Race for Education

Talk Derby To Us: Week 16

2010-04-30T15:20:00.000-04:00

April 30, 2010

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Kentucky Derby weekend is finally here. Twenty three-year-olds are set to take their spots in the starting gate in the Kentucky Derby, but for the second straight year, the undisputed favorite will not be there. Eskendereya was pulled from Derby consideration earlier this week after a filling was found in his knee. Now we are left with a very competitive field, with no clear favorite. The two top choices on the morning line, Lookin at Lucky and Sidney’s Candy, drew the inside and outside posts respectively. This puts both of them at extreme disadvantages. Heavy rains are expected for the race on Saturday, which changes everything for handicappers.

As I break down the race, horses that I think you should immediately toss out in your handicapping are Line of David, Dean’s Kitten, Make Music for Me, Backtalk, and Homeboykris. Remember that California horses have had a major lack of success in the Derby after the state changed its surfaces over to synthetics, so toss out Lookin at Lucky and Sidney’s Candy. Don’t succumb to the hype that they are getting. I thought that Devil May Care should have run in the Oaks, and I don’t particularly like her chances here. Todd Pletcher did get his only Triple Crown race win with a filly, Rags to Riches in the 2007 Belmont, but this filly is no Rags to Riches.

There appears to be too many speed horses for a horse to get loose on the front end and win. Look for horses like American Lion, Conveyance, and Discreetly Mine. Conveyance is probably the only one that has a legitimate chance to win on the front end.

A couple horses like Super Saver, Paddy O’Prado, and Jackson Bend will most likely be up there with the leaders. Super Saver has to be taken seriously as Calvin Borel’s Derby mount. Borel has won two of the last three Kentucky Derbies. Paddy O’Prado is a trendy upset choice, but he is a turf specialist and is a huge question mark. Jackson Bend is a legitimate horse that will have a sweet price. Nick Zito has pulled shockers before, so don’t be surprised if this horse wins.

The horses likely to sit off the pace include Noble’s Promise, Mission Impazible, and Dublin. Noble’s Promise does not have the pedigree to get the Derby distance, but he has been working well. Mission Impazible is still flying under the radar. He is a really nice horse that will get an amazing price, at least 20-1. He has improved in every start this year, so I don’t understand why he is still not getting enough attention. He put in a great work last week at Churchill, very much outshining his stablemate Rule. Dublin is a nice colt, and he has done well this year. I don’t really think he is good enough to get the distance.

There are three closers on the board to watch out for, Ice Box, Stately Victor, and Awesome Act. Ice Box will be the one of the closers that will be most dependant on the pace, but I don’t think it will be fast enough for him to get up for the win. Throw him out of exotic wagering at your own risk. Stately Victor is a quickly improving colt with a lot of upside and a lot of question marks. His father, Ghostzapper, could certainly go 1 1/4 miles and could definitely run in the slop. Is he another Blue Grass fluke, or is he the real deal? Awesome Act is a serious contender if he returns to the form he displayed in the Gotham. He will put in a strong move, but will it be enough to catch the leader in time?

Now for my selections, I think Mission Impazible will be the winner. I really liked his work at Churchill last week. Awesome Act will get up for the place, but I will not be surprised if he beats me. I’ll take Stately Victor for the show, and Jackson Bend will hold on for fourth.

For the Oaks, Blind Luck is going to be the clear favorite, but she is a favorite that I think can be beaten. I really like the form that It’s Tea Time has been showing as of late, and I think the 1 1/8 miles will really suit her. I don’t think that Evening Jewel is an Ashland fluke, but I’m not really certain about her. She will be making her first start on a traditional dirt surface. If you’re looking for a live longshot Champagne d’Oro is the horse for you. She is by Medaglia d’Oro, the sire of last year’s Oaks Winner Rachel Alexandra, and if she is allowed to get loose on the lead, look out. I think that It’s Tea Time will win the 136th running of the Kentucky Oaks.

It was a fun ride to the Kentucky Derby. I would like to thank everyone for keeping up with the list even though it has come out late at times. I have had an unbelievably busy this semester. Thank you for your patience. I will continue to maintain a list throughout the rest of the Triple Crown.

As always thank you for reading my list! Happy Derby weekend!

Sincerely,
Seth Kochera

Top Ten Derby Horses
By: Seth Kochera
April 29, 2010 (Week 16)
1. Mission Impazible
He has improved in every start this year. He looks to take a big step up in the Kentucky Derby.
2. Awesome Act
The European trainee will be very dangerous if he is the same horse that won the Gotham.
3. Stately Victor
He has been working great in the mud. His daddy, Ghostzapper, could sure run in the mud.
4. Jackson Bend
He has been super in his workouts at Churchill Downs. He has been flying under the radar.
5. Ice Box
He took a hit when Rule scratched. This pace is not going to be fast enough for him to win.
6. Lookin At Lucky
The Champ was anything but Lucky in his post position draw. He won’t be able to overcome it.
7. Sidney’s Candy
The West Coast star is a popular choice, but drawing the outside post really hurts his chances.
8. Noble’s Promise
He has been working well at Churchill. His pedigree says he can’t get the Derby distance.
9. Super Saver
It is very hard to count Calvin Borel out of any race at Churchill Downs, especially the Derby.
10. Paddy O’Prado
He has a very turf pedigree, but he has shown he can run in the mud with a very strong work.

Keep an eye on: Conveyance, Line of David

Dropped from list: Eightyfiveinafifty, Endorsement, Eskendereya

Upcoming Races
5/1/10 – Kentucky Derby (G1) (1 1/4 miles, Churchill Downs) $2,000,000
Last Week’s Races
4/24/10 – Derby Trial (G3) (1 mile, Churchill Downs) Winner: Hurricane Ike
4/24/10 – Withers Stakes (G3) (1 mile, Aqueduct) Winner: Afleet Again

Oaks Top Five
By: Seth Kochera
April 29, 2010 (Week 16)
1. Blind Luck
If Devil May Care defects from the Oaks, she will most likely take up the mantle of favorite.
2. Evening Jewel
The Ashland Winner would be a great Cinderella story if she can win the lilies next week.
3. Amen Hallelujah
The daughter of Malibu Moon may bypass the Kentucky Oaks for the Run for the Roses.
4. It’s Tea Time
She back on the list. I have still not given up on this one. If she runs, she will be tough to beat.
5. Champagne d’Oro
Has been getting some criticism after her Comely win; it’s time for her to show that she’s legit.
Keep an eye on: Ailalea, Quiet Temper

Dropped from list: Devil May Care, Hot Dixie Chick, Sassy Image, Touching Beauty

Upcoming Races
4/30/10 – Kentucky Oaks (G1) (1 1/8 miles, Churchill Downs) $500,000
Last Week’s Races
None

Talk Derby To Us: Week 15

2010-04-23T08:08:00.000-04:00

April 22, 2010

Hello Everyone,

The road to the Kentucky Derby has finally made its way to Churchill Downs. The graded earnings list remains intact after last week’s Grade II Lexington Stakes at Keeneland. No horse was able to gather sufficient earnings to jump into the one of the coveted top twenty spots. Robby Albarado guided Exhi to a beautiful front running masterpiece to pull the huge upset at 20-1. My surprise selection Krypton finished ninth. The only change that has appeared to occur is that trainer Todd Pletcher has mentioned that he is considering entering his filly Devil May Care in the Run for the Roses to go along with his slew of colts.

This week has two graded stakes races for the colts, with only one of them most likely having an impact on the Kentucky Derby. The Grade III Derby Trial every few years will produce a Derby starter, but usually they are an afterthought not worth mentioning. This year is different. There are two horses that are looking into earning a spot in the Derby starting gate, Eightyfiveinafifty and Pleasant Prince. Eigthyfiveinafifty drew a lot of attention to himself back in January when he broke his maiden by over 17 lengths at Aqueduct. In his next start, the Whirlaway Stakes, he blew the turn, dumping his jockey in the process. He then proceeded to hop a couple fences and ran loose around the backside before a security guard was able to catch him. He received some time off to recover from the incident. He resurfaced in the Grade III Bay Shore at Aqueduct. He was very professional in his very easy victory. The other big hose looking for a spot in the Derby is Florida Derby runner-up Pleasant Prince. He started off the season with a runner-up finish to Ice Box in an allowance race, which was followed up with a fourth place finish in the Fountain of Youth far behind Eskendereya. His next start was his nose defeat in the Grade I Florida Derby, again losing to Ice Box. He was never a factor in the Grade I Blue Grass Stakes finishing seventh. For my selection, I am going to take the speed demon Eightyfiveinafifty. The Grade III Withers Stakes is headlined by multiple grade II winner D’Funnybone, who is going to bypass the Derby for the Preakness, so the Withers will most likely not produce a Derby starter. I don’t think that any is going to be able to beat D’Funnybone in this one.

Even though there were no races for the girls last week and none are happening this week, there was a major shakeup. Champion She Be Wild is out of the Oaks after fracturing her left front pastern. She will be able make a return to racing. The only other Oaks happening is the possibility of Devil May Care defecting to run in the Derby.

It has been a fun road to Churchill Downs this year. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did, and I look forward to putting out my Derby preview issue next week.

As always thank you for reading my list!

Sincerely,
Seth Kochera

Top Ten Derby Horses
By: Seth Kochera
April 22, 2010 (Week 15)
1. Eskendereya
It’s almost show time for the Derby favorite. Will this colt make himself into a superstar?
2. Mission Impazible
The son of Unbridled’s Song is not getting the attention that he deserves as a real contender.
3. Ice Box
Nick Zito’s strong closing colt is going to depend on a very fast pace to win the big race.
4. Awesome Act
This horse is sitting on a big performance. He is going to rebound from his unlucky Wood.
5. Stately Victor
Can he show he is no fluke, or will he be another Blue Grass winner to fold on Derby day?
6. Lookin At Lucky
Redemption is the word for the Champ. He has been very unlucky in his last couple starts.
7. Sidney’s Candy
The West Coast star will most likely not be allowed to roam free on the lead as he has out west.
8. Jackson Bend
He put in a super bullet workout on Thursday at Churchill. Will he have the earnings to get in?
9. Eightyfiveinafifty
It is all up to him now to earn himself the right to compete in the premier three-year-old race.
10. Noble’s Promise
Moved back onto the list after he fired sizzling bullet work going five furlongs at Churchill.

Keep an eye on: Endorsement, Line of David

Dropped from list: Super Saver

Upcoming Races
4/24/10 – Derby Trial (G3) (1 mile, Churchill Downs) $200,000
4/24/10 – Withers Stakes (G3) (1 mile, Aqueduct) $150,000
Last Week’s Races
4/17/10 – Lexington Stakes (G2) (1 1/16 miles, Keeneland) Winner: Exhi

Oaks Top Five
By: Seth Kochera
April 22, 2010 (Week 15)
1. Devil May Care
The daughter of Malibu Moon may bypass the Kentucky Oaks for the Run for the Roses.
2. Blind Luck
If Devil May Care defects from the Oaks, she will most likely take up the mantle of favorite.
3. Evening Jewel
The Ashland Winner would be a great Cinderella story if she can win the lilies next week.
5. Sassy Image
She back on the list. I have still not given up on this one. If she runs, she will be tough to beat.
4. Touching Beauty
Has been getting some criticism after her Comely win; it’s time for her to show that she’s legit.
Keep an eye on: Amen Hallelujah, Hot Dixie Chick

Dropped from list: She Be Wild

Upcoming Races
None
Last Week’s Races
None

Talk Derby To Us: Week 14

2010-04-16T07:41:00.000-04:00

April 16, 2010

Hello Everyone,

The Derby prep season is winding down and the field for the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby is taking shape. In both of the graded stakes last week there were huge upsets. In the Grade I Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland, Stately Victor pulled off a huge shocker at 40-1. The son of Ghostzapper powered home to win by 4 1/4 lengths. Being by Ghostzapper out of a Dynaformer mare, he should be more than capable of handling the Derby distance, and he should not be overlooked on Derby day. My selection, Odysseus, did not appear to handle the surface very well and finished last. After the race it was revealed that he had a bone chip in his knee, and he is off the Derby trail. Line of David was the one to pull the shocker in the Grade I Arkansas Derby. After setting the pace, he dug in gamely to hold off the late challenge of Super Saver. Noble’s Promise, my selection for the race finished fifth. He got pinched at the break and steadied going into the first turn, and he was never really a factor after that. His status for the Kentucky Derby remains uncertain at this point.

This week brings about one of the last chances for graded earnings to get into the Derby, the $300,000 Grade II Lexington Stakes at Keeneland. The headliners are stakes winners Connemara, Uptowncharlybrown, and Exhi. Connemara and Exhi are two more Todd Pletcher trainees looking to join his army of horses that will line up in the starting gate on the first Saturday in May. It seems like every week Plecther has a new horse headed for Churchill Downs. Uptowncharlybrown is not being pointed at the Kentucky Derby, and he will go to the Belmont Stakes with a good effort in the Lexington. His main goal is the Grade I Haskell at Monmouth Park on August 1. An intriguing prospect in the race is the Rock Hard Ten colt Krypton. He won an allowance race at Keeneland two weeks ago by more than 6 lengths going seven furlongs. For my selection, I was thinking about pick Connemara, but upon further review I think Krypton will make some noise in winning the big race on Saturday.

Things have wound down for the fillies. In last week’s Grade III Comely Stakes at Aqueduct, Touching Beauty stalked the pace and took the lead at about the eighths pole. The daughter of Tapit dug in from there and won by half of a length. There are no more graded stakes left for the girls before the big race on April 30. Now all that is left to do is to watch the field take shape. It is hard to believe that we are only two weeks away from the Oaks and the Derby!

As always thank you for reading my list!

Sincerely,
Seth Kochera

Top Ten Derby Horses
By: Seth Kochera
April 14, 2010 (Week 14)
1. Eskendereya
It’s all up to him now. Is he really a freak, or will he be another Derby favorite to fall?
2. Mission Impazible
The son of Unbridled’s Song is not getting the attention that he deserves as a real contender.
3. Ice Box
He is a closer. The pacesetters will dictate they race for him. He needs a fast pace to win.
4. Awesome Act
I didn’t realize that he threw a shoe in the Wood until after I posted the list last week.
5. Stately Victor
The son of Ghostzapper won the Blue Grass impressively. He won going away by 4 1/4.
6. Lookin At Lucky
The Champ is looking for redemption after his Santa Anita Derby fiasco where he finished 3rd.
7. Sidney’s Candy
The West Coast star will come east as he tries the dirt for the first time in the Kentucky Derby.
8. Jackson Bend
He has finished as a runner-up three times this year. Maybe his luck will change in the Derby.
9. Eightyfiveinafifty
How he comes out of the Derby Trial will tell us if he is running on the first Saturday in May.
10. Endorsement
Had a fine performance in the Sunland Derby, but it’s hard to gauge exactly how good he is.

Keep an eye on: Line of David, Super Saver

Dropped from list: D’Funnybone, Noble’s Promise, Odysseus

Upcoming Races
4/17/10 – Lexington Stakes (G2) (1 1/16 miles, Keeneland) $300,000
Last Week’s Races
4/10/10 – Blue Grass Stakes (G1) (1 1/8 miles, Keeneland) Winner: Stately Victor
4/10/10 – Arkansas Derby (G1) (1 1/8 miles, Oaklawn Park) Winner: Line of David

Oaks Top Five
By: Seth Kochera
April 14, 2010 (Week 14)
1. Devil May Care
The Bonnie Miss winner will is still the one to beat for the April 30 Kentucky Oaks.
2. Blind Luck
The Pollard’s Vision filly redeemed herself with a big win in the Fantasy Stakes.
3. Evening Jewel
She beat a very nice field in the Ashland to stamp herself as a top contender for the Oaks.
4. Touching Beauty
She had a nice win in the Comely to punch her ticket for the chance to run for the Lilies.
5. She Be Wild
The Champ won the BC Juvenile Fillies after a loss at Keeneland. Can she do that again?
Keep an eye on: Amen Hallelujah, Sassy Image

Dropped from list: Hot Dixie Chick

Upcoming Races
None
Last Week’s Races
3/10/10 – Comely Stakes (G3) (1 mile, Aqueduct) Winner: Touching Beauty

Talk Derby To Us: Week 13

2010-04-09T11:24:00.002-04:00

April 8, 2010

Hello Everyone,

Well ladies and gentlemen, we have our favorite for the Kentucky Derby. Eskendereya stamped himself as the undisputed favorite for the run for the roses after winning the Grade I Wood Memorial by almost 10 lengths in hand. It was spectacular. I’ll be honest, I thought he would bounce off of his great performance in the Fountain of Youth, but I misjudged how good this horse really is. Awesome Act, my selection for the race finished third. Champion Lookin at Lucky was upset in the Santa Anita Derby, just as I predicted. I just chose the wrong horse. Sidney’s Candy was the horse to do it. Lookin at Lucky did not receive the best of rides from jockey Garrett Gomez, and Bob Baffert ripped him after the race for it. It has all been worked out and Gomez will retain the mount for the Run for the Roses. I was spot on in the Illinois Derby. The track played to speed, just as I thought, and American Lion wired the field. I picked up another winning prediction in the Grade III Bay Shore Stakes. Eightyfiveinafifty put himself back on the Derby trail with a win in the Bay Shore. He will need to win the Derby Trial to get himself a spot in the Derby. In the Grade III Transylvania Stakes at Keeneland, I correctly predicted that Nordic Truce would be the victor. That gave me three out of five for the weekend. Naturally, I missed the two Grade I races, but I got the Grade IIIs.

