Terribly Great 2's: Teen Pauline

We've seen this before:

A beautiful, bay filly, clad in silks of red and yellow, waltz her way into the Winner's Circle.

A group of smiling people pat and greet her, posing for pictures with a spring to their step. Talk of a bright future; words like Breeders' Cup and Kentucky Oaks tossed about like confetti.

If you attended Saratoga last Wednesday, the name Teen Pauline might jump to mind. A 2 year old filly sent to post for the first time, she paraded back with her first win and a track record to her credit.

"She's special. She really is," Trainer Steve Asmussen told reporters. The filly, named for owner Barbara Banke's 84 year-old mother, is "good enough to be named for her mother, so I think that definitely indicates their expectations of her."

If Teen Pauline is to carry on with her early brilliance she is hanging in good company. It would not be the first time that Stonestreet Farm has produced a world-beating female. The great Rachel Alexandra, 20 length winner of the Kentucky Oaks in addition to triumphing in the Preakness Stakes and Woodward, carried the same banner as her much-younger stablemate. Also suited in Stonestreet attire was last year's Champion Two-Year-Old Filly, My Miss Aurelia. Most recently, Stonestreet's powerful juvenile Kauai Katie wowed the world with a 12 length maiden victory.

One need only consult Teen Pauline's pedigree to find the source of her precocious talent.

Her sire, Tapit, is known for producing early-to-rise speedsters. In addition to siring last year's Two-Year-Old Champion Colt, Hansen, Tapit has recently brought forth Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf champion Tapitsfly, Grade 1 winning Zazu, and Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies champion Stardom Bound.

Tapit's sire is Pulpit, who came fourth in the Kentucky Derby despite acquiring a leg injury. His sire, A.P. Indy, is known for being one of the most prolific distance influences in the breed, having won both the Belmont Stakes and Breeders' Cup Classic before going on to produce numerous distance champions: notably, Rags to Riches, Bernardini, and Mineshaft. Tapit's dam, Tap Your Heels, is sired by great Unbridled. Unbridled won both the Kentucky Derby and Breeder's Cup Classic; he is best known for having sired Kentucky Derby winner Grindstone, who sired Belmont winning Birdstone, who went on to sire Smarty Jones. Tap Your Heel's dam, Ruby Slippers, is sired by English Triple Crown winner Nijinsky II.

Teen Pauline's dam, Effectual, has only had one other foal. No La Hace is currently thriving in claiming sprints, having never come worse than second. Teen Pauline's broodmare sire is chef-de-race Carson City: a sprinter known for producing runners of like ability. 76% of Carson City's offspring's major stakes wins have been at distances less than a mile. He was, however, the damsire of the ill-fated Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro. Teen Pauline's granddam, Hooklineandsinker, is sired by Breeders' Cup Classic winning Skywalker.

While Teen Pauline's immediate pedigree leans more to the sprinting side, there are multiple distance influences scattered throughout her ancestry. I would be willing to bet that this filly stretches out to the mile and one eighth of the Kentucky Oaks with little problem. The majority of filly races should be right within her firing range. I am eager to watch her career unfold.

Sanford Stakes 2012: Field Overview

Sunday marks the 98th running of the Grade II Sanford Stakes: a race long since considered to be one of the premier events for 2 year old horses. Historically, the Sanford has produced champions such as Affirmed and Secretariat. In more recent years, Afleet Alex, Scat Daddy and City Zip have emerged as victors.

Today, we are going to take a brief look at each of this year's contenders. If history is to repeat itself, your next 3 year old sensation could be hiding among this field.

Overdriven wins the 2011 Sanford Stakes

1) Handsome Jack - Two starts back, this son of Bring the Heat won a 4 1/2 furlong maiden claimer by 6 lengths. Most recently, he finished a length behind Shanghai Bobby in an unusually fast Track Barron Stakes. Coming off of a very quick Saratoga work, Handsome Jack seems ready for a big performance. If he's going to make it onto the top juvenile scene, it is time for Handsome Jack to take a step forward.

