Friday Post Parade: Calm Before The Storm

photo by Jacob Zimmer

The week between the Lexington Stakes at Keeneland and the Derby Trail at Churchill always has an odd stillness to it.  And then all Hades breaks lose.

• Still need $65 to reach our donation goal.  It's easy to do folks. 
• Supplemental draft #2 is up and running so make sure you pick up an additional couple of horse before Derby.  
• Don't have Creative Cause or Hansen in my stable yet.  Know what?  I ain't pickin' them up either.  How you like dem apples? 
• Already have my Derby horse picked out this year.  

Thunder Over Louisville is this Saturday.  Only one song to get us going for that.

$200,000 Coolmore Lexington Stakes (gr. II, Race 9, 5:13 p.m.), 3YO, 1 1/16 Miles (Polytrack)

PP. Horse, Jockey, Weight, Trainer

1. Morgan's Guerrilla (KY), J R Leparoux, 118, M J Maker

2. Summer Front (KY), R A Dominguez, 120, C Clement

3. Johannesbourbon (KY), G K Gomez, 118, K Gorder

4. Skyring (KY), J K Court, 118, D W Lukas

5. Golden Ticket (KY), M R Cruz, 118, K G McPeek

6. Holiday Promise (KY), J Alvarado, 118, T A Pletcher

7. Castaway (KY), S Bridgmohan, 120, B Baffert

8. Hammers Terror (KY), R Albarado, 118,, M Stidham

9. All Squared Away (KY), J A Garcia, 118, W A Ward

10. News Pending (KY), K J Desormeaux, 118, D L Romans

11. Gold Megillah (KY), J R Velazquez, 118, H G Motion

$200,000 Jerome Stakes (gr. II, Race 9, 5 p.m.), 3YO, 1 Mile (Dirt)

PP. Horse, Jockey, Weight, Trainer

1. The Lumber Guy (NY), M J Luzzi, 120, M E Hushion

2. Brigand (NY), C S Nakatani, 116, B Baffert

3. Stirred Up (VA), M Garcia, 116, B Baffert

4. Dan and Sheila (KY), R Napravnik, 116, T Pletcher

5. Right to Vote (KY), O Solis, 116, E G Harty

6. Adirondack King (KY), K Carmouche, 120, J C Servis

7. Term Loan (FL), A Garcia, 116, R A Violette Jr.

Friday Post Parade: Reaching Our Donation Goal

Last big races are this weekend.  Should be fun.  We then have the home stretch of Lexington, Jerome, and Derby Trail. 

• Big props to Four Roses Stable (small batch and single barrel are both divine) and Shall We Play A Game for significant donations to our Old Friends Trust.  With their big help we can easily reach our goal of $220.  Let's do this people.  
• After this weekend there will be one more supplemental draft where you can pick up two more horses.  Choose wisely.  
• I've been chasing points where I hope others aren't and so far that hasn't worked out.  Still some time for a big score.  

So many easy ways to go for your song of the day (Midnight Crooner, Scatman, Heavy Breathing).  But here's what I'd say at the betting window:  "Oaklawn, Race 11, give me $100 exact box, #10 w/Kentucky bred Ricky Skaggs.  Then add Ashley Monroe with 'em in a $50 tri box.  Let it ride."

$750,000 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I, Race 11, 6:18 p.m.), 3YO, 1 1/8 Miles (Polytrack)

PP. Horse, Jockey, Trainer, Odds

1. Heavy Breathing (KY), C Lanerie, T Pletcher, 12-1

2. Gung Ho (PA), E Prado, M Maker, 30-1

3. Prospective (KY), L Contreras, M Casse, 10-1

4. Hansen (KY), R Dominguez, M Maker, 6-5

5. Russian Greek (KY), M Mena, G Dorochenko, 50-1

6. Dullahan (KY), K Desormeaux, D Romans, 6-1

7. Politicallycorrect (KY), E Trujillo, W Ward, 30-1

8. Midnight Crooner (KY), G Gomez, B Baffert, 15-1

9. Holy Candy (KY), J Rosario, J Sadler, 30-1

10. Howe Great (KY), J astellano, G Motion, 6-1

11. Ever So Lucky (KY), J Leparoux, J Shepphard, 12-1

12. Hero of Order (KY), E Martin Jr., G Dorochenko, 12-1

13. Scatman (KY), S Bridgmohan, M Lauer, 12-1

All will carry 123 pounds.
 

$1 Million Arkansas Derby (gr. I, Race 11, 5:45 p.m.), 3YOs, 1 1/8 Miles
PP. Horse, Jockey, Weight, Trainer, ML Odds
1. Cozzetti (KY), J Lezcano, 118, D L Romans, 15/1
2. Stat (KY), J R Velazquez, 118, T A Pletcher, 10/1
3. Najjaar (KY), C H Borel, 118, D C Peitz, 15/1
4. Jake Mo (KY), M C Berry, 122, A Milligan, 30/1
5. Secret Circle (KY), R Bejarano, 122, B Baffert, 5/2
6. Isn't He Clever (KY), R Albarado, 122, H Dominguez, 6/1
7. Optimizer (KY), J K Court, 118, D W Lukas, 30/1
8. Atigun (KY), T J Thompson, 118, K G McPeek, 30/1
9. Sabercat (KY), C S Nakatani, 122, S M Asmussen, 15/1
10. Raconteur (KY), C P DeCarlo, 122, T A Pletcher, 15/1
11. Bodemeister (VA), M E Smith, 118, B Baffert, 9/5
Blinkers Off: Isn't He Clever, Bodemeister

Friday Post Parade: Big Weekend

Quite a few big races on tap this weekend.  Keeneland opens today.  We are one month away from The Day.

Your song of the day comes courtesy the #5 horse in the Wood Memorial.  One of the weirdest and coolest bands ever.  Great music, awesome theme and every album cover they the had was amazing.  Good luck this weekend.  

