This is just GREAT, On undercard of Florida Derby(3 years after barbaro won), Hope for a safe, sound trip, And Nicanor will break his maiden!, Once again, Great Pictures....Godspeed Nicanor...

FYI, Custom for Carlos(He beat Nicanor last race), Is in the Swale, also on Sat., Race 9, Right before the Florida Derby....

Good luck Nicanor!! I wish you nothing but the best!!!! You can win this one!!! Go get them tiger!!!!

Have a safe trip, everyone.  Would this be "racing him fit?"  Kind of surprised his next race isn't another week out.  Maybe those race cards were not working out for the week after?  On another post someone said they thought maybe Matz would have him go longer, to see if he can learn to relax, so surprised about running back at a mile.  I hope Lezcano can encourage him to break a little slower, lay back, and then really run when asked.  Would love to see a smaller field for this one.

Good Luck Nicanor.

Great PICS Amanda.

Beautiful photos!  He just gets better looking.  Go Nic!  Beat those other guys. Blow by them, when Jose says its Okay to go.

I got a 100 bucks that says this horse will run in the Preakness undercard in the Barbaro Stakes.

Great Pictures...GO NICANOR GO..Should win this Maiden Race Saturday..Have a safe trip & enjoy your time in the Winners circle.

Love that 3rd one down. Go get 'em and Safe Trip.

Good to see Nicanor entered in a race.

HorseFirst, there are a lot of ways to keep a horse fit other than breezes.

A "normal" training schedule would be five days of slow gallops for a mile and a half or two miles, one day to breeze at racing speed and the following day off walking the shed row.

There are also speeds in between a breeze and a gallop.  Think of every 1/8th of a mile as being run in 12 seconds as the standard.  That is racing speed.

Horses are often asked to pick it up, i.e., gallop faster than a "normal" gallop.  They might just pick it up down the lane (the stretch).  They might do an "open" gallop where they are galloping an 1/8th in something like 18 seconds (don't quote me on the time--its a guess--it might be less).  Another "standard" speed is a "two-minute lick," meaning that the horse gallops at the speed of a mile in two minutes for however long he is training for.  That's 15 seconds for every eighth of a mile.  It is pretty quick, but not quick enough to make the work sheet.  (Yes, official breezes have minimum cut-off times.)

Nicanor might have been doing a lot of "open" gallops or "two-minute licks" that we don't know about because they are not published.  Trainers are notorious for keeping information about how they are preparing their charges very close to their chests.

Once a horse is fit to race, they keep that fitness for quite a long time as long as they are in regular training, even without breezes.  Nicanor is already fit.

That is very exciting that the winner of Nicanor's last race is stepping up in class.  If he does well, it makes Nicanor look good.  If you're going to get beaten, you want it to be by a good horse!

Thanks for the racing news, Amanda. Good luck and Godspeed to Nicanor!

The Rock---I think the Barbaro Stakes is one that has been cancelled this year, along with the Pimlico Special.

Oh, my gosh, good luck sweet Nicanor in this important race of your lifetime.

smooches and hugs sweetie

I would love if Nicanor ran in the Barbaro stakes but, maybe I'm wrong, but I thought Pimlico scrapped it?

I wasn't expecting Nicanor to be raced again so soon but obviously he is ready.

Lovely pics, this blog is like Heaven on earth for me, I love Nicanor and it really makes my day when there is a new post. Sorry if that sounds stupid.

Thanks, Amanda! Great photos again!

This is good, maybe they want the shorter race again to try to get him to rate? I don't know,or just another workout before the longer distances, JAJ?

(JAJ, another great informative post above!Thanks!)

Godspeed Nicanor, show 'em how it's done! :)

Go Nicanor, break that maiden!!

This will be Nicanors day!

Good luck Nic!! I'll be watching your race via HRTV.

That sixth picture is awesome. I want to see a sweaty one of him after the race.

Horsenut23, After last race M.Matz said that it looked like if Nicanor had another Furlong he would have caught the winner, that was 7F, so 8F(Mile), I think, is a better distance right now for Nicanor...

Rooting for #3 Nicanor!  Love all the new pics.

Greg J: Custom for Carlos is stepping WAY up in class going into the Swale off a maiden win. There are 3 tough horses in there, but in horse racing anything can and will happen. Saying that if Carlos runs good it makes Nicanor look even better.

Wow! Can't wait to see him race again!

I saw Florida Derby and thought he was entered in the Florida Derby but then saw undercard. I'd have loved to seen him run in the Florida Derby but just seeing him race is good enough.

~Nicole, 14

P.S:: Can't wait to see pics of his new brother!

