maiden Special Weight
4.5 Furlongs
2 Year Olds
Post Time: 1:45 PM TVG

PP	Horse
1.	Matador Run
2.	Rapid Redux
3.	Delaware Slew
4.	Going for Gold
5.	Detective
6.	Prolific

2-Year Old Works

New to this blog

June 17

La Nina d'Oro (filly; Medaglia d'Oro - Halter Top by Unbridled) - Lone Star Park, 3 furlongs (gate), :37.60. La Nina d'Oro is a half-sister to one winner and her dam is a half-sister to 6 winners.

June 19

Electric Start (filly; Congaree - Belle Visage by Horatius) - Thistledown, 4 furlongs, :54.80. The dam of Electric Start, Belle Visage, was a stakes winner who earned $149,991. She has produced one winner, Spark Plug who was stakes-placed as a 2-year old (after winning his debut) and who has earned $59,226 through 2008.

What a Chestnut (colt; Congaree - Ali's Dancer by Marshua's Dancer) - Laurel, 3 furlongs, :36.20. What a Chestnut, who sold for $410,000 as a 2-year old, is out of a mare who was stakes-placed as a 2-year old and a 3-year old and earned $71,950. What a Chestnut is a half-brother to 5 winners including stakes winner, Sweet Stepper, who won the Barretts Juvenile Stakes as a 2-year old and earned $444,858 in his career. 

Gold d'Oro (filly; Medaglia d'Oro - Gold Canyon by Mr. Prospector) - Saratoga, 3 furlongs, :39.44. Gold d'Oro is a half-sister to Adriano winner of the Lane's End Stakes (gr. II) this year. Adriano also won his 2nd start as a 2-year old (on the turf).

Work for Peace (filly; Peace Rules - Southern Solstice by Southern Halo) - Laurel, 3 furlongs, :37.20. Work for Peace is a half-sister to one winner, Twelve Twenty Two, who broke her maiden as a 2-year old in 2007 and finished 3rd in the California Oaks this year. 

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

June 19 

Audible (colt; Congaree - Miss Marcia by Mr. Greeley) - Belmont, 4 furlongs, :50.16.

Congaree Park (colt; Congaree - King's Daughter by Ferdinand) - Santa Anita, 3 furlongs, :36.20.

Don't You Linger (colt; Congaree - So Long Dearie by D'Accord) - Belmont, 4 furlongs, :50.04. 

Follow the Rules (colt; Peace Rules - Floramera by Seattle Slew)  - Churchill Downs, 4 furlongs, :48.60. 

Bedtime Story (filly; Pleasantly Perfect - Fairy Tale by Seattle Slew) - Ocala Training Center, 4 furlongs, :49.60.

Smart Woman (filly; Smarty Jones - Storming Beauty by Storm Cat) - Saratoga, 3 furlongs, :36.49. 

Greer Lynn (filly; Speightstown - Roll Over Baby by Rollin On Over) - Churchill Downs, 4 furlongs, :49.00. 

Mullins Beach (filly; Speightstown - Treasure Beach by Silver Deputy) - Woodbine, 4 furlongs, :48.60. 

Speight of Hand (colt; Speightstown - Hitch by Cox's Ridge) - Saratoga, 4 furlongs, :49.93.

This was a very impressive debut for Peace Town. He sat off the pacesetters, Great Love and Dont Pass Em and then exploded to win by 8. I'd have to look it up to make sure, but I think this is our largest margin of victory so far. Rockaroundthepark closed well to pick up 2nd at 20-1 and Great Love hung around for third. 

Result: June 17, 2008 
Delaware Park Race 4

Peace Town	$6.40	$4.20	$2.80
Rockaroundthepark		$12.20	$4.40
Great Love			$2.60

Equibase Chart 

Lord Shanakill Finishes Third at Ascot

Lord Shanakill (Speightstown - Green Room by Theatrical (IRE)) finished 3rd in the Coventry Stakes (ENG-II) at Royal Ascot. He was just behind the leaders and went to the front, but couldn't hold off the winner Art Connoisseur and just lost 2nd.

