As predicted, Audible's (Congaree) race stayed on the turf and he did not draw in. Second choice Bittel Road took the race over favorite Cairiene. Lime Rickey closed well for third.

For All Who Conga Hopes to do a Stakes Dance

July 12, 2008
Calder Race 11
Frank Gomez Memorial Stakes
6 furlongs
2 Year Olds
Post Time: 5:23 PM HRTV

For All Who Conga (Congaree - For All Who Dream by Eltish) returns to the races after breaking his maiden impressively on June 15. This time, he's taking on stakes competition. One advantage that For All Who Conga has is that he is the only runner in the race who has run (and won) at the 6 furlong distance. For All Who Conga is the first foal of out the stakes winner, For All Who Dream who won the J J'sdream Stakes as a 2-year old.

The favorite in the race figures to be Bee Cee Cee (Songandaprayer - Mighty Rose by Mighty Appealing) who broke his maiden on April 26 and then returned to win the B L's Sweep Stakes at Calder on June 15. That race was at 5 furlongs. Bee Cee Cee sold for $100,000 as a weanling and $200,000 as a 2-year old. Bee Cee Cee's dam was a stakes winner who earned $125,452. Bee Cee Cee is a half-brother to 5 winners, 3 of which won during their 2-year old season. These include Mighty David who was stakes-placed as a 2-year old.

Overcoming a stumble at the start to finishing second in the B L's Sweep Stakes was Ideal Exchange (Exchange Rate - Cape Verde by Mt.Livermore), who was also third in Bee Cee Cee's maiden win. In between those 2 starts, he broke his maiden in 4.5 furlong contest. Ideal Exchange's dam is a half-sister to one winner.

Also coming out of the B L's Sweep Stakes is Red Nation (Concorde's Tune - Valid Pro by Polish Pro) who finished 8th, after being part of the pace. Previously, Red Nation broke his maiden by 6 lengths on May 17 at Calder (in his first start, he lost his rider). 

Every other horse is coming into the race off of a maiden win except for Stamen (Awesome Of Course - Petals by Dr. Caton) who is still a maiden after finishing 5th on June 7 and 3rd on June 28 (behind Pick's Express). But, we have seen first-hand how maidens can jump up and win these baby races (e.g. Congo Kaye, Trifecta King), so he shouldn't be discounted for that. Stamen's dam is a half- or full-sister to 6 winners.

Another entry familiar to Maiden Watch readers is D. C.'s Legacy (Mr. Livingston - Miss Godiva by Way West (FR)) who broke his maiden on May 31. D. C.'s Legacy is out of a winning mare who earned $48,310 who has produced two winners from two to run.

Birdcaper Tries to Steal One

July 12, 2008
Calder Race 3
Maiden Special Weight
6 furlongs
2 Year Olds
Post Time: 1:41 PM HRTV

Birdcaper is back after finishing a good 2nd against For All Who Conga (who runs in the Frank Gomez Memorial Stakes) on June 15. His first start, on May 31, was a 6th place finish after his saddle slipped. Birdcaper is the first foal out of the winning mare, Sweet Caper who is a half-sister to 5 winners including stakes winner Leslie's Lady. Leslie's Lady won 4 races in her 2-year old season including the Hoosier Debutante Stakes.

J Storm (February Storm - Laceys Secret by Silver Deputy) has had 2 previous starts, finishing 6th at Gulfstream on April 19, and 7th at Calder on May 10. Freshman sire February Storm has had 5 runners who have made a total of 8 starts, recording 1 win and 1 third. J Storm's dam was a winner who has produced 1 winner from 2 to run.

New God Code (Omega Code - Kylie Is for Real by Prospect Bay) finished 4th in his only start on June 28. He is by first-crop sire, Omega Code, whose 12 runners have made a combined 28 starts, registering 6 wins, 2 seconds, and 4 thirds. New God Code's dam has produced 2 winners. However, neither ran as a 2-year old.

The last experienced runner in this group is Mulherengo (Grave Digger - Green Gates Magic by Diesis (GB)) who finished 6th in his only start at Calder on June 7. Green Gates Magic, dam of Mulherengo, was a winner of $62,085 in 7 starts. She has produced 3 winners, 2 of which won during their 2-year old year.

March Twelth (Macho Uno - Peaceful Intention by Hold Your Peace) is out of a stakes-placed mare who earned $69,715. March Twelth is a half-brother to 7 winners including How About Now who won the Schuylerville (gr. II) as a 2-year old and earned $166,376 in her career.

Gold Box (Outofthebox - Pentelicus Gold by Pentelicus) is a half-brother to one winner and his dam is a half- or full-sister to 7 winners, including stakes winner Well Dressed. Well Dressed was also a winner at 2.

The dam of Duke of Mischief (Graeme Hall - My Lady Amelia by Real Courage) was a winner of $37,355 and has produced 2 winners, including grade III stakes winner Lord Robyn. Lord Robyn, who also won at 2, won or placed in 10 stakes and has earned $354,770 through 2008.