Will be watching with great anticipation for Nicky=Knocks to do his thing.  Will also be watching Gomez and Dunkirk so go guys go and do yourselves proud.

Oh how I wish I were going to get to go to Florida. .

Go Nicky!  I will be cheering you on.

Amanda, the pictures are great. thanks bunches

I love the 6th one down, too.  Hope he wins Saturday.  Hope ESPN televises it along with the Fla Derby!

Wow, was I surprised to see Nicanor is racing so soon.  Is this normal?  I guess it must be since Custom for Carlos is also running and has jumped up to a Grade 2 stakes race.

Sweet Nicanor  

Be safe Satruday and just do your best.  Love you no matter what you do.  Just know that you are loved beyond imagination and break that maiden.  OR not.  Doesn't matter.  Just stay safe!

Beautiful Pics.  Amanda.  

Go Team Nicanor!!  Good luck, this time you will win :)  Have a safe trip to finish line and on to the winners circle!

one word on this horse, PERSONALITY!,go nicanor go. hope he can maybe be in the belmont.

Amanda, Forgot to tell you thanks for the pics, just love getting to see pics of these boys!

Super pictures! Also, the third one is great-a fun one at that. Thanks so much for the pics and update. I do wish all of team Nicanor a very good race as well as a safe one. Best of luck to all.

That is sad that they cancelled the Barbaro Stakes.... I too had thought perhaps Nicanor would run in that one... but yep... it's been suspended:

sports.espn.go.com/.../story

Magna Entertainment which is in dire straits owns Pimlico and Laurael Park, and filed for bankruptcy protection in the last month... or so... very very sad...

BUT very very happy that Nicanor is running his next race... though I too thought that it would be another week.... GO NICANOR!!! It's your time...

Why is Edgar not aboard him anymore?

I printed out the 3/28 entries for Gulfstream Park and was thrilled to see Nicanor in race 5 (post position 3). I picked a good weekend to go to Gulfstream Park.

Go Nicanor!

I forgot to say, GO Nicanor!!!

Let,s hope it is third time lucky for Nicanor,he showed more promise

last time.

Good luck & Godspeed NIcky!

This boy has some long legs on him. I think this race is actually longer than his last one. Bet he likes the mile distance!

Thanks so much, Amanda, for indulging us. It's been so educational and fun watching this handsome colt grow up.

Kathy

Awesome pics!

Nicanor, your big Brother Barbaro is watching You from heaven and wishing You the very best...

Love to both of YOU.....

I know ESPN is broadcasting the Florida Derby live on TV--does anyone know if they'll televise Nicanor's race too? I know they wouldn't normally bother showing a maiden special weight, but he is Nicanor...the public is interested in his progress because of his connection to Barbaro.

UGH! this is the ONE weekend i'm going to be out of town! oh, i still wish he breaks his maiden though, i just wish i could be there to see it in person! ;)

I just had a hunch this week-end was going to be his next race entry and was so disappointed when I checked this a.m. and saw nothing. Tonight, I couldn't wait to log on and there it was,  lovely.

Thank you Amanda, best news possible, of course I don't know about the withdrawal symptoms that I may encounter Saturday evening awaiting your usual veridical post on Sunday. Have a great trip, don't take candy from strangers, unless they also offer good betting tips.

Nicky, I love you and wish nothing but the very best for you. Be safe, have fun, give it your all and then whatever happens, win or lose, I will love you all the more.

Good racing luck to Nicanor's connections. Thank you for giving us such purpose and pleasure.

safe trip and go get them nicanor you can do it Darlene

hes like a good wine he should get better with age...noe pressure please...Long Live The King!!!...

Ill take that bet Rock

Majella from Ireland, NO, that does not sound stupid. What a loving, chilling, feeling to see Nicky Knocks progress, highlights of my day! AND Lennie, darling, we are watching you to!Babynor, can't wait to see you, I know we must be wait, this is exciting!

Looks like Nicky will have post 3, oh, i can't wait! Run with the spirits and hearts that love you!

Thank you for the pictures! Safe trip Nic!!

Thanks for the beautiful pics, Amanda!! (And thank you to Shoot-It Photography for taking the beautiful pics.) You do such a great job on this blog. I love being able to see the updates about Nicanor and the rest of the Dynaformer/LVR crew. Looking forward to Sunday's post about Nic's 3rd race!!

I forgot to add this before, but thanks JAJ for that informative post. I love every bit of information I can get about how the horses are trained and raced!!

Greg J;

Thanks!

Nicanor loves the camera.Love the way he is progressing.Keep up the good work.Your brother Barbaro would be proud of you!