2) Brave Dave - Coming out of a one length win in a 6 furlong maiden special weight at Calder. Although I have no real qualms to stake against this horse, I don't like that he's not been working at Saratoga.

3) Bern Identity - The standout of the field, Bern Identity is shipping in off of a 13 length romp in a 5 furlong maiden special at Belmont. In his initial start, the bay son of Bernstein came in second to a filly, Sweet Shirley Mae, over a sloppy track. This weekend, Sweet Mae flopped in a fifth place finishing in the Schuylerville Stakes. As a firm believer in tossing out poor first performances, I am willing to believe that the true Bern Identity is the one who wins by massive margins -- and is hopefully not beaten by fillies on frequent occasions. In his win, he completed 5 furlongs in an especially brisk 57.55; in addition, he is coming off a bullet 3 furlongs of 34.44 seconds over the Saratoga track. If the rain holds off, I have great belief in this colt's abilities.

4) Hightail - A deserving long shot at morning line odds of 20-1; Hightail has yet to win a race. In his first start, he finished last -- the winner, Roman's Avenue, came back to finish sixth in the Bashford Manor. In his second start, he finished a distant third to Positively, who came back to finish second in the Bashford Manor. In his most recent race, Hightail ran fourth in the Bashford Manor. I would be very surprised if Hightail makes a splash against this year's top competition.

5) Rose Junction - In his only start, Starlight Racing's Rose Junction garnered a 99 BRIS Speed rating via a three length victory at Belmont Park. The final time of 57.17 was enough to drag me onto the Rose Junction band wagon. He has as good a chance as any at remaining undefeated, come tomorrow afternoon.

6) Special Jo - A weak third in the Bashford Manor following six length victory in a relatively slow 5 furlong maiden special. He has posted one work over the Saratoga track. I don't believe Special Jo belongs in this field.

7) Good Tickled - The winner of a very fast five furlong maiden special weight prior to weakening into fifth in the Bashford Manor -- a race that saw many strong maidens defeated. Unlike Special Jo, I would be willing to give Good Tickled a second chance (due to his speedy win of 57.89). He is coming out of a bullet work at Churchill(fastest 4 furlongs out of 45 horses), but whether or not he takes to Saratoga is unknown. At a morning line of 15-1, Good Tickled just might be worth the gamble.

8) Onetwentyeight - Undefeated in his lone career start, Onetwentyeight will go to post in attempt to give the Repole Stable its second consecutive Sanford victory. Expect Onetwentyeight to be at or near the lead in the early stages of the race; and if we are to see a repeat of his first race, a drawing-off victory of 5 lengths. I am impressed with this colt, and expect him to perform well. In addition to his swift victory is the fact that Onetwentyeight's last few months have been spent in training at Saratoga. If his morning line odds of 8-1 uphold, I would certainly advise playing this colt.

9) John Gordon - After coming in second in two maiden special weights (interestingly, to Positively and Good Tickled), John Gordon won a relatively slow 5 furlong event at Churchill. While he doesn't seem to be any sort of super horse (and his only Saratoga workout was the slowest of 45), I like this colt for his consistency. While I would be surprised if he won tomorrow, I might bet him to show.

And there's your field for 2012's renewal of the Sanford Stakes.

Will an Affirmed or Secretariat burst onto the scene? Will the winner, like last years, lapse into obscurity? Or will it mark the lone defeat of an all-time great?

The Sanford was, after all, the only race in which the great Man O' War would not visit the Winner's Circle.

Retirement: Remembering Union Rags

It's often said that horse racing is filled with some of life's highest highs and lowest lows.
Today was one of those lows. Belmont winner Union Rags, who recently sustained an injury to his left foreleg, has been retired from his racing career.

Disappointment is no new feeling to this colt's huge fan base. In last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile, favored Union Rags suffered a bitter defeat to Hansen following a rough trip in which he was forced to go wide, and then swerved out midstretch only to rally again. Despite running an estimated 78 feet more than the winner, the 17 hand bay lost only by a head. Many thought there was still hope for the Micheal Matz trainee to rebound as two-year-old champion, having already posted multiple stakes wins. They were in for yet another scare when he lost to Hansen by 142 votes.

