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.

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

Top 10 Juvenile Colts (Edition #1)

With the Breeders' Cup only a few, short months away, it is time to make my first list of the top ten juvenile colts. While not all of these are definite for the Breeders' Cup, or headed into the same division, they all share a knack for running and an enviably bright future. Of course, it was very tough to rank these colts on a best-to-worst standpoint: understand that many of the top positions could be easily exchanged for one another, and that the list is based on not only potential, but the horse's current achievements. Approach the rankings with an open mind, and don't hesitate from signing up and posting your own in the comments' section!


(1) Bern Identity: A bay son of Bernstein and Maddalena, Bern Identity sailed onto the juvenile scene with a domineering 13-length victory in his second career start. Most recently, he rallied to victory in the Sanford Stakes over Handsome Jack and Onetwentyeight. While the final time for the Sanford has been noted by many as an underachievement, Bern Identity could be the type to blossom with added ground -- it depends what side of his family you choose to zoom in on. His grandsire is Storm Cat, who has produced distance champions such as Courageous Cat, Tabasco Cat and Bluegrass Cat. His sire's dam is La Affirmed, who was sired by Affirmed, the last of the Triple Crown winners. La Affirmed's dam is La Mesa, who was sired by the great Round Table. Bern Identity's dam, Maddalena, was a sprinter, as was his broodmare sire, Good and Tough -- whose father is sprinter-producing Carson City. Bern Identity's granddam, Two Foxie, was also a struggling 6 furlong horse. Like Belmont winner Union Rags, Bern Identity hosts a thoroughly confusing pedigree -- while one side sparkles with stamina, the other falls far short. Trainer Kelly Breen has expressed an interest in racing this colt in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Sprint; his performance in next Monday's Hopeful may have much impact on both the trainer's decision, and my personal opinion on the colt's abilities.

(2) Brown Almighty: A gorgeous horse with fan-friendly connections, it's hard not to fall for Brown Almighty's splendor. Undefeated thus far in his two, grass-based races, the chestnut colt has kicked off his career much in the style of his dual classic winning sire, Big Brown. While it's yet to be found how Brown Almighty will take to a dirt surface, there's little in his pedigree to suggest that the surface change -- which his owners have confirmed will take place next spring -- should negatively effect his closing kick. His sire, Big Brown, may be best known not for his victories in the Derby and Preakness, but for the steroids he was found to have illegally raced on. While it's debatable how the drugs affected -- or didn't affect -- his brilliant performance, what is known is that Big Brown's career was plagued by continual hoof issues; we can only hope that his offspring inherit his talent, not his feet. Brown Almighty's grandsire is Boundary, who raced only 8 times, and was twice a Grade III winner at the distance of 6 furlongs. Boundary was sired by Danzig, who won all three of his races before retiring due to knee issues. He is best known as the sire of the prolific GI winners Pine Bluff, Langfuhr, and Hard Spun. In addition, Danzig is the grandsire of Canadian Triple Crown winner Wando, and the damsire of Fusaichi Pegasus. Through Northern Dancer, both Danzig and Big Brown's dam lead us back to the great distance influence of Nearctic. Brown Almighty's damsire, Gone for Real, tends to produce shorter-distanced runners. Gone for Real is sired by Gone West, whose sons include Belmont winner Commendable, BC Mile champion Da Hoss, and 2000 Guineas victor Zafonic. He is the damsire of Belmont winner Union Rags, and the grandsire of Smarty Jones. All in all, Brown Almighty's pedigree -- while not the flashiest out there -- contains more than its share of distance ancestry. Don't be surprised if this chestnut colt goes on to perform great feats.