This week has only two graded stakes races for the colts, but they are two very big ones, the Grade I Blue Grass Stakes and the Grade I Arkansas Derby. The Blue Grass has a great field with several horses looking to strengthen their derby credentials. Tampa Bay Derby Winner Odysseus is looking to cement his spot in the starting gate on the first Saturday in May. Florida Derby runner-up Pleasant Prince will most likely go off as the favorite. Also in the field is stakes winner Paddy O’Prado and the much hyped Interactif. I think that Odysseus will be the victor in this one, making himself a leading contender for the Derby. The Arkansas Derby has a stellar field. Super Saver is looking to show he is still a horse to be reckoned with on the Derby trail. Noble’s Promise is trying to show his is a real Derby contender after a fine runner-up finish last time out. Grade I winner Dublin will be looking for his shot at redemption for himself and trainer D. Wayne Lucas. I’m going to go with Noble’s Promise on his nice performance last time out.

For the fillies, Blind Luck put herself back on the radar as a serious Oaks contender with a big score in the Grade II Fantasy Stakes at Oaklawn Park. In the Grade I Ashland at Keeneland, Evening Jewel won after setting the repelling a couple bids for the lead. Champion She Be Wild finished third, but she shouldn’t lose respect here. Keeneland was the site of her only defeat during her championship season. The only grade stakes race for the girls this weekend is the Grade III Comely Stakes at Aqueduct. The field is full of fillies that are trying to make a name for themselves and build up their Oaks credentials.

As always thank you for reading my list!

Sincerely,
Seth Kochera

Top Ten Derby Horses
By: Seth Kochera
April 8, 2010 (Week 13)
1. Eskendereya
The Giant’s Causeway colt is now the undisputed Derby favorite after his romp in the Wood.
2. Mission Impazible
The grey colt has a great shot in the big race with his ability to sit just off the pace.
3. Odysseus
The Blue Grass Stakes is his last chance to gain enough earnings to ensure a spot in the Derby.
4. Ice Box
It looks like Nick Zito and Robert LaPenta are getting two horses in the Run for the Roses.
5. Noble’s Promise
He looks to improve after a strong runner-up performance in his last start this weekend.
6. Lookin At Lucky
The Champ went down last week due to a bad ride by his jock that sent tempers flaring.
7. Sidney’s Candy
All this colt does is he keeps on winning. He deserves recognition after beating the Champ.
8. Jackson Bend
The Florida Sensation moves to the Derby after two respectable places behind Eskendereya.
9. Eightyfiveinafifty
His chance at the Kentucky Derby will come in the Derby Trial in week before the Derby.
10. D’Funnybone
It appears the speedy son of D’Wildcat will bypass the Derby and go for the Preakness.

Keep an eye on: Awesome Act, Super Saver

Dropped from list: Schoolyard Dreams

Upcoming Races
4/10/10 – Blue Grass Stakes (G1) (1 1/8 miles, Keeneland) $750,000
4/10/10 – Arkansas Derby (G1) (1 1/8 miles, Oaklawn Park) $1,000,000
Last Week’s Races
4/3/10 – Wood Memorial Stakes (G1) (1 1/8 miles, Aqueduct) Winner: Eskendereya
4/3/10 – Santa Anita Derby (G1) (1 1/8 miles, Santa Anita Park) Winner: Sidney’s Candy
4/3/10 – Illinois Derby (G3) (1 1/8 miles, Hawthorne) Winner: American Lion
4/3/10 – Bay Shore Stakes (G3) (7 furlongs, Aqueduct) Winner: Eightyfiveinafifty
4/3/10 – Transylvania Stakes (G3) (1 1/16 miles Turf, Keeneland) Winner: Nordic Truce

Oaks Top Five
By: Seth Kochera
April 8, 2010 (Week 13)
1. Devil May Care
The Bonnie Miss winner will is still the one to beat for the April 30 Kentucky Oaks.
2. Blind Luck
She certainly redeemed herself with a big win in the Fantasy Stakes last week.
3. Evening Jewel
She deserves serious consideration after setting the pace and winning the Ashland.
4. Hot Dixie Chick
The big question for her is whether she is going to be ready or not for the big race.
5. She Be Wild
The Champ returned to the site of her only defeat last year and lost the race but not respect.
Keep an eye on: Amen Hallelujah, Sassy Image

Dropped from list: Diva Delite

Upcoming Races
3/10/10 – Comely Stakes (G3) (1 mile, Aqueduct) $100,000
Last Week’s Races
3/2/10 – Fantasy Stakes (G2) (1 1/16 miles, Oaklawn Park) Winner: Blind Luck
3/3/10 – Ashland Stakes (G1) (1 1/16 mile, Keeneland) Winner: Evening Jewel

Talk Derby To Us: Week 12

2010-04-02T10:23:00.000-04:00

April 2, 2010

Hello Everyone,

I must apologize for the late release of this week’s edition. I had a lot of schoolwork to so. Last week was a huge week, with several upsets, and I got roughed up a little bit myself. Four horses were knocked off the list, and I didn’t pick a single winner right in any of the four big stakes. Ouch! The richest Derby prep, the UAE Derby, was won by Musir an Australian colt by superstar stallion Redoute’s Choice who is a no for the Kentucky Derby because of the southern hemisphere age difference. Mendip, my can’t miss selection finished third. In the Grade II Louisiana Derby, Mission Impazible collard pacesetter A Little Warm in deep stretch. My selection, Drosselmeyer finished third, and former Derby Top Ten member Discretely Mine finished fourth. To add insult to injury, I gave up on Mission Impazible a couple races ago! At least I knew that the son of Unbridled’s Song had talent… I did the exact same thing with Dean’s Kitten in the Lane’s End Stakes. I thought he would do well in the stakes races at Turfway this year, but gave up on him after a loss last time out. My selection Connemara finished third (Notice a pattern yet), and he subsequently fell off the list. The Sunland Derby the next day was supposed to be my saving grace, but it wasn’t to be. I was right that Conveyance (another list dropout) would be upset, but I picked the wrong horse. WinStar’s Endorsement was the one to spring the upset. Naturally, Tempted to Tapit finished third… At least I was consistent with my picks!

This weekend is littered with graded stakes for three-year old colts. The Grade I Wood Memorial will be bringing the most competitive field to the post. The favorite will be Fountain of Youth Winner Eskendereya. The son of Giant’s Causeway is looking to cement his status as the undisputed favorite in the Run for the Roses. Standing in his way is the up and coming Awesome Act. The regally bred Awesome Again colt wants to throw his name in the hat for a shot at being the Derby favorite. Schoolyard Dreams in looking for redemption after getting nosed out at the line in the Grade III Tampa Bay Derby. Also in the field is the Florida Sensation, Jackson Bend. Once very highly rated on the list, he fell off after two losses this year, but they were both runner-up performances to Winslow Homer and Eskendereya, not bad at all. Nick Zito and Robert LaPenta’s colt is getting a little overlooked… wait a second. Aren’t these the two that sprung the upset in the Florida Derby with another overlooked colt? That wasn’t their first dance either. Remember back in 2008, their Da’Tara pulled the shocker in the Belmont over the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Winner Big Brown. It would take all day to recount how many times Nick Zito has done this sort of thing. I think Eskendereya is going to bounce in this race. That performance last time out was too good. If he doesn’t bounce, he’s a freak, and we will have a serious Triple Crown contender on our hands. I like that horse, but I don’t think he’s of that caliber. I would love to see Zito do it again with Jackson Bend. I really like that horse, but I can’t bring myself to picking him. I am going to go with Awesome Act. He looked great last time out, winning the Gotham in hand. We have seen Awesome Again sire freakishly good horses before, remember Ghostzapper? In the Grade I Santa Anita Derby, Champion Lookin At Lucky, Sidney’s Candy and Caracortado look to do battle. Lookin At Lucky has no pressure to win, so he most likely won’t be pushed too hard. I think he’ll lose. I don’t think Sidney’s Candy is going to get away with this one on the lead. I think Caracortado is going to take it, giving the media its darling Cinderella story. The Grade III Illinois Derby will bring American Lion, who is desperate for redemption. The race could play into his hands since this race traditionally has been very kind to speed horses (see War Emblem and Recapturetheglory). The likely favorite will be the Smarty Jones colt, Backtalk, who won his debut back in late February fighting pacesetter Royal Express to the wire. I think that this race will play to the pacesetter as it has done in the past, so I’m going with American Lion. The other two graded stakes are unlikely to produce a Derby starter, but I’ll make selections for them anyway. Eightyfiveinafifty will win the Grade III Bay Shore with ease showing he’s one of the top three-year old sprinters. In the Grade III Transylvania, the undefeated Nordic Truce will take down the American Ascot hero Strike the Tiger.

For the girls the only graded stakes last week was the Grade III Bourbonette Oaks Breeders’ Cup at Turfway Park. It was won by Orchestrator. I don’t she is a serious contender for the Oaks. This weekend however, has two huge races. The Grade I Ashland will feature a very nice field that includes Champion She Be Wild and Canadian Champion Negligee. Negligee was the only horse to beat She Be Wild during her championship season. The Grade II Fantasy at Oaklawn drew a very short field of only four horses. Grade I Winner Blink Luck will be the heavy favorite against this very short field.

As always thank you for reading my list!

Sincerely,
Seth Kochera

Top Ten Derby Horses
By: Seth Kochera
April 2, 2010 (Week 12)
1. Eskendereya
The Wood is where he can show his supremacy once and for all as the favorite for the Derby.
2. Mission Impazible
The Unbridled’s Song Colt had an impressive stretch run in winning the Louisiana Derby.
3. Odysseus
Tom Albertrani said that he will run the son of Malibu Moon colt in the Blue Grass Stakes.
4. Lookin At Lucky
The Champ will go to the post in the Santa Anita Derby on Saturday as the decided favorite.
5. Ice Box
Nick Zito and Robert LaPenta are going to try to score another upset with their Jackson Bend.
6. Awesome Act
He can vault to the top of the list with a win in the Wood, but can he beat Eskendereya?
7. D’Funnybone
Trainer Rick Dutrow said he will most likely run in the Withers and then the Preakness.
8. Noble’s Promise
The Arkansas Derby next weekend will show us if this colt is a contender or a pretender.
9. Jackson Bend
Returns to the list after a long absence. Could Zito score another shakeup on the Derby trail?
10. Sidney’s Candy
The horses on the list are dropping like flies. The California runner is here almost by default.
Keep an eye on: Schoolyard Dreams, Super Saver

Dropped from list: Connemara, Conveyance, Discreetly Mine, Tempted to Tapit

Upcoming Races
4/3/10 – Wood Memorial Stakes (G1) (1 1/8 miles, Aqueduct) $750,000
4/3/10 – Santa Anita Derby (G1) (1 1/8 miles, Santa Anita Park) $750,000
4/3/10 – Illinois Derby (G3) (1 1/8 miles, Hawthorne) $500,000
4/3/10 – Bay Shore Stakes (G3) (7 furlongs, Aqueduct) $200,000
4/3/10 – Transylvania Stakes (G3) (1 1/16 miles Turf, Keeneland) $100,000
Last Week’s Races
3/27/10 – UAE Derby (G2) (1900m, Meydan Racecourse) Winner: Musir
3/27/10 – Louisiana Derby (G2) (1 1/8 miles, Fair Grounds) Winner: Mission Impazible
3/27/10 – Lane’s End Stakes (G2) (1 1/8 miles, Turfway Park) Winner: Dean’s Kitten
3/28/10 – Sunland Derby (G3) (1 1/8 miles, Sunland Park) Winner: Endorsement

Oaks Top Five
By: Seth Kochera
April 2, 2010 (Week 12)
1. Devil May Care
She is now a leading candidate to win the Oaks after her huge score in the Bonnie Miss.
2. She Be Wild
The Champ will get to strut he stuff this weekend at Keeneland in the Ashland Stakes.
3. Hot Dixie Chick
She put herself back in the spotlight after winning big last week. Can she go the distance?
4. Blind Luck
She can redeem herself with a win in the Fantasy on Friday, and put her name back at the top.
5. Sassy Image
Not sure when this Broken Vow filly will resurface next. Trainer Romans hasn’t specified.
Keep an eye on: Amen Hallelujah, Diva Delite

Dropped from list: None

Upcoming Races
3/2/10 – Fantasy Stakes (G2) (1 1/16 miles, Oaklawn Park) $300,000
3/3/10 – Ashland Stakes (G1) (1 1/16 mile, Keeneland) $400,000
Last Week’s Races
3/27/10 – Bourbonette Oaks Breeder’s Cup (G3) (1 mile, Turfway Park) Winner: Orchestrator

Talk Derby To Us: Week 11

2010-03-25T13:41:00.000-04:00

March 25, 2010

Hello Everyone,

In the Grade I Florida Derby and the Grade II Swale Stakes at Gulfstream Park last weekend, Derby dreams become a reality for some, but for others, it disappeared. In the Florida Derby, Ice Box put in a dazzling stretch run barely beating Pleasant Prince to the wire by a nose. The favorite, Rule, was caught in deep stretch and finished third. Trainer Nick Zito said that he will train the Florida Derby Winner up to the Kentucky Derby. The Swales Stakes brought about another dominating performance by D’Funnybone, who won easily by a little more than one length. Trainer Rick Dutrow said that he will send him out next in the Withers Stakes on April 24, and that the D’Wildcat colt will most likely skip the Run for the Roses and shoot for the Preakness. His connections feel like the Preakness distance is a better fit for him.

This weekend brings some of the richest stakes races on the schedule. The $2,000,000 Group II UAE Derby boasts a fine international field, but it will not include Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Winner Vale of York due to an injury. Vale of York’s vanquisher last time out, Mendip, will be the favorite. For my selection, I will take the undefeated Mendip. The most proven horse in the Grade II Louisiana Derby is Discretely Mine, who is looking to show that his win in the Risen Star was no fluke. Some notable horses that are looking for a shot at redemption in this race are Drosselmeyer and Ron the Greek. Both of them were beaten last time out by Discretely Mine in the Risen Star. I think Drosselmeyer will redeem himself and earn himself a spot in the starting gate on the first Saturday in May. Northern Kentucky’s premiere race, the Grade II Lane’s End Stakes, will produce at least one likely Derby starter. The most likely horse this year, Connemara, looks to show he can win a stakes race outside of California. He is my selection for this one. The richest domestic Derby prep race this week is the $800,000 Grade III Sunland Derby. This is the same race that last year’s Derby Winner Mine That Bird came from. Bob Baffert’s Conveyance looks to be the favorite. Louisiana Derby Runner-up Tempted to Tapit is looking for his golden ticket to the Run for Roses, and will provide a challenge for Conveyance for the early lead. I’m going with Tempted to Tapit here.

In Oaks news, Devil May Care atoned from her terrible performance last time out by beating a very nice field of fillies by almost 3 lengths. Multiple graded stakes winner Amen Hallelujah finished second, and the ultra-hyped allowance winner Christine Daae finished fifth. Hot Dixie Chick made her return to the races a successful one, winning the Prima Donna Stakes at Oaklawn Park by almost six lengths. The major questions with her are whether not she can be able stretch out her brilliance to the Oaks distance, and if she will be ready for the Oaks on the last day of April. The only graded stakes race for fillies this weekend is the Grade III Bourbonette Oaks Breeders’ Cup at Turfway. This race looks to be unlikely to produce the Oaks winner, but it might get a horse in the starting gate for the Oaks.

As always thank you for reading my list!

