No pleasure in reporting horsemen cheating posted by Johnny Matheis

Kentucky is one of the most crooked in the country in most things, Horse racing included. You can't tell by "reports", because a truly corrupt system will not report abuses.

But we knew they would do it for the huge pick six carry over Thursday. And I watched, and found an obvious cheat.

Contrary to belief, it isn't the jockey who is to be watched. They try to stay aboard an animal and hold on for their health. It is the trainer who can "juice up" a horse. "Juicing up" may or may not involve illegal substances, but it involves having a horse ready or not. This is okay, as long as it is not blabbed to all the sports writers, trainers, and hoodlums who bet it down.

In the eighth race, which was the 4th leg of the pick six, CLASSIC EMILY was one that looked to route this group on paper. She figured to go off at 2-1. She already manhandled most of them, and the only real competition looked to be from PROUDLY IRISH, who should have been second choice around 4-1.

In fact, CLASSIC EMILY was probably a KEY horse to most pick six bettors who handicap without the inside dope.

THOMAS AMOSS trained SUN VALLEY STORM, who ran 9th to CLASSIC EMILY just two months ago. Did I say ninth out of nine? While CLASSIC EMILY won? Did I mention that it was the same distance of six furlongs? Did I mention that CLASSIC EMILY beat SUN VALLEY STORM by 19 1/4 lengths, which is roughly 4 seconds, in  six furlongs the difference between Graded Stakes $200,000 competition and horses who run for $3500 claimers?

Now the fact that SUN VALLEY STORM won the race wasn't the crooked part. There are upsets. What is crooked is when SUN VALLEY STORM goes off at 3-1, and CLASSIC EMILY goes off at 4-1.

BOXed in posted by Johnny Matheis

I didn't make a post before the Florida Derby, because nothing really stood out. The two Zito horses looked as good as any, but the question was whether a "patient" trainer like Zito would have them firing for this or for later. I put two to win on each, but since ICE BOX was more experienced that MINER'S RESERVE, I put a little extra on him

Also, at 1 1/8 mile, ICE BOX was approaching his better distance thatMiner. MINER'S RESERVE is a son of MINESHAFT, and out of a FORY NINER dam, Royal Reserves. FORTY NINER is still long sprint bloodlines. Good bloodlines, but still not a natural Grade 1 classic distance runner.

Still, both are useful. ICE BOX began his career at Saratoga at age 2 in early August. he ran 4 races as a 2 year old, which is enough for experience, but not excessive enough to break down. He broke his maiden in his last race as a 2 year old at a mile and 70 yards. He then raced January at Gulfstream to win an allowance race, then made a good forward move in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth, the prep for the Florida Derby, to finish 5th.

What we're wondering now is if he, or any of the other Florida Derby runners, are Kentucky Derby possible winners. It looked like a weak field going in, but a Grade 1 is usually strongest when it is up and comers who don't look so good on paper.

Times are not as important as the bloodlines, trainer, class, campagin strategy, and probable fitness. ICE BOX came out of a fairly fast race with a month rest. So this is the guideline to look for an optimum effort.

On bloodlines, he is the son of PULPIT, good enough, out of a TOBASCO CAT dam, which pushes it for distance.   

Phillies take a Halladay posted by David

After the way Cliff Lee pitched against the Yankees in the World Series six weeks ago, I would have been surprised to hear that the Phillies were even listening to offers for their ace.  But when the chance to acquire Roy Halladay comes around, I suppose any team would be crazy not to listen.  Before I knew it, Halladay was a Phillie and Lee was heading to Seattle, where he’ll join his third club in the span of four and a half months.  How often does that happen to the defending Cy Young Award winner?

Mauer wins Triple Crown in my book

No major leaguer has won the Triple Crown since Carl Yastrzemski in 1967, but this year Joe Mauer did lead the American League in what should be the three Triple Crown categories: batting average (.365), on-base percentage (.444), and slugging percentage (.587).  Home runs are exciting and contribute to a higher slugging percentage, but if I were a manager, I’d much rather see my cleanup hitter go 3-4 than hit a solo shot and strike out three times trying to do it again.  Reaching 100 RBI’s in a season is a nice accomplishment, but the stat itself is overrated.  If all nine guys in the lineup are getting on base 40 percent of the time, it doesn’t matter who is driving them in; someone must be.

Granderson to patrol center in the Bronx

At the Winter Meetings in Indianapolis last week, the Yankees landed themselves a great centerfielder in Curtis Granderson.  Many of Granderson’s fans – myself included – were disappointed that he will be wearing Pinstripes next season.  Even so, I’ll keep rooting for him wherever he goes.  Of all the people I met at the World Baseball Classic, he was the happiest to be there.  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Curtis Granderson is the truest friend of the game.

