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Persistence Pays Off

Amanwella took the early lead, with State Treasure the closest pursuer. Danceyoursocksoff (Pleasantly Perfect) came out of the gate ok, and secured a rail position. However, Danceyoursocksoff had to steady and then went steadily backwards, ending up 9th and last. Meanwhile, Persistently, who had trailed the field early, began moving on the outside. She zipped by them all to win going away. Yes, Amawella was tiring, but Persistently looks like the real deal. Can she maintain this kick when the distances get longer? Smoke Glacken on top says no, but plenty of stamina on the bottom.

Result: August 17, 2008 
Saratoga Race 2
Maiden Special Weight

Persistently
$9.90
$4.10
$2.80
Amanwella
$3.90
$3.00
State Treasure  

$3.30

View Race Details and Full Equibase Chart

Dinner Rocks with Electricity

Frosty Flake and Strickly a Lady battled early, but they soon tired and left the lead to Tachion Storm. Pyrite Dinner, however, was always lurking after bobbling a bit at the start. On the turn, she made her move, drawing off by more than four. Birdrock (Birdstone) turned in a nice, steady race. Nothing flashy here, but a good debut. Electric Start (Congaree) once again started slow and was never much involved, although she did pass one. This one might need some gate lessons. This is the 2nd time that Electric Start has been defeated by a Pyrite horse.

Result: August 17, 2008 
Thistledown Race 5
Maiden Special Weight

Pyrite Dinner
$3.20
$2.20
$2.10
Tachion Storm
$4.00
$2.40
Birdrock  

$2.10

View Race Details and Full Equibase Chart

Wonder Rules Schrader

Sheffield Park held the early lead, but she was soon passed by Last Wonder and Dance N Run. Those two soon separated themselves from the rest of the fillies, going head-to-head for much of the race. At the end, Last Wonder prevailed, but Dance N Run was well clear of third place Badboy Brian. Schrader Rules (Peace Rules) was off slow, but was in a decent position in the back of the leading pack. She made a bit of a move on the turn, but tired when slow to switch leads and settled for fourth.

Result: August 17, 2008 
Calder Race 8
Maiden Claiming

Last Wonder
$5.60
$2.80
$2.20
Dance N Run
$2.20
$2.10
Badboy Brian  

$3.40

Equibase Chart

Cruise was Ready to Scoot over Scooter

Romo to T O took the early lead, but was pursued by Icon Duet. That one took the lead in the stretch, but Ready to Cruise ran down the even money favorite and won by a head. Scootin Scooter (Saarland) broke about 4th and secured a rail spot. He chased the early pace, but faded back to 6th. However, he did run evenly late and should last longer next time out.

Result: August 17, 2008 
Laurel Race 8
Maiden Special Weight

Ready to Cruise
$24.00
$9.20
$4.80
Icon Duet
$3.00
$2.60
Romo to T O  

$2.80

View Race Details and Full Equibase Chart

2-Year Old Works

New to this blog

August 17

Charro (colt; Medaglia d'Oro - Sassy Twister by Rhythm) - Churchill Downs, 4 furlongs, :50.20. Charro, who sold for $75,000 as a yearling, is the first foal out of a mare who is a half-sister to 3 winners, including grade I stakes winner, Kudos.

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

August 17

Longandstrong (colt; Birdstone - Bessie's Chips by Rakeen) - Monmouth Park, 3 furlongs, :37.40.

Mine That Bird (colt; Birdstone - Mining My Own by Smart Strike) - Woodbine, 5 furlongs, 1:04.40.

Audible (colt; Congaree - Miss Marcia by Mr. Greeley) - Belmont, 4 furlongs, :47.92.

Bear's Marie (filly; Congaree - White Line by Expelled) - Woodbine, 4 furlongs, :51.80.

Mimsa (filly; Congaree - Majestic Report by Corporate Report) - Louisiana Downs, 4 furlongs, :53.80.

Oconee (colt; Congaree - Chenoa by Wild Again) - Woodbine, 5 furlongs, :59.00, fastest of 79.

C. S. Silk (filly; Medaglia d'Oro - Remember the Day by Settlement Day) - Churchill Downs, 4 furlongs, :47.40.

Caffe D' Oro (colt; Medaglia d'Oro - Dr. Redoubtable by Storm Cat) - Monmouth Park, 5 furlongs, 1:02.60.

Glory Gold (filly; Medaglia d'Oro - Gayla by Lord Gaylord) - Saratoga, 4 furlongs, :52.03.

Greenapple Martini (filly; Medaglia d'Oro - Trishyde Slew by Seattle Slew) - Woodbine, 5 furlongs, 1:02.60.

Prolific (colt; Medaglia d'Oro - Quadrahope by Quadratic) - Monmouth Park, 4 furlongs, :50.60.

Hippie Princess (filly; Peace Rules - Royal Pelliknow by Raja's Revenge) - Calder, 4 furlongs, :50.20.

Loving Roe Is Easy (filly; Peace Rules - Miss What a Day by Miswaki) - Monmouth Park, 4 furlongs, :50.00.

Peace Above All (filly; Peace Rules - Pleasant Glory by Honour and Glory) - Delaware Park, 4 furlongs, :49.40.

Promise Me Merlot (colt; Peace Rules - Promise Me Magic by Pentelicus) - Calder, 6 furlongs, 1:18.40.

Bedtime Story (filly; Pleasantly Perfect - Fairy Tale by Seattle Slew) - Woodbine, 5 furlongs, 1:00.60.

Perfect for a Run (colt; Pleasantly Perfect - Unbridled Ashley by Unbridled) - Monmouth Park, 4 furlongs, :49.40.

Collegiate (filly; Saarland - La Sorbonne (ARG) by Southern Halo) - Saratoga, 5 furlongs, 1:00.47.

Me You and Her (filly; Smarty Jones - Toi Et Moi by Deputy Minister) - Monmouth, 4 furlongs, :50.40.

Adastraperaspera (filly; Speightstown - Miss Turlington by Seattle Slew) - Belmont Park, 3 furlongs, :37.42.

Mullins Beach (filly; Speightstown - Treasure Beach by Silver Deputy) - Woodbine, 5 furlongs Turf Training, 1:01.60.

Danceyoursocksoff for an Electric Scootin Start to Rule with Birdrock

No wins on the day, but everyone who ran hit the board. Sue's Update (Medaglia d'Oro) and Texas Birdstone (Birdstone) were scratched. There is a recap of the race Sue's Update was entered in below. The Evangeline race was won by Begg's, who wore down the early pacesetter Mr Missile to secure the win.

Quebec City has the Edge over Tradition

Quebec City broke on top and went right to the lead, with Jerry's Connection the closest pursuer. Breakwithtradition (Birdstone) was off well and secured a spot in third on the rail. Jerry's Connection faded and Breakwithtradition made his move. However, he was unable to advance on Quebec City. Edge closed late to just steal the place spot from Breakwithtradition. First-crop sires ruled in this one, finishing one-two-three.

Result: August 16, 2008 
Woodbine Race 1
Maiden Claiming

Quebec City
$7.90
$3.40
$2.40
Edge
$3.50
$2.40
Breakwithtradition  

$4.80

View Race Details and Full Equibase Chart

It's Obsequious

Light Green (Pleasantly Perfect) went off at 1-2, but it was Obsequious and Abundantia that came out running. They went head and head for awhile, but in the end Obsequious prevailed. Light Green was in a good posiiton, 4th and then 3rd, but she didn't have enough punch to threaten the top 2.