Sincerely,
Seth Kochera

Top Ten Derby Horses
By: Seth Kochera
March 25, 2010 (Week 11)
1. Eskendereya
The Wood Memorial will be his chance to stamp himself as the favorite for the Kentucky Derby.
2. Conveyance
The Sunland Derby is a chance for him to pad his earnings, but could an upset be brewing?
3. Odysseus
The brilliant son of Malibu Moon is probably going to train up to the Run for the Roses.
4. Lookin At Lucky
Bob Baffert said that his champion will most likely go in the Santa Anita Derby on April 3 next.
5. Ice Box
The Zito trained colt was dazzling in winning the Florida Derby with a fantastic stretch run.
6. Awesome Act
The Wood is the chance for this regally bred colt to knock Eskendereya from his lofty perch.
7. D’Funnybone
Once again, he won with relative ease. He dropped a little because he may bypass the Derby.
8. Discreetly Mine
The Risen Star winner looks to add to his resume this weekend in the Louisiana Derby.
9. Tempted to Tapit
It’s time for him show that he is a real Derby contender in the Sunland Derby this weekend.
10. Noble’s Promise
The son of Cuvee will return to Oaklawn Park to contest in the Arkansas Derby on April 10.
Keep an eye on: Connemara, Super Saver

Dropped from list: Rule

Upcoming Races
3/27/10 – UAE Derby (G2) (1900m, Meydan Racecourse) $2,000,000
3/27/10 – Louisiana Derby (G2) (1 1/8 miles, Fair Grounds) $750,000
3/27/10 – Lane’s End Stakes (G2) (1 1/8 miles, Turfway Park) $500,000
3/28/10 – Sunland Derby (G3) (1 1/8 miles, Sunland Park) $800,000
Last Week’s Races
3/20/10 – Florida Derby (G1) (1 1/8 miles, Gulfstream Park) Winner: Ice Box
3/20/10 – Swale Stakes (G2) (7 furlongs, Gulfstream Park) Winner: D’Funnybone

Oaks Top Five
By: Seth Kochera
March 25, 2010 (Week 11)
1. Devil May Care
She is now a leading candidate to win the Oaks after her huge score in the Bonnie Miss.
2. She Be Wild
The Champ is working up to her next start in the Ashland Stakes at Keeneland on April 3.
3. Hot Dixie Chick
She put herself back in the spotlight after winning big last week. Can she go the distance?
4. Sassy Image
Not sure when this Broken Vow filly will resurface next. Trainer Romans hasn’t specified.
5. Blind Luck
She is working at Santa Anita preparing for the Fantasy Stakes and her shot at redemption.
Keep an eye on: Amen Hallelujah, Diva Delite

Dropped from list: Christine Daae

Upcoming Races
3/27/10 – Bourbonette Oaks Breeder’s Cup (G3) (1 mile, Turfway Park) $75,000
Last Week’s Races
3/20/10 – Bonnie Miss Stakes (G2) (1 1/8 miles, Gulfstream Park) Winner: Devil May Care
3/20/10 – Cicada Stakes (G3) (6 furlongs, Aqueduct) Winner: Liam’s Dream

Talk Derby To Us: Week 10

2010-03-18T01:10:00.000-04:00

March 17, 2010

Hello Everyone,

What a weekend! Last weekend brought about the return of Champion Lookin at Lucky to the races. He faced some very tough competition in the Grade II Rebel including Grade I winners Dublin and Noble’s Promise. The Champ prevailed getting up to catch Noble’s Promise at the wire in his first start on dirt. Trainer Bob Baffert said his final prep race for the Derby would come in either the Arkansas Derby or the Wood Memorial. In the Grade III Tampa Bay Derby, Odysseus defeated race favorite Super Saver. It wasn’t by much though. Odysseus held on to win by a nose over Schoolyard Dreams with Super Saver a half a length back in third. Trainer Tom Albertrani said he will wait on deciding if his colt will need another prep or just train him up to the Kentucky Derby. Sidney’s Candy wired the field in the Grade II San Felipe, winning by a half length over Interactif. Caracortado was third, and graded stakes winner American Lion was fourth. The Santa Anita Derby will be next for Sidney’s Candy.

Gulfstream Park will host the only two graded stakes for the boys this weekend in the Grade I Florida Derby and the Grade II Swale Stakes. The likely favorite for the Florida Derby will be Sam F. Davis Winner Rule. IEAH will send out European import Radiohead, who won an allowance race at Gulfstream in his 2010 bow. Also in the field is Lentenor, a full brother to Florida Derby and Kentucky Derby Winner Barbaro. Lentenor will be making his dirt debut here after running mostly on the turf. For my selection, I will go with the favorite Rule. The Swale Stakes, run at 7 furlongs, is headlined by the speedy D’Funnybone. He will face only one other graded stakes winner, Dixie Band. The gelded son of Dixie Union will be making his first start of the year in the Swale. I am going to go for D’Funnybone in this one.

For the girls last weekend, Diva Delite won the Grade III Florida Oaks pulling away to win by two lengths. In the Grade III Honeybee, No Such Word upset favorite Beautician, winning by two and a half lengths. Decelerator finished fourth. The Grade III Cicada was rescheduled for this weekend due to weather. The field for the Cicada this weekend will include notable fillies Bickersons, Liam’s Dream and Fuzzy Britches. The Cicada is run at six furlongs, which means it is unlikely that any horse in this race will run in the Kentucky Oaks. The Grade II Bonnie Miss will have a very competitive field. Amen Hallelujah, a graded stakes winner on the east coast and the west coast, will look to show that she can win at over one mile and stamp herself as the top Oaks contender. Grade I Winner Devil May Care is looking to rebound after her fifth place finish in the Grade III Silverbulletday on February 20. Also in the field is the brilliant allowance winner Christine Daae. Christine Daae opted out of the Grade II Davona Dale, which was won by Amen Hallelujah, for an allowance race run around two turns, and she successfully passed that test. Look for her to try to stamp herself as a prominent Oaks contender in this one.

As always thank you for reading my list!

Sincerely,
Seth Kochera

Top Ten Derby Horses
By: Seth Kochera
March 17, 2010 (Week 10)
1. Eskendereya
He will bypass the Florida Derby this weekend and wait for the Wood Memorial on April 3.
2. Conveyance
The Baffert trainee is working at Santa Anita toward his final Derby prep, the Sunland Derby.
3. Odysseus
He stamped himself a legitimate contender for the Derby after winning the Tampa Bay Derby.
4. Lookin At Lucky
The Champ was a winner in his 2010 debut. The Smart Strike colt took the Rebel by a head.
5. D’Funnybone
The speedy son of D’Wildcat will run in the Swale and not the Florida Derby this weekend.
6. Rule
He will run this weekend in the Florida Derby as the favorite after Eskendereya’s defection.
7. Awesome Act
The Wood Memorial and a very tough field await the Awesome Again colt for his next race.
8. Discreetly Mine
He is at Palm Meadow working toward his next start in the Louisiana Derby next weekend.
9. Tempted to Tapit
His connections are looking at the Louisiana Derby next weekend for the speedy Tapit colt.
10. Noble’s Promise
The Cuvee colt ran a great race finishing second to Lookin at Lucky in his sophomore debut.
Keep an eye on: Connemara, Super Saver

Dropped from list: Buddy’s Saint, Caracortado

Upcoming Races
3/20/10 – Florida Derby (G1) (1 1/8 miles, Gulfstream Park) $750,000
3/20/10 – Swale Stakes (G2) (7 furlongs, Gulfstream Park) $150,000
Last Week’s Races
3/13/10 – Rebel Stakes (G2) (1 1/16 miles, Oaklawn Park) Winner: Lookin at Lucky
3/13/10 – San Felipe (G2) (1 1/16 miles, Santa Anita Park) Winner: Sidney’s Candy
3/13/10 – Tampa Bay Derby (G3) (1 1/16 miles, Tampa Bay Downs) Winner: Odysseus

Oaks Top Five
By: Seth Kochera
March 17, 2010 (Week 10)
1. Amen Hallelujah
She will get her chance to show that she can win at over one mile in the Bonnie Miss Saturday.
2. She Be Wild
The Champ was scratched from the Florida Oaks. Next for her will be the Ashland April 3.
3. Sassy Image
Not sure when this Broken Vow filly will resurface next. Trainer Romans hasn’t specified.
4. Blind Luck
She will look for her shot at redemption in the Fantasy Stakes on April 2 at Oaklawn Park.
5. Christine Daae
The super talented Giant’s Causeway filly will make her graded stakes debut this weekend.
Keep an eye on: Diva Delite, Hot Dixie Chick

Dropped from list: Beautician

Upcoming Races
3/20/10 – Bonnie Miss Stakes (G2) (1 1/8 miles, Gulfstream Park) $200,000
3/20/10 – Cicada Stakes (G3) (6 furlongs, Aqueduct) $100,000
Last Week’s Races
3/13/10 – Florida Oaks (G3) (1 1/16 miles, Gulfstream Park) Winner: Diva Delite
3/13/10 – Honeybee Stakes (G3) (1 1/16 miles, Oaklawn Park) Winner: No Such Word
3/13/10 – Cicada Stakes (G3) (6 furlongs, Aqueduct) Rescheduled for 3/20/10

Interested in a career in the equine industry? Want to work with horses?

2010-03-12T12:01:00.000-05:00

Are you interested in the equine industry or working with horses and don't know where to start? or how much schooling you might need? or what degree you might need?

Check out these helpful websites for more information:

College and University Degree Programs

Financial Aid

Equine Programs

Vet Schools

Derby List week 9

2010-03-12T10:49:00.000-05:00

March 11, 2010

Hello Everyone,

I apologize for how late I was on getting this issue out. I had quite a bit of work and studying to do for midterms this week. Last weekend’s races were thought to have soft fields and not have any horses that would emerge as serious contenders for the Kentucky Derby, but Awesome Act change a lot of people’s minds as he put on a dazzling performance in the Grade III Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct. The regally bred son of Awesome Again, was never fully extended as he cruised home to win by a little over a length. He will be one of the favorites in his next start in the Grade I Wood Memorial on April 3. In the Grade III Sham Stakes, Alphie’s Best sprung an upset on a field that lacked star power. I am not going to take this colt seriously yet. He does not have a pedigree that would indicate that he is a threat to win Kentucky Derby. At Gulfstream Park, Paddy O’Prado won the Grade III Palm Beach Stakes on the turf, but do not expect this colt to make a big dent on the Derby trail. He has a turf favoring pedigree, but do not be surprised if his connections decide to try him out on the dirt.

Some of the biggest stars from last year are taking the track this weekend. Champion Lookin at Lucky will finally make his long awaited sophomore debut in the Grade II Rebel at Oaklawn Park. He faces two Grade I winners from last year, Dublin and Noble’s Promise. Also entered in the field is the speedy stakes winner Royal Express, who finished second last time out to Grade I Winner Backtalk. For my prediction, I will go with the horse out of the big three that is proven on the dirt, Dublin. Out on the west coast, the Grade II San Felipe has a strong field. Undefeated Caracortado will face some tough competition from graded stakes winners Sidney’s Candy, Interactif, and American Lion, who is looking to atone for his loss in the Grade II Robert B. Lewis last month. Caracortado looks tough but I think that American Lion will avenge his loss last time out. The Grade III Tampa Bay Derby will see the return of one of the most talked about Derby candidates this year, Super Saver. In making his first start since last November, he faces a tough field that includes stakes winner Uptowncharlybrown and outstanding allowance winner Odysseus. Super Saver is a very nice horse, but he is coming off a very long layoff. I was too impressed with Odysseus’ last race, a 15 length score, so I will pick him to be the winner here.

There was a big shakeup with the girls last week as the seemingly invincible Blind Luck was upset by Crisp in the Santa Anita Oaks. Blind Luck just missed nailing the winner at the wire by a neck. This week boasts three graded stakes for the girls. The Grade III Florida Oaks will be the return of Champion She Be Wild, who was defeated in her 2010 debut last time out. Her vanquisher, Bickersons, will be in the field on Saturday for the Grade III Cicada, a filly sprint race up at Aqueduct. A very nice field is assembling for the Grade III Honeybee at Oaklawn Park. Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Runner-Up Beautician will be making her first start of the year against Stakes Winner Decelerator. Both of these fillies are looking to prove that they can win a graded stakes race after multiple runner-up performances in them last year.

As always thank you for reading my list!

Sincerely,
Seth Kochera
Top Ten Derby Horses
By: Seth Kochera
March 11, 2010 (Week 9)
1. Eskendereya
He has been working at Palm Meadows in preparation for his next race, the Florida Derby.
2. Conveyance
Trainer Bob Baffert said he will send out his Indian Charlie Colt next in the Sunland Derby.
3. Super Saver
It is time for him to show that last year was no fluke and that he is a serious Derby contender.
4. D’Funnybone
He is gearing up for next weekend, where he will go in either the Florida Derby or the Swale.
5. Rule
Trainer Todd Pletcher is not sure if this colt will go next in the Florida Derby or the Wood.
6. Awesome Act
He was simply awesome, pardon the pun, in easily winning the Gotham under a hand ride.
7. Discreetly Mine
The front-running half brother to Discreet Cat will definitely go next in the Louisiana Derby.
8. Buddy’s Saint
He will breeze a couple more times to prepare for the Wood and his chance at vindication.
9. Tempted to Tapit
He put in a very nice work last weekend. Next up for him is the Sunland Derby on March 28.
10. Lookin At Lucky
It is time for The Champ to show us if he is still the superstar he was last year in his dirt debut.
Keep an eye on: Caracortado, Connemara

Dropped from list: Jackson Bend

Upcoming Races
3/13/10 – Rebel Stakes (G2) (1 1/16 miles, Oaklawn Park) $300,000
3/13/10 – San Felipe (G2) (1 1/16 miles, Santa Anita Park) $150,000
3/13/10 – Tampa Bay Derby (G3) (1 1/16 miles, Tampa Bay Downs) $300,000
Last Week’s Races
3/6/10 – Gotham Stakes (G3) (1 1/16 miles, Aqueduct) Winner: Awesome Act
3/6/10 – Palm Beach Stakes (G3) (1 1/8 miles Turf, Gulfstream Park) Winner: Paddy O’Prado
3/6/10 – Sham Stakes (G3) (1 1/8 miles, Santa Anita Park) Winner: Alphie’s Bet

Oaks Top Five
By: Seth Kochera
March 11, 2010 (Week 9)
1. Amen Hallelujah
She will go next week in the Bonnie Miss. She needs to prove she can win at over one mile.
2. She Be Wild
The Champ will look to redeem herself from her loss last time out this weekend at Gulfstream.
3. Sassy Image
She’s looking to show that her last race was a fluke and avenge her loss to Amen Hallelujah.
4. Hot Dixie Chick
She moved down the list because she has yet to run this year, and time is starting to run short.
5. Blind Luck
Thought to be the top filly in the country, but she has to rebuild her reputation after her loss.
Keep an eye on: Beautician, Christine Daae

Dropped from list: None

Upcoming Races
3/13/10 – Honeybee Stakes (G3) (1 1/16 miles, Oaklawn Park) $125,000
3/13/10 – Cicada Stakes (G3) (6 furlongs, Aqueduct) $100,000
Last Week’s Races
3/6/10 – Santa Anita Oaks (G1) (1 1/16 miles, Santa Anita Park) Winner: Crisp
3/6/10 – Herecomesthebride Stakes (G3) (1 1/8 miles Turf, Gulfstream Park) Winner: Khancord Kid

Derby List Week 8

2010-03-04T00:49:00.000-05:00

March 3, 2010

Hello Everyone,

After the biggest weekend this year on the Derby trail, this week was extremely quiet. The only graded stakes race for the boys last weekend, the Grade III Sham, was postponed due to heavy rains. It was rescheduled for March 6. Backtalk was successful in his return to the races. He won the Sportsman’s Paradise Stakes at Delta Downs over Royal Express. The two stakes races on Saturday were decided via disqualification. Vow to Wager was placed first after Codoy was disqualified due to interference in the John Battaglia Memorial Stakes at Turfway. Storming Saint was elevated to first in the Borderland Derby after the stewards disqualified Raise the Bridle for interference. In other news, Bob Baffert said that Champion Lookin at Lucky will most likely go in the Grade II Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn instead of the Grade II San Felipe as originally planned next week. Todd Pletcher said that he will send out Grade II winner Super Saver for his 2010 bow in either the Grade III Tampa Bay Derby or the Rebel stakes next week.

This weekend has three graded stakes races. The Grade III Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct has a bunch of horses looking to put themselves on the Derby trail. My selection for this one is stakes winner Peppi Knows. The Sham is being run this weekend after its postponement. I’m still going for Nextdoorneighbor in this one. The Grade III Palm Beach Stakes on the turf at Gulfstream Park may produce a contender. I think Dean’s Kitten will win this one. Also the week, Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Winner Vale of York (IRE) will make his first start or the year at Dubai’s Meydan Racecourse on Thursday.

The Grade II Davona Dale drew a competitive field last week with stakes winners Amen Hallelujah, Bickersons and Sassy Image. Amen Hallelujah dominated the race, winning by more than six lengths. Sassy Image, the top horse on the Oaks list for the whole year, finished fifth while spotting the winner four pounds. Sassy Image was carried wide the entire way, and the leaders ran soft fractions, making it very difficult for her to run them down. Sheer Beauty won the Green Oaks at Delta Downs last week. This fine Mizzen Mast filly is one to keep an eye on. Notable maiden winner Christine Daae won an allowance race last weekend very easily. It was her first start around two turns. This daughter of Giant’s Causeway is something to be taken very seriously on the road to the Kentucky Oaks. This weekend brings the Grade I Santa Anita Oaks, and with it, the return of top Oaks contender Blind Luck. It will be interesting to see how she runs after a very close race last time out for her.

As always thank you for reading my list!