$750,000 Santa Anita Derby (gr. I, Race 6, 2:30 p.m.), 3YOs, 1 1/8 Miles 
PP. Horse, Jockey, Trainer, ML Odds
1. Creative Cause (KY), J Rosario, M Harrington, 6/5
2. Liaison (KY), R Bejarano, B Baffert, 8/1
3. Holy Candy (KY), A Quinonez, J W Sadler, 8/1
4. I'll Have Another (KY), M Gutierrez, D F O'Neill, 5/2
5. Longview Drive (KY), R A Baze, J Hollendorfer, 12/1
6. Paynter (KY), M Garcia, B Baffert, 12/1
7. Senor Rain (IN),  E Flores, P Miller, 15/1
8. Midnight Transfer (KY), M E Smith, C Gaines, 10/1
9. Blueskiesnrainbows (VA), J Talamo, B Baffert, 20/1
10. Brother Francis (KY), G K Gomez, J M Cassidy, 20/1
All carry 122 pounds.
Blinkers Off: Creative Cause, Blueskiesnrainbows

$1 million Wood Memorial (gr. I, Race 9, 5:15 p.m.), 3YO, 1 1/8 Miles (Dirt)
PP. Horse, Jockey, Weight, Trainer, Odds
1. Alpha (KY), R A Dominguez, 123, K P McLaughlin, 5-2
2. Casual Trick (KY), C S Nakatani, 123, N P Zito, 20-1
3. My Adonis (KY), E Trujillo, 123, K J Breen, 8-1
4. Teeth of the Dog (KY), J Bravo, 123, M R Matz, 15-1
5. Street Life (KY), J Alvarado, 123, C C Brown, 4-1
6. Gemologist (KY), J Castellano, 123, T A Pletcher, 8-5
7. Tiger Walk (KY), J R Velazquez, 123, I Correas IV, 15-1
8. The Lumber Guy (NY), C H Velasquez, 123, M E Hushion, 8-1

$500,000 Illinois Derby (gr. III, Race 9, 5:46 p.m.), 3YO, 1 1/8 Miles (Dirt)
PP. Horse, Jockey, Weight, Trainer
1. Romancing the Gold (PA), I Ortiz, Jr., 122, J C Englehart
2. Hakama (KY), J Pimentel, 122, M J Trombetta
3. Ring It Up (KY), L Wade, 122, C Richard
4. Currency Swap (FL), S Bridgmohan, 122, T M Pompay
5. Pretension (NY), J Santiago, 122, C W Grove
6. Skyring (KY), R A Vazquez, 122, D W Lukas
7. Saturday Launch (KY), C A Emigh, K G McPeek
8. Z Rockstar (OK), Q Hamilton 122, D K Von Hemel
9. Fastestwhogetspaid (ON), I Ocampo, 122, B Williamson
10. Frankie Is Rock (KY), E E Perez, 122, R Aguilar
11. Our Entourage (KY), E Castro, 122, T A Pletcher
12. Morgan's Guerrilla (KY), R Napravnik, 122, M J Maker
13. Done Talking (KY), S Russell, 122, H A Smith
14. Slamit (FL), C Hill, 122, T A Ice
Also Eligibles:
Explain (KY), F C Torres, 122, B H Cox
Arm Force (KY), E Castro, 122, E G Harty
Defiant Flyer (TX), S B Martinez, 122, L P Davis

 $250,000 Bay Shore Stakes (gr. III, Race 8, 4:38 p.m.), 3YO, 7 Furlongs

PP. Horse, Jockey, Weight, Trainer
1. Trinniberg (KY), W Martinez, 120, B Parboo
2. Perfect Trippi (FL), C S Nakatani, 116, D L Romans
3. Copy My Swagger (KY), D Cohen, 116, D Jacobson
4. Phil Dancer (PA), C H Velasquez, 120, R E Reid Jr.
5. King and Crusader (MD), M J Luzzi, 120, R E Dutrow Jr.
6. Hardened Wildcat (KY), J Alvarado, 120, C C Brown
7. Maan (KY), J Castellano, 116, E Kenneally
8. How Do I Win (KY), J R Velazquez, 116, T A Pletcher

Friday Post Parade: A BIG Weekend

'Which side are you on? Which side are you on?'

Here's a list: horse racing, basketball, bourbon, bluegrass music, country ham (hell, throw in coal and tobacco for good measure).  If you are a Kentuckian you should either love, like, have an affinity for or at least appreciate all those things.  If not you need to turn in your native card.

• Still stuck at $70 in our charity venture.  We can do better than this people.  
• Union Rags and El Padrino hooking up in the Florida Derby along with Take Charge Indy and others is going to be fun. 
• The Louisiana Derby is being run on Sunday.  That's a good idea Fair Grounds.  
• Remember if you haven't picked up horses in the 1st supplemental draft yet this weekend might be a good time to do that.  
• Great to hear Bob Baffert is recovering well from his health scare.  Love Bobby B.  
• I have a dream:  At the end of the big game on Saturday I just hope that whatever happens the fans, the bands, the cheerleaders, the teams are smart and civil enough to join arm and arm and join in a rendition of 'My Old Kentucky Home' just at they first did in Knoxville in 1983.  It's a pipe dream, but it's my dream.

Our song today was written by the great Florence Reece during the Harlan County, Kentucky coal mining wars of the 1930s.  If you haven't seen the film Harlan County USA...you must.  It's an amazing document of an important part of Kentucky history.  Good luck this weekend. 

$1 million Florida Derby (gr. I, Race 11, 5:40 p.m.), 3YO, 1 1/8 Miles (Dirt)
PP. Horse, Jockey, Trainer
1. Fort Loudon (FL), L Jurado, S Gold
2. News Pending (KY), R Maragh, D Romans
3. Take Charge Indy (KY), C Borel, P Byrne
4. Neck 'n Neck (KY), E Prado, I Wilkes
5. Z Camelot (KY), J Bravo, D Romans
6. Union Rags (KY), J Leparoux, M Matz
7. Bartolome (KY), J Castanon, J Garoffalo
8. El Padrino (KY), J Castellano, T Pletcher
9. Reveron (KY), E Trujillo, A Bezara
All horses will carry 122 pounds

Louisiana Derby
Fire Alarm, Miguel Mena, 20-1
Windsurfer, John Velazquez, 12-1
Finnegans Wake, Corey Lanerie, 15-1
Flashy Sunrise, Rajiv Maragh, 30-1
Cigar Street, Shaun Bridgmohan, 7-2
Shared Property, Leandro Goncalves, 10-1
Mr. Bowling, Robby Albarado, 2-1 (entry)
Mark Valeski, Rosie Napravnik, 2-1 (entry)
Arm Force, Julien Leparoux, 20-1
Comisky's Humor, Richard Eramia, 20-1
Z Dager, Shane Sellers, 8-1
Rousing Sermon, Mike Smith, 6-1
Hero Of Order, Eddie Martin Jr., 30-1
Afford, James Graham, 15-1

Friday Post Parade: Spiral, Sunland, Rushaway

This guy knows a guy who looks like the lead singer of Spin Doctors

I'm still in a great mood.  This could end anytime so enjoy it while it's here.

