Post by Kenren on Aug 29, 2013 13:38:13 GMT -5
If you're like me, you love to watch the races but have trouble keeping up with anything but the top horses. Because I have a love for analysis, I'm going to keep updates here of the top horses, the biggest races, and those horses that we just remember and love! Enjoy the light reading ;D
August 3rd-4th
Clement L. Hirsch Stakes - G1 - 1 1/16 - 3+ F/M
Lady of Fifty rallied from last in a nine-horse field to steal the victory in a race that automatically qualified her for the Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic. It was her first win this year. The top three horses in the Hirsch - Lady in Front, More Chocolate, and Byrama - have finished in the top three together multiple times this year in G1 and G2 races. The big surprise was the even-money favorite, 2012 Hersch and Santa Margarita winner Include Me Out, who had a poor run in the stretch after running mid-pack for a majority of the race and finished eighth. Both Lady in Front and More Chocolate are being aimed toward the Zenyatta in September.
Whitney Invitational Handicap - G1 - 1 1/8 - 3+
The Whitney looked to be shaping up for a rematch between Breeders' Cup Classic 1-2 finishers, Fort Larned and Mucho Macho Man. However, the reality of the race was anything but - Cross Traffic took an early lead, and from there on out is was a game to see who could catch him. Fort Larned and Mucho Macho Man were both in behind Cross Traffic for a majority of the race, with a gap of 8 to the rest of the pack coming around the turn. However, Fort Larned flagged to finish a disappointing fifth, with Cross Traffic holding the lead until the end, earning a Beyer of 108, with Ben Ali Stakes winner Successful Dan rallying from behind for second, and Mucho Macho Man finding a late burst of speed to hold onto third. Six-year-old Ron the Greek pulled in for fourth. The other notable runner was Alpha, who finished sixth and was never really in contention. The top six finishers are all possible to run in the Woodward.
West Virginia Derby - G2 - 1 1/8 - 3
Departing, winner of the Illinois Derby and 6th place in the Preakness, took a runaway win of the West Virginia with a Beyer of 102. Overanalyze, winner of the Arkansas Derby, 11th in the Kentucky Derby, and 7th in the Belmont, took 3rd. Ruler of Love, 3rd in the Derby Trial, took 2nd.
Best Pal Stakes - G2 - 6 1/2 - 2
The favorite, Alberts Hope, battled a very game Celtic Moon to take the win after a run from behind. This was the first graded stakes for both horses after breaking their maidens. Guns Loaded was close to the pace throughout the race, then couldn't keep up with the duelling finishers down the stretch. Ontology, second in the Hollywood Juvenile Championship, was fourth, and the winner of the same race, Alpine Luck, was a disappointed fifth after holding the lead for most of the race. The top three finishers and Alpine Luck are being pointed toward the Del Mar Futurity in September.
Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap - G1 - 6 - 3+
Justin Phillip, 5th in the Breeders' Cup Sprint last year and winner of the G3 Count Fleet in April, pulled away to win by two length, leaving a three-way battle for second. Bahamian Squall, winner of the Smile Sprint Handicap (G2) his last time out, managed to get a nose in front for second. Gentlemen's Bet, in turn, just edged out Delaunay, the Churchill Downs Stakes (G2) winner. Justin Phillip is being aimed for the G1 Forego, and is a likely contender for the Breeders' Cup Sprint.
August 7th
Sorrento Stakes - G2 - 6 1/2 - 2F
Concave edged out She's A Tiger by a neck to take the Sorrento Stakes. Stop Smiling was third, with E Equalsmcsquared pulling in fourth. Concave is being pointed toward the Del Mar Debutante on August 31st.
August 10th-11th
Gardenia Stakes - G3 - 1 - 3+F/M
Groupie Doll, winner of the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint last year, was upset by two seemingly un-noteworthy horses in her first race this year after getting shuffled around early in the race. Luckily her trainer seems to have realized that this horse is a sprinter, not a miler, and her next possible races are both sprints. If all goes well, we will see her in the Breeders' Cup Sprint against the boys later this year.
