Upwardly-mobile filly coming off a late-running win over the sharp return winner Unworldly Heat was tucked in nicely behind the speed while along the rail in this 6-furlong turf affair, moving well and ready to pounce into the lane but found herself trapped behind horses as the hole never opened for her. In fact, she tried to force her way out around midstretch, bumping hard with another horse and losing all of her own momentum in the process (she was subsequently DQ'd into last, i believe). Looked to handle the turf quite well, and can clearly handle the same type of company with a clean trip. Would definitely have some interest in a similar spot.
Half-brother to Midnight Lute got bet down to 8/5 for his debut (from a 7/2 ml), and ran extremely well despite breaking sideways and being off very slowly. Made a strong sustained run to gain a striking position on the turn, but lost some more ground while angling wide into the stretch and then flattened out just a bit from his early efforts. Likely would've won the race with a clean break, i think.
No fluke either, as this was the sale-topping colt from the March Barrett's sale, bringing $650k despite coming from a sire with only a $7,500 stud fee (Arkansas Derby winner Sir Cherokee). Obviously, the female side (i.e. Midnight Lute) played a large part in that price, but Captain Cherokee had breezed a furlong in 10.1 at the under-tack show, and clearly made quite an impression at the sale.
Fine turf sprinter for Gallagher was at a bit of a disadvantage here with the race being transferred to the main track, yet showed good early speed along the inside while being steadied repeatedly behind the leader while racing down the backstretch. Encountered even more traffic into the lane, and appeared to have some horse left though she never got into the clear. Should improve next time out when turf-sprinting over a firm surface.
3yo firster for Ron Ellis was well-bet in his debut, and responded with an incredibly impressive effort, unquestionably one of the best debut runs i've ever seen. Shot straight to the lead from the outside post after breaking sharply, and raced clear on the front end while setting solid fractions. He really began to impress once turning for home however, extending his lead while never being asked for run, posting a ridiculous five-furlong split of 55.96 before hitting the wire in 1:07.96 with the rider sitting chilly. Scary to think what he could've done with some encouragement in the lane.
He's contined to train well since that race, and i expect he'll be entered pretty soon. Figures odds-on vs. any kind of first-level allowance company, but if he stays healthy, this horse is going places. Definitely one to keep an eye on.
4yo gelding was claimed out of his debut by a guy who rarely does any claiming at all (Rafael Martinez), then was switched to grass and stretched out to two turns in a race where he couldn't be claimed (maiden special weight). Blinkers on here, and as opposed to breaking slowly as he did in his debut, Figeac broke well but also seemed to leap in the air with his head up shorty after the break. Despite that, he moved right up to take the lead into the first turn, but again began throwing his head around and then started drifting very badly toawrds the outer rail. All the while, he was in complete run-off mode and ended up about 7 lengths in front down the backstretch despite all the problems. The fractions were very fast (as you might expect due to the run-off), a full two seconds faster to the half-mile than a couple of turf allowances at similar distances, also run early on the card. Despite all this, Figeac battled on gamely through the stretch even after being passed by the open-lengths winner Cavanal (who was the 7/5 favorite, btw), and managed to hold on for second in solid time (winner Cavanal received an 84 Beyer). Looks like a horse with a definite future if he can get past his mental shortcomings. Wouldn't surprise me to see the blinkers come back off next time.
Laurel import blew the start to be off last, then made a sharp move up the backstretch to challenge the leaders, then took command into the lane. Looked like she was gonna pull it off despite the trouble, but she fell apart late. Most likely it was due to her early exertions, but she stopped so suddenly I thought perhaps she might've hurt herself. Will be very interested to see if she returns to the worktab in a timely manner.
3yo firster for Ron Ellis was well-bet in his debut, and responded with an incredibly impressive effort, unquestionably one of the best debut runs i've ever seen. Shot straight to the lead from the outside post after breaking sharply, and raced clear on the front end while setting solid fractions. He really began to impress once turning for home however, extending his lead while never being asked for run, posting a ridiculous five-furlong split of 55.96 before hitting the wire in 1:07.96 with the rider sitting chilly. Scary to think what he could've done with some encouragement in the lane.