• We have $70 in our in our fundraising efforts.  We have 22 stables in our league.  Don't need to be a math major to understand there's a discrepancy here.  It supports a good cause, it's fast, it's easy, it's secure, it all goes straight to Old Friends, you can do it anonymously, etc. Let's get it done people.
• Remember to pick up three more horses in your stable between now and Derby Day.  The supplemental draft opened this last Monday so it's your chance to enhance your stable.  
• Derby preps will be on NBC Sports Network Saturday.  No information on what they are showing, but something will be on.  Great marketing there.  
• Two decent races this weekend in the Sunland Derby and Spiral Stakes.   Sunland is a grade III race....with an $800,000 purse.  Slots, slots, slots!

And now your song for the weekend.  Something fun, reference a prep race, some Derby tie-in, ah-ha.  So see that #5 horse in the Sunland Derby?  I hear this song and BOOM I'm magically in Louisville, Kentucky in the spring of 1993.  Remember that Derby Sea Hero Stables?  Of course you do.  Good luck this weekend.

I hope those cigarettes are gonna make you cough. 

$800,000 Sunland Derby (gr. III, Race 12, 5:45 p.m.), 3YOs, 1 1/8 Miles
PP. Horse, Jockey, Trainer
1. Castaway (KY), R Bejarano, B Baffert
2. Ender Knievel (KY), J R Velazquez, T A Pletcher
3. Stirred Up (VA), M Garcia, B Baffert
4. Isn't He Clever (KY), L Contreras, H Dominguez
5. No Spin (KY), C Hill, T A Ice
6. Daddy Nose Best (KY), J R Leparoux, S M Asmussen
7. Tequila Factor (KY), M Hernandez, C L Wilson
8. Justanoldsong (KY), R Eikleberry, D Wolochuk
All carry 122 pounds.

$500,000 Vinery Racing Spiral Stakes (gr. III, Race 10, 5:45 p.m.), 3YO, 1 1/8 Miles (Polytrack)
PP. Horse, Jockey, Weight, Trainer
1. Russian Greek (KY), C S Nakatani, 123, J Hollendorfer
2. Red Jack (KY), M Pedroza, 123, D W Lukas
3. Heavy Breathing (KY), J Castellano, 123, T A Pletcher
4. Went the Day Well (NY), J R Velazquez, 123, H G Motion
5. Holiday Promise (KY), J Alvarado, 123, T A Pletcher
6. All Squared Away (KY), L Contreras, 123, P Miller
7. Ill Conceived (PA), S Elliott, 123, J C Servis
8. Coach Royal (KY), F Jara, 123, J Sallusto
9. Tizanexpense (KY), V Lebron, 123, M J Maker
10. Mr. Prankster (KY), R Napravnik, 123, M J Maker
11. Stealcase (KY), R Maragh, 123, M E Casse
12. Handsome Mike (KY), J Rosario, 123, D F O'Neill

Rushaway Stakes

Monday Hot Walk: My Baby's Got A Secret

I'm wearing my one red tie to match the family. 

How was your weekend?  Oh mine?  It was AWESOME.

• Gulfstream is apparently our fave Derby prep series.  Surprised.  New poll is up.  
• Secret Circle did what he was supposed to do in the Rebel and I like what I saw.  He sat in 3/4, cruised a while and was confident to weave through traffic around the far turn and take control.  Beyer Figure of 92 might be a little lower than what I'd like, but still within range.
• Optimizer! Wow.  Anyone care to comment on that blazing stretch run to nail place?  
• Top two in our league continue to be ULhothot and People of Iowa's Stable, but The Esper Rose and Morning Dew Stable took big leaps this week.  
• Derby Love has now been updated for 2012.  It's one of my favorite Derby blogs, but I'm biased because Sea Hero Stables (who runs the site) was my college roommate at UofL.  However, it's new and improved and definitely worth checking out.  And there's a chance to see 19YO Kentucky Bred.  Man, I need to work out more.   
• Brown Squirrel Stable alerted me of NBC possibly asking Churchill Downs to move Derby later into the evening in the future.  I actually love the idea.  Love Breeders' Cup under lights and the Dubai World Cup is an awesome spectacle.  Just scared to death to have that many drunk people in darkness.  Infield would be out of control. 
• Vinery Racing Spiral, Rushaway, and Sunland Derby up this weekend.  Still miss Spiral Stakes being called the Jim Beam Stakes and am still amazed it was once call Galleryfurniture.com Stakes.  
• Had a great weekend.  Best thing that happened?  Hmmm....Oh, I found out UPS doesn't disrespect or hate me.  Thank you UPS.   

Enjoy Kentucky bred Nappy Roots singing bout the world, but still never forgetting where they are from. 

Hit Churchill Downs and throw some on a horse.

Friday Post Parade: The Rebel Stakes

There's only one race on tap this weekend, but it should be a good one.  Not much in this post, but I'll try to follow up Monday with some more to say.  Until then enjoy some Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.  I've read in interviews where these guys don't understand why they are compared to The Jesus and Mary Chain and like.  Seriously?  I mean you are a cool band, but you weren't born out of some space vacuum.  Own it. 

$500,000 Rebel Stakes (gr. II, Race 10, 5:48 p.m.), 3YO, 1 1/16 Miles (Dirt)
PP. Horse, Jockey, Weight, Trainer
1. Unbridled's Note (KY), C Hill, 115, S M Asmussen
2. Scatman (KY), L S Quinonez, 117, M E Lauer
3. Cyber Secret (KY), R Albarado, 117, L S Whiting
4. Optimizer (KY), J K Court, 115, D W Lukas
5. Jake Mo (KY), M C Berry, 117, A Milligan
6. Sabercat (KY), C S Nakatani, 119, S M Asmussen
7. Secret Circle (KY), R Bejarano, 122, B Baffert
8. Atigun (KY), T J Thompson, 117, K G McPeek
9. Reckless Jerry (KY), J Rocco Jr., 115, K P Smith
10. Ring It Up (KY), L Wade, 115, C Richard
11. Pee H Dee (KY), I Ocampo, 117, C Richard
12. Najjaar (KY), C H Borel, 117, D C Peitz
13. Adirondack King (KY), S Elliott, 117, J C Servis

Monday Hot Walk: ULhothot Tops The League Table

I don't know about you, but I had a great weekend and this coming week is shaping up to be nice too. 

Appears to be the real deal. 