Sincerely,
Seth Kochera

Top Ten Derby Horses
By: Seth Kochera
March 3, 2010 (Week 8)
1. Eskenderey
It appears that the Florida Derby on March 20 is next for this fine Giant’s Causeway colt.
2. Conveyance
The only colt to win a grade stakes race on dirt and synthetic. He won’t run again till April.
3. Super Saver
Pletcher said that he will go in either the Tampa Bay Derby or the Rebel. Both are March 13.
4. D’Funnybone
It will be either the Florida Derby or the Swale Stakes next for this fleet son of D’wildcat.
5. Rule
The Sam F. Davis winner will head to Gulfstream for the Florida Derby to face a tough field.
6. Discreetly Mine
The Louisiana Derby on March 27 is next for the front-running half brother to Discreet Cat.
7. Buddy’s Saint
The Saint Liam colt will return to the site of his greatest victories for the Wood Memorial.
8. Tempted to Tapit
His trainer said he was thinking about sending him to Sunland Park for the Sunland Derby.
9. Lookin At Lucky
The plans have changed for the Champ. Baffert says he will most likely go in the Rebel.
10. Connemara
The Lane’s End Stakes on March 27 will be this talented colt’s final race before the Derby.
Keep an eye on: Caracortado, Jackson Bend

Dropped from list: None

Upcoming Races
3/6/10 – Gotham Stakes (G3) (1 1/16 miles, Aqueduct) $250,000
3/6/10 – Palm Beach Stakes (G3) (1 1/8 miles Turf, Gulfstream Park) $150,000
3/6/10 – Sham Stakes (G3) (1 1/8 miles, Santa Anita Park) $150,000
Last Week’s Races
2/26/10 – Sportsman’s Paradise Stakes (1 mile, Delta Downs) Winner: Backtalk
2/27/10 – Sham Stakes (G3) (1 1/8 miles, Santa Anita Park) Rescheduled for 3/6/10
2/27/10 – Borderland Derby (1 1/16 miles, Sunland Park) Winner: Storming Saint
2/27/10 – John Battaglia Memorial Stakes (1 1/16 miles, Turfway Park) Winner: Vow to Wager
Oaks Top Five
By: Seth Kochera
March 3, 2010 (Week 8)
1. Blind Luck
She’s back in action Saturday in the Santa Anita Oaks. Is she a Derby or Oaks contender?
2. Amen Hallelujah
Huge win over some very classy fillies. She’s now won graded stakes on dirt and synthetics.
3. Hot Dixie Chick
Still no word on where she will surface again. It needs to be soon if she’s going to the Oaks.
4. She Be Wild
Her trainer has said she will go in the Ashland on April 3, but will she run again before that?
5. Sassy Image
She put in a uncharacteristic effort last Saturday. She ran wide the whole way, fading to fifth.
Keep an eye on: Beautician, Christine Daae

Dropped from list: Awesome Maria

Upcoming Races
3/6/10 – Santa Anita Oaks (G1) (1 1/16 miles, Santa Anita Park) $250,000
3/6/10 – Herecomesthebride Stakes (G3) (1 1/8 miles Turf, Gulfstream Park) $150,000
Last Week’s Races
2/26/10 – Green Oaks (1 mile, Delta Downs) Winner: Sheer Beauty
2/27/10 – Davona Dale Stakes (G2) (1 mile, Gulfstream Park) Winner: Amen Hallelujah

Talk Derby To Us: Week 7

2010-03-01T11:45:00.000-05:00

February 25, 2010

Hello Everyone,

The biggest weekend thus far on the Triple Crown Trail was last week with its five graded stakes races. The Grade II Fountain of Youth boasted a stellar field, but it turned out to be no contest. Eskendereya put on the best performance this year as he won by 8 1/2 lengths. Jackson Bend held on for the place, and the favorite, Buddy’s Saint, had a nightmare trip and finished ninth. Trainer Todd Pletcher said that it looked like he would go next in the Florida Derby. In the Grade II Risen Star Stakes, Discreetly Mine went wire-to-wire after setting soft fractions in an uncontested lead. Discreetly Mine is a half brother to the blisteringly fast Grade I winner Discreet Cat. Runner-up Tempted to Tapit couldn’t get by the winner, who had too much left in the tank in the end. The much heralded allowance winner Drosselmeyer and the LeComte winner Ron the Greek finished fourth and sixth respectively. D’Funnybone dominated the Grade II Hutcheson Stakes at Gulfstream. He used minimal effort in winning by a length. Trainer Richard Dutrow said the Grade I Florida Derby on March 20 would be next for his D’wildcat colt. Conveyance put on a show in the rescheduled Grade III Southwest Stakes. The Bob Baffert trainee was never headed winning by 3/4 of a length. Grade I winner Dublin put in a very nice run at the end, but he couldn’t catch the grey son of Indian Charlie. In the Grade III El Camino Real Derby, Connemara strengthened his credentials on the Derby trail after a 1 1/4 length score. The victory was the third for trainer Todd Pletcher in Derby preps for the weekend also winning with Eskendereya and Discreetly Mine. In my selections, I had three out of the five races. I missed the Fountain of Youth after the terrible trip by Buddy’s Saint and almost had the Risen Star, but Tempted to Tapit finished second.

This week is relatively quiet on the Derby trail with only one graded stakes race, the Grade III Sham Stakes at Santa Anita. The only other races are regional preps. The field for the Sham has a lot of unproven horses. I am going to go out on a limb and pick maiden winner Nextdoorneighbor to surprise a lot of people. Grade I winner Backtalk is making his first start of the year in Friday’s Sportsman’s Paradise Stakes at Delta Downs against a challenging field that includes the speedy stakes winner Royal Express.

On the Oaks trail, Jody Slew pulled the upset in the Grade III Silverbulletday Stakes at the Fair Grounds over Grade I winner Devil May Care last week. This week brings about the Grade II Davona Dale Stakes at Gulfstream Park. The Davona Dale has a very deep field with big-time stakes winners Bickersons, Amen Hallelujah, the dazzling Sassy Image and notable maiden winner Christine Daae. This could be a big statement win for our number one filly Sassy Image in the biggest race of the weekend.

As always thank you for reading my list!

Sincerely,
Seth Kochera

Top Ten Derby Horses
By: Seth Kochera

February 24, 2010 (Week 8)
1. Eskendereya
He made a huge statement running a monstrous race that is the best performance this year.

2. Conveyance
The handsome son of Indian Charlie now has won graded stakes on two different surfaces.

3. Super Saver
Still on target for the March 6 Gotham Stakes, which could include the speedy Tiz Chrome.

4. D’Funnybone
His triumph his sophomore debut had plenty of style, and he didn’t even work very hard.

5. Rule
Todd Plecther said that this colt will probably run next in a Grade I that has yet to be named.

6. Discreetly Mine
Got away with some very soft fractions on an uncontested lead, still he ran a great race.

7. Buddy’s Saint
He had every excuse in the world after being put into the rail in a dreadfully rough trip.

8. Tempted to Tapit
He ran a great race but just couldn’t get by Discreetly Mine, who got away with a slow pace.

9. Lookin At Lucky
Baffert is preparing the Champ for his first start of the year, which is about two weeks away.

10. Connemara
Big win for the lightly raced son of Giant’s Causeway, but he still has a lot he needs to prove.

Keep an eye on: Caracortado, Jackson Bend

Dropped from list: Drosselmeyer, Ron the Greek

Upcoming Races
2/26/10 – Sportsman’s Paradise Stakes (1 mile, Delta Downs) $75,000
2/27/10 – Sham Stakes (G3) (1 1/8 miles, Santa Anita Park) $150,000
2/27/10 – Borderland Derby (1 1/16 miles, Sunland Park) $100,000
2/27/10 – John Battaglia Memorial Stakes (1 1/16 miles, Turfway Park) $100,000

Last Week’s Races
2/20/10 – Risen Star Stakes (G2) (1 1/16 miles, Fair Grounds) Winner: Discreetly Mine
2/20/10 – Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) (1 1/8 miles, Gulfstream Park) Winner: Eskendereya
2/20/10 – Hutcheson Stakes (G2) (7 furlongs, Gulfstream Park) Winner: D’Funnybone
2/20/10 – Southwest Stakes (G3) (1 mile, Oaklawn Park) Winner: Conveyance
2/20/10 – El Camino Real Derby (G3) (1 1/8 miles, Golden Gate Fields) Winner: Connemara

Oaks Top Five
By: Seth Kochera

February 24, 2010 (Week 8)
1. Sassy Image
She faces a tough field in a loaded Davona Dale, but nothing this fine filly can’t handle.

2. Blind Luck
The premier west coast filly is slated to run next in the Grade I Santa Anita Oaks on March 6.

3. Hot Dixie Chick
No word on her as to where she will run again, but her workouts show it will be fairly soon.

4. She Be Wild
It will be very interesting to see how the Champ will respond to her loss last time out.

5. Decelerator
Appears to be coming into her own, all she needs is that signature win against the big girls.

Keep an eye on: Awesome Maria, Christine Daae

Dropped from list: None

Upcoming Races
2/26/10 – Green Oaks (1 mile, Delta Downs) $75,000
2/27/10 – Davona Dale Stakes (G2) (1 mile, Gulfstream Park) $150,000
Last Week’s Races
2/20/10 – Silverbulletday (G3) (1 1/16 miles, Fair Grounds) Winner: Jody Slew

Talk Derby To Us: Week 6

2010-02-19T11:22:00.000-05:00

February 17, 2010

Hello Everyone,

Last week brought a bunch of graded stakes action for the boys. In the Grade II Robert B. Lewis, Caracortado sprang the upset on two highly regarded colts, American Lion and Tiz Chrome, to remain undefeated. Caracortado needs to run another big race to cement himself as a legitimate Derby contender. Sidney’s Candy won the Grade II San Vicente over 7 furlongs at Santa Anita Park. It remains to be seen if this colt is just a sprinter or he can stretch it out. The best stakes performance of the week belongs to Rule, who took the Grade III Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs by 3 lengths. He outclassed a field that included stakes winner Uptowncharlybrown. The performance of the week belonged to Odysseus, who received rave reviews after he scored in an allowance race at Tampa Bay Downs by 15 lengths. It appears his next start will come in the Grade III Tampa Bay Derby on March 13. The Grade III Southwest had to be rescheduled to this weekend after weather conditions forced Oaklawn Park to shutdown racing on Monday.

This weekend has an abundance of graded stakes races, five to be exact. In the Grade II Risen Star, Ron the Greek will try to show his LeComte victory was no fluke. He must do it against the popular allowance winner Drosselmeyer and the spectacular maiden winner Tempted to Tapit. This go-pony broke his maiden wiring the field around two turns at Aqueduct on January 18 to win by over 11 lengths. For my prediction, Tempted to Tapit will send his name to the forefront of Derby contenders after he wins the Risen Star. The Grade II Fountain of Youth boasts an absolutely stellar field that includes top Derby contenders Buddy’s Saint, Jackson Bend and Eskendereya. I think Buddy’s Saint will show everyone that he is the leading contender for the Run for the Roses with a big score here. D’Funnybone is the cream of the crop in Saturday’s Grade II Hutcheson Stakes at Gulfstream, and he is my selection there. The Grade III Southwest will still have the same field going to the post that was scheduled to go last Monday, Dublin and Conveyance are the big guns in this one. I’m sticking with Conveyance, my selection last week. The Grade III El Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate Fields has a field of horses that are trying to make a splash on the California Derby prep scene, Todd Pletcher’s Connemara, a son of Giant’s Causeway, is my pick.

For the girls, Blind Luck was lucky to escape with a win last week as she barely got up to win the Las Virgenes by a nose. Beautician looked really good in winning the Martha Washington at Oaklawn. Hopefully she has matured and will show she’s top class when she runs against the big girls next. This weekend is the Grade III Silverbulletday Stakes at the Fair Grounds, and the much heralded Devil May Care will make her sophomore debut here.

As always thank you for reading my list!

Sincerely,
Seth Kochera

Top Ten Derby Horses
By: Seth Kochera

February 17, 2010 (Week 7)

1. Buddy’s Saint
The superstar will finally make his long awaited sophomore bow in the Fountain of Youth.

2. Super Saver
It’s a possibility we may finally see him in the Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct on March 6.

3. Rule
He looked fantastic in his 2010 debut stamping himself as a legitimate Derby contender.

4. D’Funnybone
Is he a sprinter or is he not? What happens in the Hutcheson Saturday will give us answers.

5. Eskendereya
He finally gets his shot against the big boys on the dirt in a very tough Fountain of Youth.

6. Jackson Bend
The Florida Sensation can make a big statement this weekend if he wins the Fountain of Youth.

7. Lookin At Lucky
He’s working at Santa Anita towards his first start of the year in the March 13 San Felipe.

8. Ron the Greek
We will see if he is a real Derby contender facing a tough field in the Risen Star on Saturday.

9. Conveyance
He will finally make his dirt debut after the Southwest was rescheduled due to weather.

10. Tempted to Tapit
Super-impressive maiden winner takes a huge step up to face Ron the Greek in the Risen Star.

Keep an eye on: Caracortado, Drosselmeyer

Dropped from list: American Lion, Uptowncharlybrown

Upcoming Races

2/20/10 – Risen Star Stakes (G2) (1 1/16 miles, Fair Grounds) $300,000
2/20/10 – Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) (1 1/8 miles, Gulfstream Park) $250,000
2/20/10 – Hutcheson Stakes (G2) (7 furlongs, Gulfstream Park) $150,000
2/20/10 – Southwest Stakes (G3) (1 mile, Oaklawn Park) $250,000
2/20/10 – El Camino Real Derby (G3) (1 1/8 miles, Golden Gate Fields) $150,000

Last Week’s Races

2/13/10 – Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G2) (1 1/16 miles, Santa Anita Park) Winner: Caracortado
2/13/10 – Sam F. Davis Stakes (G3) (1 1/16 miles, Tampa Bay Downs) Winner: Rule
2/15/10 – San Vicente Stakes (G2) (7 furlongs, Santa Anita Park) Winner: Sidney’s Candy
2/15/10 – Southwest Stakes (G3) (1 mile, Oaklawn Park) Rescheduled for 2/20/10

Oaks Top Five
By: Seth Kochera

February 17, 2010 (Week 7)

1. Sassy Image
Trainer Dale Romans is looking for a spot to run the dazzling daughter of Broken Vow next.

2. Blind Luck
She did not disappoint in her 2010 bow, just nailing Evening Jewel at the wire by a nose.

3. Hot Dixie Chick
The Dixie Union filly is nearing her first start since September, which has not yet been named.

4. She Be Wild
The Champ’s was back on the worktab for the first time since her loss in the Forward Gal.

5. Decelerator
She looked great taking the Martha Washington, but can she win against the best of her class?

Keep an eye on: Awesome Maria, Christine Daae

Dropped from list: Bickersons

Upcoming Races

2/20/10 – Silverbulletday (G3) (1 1/16 miles, Fair Grounds) $150,000
Last Week’s Races
2/13/10 – Las Virgenes Stakes (G1) (1 mile, Santa Anita Park) Winner: Blind Luck
2/13/10 – Martha Washington Stakes (1 mile, Oaklawn Park) Winner: Decelerator
2/13/10 – Suncoast Stakes (1 mile, Tampa Bay Downs) Winner: Diva Delight
2/13/10 – Busher Stakes (1 1/16 miles, Aqueduct) Winner: Roman Chestnut

Talk Derby To Us: Week 5

2010-02-11T11:03:00.000-05:00

February 10, 2010

Hello Everyone,

Last week was eventful considering only one notable race on the Derby Trail was run. The biggest story of the week was the Grade II Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita Park was postponed due to drainage problems at the Arcadia, California track. The race will now be run on Saturday. In the other noteworthy race of the weekend, the Whirlaway Stakes at Aqueduct, the New York Speedball Eightyfiveinathirty was expected to win in a romp, but things did not go as planned as Peppi Knows sprang the upset. Eightyfiveinafifty had an equipment malfunction that compromised his chances. His bit broke causing him to blow the first turn. He dumped his rider and proceeded to hop a couple fences, running loose around the stable area. The colt was eventually caught by a security guard, and luckily, he only suffered a cut on his right hind leg that required a few stitches. He should be back in training by next week. Laus Deo, ranked #4 last week, dropped from the list. He was sent to Vinery’s Florida farm to recover from a throat surgery. It appears unlikely that that the son of Medaglia d’Oro will get back on the Derby Trail. This coming weekend is huge in finding out who some of the contenders and pretenders are. On Friday, notable maiden winner Concord Point will be making his first start of the year in Race 6 at Santa Anita. Bob Baffert trains this fine looking son of Tapit for Kaleem Shah, who just purchased the colt on Tuesday. Saturday will have the rescheduled Grade II Robert B. Lewis Stakes. American Lion and Tiz Chrome will get their chance to run after waiting an extra week. I will still stand by my selection from last week that American Lion will be too much for Tiz Chrome. Also on Saturday, is the Grade III Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs. Grade III winner Rule will make his first start of the year here, and challenging him will be stakes winner Uptowncharlybrown, who making his first start since winning the Pasco Stakes by 6 lengths last month at Tampa Bay Downs. For my selection, Uptowncharlybrown will spring the upset on Rule. Monday will have two graded stakes races for the boys, the Grade II San Vicente Stakes at Santa Anita and the Grade III Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park. In the 7 furlong San Vicente, Bob Baffert will send out his Songandaprayer colt, Quiet Invader, who broke his maiden back in December at Hollywood Park. I don’t think any other horse in the field looks as good as this one, so I’ll take Quiet Invader here. The Southwest has a very nice field that includes Grade I Winner Dublin, Grade III Winner Conveyance and stakes winner Dryfly. California invader, Conveyance, will make his first start on dirt for trainer Bob Baffert. I predict that Conveyance will win here easily.

The only news for the girls last week was that the Grade I Las Virgenes was rescheduled for Saturday after heavy rains at Santa Anita last week, and Blink Luck will make her much anticipated sophomore debut here. Also on the calendar for this week is the Martha Washington Stakes at Oaklawn on Saturday. This race is worth mentioning because it is where the 2009 Kentucky Oaks Winner Rachel Alexandra kicked off her spectacular Horse of the Year campaign.

As always thank you for reading my list!

