Wow, this was quite a race. Congo Kaye came out of the gate like a debut runner, slowly. The rest of the field was many lengths in front (it's hard to say how many, since she wasn't on the television screen). I thought, well this one's over. Up front, the 1-5 favorite, Broadway Hennessey, and Got Tobe Rio were dueling. Suddenly, Congo Kaye made an appearance and I could see that she was picking off horses rather easily. I thought, hey, she might hit the board. But, she kept coming and coming. She came upon the weakened leaders and dispensed with Got Tobe Rio. Broadway Hennessey put up a little resistance, but she was no match for Congo Kaye.

Now, I know this wasn't the toughest field, but to get left at the gate and make up that much ground in a 5.5 furlong race is a noteworthy feat, especially for a first-time starter. You can see a replay of the race at http://www.calracing.com. Registration is required, but it's free.

I had $5 to win on her and I also played a $1 trifecta, which paid $262.40. You may wonder if I always back the Maiden Watch horses. I don't always, but I usually put a couple dollars on them ($2 to win and $5 to show is normal). The only reason I put $5 to win on her, is because I didn't think a show bet was worth playing with a 1-5 in the field.
 

Result: July 6, 2008 
Pleasanton Race 11
Juan Gonzalez Memorial Stakes

Equibase Chart 

No Dueling with Alex

Eventful start to this one, as Fifty Five Grand refused to break with the rest of the field. The Crooner held the early lead, followed closely by Beacon Hill Road. Dueling Alex was sitting at the back of the leading pack. He cruised to the lead on the turn and drew off for a pretty easy win. Beacon Hill Road was the best of the rest while The Crooner tired and only beat the tardy Fifty Five Grand. Precious Package was green, but closed for third. 

Result: July 6, 2008 
Monmouth Park Race 3

Equibase Chart 

Bear Rockets over L. A. and Conductor

Bear's Rocket went right to the lead in this one with Broadway Al in pursuit. It looked like Broadway Al would go by Bear's Rocket several times, but he never did. This is Broadway Al's third 2nd place finish in a row and you start to wonder whether he has some reluctance to go by horses. L. A. Rules and Bear's Conductor ran as a team for much of the race, in the 3rd and 4th spots. But, Bear's Conductor tired to 6th (while his stablemate was drawing off for the win) and L. A. Rules just got beat out of 3rd by Red Leader.

Result: July 6, 2008 
Woodbine Race 5

Equibase Chart 

C. S. Draws In and Draws Off; Danceyoursocksoff 7th

C. S. Silk sat off of a quick pace set by Littleprincessemma, Trusty Temper, and, Missy Lou. C. S. Silk came four wide and bam, just like that was in the front. She ended up winning by more than 6, to become the 2nd winner on the day for Medaglia d'Oro. The final time (1:10.47) was faster than the two 6 furlong races run by the 2-year old colts on July 5. I know that the track changes day to day, but it was still a good final time. Maxinkuckee Miss closed very well to pick up 2nd, and our old friend Missy Lou hung around for third. Danceyoursocksoff came out of the gate a beat slow and raced fairly evenly. Yes, she was 7th, but this was a 12 horse field, so there were five horses behind her. As C.S. Silk showed, experience can be helpful.

Result: July 6, 2008 
Churchill Downs Race 7

Equibase Chart 

The Princess Storms Ameribelle

Ameribelle was off slow in this one and was near the back while Trisha's Wish and Ada Louise dueled up front. Storm Princess stalked those 2 leaders and steadily overtook them, and then drew off. Meanwhile, Ameribelle was picking off horses, but she was unable to get to the winner and had to settle for 2nd.

Result: July 6, 2008 
Calder Race 11

Equibase Chart 

News and Notes

I looked up from my computer this afternoon to see HRTV discussing a familiar face, Renaldothewizard. They were still talking about his victory last Wednesday (July 2).

Forgot to mention yesterday, the impressive victory by Zion (Thunder Gulch - Riverkeeper by Awesome Again) at Churchill Downs. In a race that was supposed to be the coronation of Fast Draw, who had been the talk of the barn and went off as the odds-on favorite, Zion stole the headlines. While Fast Draw dueled with Rocket Rocket on the lead, Zion sat off the pace and then came flying past the pacesetters.

Working July 6 at Churchill Downs was Ocean Colors (Orientate - Winning Colors) who went 5 furlongs in 1:02.40. 