Result: August 16, 2008 
Saratoga Race 2
Maiden Special Weight

Obsequious
$16.20
$6.90
$3.20
Abundantia
$12.00
$4.10
Light Green  

$2.10

View Race Details and Full Equibase Chart

Updates Never Lie

Sue's Update (Medaglia d'Oro) was a scratch, as was Forest Queen. High On Top held the early lead and seemed to be home free. But, she wavered in the stretch and was passed by a bunch of closers. Going best was Never Lie who drew off to win by 5, despite bearing out. This looks like one to watch, especially if she learns to run straight. Also making good late runs were It's Tiffin Time and Joy Street.

Result: August 16, 2008 
Arlington Park Race 6
Maiden Special Weight

Never Lie
$22.60
$10.20
$7.60
It's Tiffin Time
$9.20
$6.80
Joy Street  

$11.60

View Race Details and Full Equibase Chart

Champagne Launches Over Violet

Notreadytobenice went right to the lead, closely attended by Wood Violet (Congaree). Those two had a bit of match race going on. Wood Violet finally went to the lead in the stretch, but she could not hold off the closing Champagne Launch. She did, however, save third over Champ Laila.

Result: August 16, 2008 
Ellis Park Race 7
Maiden Special Weight

Champagne Launch
$22.60
$9.60
$7.00
Wood Violet
$4.60
$3.60
Champ Laila  

$7.60

View Race Details and Full Equibase Chart

Danceyoursocksoff Persistently for State Treasure

August 17, 2008
Saratoga Race 2
Maiden Special Weight

7 furlongs
2 Year Old Fillies
Post Time: 1:33 PM HRTV/TVG

P Horse
1. Persistently
2. Danceyoursocksoff
3. Guarda
4. Foxy Bailey
5. Grid
6. Heckuva Hunter
7. Barbadillo
8. State Treasure
9. Amanwella

Danceyoursocksoff (Pleasantly Perfect - Come Dancing by Two Punch) makes her third start after finishing 7th on July 6, and 4th on July 27. Since that race, she's had two works at Saratoga. 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. Pleasantly Perfect is the sire of 9 runners who have made 15 total starts, recording 2 wins, 2 seconds, and 4 thirds and earnings of $90,945.

Also returning from the July 27 race is Persistently (Smoke Glacken - Just Reward by Deputy Minister), who was a fast closing third after starting slow. Persistently is out of a winning mare, Just Reward, who is out of champion Heavenly Prize who earned $1,825,940 in her career. Just Reward is a half-sister to grade I stakes winner Good Reward and grade II stakes winner Pure Prize.

Amanwella (Fusaichi Pegasus - Tempestina by Storm Cat) and Barbadillo (Rahy - Barbed Wire by Affirmed) met on the yielding Saratoga turf on July 28, with Amanwella finishing 7th and Barbadillo 11th. Amanwella, who sold for $525,000 as a yearling, is out of mare who won $101,690 and has produced a winner. Barbadillo sold for $160,000 as a yearling. Barbed Wire, dam of Barbadillo, was a stakes winner and has produced one winner.

Foxy Bailey (Ocean Terrace - House Dressing by Conquistador Cielo) has finished 2nd twice, at Churchill Downs on June 29 and at Saratoga on July 24. Foxy Bailey is by freshman sire, Ocean Terrace. Ocean Terrace is the sire of 4 runners who have made 7 total starts, recording 3 seconds and 2 thirds. Foxy Bailey, who sold for $30,000 as a yearling, is a half-sister to four winners, including 2-year old stakes winner, Taos, and stakes winner, Park Avenue Prince who has earned $159,291 through 2008.

Leading first-crop sire Lion Heart is the sire of Heckuva Hunter (Lion Heart - Catch a Glimpse by Gulch), who was 5th in her only start at Belmont Park on July 16. Lion Heart has sired 36 runners who collectively have made 66 starts, recording 14 wins, 11 seconds, and 6 thirds and earnings of $650,922. Catch a Glimpse, dam of Heckuva Hunter, was group I-placed as a 2-year old. Heckuva Hunter, who sold for $50,000 as a yearling, is a half-sister to 3 winners, including Successful Outlook who won the Tempted Stakes (gr. III) and was third in the Demoiselle (gr. II) as a 2-year old.

The remaining horses are making their first starts including State Treasure (Mineshaft - Private Status by Alydar). Private Status, dam of State Treasure, was a stakes winner who earned $146,337. As a broodmare, Private Status has produced 3 stakes winners, including Secret Status winner of the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I), the Mother Goose (gr. I), and the Florida Oaks (gr. III). Secret Status earned $1,053,705 and was also stakes-placed at 2. State Treasure is also a half-brother to grade III stakes winner Alumni Hall.

Guarda (Empire Maker - Storm Alert by Storm Cat) is out of a stakes winning mare who has produced 3 winners, including the stakes-placed horses Indy Trouble and Temper Temper. Temper Temper is a full-sister to Guarda.

Grid (Petionville - Graph by Lord at War (ARG)) is a half-sister to two winners, and her dam is a half-sister to 5 winners.

Birdrock looks for an Electric Start to go Dancingdownthelane

August 17, 2008
Thistledown Race 5
Maiden Special Weight

5.5 furlongs
2 Year Old Fillies
Post Time: 2:29

P Horse
1. Pyrite Dinner
2. Dancingdownthelane
3. Birdrock
4. Strickly a Lady
5. Electric Start
6. Frosty Flake
7. Tachion Storm

I can't help wishing that Dancingdownthelane was in Danceyoursocksoff's race or vice versa.

Electric Start (Congaree - Belle Visage by Horatius) is back after finishing 6th and last in her debut on August 9. I think my assessment that she didn't run a bit, must have been close to the truth for her to run back this quickly. Electric Start, who has been working at Thistledown, is out of stakes winner Belle Visage who earned $149,991. Belle Visage is the dam of Spark Plug, stakes-placed at 2. Congaree's 23 runners have made 37 total starts, recording 7 wins, 5 seconds, and 3 thirds, and $254,559.

This time, the field includes the Birdstone filly, Birdrock (Birdstone - Eternal Glory by Danzatore) who makes her debut at Thistledown after working there since late June. Birdrock is out of a winning mare who has produced 3 winners, including stakes winner Neverlacken. Birdstone's 14 runners have made 25 combined starts with 3 wins, 2 seconds, and 3 thirds, and $99,440.

Also making their debuts in this one are Strickly a Lady (Misty Strick - Rachel Jane by Observatory (IRE)) and Tachion Storm (Storm Gulf - Taylor Fit by Struggler (GB)). Strickly a Lady is the 2nd foal out of an unraced mare. Tachion Storm is the first foal out of an unraced mare, who is a half-sister to 3 winners, including Double D Appeal, a stakes winner at 2.

