It's not Just a Coincidence, It's Munnings

In the paddock before the race, the most impressive horses were Munnings (Speightstown) and Just a Coincidence. Munnings has a huge blaze, reminiscent of Rags to Riches, and both horses have a lot of presence. One who was not happy before the race was Successful Mission, who was extremely agitated.

Munnings came out of the gate a bit slow (according to the chart, he hit the side of the gate, that would slow me down a bit too), but he smoothly gravitated to the lead. Just a Coincidence tried to give chase, but it was really no contest. Munnings looks like he is worth that $1.7 million price tag.

Result: July 26, 2008 
Saratoga Race 2

Equibase Chart

Retraceable Sings a Georgia Song

If any race could rival Munnings' maiden score for best Maiden Watch race of the day, it would be this one. First, the race was taken off the turf which resulted in two scratches (Alta Lake, Perfect Unbridal) and allowed the Main Track Only horse, Georgia Song to draw in. Retraceable (Medaglia d'Oro) was off ok, but was kept back from the speed and was in the clear on the outside. Panther Strike and Georgia Song were dueling on the lead and Retraceable began picking off horses one by one. On the turn, she inhaled the leader Georgia Song (Panther Strike had faded) and swept to the lead. It was a very professional win for a debut 2-year old. There was no hesitating, she did exactly what was asked. Retraceable also has the distinctive Medaglia d'Oro diamond that I have noticed on many of his offspring.

Result: July 26, 2008 
Woodbine Race 8

Equibase Chart

Rapid Redux Stakes-Placed

Not only was Sanford winner Desert Party scratched out of the Tyro, but also Dagnabit, and Silver Bayer. Thus, a field of three did battle in what was supposed to be the coronation of Notonthesamepage. Instead, it was Fellow Crasher who stole the crown. Notonthesamepage went to the lead, but he was under a stranglehold from Elvis Trujillo and resented it. When Fellow Crasher came alongside, he was then asked to go, but had no response. I don't like to criticize jockeys, but I think Trujillo made a mistake here. A 2-year old making his third start after a 2 month lay-off? You just confuse him by not letting him run. Rapid Redux (Pleasantly Perfect) tried to go with the others, but couldn't keep pace. He basically just jogged around in third. An easy way to become stakes-placed. This isn't a knock on Rapid Redux, he's a nice horse, but he needs to find a race with more than 3 horses in it!

Result: July 26, 2008 
Monmouth Park Race 6
Tyro Stakes

Equibase Chart

Glamorous Gal Triumphs Over Pattie

Passum Pattie (Peace Rules) broke slow and was parked wide and never really got involved. Glamorous Gal and Saldanha, not coincidentally two of the entrants with turf experience, dueled in the early going. But, Glamorous Gal shook loose and drew off. Mothers Eyes closed well, but she couldn't catch the top two.

Result: July 26, 2008 
Colonial Downs Race 8
Tippett Stakes

Equibase Chart

Sweetsaint Rules the Noble

Trippi Dippedy Dot went to the lead, but she was soon joined and passed by Sweetsaintomine, who began to draw off after only a half of a mile was run. Noble Rule (Peace Rules) came out of the gate ok, but settled near the back. She starting picking off horses and swept into 2nd. She was no threat to the winner, but she did close well. I think this one might need some more distance.

Result: July 26, 2008 
Calder Race 6

Equibase Chart

Frenchie's Dream Silences the Canary

P. J. 's Canary (Birdstone) came out a little at the start, brushing with Aiden's Affair. Whiskey n'Me went to the lead, joined by Frenchie's Dream who soon pulled away. P.J.'s Canary moved up nicely, but she couldn't shake Aiden's Affair who kept smacking into her. Frenchie's Dream won by 5 and I'm not trying to argue that an unhindered P.J.'s Canary would have caught Frenchie's Dream, but it didn't help her chances. On the other hand, Aiden's Affair who was tremendously green, did good to finish third and is one to follow next time.

Result: July 26, 2008 
Louisiana Downs Race 3

Equibase Chart

Update for Sue: Hooh Why Pays $78.40

Timeless Miss set the pace, but she had company in Secret Spell, and the favorite, She's Salty Too. She's Salty Too took the lead, but suddenly Hooh Why was closing. She got up at the last moment at 38-1. Lake Cook also rallied at big odds. Our filly, Sue's Update (Medaglia d'Oro) settled near the back and had little impact, although she did pass a few late.

Result: July 26, 2008 
Arlington Park Race 5

Equibase Chart

It's a Marquee Event with No Western Fire

Western Fire (Speightstown) was part of the pace in this one, but tired to finish 5th. Marquee Event was just off the pace early on and came running wide to take control. Kick On closed well to take the second spot, but was no threat to the winner.

Result: July 26, 2008 
Lone Star Park Race 4

Equibase Chart

The Colonel Rockets by Ambraw

Ambraw (Congaree) was in a good position in this one, just off the early pace, but just didn't have the kick to advance. He did run on evenly, however. Up front, Rocket Rocket set the pace and seemed to be home free. But, Colonel Rutledge came running wide and got up just before the wire. Nice debut for this son of Orientate.