Lucky A. P. (A. P. Valentine - Lucky Bidder by Pollock's Luck) is lucky to be one of the few offspring of A. P. Valentine, who has had fertility problems throughout his stud career. Lucky A.P. is the first foal out of an unraced mare who is a half-sister to four winners.

Pam's Delight, dam of Three Part Harmony (Concerto - Pam's Delight by Slew the Slewor), was a 2-year old winner who has produced 4 winners.

Red Bird Will Try to Get Her Tailbytherail

July 12, 2008
Calder Race 12
Maiden Special Weight
6 furlongs
2 Year Old Fillies
Post Time: 5:51 PM HRTV

Red Bird Rules (Peace Rules - Twirling Angel by Saint Ballado) is back after finishing 6th in her debut on June 21. In that race, she had to check and hopefully a better trip will improve her placing. The dam of Red Bird Rules was a winner and she has produced one winner from one 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.

Cumana (Full Mandate - Sweet Alabaster by Gulch) and Wilmette (Fusaichi Pegasus - Anita Knickers by Tejabo) finished 4th and 5th respectively in Red Bird Rules' debut. Cumana had previously finished 3rd on May 31. Cumana brought $70,000 as a 2-year old and is a half-sister to 4 winners, 2 of which won as 2-year olds. Wilmette, who sold for $50,000 as a yearling, is a half-sister to 2 winners. Her dam, Anitas Knickers, is a half-sister to grade III stakes winner Mr. Livingston who earned $429,285 and was stakes-placed as a 2-year old. Anitas Knickers is also a half-sister to the Peace Rules filly, Noble Rule.

Tailbytherail (Read the Footnotes - So Social by Proud Truth) finished 2nd in front of Cumana on May 31. She is by first-crop sire, Read the Footnotes, whose 7 runners have made 10 total starts, recording 2 wins, 1 second, and 1 third. Tailbytherail's dam, So Social, was a winner of $218,791. Tailbytherail is her first foal to race.

Diced N Sliced (Three Wonders - Slice Off the Top by Great Above) and Sr. Encarnacion (Roar of the Tiger - Piano Affect by Fappiano) both ran on June 28, but in different races. Diced N Sliced, a $20,000 2-year old, finished 3rd at 5.5 furlongs. Previously, she had finished 5th at 5 furlongs on June 7. Slice Off the Top, dam of Diced N Sliced, was a 2-year old winner and has produced 4 winners including 2 which won as 2-year olds. First-crop sire Roar of the Tiger is the sire of Sr. Encarnacion. Roar of the Tiger's 20 runners have made a total of 37 starts, registering 8 wins, 9 seconds, and 8 thirds. Sr. Encarnacion is a half-sister to six winners including stakes winner Valid Effect who earned $181,610.

Ripley's Express (Express Tour - Flush Draw by Banker's Gold) finished 3rd at 4.5 furlongs on June 12 and 2nd at 5 furlongs on June 22. Both of those races were Maiden Claiming contests. Ripley's Express is the first foal out of a mare who is a half-sister to one winner.

Whatta Light (Colony Light - Whitney's Dream by Whitney Tower) who finished 2nd in her only start on June 19, is out of the 2-year old winning mare, Whitney's Dream. Whitney's Dream is a half- or full-sister to 8 winners including 3 which won during their 2-year old season.

Finishing 3rd in her only start was Mareana (Northern Afleet - Silverlado by Saint Ballado) who achieved that placing in a Maiden Claiming 5.5 furlong race on June 29. Selling for $20,000 as a yearling, Mareanna is the first foal out of a mare who is a half-sister to 7 winners including group III winner, Love of Silver.

Untuttable Jet (Untuttable - Miss Vermont Jet by Vermont) was 5th in her only start, a 2 furlong Maiden Special Weight on May 24. Untuttable Jet's dam, Miss Vermont Jet, was a debut winner at 2 and stakes-placed at 4, while earning $166,228. Miss Vermont Jet has produced 2 winners, both of which won at 2.

Just Da Bear Facts Please

July 12, 2008
Presque Isle Downs Race 1
Maiden Special Weight
5 furlongs
2 Year Olds
Post Time: 6:30 PM

Da Bear Facts (Congaree - Impending Bear by Farma Way) debuts on the Tapeta of Presque Isle Downs. His dam, Impeding Bear, was a stakes winner who earned $255,751. Impeding Bear has produced one winner from two to run and that winner won as a 2-year old.

Player's List (Gimmeawink - Darned Alarming by Darn That Alarm) is the most experienced horse in the race, having run 4 times. His best finish came in his most recent star, a 4th on June 26 at Presque Isle. Player's List is by first-year stallion Gimmeawink whose 8 runners have recorded 1 win, 3 seconds, and 1 third through 15 collective starts. Darned Alarming, the dam of Player's List, was stakes-placed and earned $146,505.

Finishing 3rd in front of Player's List on June 26 was Appalachian Trail (Monashee Mountain - Crafty Gal by Crafty Prospector). Appalachian Trail is out of a winning mare who has produced 5 winners from 6 to race. 

