Novak at the Track

Team O'Neill Back for Another

Claire Novak — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 16:58:00 GMT

Last year's Kentucky Derby winners arrived at Churchill Downs with 2013 contender Goldencents on April 27. The duties of unloading are documented herein....(read more)

Florida Derby Flashback: Ycaza's Wins

Claire Novak — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 23:09:00 GMT

Flash back with me. Spring of 1962. The target everyone wants to hit, of course, is the Kentucky Derby--but in the meantime, as a stepping stone, the Florida Derby looms....(read more)

A Heart The Size of Texas: Texas Bling

Claire Novak — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 22:38:00 GMT

They say everything is bigger in Texas, and if that's the case it is easy to imagine that the heart of a Thoroughbred named Texas Bling is biggest of all 3-year-olds competing on the early trail to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I). ...(read more)

Saving Potesta, an Unlikely Story

Claire Novak — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 21:58:00 GMT

But here's the thing about racehorses and horse racing in general: not much goes according to plan. ...(read more)

Shackleford Calls it a Career

Claire Novak — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 18:45:00 GMT

I remember Shackleford... poking his handsome head out of a stall at Churchill, Pimlico, Santa Anita...rolling in the sand pit outside a Saratoga barn...bouncing along like a helium balloon on the end of a lead shank in photos snapped by racing paparazzi....(read more)

Breeders' Cup Morning with The Fugue

Claire Novak — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 05:13:00 GMT

John Gosden, who has bypassed several tempting race opportunities in his native country to target the Breeders' Cup with The Fugue, strolled along with the cheery but watchful disposition of a man in charge of a very good horse......(read more)

Pure Animal: Derby Winner on the Comeback Trail

Claire Novak — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 12:13:00 GMT

If his trainer were another - less conservative, less reserved - you'd be inclined to doubt the legitimacy of Animal Kingdom's upcoming bid at the Nov. 3 Breeders' Cup Mile (gr. IT) at Santa Anita Park....(read more)

The New Kid, Pataky Kid

Claire Novak — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 19:57:00 GMT

When a horseplayer by the name of Andrew Pataky reads of a horse named Pataky Kid, it is of interest to him to discover if this horse will represent the name with dignity and good standing. The Dixiana Breeders' Futurity (gr. I) at Keeneland Oct. 6 seems like a good start....(read more)

A Horse For Any Course: Wise Dan

Claire Novak — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 18:26:00 GMT

Early morning at Keeneland Race Course, a hint of rapidly-approaching autumn in the mid-September air. One chestnut gelding saunters through a low-key gate-schooling session. One kind trainer, fingers crossed, counts down the hours until raceday. One thing we know about the horse they call Wise Dan: "He can run on anything," Charles Lopresti remarks....(read more)

Macho's The Man

Claire Novak — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 22:02:00 GMT

Winner of four of his five starts for Reeves Thoroughbred Racing in recent times, Mucho Macho Man is finding his best stride this year....(read more)

Point of Entry, Photo Tease

Claire Novak — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 14:32:00 GMT

Sword Dancer Invitational (gr. IT) contender Point of Entry knew how to turn on the racehorse pose - eventually. But first he had to be bribed to come to the front of the stall, and then... ...(read more)

Behind the Scenes with: Grace Hall

Claire Novak — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 21:38:00 GMT

Alabama Stakes contender poses for pictures, and Claire Novak asks a few questions of owner Michael Dubb and trainer Tony Dutrow....(read more)

New Boys in Town: Visiting Caleb's Posse and Co

Claire Novak — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 20:27:00 GMT

Novak at the Track is "Novak at the Farm" with a special visit to new Three Chimneys stallions Caleb's Posse & Ice Box, plus the Jim Rome trio of Surfer Girl, her Pulpit filly, and retired claimer Gallatin's Run....(read more)

The Little Horse That Could

Claire Novak — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 21:57:00 GMT

It has been a quiet year for one Nicholas P. Zito, but that is not to be confused with an unsuccessful year. Success for the Hall of Fame trainer came courtesy of a tough, tiny horse with a heart the size of Texas....(read more)

Suburban Handicap: Ode to Hymn Book

Claire Novak — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 22:41:00 GMT

His first introduction was made via a whiskered muzzle snuffling for peppermints, and by curious ears pricked at the hubbub outside Barn 20 at Belmont Park....(read more)