Dancingdownthelane (Delaware Township - Tempest Hill by Temperance Hill) has run twice at Mountaineer Park, finishing 3rd on July 1 and 7th on July 26. Dancingdownthelane, who brought $13,000 as a yearling, is a half-sister to 7 winners including stakes winners Broken Code and Oil Man. Broken Code was also stake-placed at 2 and earned $329,436 in his career.

Finishing 4th in her only start at Presque Isle Downs on August 7, was Frosty Flake (Spunky Rascal - Sweeten Your Step by Covered Wagon). Frosty Flake is a half-sister to one winner and her dam is a half-sister to stakes winner, Waist Gunner John.

Also a veteran of one Presque Isle Downs start is Pyrite Dinner (Formal Dinner - Personal Halo by Southern Halo), who was 5th on July 25 at that track. Pyrite Dinner is a full-sister to the winner Pyrite Halo who was a winner at 2.

Schrader Tries to Rule the Tiger Queen at Sheffield Park

August 17, 2008
Calder Race 8
Maiden Claiming ($25,000)

6 furlongs
2 Year Old Fillies
Post Time: 3:58 PM HRTV

P Horse
1. Smallness
2. Badboy Brian
3. Sheffield Park
4. Last Wonder
5. Dance N Run
6. Schrader Rules
7. Tiger Queen
8. Simply In

Schrader Rules (Peace Rules - She Did It Her Way by Private Terms) debuts at Calder, where she has been working for the past several months. Schrader Rules is the first foal out of a winning mare, who is a half-sister to 5 winners. Peace Rules is the sire of 22 runners who have made 52 total starts, recording 12 wins, 6 seconds, 7 thirds, and $266,958,

The most experienced horse is Dance N Run (Kafwain - My Dilemma by Sword Dance (IRE)) who has run twice at Calder, finishing 3rd on August 1 and 5th on July 17. Dance N Run is out of a winning mare who has produced 2 winners from 2 to race.

Also running on August 1, but in a different race was Badboy Brian (Northern Afleet - Betty's Hat by Harry the Hat), who was 5th that day. Betty's Hat, the dam of Badboy Brian, was a stakes winner who earned $364,588. She has produced one winner from one to run. Not sure why you would name a filly Badboy Brian.

The final experienced entrant is Tiger Queen (Roar of the Tiger - Mickey's Queenmary by King of Kings (IRE)), by first-year stallion Roar of the Tiger, who was 6th at Calder on July 4. Roar of the Tiger's 21 runners have made 53 starts, registering 11 wins, 10 seconds, and 9 thirds and earnings of $268,771. Tiger Queen is the first foal out of a winning mare who is a half-sister to First Blush who was stakes-places as a 2-year old and won the Spectacular Bid (gr. III) as a 3-year old, earning $334,369 in his career.

Last Wonder (Three Wonders - Windcat by Iroquois Park) brought $40,000 as a weanling and is out of a winning mare. Last Wonder is a full-brother to one winner and a half-brother to 4 winners, including stakes winner Windinthevalley.

Selling for $37,000 at 2 was Smallness (Favorite Trick - Kathleen Mahveryan by Pentelicus). Smallness is the first foal out of a wining mare (who won at 2) who is a half-sister to 5 winners, including stakes-placed Linda Love.

Inthefastlane, dam of Sheffield Park (Vicar - Inthefastlane by Once Wild), was stakes-placed twice at 2 and is the dam of 4 winners, including 2 that won at 2.

Simply In (Snuck In - Simply Valid by Kipper Kelly) is the first foal out of an unraced mare who is a half-sister to 3 winners.

Scooter Will be Ready to Cruise In the Juice

August 17, 2008
Laurel Race 8
Maiden Special Weight

6 furlongs
2 Year Olds
Post Time: 4:37 PM HRTV

P Horse
1. Romo to T O
2. Icon Duet
3. Scootin Scooter
4. Ferber
5. Ready to Cruise
6. Cool Punch
7. Bremo's Bluff
8. Seattle Glitter
9. In the Juice

Scootin Scooter (Saarland - Sarah's a Winner by Cormorant takes on 8 in his debut at Laurel, where he has been working for the past 2 months. Sarah's a Winner, dam of Scootin Scooter, was a winner, and has produced stakes-placed Smokin Sarah. Smokin Sarah has earned $187,547 through 2008. Saarland's 13 runners have made a combined 27 starts with 2 wins, 1 second, and 6 thirds, and $87,107.

Seattle Glitter (Texas Glitter - Seattle Landing by American Chance) has run twice on the Colonial Downs turf, finishing 2nd on August 5 and 4th on July 8. Seattle Glitter is the first foal out of an unraced mare, who is a half-sister to 6 winners, including stakes-placed You're the One. You're the One finished 2nd in the Kentucky Jockey Club (gr. III) at 2.

Another veteran of two races on the Colonial turf is Bremo's Bluff (Pine Bluff - Good Apple by Val de l'Orne (FR)), who finished 5th on July 19 and 7th on July 6. Bremo's Bluff is out of a winning mare, who has produced 4 winners.

The final experienced colt is Romo to T O (Outflanker - Make Merry by Rare Performer), who finished 2nd at Delaware Park on June 2. Romo to T O, who sold for $30,000 as a yearling, is out of the winning mare, Make Merry. Make Merry has produced 7 winners, including stakes winner Merry Princess.

Selling for $55,000 as a 2-year old was Cool Punch (Two Punch - Carefree Flyer by Zilzal). Cool Punch is out of winning mare who has produced 4 winners.

In the Juice (Rock Slide - Apple Juice by Pleasant Tap), who sold for $24,000 as a yearling, is out of the stakes-placed mare Apple Juice. As a Broodmare, Apple Juice has produced Apple Special, a stakes winner at 2.

Icon Duet (Yes It's True - Stark Passage by Woodman) is out of a winning mare who has produced 2 winners, both of which won at 2.

Ferber (Tale of the Cat - Empty Portrait by Coronado's Quest) is the 2nd foal out of a mare who is a half-sister to grade I stakes winner, millionaire, and sire Include.

River Cruise, the dam of Ready to Cruise (More Than Ready - River Cruise by Not For Love) was a stakes winner who earned $169,720. Ready to Cruise is her first foal.

News and Notes

There were a number of 2-year old stakes races on the day. I didn't catch all of them, and invite anyone to comment on the ones that they saw. Some of my observations follow.

Colonel Rutledge (Orientate - Rutledge Affair by Colonial Affair) won the James C. Ellis Juvenile Stakes at 7 furlongs at Ellis Park, powering past the favored entry of Ready Racer and Citizen in the stretch. Colonel Rutledge has shown some versatility in his young career, winning his debut at 5.5 furlongs on the Ellis Park turf.

Juliet's Spirit (Exchange Rate - Juliet's Way) took over in the stretch of the Ontario Debutante Stakes and then held off a late charge from After the Applause, to remain undefeated in three starts. After breaking her maiden on June 7, she won the My Dear Stakes on June 30.

Taking the Florida Stallion Desert Vixen Stakes was La Chica Sensual (Lightnin N Thunder - Lerma by Unbridled), who stalked early and then took over at the half to win going away by more than 8 lengths. La Chica Sensual broke her maiden way back on May 30. She also won a starter race on June 26 and finished second in the J J'sdream Stakes on July 12.