2-Year Old Works

New to this blog

July 6

Tbilisi (filly; Birdstone - Tripp Trial by Skip Trial) worked 4 furlongs at Woodbine in :49.40. Tbilisi, who sold for $28,449 as a yearling, is out of a stakes winning dam who produced 4 winners.

Working 3 furlongs at Churchill Downs was Absolutelymaybe (filly; Peace Rules -  Maybe in May by Miswaki) who recorded a time of :38.80. Absolutelymaybe is a half-sister to 4 winners including Ready for Spring who was stakes-placed as a 2-year old.

Also working 3 furlongs at Churchill Downs was the Smarty Jones filly, Antigone Jones (Smarty Jones - Oedy's Appeal by Valid Appeal) whose time was :37.60. Antigone Jones is a half-sister to 5 winners including stakes winners, Stormin Oedy, Eyes on Eddy, and Oelectra.

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

July 5

King Congaree (colt; Congaree - Cozzene'saffair by Black Tie Affair (IRE)) - Fair Hill, 4 furlongs, :50.00. 

Saar Treaty (filly; Saarland - Top of the Noggin by Chief's Crown) - Fair Hill, 5 furlongs, 1:03.00. 

July 6

Stone Skipper (colt; Birdstone - Anna K. by Boston Harbor) - Louisiana Downs, 4 furlongs, :50.40. 

Presents for Berti (colt; Congaree - Agiftfrom Bertie by Monetary Gift) - Churchill Downs, 3 furlongs, :36.60.

Greenapple Martini (filly; Medaglia d'Oro - Trishyde Slew by Seattle Slew) - Woodbine, 3 furlongs, :37.20.

Hank the Billymax (colt; Medaglia d'Oro - Twining Star by Twining) - Churchill Downs, 4 furlongs, :51.00. 

Pearl of Valor (filly; Medaglia d'Oro - Maderia M'dear by Black Tie Affair (IRE)) - Churchill Downs, 4 furlongs, :49.40.

Joanne's Ruler (filly; Peace Rules - Escaping Glory by Red Ransom) - Belmont Park, 4 furlongs, :50.13.   

Trifecta King (filly; Peace Rules - Mamita by Unbridled) - Hollywood Park, 4 furlongs, :49.20.  

First Magnitude (colt; Saarland - Fapindy by A. P. Indy) - Arlington, 5 furlongs, 1:02.40. 

Miss Marple (filly; Saarland - Future Diamonds by Roberto) - Churchill Downs, 4 furlongs, :48.80.

Rocket Dog (filly; Saarland - Quiet Talk by Valid Appeal) - Louisiana Downs, 3 furlongs, :38.40.

Keefer (colt; Smarty Jones - Shootforthestars by Seattle Slew) - Belmont, 5 furlongs, 1:02.17. 

Boomtown (colt; Speightstown - Day Lily by A. P. Indy) -  Fairplex, 3 furlongs, :37.20. 

Gato Roar (colt; Speightstown - Madame Roar by Roar) - Hollywood Park, 6 furlongs, 1:15.00.

Munnings (colt; Speightstown - La Comete by Holy Bull) - Belmont Park, 5 furlongs, 1:02.66.

July 6, 2008
Pleasanton Race 11
Juan Gonzalez Memorial Stakes
5.5 furlongs
2 Year Old Fillies
Post Time: 8:45 PM HRTV

Congo Kaye (Congaree - Palau by Kingmambo) debuts in style, making her first start in the Juan Gonzalez Memorial Stakes at Pleasanton where she has been working for the past month. Congo Kaye, who sold for $45,000 as a yearling, is out of the stakes-placed mare, Palau. Palau, who was also a 2-year old winner, is the dam of 3 winners from 4 to race.

Got Tobe Rio (Rio Verde - Cause I'm Tricky by Nineeleven), She'smylittleman (Valid Wager - Inspired Heiress by Inspired Prospect), and Gonging Wild (Expressionist - Bangthegong by Truckee) all ran in the Cinderella Stakes finishing 6th, 7th, and 8th respectively. Got Tobe Rio, who broke her maiden on April 11 going 2 furlongs at Santa Anita, subsequently ran 6th in the Landaluce on June 26. Got Tobe Rio's dam was a winner and she has produced 2 winners from 2 starters. She'smylittleman is out of a stakes winning mare who earned $124,630 and has produced 5 winners. Gonging Wild is the first foal out of an unraced mare who is a half-sister to 4 winners including stakes winner, Runaton Tonz.

