Horse Racing: Sat. Belmont's card (post #1134), NBC coverage begins at 4:30 pm ET

MiamiScreamingEagles · Apr 8, 2017

WOOD MEMORIAL STAKES (GRADE II)

What: A Kentucky Derby prep race worth 100 points to the winner.
History: First run in 1925, the most recent winner of this race to go onto Churchill Downs and win the Kentucky Derby was Fusiachi Pegasus in 2000. Prior to that, it was the Johnny Campo- trained Pleasant Colony who became household names.
When: Saturday, April 8, 2017, Race 10 of 12, 5:52 pm Eastern Time
Where: Aqueduct Racetrack, Queens, New York
Distance: 1 1/8 mile
Surface: Dirt
Purse: $750,000
Runners (age, sex): Three-years-old, open
Preview article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/teresa...positions-and-morning-line-odds/#4f9ca9524cb0
Full card: http://www.equibase.com/static/entry/AQU040817USA-EQB.html
Television: Part of the NBCSN coverage from 5:30 p.m. ET - 7:30 p.m. ET.

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TOYOTA BLUE GRASS STAKES (Grade II)

What: A Kentucky Derby prep race worth 100 points to the winner. A small but talented field. Chad Brown and Todd Pletcher square off with talented colts against the acclaimed McCracken.
History: The most recent winners of this race to go onto victory in the Kentucky Derby were Strike the Gold (1991) and Spectacular Bid (1979). There was an all-weather track for many years at Keeneland before reverting to dirt in 2015. It was a Grade I race in recent years prior to this running.
When: Saturday, April 8, 2017, Race 10 of 11, 6:17 pm Eastern Time
Where: Keeneland Racecourse, Lexington, Kentucky
Distance: 1 1/8 mile
Surface: Dirt
Purse: $1,000,000
Runners (age, sex): Three-years-old, open
Preview article: http://www.drf.com/news/mccraken-draws-post-2-blue-grass-made-7-5-morning-line-favorite
Full card: http://www.equibase.com/static/entry/RaceCardIndexKEE040817USA-EQB.html
Television: Part of the NBCSN coverage from 5:30 p.m. ET - 7:30 p.m. ET.

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SANTA ANITA DERBY (Grade I)

What: A highly talented field. 100 points goes to the winner of this race towards entry for the Kentucky Derby.
History: Three of the last five Kentucky Derby winners also won this race.
When: Saturday, April 8, 2017, Race 8 of 11, 4:12 p.m. Pacific Time, 7:12 pm Eastern Time (amended times)
Where: Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, California
Distance: 1 1/8 mile
Surface: Dirt
Purse: $1,000,000
Runners (age, sex): Three-years-old, open
Preview article: http://www.brisnet.com/content/2017/04/santa-anita-derby-attracts-competitive-field-13/
Full card: http://www.equibase.com/static/entry/SA040817USA-EQB.html
Television: Part of the NBCSN coverage from 5:30 p.m. ET - 7:30 p.m. ET.

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Vasilevskiy · Apr 8, 2017

Grand National today and nobody says anything?

Unbelievable race again, nothing that can top it IMO, fantastic show once again... and this time with the great news that no horse got injured

kducks · Apr 8, 2017

What an upset!

kducks · Apr 8, 2017

Victor with a great ride.

MiamiScreamingEagles · Apr 8, 2017

April 8, 2017

Aqueduct (New York):

In the 117th running of the Grade I Carter Handicap, a $400,000 purse, Chris DeCarlo, yes THAT Chris DeCarlo won a Grade I on board a 54-to-1 shot! One of my favorite options since he is a wily vet who rides so infrequently. And he beat Javier Castellano who rode a 4-to-5 favorite to second. The exacta returned $329.50 for a deuce and the win returned $110. The winning horse caught my eye because of DeCarlo, in his only ride of the day, but also the 7-year-old horse had 52 lifetime starts. How often do horses with 52 lifetime starts run in Grade I races?! And of course, we had to endure a dreaded inquiry which seemed unnecessary but you never know!
New Jersey-breds won consecutive races 9 and 10 and paid $646.00 for the double. I am not sure the last time New Jersey breds won consecutive graded stakes races in New York. That in itself is a story within a story.
In race 10, the Grade II Wood Memorial with its purse of $750,000, Irish War Cry returned to form and won though maybe not brilliantly certainly convincingly with a 4-length victory. He is now 4-for-5 lifetime. Battalion Runner set the pace but wasn't able to keep up with the eventual winner and faded to second.

Keeneland (Kentucky):

Keeneland should be on the bucket list of any racing fan. An impressive venue that was buzzing today. The overall handle exceeded $20,000,000 including over $2.3 million at the track which had over 32,000 spectators. The 11-race card featured five graded stakes including two Grade I races and one Kentucky Derby prep race.
How about the efforts of Joel Rosario and Mark Casse? The duo won races 6 and 7, the first two graded stakes races on the card. Rosario had three wins on the day. As I often say about Rosario, if he wins one early enough he will win later on the card. He is streaky and can frustrate many handicappers.
In race 8, the Grade I Madison, Jose Ortiz and Chad Brown teamed for a victory.
In race 9, the Grade I Ashland stakes, a $1 superfecta paid $9,540.40. The $2 Pick 3 paid $2,841.40. The $2 trifecta paid $4,028.40. All helped by a $46.40 winner ridden by Corey Lanerie and trained by Eddie Kenneally. The winning filly was 1-for-5 lifetime with the only prior win coming in her maiden race. She had never run in anything more than a $100,000 race.
In race 10, the Grade II Blue Grass, the $2 Pick 5 paid $256,412.80 or approximately $64,000 for a successful $.50 bet. Onto the race, what a shocker! Julien Leparoux, who is an excellent rider in the tracks of Kentucky, excelled on board a 31-1 shot. Irap, (now 1-3-1 in 8 races) ridden for Doug O'Neill, paid $64.60 for the win and made history as the first maiden winner of this race in its 93rd running. The return also was $1,022.60 for the trifecta. The connections with McCracken and Tapwrit suffered dearly but of course have time to recover. Practical Joke came in second.
Keep an extra eye on Todd Pletcher and Chad Brown runners at the meet. Brown was 1-2-2 in 5 starts which could be termed mediocre for him but still can be used to profit. Brown was 2-3-4 in 11 starts total at Aqueduct and Keeneland today.