The Florida Stallion Dr. Fager Stakes was full of familiar horses, including the winner Big Drama (Montbrook - Riveting Drama by Notebook) who had broken his maiden on August 2. This race was similar to his maiden score, as he took the lead soon after the break and never looked back. Maiden Watch was also there when Bee Cee Cee, who finished 2nd, and 3rd place finisher You Luckie Mann broke their maidens.

An impressive maiden winner was Girolamo (A. P. Indy - Get Lucky by Mr. Prospector) who debuted in a 7 furlong race at Saratoga on August 16. He was very professional, driving past the early leaders for the win. Girolamo is out of the grade III stakes winner Get Lucky, which makes him a full-brother to graded stakes winners Accelerator and Daydreaming. This looks like one with a promising future.

2-Year Old Works

New to this blog

August 15

Working 3 furlongs in :37.80 at Keeneland, was Slick Miss (filly; Congaree - Madamascus by Sheikh Albadou (GB)). Slick Miss is a half-sister to 3 winners, including Officer Cherrie who won the Mazarine Breeders' Cup (CAN-III) and earned $259,555.

August 16

Maraschino Red (filly; Medaglia d'Oro - Irish Cherry by Irish Open) worked 3 furlongs in :39.01 at Saratoga. Maraschino Red, who sold for $200,000 as a yearling and $900,000 as a 2-year old, is out of the stakes winning mare, Irish Cherry. Irish Cherry is the dam of grade I winners Spun Sugar and Daaher.

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

August 16

Phu Bird (Birdstone - Phu Cat by Tabasco Cat) - Louisiana Downs, 5 furlongs, 1:03.20.

Torres Strait (filly; Birdstone - Maid of Gold by Tour d'Or) - River Downs, 4 furlongs (gate), :50.00.

Lookin Left (Congaree - Santa Fe Strip by Phone Trick) - Remington Park, 4 furlongs, :49.61.

Whowearsthepants (filly; Congaree - No Dress Code by Distorted Humor) - Woodbine, 3 furlongs, :38.60.

Crema d'Oro (filly; Medaglia d'Oro - Courageous Maiden by Broad Brush) - Saratoga, 5 furlongs, 1:02.79.

Gold d'Oro (filly; Medaglia d'Oro - Gold Canyon by Mr. Prospector) - Belmont, 5 furlongs (gate), 1:01.70.

Medaglia d'Amour (filly; Medaglia d'Oro - Izara by Blushing John) - Del Mar, 5 furlongs, 1:03.40.

Party Hard (colt; Medaglia d'Oro - Keys to the Heart by Wild Again) - Hollywood Park, 4 furlongs, :48.20.

Pearl of Valor (filly; Medaglia d'Oro - Maderia M'dear by Black Tie Affair (IRE)) - Saratoga, 5 furlongs, 1:02.65.

Cesium Fountain (colt; Peace Rules - San Speculation by Out of Place) - Hollywood, 5 furlongs, 1:03.00.

Missunitednations (filly; Peace Rules - Sister Greeley by Mr. Greeley) - Philadelphia Park, 5 furlongs, 1:02.16.

Peace Reigns (filly; Peace Rules - Diamond Dottie by Eagle Eyed) - Louisiana Downs, 5 furlongs, 1:03.00.

Strike Jak (filly; Peace Rules - Sunset Crest by Strike the Gold) - Calder, 3 furlongs, :37.20.

Valid Rule (colt; Peace Rules - Valid Bonnet by Valid Appeal) - Arlington Park, 4 furlongs, :47.60.

Life's Precious (filly; Pleasantly Perfect - Precious Clare by Red Ransom) - Saratoga, 5 furlongs, 1:02.24.

One Perfect Karat (filly; Pleasantly Perfect - Golden Fanfare by Seeking the Gold) - Del Mar, 5 furlongs, 1:02.80.

Perfect Edge (colt; Pleasantly Perfect - Winner's Edge by Seeking the Gold) - Laurel Park, 4 furlongs, :49.40.

Perfectly Pleasant (filly; Pleasantly Perfect - Beaux Arts Ball by Black Tie Affair (IRE)) - Laurel Park, 4 furlongs, :51.00.

Verdant (filly; Pleasantly Perfect - Rift Valley by Gulch) - Churchill Downs, 4 furlongs, :50.00.

Legacy and Lace (filly; Saarland - Preservation Hall by Dixieland Band) - Golden Gate Fields, 5 furlongs, 1:00.40.

Saar Treaty (filly; Saarland - Top of the Noggin by Chief's Crown) - Fair Hill, 3 furlongs, :39.00.

Tannic (colt; Saarland - Poetic Image by Perrault (GB)) - Prairie Meadows, 5 furlongs, 1:02.80.

Clash of Arms (colt; Speightstown - Distinctive Code by Lost Code) - Laurel; 4 furlongs (gate); :49.00.

She's a Wow (filly; Speightstown - Venetian Glass by Deputy Minister). - Philadelphia Park, 5 furlongs, 1:02.16.

Tapis Magique (colt; Speightstown - Bordelaise (ARG) by Espacial (ARG)) - Churchill Downs, 3 furlongs, :37.00.

Causin' Havoc with Merlot

Three scratches on the day, Needless to Say (Peace Rules), who didn't get in off the AE list, Party Hard (Medaglia d'Oro), and Midnight Break (Congaree). However, since Dreams d'Oro (Medaglia d'Oro) was also in that one, there will be a recap.

Promises Kept

Pay Zone went to the lead, but was closely followed by Promise Me Merlot (Peace Rules) who moved from 3rd to 2nd without much effort. He then took over on the turn and proceeded to draw off by 6. As with a number of Peace Rules (I think it's those long legs), he was a little reluctant to change leads, but it didn't matter. Im a Tigger Too closed well to take the second spot, but he was no threat to Promise Me Merlot.

Result: August 9, 2008 
Calder Race 2
Maiden Special Weight

Promise Me Merlot
$3.80
$2.60
$2.10
Im a Tigger Too
$3.20
$2.10
Pay Zone  

$2.10

View Race Details and Full Equibase Chart

Causin' Havoc for Da Bear

Da Bear Facts (Congaree) broke on top, but dropped back as Shockin Blow wanted the lead. That one, however, was soon overwhelmed by Causin' Havoc who swept to the lead and never looked back to become the 9th winner for Medaglia d'Oro. Da Bear Facts came out of the pack to complete the Maiden Watch exacta (no big payoff this time, as Causin' Havoc was a big favorite). It looks as though Causin' Havoc has grown up since his debut, and the extra distance didn't hurt either.

Result: August 9, 2008 
Presque Isle Downs Race 3
Maiden Special Weight

Causin' Havoc
$3.80
$3.00
$3.20
Da Bear Facts
$4.20
$4.60
Mr. Aldo  

$4.60

View Race Details and Full Equibase Chart

His Greatness More Than Dreams

Midnight Break (Congaree) was a scratch from this one. Contention took the early and was able to fend off an early bid from favorite Big Al Cordes. However, Uno Mas was too much and Contention ended up 5th. On the other hand, Uno Mas, was no match for His Greatness. His Greatness was never far back, but did encounter some traffic trouble. Once he was in the clear, he rolled home. Dreams d'Oro (Medaglia d'Oro) was never really involved, finishing 8th and last. He was pretty agitated in the post parade and may have left his race there.