Greg J., I think Nicanor's first race was 7 furlongs and his second one was a mile. If he was going to catch the winner, looks more like he'd have needed another sixteenth or eighth beyond a mile.  Someone correct me if I'm wrong.  

Which leads me to wonder if Nicanor was distracted by racing itself or just had to learn that if another horse starts to come by him, it's time to shift to another gear.  That he seemed to do so is encouraging and if he learns to relax earlier in the race, he'll have more gears at the end to shift to.  It's possible then that he could be a versatile runner, able to run on the front or from behind.

When I read descriptions of his personality, he sounds like an easy-going, playful, interested youngster.  But when he's in a race, he gets too excited.  Kind of a yin and yang thing there.

I don't know what it is about him but I've said it before- there is something about Nicanor that makes me wish Matz was still doing the jumpers!  Know it's unlikely but would love to know why Matz started Nicanor on dirt rather than turf.

Morning Odds on Nicanor's Race:

1. Big Top 6/1

2. Sir Phenomenal 12/1

3. NICANOR 9/5

4. In My Prayers 10/1

5. Glittermans Cartel 6/1

6. Birdrun 5/1

7. Raybern's Gold  12/1

8. Juliano 4/1

9. Zagarello 20/1

Also FYI, Kent Desormeaux is on Glittermans Cartel (KD rode Custom for Carlos, Which won Nic's last race). I Hope Nic learned enough last race to listen, rate, clean break,  RUN LIKE THE WIND.....

Also, Hennigan, Another M.Matz trained horse, is racing in Race 12(MSM)(6/1 Odds), on same day...

Good Luck to Michael, Jose, The Jackson's, And of Course NICANOR !!!

May Barbaro's wings carry Nicanor across the finish line safely to

1st place victory!

Go Nicanor.  Thanks for the pictures. I love the one with Nicanor getting a drink from the hose.

Majella ~ although the Barbaro Stakes at Pimlico was scrapped (for financial reasons, I believe), there is still a Barbaro Stakes at DelPark in July...at least at this point!

How fitting Nicanor runs Saturday on the Florida Derby undercard. Three years ago big brother Barbaro won that race and on to win the Kentucky Derby as we all know. Go Nicanor and win your race Saturday. Big bro will be watching over you. Godspeed Nicanor. I will be watching him race on HRTV.

Any ideas on when Nicky ships back to Fair Hill?

Hi!

I have been so worried that Nicanor would not be a contendor for the Kentucky Derby this year but there is hope afterall when he was entered into the Florida Derby.

Go Nicanor Go!

I so love your brother Barbaro, and love you too.

Good luck Nicanor!

I will be watching and reading what I can about your progress.

Lots of love, Nicanor.

Great new's on Nicanors next race and love the new photos. He is certainly a handsome boy. Hope the third time is the charm for Nic.

From The Rocks fingers to the racing god's ears, If indeed they were running the Barbaro stakes this year, sadly they wont be, it would be a fitting tribute to Barbaro for Nicanor to be entered.

Too bad about the state of racing in Maryland. I was born and raised here and it makes me so sad to see the downfall of one of the most historic racing facilities in the country.

On the bright side, I heard that Lentenor will be arriving at Fair Hill the end of April or early May.

Any chance of getting a peak at La Ville Rouge's new foal, any time soon?

What a birthday gift My birthday is March 29th and what a gift that would be if Nicanor won that race on Saturday.  Nicanor you will give me the best gift ever if you win this race.  But best of all you come back safe.  Good Luck Nicanor.  

Those pictures of him far away look more and more like Barbaro.  Everytime i see a picture i see a huge resembleance to his Brother.

Wow! He looks really good in his pictures! I look forward to seeing him compete in is third and final maiden race, cause I know he's going to win this one! Anyways third times a charm! Good luck to you Nicanor to a safe and winning race!

the 2nd to last picture looks as if he's about to snort!! <333 you Nicks!

Good luck, Nicannor, hope you are a maiden no longer after Saturday.

To THE ROCK,

Since you have $100 to blow on an bad bet, and you didn't know about the Pimlico schedule change (some racing fan you are!), please donate that $100 to the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center for laminitis research, in Barbars' name.  You lost your bet.  I claim that money in Barbaro's name.  

Hi all good to see our boy is doing ok ...and ready to win!.We all want nic to do good are we worry warts...haha saturay is winn day everyone cross fingers...

WOW he looks like a super star!! good luck nicanor i'll be cheering for u like always

Greg J;

Hennigan is running in the 12th race at Gulfstream on Sat. also.

He is soooo handsome! I was expecting another race, but I was thinking the beginning of April, not the end of March. At least I was on the same wavelength!