Santa Anita (California):

The handle appeared to be over $21,000,000 upon first check. Attendance was over 36,000.
In the Grade I Santa Anita Oaks, Flavien Prat won on board Paradise Woods at 8-to-1 for Richard Mandella. This filly may be headed to the Kentucky Oaks. The Mike Smith/Bob Baffert 4-to-5 came in second place.
Gormley won the 80th running of the Santa Anita Derby and though he was hyped in some circles, still offered exceptional value at 6-to-1. Battle of Midway, my pick, led much of the race but fell to second. The exacta was a handsome $96.00 for $2. The field was a handicapper's dream, deep and many ways to prognosticate. Gritty win for the connections who should appreciate a victory in a big field which can only help for the 20-horse maelstrom that is the Kentucky Derby.
Junior Alvarado made a rare trip out west and in his solo ride of the day failed on board the favorite in a Grade II. Corey Nakatani had the winner.
After race 5, the $2 Pick 5 paid $73,789.60. The $2 Pick 4 returned $6,804.20.
In race 3, the $2 Pick 3 paid $1,720 and the $2 trifecta returned $1,557.70.

Gulfstream (Florida):

Luca, my boy! Luca Panici won three times and finished second in the finale which paid $7.60 for runner up. One of his wins, on a 6-to-1, came mere moments after the bomb rocked Aqueduct. Utterly fantastic!
Aby Medina, a 10-pound bug, won for just the second time in her career. The victory in race 8 paid $50.00.

Tampa Bay (Florida):

In race 6, an 8-to-1 beat a 65-to-1 for a $764.40 exacta, a $2,646 trifecta and a $1 super which returned over $10,000.

Laurel (Maryland):

The longest price on the board won the opener at 16-to-1.
A deadheat for the win in race 5. Rider Steve Hamilton, who was 3-1-1 in 9 starts, and trainer Linda Rice, who was 2-1-0 in 3 starts and continues her hot streak at the track, both had parts in the dead heat on opposing runners. Through Saturday, Rice is 18-5-5 in 33 starts which is 55% wins and 85% in the money.
Not a good day for Larry Jones whose two runners had the inside and outside slots in different races. Neither factored.

Parx (Pennsylvania):

Todd Pletcher shipping to Philly should be considered universally. However, while that theory applied, his rider missed the break and finished second. Pletcher is now 3-for-9 at the track.

Oaklawn (Arkansas):

In race 7, the $2 Pick 3 paid $3,488.80 and the $1 superfecta returned $22,209.20 with a $68.60 winner.
Trainer McLean Robertson did it again. One starter and a $12.20 winner.
In the $150,000 feature race, trainer Brad Cox who is one of the leading trainers at the meet, had a $21 winner. Cox is third in wins and has the leading winning percentage at 28% among those with 10 or more victories.

MiamiScreamingEagles · Apr 8, 2017

leaflover said:
Does anyone know if Om was retired?
He ran another race shortly after the BC Turf Sprint and nothing since. He may not win them all but he made them interesting.

A further update.

From what I understand at someone who follows Santa Anita, the connections decided to give Om a rest but the horse is not retired. My assumption is whatever workouts were held were less than satisfactory.

MiamiScreamingEagles · Apr 9, 2017

Dortmund has been retired. He has looked uncommonly uncomfortable the last couple of races.

April 9, 2017

Keeneland (Kentucky):

What a stretch duel in the opener between Joe Bravo, who won, and Jose Ortiz. Bravo won on a 9-to-1.
Javier Castellano/Shug McGaughey was scratched at the gate. It isn't often a McGaughey horse is scratched that close to a start.
Yoshida, a Japanese-bred, was very impressive under the guidance of Jose Ortiz/Bill Mott. A possible future in graded stakes races could be forthcoming.
In the Grade III $150,000 feature race, Sweet Loretta, owned by Vinny Viola's St. Elias Stables, won at 6-to-5 and appears ready to go forward. She had a terrible Breeders' Cup Juvy filly outing after three straight victories to begin her career. She is now 4-for-5.

Aqueduct (New York):

Chris DeCarlo won the opening race, that makes consecutive rides after the prior day's shocker.
Chris DeCarlo, in his third ride of the day, a high total for him, finished third in the finale. He finished with a fury after a horrible break from the starting gate. The race was delayed with two scratches at the gate and either the rider wasn't ready or there was another cause but a good break might have made the difference between a win or not.
Mike Luzzi finished second on a 13-to-1 and when paired with the winning 8-to-5 favorite, a decent exacta of $22 for $1.
The $2 Pick 5 paid $47,776 and the $2 Pick 4 paid $9,475.

Gulfstream (Florida):

Jorge Ruiz won the first three races. He had four total rides. He is generally new to the circuit, from Argentina. It is the time of the year when the lesser known riders will find the way to the winner's circle.
Tyler Gaffalione, who had considered a move to New York for this meet, has opted to stay. Indications are he could be first call rider for Todd Pletcher, Chad Brown and Christophe Clement.
Tyler Gaffalione was in the money in seven of eight races (8 2-2-3). He was DQ'd from second place while riding for Todd Pletcher in race 5 and dropped to fourth, his lone time out of the money (top three).
Luca Panici won on a 21-to-1 bomb, the second highest odds in race 9. When paired with runner up Tyler Gaffalione, the $2 exacta was $121.20.

Laurel (Maryland):

While sizzling trainer Linda Rice won in New York, she had an off day here. Her three starters went 0-1-0. One of the runners had 17 lifetime starts and tried turf for the first time but didn't rate.
Trevor McCarthy had three wins including one by about seven lengths.

Oaklawn (Arkansas):

The $2 Pick 5 paid $15,753.20 and the $2 Pick 4 $5,039.20 after race 9.

Santa Anita (California):

Flavien Prat won his first four races. He finished 4-0-1 in 6 starts.
Chantal Sutherland, who won Saturday, returned to the winner's circle today. She was 1-1-1 in three rides.

MiamiScreamingEagles · Apr 9, 2017

Updates with some runners:

Songbird could run at Santa Anita June 3.

ARCADIA, Calif. – Songbird, a two-time Eclipse Award winner, took her first serious steps toward returning to action with an easy three-furlong drill in 35.80 seconds early Sunday morning at Santa Anita. Exercise rider Edgar Rodriguez was aboard for the drill, in which Songbird went by herself, breaking off at the three-furlong pole. Santa Anita’s clockers had her going out a half-mile in 48.20 seconds. (source: Jay Privman, DRF)

Unique Bella rehabbing.