(3) Spurious Precision: In this year's Saratoga Special, Spurious Precision hoisted the silks of Klaravich Stables through brutal early fractions of 21.35, 44, and 1:09.62, and drew off in the final yards to win in a time of 1:16.53, by a 5 length margin. There's no denying the precocious brilliance vested in this Rick Violette trainee. He's undefeated in both his races, and is heading toward the Champagne Stakes -- just like last year's 'Special winner, Union Rags. If he can stretch out in distance, Spurious Precision has a guaranteed berth at the top of my Derby Top 10 list. His pedigree is unclear on the matter. Spurious Precision's sire is High Cotton, who never landed in the winner's circle past 1 1/16 miles. His grandsire is Dixie Union, who recently defied his reputation as a sire of sprinters with his son Union Rag's Belmont score. Dixie Union is sired by Dixieland Band, who is the damsire of Kentucky Derby winners Monarchos and Street Sense. High Cotton's dam is Happy Tune, who is sired by the great routing sire / Belmont + BC Classic winner, A.P. Indy. A.P. Indy is sired by Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew. Spurious Precision's dam, Scarlet Combo, is sired by Scarlet Ibis: a little-known sire who mostly produced sprinters such as Wild Wings, her daughter White Ibis, and Ruby Rubles. Scarlet Ibis was sired by Cormorant, who finished fourth in the Preakness and won the one and one-sixteenth mile Jersey Derby and Gotham Stakes. Spurious Precision's granddam is Don't Combo, who was sired by Right Combination, who traces back to Round Table and Princequillo. I believe that Spurious Precision has very good odds of stretching out to at least 1 1/8 miles, if not more. If you still believe in dosage indexes, good for you! His dosage of 1.55 is almost ideal.

(4) Know More: In his only career start, J. Paul Reddam's Know More became the only first-time starter in Del Mar's history to nab a graded stakes event. For obvious reasons, this landed the handsome, bay colt near the top of my juvenile watch list. While the field for the Best Pal Stakes wasn't stellar, Know More was visually impressive in his thrilling dash down the stretch en route to a clear triumph. This colt's pedigree suggests that he should gobble up the added ground with a smile on his face. Know More is sired by Lion Heart, a stallion best known for finishing second to Smarty Jones in the 2004 Kentucky Derby. His grandsire is Tale of the Cat, the sire of Gio Ponti, Take of Ekati, Spellbinder, and Catboat. Tale of the Cat is sired by Storm Cat, whom is widely known for producing distance champions such as Bluegrass Cat, Courageous Cat, and Tabasco Cat. Lion Heart's dam, Satin Sunrise, raced 78 times in the claiming ranks, winning at distances of up to 1 1/8 miles. Know More's damsire is the great Seattle Slew. In addition to winning the Triple Crown, Seattle Slew is known for siring Grade 1 winners such as A.P. Indy, Landaluce and Slew O' Gold. He is the grandsire of Rags to Riches, Bernardini, and Lava Man, and the broodmare sire of Cigar. One of Seattle Slew's sons, Slewacide, served as broodmare sire to dual classic champ Funny Cide. Know More's granddam is Qui Bid, who was sired by Derby and Preakness winner Spectacular Bid. If Know More continues to run with the style and professionalism that we saw in his debut, I have little doubt that Doug O'Neill has found himself a serious BC Juvenile contender. (To read more about Know More, read my article about him)

(5) Uncaptured: Three times Uncaptured has gone to post -- three times he was greeted by a wave of grins in his winner's circle reception. While he has never raced outside of Woodbine, Uncaptured is one of the untried sorts who sparkle with potential in each step they take. In his second race -- the Clarendon Stakes -- Uncaptured defeated future winner and near-track-record setter Jocosity (who I like quite a bit) by over 5 lengths; which is but a pale telling of the dominance that may be yet to come from this son of Lion Heart. His grandsire is Tale of the Cat, who was sired by Storm Cat. Lion Heart's dam, Satin Sunrise, raced an astounding 78 times. Uncaptured's broodmare sire is Arch, winner of the 10 furlong Super Derby and sire of Blame, Arravale, and Hymn Book; he is the broodmare sire of I'll Have Another and Uncle Mo. Uncaptured's granddam is Andrea Ruckus, whose sire, Bold Ruckus, is sired by Boldnesian, Seattle Slew's grandsire. While there's a lot of sprinting power in Uncaptured's pedigree, there's stamina, too: he should be able to stretch his limbs for a good many more furlongs.