Majella, it's not stupid, to second Amanda. If it was, I'd have been stupid so many times over the last eight months I'd be ready for a padded room.

Dang Pimlico, that would have been so fitting!

Go get 'em, big guy, and safe trip!

I am so excited about Nicanor. He seems to be a true Dynaformer that develops a little late but will be around for a long time!

Way to go Nic!!

Got this off of ABR...

Race number 5 Gulfstream park

#1 Big Top sire Giants Causway raced 1 time did not place.

#2 Sir Phenomenal sire Dexie Union not raced

#3 Nicanor race two times

#4 In My Prayers sire Lemon Drop Kid not raced

#5 Gittermans Cartel sire Champali not raced

#6 Bridrum Fl. sire Birdston not raced

#7 Raybern's Gold Fl. sire Repent not raced

#8 Juliano CA. sire Mud Route not raced

#9 Zagarillo sire Songandaprayer not raced

Come home on four legs sweetie.  Just stay safe.  Love you Nicanor.  

If Nicanor can win Saturday, pay attention to the time. There are several three year old races that day, and if Nicanor beats the time for the Florida Derby, or the Swale, that would be interesting, to say the least.

Also, if Nicanor almost beat Custom for Carlos last time, why not run him in the Swale? Nicanor would have beaten him with more experience and another furlong, so the Swale would have been a good race to test the longer distance theory.

Also, while everyone is watching Friesan Fire, Dunkirk, and Old Fashioned, Rachel Alexandra is proving to be faster than all three. The same people who ignored Curlin's loss to Rags to Riches ignore Rachel Alexandra at their own peril. I think, possibly, Nicanor may prove to be an anomaly, finishing 10th in his first start, then going on to beat talent supposedly more seasoned than he is. I would be willing to wager that Nicanor could win both the Swale and the Florida Derby....

So, let's see if he does well Saturday, and then run in the Preakness. Thoughts?

Thank You Barbaro.  We are doing it.  A little off subject but this is all about Nicanors brother and the news came out the day before the race.  I have a feeling he will win and so will the FOB's on this.  

www.awionline.org/.../senate_introduces_horse_slaughter_ban.htm

Greg j,

your comment is exactly why I bet against this horse in the first place. "Nicanor will break his maiden". C'mon, sounds more like you hope he'll do it. maybe it's time I look at another bet against, I can see that second place finish got everyone's hopes up again. I'll say it once more, just because this is barbaro's brother does not mean he is MARKED FOR GREATNESS!!!

Thanks for the beautiful pictures

Is it just me or does Nicanor look more like Barbaro every time we see new pictures?  Nothing against Prado, but I'm glad Leczano has the ride tomorrow.  He looked good on him and did a nice job last outing.  This race could be huge.  The new photos are FANTASTIC!  Thank you.  

Rick,

   FYI, It is not that I  am "Hoping" he will win. Besides being a huge fan of Nicanor and His Connections, I also go by FACTS, He showed great promise last start, Came in Second to a horse(Custom for Carlos) that is stepping up in class(The Swale, Tomorrow), Got a Beyer rating of 93(Brisnet 97), All the "Experts" are saying he should break his Maiden, I have seen Six different handicappers pick him to win, The Morning opening line has Nicanor the favorite(Experts make these lines, Not Fans)., Has the Pedigree, Trainers, Handlers. Also, I am not Naive either, Anything can happen in a race, But going by everything I have seen and read, He should "Break his Maiden"....Here is one example:

www.gulfstreampark.com/.../ron0328.pdf

So with that all said, You can do whatever you want with your money, But do you know anything about his competition? Probably not, There is not that much published info about them...So good luck !,

Stardust,

   That info off ABR is incorrect, These horses have raced before, Just no wins, Read above link and read about Nicanor's race(Race 5).

Horsefirst,

   Nicanor's first race was a Mile, Then they dropped him back to 7F, Now back to a mile, They liked the longer distance for him since he was coming on strong at end of the 7F, More likely then not, If he wins tomorrow, He probably will be sent to Keeneland to race on Turf, Next time....

Good Luck to M.Matz, The Jackson's, Jose, And of course, Nicanor....

does anyone know if any website will broadcast the races at gulfstream throughout the day so I could possibly watch Nicanor race?

Rick,

    Here is some more "HOPE", Amazing how all these "Experts" Don't go by facts, just wishful thinking(lol):

www.gulfstreampark.com/.../aGP20090328.pdf

AMORA, Edgar Prado is in Dubai this weekend that's why he is not riding Nicanor Saturday.

Good Luck Nicanor!! May the angels take care of you throughout the race. Love Barbaro always.