While the UR team was briefly cheered by a 4 length win in the Fountain of Youth that neared the Gulfstream track record, lightning struck again in the Florida Derby when the colt found himself drowned in traffic and had to struggle just to snatch third. Hopes remained high for a Kentucky Derby romp; we all knew that when at his best, this colt could do amazing things. Come the first Saturday in May, I was crouched at the rail of Churchill Downs, hoping to come home a much happier camper than at my last Churchill outing: the Breeders' Cup. To say the least, things didn't play out. Following a nightmarish trip, Union Rags did his best just to come home seventh.

With trainer Micheal Matz seeping in disappointing, Union Rags was pointed toward the mile and a half Belmont Stakes. This time, John Velazquez would be aboard for the ride.
On June 9th, as the horses slipped into the gate for the eleventh race on the card, my stomach twisted into a series of knots. The taste of defeat still fresh on my lips, I expected more of the same.
Boy, was I in for a pleasant surprise. Union Rags broke cleanly from the gate, and very unlike in the Kentucky Derby, where he was instantly shoved to 18th place, the colt relaxed toward the front of the field. At the half mile pole, he was fifth. At the mile, he was third. At the mile and a quarter, he had driven into second, and as they came roaring down the stretch, he was clawing along the rail, looking for a gap in which to pass the front running Paynter. The gap came in the form of Mike Smith resorting to the left handed whip in order to drive off a hard-closing Atigun. A sliver of daylight yawned at the rail. Union Rags grabbed at his bit and shoved through in the final strides. "Union Rags has got 'em!" Cried the announcer. "Union Rags in the Belmont Stakes!"

It was, at last, a happy ending for Union Rags. While he'll never contend in the Haskell, the Travers, or the Breeders' Cup Classic, he ended his career with winning ways. I, along with a thousand others, will be cheering Rags along as loudly as ever in the next chapter of his life. His pedigree taps into a deep strain of track-tested speed and stamina; colts and fillies bearing Union Rag's name are destined to be pointed toward the classic races.

From my Belmont Stakes field analysis:

Contrary to popular belief, he also possesses a very likable distance pedigree. Union Rag's damsire, Gone West, sired 2000 Belmont winner Commendable and was the grandsire of Smarty Jones. His granddam, Terpsichorist, set course records for both 11 and 13 furlongs at The Meadowlands, on the turf. Terpsichorist is sired by English Triple Crown winner Nijinsky II. On the paternal side of Union Rag's pedigree is Dixieland Band, his grandsire, who is the damsire of Kentucky Derby winners Monarchos and Street Sense. I am very confident about Union Rag's ability to stretch out and go the distance. His dosage profile of 9-1-10-2-0 is one of the best in the Belmont field, as it includes digits in the Solid wing. 

Roughly four years from now, we may be seeing some very nice babies grace the tracks across the nation. If any are blessed with even half the talent of Union Rags, we will be in for a real treat.

Just ask any one of this colt's legion of fans, new or old. He is a fantastic animal, pure strength and talent. While many ifs will remain forever unsolved, it is most important that we appreciate Union Rags for his countless heroics on the race track. The racing world, now deprived of all of its 2012 classic winners, may have to wait a long while before it sees a horse with the talent and story of Union Rags.
At least, until his babies turn two.

A Look at Arabian Racing

If you're like 99% of all racing fans, the words horse and racing draw to mind images of strong, young Thoroughbred athletes powering down the stretch of the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness, or the Belmont Stakes. Names like Secretariat, Seattle Slew and Man o' War slip to mind without having to think. A slew of blogs, fan sites and even television networks ride on their coattails like bumper stickers. We know these races, these horses, and their thousand outlets of easily accessible conversation and debate. Thoroughbred horse racing, no matter how far under the mainstream's radar, has no shortage of avid followers.

The same cannot be said for the Arabian racehorse. No matter how beautiful and valiant these magnificent creatures, they can't seem to garner the following they certainly have earned over their thousands of years of racing. Despite the fact that it was the Arabian who founded the Thoroughbred breed, the majority of racegoers write them off as slow and unprofitable, boring to watch and even worse to handicap. As one involved in Arabian racing, perhaps I'm biased -- but I beg to differ with the common perception of Arabian racing as nothing more than an amusing novelty.