Result: July 26, 2008 
Ellis Park Race 8

Equibase Chart

You Luckie Mann Promises Me Merlot

Favored Ambuscader hopped at the start and spotted the field several lengths. Promise Me Merlot secured a rail spot right behind the dueling leaders, You Luckie Mann and New God Code. You Luckie Mann shook off New God Code and drew off. Promise Me Merlot could not go with him, but he did hold off a closing Ambuscader.

Result: July 26, 2008 
Calder Race 12

Equibase Chart

It's Charlie's Moment to Speight the Halo

Speight the Halo (Speightstown) came out well and tried to go to the lead, but it was a little crowded up there. He settled back in third, behind Empire House and Luckiest Man. He seemed to be in a good position, but he ran out of steam in the stretch and faded to eighth. Meanwhile, both Street Hero and Charlie's Moment were closing. At the finish, it was Charlie's Moment's 21-1 nose in front. Charlie's Moment was making his first start after experiencing the ultimate equipment change, gelding.

Result: July 26, 2008 
Del Mar Race 7

Equibase Chart

Rapid Redux Increases Stakes

July 26, 2008
Monmouth Park Race 6
Tyro Stakes
5.5 furlongs
2 Year Olds
Post Time: 3:17 PM TVG

Rapid Redux (Pleasantly Perfect - Thiscatsforcaryl) makes his stakes debut in the Tyro at Monmouth, after breaking his maiden there in his 2nd start on June 20. Since that race, he has had two workouts at Monmouth. Rapid Redux is the first offspring of Pleasantly Perfect to try stakes company.Two of the horses scratched from the Sanford on July 24 show up here, Dagnabit (Freud - Cool Ghoul by Silver Ghost) and Notonthesamepage (Catienus - Blue Holiday by Cure the Blues). On the other hand, Sanford winner, Desert Party is certain to be scratched from the Tyro field.

All of the horses have run twice. Dagnabit, who is the only stakes winner, broke his maiden on June 15 at Belmont and then won the Tremont Stakes 2 weeks later at the same track.

Notonthesamepage broke his maiden impressively, after finishing 3rd first time out. Even though that maiden victory was way back on April 30, he is the 4/5 morning line choice.

Fellow Crasher (Graeme Hall - Inch Marlowe by Green Dancer) finished 3rd first time out at Delaware Park, before breaking his maiden on July 6 at Philadelphia Park.

Silver Bayer (Smoke Glacken - Bally Storm by Summer Squall), who is trained by Wesley Ward trainer of Notonthesamepage, broke his maiden in his first try on April 19 at Gulfstream Park. He then finished 7th in the Bashford Manor Stakes (gr. III). Silver Bayer was a $100,000 yearling purchase.

Passum Pattie is Peggy's Hope to be High On Top

July 26, 2008
Colonial Downs Race 8
Tippett Stakes
5.5 furlongs Turf
2 Year Old Fillies
Post Time: 4:11 PM

Passum Pattie (Peace Rules - Princess Patti by Polish Numbers) tries stakes company on the Colonial turf, after breaking her maiden at Charles Town on July 10. Passum Pattie is a half-sister to one winner, who won during her 2-year old season and earned $158,745 overall. Her dam, Princess Patti is half-sister to grade III stakes winner, K. O. Punch who won the Hollywood Juvenile Championship Stakes (gr. III) as a 2-year old and earned $212,870.

Yo Eleven (Yonaguska - Florabelle Lee by Belong to Me) is the slight favorite on the morning line. She broke her maiden in her second start, before finishing 8th in the Debutante Stakes (gr. III). She has no turf experience, but her maiden win was in the mud, which sometimes transfers to turf prowess. Peace Rules has had one stakes horse, Trifecta King who won the Cinderella.

Four of the entrants have turf experience.Saldanha (Cape Town - Plenty of Sunshine by Deputy Minister) broke her maiden in her only start on the Colonial turf on July 14. In that race, she was on the lead for almost the whole race. Finishing 3rd behind Saldanha was Essence of Money (Essence of Dubai - Supah Jess by On To Glory) who was also making her debut. Essence of Money closed in that race well enough, once supposes, to convince her connections to try this stakes while still a maiden. Romin Robin (Pure Precision - Italian Slew by Ocala Slew) broke her maiden in her first turf start, after finishing third in her debut on the dirt. Romin Robin went gate-to-wire in that contest. Glamorous Gal (Soto - Hitaway by Quiet American) has raced twice, both times on the turf. First time out, she finished 3rd (although was disqualified to 7th), second time she won by a head. In the first race, she stalked. In the second, she was part of the pace. Glamorous Gal is by freshman sire Soto whose 6 runners have made 10 total starts, recording 5 wins, 1 second, and 1 third and earnings of $53,251.

Mothers Eyes (Awesome Sword - Memory Flash by Struggler (GB) won her only start on the dirt at Colonial on June 20, where she was a pace factor from the beginning.

Peggy's Hope (Partner's Hero - Sofuls by Assault Landing) broke her maiden in her second start at Monmouth Park. She came from off the pace in that one, which could serve her well as this field appears to be loaded with speed.