Rick, just being Barbaro's brother makes him great!

FYI,

   The Jackson's have a filly racing today at Gulfstream, "Dwelling Place" is her name, Race 7, MSW race on Turf, 1 Mile, Trained by Barclay Tagg. ALSO, Michael Matz has a Filly he trains, going in same race, Named "Meander"...

So Hope it is A GREAT Weekend for All.......

To point out a few things from other posts:

Lise From Maine, Nicanor is not entered in the FL Derby, he is running in a MSW (Maiden Special Weight) on the same DAY as the FL Derby.

Jon, the time for Nicanor's ONE turn, MILE race will have NO relevance or bearing on the mile and an EIGHTH FL Derby.

Seems this was covered on a previous blog after Nicanor's 2nd race, when some were trying to compare splits and finals on two tracks, 2400 miles apart, two separate distances, two turns vs. one, and two different SURFACES. Sorry, but it simply does NOT work.

You simply cannot compare a one turn mile (Nicanor's race) to a two-turn distance race, even run on the same day at the same track. They are two entirely different animals, no pun intended.

The ONLY thing races being run on the same day and track MAY show you is how the track itself is playing; are speed horses winning, or is it playing better to closers? Other than that...no contest.

There are endless resources at your fingertips here on the Internet, to learn the basics; Horse Racing 101, if you will. I encourage ALL the new people to take advantage. Back in the "good old days", when I was a kid, LOL...there was no Internet, so it was lots of newspapers, and DRFs and library trips. You all have it ALL over us older folk, so definitely use it! ;)

I admit to being a mostly lousy handicapper myself, I have a tendency to shoot from the heart more often than not, but...it helps to look at a race objectively before AND after if you have a good grasp of the basics. I also find when I am fully objetive, I am more often right than when I lead with my heart :)

In regard to Custom For Carlos. If he wins, LATER in the card, it will not by itself make Nicanor look good. Nicanor's race is before the Swale, and if he happens to win, what CFC does later will be irrelevant. If Nicanor finishes off the board (worse than 4th) and CFC should win the Swale (unlikely), it still does nothing to elevate Nicanor's finish, should it be "poor".

When you can compare such a thing is when two horses face off, finish 1-2, then go their separate ways, which is what's happening Saturday, except for CFC goes after Nicanor. So it's all on Nicanor's shoulders by virtue of the race card draw.

Also, to be objective here, if Nicanor wins, and CFC is well trounced in the Swale (likely), it also doesn't do anything to make Nicanor's race seem better. If anything, a win by Nicanor and a serious loss by CFC actually diminishes Nicanor, if you insist on comparing those two specifially, based on these two races tomorrow.

Nicanor is facing mostly first-time starters, CFC will be facing winners, and stakes runners. Apples and oranges is a massive understatement.

Lastly, ESPN will NOT be showing Nicanor's race during their one hour broadcast later in the day. Could it be mentioned in passing if Nicanor runs well? Yes, it could, but even that is 50-50 at best.

I know someone directly working the broadcast on Saturday and there is NO plan to show the tape of that race when they go on air.

If Nicanor were to win, and they had 12 seconds to briefly show the stretch drive, like I said, at that point it could be 50-50, but sorry, don't get your hopes up either way. They have a full schedlue and a whole lot to get in in an hour.

Anyway, that's enough from me, everyone enjoy the races tomorrow!

what a coincidence they have decided to enter him the da before the derby i am really not that shocked the post position really concerns me because i you all remember in his first race he got post position #4 and didnt really break from the gate well but he recovert to make it to 5th and droped back what my major concern is where do you go after this do you go to the preakness because to my knoledge that is the a longer track than gulfstream or chirchhill where that is where we all thought he would now that he can handle 7 furlongs i feel like they are cheating him out by only doing under card races im sorry this is not what we all hope for but i widht them all the best. when the year started there was one direction he was heading was chirch hill downs and not that he cant do it he is in only in maident special weight or alowance races that is not what i know people on this blog want i actually though he would hve been my #1 choice fot the kentucky derby and maybe i got alittle ahead of my self but there was no reason tho think other wise untill we got that bomb shell i think it would be great to see him in the breeders cup that is something i have said in the past that is something that barbaro never got to do in the past

Rick,

I think many of the people here are aware of the possibility (some would say likelihood) that Nicanor isn't going to be "marked for greatness" in the same way his late brother was. That's fine. It's the natural inclination of horse folk that if you form an attachment to a particular horse, it's easy to become interested in their full siblings and wish them the best.