Arabian racing

Soundness 

In the past few decades, the Thoroughbred breed has deteriorated at a frightening pace. With the average career span having dropped from scores of races to just a handful, and career (or life) ending injuries being scattered about like wildfire, many are concerned for the future of the breed. This is not the case with Arabians, who boast much sturdier hooves and bones than their speedier counterpart, the TB, hence lowering the likelihood of a breakdown to a much more manageable rate. Arabians are slow developers, and do not begin racing until 3 years of age -- yet another thing about Arab racing that appeals to the general public. If Thoroughbred purists won't support the Arabians, maybe some newer fans will.

Speed & Beauty

True, the fractions are slower.

While a cozy first quarter for a Thoroughbred horse race would be around 23 seconds, the typical Arabian race plays out with an opening quarter of 25, with 24 being exceptionally speedy. 51 or 52 are normal marks for the half mile; in Thoroughbred racing, a half in only 45 - while very quick - is not too far from the norm. As a rule, Arabians tend to run six furlongs 5-6 seconds slower than a Thoroughbred. While some claim that this handful of seconds makes a world of difference in the fun of the race, I have yet to grow tired of watching the Arabians run. They have a very unique way of going, with their tails hoisted like colorful flags as they "skim" over the ground. The average person is more likely to notice the Arabs' beauty than their slightly inferior fractions.

Pricing

For those interested in racehorse ownership, look no further than the Arabian breed.

While high class Thoroughbreds are measured in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, you can easily purchase a quality Arab in the 5 to 10 thousand range. For $20,000 you could purchase a top of the line competitor. Even in its highest levels, Arabian ownership is much more affordable than the Thoroughbred market. Of course, this is a double edged sword, as quality Grade 1 Arabian stakes usually have purses around $75,000, as opposed to the million dollar purses found in Thoroughbred racing.

Of course, there will always be people who cling to the idea that Arabians are inferior to the widely celebrated Thoroughbred racehorse. I only hope that by handing out a good word for the Arabian racing community, I might somehow contribute to the growing favor of this fantastic sport. Take nothing away from the Thoroughbred horse -- I admire these runners, and spend many hours fondly dreaming of their premier events. I am in no way suggesting that Arabians are superior to their speedier cousins. My top priority is to bring more fans to the game -- and Arabian racing is a lovely place to get started in the Sport of the Kings. I highly recommend following this sport. It is a fast growing segment of the racing industry, and deserves more respect than it is getting.

Long live the Arabian racehorse... and here's to many thrilling finishes!

Caixa Eletronica: An Old-fashioned Racehorse

This year's True North Handicap (G2) was a sweet and sour race.
One moment, Giant Ryan was battling for the lead. The next, he was scrabbling for a foothold as jockey Willie Martinez pulled him up. A few strides later, the bay champion was splayed out before the stands of Belmont Park, his soon-fatal injuries assessed behind a curtain.

Meanwhile, the race carried on. Justin Phillip staked a claim at the lead, and Smiling Tiger seemed destined for second with a strong, closing kick. At the top of the stretch, Caixa Eletronica had no shot at victory.
The 7 year old stallion trailed the leaders by over 5 lengths, next to last in the field of eight. It seemed a repeat of his previous start, fourth out of six in the Metropolitan. It wasn't until the final yards that he picked up the slack. In one sweeping move, Caixa Eletronica surged past the field like a fresh horse from off the sidelines. "Caixa Eletronica with an amazing finish!" Cried the announcer. "Oh, he won!" 
Oh yes, he did, by nearly a length.

