Sunday, August 9, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Opportunites galore as monster weekend is among us
Shared Account highlights a quintuplet of Colonial runners on Saturday in the Grade III $150,000 Virginia Oaks. The Oaks will be the second grass start of the three-year-old's career. In her first grass try, she ran third in the Perfect Sting over a yielding Belmont Park turf course. It is certainly plausible that she will move forward are her first time over firm ground. She was coming late that day and another angle to take is that she's appreciate the extra half furlong in the 1 1/8 miles event.
The gray-gelding Independent George will also take the southbound trip to Colonial in route to an appearance in the $50,000 Kitten's Joy stakes. Although the six-year-old has not won since May 2008, he is 7-for-9 career in the money at Saturday's distance of a mile. Edgar Prado is named to ride both Colonial stakes runners.
For Sally runs in the eighth race while For Passion and Spangled Star make their debuts.
Coming off a credible performance, Caprice returns after a freshening in the Grade III Robert Dick Memorial at Delaware Park.
The race sure has came up competitive as Winter View brings her three-race win streak to the table. Along with the Augustin homebred, the dangerous invader Astrologie for Christophe Clement will be there. Other main threats include Dyna's Lassie and Dress Rehearsal.
On Sunday, Sumo makes his return to the races in the Grade III Barbaro Stakes at Delaware. The 3-year-old Fusiachi Pegasus colt has not ran since the Tampa Bay Derby, and already has a second place finish in the Grade III Sam Davis on his resume. Drop A Line should make her presence felt in the Light Hearted Stakes on the same Sunday card. The daughter of Lemon Drop Kid will line up against eleven rivals.
The gray-gelding Independent George will also take the southbound trip to Colonial in route to an appearance in the $50,000 Kitten's Joy stakes. Although the six-year-old has not won since May 2008, he is 7-for-9 career in the money at Saturday's distance of a mile. Edgar Prado is named to ride both Colonial stakes runners.
For Sally runs in the eighth race while For Passion and Spangled Star make their debuts.
Coming off a credible performance, Caprice returns after a freshening in the Grade III Robert Dick Memorial at Delaware Park.
The race sure has came up competitive as Winter View brings her three-race win streak to the table. Along with the Augustin homebred, the dangerous invader Astrologie for Christophe Clement will be there. Other main threats include Dyna's Lassie and Dress Rehearsal.
On Sunday, Sumo makes his return to the races in the Grade III Barbaro Stakes at Delaware. The 3-year-old Fusiachi Pegasus colt has not ran since the Tampa Bay Derby, and already has a second place finish in the Grade III Sam Davis on his resume. Drop A Line should make her presence felt in the Light Hearted Stakes on the same Sunday card. The daughter of Lemon Drop Kid will line up against eleven rivals.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Handicappin' Better Talk Now's Fourth United Nations
He won this very same race four years ago, finished fifth in 2006 and ran third in 2007. "The Black Horse" will return to Monmouth Park for his fourth try in the Grade I $750,000 United Nations on Saturday July 4.
Better Talk Now, now 10-years-young will break on the outside of a field of nine 1 3/8 miles event. Among those entered for this year's United Nations include last year's winner and seven other graded stakes winners.
Here's the field:
1. Banrock: Tom Bush's New York-bred ran too well to lose last time, just three weeks ago in the $200,000 Monmouth over good ground. The six-year-old closed off a solid pace set by eventual winner Presious Passion to miss by a nose.
How he can help Better Talk Now: Has won on the lead before, although it was against New Yorkers. Hoping the connections notice the lack of speed and keep him closer to Presious Passion. Reality there is he probably is not fast enough to succeed in that front-running role. Likely to come from off the pace.
2. Strike A Deal: Reunited with C.C Lopez, whom he won the G II Red Smith under in November.
How he can help: Has shown decent early running ability, could be closer than normal. Missed by a neck in 2008's rendition, will have to be closer to reel in live front-runner.
3. Brass Hat: Won last time out in the Louisville Handicap at Churchill. Prior to that effort, eight-year-old had not been within a length of the winner since 2007. Will be way out of it early.
