The last best chance to get graded stakes earnings to get qualified for the Kentucky Derby is Saturday with the Grade 2 Coolmore Lexington Stakes at Keeneland in Kentucky. The top horse in here appears to be Like Now. He has rolled off a three-race winning streak and won the Gotham Stakes on March 18th at Aqueduct. In that race, Like Now knocked off Sweetnorthernsaint, who I can guarantee will be in my mix for the Kentucky Derby on May 6th.
The other top contender in the Coolmore Lexington should be Showing Up. Showing Up is undefeated after two starts and is trained by former Kentucky Derby winning trainer, Barclay Tagg (Funny Cide, 2003). The longshot to like in here is 8-1 shot, Greeley's Legacy. This colt ran a disappointing 7th in the Wood Memorial on April 8th and is trying to right himself on the Derby trail with this effort.
Don't forget that these observations are for fun and entertainment and what you do with them is your responsibility alone. The best of luck to you all.
Friday, April 21, 2006
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
You're Out!!!
Sad to see that First Samurai is off the Derby trail. He was clearly the best 2-year-old throughout much of last year, but he has not developed to the extent his connections hoped for. It was a little more surprising to see that Discreet Cat was pulled out of the Triple Crown races by Godolphin Racing. He was impressive in winning the UAE Derby in Dubai last month and those in control at Godolphin have made it quite clear that they want to win the roses. With that said, I must agree with this move. It is going to take a herculean effort for any horse to win the Kentucky Derby going by way of Dubai and while Discreet Cat might have some Hercules in him, I think the thing to do is get him ready for what should be a long year of racing here. The Haskell, the Travers, the Jockey Club Gold Cup, and the Breeders' Cup Classic are all on the horizon and making what could be an unsuccessful push in the spring could eliminate him from these possible bonanzas in the future.
Coming Friday, a look at the Coolmore Lexington at Keeneland, also know as the last best chance to get into the Kentucky Derby for those on the outside looking in.
Coming Friday, a look at the Coolmore Lexington at Keeneland, also know as the last best chance to get into the Kentucky Derby for those on the outside looking in.
Friday, April 14, 2006
Blue Grass And Arkansas
There are two major prep races for the 132nd Kentucky Derby on Saturday and here is some quick analysis of those two races: The Toyota Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland and The Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn. Remember, these are just my opinions and I accept no responsibility for the accuracy or results of these races.
As far as Keeneland is concerned, this is primarily a speed-favoring racetrack. If your horse can get to the lead entering the final 1/4 mile, you will more than likely be in contention at the end. In the Blue Grass, there are two horses that stand above the rest, Bluegrass Cat and First Samurai. Both have excellent speed and both have been mentioned as possible Derby winners at one time or another by many "experts". I tend to side with First Samurai because I think he will be faster earlier and get the lead and be tough to overtake. Bluegrass Cat will more than likely be a solid second all the way around the racetrack. The longshot to like here should be Sinister Minister (15-1), who ran 2nd to Cause To Believe last time out and that is a horse I might like the first Saturday in May.
At Oaklawn, Lawyer Ron has been my Kentucky Derby horse since the end of January and has done nothing in Arkansas to change that opinion. He has won five straight and has already beaten many of the horses he will be facing here. The price horse to check out here is With A City (15-1), who was a 48-1 winner of the Lane's End Stakes at Turfway. He has won 3 of 4 and is certainly worth a look.
The best of luck to you all.
As far as Keeneland is concerned, this is primarily a speed-favoring racetrack. If your horse can get to the lead entering the final 1/4 mile, you will more than likely be in contention at the end. In the Blue Grass, there are two horses that stand above the rest, Bluegrass Cat and First Samurai. Both have excellent speed and both have been mentioned as possible Derby winners at one time or another by many "experts". I tend to side with First Samurai because I think he will be faster earlier and get the lead and be tough to overtake. Bluegrass Cat will more than likely be a solid second all the way around the racetrack. The longshot to like here should be Sinister Minister (15-1), who ran 2nd to Cause To Believe last time out and that is a horse I might like the first Saturday in May.
At Oaklawn, Lawyer Ron has been my Kentucky Derby horse since the end of January and has done nothing in Arkansas to change that opinion. He has won five straight and has already beaten many of the horses he will be facing here. The price horse to check out here is With A City (15-1), who was a 48-1 winner of the Lane's End Stakes at Turfway. He has won 3 of 4 and is certainly worth a look.
The best of luck to you all.
DISCLAIMER!!!
I will accept no responsibility for the accuracy or results of these opinions and selections. I am only listing them on this blog for fun and for entertainment. What you do with them is up to you and you alone. The best of luck to you all.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Let Me Introduce Myself
My name is Michael Chamberlain. For those of you who are familiar with the horse racing game, you might have some idea who I am. I am the track announcer at Sam Houston Race Park in Houston, Texas and have been for the past nine years. I have made two appearances at All-Star Announcers Day at the Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships. I hope to able to use this spot to impart some wisdom and information about the game of horse racing. It is an exciting game and one that I am proud to be a part of. I also hope that you will enjoy the thoughts and opinions expressed here in the coming days. The best of luck to you all.
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