Curlin arrives in California (Charles Pravata)

This break in 1994 profiling is brought to you by disbelief. There I was, in the middle of my mid-afternoon malaise, when I noticed this item announcing the Eclipse winning photo for the year. Surprised, I immediately tweeted “There are many more deserving photos than this one”. Others agreed.

What’s wrong with the winning photo you ask? Nothing. It’s a perfectly nice photo, perhaps too perfectly. In fact I think it’s the image equivalent of a press release. As Patrick points out, it’s not like there aren’t plenty of other photos of Dettori hopping off a horse when he wins.

I’d like to humbly submit the following 20 photos that made an impression on me at some point during this year for your consideration. While I have no idea what the criteria is for an Eclipse award is besides probably, at the very least, being published somewhere other than GbG, I chose shots that 1) were taken this year and 2) felt like solid stand alone images that either spoke to an event this year or what makes racing great overall.

I put this list together relatively quickly and it’s by no means comprehensive. Sorry that I can’t put it in a slide show, they’re not my images!

Big Brown the day after winning the Derby - Charles Pravata

Big Brown in the Belmont - Corrado Photography

Alan Garcia after the Belmont - Raymond Haddad

Big Brown in the paddock at Monmouth - Sarah K. Andrew

Casino Drive greets the kids of Anna House - Sarah K. Andrew

Fairgrounds Racing - Championship Racing

Fairgrounds Racing - Championship Racing

Jackie Davis with dad former jockey Robbie Davis after her first race - Kristen Davis

Ginger Punch out of the gate in the Go For Wand - Jessie Holmes

Zaftig and Indian Blessing in the Acorn - Jason Moran

Notional and Joe Bravo after winning the Salvatore Mile - Sarah K. Andrew

Outrider captures a runaway at Saratoga - Sarah K. Andrew

Ocean Colors after finishing last in the Schuylerville - Sarah K. Andrew

Evening Attire’s retirement party - Melissa Wirth

Zenyatta after winning the Clement L. Hirsch - Charles Pravata

Curlin arrives in California - Charles Pravata

Curlin working at Santa Anita - Charles Pravata

Larry Jones and Old Fashioned before the Remsen - Sarah K. Andrew

We need more of this - Jason Moran

If you had to pick one of Dettori at the BC - Rick Samuels

It’s a tough call if I had to pick one. I love them all but I can narrow it down to Casino Drive with the Anna House kids, Big Brown in the paddock at Monmouth, Evening Attire’s retirement and Larry Jones with Old Fashioned.

What images did you like this year? I’m sure I’ve overlooked some great ones!

Update, check out Patrick’s post… I hadn’t noticed but Juvenile is misspelled!! After thinking about it this morning, I would have to concur with GbG pal and commenter Kevin of Colin’s Ghost on 2 points 1) the pic of Big Brown’s butt losing the Belmont should win and 2) the award should go to a photographer, not a single photograph.

Posted by dana on Dec 29 2008    
Filed Under: Raymond Haddad, Indian Blessing, 2008, Remsen, Jessie Holmes, Big Brown, Jason Moran, Zenyatta, Casino Drive, Frankie Dettori, Mainstream Media, Kentucky Derby, Breeders' Cup, Derby Trail, Curlin, Belmont Stakes, Notional, Sarah K. Andrew, Charles Pravata, Alan Garcia, Racing

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Majestic Warrior schooling in the paddock at Saratoga (Jessie Holmes)

Majestic Warrior is entered in this weekend’s Derby Trial Stakes, a 7 1/2 F stakes at Churchill.

While others thought perhaps he was merely precocious after his (lack of a) performance in the Florida Derby, I want to see him cut back before I make up my mind (in the comments, because I didn’t post this sentiment on my own blog… why would I do something crazy like that?).

I haven’t looked at the past performance but there are definitely some interesting entrants. Perhaps we’ll be seeing some future milers?

Majestic Warrior’s been working consistently at Payson and just put in a nice 3F at Churchill (36 B 2/12). Best of luck to him, I know my jaw dropped when I saw him in the Hopeful.

Posted by dana on Apr 24 2008    
Filed Under: Jessie Holmes, 2008, Majestic Warrior, Sprint, Racing

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Shammy celebrating his birthday (Jessie Holmes)

What started off as a reaction to Swifty (bottom of the page) has turned into full fledged obsession “hobby”.

Now I’m a yearling!

Posted by dana on Apr 09 2008    
Filed Under: Jessie Holmes, 2008, Internet, Fans, Racing

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Majestic Warrior schooling in the paddock at Saratoga (Jessie Holmes)

I may have to sneak over the office this weekend to play the extremely enticing Saturday Fairgrounds card. In addition to a full card, this weekend is also Pool 2 in the Futures wagers.

The Louisana Derby is the debut for several very promising 3 year olds…

There’s Majestic Warrior (pictured above - Hopeful):

Tale of Ekati (Futurity Stakes):

The field also includes undefeated west coast shipper Yankee Bravo, undefeated Zayat Stables J Be K, and a host of youngins that could be teetering on a breakout race such as Unbridled Vicar (my fav second stringer), Blackberry Road, local My Pal Charlie and the extremely fully loaded combo of LaPenta/Zito’s Stevil.

There’s someone else though… who is it? Hmmm, I know there was someone else.

Ah yes, Pyro:

It looks like there might actually be some pace in this race with J Be K, although his prior two were sprints so we’ll see. Is it just me or is War Pass the only confirmed speed horse of the whole lot?

At any rate, looks like a fun weekend… I better get back to work if I have a hope in hell of handicapping later in the week!

Posted by dana on Mar 04 2008    
Filed Under: Pyro, Fairgrounds, 2008, Jessie Holmes, Majestic Warrior, Nick Zito, Derby Trail, Race Replay, 3yo, YouTube, Racing

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