4. Spice Route: Roger Attfield trainee sports a competitive track record. 5-year-old son of King's Best likes to do his running late. Nearly caught Presious Passion while spotting him 22 lengths, at this distance over the winter on the speed-favoring Gulfstream green. Although this are the big boys, his style mirrors BTN's. Rival.
5. Court Vision: A bit of a Jekyll & Hyde type. Looked primed in the Manhattan, but seemed not at his sharpest. His win in G I Hollywood Derby jumps off the page, although he has missed out of the exacta in his next four. Gomez returns as regular rider Dominguez participates in Belmont's big day. Very capable. Only one question, which side of him will show up?
6. Lauro: The Herringswell wildcard. The German import COULD is disguised as the second half of BTN's entry. The speed he's shown can, in an ideal situation, keep P.P honest, leading to a pace scenario of BTN's liking. Won a G II in Canada last October on the lead in an absolute crawl. Disappointingly not involved pace-wise in the Manhattan. Hoping for a sharp break on Saturday and ideally challenge for the lead through the first nine-furlongs.
7. Presious Passion: The well-talked about six-year-old makes all his money on the lead. Still does not get the respect he deserves. His last three wins (all on the lead) came at 1 1/8, 1 3/8 and 1 1/2 miles. He didn't steal them either, setting his own pace of :46.1, 1:11 in the last two and :48 and 1:12.3 while going 12-furlongs. This race sets up for him pace wise. Hoping pal to his inside changes that theory.
8. Wesley: Has never won against this type of company but trainer Hennig is more than capable. His run in the Dixie was impressive. Should almost certainly appreciate the added distance.
9. Better Talk Now: Obviously holds the seniority of the group. That is well-documented. What seems to be dismissed is that this guy can still run. He ran well in his first start off substantial layoff in the Elkhorn at Keeneland. His Manhattan effort showed he was just stretching his legs at Keeneland. It was only last summer that he finished just 2 1/2 behind Red Rocks and Curlin in the Man O' War. Then 2 behind Saratoga-lover Grand Couterier. No doubt about it in best form since then and that trio does not show up here. That Manhattan effort sets him up nicely for this spot. Extra distance is crucial and will most likely not have to be 5-wide off-the-turn.
What he'll need: He needs somebody, Lauro comes to mind, to contend with Presious Passion for the lead. The latter does not need to go slow up front to win. Especially the way this race has came up. If something unexpected happens pace-wise, odds are it'll be a good thing. Good news is, the others should finally respect Presious Passion and not let him get out there the way he likes it. On the other hand, there is a lot behind the pace-setter on Saturday. BTN, Court Vision and Spice Route were not in the Monmouth Stakes last month.
Better Talk Now, now 10-years-young will break on the outside of a field of nine 1 3/8 miles event. Among those entered for this year's United Nations include last year's winner and seven other graded stakes winners.
Here's the field:
1. Banrock: Tom Bush's New York-bred ran too well to lose last time, just three weeks ago in the $200,000 Monmouth over good ground. The six-year-old closed off a solid pace set by eventual winner Presious Passion to miss by a nose.
How he can help Better Talk Now: Has won on the lead before, although it was against New Yorkers. Hoping the connections notice the lack of speed and keep him closer to Presious Passion. Reality there is he probably is not fast enough to succeed in that front-running role. Likely to come from off the pace.
2. Strike A Deal: Reunited with C.C Lopez, whom he won the G II Red Smith under in November.
How he can help: Has shown decent early running ability, could be closer than normal. Missed by a neck in 2008's rendition, will have to be closer to reel in live front-runner.
3. Brass Hat: Won last time out in the Louisville Handicap at Churchill. Prior to that effort, eight-year-old had not been within a length of the winner since 2007. Will be way out of it early.
4. Spice Route: Roger Attfield trainee sports a competitive track record. 5-year-old son of King's Best likes to do his running late. Nearly caught Presious Passion while spotting him 22 lengths, at this distance over the winter on the speed-favoring Gulfstream green. Although this are the big boys, his style mirrors BTN's. Rival.
