SD, I would agree completely with both of your comments… no surprises 
Jason Servis, son of SMARTY JONES trainer John Servis, wins the Withers. FLEXIBILITY is a no show. Chart says the bloom is off Flexibility.
http://www.drf.com/race-results/tracks/AQU/country/USA/date/01-30-2016
The Oaks is already looking very interesting.
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/97455/cathryn-sophia-proves-class-in-forward-gal
Mohaymen looked pretty sharp as well in the Holy Bull.
Awesome Banner in Swale also looked sharp in the Swale.
Along with Smokey Image in the Santa Anita Cal Derby (from whence CC came 2 years ago). He needs to move up to open company and start collecting points if he’s a serious Derby contender.
Looking forward, the next three derby preps only offer 10 points each to winners. El Camino, Robert B Lewis, and and Southwest lead to the Feb 20th Risen Star where 50 pts goes up for grabs.
As for the fillies the Martha Washington and La Virgenes each have 10 pts this weekend leading up to the 50 pt Rachel Alexandra on Feb 20th at the FG.
Looks like MOHAYMEN is looking at the Fountain of Youth as the next race. Very impressive colt. Will be interesting to see where SUNNY RIDGE heads next.
I like this point “strategy” as it allows many roads to lead to Louisville in May
BH publishes list of TC nominees. One has to win the Derby first. Wonder what the odds of another consecutive TC champion are? Bet the bookmakers in the UK have futures lay on it.
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/triple-crown/nominations
Although the Risen Star Stakes is a few weeks away, Steve Haskin has written a gifted article about looking for the not so obvious in a TB.
SONGBIRD. WOW. Firm to go to the oaks. Good decision for Fox Hill Farm. Same owner of EIGHT BELLES, I am sure that’s an experience no one wants to repeat.
The Martha Washington was competitive but NICKNAME not in the same class as SONGBIRD.
MOR SPIRIT’S debut in the Robert Lewis was a winner at SA. Nice televised lead in to a group of tired older horses finishing behind MSHAWISH in the Donn Hcp at GP.
Songbird… hand ride down the stretch. I didn’t realize her owners were Eight Belle’s owners. Given that, I wouldn’t send Songbird to the Derby either.
Mor Spirits look good too. I’m still leaning toward Mohaymen . Next weekend for Nyquist will be interesting to see how he does.
[QUOTE=Where’sMyWhite;8518759]
Songbird… hand ride down the stretch. I didn’t realize her owners were Eight Belle’s owners. Given that, I wouldn’t send Songbird to the Derby either.
Mor Spirits look good too. I’m still leaning toward Mohaymen . Next weekend for Nyquist will be interesting to see how he does.[/QUOTE]
Songbird - cantering around the track, wow, so easy. But I’m with the above ^^^ She’s a beautiful girl.
On to this weekend and Nyquist’s 3 year old debut
BH article revives East vs West thinking. Secretariat and Sham. Alydar and Affirmed. IMO might be relevant.
https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/97670/east-v-west-in-second-derby-future-wager
Steve Haskin talks derby trainer future wagers. Well written take on the trainers but can’t get excited about betting this scheme. After following all these beautiful colts it’s hard to put my money on a Dale Romans who often makes me think, because of his size, that he should training drafts or driving at tractor pulls or Doug O’Neil who appears to be getting his personal attire and hair style recommendations from the local Goodwill Store sales reps.
Derby dollars is back too. Free.
http://www.paulickreport.com/news/ray-s-paddock/2500-derby-dollars-contest-is-back/
Didn’t see any of the preps. The weather here has kept me busy. Here are links to the BH articles.
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/97771/airoforce-mo-tom-top-risen-star
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/97770/frank-conversation-wins-el-camino-real-derby
NYQIST set to run in San Vicentes against small opportunistic field tomorrow.
http://www.drf.com/race-entries/track/SA/country/USA/date/02-15-2016
I am excited to see what Rachel’s Valentina does. She’s been looking very promising thus far.
[QUOTE=Draftmare;8529735]
I am excited to see what Rachel’s Valentina does. She’s been looking very promising thus far.[/QUOTE]
I love Rachel’s Valentina but I am thinking Songbird is looking to kick everyone’s booty this year… she’ll take some work to best.