ARCADIA, Calif. –*Unique Bella, the top-ranked 3-year-old filly in the land before a recurrence of a shin injury sent her to the sidelines, will recuperate at the Pegasus Rehabilitation Center in Washington state, trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said Sunday morning at Santa Anita. (source: Jay Privman, DRF)

Lady Eli, Time and Motion, and Catch a Glimpse could run at Keeneland April 15

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Rush hour came late Sunday morning at Keeneland, as a multitude of turf stars worked for upcoming stakes engagements at the Kentucky track. The activity on the lawn was led by the star racemares Lady Eli, Time and Motion, and Catch a Glimpse, all targeting the Grade 1, $350,000 Jenny Wiley Stakes this coming Saturday. (Source: Nicole Russo, DRF)

Tepin is headed to Kentucky to resume training.

MiamiScreamingEagles · Apr 10, 2017

I haven't found an answer to my April 8 summary but the DRF has an article on what few seemed to notice at the time. New Jersey breds winning consecutive stakes races on any card is a rarity.

http://www.drf.com/news/jersey-breds-rock-over-weekend

Two New Jersey-breds won major stakes Saturday in their neighboring state of New York, with Green Gratto winning the Grade 1 Carter Handicap and Irish War Cry punching his ticket to the Kentucky Derby in the Grade 2 Wood Memorial.

The emergence of these two state standouts in the same year is more remarkable because, mirroring a nationwide trend, New Jersey’s foal crop has shrunk in recent years. According to The Jockey Club’s state fact book, 414 registered foals in the state were born in 1997. By 2010, the year Green Gratto was foaled, the crop was 237. In 2014, the year Irish War Cry was foaled, 118 registered foals were born in the state, representing 0.5 percent of the nation’s foal crop.

Two New Jersey-breds have won the Kentucky Derby: the filly Regret in 1915 and Cavalcade in 1934. The state is responsible for four Preakness winners and seven Belmont winners, including Preakness-Belmont winner Belmar in 1895. More recent standouts bred in New Jersey include Eclipse Award champion Open Mind, 1989 English 1000 Guineas winner Musical Bliss, and Grade 1 winners Classy Mirage, Jersey Girl, Missy’s Mirage, Sewickley, and Zoffany.

Soliloquy of a Dogge · Apr 10, 2017

When is Zenyatta's foal from Medaglia d'Oro due?

This is one I'm going to be carefully keeping my eye on for obvious reasons.

MiamiScreamingEagles · Apr 10, 2017

Soliloquy of a Dogge said:
When is Zenyatta's foal from Medaglia d'Oro due?

This is one I'm going to be carefully keeping my eye on for obvious reasons.

From what I understand, the period is 11 months. Zenyatta's staff has a website and it seems that July of last year was the confirmation. I would assume we should hear an announcement before July 2017.

http://www.zenyatta.com/news/zenyatta-in-foal-to-medaglia-doro

MiamiScreamingEagles · Apr 11, 2017

With the loss of Mastery, a top contender, this field has become unpredictable and wide-open. I didn't get a strong sense when the 2-year-olds ran, which isn't the norm. Classic Empire is scheduled to run this week. Here is a top ten Derby list from a TVG commentator:

(possible jockey/trainer)

1. Classic Empire -- Julien Leparoux//Mark Casse
2. Always Dreaming -- Johnny Velazquez/Todd Pletcher
3. Malagacy -- Javier Castellano/Todd Pletcher
4. Irish War Cry -- Rajiv Maragh/Graham Motion
5. McCracken -- Brian Hernandez, Jr./Ian Wilkes
6. Gunnevera -- Javier Castellano/Antonio Sano
7. Battle of Midway -- Corey Nakatani/Jerry Hollendorfer
8. Royal Mo -- Gary Stevens/John Shirreffs
9. Battalion Runner -- Johnny Velazquez/Todd Pletcher
10. Thunder Snow -- Christophe Soumillon/ Saeed bin Suroor

Meanwhile. Steve Haskin's Derby Dozen is as follows:

1. Always Dreaming -- Todd Pletcher
2. Irish War Cry -- Graham Motion
3. Gunnevera - Antonio Sano
4. McCracken - Ian Wilkes
5. Girvin - Joe Sharp
6. Classic Empire - Mark Casse
7. Practical Joke - Chad Brown
8. Gormley - John Shirreffs
9. Malagacy - Todd Pletcher
10. Royal Mo - John Shirreffs
11. Hence - Steve Asmussen
12. Irap - Doug O'Neill

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The entries will be announced mid-week but an early look at the Arkansas Derby (Oaklawn) on April 15 includes the following expected runners. The winner gets 100 points towards entry for the Kentucky Derby (full list in post #1 of this thread).

Classic Empire
Conquest Mo Money
Lookin At Lee
Malagacy
One Liner -- updated: will not run. Too bad, this horse intrigued me,
Petrov
Rockin Rudy
Silver Dust
Sonneteer
Untrapped

Untrapped and Lookin At Lee worked easy half-miles in :51 Sunday morning at Oaklawn for Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen in preparation for Saturday’s $1 million Arkansas Derby (G1), which headlines the closing-day program.
*
Untrapped and Lookin At Lee, who breezed over a fast track approximately an hour apart, are among 10 probables for the 1 1/8-mile Arkansas Derby, the country’s final major Kentucky Derby prep.
*
Also scheduled to run in the Arkansas Derby are Classic Empire, Conquest Mo Money, Malagacy, One Liner, Petrov, Rockin Rudy, Silver Dust and Sonneteer.
*
Owned by John Oxley and trained by Mark Casse, Classic Empire will be the sixth Eclipse Award-winning 2-year-old male to race at Oaklawn. The son of Pioneerof the Nile won 4 of 5 starts last year, highlighted by the $500,000 Breeders’ Futurity (G1) Oct. 8 at Keeneland and the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) Nov. 5 at Santa Anita.
*
In his only start this year, the Florida-based Classic Empire finished third in the $350,000 Holy Bull Stakes (G2) Feb. 4 at Gulfstream Park. Oxley, who campaigned 2001 Kentucky Derby winner Monarchos, purchased the colt for $475,000 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale.
*
Since the Eclipse Awards debuted in 1971, the 2-year-old male champions to run at Oaklawn are Fly So Free in 1992, Favorite Trick in 1998, Answer Lively in 1999, Lookin At Lucky in 2010 and American Pharoah in 2015. Favorite Trick (third), Answer Lively (elevated to fourth following Valhol’s disqualification) and American Pharoah (first) ran in the Arkansas Derby. Fly So Free ran in both the Razorback and Oaklawn Handicaps two years after his championship season, while Lookin at Lucky won the Rebel Stakes en route to also being named champion 3-year-old.

http://www.horseracingnation.com/ne...ee_put_in_final_works_for_Arkansas_Derby_123#

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Javier Castellano has to make a decision with a pair of possible runners. If Malagacy fizzles in the Arkansas Derby, I suppose Castellano will ride Gunnevera but if Malagacy shines, I would imagine that the rider sticks with Todd Pletcher.

Ian Wilkes, the trainer of McCracken, made it sound as if winning the Blue Grass was secondary to running a safe, healthy race in preparing for the Kentucky Derby. At least he said as much prior to the race which handicappers should have heeded based on the results. Mike Smith picks up Girvin as a possible Derby mount.

Jockey Brian Hernandez, Jr. is the regular rider for a pair of 3-year-old colts with enough points to enter the Kentucky Derby starting gate, and knew he would have to choose which to ride if both came through their final prep races without issue. According to drf.com, Hernandez ultimately made the decision to stick with the Ian Wilkes-trained McCraken, despite the son of Ghostzapper's third-place finish in the G2 Blue Grass Stakes.

“It was a really, really tough decision because both trainers and owners have been extremely loyal to me throughout the year,” Hernandez told The Courier-Journal. “It was one of those decisions that took a whole lot of time and a whole lot of talking with my agent. And we went with McCraken.”

John Velazquez (Always Dreaming and Battalion Runner) and Julien Leparoux (Classic Empire, State of Honor and Irap) also have two high ranked Derby contenders but their decisions seem less complicated as we enter the final Derby prep week. Johnny V. has two Todd Pletcher mounts, the connections can simply meet and decide. Leparoux has arguably the top Derby contender.

Soliloquy of a Dogge · Apr 12, 2017

MiamiScreamingEagles said:
From what I understand, the period is 11 months. Zenyatta's staff has a website and it seems that July of last year was the confirmation. I would assume we should hear an announcement before July 2017.

http://www.zenyatta.com/news/zenyatta-in-foal-to-medaglia-doro

Thanks again, MSE. I'm ashamed with myself at the moment. The big mare is one of my favorite horses of all time and I was completely unaware they had a website for her. I must live under a rock... :laugh:

Just praying the foaling goes well. Different circumstances and all but it was a shame that Rachel Alexandra's reproductive issues made her career as a broodmare such a short lived one and seeing Zenyatta lose two foals already has really sucked.

Soliloquy of a Dogge · Apr 12, 2017

MiamiScreamingEagles said:
With the loss of Mastery, a top contender, this field has become unpredictable and wide-open. I didn't get a strong sense when the 2-year-olds ran, which isn't the norm. Classic Empire is scheduled to run this week. Here is a top ten Derby list from a TVG commentator:

(possible jockey/trainer)

1. Classic Empire -- Julien Leparoux//Mark Casse
2. Always Dreaming -- Johnny Velazquez/Todd Pletcher
3. Malagacy -- Javier Castellano/Todd Pletcher
4. Irish War Cry -- Rajiv Maragh/Graham Motion
5. McCracken -- Brian Hernandez, Jr./Ian Wilkes
6. Gunnevera -- Javier Castellano/Antonio Sano
7. Battle of Midway -- Corey Nakatani/Jerry Hollendorfer
8. Royal Mo -- Gary Stevens/John Shirreffs
9. Battalion Runner -- Johnny Velazquez/Todd Pletcher
10. Thunder Snow -- Christophe Soumillo/ Saeed bin Suroor

Meanwhile. Steve Haskin's Derby Dozen is as follows:

1. Always Dreaming -- Todd Pletcher
2. Irish War Cry -- Graham Motion
3. Gunnevera - Antonio Sano
4. McCracken - Ian Wilkes
5. Girvin - Joe Sharp
6. Classic Empire - Mark Casse
7. Practical Joke - Chad Brown
8. Gormley - John Shirreffs
9. Malagacy - Todd Pletcher
10. Royal Mo - John Shirreffs
11. Hence - Steve Asmussen
12. Irap - Doug O'Neill

I know Classic Empire's only run once as a 3 year old showing poorly in the Holy Bull and has had his training and health issues but I still see him as my personal favorite heading into the Derby. This horse simply has too much talent not to put it all together like he did at the Futurity and Juvie if he decides he still wants to be a racehorse and run. Encouraging that it finally sounds like they've sorted out his stubbornness and lack of focus and he's working well -- or at least it sounds that way from people who have watched him breeze lately. Hoping he can show some of that two year old magic we all saw last year in the upcoming Arkansas and goes into the Derby full steam ahead. It just feels like he's barely scratched the surface of his potential and has a lot more to show us.

Not This Time and Classic Empire showed me enough as two year olds that I thought they'd both be top contenders but it's funny (and heartbreaking) how this sport never ceases to throw so many curves at you.

MiamiScreamingEagles · Apr 12, 2017

^If you scour, you will see official websites dedicated to other great runners such as Seattle Slew and Secretariat.

April 12, 2017

Tampa Bay (Florida):

It isn't often Tampa Bay provides us with the biggest shocker of the day but it happened in the second-to-final race of the day. A $157.40 winner ($51.60 in the middle), $1,155 for the $2 exacta, the $1 tri returned $6,767.80 and the $1 super paid $69,765.40. The $1 Pick 3 returned $8,942.50.

Gulfstream (Florida):

Tyler Gaffalione won three more times.
Though the spring/summer meet is in its early stages but the success of the Championship Meet is still purring. The handle was announced as $867,000,000+. A record-breaking total.

Aqueduct (New York):

The day began with a Mike Luzzi victory.
Dylan Davis doesn't get many opportunities but he won consecutive rides today including a $37 winner that zoomed from the back on the outside.
In the finale, returns included a $615 exacta, a $5,935 trifecta and a $25,000+ superfecta.

Oaklawn (Arkansas):

Trainer McLean Robertson won two of his five starts, a high number of entries at this meet.