5. Court Vision: A bit of a Jekyll & Hyde type. Looked primed in the Manhattan, but seemed not at his sharpest. His win in G I Hollywood Derby jumps off the page, although he has missed out of the exacta in his next four. Gomez returns as regular rider Dominguez participates in Belmont's big day. Very capable. Only one question, which side of him will show up?
6. Lauro: The Herringswell wildcard. The German import COULD is disguised as the second half of BTN's entry. The speed he's shown can, in an ideal situation, keep P.P honest, leading to a pace scenario of BTN's liking. Won a G II in Canada last October on the lead in an absolute crawl. Disappointingly not involved pace-wise in the Manhattan. Hoping for a sharp break on Saturday and ideally challenge for the lead through the first nine-furlongs.
7. Presious Passion: The well-talked about six-year-old makes all his money on the lead. Still does not get the respect he deserves. His last three wins (all on the lead) came at 1 1/8, 1 3/8 and 1 1/2 miles. He didn't steal them either, setting his own pace of :46.1, 1:11 in the last two and :48 and 1:12.3 while going 12-furlongs. This race sets up for him pace wise. Hoping pal to his inside changes that theory.
8. Wesley: Has never won against this type of company but trainer Hennig is more than capable. His run in the Dixie was impressive. Should almost certainly appreciate the added distance.
9. Better Talk Now: Obviously holds the seniority of the group. That is well-documented. What seems to be dismissed is that this guy can still run. He ran well in his first start off substantial layoff in the Elkhorn at Keeneland. His Manhattan effort showed he was just stretching his legs at Keeneland. It was only last summer that he finished just 2 1/2 behind Red Rocks and Curlin in the Man O' War. Then 2 behind Saratoga-lover Grand Couterier. No doubt about it in best form since then and that trio does not show up here. That Manhattan effort sets him up nicely for this spot. Extra distance is crucial and will most likely not have to be 5-wide off-the-turn.
What he'll need: He needs somebody, Lauro comes to mind, to contend with Presious Passion for the lead. The latter does not need to go slow up front to win. Especially the way this race has came up. If something unexpected happens pace-wise, odds are it'll be a good thing. Good news is, the others should finally respect Presious Passion and not let him get out there the way he likes it. On the other hand, there is a lot behind the pace-setter on Saturday. BTN, Court Vision and Spice Route were not in the Monmouth Stakes last month.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Absoulute Heaven, Shared Account turn Bold and Maiden Winners
Absoulute Heaven returned to a familiar course in Belmont Park's turf for the Sabellina, an overnight stake for New York bred older fillies and mares. The race was ran over a yielding turf course as the daughter of Not For Love was to break on the outside of six fillies on the Widener course.
The 5-year-old broke alertly and was accompanied by Follow My Dream to the lead. She tracked that one with composure until Jeremy Rose shook her up- without a whip, and asked for what she had left in the stretch. She had enough left over the bog to hold off all other challengers minus the accomplished Nehantic Kat for Barclay Tagg.
The second place finish for Absoulute Heaven was her first placing in a stakes race. In her last stakes try, she finished just 4 1/2 lengths behind winner Miss Lombardi while finishing eighth.
The following day, it was 3-year-old filly Shared Account's turn to invade the Belmont turf course. While trying green for the first time, the Pleasantly Perfect offspring plotted along while enduring some traffic trouble. Rose, again aboard had to alter her course in mid-stretch and swing outside. Her rally was good enough to grab third.
The Perfect Sting Stakes, a $65,000 overnight, was also the first time Shared Account had grabbed some bold print. The 3-year-old finished behind Dame Ellen and Strike the Bell.
On June 21, Peace Fire became the second of our bundle of 2-year-olds to break his maiden, doing so over the Colonial Downs turf course.
The son of Peace Rules did not show much and raced three wide on the turn behind mediocre fractions of 24.1 and 48.3. Jockey Sheldon Russell swung the juvenile to the four path at the head of the stretch and closed with determination to get up by a neck at the wire.
The colt, out of the Nijinsky II mare Miss Evans finished the 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:08.03.