Broadway Hennessey (Hennessy - Eastside Westside by Eastern Echo) who sold for $150,000 as a yearling, won his only start, a 4.5 furlong Maiden Special Weight contest on June 14. Broadway Hennessey's dam was stakes-placed at 2 and has produced 7 winners including stakes winner Courageous Act. Fifth in Broadway Hennessey's maiden score was Fastcar to Freedom (Valid Wager - Racy Broad by Broad Brush) who is still a maiden. Fastcar to Freedom is out of a winning mare who is a half-sister to 5 winners. 6th in that same race was Grin N Wager It (Valid Wager - Bearly Smiling by Smile) whose best finish was 2nd in a 2 furlong race at Bay Meadows on April 23. Grin N Wager It's dam, Bearly Smiling, was stakes-placed and earned $208,456. Grin N Wager It is a half-sister to 3 winners and a full-sister to stakes winner Beat the Chalk who won the Barretts Juvenile Stakes as a 2-year old and who has earned $204,240 through 2008.

Enjoy to the World (Lord Carson - Wager's Joy by Valid Wager) broke her maiden at Golden Gate on May 21 in a Maiden Claiming 4 furlong race. Her dam was a winner of $392,525 who has produced two winners.

Marked Treasure (Benchmark - True Treasure by Alydeed) broke her maiden in her 2nd start, a Maiden Claiming 5 furlong race at Hollywood Park on June 18. Mark Treasure's dam is a half-sister to 8 winners.

Alex will be Dueling The Crooner for Fifty Five Grand

July 6, 2008
Monmouth Park Race 3
Maiden Special Weight
5 furlongs
2 Year Olds
Post Time: 1:49 PM TVG

Dueling Alex (Medaglia d'Oro - Rosie Dooley by Trempolino) makes his debut on the Jersey shore where he has been working the past couple of months including a 3 furlong gate work on Thursday. Dueling Alex sold for $145,000 as a weanling and his dam, Rosie Dooley, was a stakes winner who earned $182,920. Rosie Dooley has produced 3 winners from 3 to run, 1 of these won as a 2-year old. Medaglia d'Oro's 11 runners have made a total 19 starts with 4 wins, 2 seconds, and 5 thirds.

The only experienced horse in the race is The Crooner (Songandaprayer - Love Mia (ARG) by El Sultan (ARG)) who finished 6th in a Maiden Special Weight race at Monmouth on June 5. His dam is a half-sister to group I winner Second Reality (ARG)). The Crooner sold for $75,000 as a 2-year old.

Beacon Hill Road (Forestry - Road to the Ball by Cahill Road) sold for $110,000 as a yearling. His dam was a 2-year old winner and earned $115,214 in her career. Beacon Hill Road is a half-brother to 2 winners including grade II stakes winner, Park Avenue Ball. As a 2-year old, Park Avenue Ball was a debut winner, won the Futurity (gr. II) and the Tyro and finished 2nd in the Sapling (gr. II). Overall, Park Avenue Ball earned $1,049,360.

Fifty Five Grand (Jump Start - Chalonnaise by French Deputy) sold for $55,000 as a yearling (hence the name). He is the first foal out of winning mare who is a half-sister to 4 winners including Tasha's Miracle who won the Sorrento (gr III) as a 2-year old.  

Selling for $45,000 as a yearling was Grand Gulch (Gulch - Capote's Niner by Capote). Grand Gulch's dam was a winner and she has produced one winner from one to race.

Precious Package (Golden Missile - Silver Ridan by Silver Deputy) is out of a winning dam who has produced 2 winners from 2 to run. 

One Seat Empty (Petionville - Go Ahead and Cry by Belong to Me) is a full-brother to stakes winner, Doctor Voodoo who won the Rockhill Native as a 2-year old and earned $163,169 in his career. 

