California Chrome's Friends Cheering him - Harris Farms

Stumbled upon a video of most of the people from Harris Farms (horse division) who helped raise California Chrome through the years watching his derby race. This video brings out all the emotions, the nervousness and the pure joy in these people as they see their homegrown colt compete and win the 140th Kentucky Derby.

If you enjoyed watching this feel free to share this post and also follow this blog for more regular updates on all things related to horse racing

Kentucky Derby 2014 Analysis

16 Intense Holiday is going to be our top pick at odds over 5-1. California Chrome (#5) is definitely the one that has the best showing and seems to be on the improving pattern.

We are going to box 16 Intense Holiday and  5 California Chrome for an exacta.

We are also going to attempt a trifecta box with these three. (5, 10, 16 Wildcat Red)

Intense Holiday seems to be the one good longshot play that might peak well at the right time and with the right trip

Chrome makes it look too easy so far so we are definitely rooting for him!


Wildcat Red is a real fighter and for that we want to give him a good chance!

May all the horses come home safe and wish you all a great Kentucky Derby!

That's Three Strikes - Rough Weather Churchill Downs

Churchill Downs - home of the Kentucky Derby is facing some rough weather - and it is not just the rain and wind kind of weather which helps "horses bred for the mud". They could be facing some chills now, with three major developments which seem to show CD's actions in a negative light.

In my personal opinion one of them clearly does show them in negative light. That is the treatment being meted out to Hall of Fame retired jockey Ron Turcotte (link).

There has been a press release by two time derby winning (now wheelchair using) retired jockey Ron Turcotte about the dismal treatment afforded to him at Churchill Downs.

"However, my most recent experiences at the track have tarnished my fond memories of Churchill Downs through the actions, or should I say inaction, of track management who has not provided me with either accommodation or parking access during (Kentucky) Oaks and Derby days. Being confined to a wheelchair since my racing accident in 1978, it is no easy feat to maneuver through the crowds that attend the Derby festivities. It becomes a nearly impossible task when there is virtually no assistance from the track."

Turcotte said that in 2012, despite being the subject of a National Film Board of Canada documentary being filmed at Churchill, he was denied any parking assistance by the track.

Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/84712/turcotte-issues-statement-against-churchill#ixzz30OegydzV

Source: Bloodhorse.com article

Further, some race horse owners running their horses in undercard graded stakes races are also speaking out about poor treatment being meted out to them.

What is wrong with this management group? No wonder racing is on the decline. They don’t have any regard for the owners, in my opinion. They are for themselves and the race track as I see it.
Not only do I feel that owners are treated like second class citizens by Churchill Downs, so too are the handicappers and everyday bettors. 

Source: Rick Porter (Fox Hill Farm) http://foxhillfarmstable.com/2014/04/28/churchill-made-an-irresponsible-mistake/

Then there is the the general discontent after the recent takeout increase.

Wagers on Win, Place, and Show were raised from 16% takeout to 17.5% takeout. On exotic wagers, the takeout increased from 19% to 22%. (source)

There is a boycott movement that is underway and vigorous discussions on this takeout increase and its repurcussions on horseplayer behavior (http://www.paceadvantage.com/forum/showthread.php?t=112989) and (http://www.horseraceinsider.com/John-Pricci/comments/04242014-horseplayers-to-churchill-downs-and-industry-wake-up)

While Churchill maybe run as an incorporated business, their management of their business model is turning away or infuriating many of their customers and partners, who are key to the business model.

What are your opinions and thoughts on these issues? Feel free to jump in and comment or share this post with others on social media if any of these topics are of interest to you. Keep it civil please.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kentucky Oaks - Friday May 2nd

Kentucky Oaks post positions are out.

1—Please Explain, Jose Lezcano, 50-1
2—Ria Antonia, Mike Smith, 10-1
3—Sugar Shock, Calvin Borel, 12-1
4—Rosalind, Joel Rosario, 8-1
5—Thank You Marylou, Julien Leparoux, 30-1
6—Kiss Moon, Victor Espinoza, 30-1
7—Fashion Plate, Gary Stevens, 6-1
8—Aurelia's Belle, Channing Hill, 50-1
9—Unbridled Forever, Robby Albarado, 12-1
10—Empress of Midway, Corey Nakatani, 50-1
11—My Miss Sophia, Javier Castellano, 8-1
12—Got Lucky, John Velazquez, 20-1
13—Untapable, Rosie Napravnik, 4-5

If the Track Condition is  FAST, then the analysis below should hold well.

>> While :13: Untapable is definitely the one to beat, I feel that :4: Rosalind can do very well in this race and even win it. This filly has closed off the pace on multiple occasions and has been close enough at the finish. Friday could be her day - I will take :4: if above 6-1 or Ex box it with :13:

Rosalind is ridden by Joel Rosario is right now the only real contender of value that I see in this field.

The other main contenders who I expect the crowd to bet on heavily would be :7: Fashion Plate and :11: My Miss Sophia. However, there will be at least one big longshot that I am still working on identifying.

Ghostzapper - A Powerful Inspiration

By the time I got involved with horse racing (in 2010), Ghostzapper (BC classic winner 2004, Horse of the year 04) had already retired from racing and has been active in stud duty. Once I discovered this champion, he has quickly risen to be the most inspiring athlete for me.

I have loved watching every one of his races and here I would like to share a few of the gems. From the fast closing victory in the Grade 1 Vosburgh...

to the tantalizing stretch battle with Saint Liam in the mile and 1/8th at the Gr I Woodward

to the absolutely sensational Breeder's Cup Classic (track record and stakes record) where he blows away a very talented field, Ghostzapper has always delivered, in style. The video below has extended post race coverage and trophy presentation included.

In 2005, he came back in the Gr 1 Metropolitan Handicap (Met Mile) to outclass competition.

He has definitely been one of the fantastic horses to be trained by Robert Frankel (aka Bobby Frankel) who has been immortalized by an unbeaten thoroughbred champion Frankel, in England. I almost forgot to add his superbly run Tom Fool Handicap which was run at a breakneck pace! 

Update

Recently I discovered some very interesting videos of Ghostzapper, hosted on Adena Springs (his owners' page). Titled, the "Ghost Series (opens in new window)", it conveys this champ's history with a new perspective of stories told around a campfire.