Russell was aboard again for Turf Melody's maiden romp (our third juvenile) on June 26, again at Colonial. First time out, June 10 the $200,000 yearling purchase finished fourth at Delaware. Stretching out to 7 furlongs, the son of Maria's Mon shot to the front and never looked back leaving rivals in his wake. Russell and partner went on to win by 15 1/4 lengths in 1:23.46.
Zimmer, Cherokee Empire, Noah's Dream, Source of Humor and Zilva will each attempt to join the graduated threesome from Sunday through Wednesday.
The 5-year-old broke alertly and was accompanied by Follow My Dream to the lead. She tracked that one with composure until Jeremy Rose shook her up- without a whip, and asked for what she had left in the stretch. She had enough left over the bog to hold off all other challengers minus the accomplished Nehantic Kat for Barclay Tagg.
The second place finish for Absoulute Heaven was her first placing in a stakes race. In her last stakes try, she finished just 4 1/2 lengths behind winner Miss Lombardi while finishing eighth.
The following day, it was 3-year-old filly Shared Account's turn to invade the Belmont turf course. While trying green for the first time, the Pleasantly Perfect offspring plotted along while enduring some traffic trouble. Rose, again aboard had to alter her course in mid-stretch and swing outside. Her rally was good enough to grab third.
The Perfect Sting Stakes, a $65,000 overnight, was also the first time Shared Account had grabbed some bold print. The 3-year-old finished behind Dame Ellen and Strike the Bell.
On June 21, Peace Fire became the second of our bundle of 2-year-olds to break his maiden, doing so over the Colonial Downs turf course.
The son of Peace Rules did not show much and raced three wide on the turn behind mediocre fractions of 24.1 and 48.3. Jockey Sheldon Russell swung the juvenile to the four path at the head of the stretch and closed with determination to get up by a neck at the wire.
The colt, out of the Nijinsky II mare Miss Evans finished the 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:08.03.
Russell was aboard again for Turf Melody's maiden romp (our third juvenile) on June 26, again at Colonial. First time out, June 10 the $200,000 yearling purchase finished fourth at Delaware. Stretching out to 7 furlongs, the son of Maria's Mon shot to the front and never looked back leaving rivals in his wake. Russell and partner went on to win by 15 1/4 lengths in 1:23.46.
Zimmer, Cherokee Empire, Noah's Dream, Source of Humor and Zilva will each attempt to join the graduated threesome from Sunday through Wednesday.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Forgot to Stop
Last Saturday, No Use Denying (Maria's Mon) and Cherokee Queen (Cherokee Run) became stakes-winning mares while winning wire-to-wire in their respective contests.
No Use Denying graduated first. Originally carded for the turf, the John Rooney Memorial Stakes at Delaware was looking as tough as can be. Graded stakes winners and performers filled the $75,000 stakes. No Use Denying was in there fresh off her third level allowance score at Pimlico. Then the rain came. The turf fillies then scratched out like a lineup of Dominoes. With just three remaining when the gates opened, the 4-year-old pulled jockey Joe Rocco Jr. to the front and never looked back. She went on her own down the Delaware Park slop like she was flowing down Kirkwood highway in the flooded streets.
Shortly after, Cherokee Queen's race, the Possibly Perfect was also off the turf. However, this one was still on Arlington's unfazed synthetic surface; the big shooters were still running. On paper, the race had some accomplished fillies, but there was a common feature within the cast of performers. They all wanted no part of the pace. Neither had Cherokee Queen, until Saturday. Jockey Jesse Campbell shot Cherokee Queen out to the lead and wisely dropped the anchor immediately while setting snail-like fractions of 26.2, 52.4 and 1:17.3. The Mack Robinson homebred never looked back and was full of run, running by 5 1/2.
Congratulations to all connections.
No Use Denying graduated first. Originally carded for the turf, the John Rooney Memorial Stakes at Delaware was looking as tough as can be. Graded stakes winners and performers filled the $75,000 stakes. No Use Denying was in there fresh off her third level allowance score at Pimlico. Then the rain came. The turf fillies then scratched out like a lineup of Dominoes. With just three remaining when the gates opened, the 4-year-old pulled jockey Joe Rocco Jr. to the front and never looked back. She went on her own down the Delaware Park slop like she was flowing down Kirkwood highway in the flooded streets.
