Startup Nation Looks Tough in Pilgrim Stakes

re: Startup Nation Looks Tough in Pilgrim Stakes

Secreteriat — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 22:04:35 GMT

Bold Conquest breezed 1/2 a mile in 50 flat and all went fine. he will be entered in the Breeder's Futurity on Wednesday and run on Saturday at Keenland. Rosie will ride. Bold Conquest is at 100 to 1 in Vegas in the Derby Future. Here's to those odds getting lowered after the race on Saturday !!!

re: Startup Nation Looks Tough in Pilgrim Stakes

-Keelerman — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 17:30:48 GMT

Mike Relva;

I haven't heard for certain where Wonder Gal will run next, but she is nominated to the Frizette Stakes and has been training as if she is going to run this week, so my guess is that the Frizette is her goal.

As for Shared Belief, I think the Awesome Again took a great deal out of him. It sounds like he was pretty tired in the winner's circle, and now Jerry Hollendorfer is talking about giving Shared Belief a lighter training schedule in the lead up to the Breeders' Cup Classic. That's not to say Shared Belief won't recover in time to be in peak form for the Classic, but I have the feeling the Awesome Again may have compromised his chances a bit.

In contrast, I thought California Chrome's effort in the Pennsylvania Derby was pretty good under the circumstances, and he should gain a lot of fitness off that race. Assuming he draws an outside post in the Classic, and is able to secure an outside stalking trip, I think we will see California Chrome rebound with a much, much stronger race.

This year's Classic is shaping up to be battle among the best three-year-olds in the country. With Itsmyluckyday now out of the Breeders' Cup, there aren't many older horses even pointing toward the race at this point in time. There's Zivo and Moreno, and probably Majestic Harbor, and possibly Cigar Street... but who else? Prayer for Relief? Imperative? Footbridge? In contrast, the list of three-year-olds that could run in the Classic remains very strong, with Shared Belief, California Chrome, Tonalist, Bayern, Tapiture, Candy Boy, and even Toast of New York headlining the list of possibilities. In my opinion, there's a good chance that three-year-olds could sweep the superfecta in the Classic for the first time since Tiznow, Giant's Causeway, Captain Steve, and Albert the Great achieved that feat in 2000.

Needless to say, the next few weeks should be very interesting as the Breeders' Cup Classic field continues to take shape!

re: Startup Nation Looks Tough in Pilgrim Stakes

Mike Relva — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 16:34:19 GMT

Keelerman

How much do you think the race took out of SB? Also,do you give CC a shot in the Classic or is he a tired horse?

re: Startup Nation Looks Tough in Pilgrim Stakes

Mike Relva — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 16:29:51 GMT

Keelerman

Thanks! When is WonderGal racing again?

re: Startup Nation Looks Tough in Pilgrim Stakes

-Keelerman — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 15:36:44 GMT

Mike Relva;

I agree that Wonder Gal looks very promising! Her debut victory in the Lynbrook Stakes at Belmont was very impressive, and her subsequent third-place finish in the Adirondack Stakes (gr. II) was strong as well. She seemed to be progressing nicely when turning for home, but soon got into tight quarters trying to rally inside of pace-setting Vivian Da Bling, and it looked as though Wonder Gal was a bit reluctant to continue her bid through such a narrow opening. Even still, she did eventually squeeze through the gap to secure third place, a mere 2 1/4 lengths behind subsequent Chandelier Stakes (gr. I) winner Angela Renee.

Looking at Wonder Gal's pedigree, it seems probable that additional distance is within her capabilities, and the one-turn mile of the upcoming Frizette Stakes (gr. I) seems like a good fit for her. If she runs, I think she has an excellent chance to win!

re: Startup Nation Looks Tough in Pilgrim Stakes

Mike Relva — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 03:20:20 GMT

Keelerman

Question? What's your take on WonderGal? Thinking she could be special.

re: Startup Nation Looks Tough in Pilgrim Stakes

-Keelerman — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 23:14:01 GMT

Does anyone else think that Big John B is an underlay at 3-5 in the upcoming John Henry Turf Championship? Big Kick was decisive in winning the San Juan Capistrano Handicap two starts back, and equally impressive winning a ten-furlong turf allowance race before that in the sharp time of 1:59 3/5. At 8-1 with two minutes to post time, I think he has a good chance to steal the race at a solid price!

re: Startup Nation Looks Tough in Pilgrim Stakes

-Keelerman — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 21:57:14 GMT

Five minutes to post time for the Oklahoma Derby, in which Fountain of Youth Stakes (gr. II) winner Wildcat Red is the favorite at 6-5 against thirteen rivals. My selection is Tonito M, who finished a pretty good third in the Los Alamitos Mile last time out. The distance may prove too far for him, but I think he's talented enough to be in the mix against this group.

re: Startup Nation Looks Tough in Pilgrim Stakes

-Keelerman — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 21:49:04 GMT

Coldfacts;

Great call on Imperia! Congratulations!

re: Startup Nation Looks Tough in Pilgrim Stakes

TnT — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 21:46:39 GMT

Imperia looked great, good call.......did not like the ride on strong coffee, but Imperia looks a class above.

re: Startup Nation Looks Tough in Pilgrim Stakes

-Keelerman — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 19:57:32 GMT

predict;

Best of luck with My Cara Mia! She's 16-1 with one minute to post time!

Coldfacts;

I agree that Imperia has a very strong chance today, and I'm also hopeful that he proves successful on dirt in the future, as I believe he could make a very intriguing contender on the road to the Kentucky Derby. Good luck!

re: Startup Nation Looks Tough in Pilgrim Stakes

predict — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 19:16:09 GMT

I'm with you on Startup Nation, too good for these today.

Will be looking for My Cara Mia to upset today. First time two turns, but she is a good one, this is my best bet today.

re: Startup Nation Looks Tough in Pilgrim Stakes

Coldfacts — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 15:55:25 GMT

Normally I never focus too much on 2YOs produced from Darley mares that were exceptional on the track as they are historically very average at best. Long River produced from Round Pond and Incognito produced from Octave have not lived up to their pedigrees. Many other exceptional mares from the Darley broodmare band have just hot delivered.

There is a colt entered in the Pilgrim today that was produced from the exceptional and very versatile Cocoa Beach that I think is a rising star. Cocoa Beach a multiple G1 winner scored victories on three continents and was runner-up to Zenyatta in the Lady's Classic in her 1st attempt on synthetic. She previous won of turf and dirt!

Imperia a son of Cocoa Beach sired by Medaglia D’ Oro was very impressive in finishing 2nd on Debut. He contested that race in the Darley colors but was switched to the Godolphin Blue for Pilgrim. This colt was very professional in its debut. He was along the rails in 7th whilst the leader was recording a 25 second quarter. He had to be taken fanned 7 wide for clear passage and exploded but was never going to get on terms with the leader that had dictated a very slow fractions. He went down by a NK but admittedly the winner was easy at the line.

If this colt has moved forwards and is really one that will run to its pedigree, the others will be running for the minor placings. I am not a fan of his trainer but I do not believe even he can impede this colt progress. I hope he will adapt to dirt like his dam as he looks very classy.