Bear's Conductor and L. A. Rules at Woodbine

July 6, 2008
Woodbine Race 5
Maiden Special Weight
5 furlongs
2 Year Olds
Post Time: 3:00 PM

Bear's Conductor (Congaree - Symphonic Lady by Blare of Trumpets) and L. A. Rules (Peace Rules - L. a. Explosion by Honour and Glory) debut against 4 experienced runners and 3 fellow first-timers. Bear's Conductor sold for $52,000 as a yearling and is the first foal out of stakes-place d Symphonic Lady who earned $184,206 in her career. Congaree has sired 10 runners who have made a combined 11 starts, recording 2 wins and 1 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 15 runners who have made 25 starts with 4 wins, 2 seconds, and 5 thirds.

First-crop sire Alke is responsible for two of the experienced runners in the race, Broadway Al (Alke - West Broadway by West Acre) and Alkeline (Alke - Tour Hostess by Tour d"Or). Alke has sired 7 runners which have made a total of 13 starts, recording 2 wins, 3 seconds, and 3 thirds. Broadway Al, who sold for $120,000 as a 2-year old is an old friend, having finished 3rd at Keeneland on April 18 and 2nd at Woodbine on June 8 (he also finished 2nd at Woodbine on Mary 18). Broadway Al is the first foal out of an unraced dam who is a half-sister to 8 winners. Alkeline finished 2nd in his only race, a Maiden Claiming race at Woodbine at 4.5 furlongs on June 20.

Bear's Rocket (Lion Heart - Aim for the Moon by Deputy Minister) who sold for $350,000 as a yearling, is by first-year sire Lion Heart. Lion Heart's 14 runners have started a total of 24 times, registering 8 wins, 3 seconds, and 3 thirds. Bear's Rocket is a half-brother to one winner who did win during his 2-year old year.

The final experienced runner is Legend Killer (Malibu Moon - Arm Charm by Gold Fever) who finished 8th in a Maiden Special contest at Woodbine on June 22. Legend Killer, who was a $37,992 yearling, is out of a winning dam who has produced one winner, a full-brother to Legend Killer.   

Edge (The Cliff's Edge - Maghaarb (GB) by Machiavellian) is by first-year sire The Cliff's Edge whose 9 runners have made 18 total starts, recording 2 wins and 1 second. Maghaarb, the dam of Edge, was a 2-year old winner who has produced 1 winner.

Selling for $72,000 as a 2-year old was Red Leader (Greatness - Che Sara Sara by Golden Act) whose dam was stakes-placed and earned $88,848. Red Leader is a half-brother to 4 winners.

Fastus Cactus (Cactus Ridge - Garopaba by River Special) is out of a winning mare who has produced one winner from one to race.

Danceyoursocksoff to the Song of Charm

July 6, 2008
Churchill Downs Race 7
Maiden Special Weight
6 furlongs
2 Year Old Fillies
Post Time: 4:17 PM HRTV

Note: C. S. Silk (Medaglia d'Oro - Remember the Day by Settlement Day) was also entered in this race, but she's second on the AE list and probably will not get in.  Just in case, you can read about her here. 

Danceyoursocksoff (Pleasantly Perfect - Come Dancing by Two Punch) is just the third runner for Pleasantly Perfect. But he is off to a good start, since the other two (Quite the Lady and Rapid Redux) are already winners. Danceyoursocksoff sold for $160,000 as a yearling and is out of a winning mare who has produced 6 winners. Two of Danceyoursocksoff's siblings won at 2.

Also by a first-year sire is Banker's Choice (Canadian Frontier - Berry Blessed by St. Jovite ). Canadian Frontier has had 4 who runners who have made a combined 6 starts, recording 1 second. Banker's Choice was a $100,000 yearling and is a half-brother to 2 winners.

Yoyo (Yonaguska - Ms. Media by Media Starguest (IRE)) and Northeast Harbor (Northern Afleet - Provisions by Devil's Bag) finished 5th and 7th respectively in Ocean Colors' debut win on June 13. Yoyo, who had previously finished 3rd on May 15, is out of a winning mare who earned $57,051. Her dam is a half-sister to stakes winner, Carouse who has earned $152,960 through 2008. Northeast Harbor is out of the stakes winner, Provisions, who earned $144,945 and was a winner at 2. Provisions has produced three winners including Jack Sullivan who was a group III winner who earned over a million dollars.

Trusty Temper (Successful Appeal - Mumbo Jumbo by Kingmambo), who sold for $100,000 as a yearling, finished 7th in her only start on May 22. Her dam, Mumbo Jumbo, was a stakes winner who earned $168,366. Trusty Temper is a half-sister to stakes-placed Crossword who has earned $262,699 through 2008.