Saber Dancer (Cuvee - Auction Cat by Storm Bird) finished 5th and 8th in his two starts on May 14 and May 26 at Churchill Downs. He is by freshman sire Cuvee, a sire of 18 runners of 34 combined starts which have resulted in 2 wins, 5 seconds, and 4 thirds. Saber Dancer is a half-brother to 4 winners, including the stakes winner Cat Quatorze who earned $144,055. Two of Saber Dancer's siblings won as 2-year olds.

Also by a first-year sire is Man o'Wonder (Teton Forest - Glister Girl by Glitterman), who sold for $90,000 as a yearling. His sire, Teton Forest has had 2 runners which have made a total of 3 starts, recording one win. Man o'Wonder is the first foal out of an unplaced mare who is a half-sister to 4 winners, including stakes winners Saratoga Summer and Ever Elusive.

First-crop sire Big Country is the sire of Country (Big Country - Deep in My Heart by Rahy). Big Country has had one runner who has made 2 starts finishing third in one race. Big Country is by A. P. Indy out of the champion Flanders. Country, who sold for $82,000 as a 2-year old, is a half-brother to one winner.

Selling for $87,000 as a yearling was Devil Approved It (Devil His Due - Regal Approval by With Approval). His dam, Regal Approach, was a stakes winner who has produced 2 winners, both of which won as 2-year olds.

Recording, the dam of Smart Bid (Smart Strike - Recording by Danzig), was a stakes winner who earned $134,224. She did not run as a 2-year old, but she did win her 3-year old debut. Recording is the dam of 4 winners including stakes winner, Deal Making.

Gran Wizard (Indy King - Sister James by Diablo) is out of a winning mare who has produced 4 winners from 4 to race including one 2-year old winner.

R. P. Indy (Cryptoclearance - Countess Ballado by Saint Ballado) is a half-brother to one winner and his dam is a half-sister to 2 winners.

Areelfast Buddy (Quiet Enjoyment - Reel Spiffy by Reel On Reel) is the first foal out of a winning mare who is a half- or full-sister to 3 winners.

2-Year Old Works

New to this blog

July 11

Perfectly Pleasant (filly; Pleasantly Perfect - Beaux Arts Ball by Black Tie Affair (IRE)) worked 3 furlongs at Laurel in :37.60. Perfectly Pleasant was a $100,000 yearling and is out of the stakes-placed mare, Beaux Arts Ball. Beaux Arts Ball has produced 2 winner including Nightmare Affair who won or placed in 19 stakes earning $1,113,464.

Working 4 furlongs in :51.40 at Fair Hill was Goldshaft (colt; Smarty Jones - Mimi's Golden Girl by Seeking the Gold). Goldshaft, who sold for $400,000 as a yearling, is a half-brother to Noble Causeway who finished 2nd in the Florida Derby (gr. I) and earned $360,010 in his career.

Second Glance (filly; Smarty Jones - Worth a Look by Sword Dance (IRE)) worked 4 furlongs at Laurel in :49.60. Second Glance is out of an unraced mare who is a half-sister to 4 winners.

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

July 11

Conga Queen (filly; Congaree - Special Test by Hawkin's Special) - Lone Star Park, 4 furlongs, :48.40. 

Electric Start (filly; Congaree - Belle Visage by Horatius) - Thistledown, 4 furlongs (gate), :52.40.

River Fancy (filly; Congaree - Go Baby Go (IRE) by Lion Cavern) - Saratoga, 5 furlongs, 1:01.14. 

Grandaree (filly; Congaree - La Grande Mamma by Compadre) - Fair Hill, 4 furlongs, :50.40.

Wiggle and a Wink (filly; Congaree - Friendofthefamily by Wild Rush) - Woodbine, 4 furlongs; :49.00. 

Medaglia d'Amour (filly; Medaglia d'Oro - Izara by Blushing John) - Santa Anita, 4 furlongs, :49.20.

Our Golden Dream (filly; Medaglia d'Oro - Adorahy by Rahy) - Belmont, 3 furlongs, :37.89. 

Rapid Redux (colt; Pleasantly Perfect – Thiscatsforcaryl by Storm Cat) - Monmouth Park, 4 furlongs, :48.00. 

Saar Treaty (filly; Saarland - Top of the Noggin by Chief's Crown) - Fair Hill, 5 furlongs, 1:02.00.  

Rockland (colt; Smarty Jones - Wiscasset by Kris S.) - Fair Hill, 4 furlongs, :49.40. 

Greer Lynn (filly; Speightstown - Roll Over Baby by Rollin On Over) - Churchill Downs, 5 furlongs, 1:04.00.

Mullins Beach (filly; Speightstown - Treasure Beach by Silver Deputy) - Woodbine, 5 furlongs, 1:02.00.

Original Ink (colt; Speightstown - Red n'Gold by Tabasco Cat) - Keeneland, 4 furlongs, :47.80.

For All Who Conga becomes the first winner for Congaree and then less than 3 hours later, Zigaree scores another victory for Congaree.  Overall, June 15 was a good day for Maiden Watch horses.  In addition to the 2 wins, we had 1 second, 2 thirds, and a fourth.

For All Who Conga chased the pace set by Lots of Tricks and Birdcaper. Birdcaper briefly put his head in front, but he couldn't hold off For All Who Conga who drew off to win by more than 2. Birdcaper held well to take 2nd and more than redeem himself after finishing 6th first time out (when his saddle slipped). Pound Foolish finished 3rd once again. The all Maiden Watch exacta paid $71.60. Check out the show prices in this one. Very unusual, especially in a maiden race. It appears that the odd-on favorite, Safety Squeeze (who finished 4th) must have attracted a large assemblage of "bridge jumpers" who loaded up on the show pool.

Result: June 15, 2008 
Calder Race 1

Equibase Chart 

Zigaree Makes it Two for Congaree

In some ways this race was similar to For All Who Conga's victory. Zigaree sat off the pace setters Blaze Buster and Bertsgoldenmissile and then swept to the lead.  The difference was that Zigaree had to hold off the charge of Zava Jack. But, he continued to hold him off to the wire and finished a neck in front. Zigaree also had to contend with the large field and learned some good lessons about running in traffic.

Result: June 15, 2008 
Louisiana Downs Race 3

Equibase Chart

The Persian Can't Overtake the Doctor and the Lord

Lord Dubai set the pace in this one and then Voodoo Doctor overtook him in the stretch.  Those two were much the best, as they left the field behind. However, the best of the rest was Persian who raced in mid-pack and then passed a few. Persian hasn't been very flashing in his young career, but he keeps plodding along and should get a win someday. 

Result: June 15, 2008 
Churchill Downs Race 6

Equibase Chart 

It's a Glitter City in Hollywood

Gabby's Golden Gal took all the money in this one, but it was Lippy Rules who jumped out of the gate and went to the lead dueling with Glitter City. But the experienced one prevailed, to become the first winner for City Place. Lippy Rules tired, but did well to hang around for fourth. Emmy Darling closed nicely for 2nd. Gabby's Golden Gal looked to be in the perfect spot behind the pacesetters, but didn't have the punch to go by them. Still, third is not bad for the first start.

Result: June 15, 2008 
Hollywood Park Race 2

Equibase Chart 

Peace Town hopes to Rockaroundthepark so Dont Pass Em

Peace Town (Peace Rules - Darnestown by Williamstown) makes his debut at Delaware Park in a 5 furlong Maiden Special Weight contest. Peace Town, who sold for $50,000 as a yearling, is the first foal out of a stakes-placed mare who earned $94,280.  She did not race as a 2-year old, but she did win her 3-year old debut. She is also a half-sister to 9 winners, 3 of which won as 2-year olds.

First-year stallion Roar of the Tiger is the sire of Shyisha (Roar of the Tiger - Miss Molliemac by Fighting Fit). Roar of the Tiger, who is a full-brother to Giant's Causeway, has sired 3 winners from 8 starters. Shyisha has had one start, a 2 furlong race on May 18 in which he finished 7th. Shyisha is out of a winning dam who has produced 2 winners both of which won as 2-year olds.

Great Love (Great Notion - Always Love by Not For Love) and Dont Pass Em (Forest Wildcat - Open Window by Trempolino) raced against each other in a 5 furlong Maiden Special Weight race at Pimlico on May 31 with Great Love finishing 2nd and Dont Pass Em 4th. Great Love is by first-year sire, Great Notion who has had 2 starters (including Great Love) with one winner. Great Notion himself was a stakes winner who was 2 for 2 as a 2-year old and earned $194,608 in his career. Great Love's dam, Always Love, was a 2-year old winner who earned $60,009 in her career. Dont Pass Em is a full-brother to two winners including Wild Chick who finished 3rd in the Schuylerville (gr. II) as a 2-year old and earned $171,282 in her career. Dont Pass Em sold for $85,000 as a yearling.

My Pal Max (Max's Pal - How to Splash by Bucksplasher) is a half- or full-brother to 3 winners including 2 2-year old winners and his dam is a half- or full-sister to 8 winners.

The dam of Sky Clipper (E Dubai - Tiffany Lu by Slew o' Gold) has produced 6 winners including 3 2-year old winners.

Helookslikearnold (Lion Hearted - Thracian by Partner's Hero) is the first foal out of an unraced dam who is half-sister to 4 winners including stakes winner Spirited Game who earned $270,562.

Rockaroundthepark (Ecton Park - Tamur by Siphon (BRZ)) is a half-brother to one runner who finished 3rd as a 2-year old. 

June 17, 2008
Delaware Park Race 4
Maiden Special Weight
5 Furlongs
2 Year Olds
Post Time: 2:06 PM

2-Year Old Works

New to this blog

June 15

Congaway (filly; Congaree - Fleeting Ways by Afleet) worked 4 furlongs at Lone Star Park in :54.20. Congaway's dam, Fleeting Ways, won $162,780 in a career that included 1 win, 2 seconds, and 2 thirds as a 2-year old. Fleeting Ways has produced 6 winners including stakes winner Skipjack who earned $162,280.