• Creative Cause stalked a swift pace and pounced on a game Bodemeister to take the San Filipe. Creative Cause evidently galloped out very strong which is a good sign of possible things to come.   That 7 furlong tune up of the San Vicente appears to be a great public workout as it was touted.  
• Prospective took the Tampa Bay Derby by out dueling Golden Ticket.  Both were game, but the speed quality of the race appears to be a bit in question. 
• Trinniberg won the Swale Stakes.  
• Beyer Speed Figures for the race winners:  Trinniberg-99, Prospective-88, Creative Cause-102.  
• I took gambles on not picking up Hansen and Creative Cause in my stable.  I do this every year thinking I'm gonna be some wise guy.  So far it hasn't worked out so well.  
• We only have the Rebel Stakes this coming weekend, but with Baffert's Southwest division winning duo Secret Circle and Castaway meeting up it should keep us entertained.  
• Congrats to 'ULhothot' for topping our league table this week.  'ULhothot' is actually short for 'UL is my hot hot sex' which is not only an awesome and hilarious username it's totally true right now....well, at least for me. 
• We just had daylight savings.  Spring is budding which means Derby is just around the corner.  UofL won the Big East and are gonna be playing in my backyard for the Big Dance.  Oh yeah, I'm going. 

So I'll leave you with this song of the day.  Everything in it reflects how I feel right now-the band, the song, the audience, the video in the background.  This is also one of my four-year-old daughter's favorite songs.  There are many things I'll probably fail at in fatherhood, but I already know my girl is hip to good music.  She can be digging John Coltrane and Nina Simone and then slide into Erasure and Le Tigre like nobody's business.   I realize this is Kathleen Hanna's second appearance on the blog.  Yeah, she cool.  Have a great week.

MORE CRACKERS PLEASE!

Friday Post Parade: San Filipe, Tampa Bay, Swale

'84 Derby winner Swale w/Stephens-both Kentucky bred

One stellar race, one decent race and one non-factor race just for good measure this weekend.  Let's get to it.

• Awesome exhibition just started at the Derby Museum.  So they have some wood from one of the last trees of the land that the Downs now stands on and made it into a bar for the exhibition.  Friggin' awesome.  The Churchill brothers owned and leased the land to Meriwether Lewis Clark (their nephew) who put into motion what we know as the Downs, the Derby, the Oaks, the Clark Handicap etc.  Great story. 
• San Filipe is going to be a cool race.  I'm looking forward to many of the colts in this race and am predicting a break out performance.  Creative Cause is your early favorite. 
• It's amazing how far the Tampa Bay Derby has come in just a few short years.  A decade ago we wouldn't even be talking about this track let alone this race.  Whoever runs this race course needs to give some ideas to the entire racing industry 'cause they are doing something right down there.  Doesn't appear to be as deep a field this year, but a couple of these horses figure to be in the mix the first Saturday in May.  
• The Swale Stakes also occurs.  Meh.  But Swale is one of those cool, yet tragic stories in racing.  Plus he was trained by Powell County, Kentucky's own Woody Stephens.  That's right around my stomping ground growing up.  You haven't played golf until you've played at Meadows Golf Course in Clay City/Powell County.  I found a golf website that had a comment from juice0013 that best sums up this place:                                                                                                               Basically you are paying to play golf on an open field. Great for beginners because no matter how much you slice, it is still in bounds. No fairways/roughs, just tee boxes and green. Every green is the same... round and high in the center. Tough course, but cheap cheap cheap. I can't say I haven't returned plenty of times just to play some cheap golf on a Saturday.             Exactly.  Plus the barn in the middle of the 8th/17th fairway is just classic. 
• Oh yeah...GO CARDS.  Beat Irish. 

Took me awhile to figure out which way to go for your song of the day.  Finally narrowed it down to a few ideas.  Groovin' Solo seemed a bit too obvious as did Musical Flair.  Motor City provided way too many options (Jack White, Bob Seger, Eminem, Iggy Pop, etc.) so I went sideways on y'all.  Heard the track below yesterday and was blown away.  If you are faithful readers you should be reading this on Friday morn (just to set the stage a bit).  So....GOOD MORNING DIVA.  Good luck this weekend.

 

$300,000 San Filipe Stakes (gr. II, Race 9, 4:38 p.m.), 3YOs, 1 1/16 Miles
PP. Horse, Jockey, Weight, Trainer
1. Blingo (KY), M E Smith, 118, J A Shirreffs
2. Bodemeister (VA), R Bejarano, 118, B Baffert
3. American Act (KY), M A Pedroza, 118, J Carava
4. Midnight Transfer (KY), V Espinoza, 118, C Gaines
5. Groovin' Solo (KY), A Quinonez, 118, M K Cho
6. Liaison (KY), M Garcia, 123, B Baffert
7. Creative Cause (KY), J Rosario, 123, M Harrington
8. Rousing Sermon (CA), J Talamo, 118, J Hollendorfer
9. Tiz Point (KY), G K Gomez, 118, R E Mandella
10. Empire Way (KY), B Blanc, 118, M Harrington
Blinkers Off: Groovin' Solo, Liaison

$350,000 Tampa Bay Derby (gr. II, Race 11, 5:28 p.m.), 3YO, 1 1/16 Miles (Dirt)
PP. Horse, Jockey, Weight, Trainer
1. Prospective (KY), L Contreras, 120, M E Casse
2. Golden Ticket (KY), M R Cruz, 116, K G McPeek
3. Twin (FL), D Centeno, 116, P Maestre
4. Chief Energy (KY), P Lopez, 116, J J Toner
5. Tell All You Know (KY), L R Goncalves, 116, C J Stewart
6. Cozzetti (KY), J Lezcano, 116, D L Romans
7. Battle Hardened (KY), J R Leparoux, 120, E Kenneally
8. Ravelo's Boy (KY), J Sanchez, 116, M J Azpurua
9. Spring Hill Farm (VA), J Castellano, 116, T A Pletcher
10. Take Charge Indy (KY), C H Borel, 116, P B Byrne
11. Fox Rules (NY), H Villa-Gomez, 116, M A Ferraro
12. Cajun Charlie (LA), T J Hebert, 120, B S House

$150,000 Swale (gr. III, Race 11, 5:35 p.m.), 3YO, 7 Furlongs (Dirt)
PP. Horse, Jockey, Weight, Trainer
1. Quick Wit (KY), A O Solis, 115, D L Romans
2. Trinniberg (KY), W Martinez, 115, B Parboo
3. Silver Menace (KY), R A Dominguez, 117, K Ritvo
4. Motor City (KY), E S Prado, 121, I R Wilkes
5. Hello Prince (FL), J A Garcia, 121, D Pita
6. Bahamian Squall (FL), L Saez, 115, D Fawkes
7. Ever So Lucky (KY), J Bravo, 115, J E Sheppard
8. Musical Flair (KY), J C Leyva, 121, S Santoro
9. Seve (KY), K J Desormeaux, 115, D L Romans
10. Good Morning Diva (KY), R Maragh, 115, J D Braddy

Monday Hot Walk: Hansen Shows New Dimension

Not a lot to report, but there are three graded stake races this coming weekend so things will pick up a bit.