Result: August 9, 2008 
Arlington Park Race 1
Maiden Special Weight

His Greatness
$7.80
$6.00
$3.40
Uno Mas
$11.20
$5.00
Bearpath  

$3.20

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Private Flies In Speight of It

Flying Private went right to the lead, dueling with Yore. He shook free from Yore, but then had to hold off Rocketing Returns, who closed well for second. Flying Private's experience may have been the difference maker here, but he looks like a nice one. In Speight of It broke better than last time, settled in 5th. He made up some ground on the outside, but ended up fourth once again.

Result: August 9, 2008 
Saratoga Race 2
Maiden Special Weight

Flying Private
$18.00
$7.10
$5.20
Rocketing Returns
$5.70
$4.00
Yore  

$6.20

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Four Gifts Prevails Over Greer

Four Gifts went to the lead, but he wasn't alone. First, Witch Princess applied pressure, then Lake Cook, and Robin My Girl. However, Four Gifts kept finding more to become the 2nd winner for Even the Score. Greer Lynn (Speightstown) was off a bit slow, but secured a good spot on the rail and made steady progress. However, she was lacking room and once she did get through, didn't seem to have any punch. She may have had to wait too long. She ended up finishing 6th.

Result: August 9, 2008 
Arlington Race 5
Maiden Special Weight

Four Gifts
$29.20
$17.80
$10.60
Robin My Girl
$15.60
$9.60
Lake Cook  

$5.80

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The Pyrites Have an Electric Start

Pyrite Alright went immediately to the lead, briefly pursued by even-money favorite Ann On the Run. Ann dropped back and the only threat was Pyrite Alright's stable mate, Pyrite Ore. Those two dueled through the stretch, but Alright prevailed. Electric Start (Congaree) didn't run a bit, 6th (last) whole way round.

Result: August 9, 2008 
Thistledown Race 7
Maiden Special Weight

Pyrite Alright
$5.80
$3.60
$2.20
Pyrite Ore $5.80
$3.60
$2.20
Ann On the Run  

$2.40

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Wild Wild Over the Halo

Wild Wild Posse went to the lead with Joking Sam and Del Conte in pursuit. Speight the Halo (Speightstown) was sitting just off the pace, in a good spot in fourth. Speight the Halo came running on the outside and briefly put his head in front, but Wild Wild Posse fought him off. Speight the Halo was able to hold off I Want Revenge who closed for third. Wild Wild Posse has a really nice stride, and you had to admire the way he fought back. With his pedigree, he is bound to have distance limitations, but he sure looked good out there. The earlier Maiden race at Del Mar, from which Party Hard was scratched, was taken by Arashi Cat who swept by on the outside and outfinished favorite Blazing Spirit.

Result: August 9, 2008 
Del Mar Race 7
Maiden Special Weight

Wild Wild Posse
$18.60
$7.00
$4.20
Speight the Halo  
$3.20
$2.60
I Want Revenge  

$2.60

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S. S. Stone Tries to be a Best Pal

August 10, 2008
Del Mar Race 8
Best Pal Stakes (gr. II)

6.5 furlongs
2 Year Olds
Post Time: 8:30 PM TVG

P Horse
1. Captain Steel
2. S. S. Stone
3. Miguel's Mascot
4. Fu Peg He Rat
5. Coronet of a Baron
6. Turbo Call
7. Charlie's Moment
8. Azul Leon
9. Kelly Leak

S. S. Stone (Birdstone - Sing and Swing by Dixieland Band) becomes the latest Maiden Watch horse to try stakes company, as he takes on 8 in the Best Pal Stakes (gr. II) at Del Mar. S. S. Stone broke his maiden at Hollywood Park in his debut on June 29. Since that race, he has had 3 works at Del Mar. S. S. Stone sold for $135,000 as a yearling. His dam was a stakes winner, who finished 2nd in the Fanfreluche Stakes as a 2-year old and earned $228,941 overall. She has produced 9 winners from 9 to race.

Although S. S. Stone is the only offspring of one of our sires in this race, there are other horses familiar to Maiden Watch readers. These include Captain Steel (Hennessy - Miss City Halo by Carson City) who broke his maiden on July 13, after finishing 5th in his debut, and Charlie's Moment (Indian Charlie - Moment of Light by Bold Revenue) who has run three times, finishing 2nd on June 4, 4th on June 19, and winning on July 26.

Favoritism in the race will probably go to Azul Leon (Lion Heart - Quick Blue by Cure the Blues) who broke his maiden first time out on May 8 and then won the Hollywood Juvenile Championship Stakes (gr. III) on July 5. No other horse in the race has anything other than a maiden victory. However, Turbo Call (Nineeleven - Better Day by Afleet) who broke is maiden at first asking in a 2 furlong race at Santa Anita, finished 2nd in the Solano County Juvenile Stakes and 3rd in the Graduation Stakes. He also finished 5th in the Hollywood Juvenile Championship Stakes behind Azul Leon.

Read more about the Best Pal Stakes here.

Bear will try to Conduct an Awesome Rhythm Down the Tin Pan Alley

August 10, 2008
Woodbine Race 1
Maiden Special Weight

7 furlongs
2 Year olds
Post Time: 1:10 PM

P Horse
1. Bear Famous Trip
2. Bear's Conductor
3. Tin Pan Alley Cat
4. Sebcoe West
5. Stimulus Plan
6. Megacode
7. Awesome Rhythm

Bear's Conductor (Congaree - Symphonic Lady by Blare of Trumpets) makes his second start after tiring to 6th first time out on July 6. 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 20 runners who have made a combined 32 starts, recording 6 wins, 4 seconds, and 3 thirds, and $206,729.

Tin Pan Alley Cat (Roaring Fever - Rose City Music by Mt. Livermore) has run five times, most recently finishing 5th in the Colin Stakes on July 19. Tin Pan Alley Cat is by first-year sire, Roaring Fever who has had 2 runners who have made 6 total starts with no placings. Roaring Fever was a stakes winner who earned $219,655. As a 2-year old, he started 4 times, recording a first and a second. The second-place finish came in the Cowdin Stakes (gr. III). Tin Pan Alley Cat is a half-brother to 4 winners.

Awesome Rhythm (Toccet – Galoshes by Storm Boot) finished 3rd in his only start on July 20 at Woodbine behind Oconee. First-crop sire Toccet, sire of Awesome Rhythm, has had 20 runners who together have made 39 starts resulting in 2 win, 7 seconds, and 4 thirds, and $83,888.Awesome Rhythm, who sold for $20,000 as a 2-year old, is a half-brother to the winner Main Street, who has earned $78,200 through 2008.

Megacode (Omega Code - Merica by American Standard) finished 4th in his only start on June 22. Megacode is by freshman sire, Omega Code whose 22 runners have made 46 combined starts, registering 8 wins, 4 seconds, and 7 thirds, and $144,257. Merica, the dam of Megacode, was a 2-year old winner and has produced 9 winners including stakes winner, Megacles.

Selling for $65,000 as a yearling and $175,000 as a 2-year old was Bear Famous Trip (Trippi - Dancingtide by Green Dancer). Bear Famous Trip is a half-brother to 3 winners, including 2-year old winner Slippery Butter.

