Hello, friends and followers!
As you've likely noticed, it's been quite some time since my last blog post on The Test of Champions. In fact, I have not been posting regularly since some time in early September. This is because of some very big news: I have switched my writings from Blogger to Tumblr. After several weeks of experimentation with both, I have found the latter to be more short-post friendly, and a place where it is much, much easier to garner yourself a following. While this is certainly not so for many of the more successful Blogger users, it has always been difficult for me to gather subscribers. In the course of one month at Tumblr, I have already exceeded my subscriber count on Blogger, which I have used for over half a year. No, I'm not suggesting that my Blogger friends make the switch to Tumblr -- what works for me may not work for you, and I plan on continuing to follow the blogs that I do through both the thick and thin. There will be no more posts on The Test of Champions, however.
If you wish to continue following my posts, you'll have to check in with my new domain at horseracingchick.tumblr.com! Just add it to your bookmarks, and check in with it every so often -- I promise, you won't be disappointed!
The second part of this update is something that makes me shiver with excitement: I may be receiving a share in the ownership of Nan Cee Cee Flies, a two-year-old filly from the Flying G Racing Team! After a lot of dreaming, praying and emailing, it looks like I may soon be the owner of a share in a racehorse -- a HUGE dream come true. I cannot begin to express the excitement that I am feeling! It's not a "done deal" yet, though, so follow my updates on Horse Racing Chick for my adventures through this very exciting time!
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Saturday Recap (2-29-12)
Yet another amazing Saturday has been spent in the study of elite, Thoroughbred athletes. I wish I could say "company", but unfortunately, I have been unable to attend any of the summer or fall -time stakes. Like last weekend (and the weekend before..), the majority of my selections have fallen upon hard luck. Some, however, have managed to reconfirm my beliefs in them!
Beldame Stakes (GI): Royal Delta is a freak. While I expected she'd win today, I certainly didn't envision a 9 length defacing of Grade I winner It's Tricky! To go to the Ladies Classic or the Classic? Now that is the question. Personally, as much as I'd like to see her bump heads with My Miss Aurelia and Questing, the $3 million Classic seems to be shaping into a weaker field -- and how cool would it be for another filly to be Horse of the Year?
Vosburgh Invitational Stakes (GI): While my selection (and one of my favorite racehorses), Caixa Eletronica, was unable to catch high-flying The Lumber Guy, he was oh-so-game in defeat. Down the stretch, CE closed like a Ferrari versus pack mules, but just didn't find enough ground to get there in time. Never the less, my love for this seven-year-old stallion was more than quadrupled! He is just that gutsy of a racehorse -- indeed, this was start number 58 for him.
Kelso Handicap (GII): Like many, I was hoping for a Shack Attack in this race. Much to my dismay, the chestnut Shackleford was passed up in the stretch by Jersey Town, who hadn't won since the November of 2011 (in the Cigar Mile, nonetheless)! We'll likely be seeing much of this field rematch in the BC Dirt Mile. As muddled as this lot is, who knows what'll become of the race?
Jockey Club Gold Cup (GI): Flat Out must really love Belmont Park! Today he remained a perfect 3-for-3 on the track, winning his second Jockey Club Gold Cup in a row. While he's terribly inconsistent elsewhere, Flat Out is a Belmont-running machine; I'm disgusted at myself for not including him in my trifecta! My brave little Stay Thirsty, however, did the Repole folk proud with his wire-to-almost-wire running! For a minute, it looked like he might actually win it.
Front Runner Stakes (GI): In the kick-off of the Derby Point System, Power Broker broke his maiden and romped home in front of favored Know More by six, astonishing lengths! Although I didn't handicap this race, I can guarantee that I would not have included him in any of my selections. While I'd rather not judge him until he proves his consistency, this horse looks like one to watch!
Chandelier Stakes (GI): Like Power Broker, Executiveprivilege dominated her division by six lengths. The fellow Baffert trainee was much unlike her colt counterpart, however, in that she was sent off as the heavily backed favorite. As you may know, EP is currently the leader of the my Top 10 Juvenile Filly standings. Although the final time wasn't earth-shattering, she certainly looked good for a 2YO filly going first-time at 1 1/16 on the dirt!
And those are the six most memorable races that I chose to watch on one especially rainy, Saturday afternoon. Tomorrow, keep your eye on both the Matron and Futurity!
 |
| Executiveprivilege: the leader of my Top 10 Juvenile Fillies watch. |
Beldame Stakes (GI): Royal Delta is a freak. While I expected she'd win today, I certainly didn't envision a 9 length defacing of Grade I winner It's Tricky! To go to the Ladies Classic or the Classic? Now that is the question. Personally, as much as I'd like to see her bump heads with My Miss Aurelia and Questing, the $3 million Classic seems to be shaping into a weaker field -- and how cool would it be for another filly to be Horse of the Year?
Vosburgh Invitational Stakes (GI): While my selection (and one of my favorite racehorses), Caixa Eletronica, was unable to catch high-flying The Lumber Guy, he was oh-so-game in defeat. Down the stretch, CE closed like a Ferrari versus pack mules, but just didn't find enough ground to get there in time. Never the less, my love for this seven-year-old stallion was more than quadrupled! He is just that gutsy of a racehorse -- indeed, this was start number 58 for him.