• Thoughts go out to all in Kentucky who felt the effects of the terrible weather last week.  Though the damage was immense and there were some lives lost it's actually amazing things weren't worse than they were.  I know folks whose house was leveled in western Johnson County, but they escaped from harm.  
• Hansen earned some respect from me this last weekend.  For a front runner he had an unwanted outside post in the Gotham.  He actually eased into a rating position and calmly stalked the pace before unleashing in the last quarter.  My only concern at this point is the lack of class he faced in that race and his ability carry with further distance.  He could easily be in the superfecta range come Derby Day and I think is a must use in exotic wagering. 
• Tampa Bay Derby, San Filipe, and Swale Stakes are all this coming weekend.  We should see a lot of talent heading to the gate.  I've gotta gain some ground in the standings as I took a gamble and did not pick up Hansen in my stable (yet).  
• Oh, the John Battaglia Memorial also occurred.  I have no idea who won.  Seriously, a non-grade stakes race at Turfway Park in early March should not be considered a Derby prep race.  
• New poll question is up.  I included Keeneland even though it doesn't have a tradition prep series because winners of the Blue Grass and Lexington stamp their ticket to the Derby.  And it's Keeneland.  However, I chose Oaklawn as I love the series and really want to get down there for the Arkansas Derby one day.  

Somber, yet sweet song from the legend Mingus to ease into your Monday.  Talk to you Friday.    

Friday Post Parade: Gotham & John Battaglia Memorial

I think it would be pretty cool. 

Let's get to it.  

• It's official:  we think Baffert only owns red and yellow ties (I think it's 37 yellow and 4 red).
• So if someone decided to add to my obituary that Jennie Rees retweeted me I'd be cool with that. 
• We have raised $70 of our fundraising goal of $210.  Let's get it done.  
• Someone asked me on Twitter last week what I think about the Kentucky State Senate denying Commonwealth voters a chance to vote on gaming in Kentucky.  I'm working on an opinion post so that should be out soon.  
• Pegasus Pins are out now!  They are one of those little things I miss about the Derby City, but now they can be bought online and I will be purchasing one (green).  The Kentucky Derby Festival is definitely my favorite American fest.  I love Portland, but the Rose Festival pales in comparison.  
• Not a huge weekend of racing, but with 2YO Hansen running it'll keep the intrigue up a bit.  I'm not a big fan of Hansen.  I'm very suspicious of most precocious 2YOs (especially with a front running style).  We all saw the Holy Bull Stakes.  Love his color and even though I'm generally pretty traditional when it comes to racing I would have liked to have seen the dyed mane and tail. 
• I don't think I have any horses running this weekend.  Jockey and trainer points galore. 
• My Louisville Cardinals v/Morning Dew Stables' Syracuse Orange tomorrow.  Over the last few years I would normally looked forward to this automatic win.  I do not have that feeling now. 

Thought about a number of ways to go with your song of the day.  @pressthepace had me inspired to go with Prince and 'Batdance'.  Interesting, but odd and not one of Prince's finest moments.  Thought to go super cheese with Hanson and 'MMMBop'.  Say what you want, but that's a great pop song.  Ultimately, I decided to go with a safe bet.  I'm a big fan of this Hansen.  He rarely disappoints.
  

$400,000 Gotham Stakes
PP. Horse, Jockey, Weight, Trainer, Odds
1. My Adonis (KY), E Trujillo, 120, K J Breen, 5-1
2. Stealcase (KY), L Contreras, 116, M E Casse, 12-1
3. Finnegans Wake (KY), K J Desormeaux, 116, D L Romans, 20-1
4. Pretension (NY), J Santiago, 116, C W Grove, 20-1
5. Maan (KY), R Maragh, 116, E Kenneally, 15-1
6. Dan and Sheila (KY), J R Velazquez, 116, T A Pletcher, 8-1
7. Suns Out Guns Out (KY), I Ortiz Jr., 116, D L Romans, 30-1
8. Raconteur (KY), C H Velasquez, 120, T A Pletcher, 15-1
9. King and Crusader (MD), M J Luzzi, 116, R E Dutrow Jr., 15-1
10. Side Road (KY), A Garcia, 116, K P McLaughlin, 12-1
11. Done Talking (KY), D Cohen, 116, H A Smith, 20-1
12. Hansen (KY), R A Dominguez, 123, M J Maker, 6-5
13. Tiger Walk (KY), E Castro, 116, I Correas IV, 12-1

$75,000John Battaglia Memorial
PP. Horse, Jockey, Weight, Trainer
1. Dynamical (KY), J Martinez Jr., 118, M E Casse
2. Ill Conceived (PA), S Elliott, 118, J C Servis
3. Phantom Fury (KY), R A Prescott, 118, M E Lauer
4. State of Play (KY), V Lebron, 124, H G Motion
5. Posey Rose (KY), M Pedroza, 118, V D Coyle
6. Mr. Prankster (KY), J McKee, 124, M J Maker

Monday Hot Walk: The Godfather Has Spoken and Rags to Riches

Union Rags

Great start to the Road to the Roses.  Let's get right to it.  

• Risen Star-Mark Valeski ran a nice race, but I really think El Padrino (Beyer of 98) is a class above.  From my amateur eyes it looked at if Rosie Napravnik went to the whip on Mark Valeski about eight times in the stretch.  Javier Castellano showed whipped, but only used twice.  Not really any other horses to talk about from this race.  A quick search reveals El Padrino is translated in English to The Godfather.  So that's pretty cool.  
• Fountain of Youth-Too bad Algorithms scratched, but Union Rags was probably going to beat just about anybody yesterday.  Discreet Dancer looked very comfortable on the front end and I thought with those modest fractions he could pull away.  Alas, he didn't have anything for the stretch run and Union Rags blew by him.  
• Two big performances this weekend.  Which one do you think was better?
• There are 21 individuals in our league so I've changed our Old Friends donation goal to $210.  Please donate so we can achieve our goal by Derby Day. 
• Standings-Things were really tight at the top after the Risen Star, but People of Iowa's Stable raged in front after the Fountain of Youth.  I'm guessing that stable 'power horsed' both winners.  Nice work.  Four Roses Stable (love me some Four Roses Small Batch and Single Barrel) currently stands in stalking position.   It was a good start and there's plenty of racing ahead. 

I'm from small county in Kentucky.  Growing up in the 1980s you had to really search for music outside of country, pop, and classic rock (seriously, jazz just didn't exist).  This song came out when I was 15 (yeah, I just dated myself...so what).  Looking for wannabe angst-filled music you had few avenues to explore: MTV (I didn't have cable OR satellite), older siblings of friends who were into cool music (few and far between), and....Columbia House Record Club.  It was like iTunes pre-Internet.  I bought The Cure's Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me along with 11 other similar albums around this time.  Best penny I ever spent. 