Breeders Cup weekend - will it answer questions or create them? posted by Jan Hoadley

Breeders Cup weekend started yesterday with an incredible performance in the Marathon. The gritty 9 year old Cloudy's Knight loped to the lead coming out of the turn and looked to be a winner until Man of Iron loomed on the inside. Coming out of the turn it shows what this weekend is all about. Both horses dug down for every ounce of energy they had and it took a photo to separate them. Perhaps Cloudy's Knight didn't see the challenger in time but the gutsy old guy fought back not giving up and driving back desperately.

 Yesterday was "ladies day" with features that included some of the top fillies. We saw the two year old She Be Wild get the Breders Cup Juvenile fillies while Midday captured the Filly & Mare Turf. Some said the Ladies Classic would be less than normal without Zenyatta, but such was not the case. Careless Jewell opened up to roll away from the field but couldn't hold on. Her strides shortened on the turn and in the stretch Life is Sweet romped to the front opened up by daylight - awesome race.

 Today are some bigger questions. Will Zenyatta beat the boys is the biggest with one of the most exciting Classic fields in some time. If she does it seems she's certainly earned Horse of the Year. I know Rachel Alexander has done a lot and at this point - BC morning - the 3 year old filly has credentials for the honor. She's done all that has been asked of her. She's set records. However, if Zenyatta should win the Classic, she would too. Beating the best in the world - I think she's a wrap for older mare as is Rachel for 3 year old (mare and top 3 year old) - but the Classic is where Zenyatta really has little to lose. If she wins she's the reigning queen. If she doesn't she's still the best older mare. Many believe this is a big step up but that's where we find the best.

The Thoroughbred World Loses Legends posted by Jan Hoadley

It's been a tough month for champions in the TB world. As mentioned in a previous post Gone West was lost. The others are also major horses that have left fans reeling.

 There's the loss, to a heart attack in his pasture, of popular sire El Prado of the 21st.

On the heels of hearing that was news of Summer Squall being euthanized due to age. Summer Squall chased Unbridled in one of the most memorable Derby races of all time. Summer Squall came back in the Preakness to the race that defined the gutsy race horse.

Sitting fourth down the backside Summer Squall put it in gear with Unbridled on the outside as they sat down for a drive and they collared the leader with Unbridled and Summer Squall head to head for several strides  then drawing off to an impressive win.

Today news came of two more major losses in Cryptoclearance and Kona Gold.

Cryptoclearance maybe didn't win a Triple Crown but he was always right there knocking at the wire. Now 25 he had a heart attack from complilcations following colic surgery.

Continue reading "The Thoroughbred World Loses Legends"

5 Top True Sports Movies posted by Jan Hoadley

The best sports movies can vary. What sport you like makes a difference too! There's classics like Chariots of Fire and underrated like Prefontaine and can't miss Friday Night Lights. For the horse racing fan there are special movies too. The five best in my opinion are not only for the horses they represent but the larger than life story around them. In no particular order, check these out!  ( MORE)

We're Seeing History posted by Jan Hoadley

Rachel Alexandra won the Woodward Stakes today in a smoking time of 1:48.1 holding off a hard charging Macho Again. She still has critics. She has won from coast to coast, at the top, against fillies, against 3 year olds, now against older horses. She has a perfect, unblemished season. She's been criticized she didn't "work for it" in some races - can't be said for the Woodward. There were several gunning for her waiting for a mistake from the three year old filly who dared tread outside her gender AND age! It's criticized she won't be at the Breeders Cup but it seems like unless something spectacular happens then she's done everything she needs to do for Horse of the Year, top 3 year old, top 3 year old filly and only Zenyatta arguably could stand between her and a clean sweep to best female running.

 For many racing isn't about the Pick 6 or the Daily Double. Many who enjoy a good horse never bet a trifecta and wouldn't think of dropping a hundred dollar bet on horses betting. They're no less important to the sport. No female has won the Woodward - ever! The word "great" and "legend" is bantered about too often.

 This is an incredibly special horse. She's running on level with speed figures of Sunday Silence, she's maybe not against Derby winners as Slew/Affirmed challenged..but is that her fault? Where is last year's Derby winner? What should she prove?

Human nature wants to push the limits. By pushing limits we find how good a horse is but each time is a risk. While many criticize for not running Rachel in the Breeders Cup due to the poly track recent studies shows it's a very real risk indeed! If a horrific breakdown occurs is it worth it to see her and Zenyatta? The answer in hindsight is always no and accusations of greed and cruelty - but before hand people scream for speed. Foolish Pleasure and Ruffian. Bayakoa and Go For Wand.