First Smarty Starters

Last week, Smarty Jones had his first starter as Abraham Again (Smarty Jones - Settling Mist by Pleasant Colony) ran on June 13 in Mexico finishing 8th. If anyone knows where to find details about this result, please chime in. On June 16, he had his 2nd starter, La Equivocada (Smarty Jones - Dragonada by Nureyev) who ran at Camarero Race Track in Puerto Rico.  I did receive notification of this race, but not until after the race had been run, so no preview. La Equivocada finished 6th after a slow start.

Result: June 16, 2008 
Camarero Race Track Race 6

You Are a Devil	$8.60	$5.90
Honor Kris		$5.40
Miss Sadler

Equibase Chart 

June 19, 2008

Will Collegiate be Softly Spoken and See the Forest?

Collegiate (Saarland - La Sorbonne (ARG) by Southern Halo) makes her debut in a compact field of 5. Selling for $400,000 as a yearling, Collegiate is a half-sister to 3 winners, including Good Student (ARG) who earned $216,027 and won or placed in 3 graded stakes including a second in the Santa Maria (gr. I). Good Student was also 1 for 1 as a 2-year old.

The only experienced horse in the race is Matty Mae (Matty G - Ecstasy Lady by Blare of Trumpets) who has made one start, finishing 7th in a 4.5 furlong race at Keeneland on April 19. Matty Mae is a half-sister to one winner, Gi Xtc, who won his 2-year old debut.

Another with impressive sales credentials is Market At Midday (Yonaguska - Noon Time Dancer by Afternoon Deelites) who brought $350,000 as a 2-year old. The dam of Market At Midday was a winner of $53,290 and a half-sister to 2 stakes winners. Market At Midday is her first foal.

Selling for $60,000 as a 2-year old was Softly Spoken (Greatness - Mary's Silver Pen by Dawn Quixote). Softly Spoken's dam was a stakes winner who was stakes-placed as a 2-year old. She has produced one winner, Awesome Jared, who has earned $90,446 through 2008. Awesome Jared won 2 races and placed in 2 others as a 2-year old.

See the Forest (Forestry - Critical Eye by Dynaformer) is out of millionaire Critical Eye who won or placed in 8 graded stakes including victories in the Gazelle (gr. I) and the Hempstead (gr. I). She also won her 2-year old debut and loved Belmont Park. Critical Eye is the dam of one winner from 2 to start. 

Belmont Park Race 2
Maiden Special Weight
5 Furlongs
2 Year Old Fillies
Post Time: 1:32 PM HRTV/TVG

PP	Horse
1.	Matty Mae
2.	Softly Spoken
3.	Collegiate
4.	Market at Midday
5.	See the Forest

Medaglia Searches for Honor in His Third Start

Medaglia d'Onore is at it again after finishing 6th on April 24 and 4th on May 26. The increase in distance should be helpful. Medaglia d'Onore sold for $40,000 as a yearling. His dam, Always Ready, is a half-sister to More Than Ready, millionaire and grade I winner.  More Than Ready won 5 out of 7 starts as a 2-year old (and finished 3rd in another start) including victories in the Tremont (gr. III), and Sanford (gr. II).

The most experienced horse in the race is Just Like Biscuit (Sligo Bay (IRE) - Evita's Song by Conquistador Cielo) who has raced 4 times. His best finish was 3rd in a 4.5 Maiden Claiming race on May 3. This is his first race outside of Florida. Evita's Song, dam of Just Like Biscuit, was a winner who earned $50,620. She has produced two winners including the stakes-placed Gone Wild.

The only other experienced horse in the race is Grief (Gilded Time - Reef by Cape Town) who has run once, finishing 6th in a 5.5 furlong race at Churchill Downs. Grief is out of a mare who earned $78,825 and who finished 3rd once in 2 starts as a 2-year old. Grief is her first foal, but she is a half-sister to 7 winners. 

The sales-topper from this race is Flying Private (Fusaichi Pegasus - Beautiful Treasure by Unbridled) who sold for $700,000 as a yearling. The dam of Flying Private, Beautiful Treasure, was stakes-placed as a 2-year old and earned $65,025 in her career. She has produced one winner, Far East Gold, who has earned $62,812 through 2008.

Unbridle's Dream (Unbridled's Song - Gaviola by Cozzene) sold for $475,000 as a 2-year old. His dam was a grade I stakes winner who earned $589,142 and won or placed in 8 graded stakes. She was also a 2-year old winner. Gaviola has had one foal race with no winners.

Cosimo (Include - Silver Gambler by Prospectors Gamble) brought $220,000 as a 2-year old. Cosimo is a half-brother to one winner and a full-brother to 2 winners including China's Dragonlady who was a 2-year old winner.  

Selling for $100,000 as a 2-year old was Smokin' Legend (Smoke Glacken - Binalegend by Binalong). Smokin' Legend is out of a stakes winning mare who was also a 2-year old winner. She has produced one winner who won during her 2-year old season.

Lamm (El Corredor - Twilight Encounter by Regal Classic) sold for $60,000 as a yearling. Lamm's dam was grade III stakes-placed and earned $125,260. She has produced 4 winners including the stakes winner, Twilights Prayer, who was also a 2-year old winner. 

June 19, 2008
Churchill Downs Race 5
Maiden Special Weight
5.5 Furlongs
2 Year Olds
Post Time: 3:20 PM HRTV

PP	Horse
1.	Unbridle's Dream
2.	Medaglia d'Onore
3.	Just Like Biscuit
4.	Smokin' Legend
5.	Grief
6.	Flying Private
7.	Lamm
8.	Cosimo

Cradle of Peace Tries Maiden Claiming Company

Cradle of Peace (Peace Rules - Cat's Cradle by Flying Paster) moves from Arlington Park where he finished 7th in a 4.5 furlong Maiden Special Weight contest on June 8 to Churchill Downs where he tries Maiden Claiming company at 5.5 furlongs. Selling for $80,000 as a yearling, Cradle of Peace is out of the grade I winner, Cat's Cradle. Cat's Cradle won or placed in 17 stakes including victory in the Acorn (gr. I) and earned $807,808. As a 2-year old, Cat's Cradle won 3 races including the California Thoroughbred Breeders' Association Stakes. She also finished 3rd in the Landaluce (gr. II) that same year. As a broodmare, Cat's Cradle has produced one winner, Stray Cat Blues, who earned $84,932 and won one race as a 2-year old.

First-year sire Toccet is the sire of Areyouaphi (Toccet - Lisa's Lady by Repriced) who has finished 4th in his only start. Toccet has had 8 runners with no winners, 1 2nd place finisher, and 2 third place finishers. The dam of Areyouaphi, Lisa's Lady, was a stakes winner who won the Best of Ohio Juvenile Fillies Championship as a 2-year old. She has produced 3 winners including 1 of which won as a 2-year old. 

Making his fourth start at Churchill Downs is Four Peaks (Desert Warrior - True Advantage by Tactical Advantage) whose best finish was a 5th place on May 18. Four Peaks is a full- or half-brother to two winners, including one 2-year old winner.

Coming in from Florida is Crazi Truth (Bold Truth - Crazi by Ghazi) who has finished 8th and 6th in 2 starts at Calder. Crazi Truth is the 2nd foal out of a winning dam who is a half-sister to 5 winners.

Win Grammy Boy (Graeme Hall - Adagio's Gem by Dr. Adagio) has had one start, finishing 4th in a Maiden Claiming 4.5 furlong race at Churchill on May 30. The dam of Win Grammy Boy was a winner who earned $219,326. Win Grammy Boy is the first of her foals to reach the races.

The final experienced horse in the race is Who U Like (Skip Away - Cap Jaluca by Arch) who debuted at Churchill Downs on May 21 finishing 8th. Who U Like's dam is a half-sister to one winner.

Pumpjackcat (Cape Town - Ocean Cat by Storm Cat) sold for $15,000 as a yearling. His dam, Ocean Cat, was a stakes winner who earned $250,897 and won two stakes as a 2-year old. She has produced one winner.

The dam of Thebuckstopshere (Montbrook - Agnes Rose by Beau Genius) was a winner who earned $59,625, $36,925 as a 2-year old. Agnes Rose has produced one winner, Famous Patriot, who finished 3rd in this year's Holy Bull Stakes (gr. III).

Count Me (Subordination - Timely Rhythm by Count the Time) is out of a winning dam who has produced one winner who broke her maiden during her 2-year old year.

Archie Trucker (Wild Wonder - Buck'n'pearl by Buckhar) is the first foal out of a winning mare  who is a half-sister to one winner.

June 19, 2008
Churchill Downs Race 6
Maiden Claiming
5.5 Furlongs
2 Year Olds
Post Time: 3:52 PM HRTV

PP	Horse
1.	Count Me
2.	Pumpjackcat
3.	Who U Like
4.	Four Peaks
5.	Win Grammy Boy
6.	Archie Trucker
7.	Cradle of Peace
8.	Thebuckstopshere
9.	Crazi Truth
10.	Areyouaphi

Speight the Halo an Also Elgible

Speight the Halo (Speightstown - Ballado's Halo by Saint Ballado) is on the Also Elgible list for this one, so the analysis will probably be less in-depth than usual. However, just in case he gets in the race, I thought we should take a look. 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.

First-year stallion, Roar of the Tiger is the sire of The Final Roar (Roar of the Tiger - Next to Nothing by Doneraile Court). Roar of the Tiger has had 3 winners from 8 starters. He is also a full-brother to Giant's Causeway. The Final Roar has run twice, most recently finishing 2nd in a 4.5 furlong Maiden Special Weight at Hollywood Park on May 22. The Final Roar's dam is a half-sister to 6 winners.

Finishing 4th in that May 22 race was Smokey Lonesome (Teton Forest - Exclusive Symbol by Alysheba) who is by first-year sire, Teton Forest. Smokey Lonesome sold for $43,000 as a weanling. Smokey Lonesome has been the only starter for Teton Forest so far. Teton Forest earned $222,000 in his career and won the Jerome Handicap (gr. II). Smokey Lonesome is a half-brother to 2 winners.

First-year sire Candy Ride is represented by two unraced colts Candy Lion (Candy Ride (ARG) - Sherzarcat by Storm Cat) and Spaniard (Candy Ride (ARG) - Shameful by Flying Chevron). Candy Ride has had 1 winner from 7 starters. Candy Lion sold for $170,000 as a weanling. His dam was a stakes winner who won her only start at 2. She has produced 5 winners. Spaniard's dam was a stakes winner who earned $241,345. Shameful is the dam of grade I winner and champion, Indian Blessing.

Charlie's Moment (Indian Charlie - Moment of Light by Bold Revenue) finished 2nd in his only start on June 4. Charlie's Moment's dam earned $81,285 and has produced four winners.

Only Be Cause (Giant's Causeway - Fabulous Fairy by Alydar) was a $160,000 yearling. Only Be Cause's dam, Fabulous Fairy, has produced 6 winners including grade II stakes winner Chinese Dragon.

Smokey Beau (Smoke Glacken - Three Li'l Kittens by Strawberry Road (AUS)) who sold for $115,000 as a yearling, is out of winning dam who earned $69,593. Smokey Beau is a full-brother to the stakes winner, Smoke Smoke Smoke who won the Canterbury Park Juvenile Stakes as a 2-year old. 

Selling for $100,000 as a 2-year old was the unraced Form a Posse (Posse - Taste of Heaven by Sky Classic). Form a Posse is a half-brother to 3 winners.

Rainshine (Rainmaker - Sunshine Gwen by Buckaroo) is the first foal out of a mare who earned $153,789.