(6) Maybe So: In both of his two races -- a maiden special weight and the Mountaineer Juvenile Stakes -- this brown has emerged with a perfect record still intact. Whether it was in his pace-setting first performance, or his mad rally down the Mountaineer stretch, Maybe So has consistently impressed upon me his potential for greatness. His sire, More Than Ready, won the Sanford Stakes, placed fourth in the Kentucky Derby, and won the GI King's Bishop. He has sired three BC winners: Pluck (Juvenile Turf), Regally Ready (Turf Sprint), and More Than Real (Juvenile Fillies' Turf). Maybe So's grandsire is Southern Halo, the most successful sire in Argentine history: among his 167 stakes winners is Edenwold, who won the Queen's Plate. More Than Ready's dam is Woodman's Girl, who was sired by Woodman; the sire of Belmont + Preakness winner Hansel, BC Juvenile + Preakness winner Timber Country, One Thousand Guineas winner Bosra Sham, and Queen's Plate winner Woodcarver. Woodman traces back to the Nearco line on both his paternal and maternal sides. Maybe So's damsire, Grand Slam, won the 1 1/8 mile Peter Pan Stakes, and sired graded stakes victor Limehouse and BC Sprint winner Cajun. He is sired by Gone West. Maybe So's granddam is stakes placed Pine for Me, who is sired by Preakness winner Pine Bluff. Maybe So's pedigree suggests that stretching out in distance should be little of a problem -- I look forward to watching him run, and hopefully bump up in my personal rankings.

(7) Jocosity: While victorious in only one of his three starts, I believe that Jocosity has as much of a right to this list as any of the undefeated, one-race wonders. Not only in his seven length, five and one-half furlong score -- nearly track-record breaking in a zippy time of 1:02.85 -- has Jocosity displayed his brilliance; this colt's bloodline is festooned with stamina. His sire, Sharp Humor, finished second to Barbaro in the Florida Derby prior to fading to 18th in the Kentucky Derby. Sharp Humor is sired by Distorted Humor, who has made his name known internationally as the sire of champions Funny Cide, Commentator, and Drosselmeyer; recently, Distorted Humor served as the grandsire to Triple Crown star I'll Have Another. Sharp Humor's dam is Bellona, whose sire, Hansel, won both the Preakness and the Belmont. Hansel's sire, Woodman, is also the sire of Timber Country, Bosra Sham, and Woodcarver. Jocosity's broodmare sire, Stormy Atlantic, is sired by the ever-popular Storm Cat. His dam, Hail Atlantis, was sired by Seattle Slew. Jocosity's damsire is Carson City Sham, whose sire - Carson City - served as the broodmare sire for the late, great Barbaro and recently retired Havre de Grace. Carson City Sham's dam, Sham Say, was a Grade I winning mare who traces back to Secretariat's greatest rival (and one of my favorite racehorses), Sham. Although it's unlikely that Jocosity will add his name to the elite list of those found in his ancestry, a future among the classic-distance races is very real possibility.

(8) Onetwentyeight: Although Onetwentyeight failed to triumph in his most recent outing - the Sanford Stakes - I still harbor firm beliefs in this colt's ability to survive the long distances, and ultimately, shine. In the Sanford, he rallied valiantly into the stretch, and while it was only enough to secure himself third, Onetwentyeight proceeded to gallop out in front of his rivals. His sire is Discreet Cat, who suffered a throat abscess in his only distance attempt. Discreet Cat is sired by Forestry, who sired the 2011 Preakness winner, Shackleford. Discreet Cat's dam, Pretty Discreet, found victory in the 10 furlong Alabama Stakes; her sire, Private Account, won the Jim Dandy Stakes. Onetwentyeight's dam is Box of Joy, an unraced mare sired by the great Concerto, who triumphed at distances of up to 10 furlongs. Concerto's sire is Chief's Crown, who won the Travers Stakes and finished in the money in all three of the Triple Crown races. Make no mistake about it -- Onetwentyeight is bred for distance. As the ground increases, expect his abilities to follow suit.