La Jolla Handicap - G2 - 1 1/16 T - 3
Overall, the La Jolla had a rather unremarkable field that gave an unremarkable run. However, the first four horses - Dice Flavor, Den's Legacy, Pure Loyalty, and Dry Summer - are all looking toward the Del Mar Derby.
Fourstardave Handicap - G2 - 1T - 3+
2012 Horse of the Year Wise Dan pulled out another easy win, making it his eighth in a row, all G1 and G2 races. His next likely start is the Shadwell Turf Mile, after which he will try to defend his title in the Breeders' Cup Mile. King Kreesa, winner of the G3 Poker Stakes, was second, and will be aimed at the Woodbine Mile in September. Lea, third, will likely run in the G1 Forego.
Adirondack Stakes - G2 - 6 1/2 - 2F
This race was full of jostling and shoving, and in the end the winner, Who's in Town, was disqualified and places fourth for interference. This placed Designer Legs in first, Thank You Marylou in second, and Fiftyshadesofgold, who was troubled throughout the race, in third. Designer Legs is being pointed toward the G1 Spinaway.
Saratoga Special Stakes - G2 - 6 1/2 - 2
After setting a blistering pace, the Malibu Moon son Corfu just managed to hold off Wired Bryan by a nose at the wire, Danza closing behind. Wired Bryan was the winner of the G2 Sanford in July. Lunarwarfare took fourth, this being his first race. All of the top four finishers are being aimed toward the G2 Hopeful Stakes.
John C. Mabee Stakes - G2 - 1 1/8 T - 3+F/M
After a crawling first half, Tiz Flirtatious, winner of the Santa Ana Stakes (G2), blew by the competition and drew away for the finish. All three of the top finishers had completely open lanes for the final run, putting Lady of Shamrock (Last year's American Oaks (G1) and Del Mar Oaks (G1) winner, as well as this year's Santa Barbara Handicap (G2)) in second. My Gi Gi, who has done little this year, was third. Customer Base was fourth. Tiz Flirtatious is headed for the Rodeo Drive Stakes.
August 17th-18th
Del Mar Oaks - G1 - 1 1/8T - 3F
Though the Del Mar Oaks drew a big field, it wasn't a star-studded one. The most accomplished, Kitten's Dumplings (Regret (G3), Lake George (G2)), could only manage 4th, dropping back at a crucial stage of the race and rallying back up to that position. The winner, Discreet Marq (Sands Point (G2)), ran a beautiful race, moving from just behind the leaders for a convincing win. Wishing Gate pulled second, with Emotional Kitten taking third. Discreet Marq's next start will likely be the QE II Challenge Cup.
Secretariat Stakes - G1 - 1 1/4 T - 3
First of all, I would like to question the Secretariat Stakes being a turf race. Secretariat didn't run on turf. But I digress. Though Stormy Len took an early decisive lead coming down the stretch, Admiral Kitten came driving from behind to take the lead and win by a length. This was his first G1 win. Stormy Len has done little of note until now. Jack Milton, the third-place horse, won the Transylvania Stakes (G3) earlier this year.
Alabama Stakes - G1 - 1 1/4 - 3F
There was never any doubt during this race that Princess of Sylmar would come out on top. This fantastic filly, winner of the Kentucky Oaks and Coaching Club American Oaks, was never really contested as she made for the wire. Fiftyshadesofhay, Black-Eyed Susan and Iowa Oaks winner, was second by a couple of lengths. A few behind her was Carnival Court, well out of contention. Princess of Sylmar will next run in the G1 Cantillion Stakes, and after that she is headed to the Breeders' Cup Distaff.
Sword Dancer Invitational Stakes - G1 - 1 1/2 T - 3+
With a big final scramble for the lead, the G1 United Nations winner, Big Blue Kitten, pulled out in front of a big field for the win. Twilight Eclipse (Pan American Stakes (G2)), who had stayed close to the lead, kept up for second, with Nutello taking third. The favorite for the race, Boisterous (Monmouth (G2), Man O' War Stakes (G1)), finished a disappointing and troubled 8th. Both Big Blue Kitten and Boisterous are being pointed to the Breeders' Cup Turf.