The remaining horses are maidens. Tamboz (Tapit - Winning Call by Deputy Minister) was fourth behind Passum Pattie last time out, after finishing 3rd in her debut. Tamboz is by first-year stallion Tapit, whose 15 runners have made 26 combined starts with 2 wins, 7 seconds, and 4 thirds and earnings of $87,012. High On Top (Dance Master - Hid the Bid by Lear Fan) finished 4th in her only start, after making a big move. I love the Lear Fan on the bottom for an indication of fondness for turf.

The final maiden, Samantha's Strike (Smart Strike - Kurlicue (IRE) by Imperial Ballet (IRE)) is a first-time starter. She should like the turf, being by Smart Strike and out of a mare who has nothing but turf in her career or her family. The question is, is she good enough to win a stakes first time out? She is 9-2 on the morning line.

Munnings Looks for a Successful Mission Pointing Home

July 26, 2008
Saratoga Race 2
Maiden Special Weight
6 furlongs
2 Year Olds
Post Time: 1:31 PM TVG/HRTV

Munnings (Speightstown - La Comete by Holy Bull), who sold for 1.7 million as a 2-year old, headlines a race full of horses with impressive sales credentials. I assume that Munnings was named for painter Alfred Munnings, but he brings to my mind a Broad Brush colt of the same name, who raced in the late 90s/early 2000s. I was rather fond of that Munnings, so I can't help but root for this one. Munnings is a half-brother to one winner. Speightstown's 9 runners have made 11 total starts, recording 3 wins, 1 seconds, and 3 thirds, and earnings of $94,801.

Pointing Home (Point Given - Palace Story by Palace Music) has run twice, finishing 4th on May 21 and 6th on June 14. Both of these races were at Churchill Downs. A $50,000 yearling, Pointing Home is a half- or full- brother to 6 winners, 3 of which won as 2-year olds including Boot Scootin Daddy who won the Michigan Futurity as a 2-year old and earned $118,070 in his career.

The only other horse with experience is Masked Man (Mineshaft - Catcher by Storm Cat) who finished 6th in his only start on June 25. Catcher, dam of Masked Man, was stakes-placed as a 2-year old and has produced 3 winners. Catcher is also a half-sister to grade I stakes winner Cat Thief who earned $3,951,012 in his career. As a 2-year old, Cat Thief won the Lane's End Breeders' Futurity (gr. II).

Bringing $750,000 as a yearling was Great Crusade (Awesome Again - Victory U. S. A. by Victory Gallop) who is the first foal out of grade II stakes winner, Victory U. S. A. Victory U. S. A. earned $615,829 in a career that included a debut win at 2 and a win in the Moccasin Stakes that same year.

Successful Mission (Successful Appeal - Ava Knowsthecode by Cryptoclearance) was a $360,000 yearling. Successful Mission's dam was stakes-placed and earned $156,596. Successful Mission is half-brother to recently retired Keyed Entry who earned $322,852 while winning the Hutcheson (gr. II) and Deputy Minister (gr. III). Keyed Entry was also 1 for 1 as a 2-year old.

Selling for $200,000 as a yearling was Just a Coincidence (Foresty - Scads by Forty Niner) whose dam was a winner of $129,790. Just a Coincidence is a half-brother to 4 winners including Plenty who was 2nd in the Martha Washington Breeders' Cup (gr. III) and earned $189,625.

Sean Avery (Cherokee Run - Latin Lynx by Forest Wildcat), who was a $30,000 yearling, is the 2nd foal out of the 2-year old winning mare, Latin Lynx. Her first foal recorded one 2nd as a 2-year old. Latin Lynx is a half-sister to 3 winners, including Coosa who was a 2-year old winner and who has earned $51,324 through 2008. Sean Avery is also a NHL hockey player who formerly played for the New York Rangers (and now plays for the Dallas Stars).

Dreams Gallore, dam of Prince of Wealth (Empire Maker - Dreams Gallore by Silver Ghost), won or placed in 7 graded stakes including victories in the Mother Goose (gr. I) and Honeybee (gr. III) and seconds in the Coaching Club American Oaks (gr. I) and the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I). Prince of Wealth is her second foal, none have raced. Interestingly, Dreams Gallore also has a yearling by Smarty Jones.

New Providence (Runaway Groom - Dixieland Fantasy by Dixieland Band) is a half-brother to 5 winners, including stakes winners Dixie High and Dixie Dreamer who both won stakes at 2.

Noble Rule is Not Just a Dream

July 26, 2008
Calder Race 6
Maiden Claiming ($40,000)
6 furlongs
2 Year Old Fillies
Post Time: 3:02 PM HRTV

Noble Rule (Peace Rules - Vienna Knickers by Noble Saint) is back after finishing third her first time out on July 4. In that race, she was off slow and gained at the end, so a better start will improve her chances here. Noble Rule is out of a winning mare who is the dam of 3 winners including the grade III winner, Mr. Livingston who finished 3rd in the Rhythm Stakes as a 2-year old. Peace Rules' 20 runners have made a total of 37 starts, recording 7 wins, 2 seconds, and 6 thirds and earnings of $178,903.

