Barbaro Updates: 245
updates are now here.
Update 1692: NoBiz completed his final work for the Wood Memorial on saturday and will ship to New York on thursday: Nobiz Like Shobiz Ready for Wood After :59 3/5 Drill. Street Sense has traveled from Florida to Churchill Downs: Street Sense Returned to Churchill Downs Stable.
Edgar Prado, who had a banner day at Gulfstream on saturday, is offering the saddle he used to win on Barbaro in the Kentucky Derby for Charity: Barbaro's Saddle to Raise Money for Disabled Riders.
Update 1691: At the races! Teresa from Brooklyn (occasional poster) sent this report from Gulfstream Park yesterday:
General impressions of Gulfstream: I didn't go anywhere near the newly-opened casinos and gaming rooms, focusing instead of scoping out betting machines, food/drink, and a place to sit. When I arrived at 12:30 (later than expected due to early morning car trouble on Alligator Alley), I was fearful that I'd look like one of those people who shows up at the Travers at noon and is bewildered that there's nowhere to sit. I was pleasantly surprised to find that parking was easy and that the main building, while crowded, wasn't unmanageable. I wandered past he main building to the tented area, where reasonably comfortable bleachers had been set up, starting at the 16th pole. Those seats didn't fill throughout the day, and I ended up with a front row seat at the 16th pole--prime seating, especially as it was free (as was parking--thank you, slot machines). By about the 6th race, demand had exceeded capacity: long, long lines to bet (I got in line at 6 MTP and got shut out, at least in part because people didn't know how to use the betting machines--did me a favor because my horse lost, anyway), get a drink, go to the bathroom. The place never felt excessively crowded, but nor did it feel like it could comfortably provide the services needed.
For a Grade I day, the undercard was something of a disappointment, aided no doubt in part by the Dubai races and the quality of horses and jockeys over there. With all due respect to Prado's greatness, he benefitted significantly by JR's (Velazquez) decision to ride in Dubai; Prado picked up JR's mounts on Pletcher's horses. Good move by Edgar to stay put! I can't imagine that Pletcher won't give Scat Daddy back to JR for the Derby (JR's been on the horse since he was a two year old), but it will be an interesting scenario.
The Derby set up perfectly for Scat Daddy, who showed that he's figured out what he's supposed to do. As a baby, he came from way off the pace, greenly flying down the stretch and relying on his speed. Yesterday, he stalked nicely and comfortably, and when the time came, he did exactly what he needed to do. When I saw Stormello go to the front and set reasonable fractions through the half, I knew that Scat Daddy would be tough to beat. He was impressive.
Given Chelokee's trips in his last two races, we probably haven't seen what he can really do, but his jockey's got to figure out how to get him in position; at this point, we don't even know whether Chelokee knows how to close when given the opportunity, though he gives every indication of having what it takes.
I'll be at the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct next week, and it will be interesting to see how the field compares. The Wood was won by Bellamy Road in a remarkable 17 length victory two years ago, and last year, over a muddy track, Bob and John narrowly beat a fast-closing Jazil, who came on the national scene for the first time that day.
Update 1690: A quiet morning this morning for me at Fair Hill. I went in late and only had Hawty Creek to take care of, and was not planning on riding her. I cannot see a race in the current book for her so will need to just keep her ticking over until something comes up. I saw Tim when I arrived at Fair Hill. He had just breezed Red Aspen, and was happy with the way she breezed. I think she has one more breeze to go and will then be ready for her debut. Lets hope she continues her impressive career this year. Tim and I also discussed the races yesterday. He's a big Invasor fan, so was happy about that. Anyway, a nice quiet morning, mucking out Hawty Creek and then giving her a good pick of grass.
Update 1689: Godolphin reports that Discreet Cat is suffering from a throat abscess: DISCREET CAT UPDATE. Sporting Life reports: ABSCESS BLAMED FOR CAT DEFEAT, excerpt:
Godolphin's racing manager Simon Crisford explained: "He was scoped in the week before the race so the problem has materialised in the 48 hours coming up to the race.
"He basically has an aggressive throat abscess which is clearly causing great discomfort and he is on a course of anti-biotics.
"Breathing would have been difficult during the race which explains his performance."
Discreet Cat won each of his three starts in America last term, culminating in victory in the Cigar Mile, and a return trip is still on the agenda.
"The plan remains for him to go back to America to continue his career. Obviously it is disappointing he was beaten but at least we know there was a reason for it," Crisford added.
I spoke to Peter Brette last night. Chelokee appeared to cool out well after his Florida Derby third. He noted Ramon was pretty upset with himself. There are no plans yet for Chelokee, but it is likely he will ship to Keeneland and they will take it from there. Peter was very happy with Chelokee's performance.