I remember this being really cool back in the day.  Now, not so much.  Kinda cheesy isn't it?

WHATEVER! You just don't understand!  Leave me alone!  I'm going to my room! 

Gotham and John Battaglia Memorial are up next.  Talk to you all on Friday.  Have a great week!

Friday Post Parade: Risen Star and Fountain of Youth

So we are finally here to the start of the Road to the Roses fantasy horse racing challenge.  Really excited about this season.  

Currently my favorite Derby prospect

• Make sure you sign up and finalize your stable by tonight.
• If you are new to the league or just fell into this blog and want to join-welcome!  Feel free to be part of the fun.  
• League information is in the top right of this blog.  Make sure you enter that after you get your stable together.  
• Read over the league rules.  Really the most important thing to remember is to activate three power horses every week. 
• Remember we are a charitable league so make sure you donate $10 to Old Friends in the donation box to the right.  It's quick and easy to do and supports a very worthy cause.  Thanks to everyone who has already donated (including me).
• Really interested to see what El Padrino can do in the Risen Star.  Nearly picked the colt named Mark Valeski for my stable because I actually worked with a guy out here in the City of Roses with that same name.  Weird.  He's owned by a former Kentucky governor and trained by a Kentuckian.  I hope I don't regret not taking him.  
• I have to say the Fountain of Youth is the real excitement.  Algorithms and Union Rags have been buzz horses for a while and rightly so.  I got chills when I saw Discreet Dancer's last outing.  I realize it was an allowance/optional claimer race, but he looked sharp (as he did in his 2YO race in December).  Likes to get out front and this might be his downfall.  Really looking forward to this race.  
• No luck on getting Kenny Mayne, Rex Chapman, Bobby Flay, Gene Simmons, and Bryan Cranston to join our league as of yet.  There's still time.   

I've done just about every fantasy sport there is, but to me nothing compares to this.  It's by far my favorite.  Race entries for this weekend's Risen Star and Fountain of Youth are after the song of the day.

So you are going to click on this song and wonder what's the connection.  There is a connection.  I really hope I'm not disappointed next time I check the stable names in our league.  Good luck to everyone!

$300,000 Risen Star Stakes (gr. II, Race 11, 4:55 p.m.), 3YOs, 1 1/16 Miles
PP. Horse, Jockey, Weight, Trainer
1. Afford (KY), S Bridgmohan, 116, G Geier
2. Optimizer (KY), C H Marquez Jr., 116, D W Lukas
3. a-Mr. Bowling (KY), R Albarado, 120, J L Jones
4. Z Dager (KY), S J Sellers, 116, S M Asmussen
5. Ted's Folly (OK), R Zimmerman, 120, W L Brown
6. b-Adena's Chance (FL), R E Eramia, 116, G Dorochenko
7. b-Hero of Order (KY), J Graham, 116, G Dorochenko
8. El Padrino (KY), J Castellano, 116, T A Pletcher
9. a-Mark Valeski (KY), R Napravnik, 116, J L Jones
10. Shared Property (KY), L R Goncalves, 120, T M Amoss
11. Tizanexpense (KY), M Mena, 116, M J Maker
a - Brereton C. Jones coupled entry
b - Gennadi & Irina Dorochenko coupled entry

$400,000 Fountain of Youth Stakes (gr. II, Race 11, 5:13 p.m.), 3YOs, 1 1/16 Miles
PP. Horse, Jockey, Weight, Trainer
1. Neck 'n Neck (KY), J Lezcano, 116, I R Wilkes
2. Algorithms (KY), J Castellano, 120, T A Pletcher
3. Fort Loudon (FL), R Maragh, 120, S I Gold
4. Casual Trick (KY), C S Nakatani, 116, N P Zito
5. Discreet Dancer (FL), J R Velazquez, 116, T A Pletcher
6. News Pending (KY), K J Desormeaux, 116, D L Romans
7. Union Rags (KY), J R Leparoux, 122, M R Matz
8. Csaba (KY), P Lopez, 116, P A Gleaves

Tuesday Hot Walk: Everything You Need To Know

And away we go!

• Make sure you go to Road to the Roses to sign up your stable.   First race is Saturday so make sure you get everything in by Friday night.
• If you were referred here by a friend or just fell upon this site then welcome. 
• League code information is listed on the top right of this site.
• Not sure what horses to pick?  Check the links a little further down on the right side for info of top prospects to choose from.  
• If you are new to this and feel like a complete novice don't worry.  We just want to have some fun and this is a great way to gear up for the first Saturday in May.  By Derby Day you will have a really great idea of all the horses entered.
• We've made a lukewarm attempt to persuade Kenny Mayne to join our league.  Rex Chapman was also asked (great call there O).  No response yet.  I suggest adding Bobby Flay in the mix too.  
•  You know how Bob Geldof got people to join in the Band Aid song?  He went to press and gave names of everyone who was going to be involved without actually asking the artists.  Geldof told artists afterward if they wanted to back out then go ahead and see what happens.  Not saying we should go full Geldof here, but it might be a good idea to utilize some meme to go viral re: the above three dudes.  Worth a shot right?

Bull Inthe Heather (not a typo)

Finally and most importantly we play this league to have fun.  But we have fun and try to do some good in the world at the same time.  Again we will be raising money for Old Friends. So a suggested league donation again will be $10.  To streamline things and give us some visual reminders I've set up the donation widget you see to the right.  It's fast, it's easy and it will keep us on track of our goal.  Every little bit helps.  We'll support cool old Thoroughbreds like 1993 Florida Derby winner Bull Inthe Heather.  

That easily leads us to our song of the day.  So the story goes Bob Nastanovich (of Pavement and Silver Jews) gave Kim and Thurston of Sonic Youth a bumper sticker with the horse's name on it.  The rest is genius indie song history (gotta love Kathleen Hanna in stealing the show in the video).  Bob's a horse racing nut.  I've gathered over the years that:

• He had short lived racing blog called Lonely at the Rail
• He once lived in a house across the street from Churchill Downs on Central Avenue
• According to Wiki he is currently employed as a chart caller for Equibase and works at Prairie Meadows in Altoona, Iowa.
• He is a member of the most indie music NBA fantasy league in the history of the entire universe.  Stephen Malkmus is commish.   

 

Really looking forward to the league this year.  Good luck selecting your stables.

Friday Post Parade: Gearing Up For Road To The Roses

It's Presidents' Day weekend.  Kentucky bred Abraham Lincoln has got to get his props on this blog.  LaRue County baby!  Reprazent!