The most experienced runner is Trippi Dippedy Dot (Trippi - Polka Dot Miss by Pentelicus) who has run three times, finishing 6th on May 31, and 3rd on both June 22 and July 13. Trippi Dippedy Dot's dam was unraced, but she has produced 3 winners from 4 to race including Definitely True who has earned $81,560 through 2008 and who was a winner at 2.

Sweetsaintomine (Sweetsouthernsaint - Notice by Time for a Change) finished 3rd in her first start on May 31 and 5th last time out on June 28. She was a $62,000 weanling purchase and is out of a winning mare. Sweetsaintomine is a half-sister to 6 winners and a full-sister to stakes winner, Alexandersrun who has earned $272,713 through 2008.

Finishing 4th in her only start on July 11 was Cocosette (Essence of Dubai - Sienna by Kris S.). Cocosette is a half-sister to 5 winners including Pinata who won the Landaluce Stakes at 2. Pinata has earned $120,500 through 2008.

Unraced runners Just a Dream (Dream Run - Alheyrah (GB) by Ezzoud (IRE)) and Aduring (During - Peppercorn Shaker by Back Alley) complete the field. Just a Dream is a half-sister to 2 winners, one of which won at 2. Aduring is by first-crop sire During, whose 6 runners have made 9 total starts, recording 1 win and 4 thirds. Peppercorn Shaker, dam of Aduring, was a stakes winner who was also stakes-placed at 2. She has produced 3 winners, 2 of which won at 2.

P. J.'s Canary will Expect a Party

July 26, 2008
Louisiana Downs Race 3
Maiden Claiming ($25,000 - $30,000)
4.5 furlongs
2 Year Old Fillies
Post Time: 3:23 PM HRTV

P. J.'s Canary (Birdstone - P J Prado by El Prado (IRE)) debuts in a Maiden Claiming race at Louisiana Downs for a claim price of $30,000. She is a half-sister to one winner and her dam is a half-sister to 2 winners. By the way, P. J. originally derives from pajamas, as her second dam is called, Silk Pajamas. Birdstone's 10 runners have made 16 total starts, recording 2 wins, 1 second, and 2 thirds and $69,070.

Robinsonsrayofsun (City Street - Rayofsunshine by Technology), Snow Factor (Nine Factors - Miss Snow Bird by Panorama), and Jazzy Band (Dixie Jazz Band - Beat the Clouds by Beat Inflation) met on June 28 at Louisiana Downs, finishing 3rd, 5th, and 7th respectively. Robinsonsrayofsun, who previously finished 9th on June 14, is out of the mare, Rayofsunshine who won $71,645. Rayofsunshine has produced 3 winners from 4 to race including 2-year old winner, Sun Feather. Snow Factor is out of a winning mare who is a half-sister to 4 winners. Jazzy Band is a half-sister to the winner, Clouds On the Walk who earned $182,706.

Fancy Band (Dixie Jazz Band - Spendera by Spend a Buck) has run twice, finishing 5th on June 14 (in the same race as Robinsonsrayofsun) and 6th on June 26. Fancy Band is a half-sister to the winner, Master Lee, who won at 2 and has earned $38,532 through 2008.

Whiskey n' Me (Gold Regent - Strawberry Runner by Strawberry Road (AUS)), who finished 6th in her only start on June 8 at Lone Star Park, is out of the winning mare, Strawberry Runner, who earned $54,100. Strawberry Runner has produced 6 winners from 7 to run, including stakes-placed Strawberry Pet and Princess Samala.

Finishing 8th in her only start was Aiden's Affair (Brahms - Smooth Affair by Black Tie Affair (IRE)), who ran June 12 at Evangeline Downs. Aiden's Affair is a half-sister to one winner.

Unraced Expect a Party (Littleexpectations - Party Pic by Top Avenger) brought $12,000 as a yearling, at an auction where the average was $4,500. Party Pic, dam of Expect a Party, was stakes-placed and earned $123,579. Party Pic has produced 2 winners, both of which won at 2.

Debuters Iwannabeastogie (Erlton - Iwannabeacigar by Country Light) and Frenchie's Dream (Karen's Cat - Texas Frenchie by Halyard) complete the field. Iwannabeastogie's dam was a winner and she has produced 2-year old stakes winner, Leestown Light. Leestown Light, who also won a stakes at age 5, has earned $237,610 through 2008. Texas Frenchie, dam of Frenchie's Dream, was a winner and has produced 6 winners from 8 to run.

Sue's Update is a Timeless Miss for Secret Spell

July 26, 2008
Arlington Park Race 5
Maiden Special Weight
5.5 furlongs
2 Year Old Fillies
Post Time: 3:54 PM HRTV

Sue's Update (Medaglia d'Oro - Sue's Good News by Woodman) debuts at Arlington in a race mostly populated by first-timers (only 3 runners have experience). Sue's Update is the first foal out of Sue's Good News who earned $218,078, including victory in the Singapore Plate Stakes (gr. III). Sue's Good News is also a half-sister to stakes winner Easyfromthegitgo. Medaglia d'Oro's 17 runners have made 29 total starts, recording 6 wins, 3 seconds, and 6 thirds, and earnings of $202,676.