Evangeline (Louisiana):

Under the lights, the first three winners were 17-1, 15-1 and 16-1. The $.50 Pick 3 paid approximately $5,800. After race 4, the $.50 Pick 4 paid over $5,000 .
Race 9, the finale, a 40-1 bomb, the second highest price on the board in an 11-horse field, paid $83.40. The $.50 Pick 4 paid an astonishing $12,313.45. Astonishing when the prior races had 5-1, 2-1 and 3-1 winners.

Santa Anita (California):

The track is dark Wednesday and Thursday. The spring/summer meet opens Friday with a Pick 6 carryover of $117,784.

---------------------------

Other updates:

Antonio Gallardo, who did some of his best riding at Tampa Bay in recent years which elevated him to the second winningest rider in the country in both 2015 and 2106, has reunited with his once-former agent. Last year, Gallardo departed ways with Mike Moran amid indications the agent got him a gig in California but the rider, who preferred remaining in the east, then hired a new agent who made New York the jockey's home base this past winter. Gallardo's anticipated success at Aqueduct was not reached. As the musical chairs play, it is now reported that Gallardo is returning to the tutelage of the original agent and that he will ride at Monmouth (New Jersey) on May 13 when that track's meet opens. Business is business.

Edwin Gonzalez, who became the second jockey in the history of Tampa Bay Downs to wins six races on one card, will also relocate to Monmouth (New Jersey) and then move onto Delaware Park (Delaware) when that meet opens June 3.

Woodbine (Ontario, Canada) opens its meet April 15.

MiamiScreamingEagles · Apr 13, 2017

April 13. 2017

Keeneland (Kentucky):

The card included 38 riders today. That is a sizeable amount for any card.
Joel Rosario has connected with the the track early this meet. He is 5-for-15 and in addition to the 33% winning percentage he is also in the money 67% of his rides.
Javier Castellano is 5-for-13 but his percentage in the money is a subpar 46%.
If you are unfamiliar with rider Julio Garcia, he works primarily as an exercise rider for Wesley Ward. Garcia is a perfect 3-for-3 at the meet. He is also 19 9-3-3 (47% wins, 79% in the money) in 2017. He first rode in 1983.
Cold riders include Robby Albarado 26 0-2-3, Jose Lezcano 1-for-14 and surprisingly Florent Geroux at 2-for-28.
In race 9, the $2 super paid over $16,000 when 7-1, 18-1 and 23-1 beat out a 2-1 favorite.
In the $125,000 feature race, Florent Geroux won with a 3-to-1 but Jose Lezcano, often cited as a top turf rider, finished second at 35-to-1 and returned $28+ and $13+. Nice returns for someone who didn't win. The $2 superfecta paid $15,000.

Oaklawn (Arkansas):

Trainer McLean Robertson won one of his two starts and was sent off the favorite from a 6-to-1 morning line. He is 7 3-1-1 (3 wins in 7 starts) the last two racing dates. Not too bad.

Gulfstream (Florida):

Tyler Gaffalione had three more victories. He was 6 3-2-0 today (three wins in six starts) and a combined 15 6-2-3 (40% wins and 73% in the money) the last two days. At the meet, he is 12-for-33 (36%)

Aqueduct (New York):

The $2 pick Six returned $400,008 to one ticket holder. The incredible fact was the biggest winner was only 6-to-1. The winning numbers: 2-4-9-1-(1 or 4 since there was a late scratch)-6.
In race 6, Cornelio Velasquez won on board a Linda Rice horse and the victory paid $13.80. That combo is fairly successful.
This brief replay does not offer much justice but in an otherwise nondescript race, the ups and downs were something extraordinary. Junior Alvarado managed to get the horse's nose down in front just prior to the finish line in what was a nail-biting, heart-palpitating, fist-banging stretch which had both horses lose leads seemingly multiple times. At one point, Alvarado seemed destined for second. This video is just the tip of the iceberg of a dramatic series of exchanges. If this was a boxing match, both fighters would have lost and won the match at different intervals with the eventual winner elevated to victory only by a last second desperation knockout.

MiamiScreamingEagles · Apr 13, 2017

JENNY WILEY STAKES (Grade I)

What: This race is loaded with talented females. Can Lady Eli deliver?!
History: First run in 1989, this race was won by probable future-Hall-of-Famer Tepin last year.
When: Saturday, April 15, 2017, Race 10 of 12, 6:12 p.m. Eastern Time
Where: Keeneland Racecourse, Lexington, Kentucky
Distance: 1 1/16 mile
Surface: Turf
Purse: $350,000
Runners (age, sex): Four-years-old and up, fillies and mares
Preview article: http://www.horseracingnation.com/news/Lady_Eli_will_make_her_2017_debut_in_Jenny_Wiley_123
Full card: http://www.drf.com/race-entries/track/KEE/country/USA/date/04-15-2017
Television: TVG

PP

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Morning Line

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Lifetime record and comments

ARKANSAS DERBY (Grade I)

What: The last major Kentucky Derby prep race, the winner secures 100 points towards entry. This weekend ends Oaklawn's racing schedule for 2017.
History: First run in 1936, Arkansas Derby winners that have gone onto victory in the Kentucky Derby include highly popular runners American Pharoah and Smarty Jones. Add Afleet Alex as one of the recent greats to win this race.
When: Saturday, April 15, 2017, Race 11 of 12, 6:18 p.m. Central Time [7:18 p.m. Eastern Time]
Where: Oaklawn Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas
Distance: 1 1/8 mile
Surface: Dirt
Purse: $1,000,000
Runners (age, sex): Three-years-old, open
Preview article: http://www.brisnet.com/content/2017...arkansas-derby-classic-empire-breaks-stall-2/
Full card: http://www.equibase.com/static/entry/OP041517USA-EQB.html
Television: TVG

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Morning Line

This is the second time in three weeks that Javier Castellano gets the far outside post. Vast differences exist between Gulfstream (Florida Derby) and Oaklawn (Arkansas Derby) but the far outside in both races isn't the most desired place.

I am not sure the most recent Iowa-bred to run in the Kentucky Derby but that possibility exists if the #1 somehow finds the winner's circle after this race.

I may take a shot with the #9 in this race. Mike Smith/Asmussen may offer value in exotics.