The final experienced horse is a familiar one, Missy Lou (Yonaguska - Hard Freeze by It's Freezing), as she was 5th on May 1 and 5th on May 22. Most recently, Missy Lou finished 3rd on June 5. Missy Lou, who sold for $95,000 as a yearling, is out of mare who earned $255,061 including a 2nd in the Debutante as a 2-year old. She also broke her maiden in her debut.  Missy Lou is a half-sister to 7 winners and a full-sister to the winner Honest to Betsy who finished 4th in the Adirondack (gr. II) as a 2-year old.

Littleprincessemma (Yankee Gentleman - Exclusive Rosette by Ecliptical) brought $250,000 as a yearling. Her dam, Exclusive Rosette, was a stakes winner who has produced 6 winners from 6 to race including grade II stakes winner Storm Wolf and grade III stakes winner Misty Rosette.

Selling for 160,000 as a yearling was Song of Charm (Unbridled's Song - Raging  Apalachee by Apalachee). Song of Charm is a half-sister to 6 winners including champion and millionaire, Artax.

Seaside Princess (Songandaprayer - Going Ashore by Polish Navy) was a $75,000 2-year old. Her dam, Going Ashore, was a winner who has produced 2 winners. Going Ashore is a half-sister to grade I stakes winners Dancing Spree, Fantastic Find, and Furlough.

Sugarandice (Dixie Union - Mambo Woman by Kingmamb) is the first foal out of an unraced mare who is a half-sister to 7 winners including Antoniette who won the Athenia (gr. III) and earned $399,140.

Maxinkuckee Miss (Langfuhr - Wini Jones by Seeking Gold) is out of a winning mare who has produced 2 winners.

Mo Cuisle (Sahm - Little Commie by Sir Jinsky) is out of a 2-year old winning mare who has produced 3 winners from 3 to start.

Ameribelle goes East to Eden to be a Wild Tigress

July 6, 2008
Calder Race 11
Maiden Special Weight
5 furlongs
2 Year Old Fillies
Post Time: 5:22 PM HRTV

Ameribelle (Medaglia d'Oro - Miz United States by Valid Appeal) debuts at Calder where she has been working steadily for the past 2 months. Ameribelle is out of the stakes winning dam, Miz United States, who earned $298,904.  Miz United States was a debut winner, and also won the Florida Stallion My Dear Girl Stakes as a 2-year old. She has produced 4 winners, 3 of which won during their 2-year old season.

Laura's Luck (Gulch - Moonlit Evening by His Majesty) and Trisha's Wish (Unbridled Time - Sandbar Darlin by Edsar) previously met in a 5 furlong Maiden Special Weight race at Calder on June 19, where Laura's Luck was 4th and Trisha's Wish was 6th. Laura's Luck is a half-sister to 4 winners including 2 which won during their 2-year old season. Trisha's Wish' dam was a winner and has produced 4 winners including 1 2-year old winner.

East to Eden (E Dubai - Heaven Knows Why by Star de Naskra) was 7th in his only start on May 31 in a 5 furlong Maiden Special Weight contest at Calder. Selling for $50,000 as a 2-year old, East to Eden is out of a dam who was a stakes winner who earned $133,720. East of Eden is a half-sister to 7 winners.

Wild Tigress (Tiger Ridge - Wild Warm Wind by End Sweep) is the 2nd foal out of a 2-year old winning mare who is a half-sister to 4 winners.

Storm Princess (Gulf Storm - Raging Dancer by Dance Brightly) is out of a winning mare who is a half-sister to 10 winners.

Ada Louise (Yes It's True - Babe's Flair by Capote) is a half-sister to one winner.

I was out of town and got a little behind on the workouts, so today is catch up day. Hopefully, we'll get some entries in the next day or two. I have been putting the workouts by date and then by sire (alphabetically) and then by horse name, keeping separate those previously mentioned and those new to the blog. If you think it would make better sense to separate the works by stallion, let me know.

2-Year Old Works
Returning to the WorkTab (horses previously mentioned in this blog)

May 9

Royal Treaty (colt; Saarland - Itama by Tabasco Cat) - Hunter Farm Training Center, 3 furlongs, :38.36

May 10 

Ambraw (colt; Congaree - Fabulous Flight by Flying Continental) - Silverton Hill Farm, 5 furlongs (gate), 1:03.23.