But let's be fair here--horses who aren't "marked for greatness" break their maidens all the time. The two aren't mutually exclusive. Believing that Nicanor has a good chance of eventually winning a race doesn't mean one is deluded into thinking he's definitely going to go on and win the Breeders Cup Classic or the Arc.

Lighten up! :) Nicanor is a good-looking colt, with nice bloodlines, responsible owners, and a real horseman for a trainer. I have no doubt they'll give him the best chance he needs to succeed at whatever level he is capable of. This blog just gives us a rare chance to follow closely the details and day-to-day life of a racehorse from start to finish with a horse we have a perceived personal connection to. There's no harm in it.

For those wondering why Prado is not riding this horse again, it is because he is in Dubai riding for a total of about $10 million in purses (I know, how could he choose money over Nicanor?!?! The horror!)... Secondly, don't bother comparing the times of his mile maiden race and the Florida Derby (of which, he would have absolutely NO SHOT of winning, for the delusionals around here). The reason there can be no time comparison is because of the one-turn mile, which will produce faster fractional and ending times than the traditional two-turn mile because of the long straight run down the backside, therefore, even lower-class one-turn mile races will inherently have faster times than two turn races (and most certainly will be faster than the mile fractional time of a two-turn 1 1/8 mile race)... Of course, I do not know why I am typing out this very sensible information, because if this horse does beat a bunch of first-outers the lunatics will blow this board up with cries of sending him to the Derby (which he cannot get into, much less win)... IF he does win though, I wouldn't mind seeing him in the Derby Trial on opening weekend here, maybe after a non-winners of two at Keeneland over the poly, which he should like...

To Rick:

Nicanor may not turn into greatness, but I bet he will be a wonderfully talented racehorse, that will break his maiden soon, and continue to be in the money close to every other time he may race. You do NOT have to Win a Triple Crown race to be great.

Nicanor will be loved no matter what he does.

Good Luck Nicanor, Jose, and Michael. Have fun in the Winner's Circle.

Someone earlier asked if the upcoming race came a bit too soon after his second race.

Generally, if Nicanor wasn't injured in his last race and didn't back off his feed, there is no reason for him not to race every 14 days or so if a race came up for him.  In the "old days," horses were raced much more frequently, sometimes racing only a few days after a race.  I'm not talking about cheap claimers with "greedy owners/trainers" either, but top level horses.  It is not done anymore, and is one of the things the industry is mulling over in their quest for sounder, more durable racehorses.

All kinds of things tell a trainer when his horse isn't ready.  Number 1, other than obvious lameness of course, is whether the horse eats well after his race.  A horse will be listless and go off their feed if a race (or breeze) has taken too much out of them.    Horses will often come down with a virus if they have been pushed a bit too much.  The trainer, groom and exercise rider will all be looking for signs that all it not well.

On the other hand, a horse often lets everyone know that a race (or breeze) wasn't very hard on him.  The first indication is how much water he drinks while cooling out after a race or breeze.  A fit horse doesn't drink a lot cooling out.  Horses let you know they feel good.  They may be a bit on the muscle walking the shedrow, especially if they've just won a race.  Believe me, a horse that has just won is REALLY proud of himself.

I'm looking forward to tomorrows race.  Here's hoping they show it on ESPN when they show the Florida Derby.  I'm rooting for Dunkirk--I think it's the year of the grey!

rck

Nicanor doesn't HAVE to win a race to be considered a great horse.  He does that all by himself. :)

I bet that ESPN will show Nic's race from earlier in the day.  They know he has a huge following.  I just hope their broadcast begins on time! Drives me NUTS when I sit down to watch horse racing and something like little league baseball has gone into extra innings and the racing program time slot is cut in half!

Good luck Nicanor -- and be safe.  Hope to see you in the winner's circle this time!

Lise from Maine,

Know it gets confusing, but Nicanor is not entered in the Florida Derby.  He's running in another allowance race for maidens.

Again, there is no way and no reason for Nicanor to run in the Derby.  He does not have enough stakes money won, hasn't even run in a stakes yet and he's still learning the game.  Even Dunkirk may not have enough money won to get into the Derby, unless he wins his next race, not just get a second or third.  I would not expect Nicanor to be in the Preakness, either, as that is about two weeks after the Derby, or at least it used to be.

No one knows what Nicanor has yet.  He's slow to mature mentally and physically.  That is more than OK.  As a result, people on this blog are learning a lot more about racing, including me.  Thanks JAJ for all the informative posts and your patience with questions.

I've heard so much about Nicanor's "big feet" that I'd like to know what size shoes he wears!