----------------------------------------
The final Kentucky Derby prep weekend is upon us. The Arkansas Derby will be the primary focus but there is a race at Keeneland that is also on the Kentucky Derby prep schedule though with minimal impact. The winner gets only 10 points. Here are the entries:

STONESTREET LEXINGTON STAKES (Grade III)

5:34 PM EDT
Purse: $200,000
Distance: One And One Sixteenth Miles
Age: 3 yo
Surface: Dirt
Television: TVG

6/1
1 Resiliency
Jockey / Florent Geroux
Trainer / Steven M. Asmussen
Owner / Drown, Jeff and Mitola, Anthony
Breeder / JSM Equine, LLC &Greathouse Horse Property, LLC

10/1
2 Souper Tapit
Jockey / Robby Albarado
Trainer / Mark E. Casse
Owner / Live Oak Plantation
Breeder / Live Oak Stud

5/1
3 Senior Investment
Jockey / Channing Hill
Trainer / Kenneth G. McPeek
Owner / Fern Circle Stables
Breeder / Dixiana Farms LLC

4/1
4 No Dozing
Jockey / Joel Rosario
Trainer / Arnaud Delacour
Owner / Lael Stables
Breeder / Mr. & Mrs. M. Roy Jackson

4/1
5 Time to Travel
Jockey / Edgar S. Prado
Trainer / Michael R. Matz
Owner / Garland Williamson
Breeder / Garland E. Williamson

8/1
6 Convict Pike
Jockey / Angel Cruz
Trainer / George R. Arnold, II
Owner / Ashbrook Farm
Breeder / Rosemont Farm LLC

50/1
7 Capt. Grider
Jockey / Jesus Lopez Castanon
Trainer / Dante Zanelli, Jr.
Owner / Horse International
Breeder / Kings and Queens Farm

20/1
8 He's Munnie
Jockey / Miguel Mena
Trainer / Dan L. McFarlane
Owner / Yeaman's Racing Stables LLC
Breeder / Karen Yeamans Racing Stable &Peggy Hopwood

15/1
9 Lookin At Blessing
Jockey / Nik Juarez
Trainer / Nicholas P. Zito
Owner / Mossarosa
Breeder / Buck Pond Farm, Inc.

3/1
10 West Coast
Jockey / Flavien Prat
Trainer / Bob Baffert
Owner / West, Gary and Mary
Breeder / CFP Thoroughbreds LLC

spintheblackcircle · Apr 14, 2017

pretty nice card at Oaklawn, eh?

MiamiScreamingEagles · Apr 14, 2017

spintheblackcircle said:
pretty nice card at Oaklawn, eh?

Good card. Oaklawn in a solid track. The Arkansas Derby took a hit with the scratch of One Liner who posed an interesting angle in the race but it is a deep field nonetheless. If Malagacy goes with Classic Empire in the early stages, the race could be setup for a closer.

Independent of that, the first post in this thread has been updated to include information regarding the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series including broadcasts on NBC.

MiamiScreamingEagles · Apr 14, 2017

April 14, 2017

Oaklawn (Arkansas):

In the Grade III Fantasy Stakes, Ever So Clever, a 16-to-1 won from the outside hole. The #12 seemed to be ready for a big race and with a Steve Asmussen-trained horse, why not take a shot?! Luis Contreras rode the $33.60 winner. A 12-to-1 came in second.
In the feature race, the Grade I Apple Blossom, Stellar Wind (Victor Espinoza/John Sadler) ran like a 2-to-5 shot and won by a couple of lengths. The 5-year-old Virginia-bred mare is now 8-for-13 lifetime in her first race since finishing fourth in the Breeders' Cup Distaff in November. Looking back at the sheer talent in the top three of that race, Beholder, Songbird and Forever Unbridled.
In race 5, the $2 Pick 4 returned $7,20520. The $2 trifecta paid $7,317.00, the $1 superfecta paid $26,950.70, the winner paid $32.40 and the second place horse, 46-to-1 odds, returned $36 in the middle.

Keeneland (Kentucky):

In the feature race, similar to Oaklawn's big race today, well-known connections delivered a bomb. Javier Castellano/Todd Pletcher won the Grade I Maker's 46 Mile Stakes with 20-to-1 morning line American Patriot who was sent off at 10-to-1. The $2 super paid $31,183.50. Unlike Oaklawn, this horse didn't figure...or did he?
Javier Castellano won for Todd Pletcher and Chad Brown. Pletcher also won with John Velazquez.
Robby Albarado got off the skids and won the 10th and final race with a 10-to-1 shot from the 10-hole. His record at the meet is now 32 1-2-5. There is much talent at this brief meet but he is much better than those statistics.
In the finale, the $1 Pick 6 paid $48,199.40. The $2 double paid $316.
Declan Cannon had a $29.00 winner riding for trainer Sam Q. Logsdon of whom I am unfamiliar. However, Equibase shows it is the trainer's second career win.
For the second consecutive day, trainer John Hancock won the opening race.
Nine trainers and nine jockeys won on this 10-race card.

Hawthorne (Illinois):

Race 2 had a $106.00 winner.

Laurel (Maryland):

Ashley Castrenze, the bug rider from last year who made an instant impact before being sidelined due to an injury which included four broken ribs, returned today for one lone ride and finished third. She was up there with Lane Luzzi as my top two bugs for 2016 but both had to battle injuries which is unfortunately part of a jockey's life. Hopefully, she has a healthy and productive 2017. She has five scheduled rides for Saturday,
Trainer Lacey Gaudet hasn't had a starter in a while but had one today with Lane Luzzi on board. A match made in Heaven for me but the result was another third.
Larry Jones had a tough day though in the money all three races. He was 3 0-2-1 which can be profitmaking but not for him at Laurel. Can't win 'em all.

Aqueduct (New York):

Irad Ortiz, Jr. won three of the first four races and finished 8 3-2-0.

Santa Anita (California):

The meet opened today.

Gulfstream (Florida):

The $.50 Pick 5 paid $10,282.05 following the last race of the day.
The $.20 Pick 6 paid $15,305.22 following the last race of the day.
Tyler Gaffalione cooled off today going 8 0-2-2. It was that type of day.

Tampa Bay (Florida):

In race 7, Vinny Viola's St. Elias Stables had two horses initially entered before Jagr was scratched. However, Road Guard Post broke his maiden in his second race. A son to Unbridled's Song.
It was a good Friday for the connections of #6 in the opening race. Jockey Jills Dream, who initially ran second, was put up after the third place horse filed an objection against the temporary winner. The horse, who is now 3-for-17 lifetime, was named after Jill Jellison, a top rider up north for years, who died far too young due to cancer about a year or so ago. The stars aligned for her today.

