Bailey, Sunshine Millions, Handicapping, NTRA Widget

Well after suffering through a week in Denver on business without access to TVG, I missed the Eclipse awards but looks like no surprises there. Nice week-end watching the Sunshine Millions even if the telecast was delayed by NHL OT (which was exciting too). Tough loss for Jerry Bailey and he got a kick in the Paddock by Silver Tree, basically saying don't let the stall door hit you on the way out, somewhat humbling one of the greatest jockeys of all time who took it all in stride with the grace you would expect of an experienced pro. Not such a good day for yours truly who liked Buzzards Bay. And finally, I think I would like to keep honing my "skills" as a handicapper and maybe enter a qualifier for the DRF Handicapping Challenge at Keeneland as that looks like a lot of fun in Vegas! And finally, if you haven't tried out the desktop "widgets", the NTRA has one that works well and I am actually test driving it without problems so far.

Well Armed, another Derby hopeful to add to the list

WinStar Colt, Well Armed, son of Tiznow, wins big in Dubai, now being pointed toward the Derby.
According to reports the colt ran very well in a huge, 16 horse field and had no problem with the 1 1/16 mile distance. Might be worth keeping an eye on this fella. By the way, want to see an absolutely fantastic racing website, check out Emirates Racing

Jerry Bailey's Retirement Imminent

Well my daughter's favorite jockey will make it official and retire from the rack on Jan. 28. She read his recent book and really enjoyed learning how he overcame his problems and became one of the best jockeys of all time. Personally, I find it nothing short of miraculous that he has so few injuries during a 31 yr. career! If you ever climbed on the back of a 1,000 lb 16HH Thoroughbred even to just canter around the field, you begin to appreciate the athleticism and concentration that is required of a jockey. Then match that with the astounding success someone like Jerry Bailey has had and you can only be in awe.
Photo from Copyright 2005 Associated Press. All right reserved.

Brother Derek wins San Rafael

California bred Brother Derek outlasted a late charge from Stevie Wonderboy. This was the first 2 turn race for Stevie Wonderboy and he was closing but Brother Derek gamely dug in down the stretch and both horses looked prime for 1 1/16 mile test on down the road to the Derby. Full story and photos at NTRA

San Rafael Stakes--Small but interesting field

Stevie Wonderboy, ridden by Garrett Gomez looks to take a big first step of 2006 toward the first Saturday in May. Brother Derek, with Alex Solis aboard, is the odds on challenger. The only other horse getting any press is the Bob Baffert trained Wanna Runner who is expected to be the pacesetter. Interesting race but not a great value to bet due to such a short field of 6. Also, worth watching to see Merv Griffin's reaction. Merv is fun to watch because he is clearly excited just to be at the track, and we can all relate to that! Horsephotos.com

KY Derby Site 2006 is Up!

Oh it's on! Derby preps this week-end, the 2006 Derby site is up and the first Future wager pool is mere weeks away. I can almost feel Spring in the air! (especially since we had a couple of 60 degree days this week---no global warming here, nothing to see...move along!)
POOL 1 - Jan. 26-29
POOL 2 - March 2-5
POOL 3 - April 6-9

Saint Liam: HOTY?

Saint Liam checking me out at Lane's End Farm during their Annual Stallion Open House last Saturday. He looks like he is in fine shape and ready for his freshman breeding season. I think he showed a lot of heart in all of his races and with the win in the BC, I think he is the 2005 Horse of the Year. Looks like we'll know as the 35th annual Eclipse Awards are just around the corner and will be televised again this year on TVG.

Hello Horse Racing Fans

Apparently you are not watching any races right now? Well, being dead winter here, there is still a lot going on. Foals are starting to drop all around the BlueGrass, like Smarty Jones first offspring.
The Keeneland January Sale set a record with over $68 Million worth of horses sold this week!

I am hoping to use this blog to keep up with the Derby Trail, focus on the Keeneland meets, where you will find my attention during April and October every year.