Becky's Express (colt; Congaree - Becky Virtue by Strodes Creek) - Arlington Park, 3 furlongs, :36.20.

Fiesta d'Oro (Medaglia d'Oro - Ionian Bride by Icecapade) - Goldmark, 3 furlongs, :38.80.

Gold Aly (colt; Medaglia d'Oro - Bangled by Alysheba) - Hollywood Park, 4 furlongs, :50.60.

Halo Beauty (filly; Peace Rules - Halo Tyra by Sunny's Halo) - Evangeline Training Center, 3 furlongs, :38.76. 

Red Bird Rules (filly; Peace Rules - Twirling Angel by Saint Ballado) - Calder, 3 furlongs, :36.40.

Valid Rule (colt; Peace Rules - Valid Bonnet by Valid Appeal) - Keeneland, 4 furlongs, :49.40.

Keefer (colt; Smarty Jones - Shootforthestars by Seattle Slew) - Keeneland, 4 furlongs, :49.60.

May 11

Birdseye (filly; Birdstone - Trail Guide by Our Native) - Lone Star, 3 furlongs, :36.00.

Heir to the Stone (colt; Birdstone - Mi Mariposa by Two Punch) - Aqueduct, 3 furlongs, :37.61.

River Treck  (colt; Congaree - Gem Treck by Java Gold) - Churchill Downs, 4 furlongs, :49.40.

Rachel Alexandra (filly, Medaglia d'Oro - Lotta Kim by Roar) - Churchill Downs, 4 furlongs (gate), :50.20.

Cradle of Peace (colt; Peace Rules - Cat's Cradle by Flying Paster) - Arlington, 5 furlongs, 1:03.00.

Mostly Peace (filly; Peace Rules - Ms. Mostly by Copelan) - Arlington, 5 furlongs, 1:03.00. (Hmmm... did Cradle of Peace and Mostly Peace work together? Seems likely as both are owned by Vinery)

Tiger Rules (colt; Peace Rules - Danzig Tiger by Danzig Connection) - Arlington, 5 furlongs, 1:04.00.

Rapid Redux (colt; Pleasantly Perfect – Thiscatsforcaryl by Storm Cat) - Monmouth Park, 5 furlongs, 1:03.00.

Saarlanddisourland (filly; Saarland - Crypto Kate by Tabasco Cat) - Belmont, 3 furlongs, :37.86.

Gatwick (colt; Speightstown - Beauty Halo (ARG) by Southern Halo) - Hastings, 3 furlongs, :37.80.

May 12

Shoe Strap (colt; Birdstone - Boot Strap by Storm Boot) - Churchill Downs, 4 furlongs, :49.60.

Oconee (colt; Congaree - Chenoa by Wild Again) -  Churchill Downs, 5 furlongs, 1:01.00.

Bri N Savannah (filly; Congaree - Walkerton by Copelan) - Woodbine, 2 furlongs, :23.40.

Mother Ruth (filly; Speightstown - Seven Four Seven by Colonial Affair) - Belmont, 3 furlongs, :37.41. 

In Speight of It (colt; Speightstown - Honest Deceiver by Is It True) - Belmont, 3 furlongs, :38.12.

Speight the Halo (colt; Speightstown - Ballado's Halo by Saint Ballado) - Santa Anita, 4 furlongs, :48.60.

Exile (colt; Speightstown - Ruff by Clever Trick) - Santa Anita, 3 furlongs, :38.20.

May 13

Jazzandthemagician (colt; Birdstone - Pat Hand by Cape Town) - Keeneland, 4 furlongs, :49.00.

Gabby's Golden Gal (filly; Medaglia d’Oro – Gabriellina Giof (GB) by Ashkalani (IRE)) - Hollywood, 4 furlongs, :50.80.

Noble Rule (filly; Peace Rules - Vienna Knickers by Noble Saint) - Calder, 3 furlongs (gate), :37.60.

Danceyoursocksoff (filly; Pleasantly Perfect - Come Dancing by Two Punch) - Churchill Downs, 3 furlongs, :36.20.

New to this blog

May 9

Summer Bird (colt; Birdstone - Hong Kong Squall by Summer Squall) worked at Hunter Farm Training Center, recording a time of :39.40 for 3 furlongs. Hong Kong Squall has produced 4 winners from 4 to race, 2 of these won as 2-year olds.  She is also from the same family as champion sprinter Rubiano.   