Sincerely,
Seth Kochera

Top Ten Derby Horses
By: Seth Kochera

February 10, 2010 (Week 6)

1. Buddy’s Saint
The superstar will take center stage next week in the Fountain of Youth against a tough field.

2. Super Saver
Working toward his first race this year which is still undecided, probably won’t be till March.

3. D’Funnybone
The multiple Grade 2 winner makes his sophomore debut next week in the Hutcheson.

4. Eskendereya
Can stamp himself as a top Derby contender with a win over the big boys next weekend.

5. Jackson Bend
The Florida Sensation will try to atone for his Holy Bull loss in next week’s Fountain of Youth.

6. Lookin At Lucky
Back on the workout tab after a short hiatus, the Champ’s 2010 bow is about a month away.

7. Ron the Greek
The electrifying stretch runner will try to duplicate his LeComte win in next week’s Risen Star.

8. Rule
The Delta Jackpot winner will make his sophomore debut in a competitive Sam F. Davis field.

9. American Lion
He will get to run one week later than expected after Robert B. Lewis was rescheduled.

10. Conveyance
Baffert says that his Indian Charlie colt is a go for his dirt debut in the Southwest on Monday.

Keep an eye on: Drosselmeyer, Uptowncharlybrown

Dropped from list: Laus Deo

Upcoming Races
2/13/10 – Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G2) (1 1/16 miles, Santa Anita Park) $150,000
2/13/10 – Sam F. Davis Stakes (G3) (1 1/16 miles, Tampa Bay Downs) $225,000
2/15/10 – San Vicente Stakes (G2) (7 furlongs, Santa Anita Park) $150,000
2/15/10 – Southwest Stakes (G3) (1 mile, Oaklawn Park) $250,000
Last Week’s Races
2/6/10 – Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G2) (1 1/16 miles, Santa Anita Park) Rescheduled for 2/13/10
2/6/10 – Whirlaway Stakes (1 1/16 miles, Aqueduct) Winner: Peppi Knows

Oaks Top Five
By: Seth Kochera

February 10, 2010 (Week 6)

1. Sassy Image
Trainer says that she will put in two more races before the Oaks, he’s not sure what races yet.

2. Hot Dixie Chick
Her recent stretch of workouts indicate that she is getting close to her return to the races.

3. Blind Luck
Finally makes her anticipated debut this weekend after the Las Virgenes was rescheduled.

4. She Be Wild
The Champ’s loss was forgivable after a long layoff, but she needs to prove that it was a fluke.

5. Bickersons
Fresh off a big win over the Champ, is she just a one turn sprinter or can she stretch it out?

Keep an eye on: Awesome Maria, Christine Daae

Dropped from list: None

Upcoming Races
2/13/10 – Las Virgenes Stakes (G1) (1 mile, Santa Anita Park) $250,000
2/13/10 – Martha Washington Stakes (1 mile, Oaklawn Park) $75,000
2/13/10 – Suncoast Stakes (1 mile, Tampa Bay Downs) $75,000
2/13/10 – Busher Stakes (1 1/16 miles, Aqueduct) $65,000
Last Week’s Races
2/6/10 – Las Virgenes Stakes (G1) (1 mile, Santa Anita Park) Rescheduled for 2/13/10

Talk Derby To Us: Week 4

2010-02-04T09:56:00.000-05:00

February 3, 2010

Hello Everyone,

Last week was very quiet on the Derby trail until late Tuesday afternoon, when it was announced that Winslow Homer, my #2 ranked colt, is off the Derby trail due to a stress fracture. The son of Unbrilded’s Song stamped himself as a leading candidate for the Kentucky Derby after a fantastic performance in the Grade III Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park on January 23 over the sensational Jackson Bend. There was a minor stakes race this past week, the WEBN Stakes at Turfway Park. Kera’s Kitten went wire-to-wire, winning by 2 1/2 lengths. He will go next in the Grade II Lane’s End Stakes at Turfway Park. He looks like he is one to watch in that race. There was one notable allowance winner last week, the Bill Mott trainee, Drosselmeyer, who won an allowance on January 31 at Gulfstream Park by 1 3/4 lengths. This colt adds to the embarrassment of riches that Winstar Farm has in Derby candidates. Along with Drosselmeyer, Winstar owns leading colts such as Super Saver, Rule and American Lion. Most of my list’s top Derby candidates put in works in preparation for their next starts this past week. This weekend looks to make some noise on the Derby trail with two very nice stakes races. The Grade II Robert B. Lewis Stakes on Saturday at Santa Anita boasts a very nice field. Grade III Winner American Lion makes his first start of the year for trainer Eoin Harty and owner Winstar Farm. Joining in the fray is Tiz Chrome. The much hyped son of Tiznow tries to stretch it out around two turns. As for my selection for this race, I think the American Lion will go home the winner. Also on Saturday is the Whirlaway Stakes at Aqueduct. This race will bring the much anticipated resurfacing of Eightyfiveinafifty, who last month broke his maiden by more than 17 lengths. This will be his stakes debut and his first try around two turns. We will see if he is a horse with the wow factor or if he’s just a one hit wonder.

As for the girls, there was a lot of reshuffling on the Oaks list. The reigning Champ, She Be Wild, finished fifth in her first start this year to Bickersons, who won in a 7 length romp. Jockey Julien Leparoux that She Be Wild handled the dirt well, but the race was too short for her. I’ll forgive the loss since it is her first start back, but to regain a top spot on the Oaks list, she needs a big win. After her big win in the Grade II Forward Gal on Sunday, Bickersons moved on to the list. The trainer says that she is better at one turn, which is a concern in looking for an Oaks horse. She needs to show she can win around two turns before she can move any higher on the list. Awesome Maria dropped down to the “Keep an eye on” section, due to the fact that she has not worked in the last sixty days. This weekend brings about the Grade I Las Virgenes Stakes at Santa Anita on Saturday at Santa Anita Park. Blind Luck will make her first start this year here. She is being hailed by some to be a candidate for the Kentucky Derby, even though her connections have not expressed any interest in going for the Run for the Roses with her. Grade III winner Crisp and Stakes placed Switch look to challenge the West Coast leading filly.

As always thank you for reading my list!

Sincerely,
Seth Kochera

Top Ten Derby Horses
By: Seth Kochera

February 3, 2010 (Week 5)

1. Buddy’s Saint
The super son of Saint Liam continues to work toward his much anticipated 2010 premier.

2. Super Saver
Worked this week at Palm Meadows, trainer said he probably won’t race till March now.

3. D’Funnybone
Put in a work last week at Gulfstream gearing up for 2010 bow in the Hutcheson Feb. 20.

4. Laus Deo
The son of Medaglia d’Oro is getting a little break at Vinery in Ocala before his next race.

5. Eskendereya
Nice allowance win last time out, working toward a big test in the Fountain of Youth.

6. Jackson Bend
He will go to the post next in the Fountain of Youth, without his Holy Bull vanquisher.

7. Lookin At Lucky
Hasn’t worked since January 16, still on track to strut his stuff in the San Felipe on March 13.

8. Ron the Greek
The stretch-running LeComte winner will make his next start in the Risen Star on Feb. 20.

9. Rule
Pletcher said he will make his first start this year in either the Sam F. Davis or Risen Star.

10. American Lion
This fine Tiznow colt comes out for the first time in 2010 in the Robert B. Lewis on Saturday.

Keep an eye on: Conveyance, Drosselmeyer

Dropped from list: Winslow Homer

Upcoming Races

2/6/10 – Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G2) (1 1/16 miles, Santa Anita Park) $150,000
2/6/10 – Whirlaway Stakes (1 1/16 miles, Aqueduct) $100,000

Last Week’s Races
1/30/10 – WEBN Stakes (1 mile, Turfway Park) Winner: Kera’s Kitten

Oaks Top Five
By: Seth Kochera

February 3, 2010 (Week 5)

1. Sassy Image
The filly to beat put in a nice workout at Gulfstream, her next race hasn’t been determined yet.

2. Hot Dixie Chick
Worked twice last week at the Fair Grounds in preparation for her sophomore debut.

3. Blind Luck
Her 2010 debut is this weekend in the Las Virgenes Stakes, some think she’s a Derby prospect.

4. She Be Wild
The Champ finished fifth in on Sunday in her return, needs a win to regain a spot near the top.

5. Bickersons
Very impressive win over the Champ on Sunday, she needs to show she can win at two turns.

Keep an eye on: Awesome Maria, Christine Daae

Dropped from list: Beautician

Upcoming Races

2/6/10 – Las Virgenes Stakes (G1) (1 mile, Santa Anita Park) $250,000
Last Week’s Races
1/31/10 – Forward Gal Stakes (G2) (7 furlongs, Gulfstream Park) Winner: Bickersons

Talk Derby To Us: Week 3

2010-01-28T14:32:00.000-05:00

January 27, 2010

Hello Everyone,

Last week was a huge week on the Derby trail. Take Control, the regally bred colt by Horse of the Year A.P. Indy out of Horse of the Year Azeri, has been taken off the Derby trail due to an injury. The announcement came just hours after my last edition was sent out last Wednesday. Winslow Homer won the Holy Bull (G3) at Gulfstream Park last Saturday by 3/4 lengths over Jackson Bend. This was just as I predicted last week. I said it would be Winslow Homer over Jackson Bend in a close one. Winslow Homer got jostled around at the start of the race, but the son of Unbridled’s Song did not get rattled. He found a hole and held off a challenge by the Florida sensation Jackson Bend. Jackson Bend lost no respect in defeat. He started from the outside post and was forced to go wide most of the way. Both of those colts look to be headed to the Fountain of Youth (G2) on February 20 to face a stellar field that could also include Super Saver (#3 on my list) and my #1 Derby Horse, Buddy’s Saint. In the LeComte Stakes (G3), Ron the Greek put in a powerful stretch dive to catch Maximus Ruler to win by 1 1/4 lengths. I think another good performance out of him is needed to stamp himself as a serious Derby contender. The LeComte has yet to produce a Derby winner, so I am skeptical about him at the moment. This week has two minor regional preps. The next big race is the Grade 2 Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita. American Lion, one of our horses to watch will make is 2010 debut there.

Some of my readers are not happy that Champion Lookin At Lucky is ranked so low on my list. I welcome this chance to defend my logic in ranking my Derby horses. No California horse has won the Derby, Preakness or the Belmont since they made the switch to synthetic surfaces, and until it happens, I can’t put one of these horses at the top of my list. Pioneerof the Nile was close in last year’s Derby, and Tiago finished third in the Belmont to Rags to Riches and Curlin in 2007. I do in no way have anything against synthetic surfaces or California horses. I will remain skeptical until one of them wins a Triple Crown race. It is the same logic I have had since they made the surface switch in California. The Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland has shown it can produce a Derby winner, so it is a race that I take seriously. Don’t worry Lookin At Lucky fans, he will rise up the list as he wins and other horses lose (Pioneer of the Nile was in my top three last year).

There were no graded stakes for the fillies this past week. Rose Catherine looked very nice in winning the Sweet Life Stakes at Santa Anita by 3 1/2 lengths. Jody Slew pulled an upset in the Tiffany Lass Stakes at the Fair Grounds at 23-1. Champion She Be Wild may make her first start of the year this weekend in the Grade 2 Forward Gal Stakes at Gulfstream on Sunday.

As always, thanks for taking the time to read my list!

Sincerely,
Seth Kochera

Top Ten Derby Horses
By: Seth Kochera

January 27, 2010 (Week 4)

1. Buddy’s Saint
Put in another work at Gulfstream this week, will get a very stiff test in the Fountain of Youth.

2. Winslow Homer
Was super in a big win in the Holy Bull, next up is the Buddy’s Saint in the Fountain of Youth.

3. Super Saver
Looks like we him see him take on the big guns in a very tough Fountain of Youth on Feb. 20.

4. D’Funnybone
Breezed at Gulfstream this week, the Hutcheson Feb. 20 is up next for the son of D’wildcat.

5. Laus Deo
Looks to be the second horse to take the Count Fleet and the Derby along with Smarty Jones.

6. Eskendereya
The son of Giant’s Causeway gets his chance to prove himself in a loaded Fountain of Youth.

7. Jackson Bend
Ran a great race in the Holy Bull after running wide most of the way from the outside post.

8. Lookin At Lucky
Baffert is trying blinkers on the Champ, as he gears his colt up for the March 13 San Felipe.

9. Ron the Greek
Nice stretch run in his LeComte win, needs another big race to stamp him as a true contender.

10. Rule
Todd Pletcher worked his Delta Jackpot winner at 5 furlongs at Palm Meadows this week.

Keep an eye on: American Lion, Conveyance

Dropped from list: Take Control

Upcoming Races

1/30/10 – Dancing Count Stakes (6 furlongs, Laurel Park) $70,000
1/30/10 – WEBN Stakes (1 mile, Turfway Park) $50,000
Last Week’s Races
1/23/10 – Holy Bull Stakes (G3) (1 1/8 miles, Gulfstream Park) Winner: Winslow Homer
1/23/10 – LeComte Stakes (G3) (1 mile 40 yards, Fair Grounds) Winner: Ron the Greek

Oaks Top Five
By: Seth Kochera

January 27, 2010 (Week 4)

1. Sassy Image
Looks like the horse to beat, kicked off ‘10 in style and an ‘09 win at Churchill doesn’t hurt.

2. She Be Wild
Appears the Champ will make her 2010 debut in the Forward Gal this weekend at Gulfstream.

3. Awesome Maria
Looked great last year, still waiting for the grey daughter of Maria’s Mon to surface this year.

4. Hot Dixie Chick
Dominant in two big stakes race at Saratoga, she has been shelved since early September.

5. Blind Luck
Put in a 7 furlong work this week in preparation for the Feb. 6 Las Virgenes at Santa Anita.

Keep an eye on: Beautician, Christine Daae

Dropped from list: None

Upcoming Races
1/31/10 – Forward Gal Stakes (7 furlongs, Gulfstream) $150,000
Last Week’s Races
1/23/10 – Tiffany Lass Stakes (1 mile 40 yards, Fair Grounds) Winner: Jody Slew
1/24/10 – Sweet Life Stakes (6.5 Furlongs, Santa Anita Park) Winner: Rose Catharine

Talk Derby To Us: Week 2

2010-01-14T11:11:00.002-05:00

January 13, 2010

Hello everyone,

Although no horses moved positions on this list, there were a lot of happenings on the Derby Trail. Eskenderya, my #6 ranked horse, beat a nice allowance field at Gulfstream on January 7 by just a little over a length. In the only stakes race for three year old colts, A Little Warm won the Spectacular Bid Stakes at Gulfstream. In my opinion, this horse does not have a pedigree that would indicate a Derby horse, so he will have to win a race that is longer than 6 furlongs before he deserves consideration for the list. The same goes for Three Day Rush, who won a nice allowance race at Gulfstream by almost 6 lengths. He beat a nice field including Mission Impazible, who is a promising colt by Unbridled's Song. There were a couple of impressive maiden winners last week that deserve some attention. Eightyfiveinathirty broke his maiden at Aqueduct on January 9 by 17 1/4 lengths! It was an eye-popping performance by the son of Forrest Camp. The biggest question mark for him is can he still win like that as the races get longer for him? He definitely deserves some attention for his great performance. Another race like that, and he will find himself climbing up the list. Another maiden winner to keep an eye on is Major Momentum, who broke his maiden at Gulfstream Park on January 9 by 6 1/2 lengths. He is a half brother to the record-setting J Be K.

The races this weekend are mostly regional prep race for some of the bigger races coming up. The only graded stakes is the Grade 3 San Rafael at Santa Anita on January 16. (Remember that the top twenty horses by graded stakes earnings get to run in the Kentucky Derby) These races are worth noting, but most of the heavy hitters are still a couple weeks away from running.

There was no shakeup on the Oaks list this week despite a very nice win for Crisp in the Grade 3 Santa Ysabel Stakes at Santa Anita. She is a horse to keep an eye on for down the road. It is very hard to predict how the California horses will run on a dirt surface when they come east, so I am cautious to rank them. The Grade 2 Santa Ynez on January 16 is the only graded stakes race for three year old fillies this week.

As always thanks for taking the time to read my list!