Regarding Edgar- Edgar does not need to ride Nicanor.  He took the first race and Lezcano the second and Lezcano gets the mount again.  As a reminder, what Edgar did to get Barbaro stopped was great, but it is also what any good rider would do.  Circumstance and the horse play a big part.  Had Barbaro been unable to get clear of other horses, had he fought Edgar to keep running, the outcome would have been far different.  By that I mean, Barbaro would probably not have gotten the chance he did get because the injury would have been even worse.

A jockey who did not do what Edgar did would stand to lose mounts and would be a danger to those racing with him.  Kudos to Edgar but keep things in perspective.

Thanks Amanda for the pics!

JAJ - thanks for the work out expanation.  One that I needed more info of & you gave me that.  Tomorrow should be interesting!

Lise from Maine wrote:

**I have been so worried that Nicanor would not be a contendor for the Kentucky Derby this year but there is hope afterall when he was entered into the Florida Derby.**

He's not a contender...and he hasn't been entered into the FD - the race he is entered is a Maiden Special Weights prior to the FD (aka the "undercard").

Might have a shot at Breeder's Cup next fall, but I think it's safe to say that Nicanor won't be an any of the Triple Crown races, especially with the Derby just over a month away.

Congrats to Roy & Gretchen Jackson(Lael Stables), Mr. Tagg(Trainer), P.Lopez(Jockey) for their Beautiful Winning Chestnut Filly, "Dwelling Place" for Winning race 7(MSW) at Gulfstream !!, Nicanor WILL be next..........

Thanks, Stardust. I'm sending my reps my emails now. One more shot, and we'll have it done! That would be one of the greatest legacies that I could think of for Barbaro!!

Just saw the pics of Nicanor, THANK YOU AMANDA!!!  Can not get HRTV ant longer, so will be sitting by the "net" for results from his race.  Godspeed and a very safe and sound trip.  They say the third's time the charm.  Big brother will be keeping you safe, FLY LIKE AN EAGLE!!! Maybe a grass race next time?  After all it's in his blood.  Will be waiting nervously for results.

Will  be a easy win against this bunch.Should have gone for the Swale.

Jon  26 Mar 2009 11:32 PM

"If Nicanor can win Saturday, pay attention to the time. There are several three year old races that day, and if Nicanor beats the time for the Florida Derby, or the Swale, that would be interesting, to say the least."

Ever hear of apples for apples?

Nicanors race = 1 mile

Swale = 7 furlongs

Floridy Derby = 1-1/8 mile

Preakness for Nicanor would also be a joke.

Rick, who are you?  I'll bet you that Nicanor wins tomorrow.  How much?  Let me know.

I guess they want to break Zippy Chippy's recors.

Another race and another loss for Nicanor.  Your tears taste so sweet.  

Oh well, Perhaps next time out.

Anybody see this race? I wonder how he did...

Nicanor finished second again. Glittermans Cartel won the race. He is trained by Gulfstream's current hottest trainer, and was ridden by Kent Desormeaux.

Maybe next time.

Jon, it's always nice to dream, but this horse is in no way showing any Grade I potential.  He would be humiliated in the Preakness.  He ran a decent second again today but we are a long way from seeing Nicanor in the winner's circle of a stakes race.  He's family, I love him, but he is not ready for graded stakes company yet.

looks like another game second place.

It was a good race but he still is not rating very well, more time is needed but second again is not bad though I do hope he will be able to break his maiden soon. Good job Nicky-Knocks but you have to learn to cross the finish line first not second.  Still love you though.

Just found the results of Nicanors race, 2nd.-again-can't wait to see the video.  Hopefully, he comes out of the race ok.  I think once he finds the winners circle, there will be no looking back.

He got second again today. Very good race though, he only lost by a half-length. He battled back at the end and tried hard to catch the winner. He's still a little green but definitely has the determination and heart to win. He's a good horse, tries hard, and again can only improve off this race.

Good try Nicanor, great race. You'll get them soon!

He finished second!!

www.youtube.com/watch

He fought to the end!

he placed 2nd @ gulfstream the 28th. He almost past him. He lost by half a horse length!!! Keep up the training, its paying off....

here's the video:

www.youtube.com/watch

2ND place again!

O ye of little faith...

another second at Gulfstream is not the end of the world!

The horse is sound, in good hands and will NEVER end up as a brokendown claimer at Charlestown 'races and slots' waiting for that last long van ride to Mexico. Perhaps he's meant for distance, or turf or no racing success at all.

Way to go Nicky.  You did soooooooooo good.  You are just getting stronger all the time.

Greg

I think that Quality Road is the Derby winner.  I won with an exacta on that today.  THAT is a good horse.  :)

And yes I did put Nicky and KD in my box with Nicky.  I didn't want to cause of you know why (grrrr) but I did it anyway.

