Barbaro Updates 834
Updates are now here
Update 4812: Phew! After going winless with five starters yesterday Charming Assassin won our only race today at Woodbine!
Update 4811: The first full week of phase II of the ABR YouTube contest re: Horse Slaughter is over. Video 2 remains the leader, but two other videos (numbers 4 and 24) gained more points this week. Certainly Video number 4 is closing in on the leader, and the more recent videos are starting to gain more momentum. Here is a full list of videos and scores: Leader Board.
May 10 noon is the deadline for the contest.
In total the videos have now received 23,397 page views (an increase of 5341 over last week) and 1325 comments (an increase of 403 over last week).
Update 4810: A straightforward morning this morning for Steve at Woodbine. We had five sets, and all mine galloped nicely. The barn is definitely getting busier with more horses, and more people to help out. This afternoon we have one runner, so lets hope for a little racing luck!
And last night Commentator, one of the leading candidates for much of last year for the older horse division, was upset in his debut at Charles Town in the inaugural Charles Town Classic. Charles Town is a tighter track and homefield advantage may have helped Researcher take the honors. Commentator checked in fourth: Researcher Right at Home in CT Classic.
Update 4809: As noted, WinStar Farm's horse, Advice, pulled an upset in the Coolmore Lexington Stakes. Advice Pulls 15-1 Shocker in Lexington and Advice takes Coolmore Lexington-with Video
Excerpt: "I actually had a good trip from the 11-hole," said Gomez. "(Square Eddie) kind of got left (at the starting gate), it looked like. I just kind of clocked him the whole way and followed him from there. I just took my time with this horse, and he gave me real confidence".
Update 4808: Not too surprising, Stardom Bound is out of the Oaks and getting some needed rest: STARDOM BOUND SIDELINED; OUT OF KENTUCKY OAKS.
Advice comes flying to win the Lexington. Square Eddie moved too soon to take the lead going wide around the far turn and faded in deep stretch: Thoroughbredtimes Video: Lexington.
We were blanked this afternoon at Woodbine with two seconds and a long day!
Update 4807: Off back for the races at Woodbine. And I'll also be keeping an eye on things at Keeneland!
Update 4806: A straightforward morning this morning at Woodbine for Steve. I had six sets. No gate schoolers. All went nicely. We had more horses ship in this morning too. I think seven. Our barn is about 2/3rds full now, so we are going to get busier. We also have five runners this afternoon.
The weather has also picked up, let's see if this is a temporary phenomena or more permanent.
Update 4805: The final traditional Kentucky Derby prep is today. Square Eddie is the favorite for the Coolmore Lexington Stakes (G2) where he will take on 11 contenders: Square Eddie Set for Coolmore Lexington.
The last time a horse won the Lexington Stakes and went on to win the Kentucky Derby was in 1999 with Charismatic.
Update 4804: Paragallo abuse case on the Today Show today.
Update 4803: ABR YouTube contest gets more coverage: Thousands view anti-horse slaughter video contest.
Update 4802: New York favorite Tin Cup Chalice, was euthanized this morning after a training accident: Tin Cup Chalice euthanized following accident.
Discussion: Tin Cup Chalice Euthanized!.
Update 4801: Railbird here, with your weekly update.
So, the Lexington is a Derby prep after all, although I'm skeptical anyone will emerge as a legitimate Derby threat. That includes Square Eddie, who won the Breeders' Futurity at Keeneland last fall, but is unraced since finishing second to The Pamplemousse in the San Rafael in January, a long layoff due to an injury. "I would want to see a really good effort and have him come out of it in good shape," said trainer Doug O'Neill, leaving little doubt that should 'Eddie finish well and sound, he'll start next at Churchill in two weeks. Edgar Prado, without a Derby horse after Imperial Council flopped in the Wood, picks up the mount on the colt.
Also entered is Jeranimo, third in the San Felipe behind Pioneerof the Nile and Fiesty Suances, another Derby-bound if he picks up enough earnings on Saturday, and Masala, third in the Gotham. Note: Hull will be scratched to run in the Derby Trial next weekend.
ESPN2 will air live coverage of the Lexington beginning at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Don't forget to check out a couple of other races on Saturday: At Charles Town, New York-bred Horse of the Year Commentator kicks off his 2009 campaign in the Charles Town Classic. "He has had a pretty good winter ... I'm hoping he gives a great effort," said trainer Nick Zito. Mast Track is the only other graded stakes winner entered, but he's also trying dirt for the first time in his career. A bigger threat may come from local starter Researcher, who set a track record going nine furlongs last month.
At Hawthorne, Santa Teresita, second to Life Is Sweet in the Santa Margarita, looks the likely favorite in the Sixty Sails Handicap.
On Sunday at Keeneland, Dominican and Monba -- the 2007 and 2008 Blue Grass Stakes winners -- will meet in the Bel Ali Stakes. Monba is coming off a third in the Thunder Road Handicap in February and a fourth in the Santa Anita Handicap last month. Dominican is making his first start of the year.
Update 4800: Well it may be spring time at Woodbine, soon! The weather is starting to warm up a little. We had five sets this morning at Steve's. Another very pleasant morning's work. Three of mine went to the gate for a little gate schooling. All went nicely. We have no runners this afternoon, but five tomorrow. All will be paddock schooling during the second race. I'll go back and help a little.
As I was leaving I ran into Joy. She ships horses from Fair Hill, and brought in Graham Motion's runner for this afternoon. Always fun to catch up with people from Fair Hill and get some news!
Update 4799: Many of the Kentucky Derby contenders are arriving or have arrived at Churchill Downs now that we are only a couple weeks away. Yesterday, Pioneerof the Nile and Chocolate Candy, two top California runners, arrived (Top West Coast Derby Contenders Arrive). And Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin announced that Mafaaz, the winner of the Kentucky Derby Challenge at Kempton Park will not run in the Kentucky Derby (McLaughlin: Mafaaz Won't Run in Derby).
And please keep calling.
Happy Friday to All,
Today is a special day. Today would be the 37th birthday of the Queen of the track. On April 17, 1972, Ruffian was foaled. If I may ask of you, please make your calls today in Her honor.
She outran the wind and shone dark like the night. Her light will shine forever.
Ruffian, my Sofie, I will always love you.
Lee
Posted by: Sofie's Lee at April 17, 2009 11:57 AM