He's contined to train well since that race, and i expect he'll be entered pretty soon. Figures odds-on vs. any kind of first-level allowance company, but if he stays healthy, this horse is going places. Definitely one to keep an eye on.
Another super-impressive win by Rail Trip today. This horse can flat-out run.
3yo firster for Ellis hopped a bit at the break and was well off the pace despite having shown high speed in morning workouts. Moved up well along the inside to gain a striking position in the stretch, but found himself blocked behind a wall of horses while obviuously full of run. Finally found a seam late and exploded from between horses to win going away, really lengthening his stride once out into the clear. Looks like another big-time prospect for Ellis, who already has Rail Trip in the barn. Deputy Flyer seems more like a route prospect though, particularly being a son of Benchmark.
This Kimmel-trained colt is coming out of the same race as Cribnote (listed above). He was checked hard on the backstretch to lose ground, but incredibly was able to gather himself and move up strongly to take control of the race, posting a highly-impressive win. He was also flattered yesterday, when a work-partner named Break Water Edison scored a wire-to-wire win in Belmont's 4th race. Those two had worked heads-up together on June 6.
Laurel import blew the start to be off last, then made a sharp move up the backstretch to challenge the leaders, then took command into the lane. Looked like she was gonna pull it off despite the trouble, but she fell apart late. Most likely it was due to her early exertions, but she stopped so suddenly I thought perhaps she might've hurt herself. Will be very interested to see if she returns to the worktab in a timely manner.
Access Fee returned to win today, paying $3.60 @ Laurel
Half-brother to Midnight Lute got bet down to 8/5 for his debut (from a 7/2 ml), and ran extremely well despite breaking sideways and being off very slowly. Made a strong sustained run to gain a striking position on the turn, but lost some more ground while angling wide into the stretch and then flattened out just a bit from his early efforts. Likely would've won the race with a clean break, i think.
No fluke either, as this was the sale-topping colt from the March Barrett's sale, bringing $650k despite coming from a sire with only a $7,500 stud fee (Arkansas Derby winner Sir Cherokee). Obviously, the female side (i.e. Midnight Lute) played a large part in that price, but Captain Cherokee had breezed a furlong in 10.1 at the under-tack show, and clearly made quite an impression at the sale.
Fine turf sprinter for Gallagher was at a bit of a disadvantage here with the race being transferred to the main track, yet showed good early speed along the inside while being steadied repeatedly behind the leader while racing down the backstretch. Encountered even more traffic into the lane, and appeared to have some horse left though she never got into the clear. Should improve next time out when turf-sprinting over a firm surface.
Ashton Girl returned to run a good second down the hill yesterday @ 7/2.
The Horse That I Wrote About The Other Day Who Had A Trouble Trip And Ran Behind A Nice Horse"another Dance" Is Entered Saturday At Fairgrounds In The 1st Race At 6-1 With P Val Aboard.
Very speedy low-level claimer was projected to take the early lead here, and had gotten absolutely hammered on the toteboard, 7/2 on the morning line but off @ 6/5 odds. Appeared to lose all chance at the break when rearing badly and spotting the field several lengths, which found her running dead-last as opposed to being right up on the pace where she should've been. So in addition to the lost ground, which was substantial, she was also taken way out of her comfort zone. She refused to give up though and started making an eye-catching rally up the backside, going widest of all around the turn and losing even more ground in the process. She just kept on coming regardless, and looked for a few moments like she was actually gonna pull it off, but she ended up just missing by a head at the wire. Absolutely ten miles the best here.
3yo firster for Ellis hopped a bit at the break and was well off the pace despite having shown high speed in morning workouts. Moved up well along the inside to gain a striking position in the stretch, but found himself blocked behind a wall of horses while obviously full of run. Finally found a seam late and exploded from between horses to win going away, really lengthening his stride once out into the clear. Looks like another big-time prospect for Ellis, who already has Rail Trip in the barn. Deputy Flyer seems more like a route prospect though, particularly being a son of Benchmark.
Deputy Flyer ran poorly on Thursday and failed to hit the board.