Sebcoe West (Milwaukee Brew - Awesome Touch by Awesome Again) sold for $36,093 as a yearling, and is the first foal out of a mare who won $86,141 and is a half-sister to stakes winner Kuba a Noqua.

Dutchess Alexandra, dam of Stimulus Plan (Jump Start - Dutchess Alexandra by Judge Smells), was a winner and has produced 3 winners.

Into My Soul is the Precursor to the Last Martini

August 10, 2008
Saratoga Race 2
Maiden Special Weight

6.5 furlongs
2 Year olds
Post Time: 1:32 PM HRTV/TVG

P Horse
1. Into My Soul
2. Precursor
3. Prince of Wealth
4. Miami Hammer
5. Charitable Man
6. Trevelyan
7. Miner's Escape
8. Last Martini

Into My Soul (Pleasantly Perfect - Stop Traffic by Cure the Blues) returns after finishing a non-threatening 6th in his debut on July 25. That one was originally scheduled for the turf, and I am a little surprised that the didn't try to find another turf race for this one. Into My Soul, who was a $50,000 2-year old, has been working at Saratoga for the past month and a half. Stop Traffic, the dam of Into My Soul, earned $864,518 and won or placed in 18 stakes including victories in the Ballerina (gr. I) and the Santa Monica (gr. I). Stop Traffic also won her 2-year old debut. Into My Soul is a half-brother to one winner. Pleasant Perfect's 8 runners have made 12 total starts, recording 2 wins, 2 seconds, and 3 thirds, and earnings of $81,187.

The only other experienced entrant is Precursor (A. P. Indy - Sophorific (IRE) by Danehill) who was 2nd at Belmont Park on July 17. Precursor sold for $500,000 as a 2-year old. He is a full-brother to Happiness to You, who was a 2-year old winner and has earned $78,874. Precursor and Happiness to You are out of a mare who was stakes-placed as a 2-year old.

Sale-topper in this race is Trevelyan (Fusaichi Pegasus - Sometime (IRE) by Royal Academy) who sold for $300,000 as a yearling. Trevelyan is a half-brother to 3 winners, including stakes winner Manyana and group III stakes winner Art Deco. Both Manyana and Art Deco won at 2.

Selling for $200,000 at 2 was Charitable Man (Lemon Drop Kid - Charitabledonation by Saint Ballado) whose dam, Charitabledonation, was a stakes winner. Charitabledonation is also a half- or full-sister to 3 winners including 1 2-year old winner.

Also by Lemon Drop Kid is Last Martini (Lemon Drop Kid - Elaina by Dehere) who was a $150,000 yearling. Last Martini's dam was a winner at 2 and has produced the winner Bone Dry, who has earned $102,560 through 2008.

Miami Hammer (Include - Value Added by Far Out East) was scratched out of a race at Saratoga on August 9. He sold for $100,00 as a yearling and is out the winner, Value Added. Value Added earned $112,508 and has produced 6 winners, including Diablo's Addition who was stakes-placed at 2.

Dreams Gallore, dam of Prince of Wealth (Empire Maker - Dreams Gallore by Silver Ghost), was a grade I stakes winner who earned $588,615. She also won her 2-year old debut and was stakes-placed that same year.

Miner's Escape (Mineshaft - Spy Novel by Broad Brush) is a half-brother to the winner Spy Story who has earned $81,142 through 2008. His dam, Spy Novel, is a half-sister to grade I winner and sire, Indian Charlie.

Saardona will be Talkinontherun for a Proper Prize

August 10, 2008
Ellis Park Race 3
Maiden Claiming ($25,000 - $30,000)

5.5 furlongs
2 Year old Fillies
Post Time: 2:38 PM HRTV/TVG

P Horse
1. Proper Prize
2. Countess Katie
3. Sea Spirit
4. Throw a Fitz
5. Talkinontherun
6. Sarina's Mama
7. Saardona

Saardona (Saarland - Golden Penny by Touch Gold) makes her debut at Ellis Park against 6. Saardona has been working since May, and her last couple of works have been at Ellis. She is the first foal out of a winning mare who is a half-sister to 6 winners, including stakes winner Dabney Carr and grade II stakes-placed Dont Fear the Heat. Saarland's 11 runners have made 24 combined starts with 2 wins, 1 seconds, and 6 thirds, and earnings of $85,705.

Talkinontherun (Bernstein - Toot's Classic by Well Decorated) has run twice, finishing 3rd on June 18 and 4th on July 5. Both of those races were Maiden Claiming races at Churchill Downs. Talkinontherun is out of a winning mare who has produced 2 winners from 3 to run. One of Talkinontherun's siblings won at 2.

Finishing 5th behind Talkinontherun on July 5th at Churchill Downs was Sea Spirit (Vicar - Social Pro by Distinctive Pro). Social Pro, dam of Sea Spirit, won or placed in 10 stakes including a 3rd in the Poinsettia Stakes (gr. III) as a 2-year old. In her career, Social Pro earned $265,173. As a broodmare, Social Pro has produced 5 winners including Hasta La Vista Pal who was stakes-placed at 2.

Countess Katie (Wild Wonder - Countessof Chevron by Flying Chevron) finished 8th in her only start on July 4 at Arlington Park. Countess Katie is a half-sister to two 2-year old winners and a full-sister to the winner E Bee Girl who has earned $47,247 through 2008.

Also finishing 8th in her only start was Sarina's Mama (Repent - Tactical Plus by Tactical Advantage) who ran at Ellis Park on July 18. Sarina's Mama, who sold for $28.000 as a 2-year old, is the first foal out of the mare Tactical Plus who won $157,390. Tactical Plus is also a half-sister to 7 winners including stakes winner Buckaroo Zoo, who was also stakes-placed at 2.

Unraced Throw a Fitz (Seattle Fitz (ARG) - Be My Sweetheart by No Robbery) is by freshman sire Seattle Fitz, whose 4 runners have made 5 total starts, recording 1 win and 1 second. Throw a Fitz is a half-sister to 12 winners, including stakes winners Darby's Chant, A. M. Swinger, and Fire Two. Throw a Fitz' dam was born in 1979, which means that she was 27 when Throw a Fitz was born.

First-timer Proper Prize (Proper Reality - Naughty Prize by Prized) is the first foal out of a unraced mare who is a half-sister to 4 winners.

Red Bird Tries to Get Clearance over the Wild Tigress

August 10, 2008
Calder Race 9
Maiden Special Weight

6.5 furlongs
2 Year old Fillies
Post Time: 4:26 PM HRTV

P Horse
1. Got Clearance
2. Red Bird Rules
3. Wise Passion
4. Tut's Treasure
5. Wild Tigress
6. Devilinareddress
7. Caughtnthemoment
8. Marija's Wish

Red Bird Rules (Peace Rules - Twirling Angel by Saint Ballado) makes her third start after finishing 6th on June 21 and 7th on July 12, both of those races were at Calder. The dam of Red Bird Rules was a winner and she has produced one winner from two to start. She is also a half-sister to Hemingway's Key who finished 3rd in the Preakness Stakes (gr. I) and the Jim Dandy Stakes (gr. II). Hemingway's Key was also 2 for 2 as a 2-year old. Peace Rules is the sire of 22 runners who have made 47 total starts, recording 11 wins, 4 seconds, and 6 thirds, and $235,023.