Next weekend you will need set you stable of horses along with a couple of jockeys and trainers.  We will then be counting up points on a weekly basis.  Until then you have some time to think about your picks and watch a few good prep races this weekend.

•  The El Camino Real welcomes California Derby winner Russian Greek along with stable mate Lady of Fifty (filly in the house!)
• 2YO sensation Creative Cause makes his 3YO debut in the San Vicente @ Santa Anita.  It's a seven furlong race and you know how fond I am of distances under a mile this time of year.  
•  Southwest Stakes is on Monday in Hot Springs.  Entries aren't out at yet.  Reckless Jerry is an entry and is owned by 'country music' 'star' Toby Keith.  His stable is called Dream Walkin' Farms.  Didn't think Toby could get any more annoying, but with that farm name he just out did himself. 
• We need to get a celebrity to join our fantasy league.  We can just send messages via Twitter (this is the real value in this medium-access to famous people!) until someone relents.  We need to shoot big, but not too big and find somebody with an interest in horse racing and a sense of humor.  Hmmm...  Easy.  BOOM.  I'm happy to send the first begging, badgering, harrassing plea.  I'll need you all to follow up.  Who's with me? 
• We again will play for our favorite charity Old Friends.  We'll set things up a bit differently this year to honestly just make things easier on me-more about this later.    
• Would love to hear how some people pick the horses in their fantasy stable.  Maybe a blog post will spark some banter.  Maybe not.  
• Heading to Portland Meadows for racing Oregon style on Presidents' Day.  I'll try to remember to tweet some photos so you can see what that looks like.  Expect some cowboy hats and large belt buckles. 

OK, time for music.  Let's see, San Vicente Stakes so how about some Saint Vincent?

Great song, but was that too much of a stretch?   How 'bout some Black Keys off their latest release El Camino?  Thought about putting a deep album cut here, but the man dancing in this video will get your weekend rocking by noon today.  If you aren't drinking by 5:05PM you obviously didn't watch the video. 

El Camino Real
1. Daddy Nose Best (KY), J R Leparoux, 121, S M Asmussen
2. Senor Rain (IN), K Krigger, 121, P Miller
3. Cahill Chrome (CA), J J Hernandez, 121, R W Hansen
4. Russian Greek (KY), A T Gryder, 121, J Hollendorfer
5. Unveiled Heat (CA), F T Alvarado, 121, S Specht
6. Lucky Chappy (IRE), A Garcia, 121, H G Motion
7. Handsome Mike (KY), C S Nakatani, 121, D F O'Neill
8. Rockinarz Recruit (CA), A Cedillo, 121, L C Mason
9. All Squared Away (KY), K John, 121, P Miller
10. Lady of Fifty (KY), R A Baze, 116, J Hollendorfer

 San Vicente Stakes
1. Let's Get Crackin (KY), V Espinoza, 118, C Dollase
2. Creative Cause (KY), J Rosario, 123, M Harrington
3. Drill (KY), M Garcia, 123, B Baffert
4. Smoking G (KY), C S Nakatani, 118, P Miller
5. American Act (KY), M A Pedroza, 118, J Carava
6. Captain Obvious (IRE), M Gutierrez, 118, B D Cecil

Southwest Stakes

Tuesday Hot Walk: Hutcheson, Updates and Valentines

Jail Blazer era Z-Bo wishes you a rosy St. Valentine's Day.

• Not much action last weekend, but the weeks ahead are going to be chock full from here on out. 
• As you know, the Road to the Roses website is up. 
•  Thunder Moccasin won the Hutcheson Stakes.  Ever So Lucky scratched the morning of the race which gave opening for Thunder Moccasin to win as the heavy favorite.  Pletcher and Velasquez connections at work again and the colt earned a 93 Beyer Speed Figure over 7 furlongs.  
• Oddly familiar game offered by Winstar Farms is up.  You need to enter by February 18th and Derby tickets are the grand prize.  Apparently, this is the third year of the contest.  How'd I miss that?
• Nice video update from Jill Byrne @ Churchills Downs.  Love the setting in the paddock with the snow falling.  Hope they keep these coming.  Love Jill. 
• There's a lot of current press about horses under the radar.  This is a great way to add some greenhorns to your stable that others might not know about.  I have my eyes on a few but I'll never tell.  
• The field (I miss the field bet on Derby day, don't you?) is top choice in the first Kentucky Derby Future Wager @ 9/5 while Algorithms (awesome name) is top individual choice @ 8/1.  Castellano deciding to ride him in Fountain of Youth over Union Rags probably had something to do with that. 
• Three pretty good prep races this next Presidents' Day weekend with the El Camino Real, St. Vincente, and Southwest.  Should be interesting.  I'll be spending Monday in the pastoral confines of Portland Meadows.  Keeneland's got nothing on that place.  

The wife and daughter are out of town until Friday.  You know that means...I get to watch sporting events on television in real time.  Seriously, between fatherhood and living on the Left Coast it's almost impossible to see things as they happen.  Without Twitter I probably would still be ignorant of Whitney Houston passing away.  First live viewing of the week was my beloved Louisville Cardinals falling to the Syracuse Orange for the first time in 37 years (kidding).  Not a fun watch.  Can the Trail Blazers beat the Wizards in the Rose Garden tonight to balance things a bit?  Surely, right?

I picked up some of those elementary school-type valentines at Target featuring NBA players (complete with tattoos) just because I thought they were cool.  Really have no idea what I'm going to do with them.  I'll leave you with this haunting rendition of an old standard to get you in the mood for love.  Happy St. Valentine's Day.  

2012 Road to the Roses

The 2012 Road to the Roses website is up and running.  First race weekend starts with the Risen Star (Feb. 25th) and Fountain of Youth (Feb. 26th).  Start thinking about your stable.  I'm looking forward to this again.

Friday Post Parade: Hutcheson Stakes

Short post today, but more to come on Monday.  The Hutcheson Stakes is the only 'prep race' this weekend.  Quotes mean it is a prep in theory, but really this race hasn't been too relevant for a while in regards to leading up the Kentucky Derby.  It definitely has some history with Derby winners Spectacular Bid ('79) and Swale ('84) using it as a spring board.  Occasionally, there is a Derby horse in here, but they generally come up short in the big dance.  The race was named in honor of labor leader William Levi Hutcheson, who served as a member of the Gulfstrem Park Advisory Board (love me some Wikipedia).  Horse race naming is one of the coolest things in sports.  