Captain Cherokee, however, just won again on the step up to allowance company. Would be quite surprised if he isn't pointed at one of the major Derby preps now.
First time starter for Asmussen debuted around two turns vs. heavily favored barnmate Omniscient, quite similar to Asmussen barnmate Fierce Thunder who debuted around two turns when running a fine second to heavily favored barnmate Captain Cherokee. In fact, Total Gentleman had worked in company two straight times with Fierce Thunder prior to that one's debut run. More recently, Total Gentleman had worked in company twice in a row with Soul Warrior, yet another two-turn maiden winner from the Asmussen barn. Adding to the intrigue here was the fact that Asmussen's top rider Bridgmohan was getting off the favored Omniscient (whom he had ridden previously) in order to ride Total Gentleman here.
In the race itself, Total Gentle broke well but took back along the rail into the first turn, and was pretty much buried in traffic along the rail all the way down the backstretch. He was clearly well in hand, and at one point began to move up noticeably but simply had nowhere to go and ended up getting shuffled back again. Entering the far turn he was still under a snug hold while waiting for room, then he attempted to come out for some racing room into the lane and challenge the leader but was still in tight and ended up bumping with another horse pretty hard while Omniscient was taking command of the race from the outside. Once finally out into the clear, Total Gentleman continued to rally while going clear for second, but Omniscient was already gone at that point and the race was over. Not sure if he would've wo with a clean trip, but it ceratinly would've been much closer. Very fine performance here from a first-time starter attempting two turns, and it's definitely worth noting that ALL of the barnmates mentioned above (Fierce Thunder, Captain Cherokee, and Omniscient) broke their maidens in a two-turn race at Fair Grounds in start #2. No doubt that Total Gentleman will be extremely live next time out.
European import for Gallagher was staliing the pace from close up along the inside while noticeably rank in the early going, and maintained a striking position into the stretch while appearing to have some run left, but just got buried behind horses as a hole never really opened up for her. She was getting shuffled back thru the lane and even had to check slightly at one point. Her effort seems much better-than-looked, and as mentioned she also seemed a little too fresh down the backside, so hopefully the race took some edge off and she'll be set for a top effort next time out.
Maiden-claimer for Periban was under a tight hold just off the lead while covered up in traffic, clearly full of run but simply had nowhere to go as he turned into the lane with a wall of horses fanned out in front of him. He attempted to swing out for room, but found only a tiny opening, and was tried to force his way through by leaning on the horse to his outside. He wasn't able to make it through, lost some momentum with the bumping incident and ended up getting steadied after that. Finally found a tiny bity of room late and was able to close the gap despite never being able to extend his stride, and ended up just a length or so behind at the wire. Cleary was much the best in here, and figures very tough vs. any kind of similar group next time.
First time starter for Asmussen debuted around two turns vs. heavily favored barnmate Omniscient, quite similar to Asmussen barnmate Fierce Thunder who debuted around two turns when running a fine second to heavily favored barnmate Captain Cherokee. In fact, Total Gentleman had worked in company two straight times with Fierce Thunder prior to that one's debut run. More recently, Total Gentleman had worked in company twice in a row with Soul Warrior, yet another two-turn maiden winner from the Asmussen barn. Adding to the intrigue here was the fact that Asmussen's top rider Bridgmohan was getting off the favored Omniscient (whom he had ridden previously) in order to ride Total Gentleman here.
In the race itself, Total Gentle broke well but took back along the rail into the first turn, and was pretty much buried in traffic along the rail all the way down the backstretch. He was clearly well in hand, and at one point began to move up noticeably but simply had nowhere to go and ended up getting shuffled back again. Entering the far turn he was still under a snug hold while waiting for room, then he attempted to come out for some racing room into the lane and challenge the leader but was still in tight and ended up bumping with another horse pretty hard while Omniscient was taking command of the race from the outside. Once finally out into the clear, Total Gentleman continued to rally while going clear for second, but Omniscient was already gone at that point and the race was over. Not sure if he would've wo with a clean trip, but it ceratinly would've been much closer. Very fine performance here from a first-time starter attempting two turns, and it's definitely worth noting that ALL of the barnmates mentioned above (Fierce Thunder, Captain Cherokee, and Omniscient) broke their maidens in a two-turn race at Fair Grounds in start #2. No doubt that Total Gentleman will be extremely live next time out.
