The race named for Hollie Hughes hasn’t been around all that long – only since 1979 – but it honors a man whose life in racing began 98 years ago, a man who worked for a stable – Stephen Sanford’s Hurricana Farm — that was racing at Saratoga as far back as 1880. The Sanfords’…
Santa Anita: The Grade II, $150,000 San Vicente at 7 furlongs #1 Let’s Get Crackin: Blinks come off after a solid run in the local San Pedro, so look for a little less speed from this gelding, who makes his first start for Dollase today. That last run was a huge improvement, figure-wise, so you…
Brian will be back later in the weekend with looks at the San Vicente and the Southwest. For his thoughts on racing beyond 3-year-olds, check him out Horseplayer Now. Golden Gate Fields: The Grade III, $200,000 El Camino Real Derby at 1 1/8 miles #1 Daddy Nose Best: Asmussen charge did some decent work on the…
It’s that time of year…the Derby preps have begun, the first Derby future pool has closed…and the Road to the Roses fantasy league has kicked off its 2012 season. I’ve chosen my fantasy stable (feel free to look at it so that you’ll know which horses to avoid), and the Brooklyn Backstretch Charity League is…
Gulfstream Park: The GII, $150,000 Hutcheson at 7 Furlongs #1 Tarpy’s Goal: Improving runner exits a sharp track and distance win over much lesser and steps up for the acid test today from a tough draw. Versatile enough to run from on or off the pace and with the speed to his outside he’ll likely…
In 2008, the Jockey Club announced a check-off program that would enable breeders and owners to contribute money towards Thoroughbred retirement with each horse that they registered. The program began on January 1, 2009. The registration form offers owner and breeders the opportunity to donate $25, $50, $75, $100 or an amount of their choice;…
On this weekend when a team that plays in New Jersey will be nominally representing New York in the Super Bowl, it seems only fitting that a race named for a man whose racing life was based in the Garden State will be run at Aqueduct. Like the New York Giants, David Withers got his…
Tampa Bay Downs: The Grade II, $250,000 Sam F. David at 1 1/16 miles #1 State Of Play (4-1 ML): Accomplished turf runner makes his 3yo debut and tries the main for the first time in an effort to see where he stands with the best of his generation. Sire War Front made quite a…
The Grade III, $200,000 Withers Stakes at 1 1/16 miles #1 Hakama: Impressed with a front-running score at Laurel to make it 2-for-2 withblinkers and at two turns, and he enters this much tougher spot as the “now horse” from a cozy rail draw. There’s other speed signed on, but with this advantageous draw, he…
Brian’s got his hands full this weekend with three major Derby preps. His analysis of the Grade III Withers at Aqueduct and Grade III Sam F. Davis at Tampa Bay Downs will be up later today and tomorrow. For more of Brian’s insights on New York racing, check him out at Horseplayer Now. Santa Anita:…
Brooklyn Backstretch 