Blogs

Vive La France and Erin Go Bragh!

Kellie — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 20:35:47 -0400

Saturday's International Festival of Racing more than lived up to its billing, as Ireland dominated the Secretariat S. (G1), a French-bred mare now based in the United States took the Beverly D. S. (G1), and the three international horses in the Arlington Million (G1) finished one-two-three.

Notes on the Secretariat

Kellie — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 15:24:05 -0400

After completely trespassing on the boundaries of blogging with my lengthy Arlington Million (G1) and Beverly D. S. (G1) thoughts, I'll confine myself to a brief glance at a few sophomores in the Secretariat S. (G1).

Beverly D. Musings

Kellie — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 14:02:27 -0400

First, a quick update on the turf condition: Arlington's lush course has been upgraded to good. The rain I mentioned at the end of my last post was very brief – a light shower that was over within just a few minutes. There is still quite a lot of cloud cover, so we could see more precipitation during the afternoon. Right now, it's a case of so far, so good.

Random Thoughts on the Million

Kellie — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 09:40:23 -0400

Here are some various unconnected thoughts about today's Arlington Million (G1).

Rosinka Schools in the Paddock

Kellie — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 23:50:12 -0400

I was happy to see Beverly D. S. (G1) contender ROSINKA (Ire) (Soviet Star) school in the Arlington Park paddock during the 5TH race on Friday. Based on last year's form, the Graham Motion trainee rates as a serious threat.

Impressions of The French Trio

Kellie — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 19:39:44 -0400

Although I've briefly crossed paths with the French brigade the past couple of days, I finally got a good look at them on Friday morning. Arlington Million (G1) hopeful SPIRIT ONE (Fr) (Anabaa Blue) was the stand-out of the lot, while Beverly D. S. (G1) entrants CICEROLE (Fr) (Barathea [Ire]) and TOQUE DE QUEDA (GB) (Dansili [GB]) were a study in contrasts.

Team O'Brien Takes to the Track

Kellie — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 15:07:58 -0400

The Aidan O'Brien team of MOUNT NELSON (GB) (Rock of Gibraltar [Ire]) and PLAN (Storm Cat) left the quarantine area for the first time on Friday morning to turn in canters on the Polytrack.

Be Wary Of Sudan, Frankel

Ashley Walker — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 01:48:29 -0400

With Precious Kitten heading into the Beverly D as the morning line favorite it looks like Bobby Frankel has a big shot in the Grade One for the ladies, but I'm thinking he might have an even bigger shot with his Irish-bred front runner Sudan.

Mauralakana, The Lively One

Kellie — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 19:00:01 -0400

Beverly D. S. (G1) contender MAURALAKANA (Fr) (Muhtathir [GB]) has always shown a touch of class, but since being sold for $900,000 last November and joining horseman Christophe Clement, she has raised her game to a new level. What is the explanation for this turnaround from a talented but inconsistent performer, into a reliably explosive one?

Dreaming of Anna Tries to Stretch her Speed

Kellie — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 17:05:42 -0400

Dreaming of Anna has used her most deadly weapon – her speed – to garner an Eclipse Award, amass nearly $2 million in earnings, and compile a sterling record of 10 wins, three seconds and one third from 15 lifetime starts. But in Saturday's Beverly D. S. (G1), the champion will be asked to carry that speed for 1 3/16 miles in the longest race of her life.