Two Minute Lick: Oaks, Derby, and Why We Love Racing

Two days to forget about life's trials and tribulations; two days to forget about all that is wrong with racing and live what is so correct; two days to remember why we love this game, why there is no thrill in sport to compare with the wonder of magnificent Thoroughbreds, fine tuned to near perfection, battling stride for stride, noses apart, no quarter given, no quarter asked, locked in combat so heroic that all would applaud the fidelity of a dead heat as justice for all. Indeed, difficult to imagine what could be grander than Oaks and Derby days, basking in sunshine, surrounded by compadres sharing one's passion for this grandest animal, for this greatest sport. Within this plenitude however, some moments stand out more than others, special moments that might differ from one patron to another, reasons often personal in nature, nurtured by history known to few, all the more meaningful for the obscurity. On racing days such as these and the Breeder's Cup, selecting such moments stands akin to choosing a favorite Steinbeck from a collection of his complete works. In truth, however, such moments select themselves, as we are powerless to resist.

Readers of my blog might recall the high esteem I hold for wondrous Azeri, certainly one of the all time great race mares. Arriving at Churchill and walking through the Churchill backside on Friday morning, we arrived at the "Lukas gap" as the horses for the first race were moving down the chute for the start of the one mile contest for maiden 3 year old and up fillies and mares. My son Chris, like his old man a great lover of the sport, quickly scanned the program and announced that the 6 horse was none other than a 3 year old Ghostzapper filly out of the aforementioned Azeri. The race immediately took on very special meaning as Chris and I are both huge Azeri fans. I scrambled for my camera as they were loading in the gate, managing to ready it just as the field was set on their way. Delightfully, Wine Princess, making just her second start, dominated her field, stalking the pace and closing effectively to win going away in the race horse time of 1:35.38. Hall of Famers, top and bottom, both tough acts to follow for this young lady, but at least on this day she did her parents proud, and the fashion of her victory gives promise of better things to come.

Wine Princess

Wine Princess, jockey Shaun Bridgmohan

The unfulfilled promise of Ghostzapper again received a much needed infusion of hope just several races later, this time in the running of the G3 Eight Belles, with a most impressive victory by his highly talented 3 year old daughter Contested, she out of the Arch mare, Gold Vault. Covering the 7 furlongs in a very good 1:21.29, she gives promise of developing into a special filly. In the excellent hands of Bob Baffert, the filly is now 3 of 4 lifetime, her only setback coming in her first outing when she finished a very good closing second at Del Mar in her 2 year old debut. In the winner's enclosure, a very svelte appearing Baffert gave no clue to his recent brush with mortality, giving every appearance of a man apparently rededicated to personal health and fitness, his smile and demeanor suggesting a new appreciation for the many riches in his life. Bravo, and very best wishes to him! I have a hunch that if today's performance is any indication, this young filly will give him much cause for joy over the coming months. Sorry there are no action photos. My location for this race precluded race photos but I have some great shots of the crowd! What's that? You don't give a hoot about the crowd?

Contested

Bob Baffert

Contested, jockey Martin Garcia, Bob and Jilll
Baffert

aforementioned crowd scene...nice hat!!!

I was anticipating the 9th running of the G2 Alysheba almost as much as the Oaks itself. For a Grade 2 race, this was about as tough a field as one will find. Nates Mineshaft, who could have been claimed for $25,000 as recently as Dec. 28, 2011, is now a rapidly emerging star, all the while serving as a ray of hope for those of us who seek high and low for a claim who might become the next Lava Man. Entered in the Alysheba on a four race win streak, his most recent win a commanding 7 length victory in thenG2 New Orleans Handicap, this young fellow shows a world of promise and figured to have a say in the outcome of this race. Mucho Macho Man is a multiple Grade 2 winner who finished 3rd in last year's renewal of the Kentucky Derby, and looked to be very tough. Fort Larned was slightly less highly considered by most, but recent marked improvement in form suggested to me he was most capable of running competitively with these. Finally, and most intriguing to me, was Successful Dan, the older 1/2 brother to Wise Dan, very recently discussed in this forum when he established a NTR at Keeneland in the Ben Ali, performing brilliantly in his first start back after a winter's layoff. Successful Dan himself had returned with an emphatic victory in a conditioned allowance race on April 6 at Keeneland after 17 months away from the races, his winning time for the Beard course a very good 1:27.90. Now, only 4 weeks off that exceptional effort, he was being asked to stretch out to 1 1/16th miles against a field of horses many of whom will be participating in Grades 1 races throughout the year, a very considerable task indeed. I have come to have a great respect for the training capabilities of Charles Lopresti, however, and felt certain Dan would not be here unless his boss felt him up to the challenge...and was he ever! A stirring stretch duel with Fort Larned, each horse pushed to put forth his supreme effort, and put forth they did, with Successful Dan finally pulling clear of his most courageous adversary, accomplishing the 1 1/16th miles in NTR time of 1:41.04, eclipsing the track standard held by remarkable old Brass Hat back in July of 2007. What a special performance this was, and what a very special training job by Charles Lopresti. I suspect we will find Successful Dan has earned a brief reprieve from the racing wars, as he has now been fully extended in both comeback races. Such tremendous efforts, especially off such a prolonged layoff, will take their toll on any horse. I anticipate a few weeks of limited activity to allow recuperation will be followed by another round of conditioning aimed towards a strong summer campaign, perhaps with Saratoga in mind if all goes well. As unlikely as it seems, it is not beyond the realm of possibility that by years end two sons of the Wolf Power (SAF) mare, Lisa Danielle, could feasibly be competing for top honors in the Male Handicap division. There is a lot of racing to go before then, but the possibility looms.

Successful Dan, J Leparoux up, post parade

stretch duel with Fort Larned, J Castellano up

the battle continues...

finally, Successful Dan gains the advantage

exhausted, he gave his all

...take me home, boss. I'm pooped...

leaving the winner's enclosure...

...and going home

It goes without saying that the Kentucky Oaks was again special, only time telling us if this year's champion will compare favorably to the victors of years and generations past. Indeed, the listing of the names of winners of the Oaks is almost like running the roll of the Hall of Fame, so auspicious is the line up. The race has been covered extensively elsewhere and any contribution by me would likely be meaningless in comparison. Time will tell, but it may show us that it was the victory by jockey Rosie Napravnik, the first by a female rider, that will be most memorable...or perhaps Believe You Can will go on to prove she very much belongs, and will prove herself worthy of inclusion in this very special society of Oaks winners. One thing is certain, that on this day this daughter of Proud Citizen was clearly superior and most deserving of the victory. It appeared going in to be a quality field, certainly lacking the star power of Rachel or Blind Luck perhaps, but nevertheless felt to be a very good group of fillies. The best filly won on this day. And Rosie? Well, this young lady proved once again, in case some folks weren't quite getting the message, that she is an excellent race rider, with the right mount again proving herself very capable of competing at the highest echelon of racing. Finally, is any trainer more deserving of success than Larry Jones? He is a quality man and a quality trainer, and I couldn't be happier for him.