Finishing 2nd in her only start at Arlington Park on June 21 was She's Salty Too (Salt Lake - Synergistic by Kris S.). She's Salty Too is the first foal out of a mare who won $126,376 and is a half-sister to 6 winners.

Timeless Miss (Cape Canaveral - Reni by Palace Music) has also run once at Arlington, finishing 4th on July 12. Reni, dam of Timeless Miss, was a winner of $50,420 and has produced 5 winners including stakes winner, Freeway Ticket. Freeway Ticket, who was also stakes-placed as a 2-year old, earned $285,814 in his career.

Finishing 8th in her only start at Churchill Downs on June 29 was Hot Pistol (Roar of the Tiger - Kandy Kris by Kissin Kris) who is by first-year stallion, Roar of the Tiger. Roar of the Tiger is the sire of 20 runners who collectively have made 44 starts, recording 9 wins, 9 seconds, and 9 thirds, and earnings of $230,006. Hot Pistol, who sold for $80,000 as a 2-year old, is the first foal out of an unraced mare who is a half-sister to 4 winners including stakes winner, Tiger Belle.

Our Royal Prospect (Chapel Royal - Cozzy Prospects by Crafty Prospector) is by first-year stallion, Chapel Royal, whose 33 runners have made 63 total starts, recording 9 wins, 7 seconds, and 6 thirds and earnings of $227,639. Our Royal Prospect is the first foal out of a mare who is a half-sister to one winner, Sweet Roberto, who won at 2 and has earned $152,007 through 2008.

Selling for $60,000 as a yearling was Selina Moon (Malibu Moon - Selina Kyle by Storm Cat) whose dam was a winner. Selina Moon is a half-sister to one winner.

Lake Cook (Boundary - Amity by Afleet) is by Boundary, most famous as the sire of Big Brown. 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.

Hooh Why (Cloud Hopping - Magic Merger by Corporate Report) is a full-sister to stakes winner Rumbling Cloud who earned $224,057 in his career, and was stakes-placed as a 2-year old.

Secret Spell (Richter Scale - All Mine Again by Seattle Song) is a half-sister to 6 winners and a full-sister to winner Snuggle Em Up and stakes winner, Tenpointfive who earned $201,721.

Western Fire Debuts in the Lone Star State

July 26, 2008
Lone Star Park Race 4
Maiden Special Weight
5.5 furlongs
2 Year Olds
Post Time: 3:59 PM

Western Fire (Speightstown - Under Fire by Gulch), who sold for $185,000 as a yearling, debuts at Lone Star Park where he has been working for the past month and a half. Western Fire is out of a mare who is a half-sister to 9 winners including grade II stakes winner, Incinerate (earnings $553,556) and grade III stakes winner, Fan the Flame (earnings $388,623).

Coming out of the same race on July 12 at Lone Star Park are Comanche Man (Commanchero - Sunday Linens by Raise a Man), Red Bird Smokes (Smoken Devine - Eye of the City by Olmos), Little Stoney (El Leopardo - Pitchstone by Distant View), Eyes of Glory (Honour and Glory - Blue Eyed Lilli by Gulch) who finished 3rd, 4th, 6th, and 9th respectively. Comanche Man is a full-brother to one winner, who has earned $30,275 through 2008. Red Bird Smokes is the first foal out of a winning mare who is a half-sister to 2 winners including one 2-year old winner. Little Stoney is a half-brother to one winner and his dam is a half-sister to 6 winners, including stakes winner Cajun Season. Blue Eyed Lilli, dam of Eyes of Glory, was stakes-placed and earned $102,070. She has produced 3 winners including Honour Roll, a full-brother to Eyes of Glory.

Mercury Express (Richter Scale - Ella Bella by Meadowlake) finished 2nd in his only start on July 10. Selling for $25,000 as a yearling, Mercury Express is the first foal out of 2-year old winner Ella Bella.

Finishing 7th, behind Mercury Express on July 10 was River Rascal (Magic Cat - Zonal Flow by River Special). Zonal Flow, the dam of River Rascal, was stakes-placed and earned $66,455. Zonal Flow has produced 3 winners including 2 that won as 2-year olds.

The remaining experienced horse is Kick On (Wiseman's Ferry - Hastys Book by Mari's Book) who finished 6th on May 16, and 5th on June 21. Kick On, who was a $12,000 yearling, is out of a mare who was a stakes winner at 3 and 4. Kick On is half-brother to 4 winners, 2 of which won at 2.

Freshman sire, Cuvee is the dam of Southern Vintage (Cuvee - Dixie Time by Dixieland Band). Cuvee's 20 runners have made a combined 41 starts with 2 wins, 7 seconds, and 6 thirds, and earnings of $88,427. Southern Vintage is a half-brother to 3 winners including 2-year old stakes winner, Margarita Man who has earned $153,660 through 2008.

Devils Lake, dam of Marquee Event (Marquetry - Devils Lake by Lost Code), was a stakes winner who earned $103,786. Marquee Event is a half-brother to 4 winners including Gayego, winner of the 2008 Arkansas Derby (gr. II) who has earned $723,420.

Another Slew (Hap - Charmer's Gift by Blushing John) is a half-brother to 3 winners and his dam is a half-sister to Seattle Slew.