The dam of A Royal Tizzy  (Cee's Tizzy - Royal Woodman by Woodman) was a 2-year old winner who is a half-sister to 10 winners.

June 19, 2008
Hollywood Park Race 8
Maiden Special Weight
5 Furlongs
2 Year Olds
Post Time: 7:59 PM TVG

PP	Horse
1.	The Final Roar
2.	Only Be Cause
3.	Spaniard
4.	Charlie's Moment
5.	Smokey Beau
6.	Candy Lion
7.	A Royal Tizzy
8.	Rainshine
9.	Form a Posse
10.	Smokey Lonesome
AE	Speight the Halo

2-Year Old Works

New to this blog

June 16

The wonderfully named Outta Speight (colt; Speightstown - Winter Garden by Roy) worked 4 furlongs in :52.00 at El Primero Training Center. The dam of Outta Speight, Winter Garden, won or placed in 11 stakes and earned $902,788. She also won 2 out of 3 races as a 2-year old. Outta Speight is her first foal.

June 17

Saarman (colt; Saarland - Mil Kilates by Gold Alert) worked 5 furlongs at Lone Star Park in 1:04.00. Saarman is out of the multiple graded stakes winner Mil Kilates who earned $632,646. She has produced two winners.

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

June 17

Dawn's Early Song (colt; Birdstone - Aurora Too by Sky Classic) - Crupi's New Castle Farm, 2 furlong, :26.80.

Texas Birdstone (colt; Birdstone - Imatexantoo by Ray's Pegasus) -  Lone Star Park, 5 furlongs (gate), 1:03.00.

King Congo (colt; Congaree - Hansels' Star by Hansel) - Emerald Downs, 4 furlongs; :50.00.  

Midnight Break (colt; Congaree - Twilight Spectre by Imp Society) - Keeneland, 3 furlongs, :36.60.

Rue Du Bois (filly; Congaree - Aroz by Fappiano) - Delaware Park, 3 furlongs, :36.20.

Causin' Havoc (colt: Medaglia d'Oro - Degenerate Gal by Degerate Jon) - Keeneland, 3 furlongs, :35.60.

Dueling Alex (colt; Medaglia d'Oro - Rosie Dooley by Trempolino) - Monmouth Park, 4 furlongs (gate), :47.40.

Go Peacefully (filly; Peace Rules - Ottomwa by Strawberry Road (AUS)) - Lone Star Park, 3 furlongs, :37.20. 

Promise Me Merlot (colt; Peace Rules - Promise Me Magic by Pentelicus) - Calder, 5 furlongs, 1:02.40.

Perfect for a Run (colt; Pleasantly Perfect - Unbridled Ashley by Unbridled) - Monmouth Park, 3 furlongs (gate), :36.00.

First Magnitude (colt; Saarland - Fapindy by A. P. Indy) - Arlington, 4 furlongs, :48.00, fastest of 13 works. 

Ninepiecesofeight (filly; Saarland - Afleet Francais by Afleet) - Monmouth Park, 3 furlongs, :37.40.

Not Telling (colt; Saarland - Country Penny by Country Pine) - Crupi's New Castle Farm, 3 furlongs, :38.82. 

Go Smarty Go (colt; Smarty Jones - Sarah's World by Holy Bull) - Belmont, 3 furlongs, :37.64.

Bajan Kitty (filly; Speightstown - Pleasing by Falstaff) - Santa Anita, 4 furlongs, :48.80.

Reynaldothewizard (colt; Speightstown - Holiday Runner by Meadowlake) - Keeneland, 4 furlongs, :46.60.  

June 18

Hoopoe (Birdstone - Allou by Seattle Slew) -  Saratoga, 3 furlongs, :40.42.

Bear's Conductor (colt; Congaree - Symphonic Lady by Blare of Trumpets) - Woodbine, 4 furlongs, :52.00. 

Brazilionaire (colt; Congaree - Lady Siphonica by Siphon (BRZ)) - Churchill Downs, 4 furlongs, :48.60.