May 10

At Calder, Ameribelle (filly; Medaglia d'Oro - Miz United States by Valid Appeal) worked 3 furlongs in :38.20. Ameribelle is out of the stakes winning dam, Miz United States, who earned $298,904.  She was a debut winner, and also won the Florida Stallion My Dear Girl Stakes as a 2-year old. Miz United States has produced 4 winners, 3 of which won during their 2-year old season.

I'm the Law (colt; Peace Rules - Stormin' Down by Storm Creek) worked 3 furlongs in :37.60 at Evangeline Downs. I'm the Law is out of a mare who earned $126,715 (including $38,040 during a winning 2-year old season). I'm the Law is her first foal.

Another Peace Rules worker was Pacificator (colt; Peace Rules - Penthouse Doll by Pentelicus) who went 3 furlongs at Churchill Downs Training in :37.60. Pacificator's dam was a 2-year old winner and she has produced 2 winners, 1 of which won as a 2-year old.

May 11

For the dancer in all of us, we have; For All Who Conga (colt; Congaree - For All Who Dream by Eltish) who worked 3 furlongs in :37.40 at Calder. For All Who Conga is the first foal out of a mare who broke her maiden in her debut and won the J J'sdream Stakes as a 2-year old.

Rule of Motion (colt; Peace Rules - Poetic Motion by Green Dancer) worked at Philadelphia Park, recording a time of :37.42 for 3 furlongs. Rule of Motion is a half-brother to 2 winners. His dam was a winner in her 2nd start at 2.

May 13

Audible (colt; Congaree - Miss Marcia by Mr. Greeley) worked 3 furlongs at Belmont in :37.31. Miss Marcia was grade II placed and earned $95,925. She has produced 1 winner.

At Churchill Downs, the Medaglia d'Oro colt, Warrior's Reward, went 3 furlongs in :38.80. Warrior's Reward is out of the Seeking the Gold mare, For All You Do who has produced 1 winner.

Two Pleasantly Perfect offspring worked 3 furlongs on this date. The filly, Light Green, worked at Saratoga in a time of :36.94. Light Green is out of the stakes winning Sheikh Albadou (GB) mare, Green Light, who has produced 2 winners including the stakes winner, Run the Light. Run the Light has earned $221,099 through 2008. Perfectionism (colt; Pleasantly Perfect - Soldera by Polish Numbers) worked at Santa Anita in :39.20. Perfectionism's dam, Soldera, was a stakes winner who won her 2-year old debut. Perfectionism is her first foal.

On track at Saratoga was Smart Woman, recording a time of :39.26 for 3 furlongs. Smart Woman is a Smarty Jones' filly out of the winning Storm Cat mare, Storming Beauty who has produced one winner.  Storming Beauty is a daughter of champion Sky Beauty who earned $1,336,000 and won or placed in 17 graded stakes, including victories in the Matron (gr. I) and Adirondack (gr. II) as a 2-year old. Storming Beauty is also a full-sister to Hurricane Cat, who was a group III winner in England.

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

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. 

This blog is mostly a laundry list of works, but I wanted to make sure everyone was kept up-to-date with the 2-year olds. Someone please remind me not to get behind posting these again.  I am also curious whether any names sound particularly interesting or meaningful to anyone.

2-Year Old Works 

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

April 26 

Alexabella (filly; Congaree - Diane's Birthday by With Approval), 4 furlongs at Keeneland in :49.60.

Ambraw (colt; Congaree - Fabulous Flight by Flying Continental), 5 furlongs at Silverton Hill Farm in 1:05.11.

Darkin Color (colt; Congaree - Southerncomfortgal by Hermitage), 3 furlongs at Lone Star Park in :35.20. This was the fastest of 26 works at the distance.

Lookin Left (colt; Congaree - Santa Fe Strip by Phone Trick), 3 furlongs at Will Rogers Downs in :36.80.

April 27

Rapid Redux (colt; Pleasantly Perfect – Thiscatsforcaryl by Storm Cat), 3 furlongs at Monmouth Park in :34.20.  Rapid Redux previously appeared in this blog under the name Storm Leopard.  Somewhere along the way, he has undergone a name change.  I like the old one better, but it's not my horse.