(9) Archer Hill: In his only race - an unusual maiden run at the distance of 1 1/16 miles on the turf - Archer Hill rallied late to register a clear, one length victory in a final time of 1:43.82. True, this horse has yet to race against the best of them; but since I love seeing the babies already racing at these distances, I can't help but to include him on the rim of my top ten list. Archer Hill's sire is Big Brown, making him a half brother to the much more popular Brown Almighty. Archer Hill's dam, La Femme Galante, is sired by Peter Pan & Champagne winner Grand Slam. Grand Slam is sired by Gone West; his dam is Bright Candles, who finished third in the Kentucky Oaks and Black-Eyed Susan. Archer Hill's granddam is Dahl, who is sired by Irish Tower. There is a very good deal of endurance packed into Archer's Hill's bloodlines. He is certainly one to watch for in future races -- who knows? He could become as popular as Brown Almighty.

(10) Overanalyze: As a fan of Uncle Mo, Stay Thirsty, Caixa Eletronica, and just the Repole Stable is general, of course I'm inclined to tuck Overanalyze into the "buffer zone" of my list. His only race, a 5 furlong maiden special weight, he won in the respectable time of 57.48. His sire, Dixie Union, may be known for siring sprinting horses (aside from Union Rags), but his grandsire - Dixieland Band - was the broodmare sire of Kentucky Derby winners Monarchos and Street Sense. His sire is the great Northern Dancer, who dates back to the stamina-packed line of Nearco and Nearctic. Dixieland Band's dam, She's Tops, is sired by Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner Capote, who is sired by Seattle Slew. Overanalyze's damsire is Unaccounted For, who won the Whitney (GI) and Jim Dandy (GII), both at one and one eighth miles. In the U.S, one of his most successful runners is Grundlefoot, winner of the Baltimore Breeders' Cup Handicap (GIII) at 1 1/8 miles, and the Kelso at 1 3/16. Unaccounted For is sired by Private Account, who also won the Jim Dandy (GIII) and the Widener Handicap (GI), at 10 furlongs. Private Account was the sire of the great, undefeated Personal Ensign. Overanalyze's granddam is Cloud's Ambre, who is sired by Two Punch -- a stallion known for his ability to produce sprinters such as GI winner Smoke Glacken. While there are some areas of his pedigree a bit shadier than others, Overanalyze appears to be a horse capable of traveling up to 1 1/8 miles -- if not more. Like the rest of the two-year-olds on this list, I look forward to watching him run.

The Long Shot & The Favorite: The Mid-Summer Derby's Dead Heat

As the familiar tune of "The Call to Post" sliced through the sunny, August atmosphere of Saratoga Racecourse, eleven glistening horses strode their way onto the vast, dirt oval that would soon become the boxing ring for the summer's premier horse race. It was the day of the "Mid-Summer Derby"; the mile and a quarter test of champions more commonly known as the Travers Stakes. A bustling crowd of 46,528 racing fans had gathered to take part in the fun and festivities, and to hopefully witness a slice of history.

When the horses filed into the usual, crooked line of the post parade, each pranced and tossed their heads in like fashion. The 33-1 long shot, Golden Ticket, was indistinguishable from Alpha, the solid favorite. If one were to examine the athletes with neither knowledge nor racing form, it would be near impossible to sort out the frowned-upon long shots from the highly-touted kings of racing. When stripped of their resumes and expansive pedigrees, all of the contestants were simply horses. Thoroughbred racehorses, fine-tuned and conditioned from a different combination of victories and defeats, but each with the same job to do: pose in the winner's circle with the Man o' War Cup.

Alpha, owned by billionaire Sheikh Mohammed, was marching into the Grade 1 event off of a decisive score in the Jim Dandy Stakes over fellow competitors Neck 'n Neck, Liaison, Atigun and Fast Falcon. He had finished twelfth in the Kentucky Derby, but before that had conquered both the Withers Stakes and Count Fleet. As a two-year-old, he had come second to future Belmont winner Union Rags in the Grade 1 Champagne Stakes, and at one time had been considered a potential threat for the Triple Crown. Every race fan knew his name, and no matter their opinion on his past achievements, the consensus was that Alpha was much the best in the Travers Stakes.