WIP
August 3rd-4th
Clement L. Hirsch Stakes - G1 - 1 1/16 - 3+ F/M
Lady of Fifty rallied from last in a nine-horse field to steal the victory in a race that automatically qualified her for the Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic. It was her first win this year. The top three horses in the Hirsch - Lady in Front, More Chocolate, and Byrama - have finished in the top three together multiple times this year in G1 and G2 races. The big surprise was the even-money favorite, 2012 Hersch and Santa Margarita winner Include Me Out, who had a poor run in the stretch after running mid-pack for a majority of the race and finished eighth. Both Lady in Front and More Chocolate are being aimed toward the Zenyatta in September.
Whitney Invitational Handicap - G1 - 1 1/8 - 3+
The Whitney looked to be shaping up for a rematch between Breeders' Cup Classic 1-2 finishers, Fort Larned and Mucho Macho Man. However, the reality of the race was anything but - Cross Traffic took an early lead, and from there on out is was a game to see who could catch him. Fort Larned and Mucho Macho Man were both in behind Cross Traffic for a majority of the race, with a gap of 8 to the rest of the pack coming around the turn. However, Fort Larned flagged to finish a disappointing fifth, with Cross Traffic holding the lead until the end, earning a Beyer of 108, with Ben Ali Stakes winner Successful Dan rallying from behind for second, and Mucho Macho Man finding a late burst of speed to hold onto third. Six-year-old Ron the Greek pulled in for fourth. The other notable runner was Alpha, who finished sixth and was never really in contention. The top six finishers are all possible to run in the Woodward.
West Virginia Derby - G2 - 1 1/8 - 3
Departing, winner of the Illinois Derby and 6th place in the Preakness, took a runaway win of the West Virginia with a Beyer of 102. Overanalyze, winner of the Arkansas Derby, 11th in the Kentucky Derby, and 7th in the Belmont, took 3rd. Ruler of Love, 3rd in the Derby Trial, took 2nd.
Best Pal Stakes - G2 - 6 1/2 - 2
The favorite, Alberts Hope, battled a very game Celtic Moon to take the win after a run from behind. This was the first graded stakes for both horses after breaking their maidens. Guns Loaded was close to the pace throughout the race, then couldn't keep up with the duelling finishers down the stretch. Ontology, second in the Hollywood Juvenile Championship, was fourth, and the winner of the same race, Alpine Luck, was a disappointed fifth after holding the lead for most of the race. The top three finishers and Alpine Luck are being pointed toward the Del Mar Futurity in September.
Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap - G1 - 6 - 3+
Justin Phillip, 5th in the Breeders' Cup Sprint last year and winner of the G3 Count Fleet in April, pulled away to win by two length, leaving a three-way battle for second. Bahamian Squall, winner of the Smile Sprint Handicap (G2) his last time out, managed to get a nose in front for second. Gentlemen's Bet, in turn, just edged out Delaunay, the Churchill Downs Stakes (G2) winner. Justin Phillip is being aimed for the G1 Forego, and is a likely contender for the Breeders' Cup Sprint.
August 7th
Sorrento Stakes - G2 - 6 1/2 - 2F
Concave edged out She's A Tiger by a neck to take the Sorrento Stakes. Stop Smiling was third, with E Equalsmcsquared pulling in fourth. Concave is being pointed toward the Del Mar Debutante on August 31st.
August 10th-11th
Gardenia Stakes - G3 - 1 - 3+F/M
Groupie Doll, winner of the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint last year, was upset by two seemingly un-noteworthy horses in her first race this year after getting shuffled around early in the race. Luckily her trainer seems to have realized that this horse is a sprinter, not a miler, and her next possible races are both sprints. If all goes well, we will see her in the Breeders' Cup Sprint against the boys later this year.
