2017 Triple Crown

[Glimmerglass]

I cannot think this bodes well for Classic Empire

http://www.drf.com/news/classic-empire-has-training-session-cut-short-shows-discomfort-back

“The first thing we wanted Julien to do was see how the foot was,” Casse said. “The foot’s as legit as can be.” But the potential work had to be called off. “Did he go his normal self? No,” Casse said.

Back at the barn, Casse said Classic Empire seemed to be uncomfortable in his back. He said he would have the colt roll in a round pen to see if he could work out his discomfort on his own, but also was bringing in a chiropractor to look at him.

His target was/is Keeneland’s Blue Grass Stakes April 8th

[Glimmerglass]

En Hanse the Hansen (now in standing in Korea) sired roan colt owned by Dr Kendal Hansen & skier Bode Miller is running this Saturday at Turfway Park in the $100,000 John Battaglia Memorial as the 6th Race off at 8:40 p.m EST. There are no Derby Points but it will be his 3rd attempt at trying to win going 2-turns.
http://www.equibase.com/static/entry…EQB.html#RACE6

PP. Horse.

1. Hot Dad
2. Star Empire**
3. Montu
4. Hunka Burning Love
5. Strike Your Light
6. Sailin’ Shoes
7. It’s Your Nickel
   8. En Hanse
8. Durango Dan
9. Ventry Bay
10. Fulkerson
11. Gorgeous Kitten
    13 (AE) Prince Hansen

[I]All carry 118 pounds except En Hanse at 122 pounds

**[/I]worth noting is that Star Empire to his credit has twice placed in Grade-3 races in his brief career but as of yet not Triple Crown nominated

[vineyridge]

@Glimmerglass

I cannot think this bodes well for Classic Empire

http://www.drf.com/news/classic-empire-has-training-session-cut-short-shows-discomfort-back

His target was/is Keeneland’s Blue Grass Stakes April 8th

Excuses, excuses. His connections are doing everything they can to preserve his stud value after his underwhelming performance against Irish War Cry. I smell PR and spin.

[Shammy_Davis]

El Areeb too sharp to wait for the Wood Memorial. On paper this colt wins Gotham in a run away but must say this conversation reminds me of Mohaymen.

http://www.drf.com/news/el-areeb-too-sharp-sit-out-gotham-stakes

As for Classic Empire my gut says the chances of him being in derby field are fading.

[tbchick84]

I feel for the horses running in the Gotham tomorrow. It’s going to be near freezing temps in NY all day with wind chill in the teens. Hope nobody pulls a muscle.

[mommy_peanut]

Well both IWC or El Areeb showed poorly in their respective races today.

As it gets closer & closer to the KD, it’s looking more & more like a wide-open field.
Doesn’t really seem to be a single standout horse in the crowd at this time.

[Where_sMyWhite]

I am beginning to think the only “sure” thing is Unique Bella in the Oaks

Today was rough on KD prospects as they all seemed to get shuffled again.

[tbchick84]

Love that Gunnavera! Had him across the board. I can’t resist a horse who comes that far off the pace. It’s just so fun to watch.

[Shammy_Davis]

IWC still green and Motion is the best trainer in the nation to handle him. J Boys Echo was on the handicapping radar for the Gotham so maybe not a real big surprise. When a trainer, like El Areeb’s, starts spouting off about a young colt being “sharp” I begin to worry. Sharp is a term best used with cheddar cheese or kitchen knives. San Felipe and Tampa Bay next Saturday will probably add more questions than answers to the futures betting.

[Glimmerglass]

It certainly wasn’t a good wagering day if you went with the Maryland-prepped runners - El Areeb & Irish War Cry - as well as En Hanse again saying 2-turns isn’t his thing.

Graham Motion tweeted this out after the Fountain of Youth and was quoted the second paragraph:

Irish War Cry shipped back to Palm Meadows after his race today and seemed fine. No obvious excuse for his poor performance. Tough game.

“I can’t really say what happened. He came back fine. My instant 1st reaction is maybe I ran him back too quick.”

And sadly for the Group 1 winner shipped up from Peru and who raced in the Fountain of Youth but never looked happy in the post parade and was hard to load in: Huracan Americo was euthanized after taking a bad step in the FoY.. :sadsmile:

Gunnevera, named for a small town in Spain, covered 1 1/16 miles on the fast main track in 1:44.25, earning another 50 points to add to his previous total of 14. With 64 points, Gunnevera is the new points leader on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.

[Glimmerglass]

Per the DRF with next time we’re apt to see Irish War Cry run again …
http://www.drf.com/news/foys-top-thr…ky-derby-preps

Motion said “we’re going to have to regroup.” He said a final Kentucky Derby prep would not be determined for a bit yet, but that he was inclined to wait five weeks to run back, which makes the Wood Memorial [or] Blue Grass the likeliest possibilities.

Gunnevera most likely to return to Gulfstream for the Florida Derby on April 1

[Shammy_Davis]

@Glimmerglass

Could not be happier for Mrs Isebelle Haskell deTomaso & Motion barn with the solid victory (& total control with honest race time winning every pole) by Irish War Cry in the Holy Bull Stakes. 10-points to a horse who was Maryland based and raced.

Came across this article that some might enjoy.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/sidfernando.wordpress.com/2017/01/06/the-most-interesting-woman-in-racing/amp/

See no reason why Motion can’t get this well bred colt back to form.

[mommy_peanut]

Latest Derby Dozen http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/kentucky-derby-dozen/archive/2017/03/07/derby-dozen-march-7-2017-presented-by-shadwell-farm.aspx

[Glimmerglass]

Side story but talking about the fillies you have this bizarre one. I strongly doubt we’ll see any filly in the Derby as none will get points to win an entry gate - at least right now. Anyhow from the BloodHorse Mar 9, 2017:
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/220343/abel-tasman-moved-to-baffert-after-silks-mix-up

China Horse Club and Clearsky Farms’ Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) contender Abel Tasman has been moved from trainer Simon Callaghan to the barn of Bob Baffert, Callaghan said March 9.

The reason for the switch, according to Callaghan, is because the filly did not wear China Horse Club silks for her 2017 debut in the March 4 Santa Ysabel Stakes (G3), when she took a run at current Oaks favorite Unique Bella and came in second.

Callaghan was told by the CHC to have Joe Tallimo wearing their silks, agreed, the Santa Anita jockeys room said they had a set of the silks - but ultimately did not. So without time left they had to go with what they had.

I get it “details, details” but its not like Simon administered lasix when he wasn’t supposed to and the horse wasn’t allowed to run. I watch a fair amount of racing and honestly couldn’t pick out a set of CHC silks right now if I had to. They aren’t exactly iconic and the horse didn’t win so there you go.

[CVPeg]

Getting out of work just in time to head over for the Tampa Bay Derby on Saturday. First time there. Probably just enough time to get there, park, and hopefully get a bet in and make it to the fence. Does it get packed? I’m used to crowds at Saratoga and Belmont, not so much at Gulfstream, Keeneland. I’m hoping Tampa Bay is fairly manageable.

Anyone else?

[Shammy_Davis]

Very confusing picture being played out in the derby preps. John White seems to confirm this.

http://www.xpressbet.com/readposttime?id=19317

[Shammy_Davis]

@tbchick84

Love that Gunnavera! Had him across the board. I can’t resist a horse who comes that far off the pace. It’s just so fun to watch.

You will love this side story about his trainer. Enjoy.

The connections might be of more interest than the horses in this year’s derby. Hope not.

[Shammy_Davis]

Have been thinking all along that today’s San Felipe will either add to the handicapping confusion or put a couple of colts in the favored list. Looks like a very competitive race with Gormley, Iliad, and Mastery. As this link points out Old Devil Dog John Shirreffs is enjoying himself once again.

http://www.drf.com/news/derby-watch-…ouble-fun-year

John rated two articles this week. Something is up.

https://www.thoroughbredracing.com/a…entucky-hopes/

Don’t think the Tampa Bay Derby will tell us much at all. It has been a track full of surprises for decades. Tapwrit and Beasley on paper, but the tricky track writes the script.

https://www.americasbestracing.net/gambling/2017-big-race-showdown-picks-kentucky-derby-preps

[Laurierace]

Mastery easy winner in San Felipe but suffers a condylar fracture in his left front. Surgery on Monday, I am guessing the retirement announcement is shortcoming.

[frugalannie]

Oh rats. Hate when that happens.

Thanks to all of you for keeping me in the loop. Your commentary makes the racing scene immediate and fascinating. Strong work!