MiamiScreamingEagles · Apr 15, 2017

I mentioned Ashley Castrenze above and her hot start got attention in 2016. Here's an article on DRF about her comeback bid which starts this weekend. She is only 20 years old but interestingly gets to keep her bug.

http://www.drf.com/news/castrenze-begins-comeback-wiser-more-confident-rider

“The fast start was good because it got my name out there, but it hurt me a little, too,” Castrenze said. “I started my bug year sooner than I was really ready. I didn’t know what I was doing out there, and I made some mistakes, and that got some people mad.”

“I’m ready,” she said. “I’ve been working horses since the last week in January – first at Parx, Pimlico, and Laurel, and lately at Fair Hill a lot. I’ve been working with a personal trainer, and I feel really good. I feel strong.”

Castrenze has worked horses for Kieron Magee and will ride Minor Legend for him Friday. She said she also has been getting on horses for Reid, Kate Demasi, Graham Motion, Hamilton Smith, and Mike Trombetta

Castrenze’s agent is Mark Mace. Their plan is to ride at Laurel, Parx, and Penn National and then be based at Delaware Park when the meet begins June 3. Their goal is to be one of the leading riders at Delaware this summer.

“There’s also the Eclipse Award if we can get going good,” Castrenze said. “I still have more than seven months with the bug.”

MiamiScreamingEagles · Apr 15, 2017

April 15, 2017

Oaklawn (Arkansas):

The closing day of the meet and the last race at the track for 2017. Oaklawn is a good track to handicap and a great track to frustrate. It is enticing to say the least. Another strong meet.
In race 6, McLean Robertson's only starter of the day won at 8-to-1 and topped a $1 exacta that returned $255.70.
In race 7, the Grade III Count Fleet Spirit, Whitmore was sent off at 1-to-2 and rightfully so. Ricardo Santana, Jr./Ronald Moquett the connections. The 4-year-old is now 6-for-11 lifetime and has won his last four races. A 30-to-1 ridden by Alex Birzer nipped Mike Smith/Steve Asmussen's #6 by a nose for second place.
In race 9, the $750,000 Grade II Oaklawn Handicap, the 1-to-2 Midnight Storm (Mike Smith/Phil D'Amato) failed and finished third. The 6-year-old who has earned more than $1.6 million is now 10-for-23 lifetime. The upset winner was New York-bred Inside Straight (Geovanni Franco/Robertino Diodoro) at 19-to-1. Basically, a local runner beat a California shipper. And runnerup in the race was another horse with Oaklawn connections . Domain's Rap, with 64 lifetime starts, finished second at 13-to-1.
In the $1,000,000 Grade I Arkansas Derby, we may finally have a leading Kentucky Derby runner. Julien Leparoux skillfully rode Classic Empire who returned to form and starred at 5-to-2 in a very tight and competitive field. Winning trainer is Canadian Hall of Famer Mark Casse. That said, Malagacy, Petrov and Untrapped among others had a miserable day. Runnerup was the #11 at 18-to-1 with New Mexico ties. The Sunland jock, Jorge Carreno, withstood an inquiry and remained in second place. Lookin At Lee finished third.

Keeneland (Kentucky):

Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin had a dream day as he went 4-for-4 with two graded stakes victories including a Grade I
In the Grade III Ben Ali, Watershed (Paco Lopez/Kiaran McLaughlin) pulled a mild upset and won at 6-to-1.
In race 8, Lady Aurelia went off at 3-to-5 and upped her career mark to 5 4-0-1. John Velazquez/Wesley Ward have a 3-year-old filly worth watching. She raced in the U.S. for the first time since breaking her maiden in her debut which she won by more than seven lengths. She repeated that length in her European debut. Ward is at 24% this meet.
In the Grade III Lexington Stakes, which was a Kentucky Derby prep race but only worth 10 points to the victor, Senior Investment (Channing Hill/Kenny McPeek) pulled a minor stunner at 11-to-1.
The Grade I Jenny Wiley Stakes was filled with talent but had openings for a challenger especially to Lady Eli who has won just once since being sidelined in July 2015. Dickinson, at 5-to-1, was the victorious runner and she upped her career mark to 7-for-14 with five wins in her last six starts. Paco Lopez/Kiaran McLaughlin the happy connections. the race finished 4-1-8-5. Lady Eli was the runner up and her career record is now 10 7--3-0 (7 wins and 3 seconds in 10 races). She has earned well over $2,100,000. The third place spot was contentious as my pick to pull a huge shocker in this race, the longest price on the board at 21-to-1, Kitten's Roar (Joel Rosario/Mike Maker) got nosed out by Junior Alvarado in his first of two rides this day.

Woodbine (Toronto):

The meet opened today. Three riders won three times each on the 10-race card. Eurico Da Silva, Rafael Hernandez and Jesse Campbell each won three races. I would imagine horses that train in Florida would have an advantage early in the meet.

Gulfstream (Florida):

The Pick Six was hit yet again. This time for $77,343. That makes three unique ticket holders this month. A 23-to-1 won the final race of the day.
A $.50 Pick 5 paid $15,000+.

Laurel (Maryland):

Linda Rice won her only start of the day and upped her meet mark to 37 19-6-5 (51% wins, 81% in the money). Her horses have won 10 of their last 16 starts.
Larry Jones was 1-for-2 and concluded a weekend at the track where he was 5 1-2-1. Good, not great for the lack of value offered, however. Jones shipped into Mahoning Valley (Ohio) and won with his only starter there today.
Ashley Castrenze had a couple of second place finishes. She had the look of a winner in her last ride of the day but couldn't quite get there. Her timing will come.

MiamiScreamingEagles · Apr 17, 2017

POSSIBLE RUNNERS IN THE 2017 KENTUCKY DERBY

Now that the Kentucky Derby prep races have concluded, here is the final leader board. The top 20 points leaders are eligible to be entered in the field but if for any reason one or more opts out, those currently looking in from the outside have the option to run or not. Currently, two Steve Asmussen colts top the outsiders in positions 21 and 22 on the list below. Also, information below regarding Conquest Mo Money whose owners need to pay an additional fee to make the colt eligible. If they pay, then Cloud Computing drops from 20 to 21 and is on the outside looking in.

As I stated a few times late last year and into this calendar year, Todd Pletcher is loaded even more so than usual. He has five of the top 19 runners but how many are entered is yet unknown. How many times will his Kentucky Derby record and his lone winner Super Saver be mentioned in previews of his runners?