Karanka (filly; Congaree - Casual Rendezvous by High Brite) - Woodbine, 4 furlongs, :51.00. 

Sugaree Gold (filly; Congaree - Sugar is Gold by Slew o' Gold) - Hollywood Park, 5 furlongs, 1:00.40.

Glory Gold (filly; Medaglia d'Oro - Gayla by Lord Gaylord) - Laurel, 4 furlongs, :50.60.  

Sue's Update (filly; Medaglia d'Oro - Sue's Update by Woodman) - Arlington, 4 furlongs, :49.00.  

Valid Rule (colt; Peace Rules - Valid Bonnet by Valid Appeal) - Arlington, 5 furlongs, 1:04.40.

Light Green (filly; Pleasantly Perfect - Green Light by Sheikh Albadou (GB)) - Saratoga, 4 furlongs (gate), :50.83.

Saaraband (filly; Saarland - Takeaway by Fly So Free) - Churchill Downs, 3 furlongs, :37.00.

Saardona (filly; Saarland - Golden Penny by Touch Gold) - Churchill Downs, 3 furlongs, :37.00.

Saarlanddisourland (filly; Saarland - Crypto Kate by Tabasco Cat) - Belmont, 4 furlongs, :50.31. 

Me You and Her (filly; Smarty Jones - Toi Et Moi by Deputy Minister) - Saratoga, 4 furlongs (gate), :50.83.

Hey Smarty (colt; Smarty Jones - Miss Seffens by Dehere) - Louisiana Downs, 4 furlongs, :48.40.

Gemswick Park (filly; Speightstown - Queen's Park by Relaunch) - Belmont Park, 3 furlongs, :39.91. 

Haynesfield (colt; Speightstown - Nothing Special by Tejabo) - Belmont Park, 4 furlongs, :53.49.

Pocket Patience (filly; Speightstown - Brass in Pocket by Domasca Dan) - Highpoint Farm and Training Center, 3 furlongs, :37.20.

Like many twinspires.com customers, I was shut out of the Derby.  In fact, I tried to login so many times that I disabled my login.  I called immediately after the race, not to complain about the service, but to reinstate my account.  "I need to bet the 12th at Arlington."  Luckily, this was easily done. 

If you didn't have a chance to watch Curly's race live or via replay, I would encourage you to take a look.  It was a very enjoyable race. As in his first start, Curly was severely lacking early speed.  In fact, for much of the race, he wasn't in the picture.  Instead, his old buddy, Stirrup Excitment set the early pace. Finally, he started coming as they came into the final turn ("now here comes Curly"). But, he was pushed wide, wide, wider than Big Brown in the Derby (officially 7 wide).  Amazingly, Curly kept coming and coming.  Meanwhile Four to Go was closing too, but he had the rail and less distance to travel.  At the wire, it was Four to Go by a head.  Sure it was a very fast pace that set up for a closer, but Curly looked like a real racehorse out there. By the way, I did have the exacta in Curly's race, hopefully I wasn't the only one.

Result: May 3, 2008 
Arlington Race 12

Four to Go	$16.80	$8.20	$4.60
Curly		$5.20	$3.40
Bad Bandit			$4.00

Equibase Chart

2-Year Old Works 

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

May 1

Our Golden Dream (filly; Medaglia d'Oro - Adorahy by Rahy) - Belmont, 3 furlongs; :38.44.

Prime Time (colt; Medaglia d'Oro - Sioux City by Carson City) - Woodbine, 3 furlongs; :36.20.

At Fenway (colt; Pleasantly Perfect - Dancey Kate by Danzig) - San Luis Rey, 3 furlongs :35.00.

One Perfect Karat (filly; Pleasantly Perfect - Golden Fanfare by Seeking the Gold) - Santa Anita, 4 furlongs; :48.20.

Persian (colt; Peace Rules - Lady Cheryl by Williamstown) - The Thoroughbred Center; 3f (gate); :34.80.

Collegiate (filly; Saarland - La Sorbonne (ARG) by Southern Halo) - Belmont, 4 furlongs, :49.90.