At Hollywood Park, Gato Roar (colt; Speightstown - Madame Roar by Roar) worked 4 furlongs in :48.60. Gato Roar, who sold for $150,000 as a 2-year old, is out of a stakes winning mare who earned $251,796 in her career. Madame Roar also won her 2-year old debut and placed 2nd in the Black Swan Stakes that same year. Gato Roar is a half-brother to 2 winners, both of which were 2-year old winners.

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

June 15

Mine That Bird (colt; Birdstone - Mining My Own by Smart Strike) - Woodbine, 4 furlongs, :48.20.

Torres Strait (filly; Birdstone - Maid of Gold by Tour d'Or) - River Downs, 3 furlongs, :40.00.

Conga Queen (filly; Congaree - Special Test by Hawkin's Special) - Lone Star Park, 4 furlongs, :49.20.

Da Bear Facts (colt; Congaree - Impending Bear by Farma Way) - Thistledown, 4 furlongs (gate), :49.00. 

Dance the Cha Cha (colt; Congaree - Garden Dance by El Prado (IRE)) - Thistledown, 4 furlongs, :50.00. 

Hank the Billymax (colt; Medaglia d'Oro - Twining Star by Twining) - Churchill Downs, 3 furlongs, :38.60.

Renda (filly; Medaglia d'Oro - Ten Carats by Capote) - Calder, 5 furlongs, 1:03.00.

Retraceable (filly; Medaglia d'Oro - Embraceable by Dehere) - Woodbine, 4 furlongs, :48.20.

Mostly Peace (filly; Peace Rules - Ms. Mostly by Copelan) - Arlington, 4 furlongs, :49.80.

Noble Rule (filly; Peace Rules - Vienna Knickers by Noble Saint) - Calder, 5 furlongs (gate), 1:04.40.

Rule of Motion (colt; Peace Rules - Poetic Motion by Green Dancer) - Philadelphia Park, 5 furlongs, 1:02.75.

Just Right (colt; Pleasantly Perfect - Slewvera by Seattle Slew) - Churchill Downs, 3 furlongs, :37.60.

Despeightitall (colt; Speightstown - Deputy Royal by Deputy Minister) - Churchill Downs, 4 furlongs (gate), :51.60.

Western Fire (colt; Speightstown - Under Fire by Gulch) - Lone Star Park, 4 furlongs, :54.40.

June 16 

S. S. Stone (colt; Birdstone - Sing and Swing by Dixieland Band) -  Santa Anita, 4 furlongs, :48.20.

Stone Legacy (filly; Birdstone - Gulch Legacy by Gulch) - Belmont Park, 3 furlongs, :37.24.

Summer Bird (colt; Birdstone - Hong Kong Squall by Summer Squall) - Hunter Farm Training Center, 4 furlongs, :51.00.

Bri N Savannah (filly; Congaree - Walkerton by Copelan) - Woodbine, 4 furlongs, :51.60.

River Fancy (filly; Congaree - Go Baby Go (IRE) by Lion Cavern) - Saratoga, 4 furlongs, :50.76.

Gold Aly (colt; Medaglia d'Oro - Bangled by Alysheba) - Hollywood Park, 5 furlongs, 1:01.80.  

Min d'Oro (filly; Medaglia d'Oro - Min Elreeh by Danzig) - Saratoga, 4 furlongs, :51.02. 

Our Golden Dream (filly; Medaglia d'Oro - Adorahy by Rahy) - Belmont, 5 furlongs, 1:02.72.  

Pearl of Valor (filly; Medaglia d'Oro - Maderia M'dear by Black Tie Affair (IRE)) - Churchill Downs, 4 furlongs (gate), :49.20.

Robbin Da Hood (colt; Medaglia d'Oro - Hide the Bride by Runaway Groom) - Saratoga, 4 furlongs, :53.41.

Schrader Rules (filly; Peace Rules - She Did It Her Way by Private Terms) -  Calder, 3 furlongs, :39.20.

Into My Soul (colt; Pleasantly Perfect - Stop Traffic by Cure the Blues) - Saratoga, 3 furlongs, :38.16.

Perfectionism (colt; Pleasantly Perfect - Soldera by Polish Numbers) - Santa Anita, 4 furlongs, :51.80.

Royal Treaty (colt; Saarland - Itama by Tabasco Cat) - Hunter Farm Training Center, 4 furlongs, :52.10.   

Smarty Marty (filly; Smarty Jones - Frozen Rope by Clever Trick) - Saratoga, 4 furlongs, :50.68.

Munnings (colt; Speightstown - La Comete by Holy Bull) - Belmont Park, 4 furlongs, :48.92.

Paradise Playgirl (filly; Speightstown - Bigger Half by Megaturn) - Saratoga, 3 furlongs, :37.96.

Pick's Express (colt; Speightstown - Program Pick by Peterhof) - Calder, 4 furlongs, :49.60.

Speight of Hand (colt; Speightstown - Hitch by Cox's Ridge) - Saratoga, 4 furlongs, :50.89.

