With Love From Lexington: Last Stop On The Road To The Kentucky Derby

Stakes winning at Keeneland in Lexington, KY. Madison Stakes winner, 2022.
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Rattle N Roll picked up point for the 2022 Kentucky Derby at Keeneland.
Rattle N Roll picked up point for the 2022 Kentucky Derby at Keeneland, though the Blue Grass competition was tougher.

Lexington, KY is set to send love and contenders to the world famous Kentucky Derby! Last weekend, in Lexington, the Blue Grass Stakes awarded KY Derby prep points to four fine thoroughbreds. This Saturday, they are doing it again! The Stonestreet Lexington Stakes will be the final chance to qualify to race in the 2022 Kentucky Derby.

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Keeneland: Just Like Heaven, Including an Angel

California Angel is a closer and as Keeneland closes the Fall Meet this was a standout moment.
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California Angel reminds me of her famous father, California Chrome, with the flashy socks and blaze.
California Angel reminds me of her famous father, California Chrome, with the flashy socks and blaze.

Late October, Keeneland has all the feels of a heavenly place and this meet included a special angel. Seventeen stakes to date into the Fall meet and I’m still so enthused that I was present for many of the races and especially the win, raced by California Angel!

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Have A Heart For The Horses: Giving Tuesday

Wise Dan parades at Keeneland. In his retirement he is an ambassador of the sport.
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Silver Charm stands out as a favorite at Old Friends Farm!
Silver Charm stands out as a favorite at Old Friends Farm!

This year, when things have been rough for most, it brings me joy to think of concluding the season on a high note. The holidays are a time for hope, love, joy and peace. Giving Tuesday falls on the first day of December this year. Join this global generosity movement and if you can, give of your time or your money. There are so many charities that could use a hand. Check out some of these links to choose where you may like to share.

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Derby Day at Oaklawn: The Arkansas Derby Double Feature

Crypto Cash races in his first start at age 2 at Ellis Park!
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Silver Prospector and Santana, Jr. win at Keeneland!
Silver Prospector and Santana, Jr. win at Keeneland!

When the 2019 Kentucky Derby resulted in a disqualification I thought that racing could not be more historically different and I felt a sense of disappointment. Never would I have imagined that different and disappointment would become what is often referred to as, “The New Normal.” Sometime, in the winter of 2019 a novel virus began sweeping the world and changed everything. Horse racing, an American tradition since the 1600s, slowed but did not, will not stop. Following an altered path on “The Road to the Kentucky Derby”, Grade 1 racing returns with such enthusiasm that it gathered 2 divisions! On the first Saturday in May, when the KY Derby traditionally takes place, we may instead enjoy two Arkansas Derby races, before the KY Derby resumes, scheduled for September 5th.

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Yesterday’s Yearling Sale

Hip 141 and Fasig-Tipton July was this pretty colt by California Chrome and Beholden.
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California Chrome and Wildcat Lily produced this filly, hip 109 at Fasig-Tipton July.
California Chrome and Wildcat Lily produced this filly, hip 109 at Fasig-Tipton July.

Yesterday, 7/9/19, Fasig-Tipton in Lexington,KY hosted their annual The July Sale : Selected Yearlings. I try to catch as many thoroughbred auctions as possible. I like to test my own developing skills at spotting sale toppers and to daydream about the future champions they may develop into. In The July Sale, there was a one-year old listed for nearly every day of the year. Fasig-Tipton July was full of opportunity.

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The Preakness Prep List

Bourbon War at home in Kentucky as a yearling.
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Bourbon War at home in Kentucky as a yearling.
Bourbon War lived in Midway, KY as a yearling, years before his Preakness Stakes entry.

It definitely doesn’t seem like it has been nearly two weeks since the Kentucky Derby but here we go, it is time for the 144th edition of the Preakness Stakes. The results of the Kentucky Derby were different and unexpected. We will not have an opportunity for a Triple Crown winner this year. Fortunately, there is a large field of fantastic talent entered in this Preakness, which may still be one of the greatest races. Get ready for one of the best and oldest, classic Grade 1 races, the Preakness Stakes!

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Kentucky Derby Is Coming

The 145th Kentucky Derby will race at Churchill Downs on March 4, 2019.
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The 145th Kentucky Derby will race at Churchill Downs on March 4, 2019.
The 145th Kentucky Derby will race at Churchill Downs on March 4, 2019.

Prepare yourselves! Kentucky Derby is coming. Saturday, May 4th, we will celebrate the longest continually held sport in America. There is a lot to know before you witness the “Most Exciting Two Minutes In Sports”. Reference this post for the 145th Run For The Roses.

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Bye Week Book Review

Rain, racing and reading. Betting With An Edge by Mike Maloney provides and educational and entertaining book on handicapping, horse racing and horseplayers.
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Rain, racing and reading.  Betting With An Edge by Mike Maloney provides and educational and entertaining book on handicapping, horse racing and horseplayers.
Rain, racing and reading. “Betting With An Edge” by Mike Maloney provides and educational and entertaining book on handicapping, horse racing and horseplayers.

Oh, life in The Horse Capital of the World provides for some many unique Thoroughbred adventures and … a whole lot of rain. One of the many reasons I blog is that in addition to my interesting horse experiences and opportunities I spend a ton of time reading. I like breaking down and consolidating that information into something I can learn from and can share. Most of my literature is from short stories and news that I gather through social media but when I have the time to read a book, I’ll do that as well. Divided up over a beautiful beach trip and the current rainy days without Kentucky Derby prep racing, I finished reading “Betting With An Edge” by Mike Maloney with Peter Thomas Fornatale. For my bye week book review, I present to you, “Betting With An Edge.”

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Who Is Going To Slam The Sham?

Coliseum broke his maiden at his first asking at Del Mar 11/18 by 6 and 3/4 lengths!
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Coliseum broke his maiden at his first asking at Del Mar 11/18 by 6 and 3/4 lengths!
Coliseum broke his maiden at his first asking at Del Mar 11/18 by 6 and 3/4 lengths!

It is time to see who will slam The Sham? Santa Anita Park in California is hosting the next race on The Road To The Kentucky Derby. Seven contenders make their 3 year-old debuts in the Sham Stakes this. Four will pick up KY Derby points. Only, one will win. Continue on to learn more about today’s race…

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Following the Classic Path

Game On Dude, Pacific Classic winner from 2013, enjoys his retirement at Old Friends.

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California Chrome's saddlecloth from his 2016 Pacific Classic win!
California Chrome’s saddlecloth from his 2016 Pacific Classic win!

The Breeders’ Cup Classic field is filling up fast!  Who will earn the next berth?  We will find out this coming Saturday following the great Pacific Classic Stakes.  After the 2016 edition, when California Chrome won, the Pacific Classic will always be a favorite stakes race of mine.  Does this stakes hold a special memory for you or will you have a new found interest after this 2018 running?

 

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