I am happy he is on four sound legs and going back to the barn.  

2 for Nicky now.  Seconds that is.  :)

Love you Pal.  

longer..on turf? who knows.

He is in good hands and will -NOT- end up in at 'Charlestown Races and Slots; or in a 'killer sale' or on a dinner plate in Europe

Support your local horse rescue group.

wonder if MM will consider blinkers on Nicanor since he seems to look around and stop paying attention to the jockey. Just a thought...

I guess it is pretty clear now that Nicanor is not the second coming of Barbaro after watching today's race. I think he did better his last time out.

I am not putting Nicanor down-in fact, I feel bad for him. He reminds me of the freshman on the high school football team. His big brother was the star quarterback and everyone expects him to be just like the big brother.

He can improve and will improve. He is obviously still a baby; mentally and physically.

He hasn't quite figured what it is he has to do yet-namely be in front of the other horse at the wire. He is so close, though!

His jockey said during today's race he was watching the other other horses going down the stretch. Perhaps blinkers might help to get him more focused(?)

Better luck next time, Nicky-Knocks. Hope you come out of the race okay.

I've been holding out because I wasn't sure there could be two, but I almost think Nicanor is stronger than Barbaro.  He looks solid, and he looked like he had a lot left today.  When he gets this game figured out, he may be phenomenal.  

Jon, I hope you're being sarcastic and I just missed it. He can't even dominate a bunch of 3 yr old maidens and you think he could compete in the Swale or Florida Derby? Just say NO to drugs!!!!

Nicanor didn't win... 2nd by half a length to Gitterman's Cartel, according to the race notes he was gaining at the end.  Google "Gulfstream Park Results" and find his race.

Sad that he didn't win, but sounds like he made a good showing and was closing in the end.

JAJ,

And whereas I realize you probably aren't a vet, I was wondering if you could fill people in on why some horses have degenerative spinal disease and some don't. Or maybe all do, but it just shows up in some horses worse than others. This is in reference to Alysheba's condition worsening and having to be euthanized this weekend. I believe Funny Cide has a similar condition.

Rest in Peace Alysheba.

Not a bad race for Nic, he seemed to improve on the rating a bit, but I think he is still growing up mentally.Maybe making his move a little earlier would help, once he totally understands what the jockey is asking him? He's improving which is what we want. Good job Nic, keep working at it, your win will come soon!

Kathy,

I'm not a vet.  I think degenerative spinal disease just means arthritis in the spine.  It is a normal aspect of aging.

Alysheba was old--Thoroughbreds tend to live into their mid 20s.  Because of their sheer size, any mobility issues with a horse make it dangerous for the horse and for their handlers.  Often, an old horse will lie down one night and not be able to get up in the morning.  That is often when the decision to euthanize is made.

Horsenut23,

Most horses have one "move" they can make.  Some can sustain that run for 1/4 mile.  Sometimes it is for a shorter distance.  The important thing to remember is that, generally, once a horse has made his move, he has nothing left.  A jockey can lose a race his horse should win by asking the horse to move too early.

JAJ, do all horses have one move that they can make?  I'm thinking about Secretariat.  Did Nicanor make that move yesterday?  

JAJ, I don't think that Nicanor made his move.  Lezcano said that there was a lot of horse left at the end of the race.  

JAJ

with a young horse like Nic, I would assume it is necessary for his jockey to understand "when" the time was to push the button. I think at this time they are still learning what/when he can do that?

Thanks

wendyg

I posted this on the other blog.  I agree with you about him getting stronger than Barbaro.  I think this horse is going to surprise us.  Can't help but wonder if Prado on him would have made a differnce in a half length.  Nothing against Jose.  He is a wonderful jockey.  If he wasn't, he sure wouldn't be on Nicanor.  :)

Mary,

As I said, most horses have only one move.  Things have to all come together for a winning race--the race has to set up so the horse is able to make his move (and not be blocked in traffic or have to steady) at the right time, and the track has to be playing for the kind race the horse runs.  The track was set up to be blazingly fast.  The speed carried, which meant that closers could not be effective.  Nicanor ran the kind of race--on the front--which gave him the best chance of winning given the track conditions of yesterday.

Nicanor is no Secretariat.  Secretariat was a great horse, an incredible horse.  Nicanor has shown nothing to put him in the great category--and that's not a slam against Nicanor, either.  There are very, very few great horses.

I thought Nicanor ran a really good race.

horesnut23

THAT is why I feel that Prado would have made the difference. Again, Jose is a very good jockey.  No-one rides Barbraro's brothers that aren't. :)