Fair Grounds: The Grade II, $300,000 Risen Star at 1 1/16 miles #3 Afford: Homebred stretched out and scored off the layoff last time in his 3yo debut, and that’s hardly a surprise as he’s bred top and bottom to get a distance of ground. Drew well here and will save all the ground as…
OK, folks, the prep races start this weekend, so here’s last call to join the Brooklyn Backstretch Road to the Roses charity league for 2012. This is the fifth year we’ve done this year, and as in past years, the winner of our league will have a donation made in his or her name to the…
It’s late afternoon on a February Saturday in Saratoga, and the sun is low in the sky; the temperature hovers just above freezing, and a chilling wind sweeps through the deserted shedrows of the Oklahoma training facility. There’s not a horse or a human in sight. Describing the scene as “desolate” would be charitable. But…
Oaklawn Park: The Grade III, $250,000 Southwest at 1-mile (run in divisions) First division #1 Red Jack: Lukas charge hasn’t made an impact in two starts against winners this year over the local oval, and even though he drew well, this is a tough task; longshot. #2 Unbridled’s Note: Son of Unbridled’s Song impressed in…
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;…
Brooklyn Backstretch 