Spot On (filly; Speightstown - Cedar Knolls by Broad Brush) - Saratoga, 4 furlongs, :50.68.

This one was all about Fitzaslew as he streaked out of the gate, took the lead soon after the start, and cruised to the win to become the first winner for Seattle Fitz. Debut runner Proud Jefe turned in a decent effort to take 2nd while experienced horses War Lap and Good Sermon finished just a nose apart in 3rd and 4th. Our boys didn't make much of an impact. Oconee made a little move mid-race, but got tired after going wide and ended up 8th. Shoe Strap got out of the gate well (in contrast with his first start) and showed good speed, but tired badly to finish last. 

Result: June 14, 2008 
Churchill Downs Race 3

Equibase Chart 

A Birdcaper For All Who Conga

A 6 horse field and 2 Maiden Watch entries. I like the odds in this one. Birdcaper (Birdstone - Sweet Caper by Cape Town) makes his 2nd start after finishing 6th first time out on May 31. His saddle slipped in that race, so the result may not be indicative of his true ability. Birdcaper is the first foal out of the winning mare, Sweet Caper who is a half-sister to 5 winners including stakes winner Leslie's Lady. Leslie's Lady won 4 races in her 2-year old season including the Hoosier Debutante Stakes. For All Who Conga (Congaree - For All Who Dream by Eltish) makes his debut in this one. He is the first foal of out the stakes winner, For All Who Dream who won the J J'sdream Stakes as a 2-year old.

Three other horses exit Birdcaper's May 31 debut, Safety Squeeze (Trippi - Caught Lookin' by Cozzene) who was 2nd, Pound Foolish (Exchange Rate - Kobella Bean by Mecke) who was 3rd, and Lots of Tricks (City Place - Gray Trick by Favorite Trick) who was 5th. Safety Squeeze is out of a winning mare who has produced 2 winners from 2 to race. He previously had finished 5th on April 26 and 3rd on May 17. Pound Foolish' dam is a half-sister to 7 winners including graded stakes winner Boots 'n Jackie whose $647,580 earnings include a 3rd in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (gr. I) and victory in the Golden Rod (gr. III) as a 2-year old. Pound Foolish also finished 6th on May 10. Lots of Tricks is by first-crop sire, City Place. City Place has had 3 runners (including Lots of Tricks) with one 2nd place finisher. Lots of Tricks' dam, Gray Trick, was unraced and she has produced one winner from one starter. That winner won as a 2-year old.

Irish Sport (Diligence - Yukon Red by Gold Alert) makes his debut in this race. His dam was a winner of $75,240. She has produced 4 winners from 4 to race, 3 of which won during their 2-year old season.

June 15, 2008
Calder Race 1
Maiden Special Weight
6 Furlongs
2 Year Olds
Post Time: 12:50 PM HRTV

Zigaree Debuts at Louisiana in a Full-Field of 12

The Congaree colt, Zigaree (Congaree - Zigabout by Danzig) who sold for $80,000 as a 2-year old, makes his debut in a 5 furlong Maiden Special Weight at Louisiana Downs. Zigaree is a half-brother to 5 winners including Edith Prickley who was stakes-placed as a 2-year old.

A couple of experienced horses in the race. Durty Whit (River Squall - Racindurty by Tilt the Odds) finished 4th at 5 furlongs at Louisiana Downs on May 26. Durty Whit's dam, Racindurty, was a stakes winner who earned $42,173.  She had a win, a 2nd, and a 3rd in three starts as a 2-year old. She has produced 2 winners. Three horses come out of a 4.5 furlong race on June 5 at Louisiana Downs. Bertsgoldenmissile (Golden Missile - Storm West by Gone West) finished 2nd in that race. Bertsgoldenmissile, who sold for $40,000 as a 2-year old, is a half-brother to 2 winners. Fourth that day was Blaze Buster (Syncline - Lolo Creek by Housebuster). Blaze Buster is a full-brother to stakes-placed, Tainted Money. As a 2-year old, Tainted Money had 2 wins and 1 2nd in 4 starts. Texas Native (Secret Claim - Flashy Boots by Dancing Crown) finished 8th in the June 5 race. Texas Native's dam was a winner and her previous 2 foals both won as 2-year olds.

First-year stallion, Scrimshaw is represented by Full Scrimmage (Scrimshaw - Cincy Sue by Cherokee Run). Scrimshaw has had 1 winner from 6 runners so far in his stud career. Full Scrimmage sold for $20,000 as a yearling. He's the 2nd foal out of a dam who was a 2-year old winner and whose first foal won as a 2-year old.

The dam of Zava Jack (Zayata - Halo My Baby by Halo) was unraced, but she has produced 10 winners including grade III winner Minister's Baby who earned $440,270 in her career.

Classy Gentleman (Yankee Gentleman - Brief Contact by Bertrando) is the first foal out of mare who failed to win at the track. She is, however, a half-sister to 2 winners including stakes-placed Ran for the Dough.