La Jolla Handicap - G2 - 1 1/16 T - 3
Overall, the La Jolla had a rather unremarkable field that gave an unremarkable run. However, the first four horses - Dice Flavor, Den's Legacy, Pure Loyalty, and Dry Summer - are all looking toward the Del Mar Derby.
Fourstardave Handicap - G2 - 1T - 3+
2012 Horse of the Year Wise Dan pulled out another easy win, making it his eighth in a row, all G1 and G2 races. His next likely start is the Shadwell Turf Mile, after which he will try to defend his title in the Breeders' Cup Mile. King Kreesa, winner of the G3 Poker Stakes, was second, and will be aimed at the Woodbine Mile in September. Lea, third, will likely run in the G1 Forego.
Adirondack Stakes - G2 - 6 1/2 - 2F
This race was full of jostling and shoving, and in the end the winner, Who's in Town, was disqualified and places fourth for interference. This placed Designer Legs in first, Thank You Marylou in second, and Fiftyshadesofgold, who was troubled throughout the race, in third. Designer Legs is being pointed toward the G1 Spinaway.
Saratoga Special Stakes - G2 - 6 1/2 - 2
After setting a blistering pace, the Malibu Moon son Corfu just managed to hold off Wired Bryan by a nose at the wire, Danza closing behind. Wired Bryan was the winner of the G2 Sanford in July. Lunarwarfare took fourth, this being his first race. All of the top four finishers are being aimed toward the G2 Hopeful Stakes.
John C. Mabee Stakes - G2 - 1 1/8 T - 3+F/M
After a crawling first half, Tiz Flirtatious, winner of the Santa Ana Stakes (G2), blew by the competition and drew away for the finish. All three of the top finishers had completely open lanes for the final run, putting Lady of Shamrock (Last year's American Oaks (G1) and Del Mar Oaks (G1) winner, as well as this year's Santa Barbara Handicap (G2)) in second. My Gi Gi, who has done little this year, was third. Customer Base was fourth. Tiz Flirtatious is headed for the Rodeo Drive Stakes.
August 17th-18th
Del Mar Oaks - G1 - 1 1/8T - 3F
Though the Del Mar Oaks drew a big field, it wasn't a star-studded one. The most accomplished, Kitten's Dumplings (Regret (G3), Lake George (G2)), could only manage 4th, dropping back at a crucial stage of the race and rallying back up to that position. The winner, Discreet Marq (Sands Point (G2)), ran a beautiful race, moving from just behind the leaders for a convincing win. Wishing Gate pulled second, with Emotional Kitten taking third. Discreet Marq's next start will likely be the QE II Challenge Cup.
Secretariat Stakes - G1 - 1 1/4 T - 3
First of all, I would like to question the Secretariat Stakes being a turf race. Secretariat didn't run on turf. But I digress. Though Stormy Len took an early decisive lead coming down the stretch, Admiral Kitten came driving from behind to take the lead and win by a length. This was his first G1 win. Stormy Len has done little of note until now. Jack Milton, the third-place horse, won the Transylvania Stakes (G3) earlier this year.
Alabama Stakes - G1 - 1 1/4 - 3F
There was never any doubt during this race that Princess of Sylmar would come out on top. This fantastic filly, winner of the Kentucky Oaks and Coaching Club American Oaks, was never really contested as she made for the wire. Fiftyshadesofhay, Black-Eyed Susan and Iowa Oaks winner, was second by a couple of lengths. A few behind her was Carnival Court, well out of contention. Princess of Sylmar will next run in the G1 Cantillion Stakes, and after that she is headed to the Breeders' Cup Distaff.
Sword Dancer Invitational Stakes - G1 - 1 1/2 T - 3+
With a big final scramble for the lead, the G1 United Nations winner, Big Blue Kitten, pulled out in front of a big field for the win. Twilight Eclipse (Pan American Stakes (G2)), who had stayed close to the lead, kept up for second, with Nutello taking third. The favorite for the race, Boisterous (Monmouth (G2), Man O' War Stakes (G1)), finished a disappointing and troubled 8th. Both Big Blue Kitten and Boisterous are being pointed to the Breeders' Cup Turf.
WIP