Hutcheson Stakes
1. Tarpy's Goal (FL), J Castellano, 116, D L Romans
2. Wildcat Creek (FL), A Serpa, 116, E Plesa Jr.
3. Thunder Moccasin (KY), J R Velazquez, 116, T A Pletcher
4. Quick Wit (KY), R A Dominguez, 116, D L Romans
5. Il Villano (KY), E Trujillo, 118, S L Crowell
6. Ever So Lucky (KY), J R Leparoux, 116, J E Sheppard

Really couldn't think of a good song to go with this so I stretched the limits a bit.  Here's one of the three greatest vibraphonists of all time (other two being Milt Jackson and Kentucky's own Lionel Hampton.  Press play around 3PM today and I guarantee you'll make to the end of the work day with a bit more pep.  Plus, Blue Note record covers are just awesome.  Enjoy.  

Monday Morning Hot Walk

If you read that post title and this was the first time you've clicked to read on then 1) you are not very familiar with horse racing and 2) you have a dirty mind.  Stop it.

So we had a trio of interesting prep races this weekend.  Unfortunately, I can't seem to find a good way to post videos of all the races (some Google/YouTube conspiracy I'm sure) so you'll have to click on the links to see yourself. 

Withers Stakes-Alpha was much the best at Aqueduct.  Generally in these prep races I'm looking for how the winner finished and if the horses behind were fading or coming on strong.  Didn't see much coming on strong in this race, but a lot of fading.  We'll see if Alpha stays in New York for the Gotham Stakes or heads to warmer climates.

Robert B Lewis Stakes-Really not sure what to make of this one.  An outlier for Liaison or has he now been exposed?  Not sure.  Race was way too crazy to tell anything.  With all the trouble in the stretch it's hard to tell if any following the winner I'll Have Another would have shown more finish under more ideal conditions. 

Sam F. Davis Stakes-The most intriguing of all the weekend prep races in terms of watching the horses behind the winner. Battle Hardened came from well off the pace and looked regal and confident in the win.  Reveron looked green in the stretch, but could still have big things to come with some quick maturity.  A few of colts were flying late including Ravelo's Boy and Neck 'n Neck.  Will be interesting to see the top five next time out. 

Did you see that yesterday?  Of course you did.  We all watched.  It's our duty as Americans. 

Aberdeen should have won MVP of Puppy Bowl VIII.  Fumble was MVP?  I mean he played hard and had a lot of intangibles, but the stats just aren't there.  Really a travesty Aberdeen didn't win having 4 TDs in the game.  Shameful. 

How 'bout Madonna with Nicki Minaj AND MIA?  Really made my day with those guest appearances.  Love those girls.  

And how many more twists and turns can we take at Downton Abbey?  Currently a big fan of Kitchen Maid Daisy.  She's noble and deceivingly quite fetching. 

Oh yeah, the New York Giants won the Super Bowl. 


We've had sunshine the last few days here in the City of Roses (I took that shot to the right just yesterday).  You have not idea how awesome that is.  We have to deal with days/weeks/months of grey overcast skies and rain is possible at any second.  Then that giant yellow ball shows itself in the sky for a brief period of time and suddenly anything is possible.  And it's supposed to be sunny for a couple more days.  Like Teddy Duchamp said, "I cherish these moments".

So I'll leave you with a song to celebrate lovely days on this start of the work week.  My goal is to at least have these songs somewhat relevant to topics discussed, but there are no gaurantees (bonus relevancy-Bill Withers-Withers Stakes. Nice, eh?)

Friday Post Parade: Robert B. Lewis, Withers, Sam F. Davis

 There's a trio of decent prep races this weekend.  All these are at 
1 1/16 miles which means we are slowly getting closer to that magical distance of 10 furlongs.  

Oh yeah, Road to the Roses hasn't started yet so don't panic.  I just thought I throw the entries in here so everybody gets familiar with some names and the blog concept (There really is no concept.  I need to hire someone with branding expertise).  Honestly don't know much about these horses yet.  Anybody have any thoughts on these races?  No?  Great.  OK.  
  
Remember to sign up for blog updates via e-mail and follow me on Twitter to get your quasi-methamphetamine needs met.  I'm @BredInKentucky.  Thus far I have nine followers.  Nine.  Nine including the Mayor of the City of Roses and Overlay Apparel, 'the official supplier of apparel for Derby contenders Hansen and El Padrino'.  Go figure.  Big prize coming to the lucky person that pushes me into the double digits.  

I had a request of more cowbell.  I hope this doesn't disappoint.  There's a good chance I'll throw in quite a few songs in these posts.  If somehow I landed in a fascist country (for those of you already thinking, 'We ARE living in a fascist country', I'll go ahead and just nod in passive agreement and slowly walk away backwards) with a ruthless dictator who took away all pleasurable things except music I might just say, 'Soooo, we still get to listen to music?  Cool.'  

ENJOY

 

Robert B. Lewis Stakes $200,000
1. Isn't He Clever (KY), C S Nakatani, 118, H Dominguez
2. Liaison (KY), R Bejarano, 123, B Baffert
3. Groovin' Solo (KY), V Espinoza, 118, M K Cho
4. I'll Have Another (KY), M Gutierrez, 118, D F O'Neill
5. Sky Kingdom (KY), M Garcia, 118, B Baffert
6. Rousing Sermon (CA), J Talamo, 118, J Hollendorfer
7. Empire Way (KY), J Rosario, 118, M Harrington
8. Chips All In (KY), A Quinonez, 118, J Mullins

Sam F. Davis Stakes
1. State of Play (KY), A Garcia, 122, H G Motion
2. Holy Highway (FL), A Serpa, 116, D S Ryan
3. Battle Hardened (KY), J R Leparoux, 116, E Kenneally
4. Ecabroni (KY), J Castellano, 116, T A Pletcher
5. Moroccan Brew (FL), R Feliciano, 116, D Ward
6. Neck 'n Neck (KY), J Lezcano, 116, I R Wilkes
7. Fox Rules (NY), H Villa-Gomez, 116, M A Ferraro
8. Ravelo's Boy (KY), J Sanchez, 116, M J Azpurua
9. Burning Time (FL), L R Goncalves, 120, D Fawkes
10. Reveron (KY), F Jara, 120, A C Bezara
11. Prospective (KY), L Contreras, 120, M E Casse 

Withers Stakes

 1. Hakama, 118, J Pimentel, M Trombetta, 5-1
2. Speightscity, 118, D Cohen, G Contessa, 20-1
3. Swag Daddy, 120, J Alvarado, R Dutrow Jr., 10-1
4. King Kid, 116, M Luzzi D Romans, 4-1
5. How Do I Win, 116, C Velasquez, T Pletcher, 10-1
6. Tiger Walk, 118, H Karamanos, I Correas, 6-1
7. Alpha, 120, R Dominguez, K McLaughlin, Even