Update 1688: Here are some of the media reports from yesterday's racing:
Florida Derby:
Scat Daddy does Pletcher barn proud
'Daddy Just Dandy in Florida Derby
Scat Daddy solidifies status as classic contender with Florida Derby win
World Cup:
WORLD CUP GLORY FOR INVASOR
Invasor wins World Cup stretch duel
Invasor Conquers World Cup; 'Cat Last
Invasor wins Dubai World Cup
UAE Derby:
Asiatic Boy dominates UAE Derby
Asiatic Boy Overpowers UAE Derby Field
Asiatic Boy streaks clear to resounding runaway in UAE Derby
Dubai Duty Free:
MOON SHINES IN DUTY FREE
Admire Moon wins Duty Free for Japan
Admire Moon Secures Dubai Duty Free for Japan
Japan's Admire Moon takes Dubai Duty Free, Lava Man finishes last
Sheema Classic:
PERCY FOURTH AS RAIN CLAIMS SHEEMA
Vengeance of Rain Thunders to Sheema Classic Win
Vengeance of Rain pours it on in Dubai Sheema Classic
Update 1687: Scat Daddy took the Florida Derby, beating Notional and Chelokee. Scat Daddy is certainly looking like a strong contender for the Derby, but Chelokee ran a terrific race in his first race in stakes company. Ramon tried to bring Chelokee up the inside rail turning for home and the gap narrowed. He had to take up and then bring Chelokee wide, they closed to finish third. Chelokee ran an impressive race in defeat.
Update 1686: Some quick thoughts on the Dubai World Cup evening. Excellent competition from horses around the world. Nice to see horses from Asia, Europe and America competing. Invasor was amazing. Discreet Cat looked like he did not get the mile and a quarter trip. English Channel looked uncomfortable throughout his race. Lava Man still cannot win outside of California, no matter the surface. Godolphin is strugging (and not sure Coolmore even showed up). Great to see the victories and horses we did, from around the world!
Jeannine Edwards just e-mailed a few pictures from tonight's festivities: ABC crew in Dubai for World Cup.
Update 1685: I N V A S O R ... very impressive, Premium Tap was a good second. The rest were far ... far behind, including Discreet Cat who finished last!
Update 1684: Jack Ireland, who is planning to attend the Delaware Park Celebration on April 29, writes about the local horses in the Florida Derby: Florida Derby a big step for local horses.
I just saw a replay of Asiatic Boy in the UAE Derby, that was a dominating performance. I am not sure what happened to Godolphin's filly Folk but there was only one horse in this race.
Update 1683: A quiet morning for me this morning, with six to ride. My leg is no better than yesterday, and felt sore on my first set, riding Hawty Creek out back. She was good, which was a good thing! My second set was Grandma. Tim was on Nautical Agent. As we were approaching the track (Tapeta track) a set was breezing by the gap. This spooked Grandma who then wheeled. That's not good at the best of times, but when you are a little sore and protecting something, it is not good. Anyway, we did survive. Grandma galloped a mile and a quarter in behind Nautical Agent. Tim then went on to breeze Nautical Agent 3/8ths. She looked good drawing away from me and Tim said she went nicely, really lengthening her stride. My next set was Nonpariel, who went across the fields with Tim on Quick Quest. We did two gallops up a hill. They both went nicely. After that I had three more to ride, one to the Tapeta track, and two joggers on the dirt track. A nice low key morning which I survived!
We had a couple of Fans of Barbaro visiting which was nice, I hope they enjoyed their visit and were not to put off by my limp! Now settling in to watch some of the races on HRTV, and of course I'll then look forward to the ABC show. Tim reckons Invasor is a lock. I am not so sure.
Update 1682: The main racing focus today will be on Dubai (World Cup) and Gulfstream (Florida Derby).
Invasor versus Discreet Cat in the $6million World Cup will be a terrific showdown. They did meet at this meeting last year in the UAE Derby, Discreet Cat winning in fine style. Since that time both Invasor and Discreet Cat have been unbeaten, Invasor meeting the best America has to offer. Invasor is coming to the race off a recent win, Discreet Cat has not run since the Cigar Mile in November. It should be very interesting. The undercard is fantastic. HRTV covers the races live this morning, ABC will have a 2 hour special this afternoon beginning at 2:30 pm (and here they are this morning preparing: ABC crew in Dubai for World Cup). Enjoy.
Clash of the titans in World Cup
World Cup Connections Confident Day Before Race
It's on! Invasor, Discreet Cat to do battle in the desert in Dubai World Cup.
The Florida Derby is a major Derby prep, used last year by Barbaro to set himself up for his facile Derby victory. Michael Matz has another contender, Chelokee. Chelokee comes into this race off an allowance win, and while he has no stakes experience, he has looked impressive in his two wins. The Florida Derby includes three of the first four finishers of the Fountain of Youth (NoBiz is going for the Wood Memorial next weekend), Scat Daddy, Stormello (who went back to California and now is back in Florida) and Adore the Gold. Notional also comes in from California. This should be a great race, HRTV will be covering it.
A chance to grab the spotlight
California Shippers Create Formidable Florida Derby
Adore the Gold continues unlikely climb in Florida Derby
Good Morning Alex,I just wanted to be first(?) today.I'll leave it at that.
An ardent fan of Barbaro!!!
Love to All!!
Gail from Glenolden,Pa.
Posted by: Gail SKALISH at March 31, 2007 11:02 AM