Golden Ticket, on the other hand, was slinking along in obscurity. The bay representative of Magic City Thoroughbred Partners had slipped by with one, meager victory in his nine race career. It had taken him six times to break his maiden, and his best achievement was a runner-up finish to Prospective in the Tampa Bay Derby. Golden Ticket was coming into the Travers off of a second place finishing in an allowance optional claiming event. A few weeks back, trainer Kenneth McPeek had entered Golden Ticket in an allowance race, which was canceled due to lack of entries. Then they took to sharpening the colt for a low-profile stakes, the Bernardini -- a race also ruled out by too few contestants. The only option remaining was to saddle the colt for a mile and a quarter romp in the Travers Stakes: the biggest race of the entire summer, and one nobody thought the colt could win.

As the group of eleven three-year-olds filed into the starting gate, trainers Kenneth McPeek and Kiaran McLaughlin exchanged a few good-luck wishes. The two men were long-time friends, having grown up together in the horse country of Lexington, Kentucky. Both wanted nothing more than victory for themselves; at the same time, however, they were well aware that defeat would be a great blow for either.

 A brief silence, and the gates clanged open -- the pack of horses bolted onto the racetrack, speedy long shot Speightscity quickly lurching to the lead. The first quarter blew by in a steady 23.51. The half was up in 48, with the same horses still roaming at the front. Alpha and Golden Ticket loped along close to the pace with Stealcase bridging the gap from them to Speightscity. As the field rounded the far turn, Golden Ticket swept along the rail to snatch the lead. With a 33-1 shot heading the field in a mad dash for the finish, it was looking like the Travers Stakes might result in a huge upset. In a flash came Alpha, to defend his favoritism. The bay colt charged alongside Golden Ticket, pouring on the pressure with each stride he took. Alpha lunged. Golden Ticket bobbed his head. In the very nick of time, the wire rushed to meet them.
"It's too close to call!" Roared announcer Tom Durkin. Thousands of race fans goggled at the scene, each struggling to decide whose nose crossed first.

Golden Ticket (right) and Alpha (left) hit the wire simultaneously 

Bewildered minutes passed as the photo was examined. The two colts jogged along the racecourse, ears pricked, nostrils flared. Their riders may have quivered with uncertainty; their owners may have been counting their lucky stars. In spite of all confusion, the bay twosome trotted along in certainty of their fate. They were horses, and so far as either was concerned he had just proven himself the alpha of the group -- he had beat the rest to the wire.

Many long moments later, the crowd burst into a smattering of wild applause. The winner of the 143rd Travers Stakes was ... a dead heat. The jaw-dropping photo reveals two horses -- one owned by the Sheik, the other by a partnership -- pouncing on the wire in complete synchronization.

The two winners could be no different.
Throughout the whole of his career, Alpha had been touted an up-and-coming superstar. There had been little doubt at any time that the colt's future glittered with prestige: Grade 1 triumphs and glossy headlines were all part of his birthright. Golden Ticket was his polar opposite; the obscure wonder horse who leaped onto the national scene with a single, scintillating performance. While Alpha had legions of fans to back him throughout the better part of his career, Golden Ticket was newly minted into the club of Thoroughbred superiority.

In the absence of I'll Have Another, Union Rags, Paynter, and Bodemeister, the 2012 rendition of the Travers Stakes may have been lacking in the star-power department. But in the deliverance of the first dead heat in the race's modern history, this gritty, little pack of three-year-olds more than made up for their drab resumes and uninspiring time. This year's Mid-Summer Derby succeeds where the blue-blooded world of Thoroughbred horse racing rarely does: it told a story of a hard-trying underdog, an up-and-coming star, and a dose of good racing luck. It told us that no matter where you come from or what the tote board reads, you always have a shot at tasting success: be you the homeless man on the corner of the street or the one in the new Ferrari.

Whitney Handicap 2012: Field Overview

As a household rule, Saturday is race day.
It is the day of the week I sit back with a iced mug of sweet tea, and lazily immerse myself in a full card of race watching -- eyes not straying from the glistening bodies of my favorite athletes: Thoroughbreds.
This Saturday, today, is no exception to that rule. A slew of brilliant races are lined up in my notepad. Today I am going to focus on just one of these outings: the Whitney Invitational Handicap.