Great Sports Moments in Horse Racing posted by Jan Hoadley

 Horse racing has some of the highest highs and the lowest lows. There are stories that are quite unlike other sports because the main players do not care about prize money or earnings and have no concept of retirement. The horses themselves either have the will to run and compete or they don't, and if they don't there is no amount of whipping that will make them be a champion.

In looking for the best moments in the sport several come to mind not only for the horses themselves but the people around them.

Continue HERE.

Tips For Betting The Ponies posted by Chris Johnson

In the world of horse racing, many people chose to watch the races for the excitement. There are the novice horse wager, who will choose a horse to bet on, by their appearance. When it comes to the more seasoned veteran of horse gambling, they take an even broader approach to choosing a winning horse. Now there are those who look at just the winning horse, the top two, or the tri-vecta (top three).

There are several books on the market to help teach a “system” of betting on the results in horse racing. Then there are those who choose to create there own “system” that works for them.

When it comes to horse racing, there is no “sure-fire” way to pick the winning horse every time. To choose the horses that are more likely to win a race, there are several factors to consider. How did the horse perform in its last race, its last 5 races, its last 10 races, the jockey, the weather, the turf, etc. All of these factors come into play, when a person bets their “hard-earned” money on a horse race.

First, let’s get ourselves a racing form, not the free racing forms at the horse track, but the Daily Racing Form. This will give us more information to make our chooses by. Look at the last 10 races the horses competed in. Some will say the best place in handicapping the horses is to look at the trainer and jockey. Though checking our the trainer and jockey is a part of the process, it’s the horse that really matters.  

When checking the last 10 horse races, you have to keep in mind the amounts of money the horses competed for. This helps to determine the higher-grade of horse you’re looking at. Higher rated horses usually have a determining factor in the outcome of other horse races. If the horse competed against higher earning horses, and lost, then that information aides in determining the horses ability to win. Look at the finishing position and speed figures, this will aide you in the determining factors or the race. Always attempt to not bet on horses that are moving up in grades. These horses have a more difficult time adjusting to the tempo or pace, of a higher-grade race.
Continue reading "Tips For Betting The Ponies"

top female thoroughbred athletes posted by Jan Hoadley

"The best female athletes in horse racing warrant attention as much as the colts as in most cases the best challenged and beat the colts. Among the greatest fillies in the sport of horse racing is one that complete statistics can't be given and two that died doing what they were bred to do  - run" (MORE HERE)Continue reading "top female thoroughbred athletes"

Win for M'lou takes feature race at Del Mar (AP)

Win for M'lou defeated Pink Diamond by three-quarters of a length to win the $54,000 Del Mar Kiwanis Purse on Thursday at Del Mar. Ridden by Victor Espinoza, Win for M'lou covered 5 furlongs on the turf in :56.03 and paid $61, $16.80 and $6.40 as the 29-1 longshot in a field of seven older fillies and mares. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Queen of the Creek, Awesome Maria win at Saratoga (AP)

Queen of the Creek and Awesome Maria won 1-mile divisions of the Riskaverse Stakes for 3-year-old fillies on the turf at Saratoga Race Course on Thursday. Queen of the Creek, ridden by Julien Leparoux and trained by Tom Proctor, led from the start and won by 3 1/2 lengths with a time of 1:33.94. She paid $10.40, $4.90 and $4.40, and earned $42,000 for owners Timothy B. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

One More Laugh picked as favorite for Cane Pace (AP)

One More Laugh was made the morning-line favorite for the $300,000 Cane Pace on Labor Day at Freehold Raceway. The winner of the Meadowlands Pace, One More Laugh drew the No. 1 post position and was made the 2-1 favorite for the opening leg of pacing's Triple Crown for 3-year-olds. Driver Tim Tetrick will handle the gelding. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Santa Anita moves its fall meet to Hollywood Park (AP)

Hollywood Park will host the Oak Tree meet traditionally run at Santa Anita beginning Sept. 30. The Oak Tree Racing Association decided to move from its home since 1969 in Arcadia across town to Hollywood Park because of uncertainty about the condition of the main track at Santa Anita. The 42nd Oak Tree meet will run through Oct. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Hi Ho Yodeler wins at Del Mar (AP)

Hi Ho Yodeler beat Lucky Sis by three lengths in the $100,000 Generous Portion for 2-year-old fillies at Del Mar on Wednesday. Hi Ho Yodeler, ridden by Patrick Valenzuela, ran six furlongs in 1:11.51 and paid $32, $15.40 and $10.20. Lucky Sis returned $40.40 and $15, and Miles Rules paid $4.60. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports