Just last night I was lamenting the sale of Racecar Rhapsody to an unidentified middle eastern buyer. You may remember I really liked him in the Preakness (you know, the race where Big Brown showed up when I was betting he wouldn’t, just a race too early!).

This reminded me of another horse that I was intrigued by that was whisked off to Dubai after one impressive effort in the late fall. National Pride, made a notable debut on November 17th at Aqueduct, winning by 1 3/4 lengths over a Brooklyn Backstretch favorite, Saratoga Russell.

DRF reported:

On Nov. 17, National Pride won a six-furlong maiden race at Aqueduct by 1 3/4 lengths, covering six furlongs in 1:09.27 and earning a 92 Beyer. National Pride is a 2-year-old son of Macho Uno, the juvenile champion of 2000. Friday, National Pride arrived at Payson Park in Florida, where Rick Mettee oversees a string of Godolphin runners.

“He sustained a 3 1/2-furlong run in the race,” Mettee said. “It’s not like he ran for the final eighth of a mile and the field fell apart. You don’t see 2-year-olds do that too often.”

Mettee said National Pride would most likely begin a 30-day quarantine at Payson on Dec. 16 and ship to Dubai in mid-January.

So last night I made my way over to the Godolphin to see if I could find out anything about National Pride… had he raced again, was he in training? Nuttin’.

Imagine my surprise just a few moments ago when I went to my DRF virtual stable to see that he’s back on the work tab at Keenland!!! He breezed 3F at 36.4 (5/32) over a fast all weather track… AND, Numaany, who was also purchased by Godolophin around the same time must have worked with him as he posted a 3F breeze at 38 (20/32), his second at Keenland!

How exciting! I wonder what they’re training towards? Does anyone know anything about this? Perhaps we’ll also see Racecar Rhapsody again, I hope so!

Posted by dana on Jun 22 2008    
Filed Under: 2008, Big Brown, Saratoga Russell, National Pride, International Racing, Racing

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Fellow TBA-er Quinella Queen of Turf Luck left a comment on my recent post about Go For Wand pointing out the Breeders’ Cup Top 25 Moments Poll. To quote her exactly, “My goodness, check out the race by Pebbles in the ‘85 Turf!”

Regular reader ljk also pointed out Tiznow’s 2001 Classic. With two comments pointing towards notable efforts, I finally made my way over there. I started at the top in chronological order. It didn’t take long too get to Pebbles in the 85 Turf…. WOW!

I had never heard of Pebbles. I thought by now I had probably at least heard of most, if not all, of the great horses of the past 25 years but apparently not! Perhaps it’s because she’s a Brit, or as the announcer called her, Britain’s Super Filly.

Naturally I wanted to see more so I headed over to YouTube. The first clip I found was a compilation of Pebbles winning the 1,000 Guineas, Eclipse Stakes, Champion Stakes & Breeders’ Cup Turf.

I also found this excellent profile of her at NTRA by Jim Tierney written a month after she passed away in 2005, 20 years after her incredible Breeders’ Cup victory. The feat, her only race on American soil, won her our Eclipse Award for Outstanding Turf Female (or is that Lady?).

Tierney writes of her:

Pebbles’ scintillating performance left the Aqueduct crowd and millions watching on NBC breathless.

In 1985, Pebbles defeated the winners of the Epsom Derby, Prix del Arc de Triomphe, Juddmonte International, Irish Champion Stakes, English Champion Stakes, Epsom Oaks, Arlington Million, Hollywood Gold Cup, and Breeders’ Cup Turf.

Pebbles defeated Lashkari, who won the inaugural Breeders’ Cup Turf in 1984, along with Theatrical, who would go on and win the Breeders’ Cup Turf two years later at Hollywood Park.

I also found these two clips marked as “Story of Horse of the Year Pebbles, commented by Ian Carnaby, Clive Brittain, Steve Cauthen, Capt. Lemus, Pat Eddery.”

Part 1:

Part 2:

It should also be noted that the person who posted the two part series has an interesting archive of racing videos.

If all this international footage and hearing of accents gets you in the mood for some Royal Ascot (a bit late, but who’s counting), check out fellow TBA-er Superfecta as she’s been keeping tabs on all of the action.

I was so blown away by Pebbles that I haven’t even made it to Tiznow’s race yet!

Posted by dana on Jun 20 2008    
Filed Under: YouTube, Legend, TBA, Turf, International Racing, Breeders' Cup, Race Replay, Racing

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In Summation (inside) beats Greg’s Gold in the Bing Crosby at Del Mar (Charles Pravata)

It’s late, I’m tired… I’ll be pithy.

Outrageous! (for Ed).

An elaboration. Question, what about auctions? Cali’s doin’ it.

Not so bad.

Hopefully Thursday is firm.

Should be Fabulous!

Don’t wear an ascot unless you’ve been there.

And whatever you do, don’t hold back!

Posted by dana on Jun 17 2008    
Filed Under: Mainstream Media, Greed, Charles Pravata, TBA, Auction, Industry, 2008, Geldings, Drugs, Fabulous Strike, International Racing, Gambling, Breeding, OTB, TV, Turf, NYRA, NTRA, Racing

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Curlin all alone at the finish line in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (~ RAYMOND)

Dear NTRA,

I was chatting with a few friends this morning and there’s something we’d like to share. We thought that it would be of particular interest to you as one of your mission statements is to “Leverage television assets and yearlong promotional programs with ESPN to promote big event days and create stars”

This Saturday Churchill has a fantastic card headlined by Curlin, our reining horse of the year, in the Stephen Foster. Not only is Curlin undefeated in 4 starts, has won 9 out 12 starts, and never been out of the money. Most importantly he’s the horse racing equivalent of a big foot sighting as a horse with a successful 3yo campaign returning for a 4yo campaign. I’m sure you know all this.

What I’m writing to tell you is that this was a GREAT and TIMELY opportunity to build on the skyrocketing viewership of the Belmont just last weekend by marketing and televising this card on ESPN or ESPN2. Few got what they wanted out of the Belmont, which leaves a wide gaping whole of yearning for a kick ass horse race to be filled. The Stephen Foster provides just such an opportunity.

And think of the excellent story that Curlin makes on the heals of Big Brown. He was last year’s Big Brown, going into the Derby undefeated with only 3 starts. While his path didn’t take the same trajectory as Big Brown’s, look at him now, poised to potentially sweep in to the international scene and prove that America can produce great horses that can race and win in drug free circumstances abroad. It’s a story of redemption all the way around, and one that could let casual fans know that Big Brown is still a good horse with a shot to come back later in the year for his shot at redemption.

How many people thought Curlin’s spirit could have been broken after his gut wrenching performance in last year’s Belmont at the end of a grueling Triple Crown season where he had NO 2yo foundation? Then to have him return in the Haskell to turn in a mediocre performance, leading us all to believe that perhaps we only got a brief glimpse of what could have been.

But then came the Jockey Club Gold Cup… where he ran down the Lawyer Ron, who was looking like the horse of the year, in a thrilling stretch battle that sent the memo, “don’t count me out yet, I’m just getting my game back”!

This performance led to his current string of impressive, indomitable wins in the BC Classic, Jaguar Trophy Handicap and Dubai World Cup. HE’s our horse, and we should be marketing him as such.

Certainly there are other great story lines to be had as well. As some of my friends pointed out, like building a Curlin/Einstein rivalry as it seems likely they will meet again in the Arlington Millions as Curlin will need a grass prep for the Arc. This could also play out as an Asmussen/Pitts rivalry.

The bottom line is that this was a very timely missed opportunity to help us build that new era.

Your friend,
Dana Byerly

P.S., another friend wants you to know about another opportunity before it’s too late.

Posted by dana on Jun 12 2008    
Filed Under: Dubai World Cup, Churchill Downs, Mainstream Media, Turf, 2008, 4yo, Big Brown, Raymond Haddad, Industry, NTRA, TV, Belmont, Let Horses Race, Fans, Curlin, Triple Crown, Marketing, International Racing, Belmont Stakes, Racing

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Curlin and Pancho survey the land at Churchill (JerryLewis)

Since we’re fortunate enough to have Curlin running in the US weekend, I thought I’d take a moment to help us all transition from the long and tiring Triple Crown by way of a Curlin palate cleanser, if you will.

Curlin is set to break from the first post position in the Stephen Foster this weekend, despite his weight assignment. The entire card is action packed so it looks like I won’t get that handicapping break I was thinking of taking!

Fellow TBA-er Superfecta nominates Curlin as our ambassador as he prepares to gallivant around the globe. I agree! She also points out that he has a foundation, which is a part of his site, which has a section about Pancho! (below the human caregivers, which are also nice to see).

Who? Curlin’s stable pony! You may remember that Bloodhorse’s Morning Line Goes to Dubai blog had a post on him as he accompanied Curlin to Dubai.

Scott Blasi, assistant trainer for Curlin was quoted as saying:

You can tell Curlin relaxes when Pancho is by his side. Curlin is so big, but Pancho doesnt get intimidated. Hes even bigger than Curlin and hes so seasonedhes been everywhere with the stable.

And back at the Go Curlin site, the following post World Cup heartwarming scene was described:

After being festooned with a bright red fringed cooler proclaiming him the winner of the worlds richest race, Curlin made his way out of the crowded enclosure, the intensity of the race still vividly on his face. Yet when he saw Pancho, his ears shot up, and the pair walked out together, sharing in a small way this win that they both had worked so hard to achieve.

I was first alerted to Pancho by Swifty, who, on one of our many phone calls, told me to search Pancho in the Facebook groups (without telling me what that meant)… I quickly found out. Curlin also has a fan page on Facebook.

Here are some highlights to get you in mood for Curlin this weekend (sans last year’s Triple Crown, we want to stay focused on moving forward). And just remember, after all is said and done, he gets to come home to Pancho afterwards! We should all be so lucky!

Jockey Cup Gold Cup - the performance that answered any remaining questions I had about Curlin

Breeders’ Cup Classic - “an absolutely stylish performance”

RIP George Washington

Jaguar Trophy - his warm up for the Dubai World Cup

Dubai World Cup - stunning

(Note: I felt bad for my beloved Premium Tap and I’m sure that’s the last time we’ll lay eyes on him)

I hope you’re now feeling prepared for the next course, I know I am!

Posted by dana on Jun 11 2008    
Filed Under: Churchill Downs, TBA, George Washington, Internet, Dubai World Cup, 4yo, 2008, :), BC Classic, Curlin, Let Horses Race, Premium Tap, Race Replay, YouTube, International Racing, Racing

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The long sandy stretch at Belmont (~ RAYMOND)

In honor of the continued Triple Crown traffic surge, I thought I would direct you to some actual content (as I take my customary Monday night Law & Order rerun pass on posting).

Filed under “kick ‘em while their down” or “you’re probably glad someone else said it”, a compilation of interesting points and “I told you so”s, an excellent witty retort, a scatological international point of view and a pithy poke.

Filed under “who couldn’t look at photos for hours”, a rather big gallery of the day, GbG regulars Raymond, Charles, Jason, Bud and Sarah.

And closer to home, the most commented on post yet and did anyone get my Tale of ETAKI joke? I know, not so funny… I mean it wasn’t even really a joke.

And in other classy news, let the finger pointing begin!

Posted by dana on Jun 09 2008    
Filed Under: 2008, Internet, Industry, Raymond Haddad, Tale of Ekati, Sportsmanship, Sarah K. Andrew, Triple Crown, Belmont Stakes, International Racing, Charles Pravata, Racing

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Casino Drive works American style at Belmont (Sarah K Andrew)

I was just perusing flickr and found this note by Sarah interesting…

The Japanese connections of Casino Drive have a very cool way of working with their horses. Every morning, Casino Drive is tacked up around 5:30am. He and two other stable mates walk around the entire backside, picking up speed throughout their 45 minute walk until they are doing a verrry strong power-walk.

Then they walk the horses to the paddock to get them used to it for race day. Then they jog or gallop on track, depending on their training for the day. When they are done, they go back to the stable area and walk for another 45 minutes… first briskly, then they slow them down.

I’m no horsewoman, but who are we to think that only our way of working horses is appropriate? Clearly they’re doing something right!

I’m also intrigued by the maiden entry, Guadalcanal. You can’t do much better than Javier Castellano right now either. He’s currently 21% at Belmont and giving great rides to long shots all over the place, most notably Brookhaven’s Money this past Sunday in the 3rd, the Spectacular Bid in the NY Stallion Series.

I like owner/trainer Fred Seitz’s attitude:

He was bred for a route, he trains like he will want a route, and there are not many opportunities to race against 3-year-olds at 1 ½ miles. If we are on the board, we will be happy.

He’s got a point regarding mile and half opportunities!

Denis of Cork, Take of Ekati, Anak Nakal, Icabad Crane and Ready’s Echo are all of interest to me too, mind you, I haven’t really looked too closely yet.

Ah yes, and in case you were wondering about the Big Brown One, you can always look here for Big Brown’s Belmont Odds!

Posted by dana on Jun 04 2008    
Filed Under: 2008, Sarah K. Andrew, Big Brown, Casino Drive, Anak Nakal, Denis of Cork, Workouts, Maiden, Triple Crown, Belmont, Belmont Stakes, International Racing, JJ Castellano, Racing

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Edgar Prado at Belmont (~ RAYMOND)

Prado gets the mount on Casino Drive… now if they’d just put Channing Hill on Tomcito.

Posted by dana on May 28 2008    
Filed Under: 2008, Channing Hill, Raymond Haddad, Casino Drive, Tomcito, :), Edgar Prado, Belmont, Triple Crown, Belmont Stakes, International Racing, Racing

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Big Brown in the barn prior to the Preakness (rick samuels photography)

at the real prospect of a Triple Crown winner. I was over at YouTube watching replays of Secretariat, Seattle Slew, and others when this pops up on my RSS.

Then, over at Railbird, this rumor resonated with something that seemed odd to me but I passed off as my apparently new seasonal allergy induced drowsiness (which is irritatingly impervious to caffeine).

In an(other) article about how a mount for Casino Drive hasn’t been decided upon yet:

Desormeaux’s mount for the Belmont is unbeaten Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) and Preakness Stakes (G1) winner Big Brown, who will have to outrun Casino Drive to become racing’s 12th Triple Crown winner.

Nobutaka Tada, managing director of Globe Equine Management Ltd. and spokesperson for Yamamoto and Fujisawa, expects a jockey decision to be made soon and said Take is one of the riders being considered.

…

“We will wait a few days to see how Big Brown is doing and how we are doing,” Tada said.

Desormeaux has ridden Big Brown in four straight starts, including a 5 1/4-length victory in the Preakness on May 17 at Pimlico Race Course. The Boundary colt previously scored a 4 3/4-length win under Desormeaux in the Kentucky Derby on May 3 at Churchill Downs.

Odd, right? I mean why mention that they’ll wait to see how Big Brown is doing? Perhaps I’m taking it out of context too much because the next paragraph goes on to quote Tada as saying that BB was impressive in the Derby and Preakness but that they brought Casino Drive here specifically for this race. But still.

Well, I guess I could have included a “He won’t make it to the Belmont” selection in my poll but even I wouldn’t have voted for that! I actually voted for “They’ll go after Curlin“, and I still really, really hope for that.

So, let’s hope Babe is right and that it really is no big deal… at least that’s what I hope (along with a full 3 yo campaign where he stays sound).

Posted by dana on May 25 2008    
Filed Under: Kent Desormeaux, 2008, Big Brown, Casino Drive, International Racing, Belmont Stakes, Retirement Watch, Belmont, Triple Crown, Racing

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Kent D, who’s job it IS to talk about Big Brown (~ RAYMOND)

Thus spoke Tada Nobutaka in a video interview held recently at Belmont.

I love the way he talks about Casino Drive. He characterizes the challenger as “a happy horse”, “relaxed”, with a “nice mind”, who is “very cute”… he goes on “we love him”. Awwwww! And in fact, Casino Drive does look cute in the video, no news there!

In reference to his antics in the paddock prior to the Peter Pan, Nobutaka said that he didn’t want to kick anyone, he was just ready to run. And run he did!

There’s also a clip of Dutrow of talking about Big Brown, he says something to the effect of “we don’t have to do anything special to get him ready for this race, it’s just in him”. Now there’s something I believe coming out of his mouth!

Posted by dana on May 22 2008    
Filed Under: 2008, Sportsmanship, Raymond Haddad, Big Brown, Casino Drive, 3yo, Kent Desormeaux, Belmont, Belmont Stakes, International Racing, Media, Racing

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