Marija's Wish (Lightnin N Thunder - Arion's Wish by Lyphard's Wish (FR)) is the only debut runner in the race. She is out of a winner and is a half-sister to 4 winners.

Got Clearance (Cryptoclearance - Scotcharoo by Buckaroo) and Tut's Treasure (Untuttable - The Faster You Get by Entropy) met at Calder on July 19, finishing 4th and 5th respectively. Got Clearance is a half-sister to 3 winners. Tut's Treasure, who brought $50,000 as a 2-year old, is out of a mare who was stake-placed at 2 and earned $104,560 in her career. Tut's Treasure is a half-sister to 4 winners, including 1 that won at 2.

Another who ran on July 19, but in a different race, was Devilinareddress (Monsieur Cat - Ladyinareddress by Tactical Advantage) who finished 6th. Devilinareddress is the first foal out of the stakes winner, Ladyinareddress who earned $128,009. Ladyinareddress was also stakes-placed at 2.

Wise Passion (Wised Up - Current Gossip by Current Hope) is a veteran of two races, having finished 2nd on July 4, and 5th on July 20. Wise Passion is out of a stakes winning dam who has produced 4 winners from 5 to race, including Allsmarts a 2-year old winner and a full-brother to Wise Passion.

Finishing 3rd in her only start on July 18 was Wild Tigress (Tiger Ridge - Wild Warm Wind by End Sweep), whose dam was a winner at 2 and is a half-sister to 4 winners.

Caughtnthemoment (Graeme Hall - Meetyouatthetop by Peaks and Valleys), who brought $20,000 as a yearling, was 5th in her debut on June 19. Caughtnthemoment is the 2nd foal out of a mare who won at 2 and earned $101,064 overall.

Pamona Tries to Have a Ball of Annihilation

August 10, 2008
Del Mar Race 6
Maiden Special Weight

6.5 furlongs
2 Year Old Fillies
Post Time: 7:30 PM TVG

P Horse
1. Pamona Ball
2. Candilejas
3. Madeline Ruby
4. Argenta
5. Diamond Tags
6. Idontbelievemyeyes
7. Saint Cindy
8. Annihilation
9. Lucky Losty

Pamona Ball (Pleasantly Perfect - Fireman's Ball by Hennessy), who sold for $380,000 as a 2-year old, debuts at Del Mar. Pamona Ball has been working regularly since mid-June, including 4 works at Del Mar. Fireman's Ball, dam of Pamona Ball, has produced 3 winners from 3 to run, including Jitterbug Ball who won at 2 and who has earned $130,918 through 2008. Pleasantly Perfect's 8 runners have made 12 starts, recording 2 wins, 2 seconds, 3 thirds, and $81,187.

Annihilation (Northern Afleet - Exhilaration by Storm Cat), Candilejas (Candy Ride (ARG) - Delicias Blues by Grindstone), Saint Cindy (Devil His Due - Trendy Cindy by Cozzene), and Argenta (Mineshaft - Pacific Squall by Storm Bird) all met at Hollywood Park on July 12, finishing 2nd, 5th, 7th, and 9th respectively. Annihilation, who was a $115,000 yearling, is out of a mare who was stake-placed at 2. Annihilation, who also finished 6th on June 15, is a half-sister to 2 winners, including stakes winner Lemon Drop Gal. Candilejas also finished 2nd on April 10 and 2nd on June 25. Candilejas, who sold for $22,000 as a yearling, is the first foal out of the 2-year old winning mare, Delicias Blues. Delicias Blues is a half-sister to 3 winners including stakes winner Palikar, who won 2 races as a 2-year old. Candy Ride has had 15 runners who have made a combined 30 starts, recording 5 wins, 6 seconds, and 4 thirds, and earnings of $299,180. Trendy Cindy, dam of Saint Cindy, was stakes-placed and earned $172,323. As a broodmare, she has produced 2 winners. Argenta's dam, Pacific Squall, was a grade I stakes winner who earned $384,575. Pacific Squall has produced 2 winners.

Finishing 6th in her only start on May 15 at Hollywood Park was Lucky Losty (Indian Charlie - Glimmer Twin by Kris S.), who sold for $190,000 as a yearling. Lucky Losty is the first foal out of the mare Glimmer Twin who earned $32,982. Glimmer Twin is a half-sister to 5 winners, including the stakes winner Draw who earned $278,363.

Madeline Ruby (Yankee Gentleman – Holy Speed by Afleet) finished 8th in her lone start, July 20 at Del Mar. Bringing $35,000 as a yearling, Madeline Ruby is out of the winning mare, Holy Speed. Holy Speed is the dam of 6 winners from 7 to run, including 2 which won at 2.

Debut runner Diamond Tags (Seeking the Gold - Ever Hopeful by With Approval) brought $500,000 as a yearling. Diamond Tags is a half-sister to one winner and her dam is a half-sister to 4 winners, including stakes winner Private Dreams.

Also making her first start is Idontbelievemyeyes (Strong Hope - Sewing Lady by Key to the Mint), by first-crop sire Strong Hope. Strong Hope's 6 runners have made 13 total starts, recording 2 wins, 1 seconds, and 1 third. Idontbelievemyeyes who sold for $280,000 as a yearling, is a half-sister to 8 winners including grade I stakes winner, Adoration. Adoration earned $2,051,160 and won or placed in 9 graded stakes, including victories in the Breeders' Cup Distaff (gr. I) and the Santa Margarita Invitational (gr. I).

2-Year Old Works

New to this blog

August 9

At Charles Town, Rocket Defense (filly; Peace Rules - Seemslikearocket by Beau Genius) worked 3 furlongs in :35.00. Stakes-placed Seemslikearocket, dam of Rocket Defense, was also a 2-year old winner. Seemslikearocket has produced 2 winners from two to run.

Tobin's Rules (filly; Peace Rules - Tobin's Fortune by Fortunate Prospect) worked 3 furlongs in :37.00 at Calder. Tobin's Rules' dam was a winner at 2 and has produced 4 winners, including stakes-placed Fortune's Praise.

Legacy and Lace (filly; Saarland - Preservation Hall by Dixieland Band) worked 5 furlongs in 1:03.60 at Golden Gate. Legacy and Lace, who was formerly known as Beirhaus, brought $190,000 as a 2-year old. She is the 2nd foal out of a mare who is a half-sister to 4 winners including stakes winner Emanating and grade I stakes winner Gold Fever.

At the Ocala Training Center, Just for Speight (colt; Speightstown - Cloud Break by Dr. Carter) worked 4 furlongs in :49.40. Just for Speight, who sold for $200,000 as a yearling, is a half-brother to champion sprinter, Lost in the Fog.

Working 3 furlongs in :38.40 at Churchill Downs was Tapis Magique (colt; Speightstown - Bordelaise (ARG) by Espacial (ARG)). Bordelaise, the dam of Tapis Magique, was a group I winner in Argentina and grade III stakes winner in the U.S. Overall, she earned $592,879. Bordelaise has produced 2 winners.

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

August 9

Birdrock (filly; Birdstone - Eternal Glory by Danzatore) - Thistledown, 3 furlongs, :37.80.