Sincerely,
Seth Kochera

Top Ten Derby Horses
By: Seth Kochera

January 13, 2010 (Week 2)

1. Buddy’s Saint
Put in a nice work this week at Gulfstream, his trainer said the Fountain of Youth is next.

2. Super Saver
Fantastic in the biggest race for two-year-olds at Churchill Down, can he do it again in May?

3. Jackson Bend
He dominated the Florida scene last year, will he keep it up as the competition gets better?

4. D’Funnybone
Throw out the Breeders Cup Juvenile, his only other loss was to the sensational Jackson Bend.

5. Laus Deo
The son of Medaglia d’Oro looked very nice in winning the Count Fleet going wire-to-wire.

6. Eskendereya
Had a nice allowance win last week at Gulfstream, next up the Fountain of Youth on Feb. 20.

7. Winslow Homer
Dominant taking an allowance race at Philly Park by 12, the real deal or a flash in the pan?

8. Lookin At Lucky
Can’t move up the list unless he runs on dirt, the San Felipe on March 13 is next for him.

9. Rule
The straight victories including a game wire-to-wire victory in the Delta Jackpot last year.

10. Take Control
His daddy: A.P. Indy, his mommy: Azeri, both named horse of the year, nice win first time out.

Keep an eye on: American Lion, Overcommunication

Upcoming Races
1/15/10 – Triple Sec Stakes (7 furlongs, Delta Downs) $60,000

1/16/10 – San Rafael Stakes (G3) (1 mile, Santa Anita Park) $100,000

1/16/10 – California Derby (1 1/16 miles, Golden Gate Fields) $100,000

1/16/10 – Dania Beach Stakes (1 mile Turf, Gulfstream Park) $100,000

1/16/10 – Pasco Stakes (7 furlongs, Tampa Bay Downs) $75,000

1/18/10 – Smarty Jones Stakes (1 mile, Oaklawn Park) $100,000

1/18/10 – Jimmy Winkfield Stakes (6 furlongs, Aqueduct) $65,000

1/18/10 – San Pedro Stakes (6.5 Furlongs, Santa Anita Park) $65,000

Last Week’s Races
1/9/10 – Spectacular Bid Stakes (6 furlongs, Gulfstream Park) Winner: A Little Warm

Oaks Top Five
By: Seth Kochera

January 13, 2010 (Week 2)

1. Sassy Image
She won two big stakes races last year at Churchill Downs, she will get better with distance.

2. She Be Wild
The Champ needs to prove that she can run on the dirt before she can move up to the #1 spot.

3. Awesome Maria
Big stakes win at Belmont last year, her loss in the Frizette last year was due to a bad trip.

4. Hot Dixie Chick
Dominant in two big stakes race at Saratoga, she has been shelved since early September.

5. Blind Luck
Was great in stakes races in California last year, has won impressively on the dirt at Calder.

Keep an eye on: Champagne Lady, Beautician

Upcoming Races
1/15/10 – Genesis Stakes (7 furlongs, Delta Downs) $60,000

1/15/10 – Dixie Belle Stakes (6 furlongs, Oaklawn Park) $50,000

1/16/10 – Santa Ynez Stakes (G2) (7 furlongs, Santa Anita Park) $150,000

1/16/10 – Gasparilla Stakes (7 furlongs, Tampa Bay Downs) $65,000

1/16/10 – Cincinnati Trophy Stakes (6.5 furlongs, Turfway Park) $50,000

1/17/10 – Sweetest Chant Stakes (1 mile Turf, Gulfstream Park) $100,000

Last Week’s Races
1/9/10 – Old Hat Stakes (G3) (6 furlongs, Gulfstream Park) Winner: Richiegirlgonewild

1/10/10 – Santa Ysabel Stakes (G3) (1 ⅟16 miles, Santa Anita) Winner: Crisp

1/10/10 – Busanda Stakes (1 mile 70 yards, Aqueduct) Winner: Age of Humor

1/10/10 – Ruthless Stakes (6 furlongs, Aqueduct) Winner: Indian Burn

Talk Derby To Us

2010-01-12T15:17:00.002-05:00

Introduction Seth’s Top Ten Derby List
January 7, 2010

Hello everyone,

It is January, and the smell of roses is in the air. A new crop of three-year olds are gearing up for their shot at racing immortality in "Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports." The 136th edition of Kentucky's signature race is set to take place on May 1, 2010. It is an annual celebration with an unparalleled tradition, the highest of fashion, the utmost elegance, and the combination of sheer power, grace and beauty. As the horses walk out onto the track with the playing of My Old Kentucky Home, there is not a dry eye in the crowd, and the roar of the crowd as the horses leave the starting gate is enough to give anyone goosebumps. The Kentucky Derby is truly one of America's greatest sporting spectacles. According to The Jockey Club statistics, There were 37,939 foals born in 2006, and only 19 (0.05%) of them were in the starting gate on May 2, 2009. Now that it is 2010, it is time to look for what 20 horses will make it to the starting gate for the Run for the Roses, and most importantly, who will win the 2010 Kentucky. Growing up in Kentucky I have been a Derby enthusiast. I am always trying to find the next horse that will win the Kentucky Derby, and I usually start looking for my Derby horse almost as soon as the Triple Crown is finished. I have had a lot of success with my Derby horses. Here is a list of my Derby horses since 2002 and how they finished in the Derby: 2002 – War Emblem (1st), 2003 – Empire Maker (2nd), 2004 – Lion Heart (2nd), 2005 – Noble Causeway (14th), 2006 – Barbaro (1st), 2007 – Curlin (3rd), 2008 – Big Brown (1st), 2009 – Dunkirk (11th). Most of these horses I caught onto early on. I have also selected longshot winners Thunder Gulch (1995) and Charismatic (1999). I say all of this not to brag, but to show that I have the knowledge of what kind of horse it takes to win the Kentucky Derby. I hope that my Derby list will be insightful, and that its readers will find enjoyable. Thank you for taking time to read my list, and it is my hope that you will have as much fun as I will on 2010 Kentucky Derby Trail as we count down to May 1, 2010.

The Kentucky Oaks list is new for this year, call it an experiment. I was not very good at picking Oaks winners for years until I started to try to find an Oaks horse a long way out, just like the Derby. 2007 was the first Oaks I tried this with. I found Dreaming of Anna beating the boys in Canada, and then and there I had my Oaks Horse. Her victory in the Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies at Churchill Downs only strengthened my case. However she ended up finishing 6th. I had the 2008 Kentucky Oaks winner Proud Spell long before her runner-up finish in the 2007 Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies. I picked 2009 Oaks winner Rachel Alexandra after her runner-up finish in the Pocahontas the previous November. So since I have started looking early to find my Kentucky Oaks winner, I have done well. Again I say all of this not to brag, but to show that I can be a trusted source in finding the next Kentucky Oaks winner. Enjoy my newest list, and thank you for taking time to read it. Let the countdown to April 30, 2010 begin!

Enjoy both of these lists, and thank you so much for taking the time to read them.

Sincerely,
Seth Kochera

Top Ten Derby Horses
By: Seth Kochera

January 6, 2010 (Week 1)

1. Buddy’s Saint
Very impressive in winning the Nashua by 12 lengths and the Remsen by almost 5 lengths.

2. Super Saver
Fantastic in the biggest race for two-year-olds at Churchill Down, can he do it again in May?

3. Jackson Bend
He dominated the Florida scene last year, will he keep it up as the competition gets better?

4. D'Funnybone
Throw out the Breeders Cup Juvenile, his only other loss was to the sensational Jackson Bend.

5. Laus Deo
The son of Medaglia d’Oro looked very nice in winning the Count Fleet going wire-to-wire.

6. Eskendereya
Loved his stakes win at Belmont by more than 7 lengths last year, toss out the BC Juvenile.

7. Winslow Homer
Dominant taking an allowance race at Philly Park by 12, the real deal or a flash in the pan?

8. Lookin At Lucky
He was stellar last year winning three Grade 1 races, can’t move up unless he runs on dirt.

9. Rule
The straight victories including a game wire-to-wire victory in the Delta Jackpot last year.

10. Take Control
His daddy: A.P. Indy, his mommy: Azeri, both named horse of the year, nice win first time out.

Keep an eye on: American Lion, Overcommunication

Upcoming Races

1/9/10 – Spectacular Bid Stakes (6 furlongs, Gulfstream Park)

Last Week’s Races

1/1/10 – Tropical Park Derby (G3) (1 ⅛ miles Turf, Gulfstream Park) Winner: Fly by Phil

1/2/10 – Count Fleet Stakes (1 mile 70 yards, Aqueduct) Winner: Laus Deo

1/2/10 – Turfway Prevue Stakes (6 ½ furlongs, Turfway Park) Winner: Z.I. Zip

Oaks Top Five
By: Seth Kochera

January 6, 2010 (Week 1)

1. Sassy Image
She won two big stakes races last year at Churchill Downs, she will get better with distance.

2. She Be Wild
The Champ needs to prove that she can run on the dirt before she can move up to the #1 spot.

3. Awesome Maria
Big stakes win at Belmont last year, her loss in the Frizette last year was due to a bad trip.

4. Hot Dixie Chick
Dominant in two big stakes race at Saratoga, she has been shelved since early September.

5. Blind Luck
Was great in stakes races in California last year, has won impressively on the dirt at Calder.

Keep an eye on: Champagne Lady, Beautician

Upcoming Races

1/9/10 – Old Hat Stakes (G3) (6 furlongs, Gulfstream Park)

1/10/10 – Santa Ysbel Stakes (G3) (1 ⅟16 miles, Santa Anita)

1/10/10 – Busanda Stakes (1 mile 70 yards, Aqueduct)

Last Week’s Races

1/1/10 – California Oaks (1 ⅟16 miles, Golden Gate Fields) Winner: Antares World

1/1/10 – Blue Norther Stakes (1 mile, Santa Anita) Winner: In the Slips

1/1/10 – Maryland Filly Championship (7 ½ furlongs, Laurel Park) Winner: That’s How I Roll

The Horse Industry of Ireland and Northern Ireland : A Study Abroad with Michigan State University

2009-12-31T12:27:00.001-05:00

Hi Everyone!
I apologize for it taking me so long to get this post up. This semester/ year has been so busy for me! I'm sure many of you can relate.
Well in May 2009 I partook in a study abroad program through my university, Michigan State University, that took me all the way to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The program was 3 weeks long and took me all over both of these wonderful countries. It was great enough to be in Ireland, but it was even better that the program focused on the horse industry of Ireland. Three weeks doesn't really seem like a very long time, but in this short period of time I learned so much about this wonderful country and the importance of the horse industry to their culture and economy. The content to follow will be a run down of my experiences while in Ireland and even a little bit on my travel experience. :-)
The Airport: Chicago-

Okay so I never really fly, just to clarify things. The last time I flew was when I was 8 years old and that was just from Alaska to Michigan and vice versa (I was born in Alaska and my Dad lived up there). Oh, and I had never been out of the country, ever. It was really amazing that an international plane ticket was actually cheaper than a flight within the United States. So I arrived at the Chicago airport about an hour and a half before my flight took off. I was so nervous and the airport was a tad bit confusing. I was, however, very excited to start my journey to Ireland. I would fly from Chicago to Philadelphia to London and then finally arrive in Dublin. My plane from Chicago took off on time and went well, except for the fact that my ears had to adjust to the change in pressure.
The Airport: Philadelphia-
I arrived in Philadelphia on time and once I was in the airport I looked for my terminal. It took a little bit of time because they decided to switch the terminal that the plane was taking off from last minute, so I had to kind of run around the Philadelphia airport looking for it! Once I got on the plane it was good-bye to the United States. I used my passport for the first time and had to fill out an entry form to get into London airport. The flight was long, but I was able to talk with a really nice British lady who was flying back to England to see family. I must note that my plane was late at taking off from Philadelphia.
The Airport: London-
So I arrived late at the London airport and had to get through customs. To make a long story short, I missed my plane from London to Dublin. This occured due to a mixture of my late plane and the fact that I thought I had to transfer my luggage to the plane from London to Dublin when I really didn't have to. I was able to get a replacement ticket without any additional charge that flew out just a few hours later. I became acquanted with London's phone system VERY quickly as I placed phone call after phone call to get a hold of the office of study abroad to let them know that I missed my flight.
The Airport: Dublin-
I arrived in Dublin fairly uneventfully and was very happy to see that my study abroad group had waited for me. When I was in London I had been told that I would have to find my own way to the place I was staying at!
Cookstown-Loughery College-
We took a bus from Dublin to Cookstown in Northern Ireland and arrived at Loughery College where we would stay for a week. While at this college we each would travel to different destinations around Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland from day to day. Loughery College is an agricultural college that offers many degree programs. While at Loughery we made friends with a lot of the students.
Day 1-Balmoral Show-
Our first day took us to the Balmoral Show in Northern Ireland. This is the largest fair/ show in Northern Ireland and is a great point of interest for many people in Northern Ireland. Not only are there horse shows, but people bring their livestock for exhibit. The sheep really look like little pigs because they have so much muscle on them! I watched a jumper event and also some showmanship classes. It was really neat because in Ireland, the judge of a show actually gets on and "test" rides all of the horses in a class, because of this the class takes longer to judge but the judge gets a better idea of the horses in the class. Balmoral show was very much like a county fair, expcept all the horses were riden english instead of western! Oh and Irish people LOVE country music!

Day 2- Race Horse Trainer & Castle Leslie-

Our first stop of the day was to a trainer's facility run by trainer Andy Oliver. He trains flat racing thoroughbreds that run on the turf. All flat racing is done on the turf in Ireland. While at the training facility/ farm we had the chance to observe the morning gallop of a group of young thouroughbreds. It was really neat to see how Andy has taken advantage of the Irish terrain to better train his horses. There was a series of flat regions and then up hill regions that help train the horses for endurance. Ireland has also banned the use of steroids in race horses, so none of these horses can have anything in their system, not even lasix! Oh, and also, Ireland is a very rainy place and does not do very well with harvesting their own hay due to the rain. Andy Oliver actually imports all of his hay from Canada! On day two we also visited Castle Leslie. This is a marvelous estate complete with a castle and stables! We toured the stables and got to see the training facilities and horses that are offered to people who are staying at Castle Leslie. They have an entire cross country course that is available for use! The castle was absolutely wonderful and is still occupied by an elderly Mr. Leslie. The castle is rich in history and I guess comes complete with ghosts. It overlooked a beautiful lake and when we got back on the bus we heard that we had just missed an encounter with Bono! Too bad for us.

Galloping up hill at Andy Oliver's

A look out onto the grounds of Leslie Castle (I think the people out there are Bono and his wife!)

Day 3- Ulster American Folk Park & Enniskillen-

The first part of our day was spent exploring the history of Ireland. Ulster American Folk Park was very comparable to any of the United States historical parks. It had a lot of information about the Irish people, including the great emigration in the 1800's due to the potatoe famine. It also had a little bit of history about the United States because that is where most of the emigrants went. It was neat to see our history through another countries eyes! Later that day we went to Enniskillen agricultural college. They have an extensive horse program where students can explore and learn about many of the different facets of the horse industry and actually be involved in them. Enniskillen has its own racing stables that compete in point to point races (lower division of steeple chase racing). Students at Michigan State University are actually able to partake in a semester long study abroad program at Enniskillen! We also went to a point to point race at Necarne castle. It is truly a community activity. People of all ages come to the races and enjoy a good day of friends and racing. I bet on a couple of races and made a bit of money, it was more fun than anything. One of Enniskillen's horses raced for the first time and won! It was exciting because I actually got to see the horse get prepared for the race back in the trailer and then see him race to a win! There were a lot of accidents during the point to point races, mainly horses tripping up over the jumps. People didn't get upset by these though, they seemed to simply view it as a fact of life. It was surprising though, because many of these horses that tripped up tended to be the ones that rushed to the front of the pack as they cleared the jump. It truly showed that the rider is the one that gets in the way of the horse's racing capability!

The indoor arena at Necarne/ Enniskillen

The winning Enniskillen horse before the race (students are all around helping them get ready)

Number 17 horse (the lead horse) is the Enniskillen horse just before the finish

Day 4- Ballinteggart Stud & Cavan Equestrian Centre-

This day was initially spent at Ballinteggart Stud farm in Nortern Ireland. This farm breeds premiere show horses that compete competitively in jumping, eventing and dressage. They currently stand Connemara stallions, a few Thoroughbreds, Irish sport horses and a few other breeds. This farm has really focused on breeding soundness and sport ability into their horse. We got to see an AI collection on one of the stallions. It was actually being filmed for a documentary and an individual with the BBC was doing a program about the farm! Although this is an active breeding farm, many of these horses are just like family to the owners. They described how when a stallion passes away they have a special place to bury them on the property, even though it is technically not allowed in Northern Ireland. We also visited the Cavan Equestrian Centre which hosts show events. This was a HUGE place and was fairly new. There were 3 full sized indoor arenas. Two were used for warm up and then one was used for a jumper/hunter show that was occurring at the time. It was really neat to see that many of the people that show simply prepare their horses out at the trailer and then bring them in, there weren't any stalls at the centre.

Stallion at Ballinteggart

Day 5- Lougherne Stud-

On this day we went to another family owned farm in Hillsborough. The name of this farm is Lougherne Stud farm and they breed show horses that compete competitively in jumping, eventing and dressage. The family was so welcoming and allowed us to go right into their barns. They paraded each of the stallions out in the yard for us and also turned a few loose, one at a time, out into an arena and had them free jumping. It was neat because even as foals there are jumps out in the pastures so that the mare teaches the foals how to jump before they are ever in training. They even had a foal jump, with its mother, over a little jump. They really prided themselves in the natural ability of their horses to jump. They even let us right in the stalls with the stallions. All of the stallions were very nice and had been taught to respect people. A huge difference when compared to American stallions!
Day 6- Stewarts Farm & Forage Production-

Today we visited the Stewarts Farm. This was a very small family farm, but that didn't mean that it had a lack of good blood lines or sucess. They bred Irish Sport Horses and some of the ones they bred were then shipped over to United States to be sold. Horses such as these could be sold for a lot more than they would ever get if they were sold in Ireland. The calm, willing disposition of the Irish Sport Horse makes them an ideal mount for many people. They are also very sound of bone, which allows them to remain sound during rigorous competition. One of the horses owned by this farm that they call LuLu is being ridden competitively at has the potential to be in the next upcoming olympics. The next place we visited was another farm that raises Irish Sport Horses. They talked about the popular form of forage production in Ireland. This happens to be haylage. It is practically the same as silage. Haylage is fermented hay that has been sealed up properly to allow for proper fermentation and to make it so that molding doesn't occur. The owners of the farm also told us about the breed criteria for the Irish Sport Horse. They discussed conformation and the guidlines to qualify as a registered Irish Sport Horse. The guidelines for registry are much more rigorous and demanding than the ones that are put forth by breed registries in the United States. Such rigorous criteria has really kept the bloodlines strong. Stallions must go through several examinations at points in their early life to become registered. They must demonstrate sound conformation and also athleticism. Only a select few make it past the selection criteria.
Day 7-Leaving Loughery College, visit Dean's Equestrian Centre & hotel in Bundoran

Today we left Loughery College and Northern Ireland. We headed to Dean's Equestrian Centre which is a small lesson facility like many places in the United States. I got to see a couple of little girls receiving lessons and it was neat to think that one day they will probably be jumping 4 ft fences. We took a walk on the property and the landscape was breath taking, the rolling hills and the greenery compare to nothing I have ever seen before. You have to be there to actually understand the majesty of the scenery and the wonder of a beautiful Irish day with the sun just glinting over the mountains. After visiting Dean's we then went on to our hotel in Bundoran. The hotel was like nothing I had ever been in before. It was a classy four star hotel located off the coast of the pacific ocean. There were huge cliffs and long beaches and little raised islands that you could climb onto and watch the sunset and sunrise. One night a few of us watched the sunset on the beach and you could barely make out a set of horse hooves running down the beach. It really reminded how much the horse is a part of Ireland.