Kelso Handicap (GII): Like many, I was hoping for a Shack Attack in this race. Much to my dismay, the chestnut Shackleford was passed up in the stretch by Jersey Town, who hadn't won since the November of 2011 (in the Cigar Mile, nonetheless)! We'll likely be seeing much of this field rematch in the BC Dirt Mile. As muddled as this lot is, who knows what'll become of the race?
Jockey Club Gold Cup (GI): Flat Out must really love Belmont Park! Today he remained a perfect 3-for-3 on the track, winning his second Jockey Club Gold Cup in a row. While he's terribly inconsistent elsewhere, Flat Out is a Belmont-running machine; I'm disgusted at myself for not including him in my trifecta! My brave little Stay Thirsty, however, did the Repole folk proud with his wire-to-almost-wire running! For a minute, it looked like he might actually win it.
Front Runner Stakes (GI): In the kick-off of the Derby Point System, Power Broker broke his maiden and romped home in front of favored Know More by six, astonishing lengths! Although I didn't handicap this race, I can guarantee that I would not have included him in any of my selections. While I'd rather not judge him until he proves his consistency, this horse looks like one to watch!
Chandelier Stakes (GI): Like Power Broker, Executiveprivilege dominated her division by six lengths. The fellow Baffert trainee was much unlike her colt counterpart, however, in that she was sent off as the heavily backed favorite. As you may know, EP is currently the leader of the my Top 10 Juvenile Filly standings. Although the final time wasn't earth-shattering, she certainly looked good for a 2YO filly going first-time at 1 1/16 on the dirt!
And those are the six most memorable races that I chose to watch on one especially rainy, Saturday afternoon. Tomorrow, keep your eye on both the Matron and Futurity!
Friday, September 21, 2012
Pennsylvania Derby 2012: Field Overview
Following an edge-of-your-seat finish in the Travers Stakes (G1) that resulted in a dead heat between favored Alpha and long shot Golden Ticket, the Pennsylvania Derby (G2) has been the recipient of much hype and enthusiasm. This Saturday, the closely matched twosome will be battling it out at Parx Racing for a highly-anticipated round II. Like thousands of race fans, I am looked forward to watching this race, and hopefully seeing the two colts' neck-and-neck abilities develop into a full-scale rivalry.
In hopes of shedding some light on the pack lined up for tomorrow's Penn Derby, I have compiled a list of the horses in contention. Here you will find a brief snapshot of each runner's career, and my opinions on their chances of posing in the winner's circle.
(1) Stephanoatsee: One of the longer prices in the field, Stephanoatsee enters the Penn Derby off of a one-length triumph in an 8 furlong allowance optional claiming at Delaware Park over a slightly wet track. In a prior effort, he finished second to Alpha in the Count Fleet Stakes. Although this is a solid horse on the improve, Stephanoatsee has never raced at Parx, and never won a stakes event. While he may be a good long shot play, I see no huge indication that Stephanoatsee is ready to conquer the Travers winner(s).
(2) Casual Trick: In his most recent start, Casual trick captured a one-mile Parx allowance race over Preakness contender Tiger Walk. His second-to-last start also occurred at Parx Racing; it, too, an allowance event that he won with ease. Earlier in the year, Casual Trick finished a close second to Reveron in the Gulfstream Park Derby; he also participated in the Wood Memorial (G1), but was pulled up into the stretch due to a continuation of the breathing problems that have plagued him throughout his career. While he'll need to make a huge step up in class to lasso this race, I believe that Casual Trick has good odds of doing so. Perhaps if he's finally overcome the problems with flipping his palate, Casual Trick can advance onto the Breeders' Cup scene.
(3) Handsome Mike: Sent off at the co-longest morning line in the field (20-1), Handsome Mike has only a (turf) maiden victory at Santa Anita to stand to his credit. In all of his last three races (G1 Secretariat Stakes, G1 Haskell, G3 Spiral Stakes), this Doug O'Neill trainee has consistently managed to come home fourth. If this colt triumphs in the Penn Derby, I will be completely and genuinely startled.
(4) Alpha: Winner of both the Jim Dandy (G2) and Travers (G1), and never worse than second in all but two starts at Churchill Downs(the Kentucky Derby and BC Juvenile), Alpha is favored for several good reasons. He has never raced at Parx Racing, but is coming off two bullet works at Greentree Training Center. True, there is no value to be made off this horse alone. Regardless, expect him to be making lots of noise coming down the stretch -- and very possibly, winning.
(5) Junebugred: Like Handsome Mile, Junebugred has been documented at a hefty morning-line of 20-1. A ridgling with 6 starts under his belt, this three-year-old is emerging from a fourth-place finishing in a very sloppy Smarty Jones Stakes (G3). His only victories come from an MSW at Aqueduct, and in Oaklawn's version of the Smarty Jones Stakes. Unless I'm missing something from this horse's works (he is coming out of a near-bullet 5 furlongs), he doesn't look to be too serious of a contender.