The Whitney boasts a rich history of champions gone to post. In recent years, stars such as Blame, Lawyer Ron, Commentator (twice), Lemon Drop Kid, Victory Gallop, and Awesome Again have emerged as victors in the 1 and 1/8 mile romp. Historically, War Admiral, Kelso (three times), Dr. Fager and Alydar had their picture taken in the race's Winner's Circle. For many, the Whitney is best remembered for being the shocking race in which Triple Crown winner Secretariat lost to the obscure Onion, who never won again in anything but a claiming race.

In order of post position, let's go over this year's field.

Blame (left) scores in the Whitney

(1) Rule. A 5 year old stallion, trained by Todd Pletcher. In his only race this year, Rule won the 1 mile Monmouth Cup Stakes (G2). All three times he has raced at Saratoga, Rule has finished in the money. Around this time of last year, he won the Birdstone Stakes over the same track and distance of the Whitney.

(2) Hunters Bay. Another 5 year old stallion, trained by Reade Baker. Hunters Bay carries the co-lowest weight in the field, at only 115 pounds. He is coming into the Whitney out of three straight victories at Woodbine -- one of them just fractions over the track record. He has never raced or trained at the Spa.

(3) Caixa Eletronica. A 7 year old stallion, trained by Todd Pletcher. Caixa Eletronica has gone to post 55 times; on 18 occasions returning victorious. Most recently, he failed to fire in the James Marvin Stakes (G3), loping home fifth. A start before that, however, Caixa Eletronica triumphed in the True North Handicap (G2), and two before that came home the winner of the Charles Town Classic (G2). While inconsistent, Caixa Eletronica is a very gritty horse that I am immensely fond of. A while back, I wrote an article about him.

(4) Endorsement. A 5 year old horse, trained by Eoin G. Harty. Endorsement, like Hunter's Bay, is only carrying 115 pounds. He comes into the Whitney off of a last place finishing in the Suburban Handicap (G2) -- a race in which his trainer feels Endorsement was not acting like himself. Earlier in the year, Endorsement won the Texas Mile Stakes (G3) and set a new track record in a 1 and 1/16 mile Allowance Optional Claiming. He has been training well over the Saratoga track in spite of having never run over it.

(5) Trickmeister. A 5 year old stallion, trained by Richard Dutrow. This year's Donn Handicap marks the only race in which Trickmeister did not finish in the money. He has won four different stakes, including the Pleasant Colony Stakes, run under the same conditions as the Whitney. He has been breezing at Aqueduct, and has not been to Saratoga since the middle of 2010.

(6) Ron the Greek. A 5 year old horse, trained by William Mott. Carrying the top weight of 120 pounds, Ron the Greek is by far the favorite of the Whitney Handicap. Having not placed worse than second in his last seven starts, a win in the Whitney would mark Ron the Greek's third Grade 1 score of 2012. In his last start, Ron the Greek dominated a very tough field in the Stephen Foster Handicap (G1). Before that, he came second in the Oaklawn Handicap (G2), following a victory in the Santa Anita Handicap (G1). His only experience at Saratoga comes from a second place finish in a mile and an eighth Allowance Optional Claiming. He worked over the course on Sunday, completing four furlongs in 49.02.

(7) Flat Out. A 6 year old horse, trained by William Mott. Flat Out is the victor of last year's Suburban Handicap (G2) and Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1). He has had two starts at Saratoga, in both the Whitney (G1) and Woodward (G1); he was second in both. This year, while Flat Out hasn't seen the Winner's Circle,  he has improved with each start. In his most recent outing, he came second to Rule in the Monmouth Cup Stakes (G2). He has been working well on the dirt training track up to this point.

(8) Hymn Book. A 6 year old gelding, trained by Claude McGaughney. Hymn Book ships to Saratoga off of a second in the Suburban Handicap (G2). The Winner's Circle has eluded this gelding since his narrow victory in February's Donn Handicap (G1). He has never raced over Saratoga's main track.

(9) Fort Larned. A 4 year old colt, trained by Ian Wilkes. Fort Larned enters the Whitney off of a winning effort in the Cornhusker Handicap (G3) over Successful Dan. Today he will carry the same weight of 117 pounds. While Fort Larned has never raced at Saratoga, he is coming into the Whitney off of a series of very impressive works over the main track.


