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.
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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.

Movie about Barbaro (2006 Kentucky Derby Winner)

Here is a movie on vimeo about the 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro (a Dynaformer colt). Rest in peace Barbaro. Two weeks after the Derby, Barbaro injured his leg running in the Preakness and after several months of struggle, finally left this earth. His story is chronicled in this HBO movie.

Barbaro (HBO 2006) from Morrealefilms on Vimeo.

Special credit goes to from Morrealefilms PLUS  for uploading this! 

First foals from many stakes winners

Many wonderful (horsey) athletes who went to stud last year have been working and covering mares and the results are just coming in! Here are some that I wanted to share.

This week I have seen a spate of foals being reported from Union Rags, Astrology (my 1st bet ever- Preakness)

1. Union Rags - Belmont 2012 winner. http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/82947/union-rags-first-foal-is-a-colt

2. Astrolgy - Iroqouois winner 2010 and Preakness 3rd 2011. http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/82942/first-foal-for-graded-stakes-winner-astrology

3. I''ll Have Another (Santa Anita Derby, K Derby, Preakness 2012) has his first foal  http://goo.gl/GShPs7  (links to https://www.facebook.com/BIGREDFARM photo of "Big red farm" in Japan.

4. Also this horse named Frankel had a foal (just kidding, Frankel is the real superhorse with an undefeated career)
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/82832/first-frankel-foal-arrives-at-coolmore

5. To Honor and Serve (had a filly): http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/82766/to-honor-and-serves-first-foal-is-a-filly

I remember that Tapizar, Dialed In and Stay Thirsty also had first foals recently so I just wanted to acknowledge some of the new beginnings :) The links above may be mostly first foals for all these guys who I have followed, but feel free to share any others you like! It is always good to learn about pedigree crossings.