Bubba Kip (Kipling - Martini Rose by On the Sauce) is out of a 2-year old stakes winning dam who earned $203,984. She has produced three winners from 3 to run, including one that won at 2.

Retraceable will be Resolute

July 26, 2008
Woodbine Race 8
Maiden Special Weight
6  furlongs Turf
2 Year Old Fillies
Post Time: 4:34 PM

Retraceable (Medaglia d'Oro - Embraceable by Dehere) debuts on the Woodbine turf against a field mostly composed of fellow first-timers. She has working at Woodbine for the past month, including one work on the turf. Retraceable is out of the stakes-place mare Embraceable who has produced one winner from two to run.

Gray N Away (Tapit - One for You by Dayjur) who is by first-year sire Tapit, has run twice, finishing 8th on May 24 and 3rd on June 29. Both of those races were on the Woodbine Polytrack. Tapit's 15 runners have made 26 total starts, recording 2 wins, 7 seconds, and 4 thirds and earnings of $87,012. Gray N Away is the first foal out of a winning mare who is a half-sister to nine winners including stakes winner, Hilltown.

Finishing 7th in both of her Woodbine Polytrack starts, on June 14 and July 12, was Heidi's Bay (Megas Vukefalos - Miss Heidi by Nureyev). Miss Heidi, dam of Heidi's Bay, was stakes-placed as a 2-year old. Miss Heidi has produced 3 winners including stakes winner, Slam Bammy.

The final experienced horse in the main body of the race is Mindemoya (Smoke Glacken - Queen of the Ice by Alwuhush) who was 4th in her debut on July 10 at Woodbine. The dam of Mindemoya was a stakes winner who earned $155,868. Mindemoya is a half-sister to 3 winners and sold for $62,000 as a yearling.

Perfect Unbridel (Perfect Soul (IRE) - Unchecked by Unbridled) is the 2nd starter for first-crop sire, Perfect Soul whose first starter finished 6th in her only start. Perfect Soul was a grade I winner on the turf and earned over a million dollars. However, he did not start until he was 4. Perfect Unbridel is the first foal out of a mare who is a half-sister to 9 winners including group I stakes winner, Saratoga Springs.

Selling for $220,000 as a yearling was Alta Lake (Vindication - Courageous by Kingmambo). Alta Lake is the first foal out of mare who is a half-sister to 4 winners including Buffythecenterfold, who won the Landaluce (gr. III) and Sorrento (gr. II) stakes as a 2-year old. Overall, Buffythecenterfold earned $527,685 and won or placed in 11 stakes.

Showboater (Gilded Time - Show Special by Smarten) was a $70,000 yearling. Her dam, Show Special was stakes-placed and earned $159,451. Show Special was also 2 for 2 as a 2-year old. Showboater is a half-sister to 3 winners.

Resolute (Belong to Me - Look Smart by Smart Strike), who was a $27,000 weanling, is a half-sister to the winner Tidy Up, a winner of $104,362 through 2008.

Caoutchouc (Storm Boot - Re Lyd by Discover) is out of a winning mare who has produced one winner from one to race.

Panther Strike (Black Minnaloushe - Preemptive Attack by Smart Strike) is the 2nd foal out of an unraced mare who is a half-sister to stakes-placed Raw Power. Raw Power has earned $370,217 through 2008.

Main Track Only entry Georgia Song (Songandaprayer - Mia Bird Too by Proud Birdie) is stakes-placed, having finished 3rd in the My Dear Stakes at Woodbine on June 30. Previously, she had finished 3rd in a Maiden Special Weight contest at Woodbine. Georgia Song, who was a $50,000 2-year old, is out of the stakes winner, Mia Bird Too. Mia Bird Too earned $267,815 and has produced 3 winners from 4 to run.

Yes It Is Ambraw, a Ready Racer

July 26, 2008
Ellis Park Race 8
Maiden Special Weight
5.5 furlongs Turf
2 Year Olds
Post Time: 5:01 PM TVG

Ambraw (Congaree - Fabulous Flight by Flying Continental) debuts on the turf in a full field, almost evenly divided between newcomers and experienced horses. However, all horses are making their turf debut. Fabulous Fllight, dam of Ambraw, was a stakes winner who earned $151,816 while finishing in the money 17 of 26 times. She has produced 3 winners from 3 to race. Congaree is the sire of 18 runners who have made 25 total starts, recording 6 wins, 2 seconds, and 3 thirds, and earnings of $187, 996. His son, Zigaree, won the Minstrel Stakes on the turf.

Sarina's Feistycat (Tale of the Cat - Sean's Baby by Thunder Gulch) has run twice, finishing 8th on the Tapeta of Presque Isle Downs and 5th on the Ellis Park dirt. Sarina's Feistycat is the first foal out of a stakes-placed mare who is a half-sister to 3 winners.

Rocket Rocket (Forestry - Jurisprudence by Seeking the Gold) has started once, finishing 2nd at Churchill on July 5 behind the impressive Zion. It's interesting that they go to the turf with this one, after a good effort on the dirt. Rocket Rocket, who sold for $180,000 as a 2-year old, is a half-brother to 3 winners including El Prado Rob. El Prado Rob finished 2nd in the Futurity Stakes (gr. I) as a 2-year old and has earned $292,815 through 2008.