June 15, 2008
Louisiana Downs Race 3
Maiden Special Weight
5 Furlongs
2 Year Olds
Post Time: 3:25 PM

Persian Drops into the Claiming Ranks 

After finishing 4th and 5th in his first two starts in Maiden Special Weight company, Persian (Peace Rules - Lady Cheryl by Williamstown) will search for victory in a Maiden Claiming Race at Churchill Downs. Persian is out of Lady Cheryl, a stakes winning mare who earned $189,054. Lady Cheryl did not run as a 2-year old, but she has produced a 2-year old winner. Persian sold for $32,000 as a yearling.

Miss Chloe's Boy (Valid Lightning - Miss Chloe by Personal) finished 2nd in a 5 furlong Maiden Claiming race on May 18 and 3rd in a 4.5 furlong affair on May 30. He is the first foal out of a dam who is a full-sister to the winner, Lastnightswinner. Finishing 2nd in the May 30 race was Lord Dubai (E Dubai - Shellmound by American Chance). Lord Dubai is a half-brother to 2 winners, including Triton Missile who was a 2-year old winner and who has earned $210,467 through 2008.

Another 2 race veteran is Ridge City (Mancini - Christine E by Iron Courage) who finished 6th in a MSW at 5 furlongs on May 14 and then 5th when trying the Maiden Claiming ranks on May 24. Ridge City's dam is a full-sister to the winner Petite Perle who won 2 races as a 2-year old. Finishing 4th in that May 24 race was Piner Mountain (Monashee Mountain - Gradalupe by Irish River (FR)). Piner Mountain is the first foal out of an unraced mare.

The final experienced horse in the race is Yankee Career (Yankee Victor - Pleasure Cat by Cat's Career) who finished 5th in a Maiden Special Weight race at 4.5 furlongs on May 21. Yankee Career is a half-brother to 2 winners including 1 2-year old winner.

Selling for $220,000 as a weanling (but, $9,000 as a 2-year old) was Voodoo Doctor (Songandaprayer - Sweet Remedy by Dr. Carter). Voodoo Doctor's dam, Sweet Remedy, was stakes-placed as a 2-year old and has produced 5 winners including the stakes winner Sweet Nanette who was 2 for 2 as a 2-year old (including victory in the Pontalba Stakes) and earned $392,845.

The dam of Cardinal Express (Rossini - Kat's Chicken by Silver Deputy) was a winner of $72,123 and finished 2nd twice in 4 starts as a 2-year old. She is the dam of 2 winners.

Grimaldi (Zavata - Swift Spirit by Tasso) is a half-brother to 3 winners including the stakes winner, Friendly Spirit who earned $107,636.

June 15, 2008
Churchill Downs Race 6
Maiden Claiming
5 Furlongs
2 Year Olds
Post Time: 3:46 PM HRTV

Debut for Lippy Rules and Gabby's Golden Gal

The long-awaited debut of Gabby's Golden Gal (Medaglia d'Oro - Gabriellina Giof (GB) by Ashkalani (IRE)). Long-awaited because Gabby's Golden Gal was one of our first 2-year old workers, first registering on February 26. Her dam, Gabriellina Giof, was a stakes winner in Italy and the U.S. and earned $220,648. Gabby's Golden Gal is her 2nd foal. Her first foal, Gabby's Hen, has run 6 times without hitting the board.

Also debuting in this race is the Peace Rules' filly, Lippy Rules (Peace Rules - Jive Talker by Time for a Change). Lippy Rules' dam, Jive Talker, was 3 for 3 as a 2-year old including 2 stakes wins. Overall, she earned $102,780 in her career. Lippy Rules is a half-sister to 3 winners.

First-year sire, City Place is the sire of one of the experienced runners in the race, Glitter City (City Place - Bon Caro by Bon Point (GB)) who finished 2nd in his only start on April 30. City Place is a Storm Cat stallion out of the grade I winner, Glitter Woman who placed in three graded stakes as a 2-year old. City Place has had 3 runners with one 2nd place finisher.Glitter City, who was a $150,000 2-year old, is out of an unraced mare who is a half-sister to 4 winners.

The other experienced horse in the race, South of France (Harlan's Holiday - Pretty Little by Mazel Trick), finished 5th in Trifecta King's debut on May 15. This race has turned out to be a key race, as 4 of the participants have won.  Could South of France be the 5th? South of France's dam is a half-sister to 7 winners including grade II stakes winners Green Perfume and Salty Perfume.

Closing Steps (Spanish Steps - Ascloseasitgets by Relaunch) is the second starter for first-year stallion Spanish Steps. Spanish Steps was unraced, but he is a full-brother to Breeders' Cup Juvenile and top sire, Unbridled's Song. Closing Steps is a half-brother to 3 winners.

Selling for $500,000 as a yearling was Diamond Tags (Seeking the Gold - Ever Hopeful by With Approval) whose dam has produced one winner and is a half-sister to four winners including stakes winner Private Dreams.

Another with impressive sales credentials is Emmy Darling (Graeme Hall - Dance Delight by Colonial Affair) who sold for $260,000 as a 2-year old. Emmy Darling is out of a stakes-placed mare who has produced one winner.