River Treck (colt; Congaree - Gem Treck by Java Gold), 3 furlongs at Churchill Downs in :37.60.

Katolak Cowboy (colt; Saarland - Tide Cat by Storm Cat) returned to the worktab after racing on April 20, working 3 furlongs in :35.80 at Woodbine (5th fastest of 39 works).

Also back after racing was Tiger Rules (colt; Peace Rules - Danzig Tiger by Danzig Connection) who worked at Arlington Park, going 4 furlongs in :51.40.

April 28

Renda (filly; Medaglia d'Oro - Ten Carats by Capote), 4 furlongs in :49.60 at Calder.

April 29

Peace Town (colt; Peace Rules - Darnestown by Williamstown), 3 furlongs in :37.00 at Laurel.

Gabby's Golden Gal (filly; Medaglia d’Oro – Gabriellina Giof (GB) by Ashkalani (IRE)), 4 furlongs in :46.40 at Hollywood.

Singing Rose (filly; Congaree - Dial a Song by Mining), 3 furlongs in :36.00 at Keeneland - Singing Rose has been entered in a race at Churchill Downs on May 1.

New to this blog

April 26

Two horses with foot-related names both worked 3 furlongs at Churchill Downs.  Shoe Strap (colt; Birdstone - Boot Strap by Storm Boot) recorded a time of :38.60 over the sloppy going while Danceyoursocksoff (filly; Pleasantly Perfect - Come Dancing by Two Punch) worked in :37.60. Shoe Strap is the first foal out of a winning mare.  Danceyoursocksoff is a half-sister to 6 winners.

Aerin She Lovely (filly; Birdstone - Strawberrydaiquiri by Cherokee Run, who happens to be the first named Birdstone foal alphabetically, worked 4 furlongs at Calder in :53.00. The dam of Aerin She Lovely is a half-sister to Wimbledon, who earned $443,818 including a win in the Louisiana Derby (gr. II).

Luvthat d'Oro (filly; Medaglia d'Oro - Uluvitnunoit by Evansville Slew) went 3 furlongs in :38.56 at Prairie Meadows (where presumably they have very precise timekeepers.) Uluvitnunoit was a stakes winner who earned $105,795. Luvthat d'Oro is her first foal.

At Evangeline Downs, Delachaise Dreams (filly; Congaree - Rovie Wade by Silver Ghost) worked 3 furlongs in :37.20. Rovie Wade is a half-sister to 2 stakes winners including the grade III winner, Minor Wisdom.

Halo Beauty (filly; Peace Rules - Halo Tyra by Sunny's Halo) went 4 furlongs in :52.01 at the Evangeline Training Center. Halo Beauty is the first foal out of a stakes winning dam who earned $154,564.

Last but not least on this date, Go Smarty Go (colt; Smarty Jones - Sarah's World by Holy Bull) worked 3 furlongs in :37.44 at Belmont Park. Go Smarty Go is a half-brother to 2 winners including Higher World, a stakes winner who earned $278,948 ($213,210 as a 2-year old).

April 27

Winestone (filly; Birdstone - Miz Dixie by Dixieland Band), who happens to currently be the last Birdstone 2-year old alphabetically, worked 3 furlongs in :38.00 at Delaware Park. Miz Dixie was unraced, but she is a half- or full-sister to three winners including stakes-placed Five Towns.

At Arlington, Cradle of Peace (colt; Peace Rules - Cat's Cradle by Flying Paster) went 4 furlongs in :53.80.  Cat's Cradle was a Grade I stakes winner who earned $807,808 including 3 victories and a third as a 2-year old. She broke her maiden in her first start at 4.5 furlongs.  In her career, she won or placed in 17 stakes.

April 28

At Woodbine, the cleverly named Bear Onamission (colt; Congaree - Milagra by Maria's Mon) worked 3 furlongs in :37.40.  Milagra was a winner who earned $103,596. She is the dam of Bear Holiday who was three for three as a 2-year old including victories in the Silver Deputy and Colin Stakes.

April 29

Not Telling (colt; Saarland - Country Penny by Country Pine) worked 2 furlongs in :26.55 at Crupi's New Castle Farm. Not Telling is a half-brother to one winner.

Curly Works

And, most important of all, on April 29, Curly went 5 furlongs in 1:03.40 at Arlington Park.  Good to see Curly back on the worktab.  I am looking forward to his next start.