Day 8- Trekking in Sligo-

On this day we went horse back riding in a town called Sligo. We all rode english and in order to go out on the trails you had to be able to post a trot. We trekked through the hills and cantered through the woods. From our view up in the hills we overlooked the water and you could see the waves lapping the shoreline. My pony was called Tubers, he was white. It was really great to see the countryside from the back of a horse. After we went riding we then went into Sligo for shopping. It was amazing to see the different types of clothing styles and fashions.

Day 9- Traveling & visiting WB Yates grave
Today we left the beautiful four star hotel in Bundoran and traveled for the day. We visited a cemetary at an old church that was home to the grave site of WB Yates, he was a famous Irish poet. The church was beautiful and had a lot of old style religious art work and celtic art. This location was a popular tourist stop as many other people like us were at the cemetary. For me the church was awe inspiring. I am a religious individual and the place kind of gave me the chills. It was chills that were rooted in a lack of understanding of something so great a holy. We ended the day by arriving at a bed and breakfast in the countryside, our bus barely fit down the side road! Also there was a donkey that brayed early each morning, it was like having a personal alarm clock, oh and the geese are NOT friendly!

Day 10- Croagh Patrick, Mayo Abbey, BBQ w/ other MSU group

Today we traveled the Republic of Ireland and just explored some of the history of the area, much of it was religious based since a lot of Ireland's history is rooted in religion. Our first stop was Croagh Patrick, this was a pathway up the side of a Mount Croagh Patrick located in County Mayo. It is a very important pilgrimage site for celtic christianity and was supposedly a site of many pilgramages of St. Patrick. Many pilgrims partake in the walk while barefoot. The view was breathtaking like many other views in Ireland. We also vistied Mayo Abbey, a church located in County Mayo. While here our tour guide told us that all old graves face towards the east and this is because Jesus will one day come again from the east. In this cemetary a man was buried that killed priests, his grave was faced away from the east. After traveling we settled down for dinner at a host families home. We ate dinner with another Study Abroad group who stays for the whole summer to help with community services. There was plenty of food, enough to feed an entire army! Irish people LOVE good food and they love to give plenty of it to guests!

Day 11- Connemara Pony Farm & overnight in Limerick

On this day we visited a Connemara pony farm in Connemara. The Connemara pony originated from this town, as is obvious by the name. This breed of pony is a very sturdy, sound boned pony that is a very good draft animal and also are great show ponies. Irish breeds in general are prized for their ability to be put to many uses. The breeds were created to be used as a draft animals in the fields and also as the animal that pulled the buggy to church on Sundays and were used as riding mounts. Many Irish Sport Horses originate from a cross between a draft horse and a thoroughbred. The Connemara pony farm was located in the mountains and many of the ponies scaled the mountain side with no problem! We passed many sheep fields along the way and many of these areas had very narrow roads going through the countryside and there weren't any fences to keep the sheep in, they just roamed the area. The area around Connemara is also harvested for its peat, which is actually old decayed forest areas. Peat is an excellent form of fuel. For the night we stayed in Limerick at the Clarion hotel, its the tallest hotel in Ireland! It overlooked a river and we ate a 3 course meal (3 course meals were by now a regular occurance!).

A Connemara mare

Day 12- The Cliffs of Moher-

Today we visited another historic location in the Republic of Ireland. This location was the Cliffs of Moher and it is a giat series of cliffs that overlook the Atlantic Ocean. These cliffs tower over the ocean and are home to puffins and there is also a small castle located on the cliff side. At one point in time this castle was the focal point of a ruling area. A lord ruled over the whole town and some stories talk about how if a couple wanted to get married in the town that the wife had to spend her wedding night with the lord. Not such a lovely ruler! The Cliffs of Moher have become a very popular tourist location complete with a gift store and museum. One story in the museum told of a legend of the switch of religion to christianity in the days of St. Patrick, some of the old religious order turned themselves into horses and hid in the caves in the Cliff of Moher. One day 7 foals emerged and they were scared of the light. They all jumped to there death, now known as the Leap of the Foals. This story really showed me how much impact the horse had on Ireland's history and it has really made Ireland what it is today. After the Cliffs of Moher, we traveled the countryside and visited a portal tomb. The dead were buried in these tombs thousands of years ago and I believe it was during the Neolithic age of Ireland. At the solactice the sun aligns with something in the tomb and light the entire cavern. After thousands of years they still remain standing!

Me at the Cliffs of Moher

Portal Tomb

Day 13- Visit Limerick University, visit Cahir Castle, Overnight in Waterford

Okay so today was spent at the University of Limerick. This university offers a great horse program, but they do not have any horses on their immediate campus. All of the people in their programs commute to a riding stable down the road for much of their instruction. The university was established in 1972 with only 100 students. The university now has 12,000 students. In 1989 the first equestrian certification program was created. It started out very weak in the sciences, business management, and training in educational opportunities. The current programs that they now offer offer a bachelors in equine sciences and a few other programs that empasize education along with horsemanship. We also visited Cahir Castle which is located in County Tipperary. It was built in 1142 by Connor O'Brian. It was built in many different sections and it is fairly large. It stayed in the same family for several hundred years. The castle was very rich in history. We then went to Waterford where we spent the night at a Days Inn. Waterford is a beautiful town on the river, but the rain sure never lets up in Ireland!

Day 14- Kildalton College & Ballylinch Stud Farm-
Today, I believe, was my favorite day of the entire trip. It was the day that I realized that my trip to Ireland wasn't over with after this Study Abroad trip. On this day we visited another agricultural college named Kildalton College. This college offered a horse program and other livestock management courses. The college was on the grounds of an old estate and has horses on the grounds. They also have an indoor arena and one of the horse program professors talked about the regulation of horses in and out of the country due to the concerns of the spread of disease from horse to horse. After we visited Kildalton College we then went on to Ballylinch Stud Farm. To narrow down my favorite places in Ireland, Ballylinch was by far my favorite. Ballylinch is a thoroughbred breeding/ racing stable located in Thomastown in County Kilkenny. They breed flat and steeplechase race horses. The general farm manager showed us around the farm. We first visited the stallions and got to see each of them paraded out in the paddock area. I believe that the one new stallion they had just got was bought for 10million dollars or so. Wow! We also got to watch a live coverage by a stallion, meaning the stallion was actually with the mare for breeding. We also toured the stables where visiting mares stayed. The stables were all coated in a special paint covering and rubber so that they could be sprayed down easy for sanitary reasons. We also toured their on farm lab that is used by the 4 or so resident veterinarians at the farm. Our group also visited the stables that housed their racing age fillies. After touring the farm itself we visited the actual estate that Ballylinch is situated on. The name of the estate is Mount Juliet. Their are a few very nice houses and stables that are used by people who pay to stay at the estate. Oh and their is a world class golf course. Okay so you may be asking why Ballylinch is so important to me? Well Ballylinch is the reason that I am going back to Ireland for the summer of 2010. While at the farm I talked with the farm's general manager and he said that they offered internships. My heart jumped, literally. I was nervous at first and deep down I really wanted this internship. I could barely talk at the time, but I regained my senses and talked to the general manager about actually doing an internship. And thus began my return journey to Ireland.

Day 15- Travel to Dublin & the Marino Institute-

Cross at Phoenix Park

Today we left Waterford and traveled to Dublin. We stopped by Phoenix Park which is just on the outskirts of Dublin. It is a public park where people take walks and spend picnics with their families. There were even some horse and carrages riding through the park. It is the largest urban park in Europe. There are many different parts to the park including the Dublin Zoo and the Zoological Gardens. We then were given the opportunity to shop in downtown Dublin. There were so many shops and so many people! After shopping we then went to the Marino Institute where we would stay for two nights. This is a college that specializes in teaching and business degrees.
Day 16- Irish National Stud & RACE-

Today was our last day of the trip. Our first stop was the Irish National Stud. This is a race stable that is actually owned by the Irish government of the Republic of Ireland. It is a very extensive piece of property with large stretches of fields with mares and foals and a gorgeous Japanese gardens. We received a full guided tour of the facility and were able to see the breeding shed, mares and foals, and the stallions. Our next stop was to a facility called RACE. This is a school for training race jockeys. Not only does it teach young individuals how to ride race horses but it also teaches them how to take care of themselves. Taking care of themselves includes cooking right to keep themselves healthy, keeping a house, business/ money management and so forth. The school was created back in 1977. They offer a 42 week program to train individuals to be successful members of the racing community. Jockeys in Europe must be certified inorder to ride. The United States has just started offering such a program to train jockeys. It was really neat because they had a racing simalator. A couple of my group members and I decided to ride them and boy is it tough! There are different speeds that they go at and by the end of a round on one of those I could feel it in my thighs! It was really neat to see all of the opportunities that Ireland has for those in the horse industry.

The Stallion Stalls

The Return Journey & the Rest of the Story-

My trip back to the United States was fairly uneventful. I didn't miss any flights this time! On my flight from Philadelphia to Chicago I sat next to a guy. He was a business man from Oklahoma. At first it seemed like just a normal conversation. But underlying all of this talk was a message to persue my dreams and to not let anyone or anything hold me back. It seemed like a fitting conversation to conclude my journey and to begin my next one.

I guess if there is anything I would like for you to get out of what I have written is that anything is possible. You should follow your dreams and let nothing hold you back. College is the time of your life where anything is possible. I would encourage you to look into Study Abroad programs offered through your school or through a school near you. You never really know what the world is like until you have been thrown into it. Believe me I was nervous about last May, but after it happened I felt like anything really was possible. There are so many opportunities out there. You just have to get out there, explore and not be afraid of failure. You never know until you try and the world is full of opportunities. The world of horses is yours to explore and many of the people out there are more than willing to help you, just ask. Please feel free to email if you have any questions! :-)

~Heather Holser

holserhe@msu.edu

*all photos were taken by me*

Middle Tennessee State University’s Horse Judging Team Sweeps the Quarter Horse Congress

2009-12-01T18:13:00.005-05:00

he Middle Tennessee State University’s (MTSU) horse judging team won all three divisions and the overall top award at the American Quarter Horse Congress (AQHC) horse judging contest held in Columbus, Ohio, October 14. The oldest and largest national breed contest saw twenty one senior college teams, thirteen junior college teams and forty youth teams compete for awards in conformation, performance and oral reasons divisions at the world’s largest horse show. The MTSU team members were seniors Brittany Lehman and Kristen Chandler along with juniors Megan Hephner (Race for Education), Samantha Cobb and Patrick Davis. The team was coached by Dave Whitaker director of the MTSU Horse Science Program.

With over one hundred individual competitors in the senior college category, the MTSU team walked away with individual honors by all five members. Lehman earned first place awards for the most points in performance judging and fifth overall score. Chandler placed in the top ten in every division and finished the day third overall. Hephner placed in the top five in reasons and conformation judging and was fourth overall. Cobb talked her way to the first place in the oral reasons division while Davis was sixth in performance judging.

Colorado State’s team earned reserve overall honors and Kansas State was third. The MTSU team will compete in their final contest of the year November 18 in Oklahoma City during the World Quarter Horse Show.

From left to right ----- Dave Whitaker, coach, Samantha Cobb, Kristen Chandler, Megan Hephner, Brittany Lehman and Patrick Davis

A great day at the races

2009-08-25T22:31:00.003-04:00

Fleet Indian Day at Saratoga was an afternoon I’ll never forget. As the winners of the Fleet Indian and Youbet.com/ National Turf Writers Association Journalism Scholarships, respectively, Gabrielle D’Alessandro and I were treated to front row seats to watch all of the exhilarating action that the historic Saratoga Race Course has to offer, courtesy of Race for Education. Joining us at the track were RFE President Elisabeth Jensen and Treasurer Paul Saylor, both of whom couldn’t have been more generous. Besides treating us to food, drinks and the best seats in the house, they eased any jitters felt about the scholarship presentation ceremony scheduled in our honor with their easygoing and friendly demeanors. Past recipients of the Fleet Indian Scholarship Heather Cousins and Sarah Jones also attended, contributing to the excitement that consumed the afternoon.
After watching five heart-pounding races that didn’t include a single successful wager by yours truly, we all made the walk from the box seats to the Paddock area and from there to the finish line. It was in that location that Gabrielle and I were to be presented with our checks after the conclusion of the Fleet Indian Stakes. During some down time waiting for the race to commence Jeff True of Youbet.com approached me and casually stated, “You don’t get to watch a race from this close very often.” That simple sentence made me pause and reflect on just how fortunate I was to be in such a rare position, receiving a journalism scholarship in front of thousands of people, most importantly my loving family. Such moments are surely few and far between in life, so I made sure to fully absorb what happened next. Gabrielle was first to receive the symbolic award, posing for pictures with Mr. Saylor, the winning jockey of the Fleet Indian Stakes, her mother and others. I then joined Ms. D’Alessandro in front of the numerous cameras capturing the event and was granted my scholarship by Mr. True, whose kind words before and after the demonstration- it sounds strange to say- really made me feel deserving of such a generous prize. With the sun beating down on my face I did my best to form a smile as the cameras began snapping away, though not surprisingly this mild discomfort didn’t prevent the moment from being one of the very best of my life.
Patrick Raleigh

2009-01-27T11:54:00.002-05:00

There is one obvious thing that everyone involved in the Race For Education has in common; an interest or connection with the horse or horse racing industry. Beyond that, we have people from all backgrounds, all parts of the U.S., with different goals, morals, interests, and hobbies. One other commonality that we can often lose site of outside of the first Tuesday of November is our ability to Participate, the opportunity we are afforded not only to vote, but to be involved with the future of our community.
Elisabeth has done a great job of informing our elected political officials of the purpose and goals of the Race For Education, to the point where the Kentucky Politicians all seem aware of the scholarship, its growth and our goals. This past historical week in Washington, DC, The Race for Education's hard work allowed us to participate on a grand scale, meeting with congressman and lobbysist throughout the long and hectic weekend in hopes to ensure the federal funding The Race for Education needs over the next few years. There is no certainty that we will get our "Stimulus Package" that we would love to recieve, but by Participating and making our congressman aware of our goals, we hope to be able to give out more scholarships in 2009 than we ever have before.
The long weekend wasnt all work, as Sunday at the Mall was the Inauguration concert, feauring U2, Beyonce, Springstein, and many other musical guests, as well as some terrific speakers, from Jack Black to Tom Hanks. The buzz in DC was second to none, everyone seemingly looking forward to the future, whether they were an Obama supporter or not. The subways were filled with people wearing Barack Obama hats, shirts, buttons, and I even saw someone wearing Barack Obama shoes... and I thought Keds went of style in the 80's...boy was I wrong.
After spending Monday running around the city of Washington, we were excited for our night at the Kentucky Ball, often called the most fun of all pre-inauguration gala's. It lived up to its billing as we were able to speak casually with many Kentuckians and were lucky enough to be apart of Mohammed Ali's Birthday celebration.
Tuesday morning started a bit earlier than one would've liked, as we left the hotel at sunrise to make it to our seats for Inauguration. Let the day of frustration begin. Enormous crowds with little organization, freezing cold weather and time was running out. We stood in line for five hours and moved only a few feet. The poor organization was very fustrating as we never made it to our seats and were forced to watch the historic ceremony on television, along with tens of millions of others not even in DC. We werent about to let that ruin our day as we were lucky enough to attend the inaugural ball and see President Obama up close.
All in all it was a great weekend and hopefully will result in some success when it comes time to decide who gets the federal funding. It was a once in a lifetime event that I will be always thankful the Race for Eucation has afforded to me. I was one of the first scholarship recipients in 2002 and have now been out of college and living in Lexington for over 5 years. One wouldnt expect a college scholarship to still be impacting a life five years after graduation, but the Race for Education continues working with its graduates, and vice versa. Sometimes it is difficult, or near impossible for young people to Participate because nobody will allow them to do so, and that is, in my opinion, clearly the most vital role of the Race for Education. The opportunity for Participation.

-Joe Miller

A Semester to Remember...

2009-01-20T17:18:00.011-05:00

Looking back over the last semester, I think about what an amazing group of lessons and experiences I was able to be a part of, from August through December. I returned to the educational world after a few years of working by starting Graduate School at Ball State University. Beyond that, I had the honor of teaching three undergraduate classes in public communication (“speech” class). I learned a great deal from my own classmates, but also from the students. There were challenges and there were triumphs this past semester. Among the triumphs was headway made on my own personal career goals. I advanced especially during the few days that I call, “the best couple of days of my life!” I am referring to my amazing experiences in California at the 2008 Breeders Cup World Thoroughbred Championships made possible by the Race for Education, The National Turf Writers Association, and Youbet.com.

The first night of my trip was spent at the Annual Meeting for the National Turf Writers Association. It was awesome to walk around and meet people and be able to put faces to the names I have read for years. Once the dinner started, I quickly was reminded of how my public communication students probably feel in class. There’s nothing like pre-speech jitters! I knew all I had to do was go up and give a brief, “thank you” speech, but my stomach certainly didn’t think it was “just” a brief speech. After a bit, I actually started shaking from the nerves! Ridiculous, considering the fact that I teach speech class! I got one more reminder of how some of my students might feel just prior to my speech; I learned what it was like to present immediately after a GREAT speech! Tim Conway, a hilariously entertaining and well-known comedian, and Chris McCarron both gave wonderful speeches before me. Youch! I will admit though, being a bit star struck did help my nerves. In the end, I did survive my speech and the night was quite an amazing experience.