Finishing 6th in his only start, on the Presque Isle Tapeta, was Yes It Is (Yes It's True - Marianka by Ascot Knight). Marianka, dam of Yes It Is, was a stakes winner and has produced stakes winners Victory Thrill, High Button Shoes, and Matt's Broken Vow. Yes It Is sold for $70,000 as a 2-year old.

Piso Mojado (El Corredor - Gentle Mind by Seattle Slew) and Ready Racer (More Than Ready - Freefourracing by French Deputy) both ran at Churchill on July 2nd, but not in the same race. Piso Mojado, who was 6th in his race, sold for $50,000 as a yearling. He is out of a dam who is a half-sister to 2 winners. Fourth in his start, Ready Racer's dam won the Athenia Handicap (gr. III) on the turf and earned $223,415. Ready Racer is a half-brother to two winners including stakes winner, Speedway. Speedway won stakes at 2 and 3 and has earned $162,337 through 2008.

Unraced runners California Lion (Lion Heart - Cookingwithmartha by Majestic Light) and Redemption (Roaring Fever - Sunshine Sapphire by Classic Pursuit) are both by first-crop sires. Lion Heart, sire of California Lion, has had 24 runners who have started 41 total times, recording 12 wins, 6 seconds, and 4 thirds and $465,253 in earnings. California Lion is a half-brother to two winners, one of which won at 2. Redemption is by Roaring Fever who has had 1 runner who has made 5 starts earning $10,700. Sunshine Sapphire, dam of Redemption, won $358,460 in a 94 race career (18 wins, 13 seconds, 12 thirds - I may have located the Iron Horse). Sunshine Sapphire has produced one winner from one to race.

Rutledge Affair, dam of Colonel Rutledge (Orientate - Rutledge Affair by Colonial Affair), was stakes-placed and earned $115,150. She is the dam of Rutledge Cat who was stakes-placed at 2 and earned $109,747.

Bourbon Bay (Sligo Bay (IRE) - Coral Necklace by Conquistador Cielo) is a half-brother to 2 winners including stakes winner Ginger Brew who most recently finished 2nd in the Queen's Plate. Overall, Ginger Brew has earned $690,506. She was also 1 for 1 as a 2-year old.

Ellis Ray (Behaviour (GB) - Northern Charmer by Northern Score) is out of a winning mare who has produced one winner from one to race. That winner, Charmed Behaviour, is a full-brother to Ellis Ray.

Tricky Pinocchio (Ecton Park - Tricky Maddie by Tricky Creek) is the first foal out of a winning mare who is half-sister to 4 winners (including one stakes winner) and a full-sister to the stakes winner Tricky Move. Tricky Move earned $112,956 in a career that included $39,526 at 2.

Lord Dubai (E Dubai - Shellmound by American Chance) and So Very Irish (Stravinsky - Irish Wisdom by Turkoman), the two AE horses, faced each other at Churchill Downs on July 3. In that race, Lord Dubai was 3rd and So Very Irish was 8th (and last). Previously, Lord Dubai had recorded two seconds. 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. Irish Wisdom, dam of So Very Irish, was a winner and has produced 6 winners. These include Cachet Noir, a group II winner in France, and Uccello Di Fuoco, a full-brother to So Very Irish, who was a 2-year old winner.

Promise Me Song and Praise

July 26, 2008
Calder Race 12
Maiden Special Weight
5.5 furlongs
2 Year Olds
Post Time: 5:51 PM HRTV

Promise Me Merlot (Peace Rules - Promise Me Magic by Pentelicus), who was scratched last Saturday, is back among the entries. In his debut on July 5, he tired and finished 6th. 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.

Selling for $105,000 as a 2-year old was You Luckie Mann (Exchange Rate - Terri's Choice by West Acre) who was also scratched last Saturday. You Luckie Mann is the first foal out of an unraced mare who is a half-sister to stakes winner Savannah Canon.

Finishing 2nd in his only start on June 28, behind our Pick's Express was Ambuscader (Concorde's Tune - Rehocracy by Adhocracy). The dam of Ambuscader was a winner of $52,770 who has produced one winner from one to race. She is also a full-sister to Redoubled Miss who won or placed in 16 stakes and earned $629,839.

Also running in the June 28 race were New God Code (Omega Code - Kylie Is for Real by Prospect Bay), who finished 4th, and Good Mornin Jordan (First Tour - Good Dancing by Robyn Dancer), who was 7th. New God Code, who subsequently finished 2nd on June 12, is by first-crop sire, Omega Code, whose 16 runners have made a combined 35 starts, registering 7 wins, 3 seconds, and 4 thirds and earnings of $112,987. New God Code's dam has produced 2 winners. However, neither ran as a 2-year old. Good Mornin Jordan, who most recently finished 2nd on June 13, is out of a mare who was a winner of $54,965. Good Mornin Jordan is a full-brother to 2 winners, 1 of which won as a 2-year old.