Mullins Beach (filly; Speightstown - Treasure Beach by Silver Deputy) - Winding Oaks Farm, 3f, :40.40.

Gemswick Park (filly; Speightstown - Queen's Park by Relaunch) - Winding Oaks Farm, 3f, :40.40.

The Red Seat (colt; Speightstown - Luna Real (ARG) by Mutakddim) - San Luis Rey, 2 furlongs, :23.20.

May 2

Aerin She Lovely (filly; Birdstone - Strawberrydaiquiri by Cherokee Run) - Calder, 3 furlongs (gate), :36.60.

Alexabella (filly; Congaree - Diane's Birthday by With Approval) - Keeneland, 3 furlongs, :37.60.

Ambraw (colt; Congaree - Fabulous Flight by Flying Continental) - Silverton Hill Farm, 4 furlongs; :51.10.

King Congo (colt; Congaree - Hansels' Star by Hansel) - Emerald Downs, 3 furlongs; :39.40.

May 3

Stone Legacy (filly; Birdstone - Gulch Legacy by Gulch) - Belmont Park, 3 furlongs, :36.45.

Zigaree (colt; Congaree - Zigabout by Danzig) - Evangeline Training Center, 3 furlongs (gate), :35.60.

Peace Conference (colt; Peace Rules - In Conference by Dayjur) - Vinery Stable, 3 furlongs, :37.80. 

First Magnitude (colt; Saarland - Fapindy by A. P. Indy) - Arlington, 2 furlongs, :25.40.

In Speight of It (colt; Speightstown - Honest Deceiver by Is It True) - Belmont, 3f, :37.65.

Mighty Pleasing (filly; Speightstown - Pleasing by Falstaff) - Santa Anita, 3 furlongs, :37.60.

Pick's Express (colt; Speightstown - Program Pick by Peterhof) - Calder, 3 furlongs, :37.40.

May 4

River Treck  (colt; Congaree - Gem Treck by Java Gold) - Churchill, 4 furlongs, :50.80.

Cradle of Peace (colt; Peace Rules - Cat's Cradle by Flying Paster) - Arlington Park, 4 furlongs, :48.60.

Mostly Peace (filly; Peace Rules - Ms. Mostly by Copelan) - Arlington, 4 furlongs, :52.20.

Red Bird Rules (filly; Peace Rules - Twirling Angel by Saint Ballado) - Calder, 3 furlongs, :35.60.

May 5 

Cozy Bird (filly; Birdstone - Cozy Island by Cozzene) - Churchill Downs, 3 furlongs, :36.60. 

Shoe Strap (colt; Birdstone - Boot Strap by Storm Boot) - Churchill Downs, 3 furlongs, :36.80.

Belfast (colt; Congaree - Southerncomfortgal by Hermitage) - Lone Star Park, 4 furlongs, :50.00; Belfast was previously known as Darkin Color.

Karanka (filly; Congaree - Casual Rendezvous by High Brite) - Churchill Downs, 5 furlongs, 1:00.80.

Oconee (colt; Congaree - Chenoa by Wild Again) -  Churchill Downs, 5 furlongs, 1:00.40.

Gabby's Golden Gal (filly; Medaglia d’Oro – Gabriellina Giof (GB) by Ashkalani (IRE)) - Hollywood, 4 furlongs, :46.80.

Danceyoursocksoff (filly; Pleasantly Perfect - Come Dancing by Two Punch) - Churchill Downs, 3 furlongs, :39.00.

Gatwick (colt; Speightstown - Beauty Halo (ARG) by Southern Halo) - Hastings, 3 furlongs, :37.60.

New to this blog

May 1

Royal Treaty (colt; Saarland - Itama by Tabasco Cat) went 3 furlongs in :39.36 at Hunter Farm Training Center. Royal Treaty's dam, Itama, is a half-sister to My Boston Gal, a grade III winner who was 3 for 3 as a 2-year old including a victory in the Golden Rod (gr. II). 