The following days were full of work, relaxation, beauty, and the thrill of racing. I started out each morning watching the works. There is absolutely no better way in my mind to start a day than to watch a colorful sunrise, breath in crisp, cool air, and hear the subtle “thumps” of horses galloping across the track. I was lucky enough to spend each of my three mornings in that way. I got a glimpse of most of the big horses as well as many of the big names of the human side of racing.

By 9 a.m., I had to report for work each day. For the duration of the Breeders Cup event, I worked in the Auxiliary Press Box. I made copies of press releases each morning and passed them out individually to members of the press as they would work on their morning reports for their respective publications. I worked with a great team for those few days and it was our job to help the press in whatever ways we could. Many times it was frantic, but exciting as well! It was fun not only to make friends with those that I was working with, but to also become familiar with several journalists.

I particularly took a liking towards the photographers. That should be no surprise if you know my love of racing photography. My co-workers figured out where my racing passions were and they fully supported my photography that weekend. For that, I will be forever grateful because it made that weekend the unforgettable experience that it was for me. A few of the photographers took me under their wings that weekend and eventually I was able to shoot trackside for each of the races. It literally was a dream come true for me to be able to shoot from the rail for a major racing event.

From Zenyatta’s unbeaten streak continuation to Curlin’s defeat, I was able to shoot it all. I even got to shoot next to one of my photography idols, Barbara Livingston, for part of the time. I thank the many photographers that impacted me that weekend: Bud Morton who was a wonderful mentor and guide, Terence and Cindy Dulay (Terence who gave me the guts to go out there and shoot!), Ray Burr and the gang at Benoit Photography (THANK YOU!), Sarah Andrew, Barbara Livingston, Patty Yount, and a slew of others. Again, many, many thanks to them.

I started my weekend at the track watching the sunrise over the mountains at Santa Anita and fittingly, I was able to end my time there watching the sun set behind those same mountains. As I left Santa Anita on Saturday, I made sure to take in the scenery of that track: the beautiful art deco on the grandstand, the Seabiscuit statue, the fountain, the Breeders Cup statue, and of course the backdrop of mountains and palm trees. Hopefully I can make it back next year.
My horse racing semester didn’t end at the Breeders Cup. Throughout the semester I worked on a short documentary on the Indiana Derby for a class project. I was able to land an amazing chance to interview Wayne Lukas as well as shoot some beautiful fall footage of champion Orientate at Gainesway for the doc with the help of the Race for Education. Look for the piece. You might just be able to catch a glimpse of it in the future! It will be appearing on PBS stations across Indiana as well as potentially hitting the web through various websites.

So the semester has been a positive, horse-filled time for me. I thank everyone involved in that amazing weekend in California as well as those involved in the other opportunities I was given during the semester. My biggest thank you’s go out to the Race for Education, The National Turf Writers Association, and Youbet.com. With everyone’ s support, I have accomplished quite a bit, this last semester. Look out though, I’ve got MUCH more planned for the coming semesters!

-Allison Pareis
alpareis@bsu.edu
**All photos shot by me during the weekend with the exception of the photo of me with Bud Morton and Barbara Livingston. I believe that was shot by Patty Yount.**

2008-11-04T07:42:00.005-05:00

I'm so sorry, I realize it has been way to long since my last post but I will try to catch up,

October 7th, 2008

The leaves have begun to change and its definitely starting to feel more and more like winter. The mornings in the yards have a solid chill that tends to make the horses feel just a little chipper! It has been raining quite a bit but when it breaks and the sun comes out it is quite a sight! We have been ground driving the yearlings quite a bit now as they are progressing nicely. So far no wrecks to speak of but knock on wood. Catherine is my yard foreman and she is great! She has been so kind and patient with us I've really enjoyed the experience. Its great to watch young horses progress from knowing nothing - looking at you like you are going to eat them... to driving around the farm tack and all, no big deal. Everyone has their favorites and bets as to which one will go on to be the best racehorse. It's a lot of fun.

I spent most of last week with Charlie Gordon-Watson at the Goffs yearling sale. He was a great guy and taught me a lot about his business and what he looks for in a horse. I was also able to walk around with Luca Cumani. He is a very successful trainer in England who works closely with Charlie. It was great to associate with the two of them I think we got on very well. The sale itself was a little different than in the states. They go terribly slow! They might sell 20 horses an hour at best, compared to the states where we might sell 35-40 an hour sometimes. It was interesting that when a horse doesn't meet the reserve they actually announce it while the horse is in the ring? I liked that, it's a pain in the states to have to go to the sales office to see what horses actually sold.

That same week the group had dinner with John Ferguson and Andrew Edgar. The primary bloodstock advisor and veterinary advisor to Sheikh Mohammed respectively. It was a great dinner and we had some good laughs. They are really good guys and it was great to meet them. Last weekend we went to Paris for the Arc. It was an amazing place. It has definitely been one if not the highlight of this part of the course. The food and drink was incredible, the most beautiful people I've ever seen and the most amazing architecture! The racing itself is such a production. There is music and marching bands, slow motion replays its like a movie! We had a great time and I can't wait to return!

Wednesday we had the opportunity to visit Coolmore Ireland. It's a great farm and they have the best stallions in Europe right now. They showed us some of them but the highlight was Sadler's Wells. He was champion sire in Europe 14 years! What an amazing horse! He's getting old now but he still looks great! Afterwards we went into town to a pub called McCarthy's. It was the best pub we've been too yet! Really old with creaky old floors and even a wood burning stove right in the middle. I love places like that I wish I had took a picture? The staff was really friendly and filled us in on some happenings in the Coolmore world. Its amazing how much we talk about and learn over each week. The time has flown by!

We are leaving for Newmarket England the end of this month! It feels like we just got here! I have booked my flight home for Christmas, its crazy to think that's already coming up. Although I look forward to seeing everyone at home.

2009 Race For Education Scholarship Application Information

2008-11-03T15:54:00.002-05:00

Updated scholarship applications and other important information regarding application will be available by November 15, 2008.
Applications are accepted for most scholarships between January 1st and February 28th each year and awards are given for the following academic year. For specific scholarship deadlines, please see the "RFE Scholarships" page on this website.
For questions, please contact Carly Preston, Student Services Manager at carly@racingscholarships.com.

Week 4

2008-09-21T11:39:00.004-04:00

We have started working with the yearlings in the mornings and attending lectures in the afternoons, and that makes for a long day.
Much has happened since last time. We did make it to the theatre for “Ideal Husband”. It was great! I really enjoyed it. The cast made a spectacular performance. It was a mix of a comedy but there were some tense moments as well. I’d encourage any of you to look up the play, someone even told me there was a movie made? But I’m not sure. One of the characters was hilarious. His name was ‘Lord Goring’ he had all sorts of one liners but one of my favourites was “to love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance!” how fitting...
We have been to the races nearly every weekend. Last weekend we went to a track in Dublin called Leopardstown it was more of an American type track which was a welcomed relief. Some of the other tracks it is hard to know where the race even starts? I find myself just waiting until they come down the stretch to watch. But this track was more of an oval so it was much easier. “New Approach” ran in the “Champion Stakes” a very prestigious race in Ireland. He won handily and there is talk of him running in the Arc de Triomphe in Paris or maybe in the Breeders Cup. We had a great suite upstairs overlooking the track with drinks and plenty of food, it was a great experience.
Just last Thursday there were races held in a little oceanside town outside of Dublin called Laytown. They actually run races on the beach! It was unreal they just used some pylons to make out some sort of rail and the horses would warm up going down the beach about 6 furlongs and then have a traditional turn and burn type start. By that I mean there was no gate. The horses would just try to form a line and a man with a flag would drop the flag to signal the start of the race and away they go! It’s fairly common in the steeplechase or jumps races in Europe. It was just like a regular track with food and drinks and of course wagering! It was a really unique experience and tons of fun.
I took a train into Dublin last Tuesday night and met up with a good friend from high school. She has been working in Germany and was on little vacation through Scotland, England and made a stop in Dublin so we could get together. We had dinner at pub called the "Hairy Lemon" oddly enough the food was actually really good. Afterwards we got a drink and some desert before going to the "Arlington Hotel" for some traditional Irish music and dancing. What a "crack" as they say in Ireland, it was a lot of fun. It was nice to see a familiar face.
The entire staff at the farm has been really great to work with. The twelve of us are broken up in groups of three in different areas of the farm. There is some sort of “luck of the draw” as to what yard you get assigned to. I think I have made out pretty well. Maybe better than others... nonetheless I’ve been happy to work with and learn from them. I’ve been very impressed with their level of horsemanship. Nearly everyone has worked in different areas of the world at prestigious racing yards or farms. They bring such a varied background of knowledge with them it’s hard to believe. Last Wednesday I had the opportunity to work with the stallions. The guys were great they showed me around and let me get right in there and groom and handle some of the stallions.
The group continues to get along pretty well but it seems the honeymoon stage is over. Most of us have lost nearly all inhibitions. We are becoming more and more willing to share our thoughts and opinions and give each other a lot of crap for it too! I’ve got thick skin so I enjoy it for the most part. It makes for a good laugh anyway.
We have had a very busy week with two exams and a presentation for the Anatomy class we are taking. It was very tough and I'm not looking forward to the results! We are working on a hypothetical situation concerning the sale of one of the stallions. It's been really interesting to attempt to support an argument either for or against the sale. Hopefully I will fair better with this assignment than the others.

Hope everything is good back in the states, Hopefully team USA can pull off the Ryder Cup or I will be receiving a lot of banter over the next few days... More than usual!

Till next time,

Darley Week 2

2008-09-10T13:00:00.007-04:00

Hey everyone I'm not sure that I'll be able to keep these up every week but I'll try as best as I can. The past week has been great. We saw some excellent racing at the Curragh Sunday. Quite a few graded races. There were many prominent people in the industry present so it was exciting to be there. The group continues to get along pretty well although we had a pick up game of soccer last night and it got just a bit rough. Most of us are losing most of our reservations that were in place the first few weeks. It was totally friendly, and everyone took their licks as needed. We started an anatomy and physiology class at the University College Dublin, on Friday and it looks like it is going to be really tough! I think I'm one of the lucky ones as I had some exposure to those topics during my time at Arizona. Most of the others have had mainly business backgrounds with little exposure to animal science. One of the highlights of the week was an 'Image Consultant' visit. The group visited with an image consultant at a nice hotel in Newbridge. She covered a variety of topics from clothing and attire to table manners and etc. It was actually a lot of fun. I enjoyed it and learned a lot. Although most of the group especially the guys seemed less than interested. Nonetheless I thought it was interesting and very unique. We are actually going to the theatre on Wednesday in Dublin. We will be going to see Oscar Wilde 'The Ideal Husband' I'm very excited for this as I am a big fan of the theatre and feel it is great opportunity to see a play in Ireland. By the end of these two years I should be quite the refined 'gentleman'.... maybe? We will begin breaking yearlings next week with the staff here at the farm. I'm looking forward to that it's been awhile since I've worked hands on with the horses. It could be sort of a challenge, from what I've seen they do things a little different than what I'm used to but it should be a good learning opportunity. I have booked a flight for Paris the first weekend in October as we will be attending the biggest race in Europe the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe! It will definitely be one of the highlights of the trip. The group last year attended and said it was unreal! We will be spending the weekend there so I will have some opportunities for a little sightseeing as well. We haven't had much time for that yet but I am hopeful I will get to see some of the Irish country side before I go.

Until next time,
CT

Darley week 1

2008-09-10T11:54:00.006-04:00

Hey everyone, I just wanted to check in with you all and let you know that everything is going great! The first week went by nearly incident free and I've begun to settle into some sort of rhythm. Attached are a bunch of pictures I'm sorry I'll have to figure out a better way to do it but they are mostly of our house we live in and structures around the farm. There are also some of the Curragh Racetrack which is where all the Irish Classics are run. We had a great time. Everyone seems to get along great so far. The group is very diverse between the 12 of us we represent 8 different countries, but I have learned so much in one week its hard to believe. The schedule is super busy! We have lectures or farm visits or something to attend nearly every day from 8-5 and sometimes later. The course is very structured it seems nearly everything has been thought out from which room we stay in to who's in charge of what events... It's somewhat intimidating because we are always being watched. I can't complain it surreal to be apart of this. The area around the farm is really quiet lots of agriculture and and open fields. The town of Kildare isn't far about ten minutes, that's where the bank and a small grocery store are as well as a few pubs! The group went into town last friday night and went out and had a great time! All of us cut loose and really started to form some sort of comradery. The locals seem very friendly. It rains ALOT! Nearly everyday. When i took the pictures of the farm it was only the second day of sunshine! The area is so beautiful! The trees are huge and so old! Everything looks as if its been here since the beginning of time. We have been having IT training for the last few days and it has been less than glamorous although very helpful. So I have to run and finish some assignments.Hope all is well with all of you!

Until next time,

A little intro:

2008-09-10T11:45:00.002-04:00

Hi,
My name is Chance Timm. I am a Race for Education alumni University of Arizona '07. I have recently been accepted to the Darley Flying Start program. I have been forwarding emails to Elisabeth to keep her up to date on my travels and she asked me if I would mind posting some thoughts on the RFE blog. Obviously I've agreed and just wanted to give everyone out there a heads up. I will make the posts under the title of Darley week (x) being what ever week it may be. Hopefully this will help any other RFE students out there interested in international racing and if nothing else realize if a little ole' country boy from Utah with a Quarter Horse background can try to make a career in the global TB business anyone of you can for sure! If you're not familiar with the program I'd encourage you to check out the website for a little background info. and check out the application link! www.darleyflyingstart.com
Until next time,
CT

Kentucky Horse Council Scholarship Deadline Reminder

2008-09-05T13:19:00.000-04:00

REMINDER:
Kentucky Horse Council Scholarship The Kentucky Horse Council annually awards six scholarships of $1000.00 each to students who have demonstrated academic success, equine industry involvement and community service. Deadlines for application submission are May 1st and October 1st with three scholarships awarded on June 1st and three scholarships awarded on November 1st. View Addendum

2008 Scholarship Application Process
1) Complete one General Information Form. Form
2) Review the requirements and complete addendum for each specific scholarship you feel you wish to apply for.
3) Household Financial Need, and Letters of Reference forms can be use for multiple scholarships.Household Financial Need Personal Recommendation Professional Recommendation Academic Recommendation Faculty Recommendation
4) 4) Keep a copy of your completed forms in case you wish to apply for other programs later in the year.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT WWW.RACINGSCHOLARSHIPS.COM.
IF YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE, PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY.

Attention RFE Scholars!

2008-08-12T16:04:00.003-04:00

This is a reminder of the procedures required to receive your scholarship funds from the Race For Education. In order to do so, please send the following to Carly Preston by fax, mail, or email:

1) Your current, itemized tuition bill indicating your student id number and where to send the payment;

2) A letter addressed to the RFE Board of Directors updating RFE about your upcoming semester, current goals, etc.;

3) Your most current unofficial transcript

Please include your current contact information as a copy of the check we send to your school will be sent to you for your file.

Please send these materials as soon as possible in order to allow time for processing in our office. We do NOT pay late fees.

If you have questions about your account, please contact Carly Preston, Student Services Manager at 859.252.8648 or carly@racingscholarships.com.

Enter the 6th Annual Race For Education 5K/10K

2008-07-17T15:39:00.000-04:00

Enter the 6th Annual Race For Education 5K/10K, which takes place each year in memory of Karri Casner. This year the race will be conducted in Midway, KY on October 4th, 2008 at 8:30am. The Race For Education usually has about 300 participants in the race each year. For more information, please check our website www.racingscholarships.com. Entry forms will be available on our website and at John's Run/Walk Shop soon!

5K/ 10K Race Day Volunteers Needed

2008-07-17T15:36:00.000-04:00

5K/ 10K Race Day Volunteers Needed

Description:
Volunteers are needed to setup tables, register walkers/runners, sell t-shirts, organize awards, and generally assist staff with the 6th Annual Race For Education 5K/10K, which takes place each year in memory of Karri Casner. Volunteers need to be arrive early at 6:30am.

The race is conducted in Midway, KY on October 4th, 2008 at 8:30am. The Race For Education usually has about 300 participants in the race each year.

Requirements:
Volunteers need to be personable and be able to work in a fast-paced environment. Previous experience with walk/run races, marathons or similar events would be helpful but is not required.

Annual Summer Picnic July 14, 2007

2007-03-28T10:29:00.000-04:00

Every year RFE members, students, friends and family are invited to an annual summer picnic. This year the picnic will take place on Saturday, July 14.

Leave a comment on something memorable from one of the picnics you've attended!

Events in Your area

2007-03-27T15:11:00.000-04:00

Anything fun going on where you are? Students and other friends are all across the US, so if something noteworthy is taking place let us know.

Tell us what you're up to.

2007-03-27T14:50:00.000-04:00

We're trying something new. We want our students to be able to communicate with each other, so we are trying out a blog.
Let us know what you're up to, how school is going, and whatever else is going on in your life that you'd like to share. Hopefully this will be a good communication tool for students, board members and other friends of RFE.