Caixa Eletronica (middle) en route to victory in the True North Handicap

Of course, Caixa Eletronica's victory, no matter how gutsy, will not be what is most remember about 2012's True North Handicap. The tragedy of Giant Ryan, who passed away a few days later, will stand in prominence in most viewers' minds -- including my own. Regardless, my hat is off to what may be one of America's few remaining real, old-fashioned iron horses. Not only has Caixa Eletronica gone to post on 52 occasions -- he has ventured into the Winner's Circle 18 times and landed in the money in 36 races. Trainers, owners, jockeys and fans are fortunate to have these sort of runners. It's not that they're revolutionary, or the sort of horses who shatter stopwatches. The thing that counts is their heart -- horses like Caixa Eletronica always hit us with their best shot. As a fan, I am head over heels for this sort of solid fighter.

Caixa Eletronica's 5 year career began in July of 2007, in a 6 furlong maiden special weight event over the dirt track at Calder Race Course. It was no grand debut; the colt came home a lagging 7th for trainer Juan Arias. The next few starts were some of the same -- a 4th in a maiden special weight and last out of eight horses in the Seacliff Stakes. The 2 year old colt was dropped down to a 7 furlong, $25,000 maiden claiming race. Here began what would become a habit -- a visit to the Winner's Circle following an eight length romp. Finding himself a cozy corner in the claiming ranks of Gulfstream and Calder, Caixa Eletronica came back in his 3 year old year to place second in three consecutive starts (once on the turf) before running off by six lengths in a mile and a sixteenth on the dirt -- a style of victory he seemed to relish.

The rest of his 2008 season included a second in a 6 1/2 furlong claiming race (on the dirt), last in a mile allowance, a win in a 7 furlong claiming race, a 4 length win in a 7 furlong allowance optional claimer, and a lackluster sixth in a 1 mile allowance optional claimer. He entered 2009 with a spotty record. After five failed attempts at landing in the Winner's Circle, Caixa Eletronica found himself claimed for $16,000 by owner Enrique Gratas. Throughout the rest of 2009 and 2010, the chestnut colt enjoyed mild success under the silks of LMR Stables. He raced frequently, with less than a month between many of his starts. In the 20 times he raced for LMR Stables, Caixa Eletronica came home a winner 7 times, in the process placing in several black type events.

It wasn't until March 9th of 2011 that the colt found his way to Todd Pletcher's string of runners. Put up for a $62,500 price tag in a mile-long allowance optional claimer, Caixa Eletronica looked fashionably solid as he scooted out of a third place finish in the Gulfstream Park Sprint Championship Stakes (G2). "Colorful" owner Mike Repole, famous for his claiming as much as his personality, was quick to scoop up the chestnut 6 year old. Not only did Caixa Eletronica win the race -- he went on to three length triumph in his next outing, the Westchester Stakes (G3). His success continued with a third place finish in the prestigious Metropolitan Handicap (G1) and two straight victories in starter handicaps, one at 6 furlongs and the other at 1 1/8 miles. Caixa's Eletronica's next several starts were comprised of topnotch events; the G1 Vosburgh Invitational (3rd), the G3 Bold Ruler Stakes (3rd), The G1 Cigar Mile Handicap (5th), and his 2012 debut, the Rose Jim Stakes (1st by over 4 lengths). Three black types down the road, Caixa Eletronica charged to a 3 length victory in the 1 1/8 mile Charles Town Classic (G2). In the Met Mile, he tried hard, but came up a flat fourth -- which leads us to the True North Handicap, the outcome of which we're all familiar with.

Living in the day and age of 10 race careers, and the near extinction of colts racing at 5, it is refreshing to watch Caixa Eletronica run his career past 50 races. Although he doesn't win every time out, he works hard and comes home sound. Horse racing needs more Caixa Eletronicas. The more races, the more opportunity for a horse to garner a following. Unfortunately, very few of our equine athletes are as sturdily built as this son of Arromanches, who raced in the claiming ranks 78 times, with 31 victories and 15 seconds. Caixa Eletronica's grandsire is Relaunch, the damsire of Ghost Zapper, grandsire of Tiznow, and sire of One Dreamer and Skywalker, among other horses. His broodmare sire is Skip Away, and his fourth dam, My Charmer, was the dam of Seattle Slew. There is no inbreeding in the first five crosses of Caixa Eletronica's pedigree. As a stallion prospect, this is the sort of horse breeders ought to flock to.