At Churchill Downs, the Saarland filly, Indemand, worked 4 furlongs in :49.60.  Indemand is out of the Mountain Cat mare, One Bad Cat, which means that she is a half-sister to El Gato Malo, winner of the San Rafael (gr. III) and scheduled to start next in the Preakness. El Gato Malo was also 2 for 2 as a 2-year old.

Also working 4 furlongs in :49.60 was Rachel Alexandra (filly, Medaglia d'Oro - Lotta Kim by Roar) who recorded her workout at Diamond D Ranch. Lotta Kim was a stakes winner who broke her maiden in her first start as a 2-year old and also finished second in the Golden Rod (gr. II) that year. Rachel Alexandra is her first foal.

May 2

Birdcaper (colt; Birdstone - Sweet Caper by Cape Town) worked at Calder, recording a time of :38.00 for 3 furlongs. Birdcaper's dam was a winner who is a half-sister to 5 winners including the stakes winner, Leslie's Lady. Leslie's Lady won the Hoosier Debutante Stakes as a 2-year old.

At Calder, the Peace Rules filly, Noble Rule, went 3 furlongs in :37.40.  Noble Rule is out of the Noble Saint mare, Vienna Knickers. Vienna Knickers is the dam of 3 winners including the grade III winner, Mr. Livingston who finished 3rd in the Rhythm Stakes as a 2-year old.

Working 4 furlongs from the gate in a time of :53.00 at New Episode Training Center was Pleasant Flight (colt; Pleasantly Perfect - Heather's Flight by Seattle Dancer). Pleasant Flight is a half-brother to 4 winners, one of which won as a 2-year old.

Paid Preview (colt; Speightstown - Starring Monique by Risen Star) went 3 furlongs in :37.60 at Keeneland. Starring Monique is the dam of 5 winners, including Blushing Indian who finished 2nd in the Sanford (gr. II) and third in the Iroquois (gr. III) as a 2-year old.

May 3

At Louisiana Downs, Mimsa (filly; Congaree - Majestic Report by Corporate Report) worked 3 furlongs in :38.80. 5 out of 6 of Majestic Report's runners have been winners, 4 of them won at 2.

Gold Aly (colt; Medaglia d'Oro - Bangled by Alysheba) worked 3 furlongs at Hollywood in :38.20. Gold Aly is a half-brother to 5 winners including the grade III winner, Anklet who earned $486,451 and broke her maiden in her 2nd start as a 2-year old. 

Working 3 furlongs at Belmont in :39.47 was Saarlanddisourland (filly; Saarland - Crypto Kate by Tabasco Cat). Saarlanddisourland is a half-sister to one winner.   

May 4

Birdseye (filly; Birdstone - Trail Guide by Our Native) worked at Lone Star Park recording a time of :37.80 for 3 furlongs. Birdseye is a half-sister to 9 winners, 3 of which won as 2-year old.

Another Birdstone offspring who worked 3 furlongs was the colt, Heir to the Stone (colt; Birdstone - Mi Mariposa by Two Punch) who recorded a time of :38.56 at Aqueduct. Mi Mariposa has produced 3 winners.

Becky's Express (colt; Congaree - Becky Virtue by Strodes Creek) worked 3 furlongs at Arlington Park in :37.00. Becky Virtue was a stakes winner who earned $101,990. 

At Woodbine, the Saarland colt, Regent Street, went 3 furlongs in :38.20. Regent Street is out of the winning Commemorate mare, Regents Signet who has produced 5 winners.

May 5

Perfect for a Run (colt; Pleasantly Perfect - Unbridled Ashley by Unbridled) worked 3 furlongs in :38.40 at Monmouth. Perfect for a Run's dam is a half-sister to Elusive Warning who has earned $384,800 through 2008.

At Belmont, the Speightstown filly, Mother Ruth, worked 3 furlongs in :39.12. Mother Ruth is out of the stakes winning Colonial Affair mare, Seven Four Seven who earned $403,681 in her career.