Shortly after, Cherokee Queen's race, the Possibly Perfect was also off the turf. However, this one was still on Arlington's unfazed synthetic surface; the big shooters were still running. On paper, the race had some accomplished fillies, but there was a common feature within the cast of performers. They all wanted no part of the pace. Neither had Cherokee Queen, until Saturday. Jockey Jesse Campbell shot Cherokee Queen out to the lead and wisely dropped the anchor immediately while setting snail-like fractions of 26.2, 52.4 and 1:17.3. The Mack Robinson homebred never looked back and was full of run, running by 5 1/2.
Congratulations to all connections.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Welcome to Herringswell, Kids..
Meet some of our 2009 2-year-olds...
Angel's Cove (bay filly)
By More than Ready, producer of our very own Saucey Evening. More than Ready's offspring seem to do very well over the turf.
You probably don't know: Angel's Cove is out of Minge Cove, who is a half sister to Mint. Who is Mint? The horse that dead-heated Secret Firm in the 1998 Amsterdam at Saratoga.
Cherokee Empire (brown colt)
You may not know: Is a full-brother to the familiar Cherokee Focus, who won four races.
Embraceable Blue (bay filly)
By the Canadian, Dance With Ravens.
Interesting: She is out of Hugsie, who is a half-sister to millionaire and juvenile filly champion Storm Song.
Fugitive Angel (bay filly)
She wins the award for most ties to Herringswell.
Try this one out: Her dam is Screening, who is out of Recording. Recording is a half sister to stakes performers Deal Making and Smart Bid. Recording is out of 1993 Diana Handicap winner, Ratings, who Graham galloped while working for Jonathan Sheppard. How about that?
Quechee (gray colt)
By Preakness and Belmont hero Afleet Alex.
More ties: Out of Tarika, who is a full-sister to Tikkanean. Tikkanean won the BC Turf for Jonathan Pease.
Smokey Slope (bay colt)
Another Classy Augustin: Closely related to Alice Springs, winner of the All Along Stakes. Alice Springs also finished second in the prestigious Beverly D. for Mr. Strawbridge.
Source of Humor (bay filly)
That's exciting: A full-sister to GI winner Commentator.
Straight Talk (gray colt)
Been around the block: Is a half brother to the productive handicap horse, Temporary Saint.
Taking A Chance (gray filly)
With the big girls: Is closely related to our Miss Lombardi.
Zilva (bay filly)
Come together: She is out of a sister to Smart Seattle's dam.
Now that you've learned more about some of our babies, catch up to our level of excitement. We are looking forward to these guys and gals making it to the races.
Angel's Cove (bay filly)
By More than Ready, producer of our very own Saucey Evening. More than Ready's offspring seem to do very well over the turf.
You probably don't know: Angel's Cove is out of Minge Cove, who is a half sister to Mint. Who is Mint? The horse that dead-heated Secret Firm in the 1998 Amsterdam at Saratoga.
Cherokee Empire (brown colt)
You may not know: Is a full-brother to the familiar Cherokee Focus, who won four races.
Embraceable Blue (bay filly)
By the Canadian, Dance With Ravens.
Interesting: She is out of Hugsie, who is a half-sister to millionaire and juvenile filly champion Storm Song.
Fugitive Angel (bay filly)
She wins the award for most ties to Herringswell.
Try this one out: Her dam is Screening, who is out of Recording. Recording is a half sister to stakes performers Deal Making and Smart Bid. Recording is out of 1993 Diana Handicap winner, Ratings, who Graham galloped while working for Jonathan Sheppard. How about that?
Quechee (gray colt)
By Preakness and Belmont hero Afleet Alex.
More ties: Out of Tarika, who is a full-sister to Tikkanean. Tikkanean won the BC Turf for Jonathan Pease.
Smokey Slope (bay colt)
Another Classy Augustin: Closely related to Alice Springs, winner of the All Along Stakes. Alice Springs also finished second in the prestigious Beverly D. for Mr. Strawbridge.