Also selling as a 2-year old was Empressive Lady (Empire Maker - Racey Player by A. P. Indy) who brought $200,000. Empressive Lady's dam was stakes-placed and she has produced one winner, Ship's Cat, who won 3 races as a 2-year old.

Annihilation (Northern Afleet - Exhilaration by Storm Cat) sold for $115,000 as a yearling. Her dam broke her maiden in her 2nd 2-year old start and also finished 3rd in the Anoakia and Maker's Mark Stakes that year. Annihilation is half-sister to 2 winners including stakes winner, Lemon Drop Gal who earned $178,307.

Also selling for 6 figures was Glacier Peak (Pulpit - Glacier Lily by Deputy Minister) who sold for an even $100,000 as a yearling. She is the 2nd foal out of an unraced mare who is a half-sister to the stakes winner, Coherent who earned $158,630.

June 15, 2008
Hollywood Park Race 2
Maiden Special Weight
5 Furlongs
2 Year Old Fillies
Post Time: 4:50 PM TVG

Curly Works

Curly was back on track at Arlington after his May 31 victory working 5 furlongs in 1:06.80.

2-Year Old Works

New to this blog

At Monmouth, Longandstrong (colt; Birdstone - Bessie's Chips by Rakeen) worked 4 furlongs in :50.80. Longandstrong is a half-brother to 2 winners including All Bets Down who has earned $150,585 through 2008.

Mythical Power (colt; Congaree - School for Scandal by Is It True) worked 3 furlongs at Belmont in a time of :38.02. Mythical Power is the 2nd foal out a mare who earned $146,447 and finished 3rd in the Dearly Precious Stakes.

Pamona Ball (filly; Pleasantly Perfect - Fireman's Ball by Hennessy) worked 3 furlongs in :35.00 at Santa Anita. Pamona Ball sold for $120,000 as a yearling and $380,000 as a 2-year old and is a half-brother to 2 winners, including one 2-year old winner.

Working 4 furlongs in :50.20 at Laurel Park was Perfect Edge (colt; Pleasantly Perfect - Winner's Edge by Seeking the Gold). Perfect Edge's dam, Winner's Edge, earned $145,450 and finished 2nd in the Affectionately (gr. III). She has produced 5 winners including stakes winner Coya.

Tannic (colt; Saarland - Poetic Image by Perrault (GB)) worked 3 furlongs in :37.42 at Prairie Meadows. Tannic is a half-brother to 3 winners, 2 of which were stakes-placed as 2-year olds.

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

Birdseye (filly; Birdstone - Trail Guide by Our Native) - Lone Star, 5 furlongs (gate), 1:01.80.

Ambraw (colt; Congaree - Fabulous Flight by Flying Continental) - Churchill Downs Training, 4 furlongs, :50.20.

Congo Kaye (filly; Congaree - Palau by Kingmambo) - Pleasanton, 5 furlongs, 1:02.20.

Ameribelle (filly; Medaglia d'Oro - Miz United States by Valid Appeal) - Calder, 5 furlongs, 1:03.00.

Precious Beans (colt; Medaglia d'Oro - Precious Feather by Gone West) - Churchill Downs, 4 furlongs, :50.20 (muddy).

Halo Beauty (filly; Peace Rules - Halo Tyra by Sunny's Halo) - Evangeline Training Center, 4 furlongs, :49.26 - Fastest of 68 works at the distance.

I'm the Law (colt; Peace Rules - Stormin' Down by Storm Creek) - Evangeline Downs, 3 furlongs, :37.40. 

Joanne's Ruler (filly; Peace Rules - Escaping Glory by Red Ransom) - Belmont Park, 3 furlongs, :38.42.

Pacificator (colt; Peace Rules - Penthouse Doll by Pentelicus) - Churchill Downs Training, 5 furlongs (gate), 1:02.40.

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

Peace Reigns (filly; Peace Rules - Diamond Dottie by Eagle Eyed) - Louisiana Downs, 4 furlongs, :51.40.

Power Rules (colt; Peace Rules - World Storm by Summer Squall) - Calder, 3 furlongs, :37.80.

Red Bird Rules (filly; Peace Rules - Twirling Angel by Saint Ballado) - Calder, 4 furlongs (gate), :49.80. 

Perfect Song (colt: Pleasantly Perfect - Prospector's Song by Prospector's Music) -  Delaware, 4 furlongs (gate), :49.80.

Keefer (colt; Smarty Jones - Shootforthestars by Seattle Slew) - Belmont, 5 furlongs (gate), 1:02.48. 

Smarty Time (filly; Smarty Jones - Pleasant Point by Pleasant Colony) - Goldmark, 3 furlongs, :38.40.

Barrichello (colt; Speightstown - Everything by Geiger Counter) - Woodbine, 4 furlongs, :49.00.

In Speight of It (colt; Speightstown - Honest Deceiver by Is It True) - Belmont, 5 furlongs, 1:01.09. 

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.