Some riders are easier to identify with mounts but until they are confirmed the space below will show names in italics. The confirmed riders have been posted in bold. The table will be updated as information is presented.

Rank

| Horse |

Trainer

|

Points

|

Money Earned

|

Jockey

|

Note

1.| Girvin| Joe Sharp| 150| $849,800| Brian Hernandez, Jr. | Jockey is likelier to ride McCracken
2.| Classic Empire| Mark Casse| 132| $2,093,820| Julien Leparoux | Rider is confirmed
3.| Gormley| John Shirreffs| 125| $884,000| Victor Espinoza
4.| Irap| Doug O'Neill| 113| $744,000 | Mario Gutierrez | Rider is confirmed
5.| Irish War Cry| Graham Motion| 110| $672,660| Rajiv Maragh
6.| Thunder Snow (IRE)| Saeed bin Suroor| 100| $1,621,063| Christophe Soumillon
7.| Always Dreaming| Todd Pletcher|100| $589,000 | John Velazquez | Rider is confirmed
8.| Gunnevera| Antonio Sano| 84| $1,137,800| Javier Castellano | Rider is confirmed
9.| Practical Joke| Chad Brown| 74| $966,000| Joel Rosario
10.| J Boys Echo| Dale Romans| 63| $305,000| Robby Albarado
11.| State of Honor| Mark Casse| 62| $309,564| Jose Lezcano | Rider is confirmed
+| Conquest Mo Money| Miguel Hernandez| 60 | $496,000| WILL NOT RUN | Owners opt not to make supplemental fee for entry
12.| Tapwrit| Todd Pletcher| 54| $295,570| Jose Ortiz
13.| Malagacy| Todd Pletcher| 50| $570,000|| Could be pointed elsewhere
14.| Hence| Steve Asmussen| 50| $481,129
15.| Fast and Accurate| Mike Maker| 50| $320,712| Tyler Gaffalione
16.| McCraken| Ian Wilkes| 40| $385,048 | Brian Hernandez, Jr. | Jockey has an option with Girvin
17.| Battle of Midway| Jerry Hollendorfer| 40| $224,000| Flavien Prat
18.| Patch| Todd Pletcher| 40| $200,000
19.| Battalion Runner| Todd Pletcher| 40| $140,000
20.| Cloud Computing| Chad Brown| 40| $115,000| |Likely to be pointed elsewhere
21.| Untrapped| Steve Asmussen| 34| $210,000 | Mike Smith| Apparently will be in the final 20 cutoff
22.| Lookin At Lee| Steve Asmussen| 32| $428,600| |Could be entered if another defection
23.| Sonneteer| Keith Desormeaux| 30| $236,000
24.| Royal Mo| John Shirreffs| 30| $213,000
25.|Local Hero| Steve Asmussen| 30| $140,000

==============
+ Conquest Mo Money could be entered if.... Update: The owners decided not to make supplemental payment.

Conquest Mo Money, who went off at odds of 17-1, earned 40 more qualifying points for next month's Kentucky Derby and now has 60 total points. Owner Tom McKenna said he will wait and see how Conquest Mo Money comes out of Saturday's race before he makes a decision on whether to send the horse to the Kentucky Derby. McKenna said Saturday night that the Preakness Stakes, which is the second leg of the Triple Crown, is also an option. McKenna would have to pay a $200,000 supplemental fee to enter the Kentucky Derby or a $150,000 supplemental fee to enter the Preakness. The Kentucky Derby is on May 6 in Louisville, Ky.

Three horses from this year's Sunland Derby could run in the Kentucky Derby, including Sunland Derby winner Hence as well as Irap.

http://www.elpasotimes.com/story/ne...nquest-mo-money-2nd-arkansas-derby/100514052/

More updates...

Conquest Mo Money will not run in the Kentucky Derby.
Cloud Computing, who was on the bubble pending a decision by the owner of Conquest Mo Money, will not be headed to the Kentucky Derby per his trainer Chad Brown. That means Untrapped is elevated into the top 20.
Mario Gutierrez will ride Irap in place of Julien Leparoux who will stay with Classic Empire.
The only confirmed rider with Todd Pletcher's colts is Johnny Velazquez on board Always Dreaming.

----------------

Another Kentucky Derby rider confirmed:

Interesting decision by Javier Castellano to join forces with Antonio Sano in the Kentucky Derby. I believe both are from Venezuela. Todd Pletcher still has just one confirmed rider with as many as five runners in the Derby. Castellano-Pletcher have a lengthy business relationship. Perhaps Tyler Gaffalione will get to ride for Pletcher in the Derby.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Steve Haskin released his latest Kentucky Derby Dozen. The list is as follows:

Always Dreaming
Irish War Cry
Gunnevera
Classic Empire
McCracken
Girvin
J Boys Echo
Practical Joke
Hence
Gormley
Battalion Runner
Irap

Link: http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/kent...april-18-2017-presented-by-shadwell-farm.aspx

Soliloquy of a Dogge · Apr 17, 2017

Wasn't that impressed with Classic Empire's Arkansas Derby win. He goes like that in the Derby, he's going to find himself out of it before they turn for home.

Still, a decent showing considering where he's been over the past few months.

MiamiScreamingEagles · Apr 18, 2017

Tepin has been retired at the age of six. She is most certainly a Hall-of-Famer.

A turf specialist, she ended her career 1st or 2nd in fifteen straight races and won eleven of them. Her resume will show a record of 23 13-5-1 (13 wins in 23 starts) and almost $4,500,000 money earned.

At every point of call, Tepin gave her connections definitive signals of what she was*capable of*when she was feeling her very best. After providing*trainer Mark Casse and owner Robert Masterson once-in-a-lifetime moments across the globe the last two seasons, the 6-year-old daughter of Bernstein let them known she was done with the racetrack portion of her storied*career.

Tepin, the two-time defending champion turf female, has been retired, Casse announced April 18, bringing an end to a career that became the touchstone of greatness for all those associated with the fan-favorite mare.

Masterson's champion distaffer had not raced since her runner-up effort in the Breeders' Cup Mile (G1T) last November and she had only been in light training since missing her planned seasonal bow in the Lambholm South Endeavour Stakes (G3T) Feb. 11 due to a mild bout of colic.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/221054/two-time-champion-tepin-retired

Horse Racing: Sat. Belmont's card (post #1134), NBC coverage begins at 4:30 pm ET

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