This weekend, Caixa Eletronica will be contesting in the G2 Suburban Handicap. While no one can guarantee how he'll handle the field, one thing is a certainty -- he'll hit them with his best shot.

Terribly Great 2's: Shanghai Bobby

In this week's addition of Terribly Great 2's, I'm going to take a peak at a colt I feel to be one of the most promising 2 year olds out there. Although anything could change from now to next May, it's never too early to start the hunt for greatness! In horse racing, too, the early bird catches the worm (or has fun trying!).

Shanghai Bobby, from Starlight Racing, has done all the chores we've asked of him. In two starts, he has triumphed twice. Twice, he nearly eclipsed the track record for two different racecourses.

Shanghai Bobby winning with ease

• Shanghai Bobby's first start came in a four and a half furlong maiden special weight event, on the main track of Aqueduct. Following a minor brush with another horse, he chased the pacesetters from off the rail, was steered wide at the five-sixteenths pole, and by the eighth pole had drawn level with the second place horse. A couple strides more, and he sailed away under nothing more than a mild hand ride. With Rosie Napravnik aboard, Shanghai Bobby scored his debut by a visually impressive 4 lengths. The final time of 51.95 was just fractions off of the track mark of 51.60.

• Two months later, Todd Pletcher had shipped the colt to Belmont Park with sights set on the 5 and 1/2 furlong Track Barron Stakes. With five, equally impressive opponents lined up to take him on, Shanghai Bobby went to post with the 2# saddle cloth draped across his withers. Again, he had trouble at the break; Nice Going bumped with the colt as soon as the gates swung open. But as typical of the dark bay colt, he shrugged it off and continued running -- this time, showing a new dimension in a swift drive to the early drive. With a touch of urging from Rosie's hands, Shanghai Bobby dazzled in fractions of 21.93 and 44.63. Cay To Pomeroy battled back, but was disposed of by the quickfire pace. Into the stretch the challenge commenced; Handsome Jack, a 6 length winner of his most recent start, came flying late. Shanghai Bobby was driven harder, and he dug in gamely to finish ahead by one, solid length. The time was deja vu -- 1:02.87, just a hair shy of the track record of 1:02.26. 

With times like these, Shanghai Bobby is not a horse to be ignored. He deserves full scrutiny, and long pauses of consideration. Not just in his awesome performances has the colt showed to be a true talent. His pedigree, too, reads with promise, scattered throughout with a good bit of both speed, and that elusive endurance that we all love. 

Shanghai Bobby's sire is Harlan's Holiday, winner of the Florida Derby, Donn Handicap, Bluegrass Stakes, and Pennsylvania Derby. While he never won past 1 1/8 miles, Harlan's Holiday came second in the 10 furlong Hollywood Gold Cup and Dubai World Cup. In recent years, he has sired Belmont Stakes runner-up Denis of Cork, and sprinters Riley Tucker and Majesticperfection. Harlan's Holiday's sire is Harlan, who contested in 30 sprints over the course of 3 years. Harlan's Holiday's dam, however, Christmas in Aiken, was sired by Triple Crown winner Affirmed.

Shanghai Bobby's dam is Steelin', a black type mare who won at distances up to 1 1/16 miles. Steelin' is sired by Orientate, a champion at 6 furlongs although he won up to 1 1/16 miles. Orientate tends to sire long distance turf runners such as Kara's Orientation, who won up to 10 furlongs on the grass. Shanghai Bobby's granddam is Steel Band, who raced only 6 times and never broke her maiden. Steel Band was sired by Carson City, a sprinter known for siring horses of like nature. However, the great Barbaro had Carson City as his broodmare sire, suggesting that the stallion might be capable of passing down his genes to something other than a miler. 

It'll certainly be many moons until we have a shadow of a clue at what distances Shanghai Bobby wants to travel. His pedigree flashes with a good bit more speed than stamina, but that doesn't mean it isn't there. So far, this Pletcher trainee has shown nothing short of brilliance. When and if he tackles the distance, I'll be jumping up and down screaming... very loudly.