Song and Praise (Songandaprayer - Splashy Wolf by Bucksplasher) has run twice, finishing 2nd on May 26 and 3rd on June 14. Song and Praise is out of a winning mare who has produced one winner from one to run.

Sea Mecke (Mecke - Sea Span by Valid Expectations) finished 10th in his only start on April 26. Sea Span, dam of Sea Mecke, was a stakes winner who earned $272,657. Sea Mecke is her first foal. Sea Span is a half-sister to 5 winners including Anges Wing, a group III winner in Japan.

Unraced R B Higher Ground (The Cliff's Edge - Sunlit Ridge by Sundance Ridge) is by freshman sire, The Cliff's Edge. The Cliff's Edge is the sire of 12 runners who have a combined 25 starts, recording 2 wins, 2 seconds, and 2 thirds, and $53,154. R B Higher Ground is the first foal out of stakes winner, Sunlit Ridge who won or placed in 28 stakes (including 2 at 2) and earned $347,780.

Also debuting today is Blushing Romeo (Proudest Romeo - All Ready Gone by Runaway Groom) who is a half- or full-brother to 3 winners, including 2 that won at 2.

Speight the Halo Only Be Cause (Say It Again)

July 26, 2008
Del Mar Race 7
Maiden Special Weight
6  furlongs
2 Year Olds
Post Time: 8:05 PM TVG

Speight the Halo (Speightstown - Ballado's Halo by Saint Ballado) is back after finishing 2nd behind S. S. Stone on June 29. Since that race, he has had 4 works, including 3 at Del Mar. Speight the Halo's dam, Ballado's Halo, was a stakes-placed winner of $80,858 and she is also a full sister to champion Ashado and grade I stakes winner Sunriver. Speight the Halo sold for $400,000 as a 2-year old in training.

Finishing third behind S. S. Stone and Speight the Halo after a slow beginning, was Street Hero (Street Cry (IRE) - Squall Linda by Summer Squall). Street Hero is out of a stakes-placed mare who earned $154,727 and is a half-brother to 2 winners.

Massone (Menifee - Stoneleigh's Hope by Damascus) and Say It Again (Werblin - Sayitwithdiamonds by Pioneering) were 6th and 7th respectively in the June 29 race. Massone had previously finished 2nd on June 5. He was a $40,000 yearling and his dam earned $258,809, including victory in the Fleur de Lis (gr. III). Massone is a half-brother to 6 winners. Say It Again also ran against Massone on June 5, where he was 7th. He is by first-year sire Werblin who has had 5 runners which have made nine starts, recording 2 wins, 2 seconds and earning $67,465. Say It Again's dam was a winner of $41,780 and she has produced the stakes winner Mac N Mayo. Mac N Mayo has earned $171,300 through 2008.

Charlie's Moment (Indian Charlie - Moment of Light by Bold Revenue) and Only Be Cause (Giant's Causeway - Fabulous Fairy by Alydar) met on June 19, with Charlie's Moment finishing 4th and Only Be Cause 8th. Charlie's Moment had previously finished 2nd in his first start on June 4. Charlie's Moment's dam earned $81,285 and has produced four winners. Only Be Cause's dam, Fabulous Fairy, has produced 6 winners including grade II stakes winner Chinese Dragon.

Fassnacht (Johannesburg - Fee Fi Foe by Unbridled) has run four times, including 3rd place finishes in the Hollywood Juvenile Championship (gr. III) and the Willard L. Proctor Memorial Stakes. He also has a 3rd and a 2nd in Maiden races. Fee Fi Foe, dam of Fassnacht, placed third in the Railbird Stakes (gr. II) and earned $122,624 overall. Fee Fi Foe is the dam of one winner.

Sixth in his only start was Chocolate Candy (Candy Ride (ARG) - Crownette by Seattle Slew), who ran way back on May 22. Freshman sire Candy Ride, sire of Chocolate Candy, has sired 14 runners who have made 23 total starts, registering 4 wins, 5 seconds, and 2 thirds, and $192,430. Crownette, dam of Chocolate Candy, was a stakes winner who was also stakes-placed as a 2-year old. Crownette has produced 3 winners.

Also sixth in his only start was Kerwin's Way (Skip Away - Kernitre (GB) by Vettori (IRE) who ran at Churchill Downs on July 3 (two of his opponents were Lord Dubai and So Very Irish, who are on the AE list on the Ellis Park race above). Kerwin's Way's dam was a 2-year old winner who earned $198,398 overall.

Empire House (Aldebaran - Candy Apple (ARG) by Halo Sunshine) finished 8th in his only start, on July 13 at Hollywood Park. Empire House, who sold for $150,000 at 2, is the first foal out of a mare who was a group III stakes winner in Argentina.

The only two first-time starters in the race are Luckiest Man (Grand Slam - Performing Arts (IRE) by The Minstrel) and Pick to Click (El Corredor - Select a Song by Messenger of Song). Luckiest Man, who sold for $350,000 as a yearling, is out of a mare who was stakes-placed at 2 and 3, and has produced 6 winners including group III winner, Woodborough and grade II stakes winner, Performing Magic. Select a Song, dam of Pick to Click, was a 2-year old winner who earned $108,500 overall. Select a Song has produced 9 winners.

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.