(6) Golden Ticket: Co-winner of the Travers Stakes (G1), and in the money in 7 of his 10 lifetime starts. Although his two wins have been strung out over a period of time, Golden Ticket is an always-trying sort of horse. Be looking for Golden Ticket to grab a piece of the big paycheck, in one way or another.
(7) Csaba: In his last start, Csaba struggled with the turf in the Equalize Stakes. Before that, however, he finished second in the 9 furlong National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Stakes (G2), and won the El Kaiser Stakes by over 8 lengths. This is a gritty horse who, like Golden Ticket, always seems to dig in. At 5-1, he may be well worth the play!
(8) Macho Macho: Winner of the 9 furlong West Virginia Derby (G2) and second to My Adonis in the Long Branch Stakes, Macho Macho is another great play in the Pennsylvania Derby who may be overshadowed by the presence of Alpha. Coming off of a win over the same conditions (minus the track) as tomorrow's race, I could easily envision Macho Macho stealing the G1 winners' crown!
My Top 3
Alpha
Macho Macho
Golden Ticket
Long Shot Selection
Casual Trick
In hopes of shedding some light on the pack lined up for tomorrow's Penn Derby, I have compiled a list of the horses in contention. Here you will find a brief snapshot of each runner's career, and my opinions on their chances of posing in the winner's circle.
 |
| To Honor and Serve sets a new track record in the 2011 Penn Derby |
(1) Stephanoatsee: One of the longer prices in the field, Stephanoatsee enters the Penn Derby off of a one-length triumph in an 8 furlong allowance optional claiming at Delaware Park over a slightly wet track. In a prior effort, he finished second to Alpha in the Count Fleet Stakes. Although this is a solid horse on the improve, Stephanoatsee has never raced at Parx, and never won a stakes event. While he may be a good long shot play, I see no huge indication that Stephanoatsee is ready to conquer the Travers winner(s).
(2) Casual Trick: In his most recent start, Casual trick captured a one-mile Parx allowance race over Preakness contender Tiger Walk. His second-to-last start also occurred at Parx Racing; it, too, an allowance event that he won with ease. Earlier in the year, Casual Trick finished a close second to Reveron in the Gulfstream Park Derby; he also participated in the Wood Memorial (G1), but was pulled up into the stretch due to a continuation of the breathing problems that have plagued him throughout his career. While he'll need to make a huge step up in class to lasso this race, I believe that Casual Trick has good odds of doing so. Perhaps if he's finally overcome the problems with flipping his palate, Casual Trick can advance onto the Breeders' Cup scene.
(3) Handsome Mike: Sent off at the co-longest morning line in the field (20-1), Handsome Mike has only a (turf) maiden victory at Santa Anita to stand to his credit. In all of his last three races (G1 Secretariat Stakes, G1 Haskell, G3 Spiral Stakes), this Doug O'Neill trainee has consistently managed to come home fourth. If this colt triumphs in the Penn Derby, I will be completely and genuinely startled.
(4) Alpha: Winner of both the Jim Dandy (G2) and Travers (G1), and never worse than second in all but two starts at Churchill Downs(the Kentucky Derby and BC Juvenile), Alpha is favored for several good reasons. He has never raced at Parx Racing, but is coming off two bullet works at Greentree Training Center. True, there is no value to be made off this horse alone. Regardless, expect him to be making lots of noise coming down the stretch -- and very possibly, winning.
(5) Junebugred: Like Handsome Mile, Junebugred has been documented at a hefty morning-line of 20-1. A ridgling with 6 starts under his belt, this three-year-old is emerging from a fourth-place finishing in a very sloppy Smarty Jones Stakes (G3). His only victories come from an MSW at Aqueduct, and in Oaklawn's version of the Smarty Jones Stakes. Unless I'm missing something from this horse's works (he is coming out of a near-bullet 5 furlongs), he doesn't look to be too serious of a contender.
(6) Golden Ticket: Co-winner of the Travers Stakes (G1), and in the money in 7 of his 10 lifetime starts. Although his two wins have been strung out over a period of time, Golden Ticket is an always-trying sort of horse. Be looking for Golden Ticket to grab a piece of the big paycheck, in one way or another.
(7) Csaba: In his last start, Csaba struggled with the turf in the Equalize Stakes. Before that, however, he finished second in the 9 furlong National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Stakes (G2), and won the El Kaiser Stakes by over 8 lengths. This is a gritty horse who, like Golden Ticket, always seems to dig in. At 5-1, he may be well worth the play!
(8) Macho Macho: Winner of the 9 furlong West Virginia Derby (G2) and second to My Adonis in the Long Branch Stakes, Macho Macho is another great play in the Pennsylvania Derby who may be overshadowed by the presence of Alpha. Coming off of a win over the same conditions (minus the track) as tomorrow's race, I could easily envision Macho Macho stealing the G1 winners' crown!
My Top 3
Alpha
Macho Macho
Golden Ticket
Long Shot Selection
Casual Trick
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