Heir to the Stone (colt; Birdstone - Mi Mariposa by Two Punch) - Saratoga, 4 furlongs, :50.04.

Jay Dee Bird (colt; Birdstone - One Account by Private Account) - Penn National, 3 furlongs, :37.80.

Phu Bird (Birdstone - Phu Cat by Tabasco Cat) - Louisiana Downs, 5 furlongs, 1:01.00.

Tbilisi (filly; Birdstone - Tripp Trial by Skip Trial) - Woodbine, 3 furlongs, :36.40.

King Congaree (colt; Congaree - Cozzene'saffair by Black Tie Affair (IRE)) - Fair Hill, 5 furlongs, 1:04.00.

Lookin Left (Congaree - Santa Fe Strip by Phone Trick) - Remington Park, 4 furlongs, :48.94.

Whowearsthepants (filly; Congaree - No Dress Code by Distorted Humor) - Woodbine, 2 furlongs, :24.80.

Wood Violet (filly; Congaree - Nani Rose by Peteski) - Ellis Park, 4 furlongs, :46.20 (fastest of 19).

Caffe D' Oro (colt; Medaglia d'Oro - Dr. Redoubtable by Storm Cat) - Monmouth Park, 4 furlongs, :48.80.

Gold d'Oro (filly; Medaglia d'Oro - Gold Canyon by Mr. Prospector) - Belmont, 4 furlongs, :50.30.

Oriental Sunshine (filly; Medaglia d'Oro - Kristi's Sunshine by Miswaki) - The Thoroughbred Center, 4 furlongs (gate), :52.00.

Sweeterthantheday (filly; Medaglia d'Oro - Ice Cream Cone by Seeking the Gold) - Hollywood Park, 4 furlongs, :47.40.

Tasty Temptation (filly; Medaglia d'Oro - Parisia by Tethra) - Ocala Training Center, 4 furlongs, :48.60.

Canadian Royalty (colt; Peace Rules - Northern Babe by Polish Number) - Vinery Stable, 3 furlongs, :38.80.

Cesium Fountain (colt; Peace Rules - San Speculation by Out of Place) - Hollywood, 4 furlongs, :52.00.

L.A. Rules (colt; Peace Rules - L. a. Explosion by Honour and Glory) - Woodbine, 5 furlongs, 1:01.20.

Missunitednations (filly; Peace Rules - Sister Greeley by Mr. Greeley) - Philadelphia Park, 4 furlongs, :49.14.

Peace Above All (filly; Peace Rules - Pleasant Glory by Honour and Glory) - Delaware Park, 3 furlongs, :37.00.

Peace Reigns (filly; Peace Rules - Diamond Dottie by Eagle Eyed) - Louisiana Downs, 5 furlongs (gate), 1:02.60.

Tiger Rules (colt; Peace Rules - Danzig Tiger by Danzig Connection) - Fair Hill, 4 furlongs, :48.80.

Sweet Kristen (filly; Peace Rules - Puddy Cat by Mountain Cat) - Calder, 3 furlongs, :36.00.

Valid Rule (colt; Peace Rules - Valid Bonnet by Valid Appeal) - Arlington Park, 4 furlongs (gate), :47.40.

Work for Peace (filly; Peace Rules - Southern Solstice by Southern Halo) - Laurel, 4 furlongs (gate), :50.00.

One Perfect Karat (filly; Pleasantly Perfect - Golden Fanfare by Seeking the Gold) - Del Mar, 4 furlongs (gate), :50.20.

Only Blue Skies (colt; Pleasantly Perfect - Wings of Dreams by Sovereign Dancer) - The Thoroughbred Center, 5 furlongs (gate), 1:04.20.

Perfect Edge (colt; Pleasantly Perfect - Winner's Edge by Seeking the Gold) - Laurel Park, 3 furlongs, :36.80.

Perfectly Pleasant (filly; Pleasantly Perfect - Beaux Arts Ball by Black Tie Affair (IRE)) - Laurel Park, 3 furlongs, :37.20.

Himynameissarah (filly; Saarland - Pacific Island by Grand Slam) - Canterbury Park, 4 furlongs, :49.20.

Clash of Arms (colt; Speightstown - Distinctive Code by Lost Code) - Laurel; 5 furlongs; 1:01.20.

She's a Wow (filly; Speightstown - Venetian Glass by Deputy Minister). - Philadelphia Park, 4 furlongs, :49.14.

A Dash Towards Turf Victory

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

A Dash Towards Turf Victory

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

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

Live the Dash $8.80
$5.20
$4.40
Hard Truth
$3.40
$3.00
War Action  
$4.40

View Race Details and Full Equibase Chart

A Sparkling Performance for Keat

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

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

Sparkling Keat $42.80
$14.60
$9.40
Hear No Angel
$4.60
$3.00
Whaleofaride  
$3.80

View Race Details and Full Equibase Chart

Hopefully, There Will be Something to Say

August 9, 2008
Philadelphia Park Race 1
Maiden Claiming ($25,000)

5 furlongs
2 Year old Fillies
Post Time: 12:25 PM

P Horse
1. Exhilarated
2. Silverrod's Kate
3. Out of It
4. Izzy Kate
5. Right Credentials
6. Chiffies Roan
7. Mel's Turn
8. Annika Girl
9. Shemeansbidness
10. Trice
AE Needless to Say

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Midnight Break for Dreams d'Oro

August 9, 2008
Arlington Race 1
Maiden Special Weight

6 furlongs
2 Year olds
Post Time: 12:45 PM HRTV

P Horse
1. His Greatness
2. Big Al Cordes
3. Uno Mas
4. Quite a Handful
5. Bearpath
6. Dreams d'Oro
7. Kid Gusto
8. Tamborim
9. Contention
10. Midnight Break

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Promise Me Merlot Hopes to Hit the Pay Zone

August 9, 2008
Calder Race 2
Maiden Special Weight

6.5 furlongs
2 Year olds
Post Time: 1:15 PM HRTV

P Horse
1. Im a Tigger Too
2. Pay Zone
3. Sligovian Bay
4. Promise Me Merlot
5. Saint From Spain
6. Burley's Gold

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Speight of Rocketing Returns of Yore

August 9, 2008
Saratoga Race 2
Maiden Special Weight

6 furlongs
2 Year olds
Post Time: 1:33 PM HRTV

P Horse
1. Rocketing Returns
2. Miami Hammer
3. Flying Private
4. Proud Ruler
5. In Speight of It
6. Ryan's Comet
7. Solidify
8. Florentino
9. Yore

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Greer Lynn Hopes to Skipakiss for Four Gifts

August 9, 2008
Arlington Race 5
Maiden Special Weight

6 furlongs
2 Year Old Fillies
Post Time: 2:38 PM HRTV

P Horse
1. Skipakiss
2. Greer Lynn
3. Mrs Cindy's Walkin
4. Keertana
5. Four Gifts
6. Witch Princess
7. Stormy Easter
8. My Next Wife
9. Windmill Hill
10. Oro Gatita
11. Robin My Girl
12. Lake Cook
AE High On Top
AE Chary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hopes for an Electric Start to put Ann On the Run

August 9, 2008
Thistledown Race 7
Maiden Special Weight

5 furlongs
2 Year Old Fillies
Post Time: 3:11 PM

P