Source of Humor (bay filly)
That's exciting: A full-sister to GI winner Commentator.
Straight Talk (gray colt)
Been around the block: Is a half brother to the productive handicap horse, Temporary Saint.
Taking A Chance (gray filly)
With the big girls: Is closely related to our Miss Lombardi.
Zilva (bay filly)
Come together: She is out of a sister to Smart Seattle's dam.
Now that you've learned more about some of our babies, catch up to our level of excitement. We are looking forward to these guys and gals making it to the races.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Successful May Is Complete, Weather & Horses Heat Up
May 2009 was a positive one on the Herringswell front as 15 races were won. It was a busy month as well. Those races were won at six different tracks with 14 different horses, Amie's Legend being the repeat winner.
Bullsbay got the month off to a smashing start with his gutsy win in the May 1 Alysheba at Churchill Downs. We'll see him next in the June 13 Stephen Foster Handicap.
Dancerama broke her maiden at Delaware Park on the fifth, in her second try by 7 1/2 lengths. Amie's Legend won in allowance company at Delaware Park, then fired back to beat fellow Maryland breds in a $50,000 stakes at Pimlico. Magger Bags won easily at Presque Isle Downs for her first Herringswell score, she seemed to enjoy the Tapeta footing up in Erie, Pa. No Use Denying scampered home impressively to add to her consistent resume. While Salsa Star broke her maiden in equal fashion, on the same afternoon, routing for the first time.
Luminaire Mystique took a Philadelphia Starter Allowance in her first start under Graham's eye. Undisputed Legend broke her maiden at Pimlico, and will move up accordingly.
Kurbat won his first North American stakes at Philadelphia Park in $75,000 MGK 102.9 Stakes. The Chilean bred, had won a Grade I in his homeland.
Minutes after Kurbat's score, Molly Moon demolished a group of $15,000 claimers at Presque Isle Downs. The daughter of Malibu Moon went on to win by 12 lengths.
Moving Violation and Silver Reunion gave us two winners on the 26th at Philadelphia and Delaware respectively. Silver Reunion had broke her maiden at 2 over Saratoga's main track, and won against winners while routing for the first time.
Shared Account won for the second time against winners in an optimistic performance at Delaware Park. The 3-year-old showed guts coming up the rail in her return-to-form performance. The following day, Promulgation broke her maiden traveling 1 1/16 miles over the Arlington turf to put a cap on the month's winners.
Bullsbay got the month off to a smashing start with his gutsy win in the May 1 Alysheba at Churchill Downs. We'll see him next in the June 13 Stephen Foster Handicap.
Dancerama broke her maiden at Delaware Park on the fifth, in her second try by 7 1/2 lengths. Amie's Legend won in allowance company at Delaware Park, then fired back to beat fellow Maryland breds in a $50,000 stakes at Pimlico. Magger Bags won easily at Presque Isle Downs for her first Herringswell score, she seemed to enjoy the Tapeta footing up in Erie, Pa. No Use Denying scampered home impressively to add to her consistent resume. While Salsa Star broke her maiden in equal fashion, on the same afternoon, routing for the first time.
Luminaire Mystique took a Philadelphia Starter Allowance in her first start under Graham's eye. Undisputed Legend broke her maiden at Pimlico, and will move up accordingly.
Kurbat won his first North American stakes at Philadelphia Park in $75,000 MGK 102.9 Stakes. The Chilean bred, had won a Grade I in his homeland.
Minutes after Kurbat's score, Molly Moon demolished a group of $15,000 claimers at Presque Isle Downs. The daughter of Malibu Moon went on to win by 12 lengths.
Moving Violation and Silver Reunion gave us two winners on the 26th at Philadelphia and Delaware respectively. Silver Reunion had broke her maiden at 2 over Saratoga's main track, and won against winners while routing for the first time.
Shared Account won for the second time against winners in an optimistic performance at Delaware Park. The 3-year-old showed guts coming up the rail in her return-to-form performance. The following day, Promulgation broke her maiden traveling 1 1/16 miles over the Arlington turf to put a cap on the month's winners.
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