Total Gentleman is entered @ Fair Grounds today, main-track-only. Might get in, as they're expecting rain today.
Comments
Upwardly-mobile filly coming off a late-running win over the sharp return winner Unworldly Heat was tucked in nicely behind the speed while along the rail in this 6-furlong turf affair, moving well and ready to pounce into the lane but found herself trapped behind horses as the hole never opened for her. In fact, she tried to force her way out around midstretch, bumping hard with another horse and losing all of her own momentum in the process (she was subsequently DQ'd into last, i believe). Looked to handle the turf quite well, and can clearly handle the same type of company with a clean trip. Would definitely have some interest in a similar spot.
Half-brother to Midnight Lute got bet down to 8/5 for his debut (from a 7/2 ml), and ran extremely well despite breaking sideways and being off very slowly. Made a strong sustained run to gain a striking position on the turn, but lost some more ground while angling wide into the stretch and then flattened out just a bit from his early efforts. Likely would've won the race with a clean break, i think.
No fluke either, as this was the sale-topping colt from the March Barrett's sale, bringing $650k despite coming from a sire with only a $7,500 stud fee (Arkansas Derby winner Sir Cherokee). Obviously, the female side (i.e. Midnight Lute) played a large part in that price, but Captain Cherokee had breezed a furlong in 10.1 at the under-tack show, and clearly made quite an impression at the sale.
Fine turf sprinter for Gallagher was at a bit of a disadvantage here with the race being transferred to the main track, yet showed good early speed along the inside while being steadied repeatedly behind the leader while racing down the backstretch. Encountered even more traffic into the lane, and appeared to have some horse left though she never got into the clear. Should improve next time out when turf-sprinting over a firm surface.
3yo firster for Ron Ellis was well-bet in his debut, and responded with an incredibly impressive effort, unquestionably one of the best debut runs i've ever seen. Shot straight to the lead from the outside post after breaking sharply, and raced clear on the front end while setting solid fractions. He really began to impress once turning for home however, extending his lead while never being asked for run, posting a ridiculous five-furlong split of 55.96 before hitting the wire in 1:07.96 with the rider sitting chilly. Scary to think what he could've done with some encouragement in the lane.
He's contined to train well since that race, and i expect he'll be entered pretty soon. Figures odds-on vs. any kind of first-level allowance company, but if he stays healthy, this horse is going places. Definitely one to keep an eye on.
4yo gelding was claimed out of his debut by a guy who rarely does any claiming at all (Rafael Martinez), then was switched to grass and stretched out to two turns in a race where he couldn't be claimed (maiden special weight). Blinkers on here, and as opposed to breaking slowly as he did in his debut, Figeac broke well but also seemed to leap in the air with his head up shorty after the break. Despite that, he moved right up to take the lead into the first turn, but again began throwing his head around and then started drifting very badly toawrds the outer rail. All the while, he was in complete run-off mode and ended up about 7 lengths in front down the backstretch despite all the problems. The fractions were very fast (as you might expect due to the run-off), a full two seconds faster to the half-mile than a couple of turf allowances at similar distances, also run early on the card. Despite all this, Figeac battled on gamely through the stretch even after being passed by the open-lengths winner Cavanal (who was the 7/5 favorite, btw), and managed to hold on for second in solid time (winner Cavanal received an 84 Beyer). Looks like a horse with a definite future if he can get past his mental shortcomings. Wouldn't surprise me to see the blinkers come back off next time.
Laurel import blew the start to be off last, then made a sharp move up the backstretch to challenge the leaders, then took command into the lane. Looked like she was gonna pull it off despite the trouble, but she fell apart late. Most likely it was due to her early exertions, but she stopped so suddenly I thought perhaps she might've hurt herself. Will be very interested to see if she returns to the worktab in a timely manner.
Another super-impressive win by Rail Trip today. This horse can flat-out run.