And there is your field for 2012's rendition of the Whitney Handicap.
It is a very wide open group, with no horses you could legitimately consider as ones to rule out.
That being said, I will place my money (all $2 of it..) on Caixa Eletronica.
While he doesn't visit the Winner's Circle every time out, and has never won a Grade 1 race, this horse seems overdue for some of his late stretch heroics.

Now who do you like in this year's Whitney?

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.

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.

Bodemeister, Paynter and Union Rags: A Rivalry?

With the curtains drawn on the brief but bright racing career of I'll Have Another, the late 3 year old season is marred by questions. Who, if anyone, can play the role of 3 year old champ? Will one colt break through as a clear-cut hero -- or will the Eclipse honors fall to the chestnut victor of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness? In order to steal the role of 3 year old champion, one horse must win all of the big, late-year races. 

An emerging talent wouldn't make the cut. To be acknowledged at higher status than a 2 time classic winner, the horse in question must have previously shined as some sort of early star. That rules out nearly all the crop as potential thieves of 'Another's prize. Three colts, however, remain in contention. Bodemeister (second in both the Derby and Preakness), Paynter (second in the Belmont), and Union Rags (Belmont winner).

Union Rags (far right) reaches out to snatch the Belmont

There's a big possibility of seeing these three match up in later races. Bodemeister is being pointed toward the Haskell Invitational (July 29, Monmouth Park), and Paynter is being lined up for the Jim Dandy (July 28, Saratoga). Micheal Matz has named Union Rags a possibility for either race, with the ultimate goal being the Travers Stakes (August 25, Saratoga). 

It will be extremely interesting to observe the result of late-season 2012. If Union Rags, Paynter and Bodemeister are to have a match-up, the result may be something out of this world. All three colts are proven fighters, and it's scary to think that we may be yet to see the best of late-developing Paynter. Bodemeister did appear to tire near the end of the Kentucky Derby, but with a different running style - or at shorter distances - he could blow fields apart. Union Rags displayed grit and bravery in his rail-riding surge at Belmont Park; many speculate how much faster the race could've been had he drawn an outside post position, and not have had to sit and wait.

Who's the best of the three horses? My own money is on Union Rags, who I believe to have always been the best of the crop. Who do you like? Leave a comment and tell me!

Shackleford Defies Caleb's Posse in the Met Mile

In what many will consider the race of the year, Shackleford blazed to victory in the (Grade 1) Metropolitan Handicap at Belmont Park.

The 2011 Preakness champion rocketed out of the gate to an early lead. After setting lightning fractions of 22.77 and 44.73, he glided into the stretch on an easy lead. But then came Caleb's Posse, surging heroically from last to second. A dramatic stretch duel unfolded. The bay colt fought for track, gaining with every stride. Shackleford yielded nothing; with all the mental toughness characterized by the thoroughbred breed, the chestnut 4 year old hung on by a single, vicious nose bob. The mile was covered in 1:33.30.

Not only did Shackleford display astounding drive and will to win -- in the process, he defeated one of the toughest fields the Met Mile has seen in many years. The runner-up, Caleb's Posse, had been victorious over Shackleford in the 2011 Breeder's Cup Dirt Mile. In third was To Honor and Serve, winner of the Cigar Mile and Westchester Stakes. Fourth was long shot Caixa Eletronica, winner of the million-dollar Charles Town Classic, fifth was Jackson Bend, victorious in the Grade 1 Carter Handicap, and in sixth was Saginaw, emerging from 5 straight wins, three times in stakes company.

What next for the brilliant Shackleford? Although trainer Dale Romans says he's not been thinking past the Metropolitan, you can thank the "win and you're in" program, of which the Met Mile was the first of 2012, that Shackleford has a guaranteed spot in the Breeder's Cup Dirt Mile at Santa Anita, in November.

"It was the race of the year, and it's exciting to have been part of it, win, lose, or draw, with all those good horses," Remarked a victorious Dale Romans, "And it lived up to its billing. To be a nose apart at the wire, I think it lived up to the hype."

Shackleford (blue and white silks) hangs on to capture the Met Mile.