3yo firster for Ellis hopped a bit at the break and was well off the pace despite having shown high speed in morning workouts. Moved up well along the inside to gain a striking position in the stretch, but found himself blocked behind a wall of horses while obviuously full of run. Finally found a seam late and exploded from between horses to win going away, really lengthening his stride once out into the clear. Looks like another big-time prospect for Ellis, who already has Rail Trip in the barn. Deputy Flyer seems more like a route prospect though, particularly being a son of Benchmark.
Heads up.
Access Fee returned to win today, paying $3.60 @ Laurel
Bump.
Ashton Girl returned to run a good second down the hill yesterday @ 7/2.
Very speedy low-level claimer was projected to take the early lead here, and had gotten absolutely hammered on the toteboard, 7/2 on the morning line but off @ 6/5 odds. Appeared to lose all chance at the break when rearing badly and spotting the field several lengths, which found her running dead-last as opposed to being right up on the pace where she should've been. So in addition to the lost ground, which was substantial, she was also taken way out of her comfort zone. She refused to give up though and started making an eye-catching rally up the backside, going widest of all around the turn and losing even more ground in the process. She just kept on coming regardless, and looked for a few moments like she was actually gonna pull it off, but she ended up just missing by a head at the wire. Absolutely ten miles the best here.
Heads-up.
Captain Cherokee, however, just won again on the step up to allowance company. Would be quite surprised if he isn't pointed at one of the major Derby preps now.
First time starter for Asmussen debuted around two turns vs. heavily favored barnmate Omniscient, quite similar to Asmussen barnmate Fierce Thunder who debuted around two turns when running a fine second to heavily favored barnmate Captain Cherokee. In fact, Total Gentleman had worked in company two straight times with Fierce Thunder prior to that one's debut run. More recently, Total Gentleman had worked in company twice in a row with Soul Warrior, yet another two-turn maiden winner from the Asmussen barn. Adding to the intrigue here was the fact that Asmussen's top rider Bridgmohan was getting off the favored Omniscient (whom he had ridden previously) in order to ride Total Gentleman here.
In the race itself, Total Gentle broke well but took back along the rail into the first turn, and was pretty much buried in traffic along the rail all the way down the backstretch. He was clearly well in hand, and at one point began to move up noticeably but simply had nowhere to go and ended up getting shuffled back again. Entering the far turn he was still under a snug hold while waiting for room, then he attempted to come out for some racing room into the lane and challenge the leader but was still in tight and ended up bumping with another horse pretty hard while Omniscient was taking command of the race from the outside. Once finally out into the clear, Total Gentleman continued to rally while going clear for second, but Omniscient was already gone at that point and the race was over. Not sure if he would've wo with a clean trip, but it ceratinly would've been much closer. Very fine performance here from a first-time starter attempting two turns, and it's definitely worth noting that ALL of the barnmates mentioned above (Fierce Thunder, Captain Cherokee, and Omniscient) broke their maidens in a two-turn race at Fair Grounds in start #2. No doubt that Total Gentleman will be extremely live next time out.
European import for Gallagher was staliing the pace from close up along the inside while noticeably rank in the early going, and maintained a striking position into the stretch while appearing to have some run left, but just got buried behind horses as a hole never really opened up for her. She was getting shuffled back thru the lane and even had to check slightly at one point. Her effort seems much better-than-looked, and as mentioned she also seemed a little too fresh down the backside, so hopefully the race took some edge off and she'll be set for a top effort next time out.
Maiden-claimer for Periban was under a tight hold just off the lead while covered up in traffic, clearly full of run but simply had nowhere to go as he turned into the lane with a wall of horses fanned out in front of him. He attempted to swing out for room, but found only a tiny opening, and was tried to force his way through by leaning on the horse to his outside. He wasn't able to make it through, lost some momentum with the bumping incident and ended up getting steadied after that. Finally found a tiny bity of room late and was able to close the gap despite never being able to extend his stride, and ended up just a length or so behind at the wire. Cleary was much the best in here, and figures very tough vs. any kind of similar group next time.
Total Gentleman is entered @ Fair Grounds today, main-track-only. Might get in, as they're expecting rain today.