Please Note

As this time, due to the recent passing of 2 Year Old Champion Shared Belief, all blog posts will be postponed until further notice.

I Love You, Itsmyluckyday | Retama Ruffian

While every other horse racing blog is posting 'Thank You, American Pharoah's, I figured I would post a thank you to each and every horse who has had an effect on me. After much thought, I have decided to base the order on their effect rather than chronologically based on their racing careers. Without further a due, Itsmyluckyday.

One of the plainest bays in horse racing, it wasn't his beauty that originally caught my eye. It was his sire, Lawyer Ron, that did so. I saw him break his maiden at Monmouth Park and he showed potential. Although it was a small, four horse field, Itsmyluckyday was driving for the finish line. His first stakes start (blacktype) ended in an unexpected third. However, it is important to note the race was five furlongs over turf. After a few blacktype wins and a disappointing sixth in the Delta Downs Jackpot, Itsmyluckyday started to disappear from my radar.

The colt grabbed my attention once more. He had finished first in the Holy Bull Stakes, ahead of Champion 2-Year Old Shanghai Bobby. A few months later, the Derby was finally here. I would finally get to watch my favorite horse take on the best of the crop. I vividly remember looking over to my stack of Bloodhorse magazines. At the top of the stack, February 2, 2013, 'Holy Smokes! Itsmyluckyday's record-breaking Holy Bull'. And then, there he was. The camera was now aimed directly at number 12, a plain bay colt by Lawyer Ron. For the first time, I was nervous about a horse race. I had only been interested in racing since last year and I had already found a horse who, at the time I hadn't know it, would change everything for me.

As they loaded into the gate, my stomach churned and I heard pounding in my ears. It was finally time. Vyjack was the last horse to load. Seconds later, the field broke from the gate. Palace Malice went to the lead and coming around the turn, Itsmyluckyday switched between fifth and sixth position. However, it wasn't his day and he ended up fifteenth. It was only my second Kentucky Derby and I, not going to lie, was pretty disappointed. I wasn't done with him, not even close. Right after the race, I sat down and wrote the colt a letter. I chickened out and never sent it to any of his connections, but the letter has found a home in my dresser. I'm glad I still have it. I look back at it often and chuckle at myself. In it, I called him "a Triple Crown winner in my eyes" and said something along the lines of, "if I could own any horse, it would be you". The things I did as a horse-obsessed, love-struck eleven year old.

Itsmyluckyday, much to my delight, finished second in the Preakness. I was actually sick that day so I just sat on the couch and yelled my encouragement. I was scared that Mylute would actually finish ahead of him and I was so relieved that Itsmyluckyday finished second. When he got hurt in the Pegasus Stakes, it hurt. And it hurt bad. I didn't watch the race, thankfully. But I did hear afterwards that it was a pelvic fracture. It was the first time a horse that I liked had actually been injured. It was weird to see his workout tab empty. When he returned, it was like he never lost his form. By the time the Woodward Handicap had come around, I had complete confidence in him. In fact, I even wrote "Since the Lawyer Ron colt ran in the Holy Bull I have been hooked on him. Itsmyluckyday's best races have been the Preakness (1 3/16 mile) and the Florida Derby (1 1/8 mile), both of which he came second. In his past three races the colt has gone undefeated. Lawyer Ron won the Risen Star (1 1/16 mile), Rebel Stakes (1 1/16 mile) and the Arkansas Derby (1 1/8 mile). He came 12th in the Kentucky Derby before a 2nd in the Super Derby (1 1/8 mile). He ran in the 2006 & 2007 Classic (9th & 7th), the '07 Classic was his final race. Lawyer Ron is by Met Mile winner, Langfuhr. In '96 he won all but one of his grade one stakes, losing to Lit de Justice in the Breeders' Cup Sprint (6 furlongs). The dam of Itsmyluckyday, Viva La Slew, won twice out of twenty tries. Her wins were at two furlongs and one mile. I am very high on this horse and the last time he raced against these horses he came 2nd."

And he beat them. He threw his head in front of Moreno and beat him. It was such a good race; I was so proud of him. In my opinion, the Woodward was the performance of his life. He beat really good horses in that race and honestly, I could not be prouder. When he finished ninth in the Cigar Mile, I knew something was wrong. Itsmyluckyday didn't perform like that unless something happened. For a final career start, it was slightly disappointing. However, I was still proud of all that he had done in his career.

When I started to think about a trip to Kentucky, the first horse I wanted to meet was Itsmyluckyday. I looked around Spendthrift's website and after reading through all the pages, I realized my dreams of meeting him may not come true. I wasn't going to admit defeat trying everything I could. I took a stab in the dark and sent a message through their contact us form. Only minutes later, I received a reply from Mark Toothaker. My dream trip is falling into place and it wouldn't be possible without Mr. Toothaker.

After everything I've been through that involves this horse, it's nice to be able to say, I love you, Itsmyluckday. I'll see you soon, bud.

Smashing the Cup: Las Vegas Dirt Mile | Retama Ruffian

Smashing the Cup is my annual blog series in which I reveal my picks for the Breeders' Cup and help you, Smash the Cup. 

Las Vegas Dirt Mile

With a quick glance at the Dirt Mile, it seems Liam's Map (Unbridled's Song-Miss Macy Sue) is the obvious winner. However, a deeper analysis shows he might not be. Let's break it down, horse by horse, shall we?

1. Red Vine

Correct me if I'm wrong, but Red Vine hasn't accomplished much until recently. It took three attempts for him to break his maiden, which he did at Del Mar, going a mile on the turf at 1:34.22. His next win didn't come for months. It was an allowance at Keeneland on the turf. His biggest win thus far was the Majestic Light Stakes (1 mile 70 yards) in May at Monmouth. After that, his career really started to pick up. He came second in the grade three Salvator Mile to fellow starter, Bradester. Fast forward a month the Pacific Classic (1 1/4 miles) where he lost to Classic starter, Beholder, and Argentina-bred, Catch a Flight. His most recent start brought a 2nd in the Kelso Handicap (1 mile). Appealing Tale won the Kelso. If Red Vine continues to improve, he could be a threat. 

2. Bradester

Bradester kicked off his 2015 campaign with a thirteen in a group two race at Meydan Racecourse. Once he made it back to the US, he finished third in a Churchill Downs one mile allowance race. Next came the Salvator Mile, where he "kicked clear under urging". He didn't disappoint in the Monmouth Cup (1 1/16 miles), beating Dirt Mile starter Valid. His Breeders' Cup prep was the Phillip H. Iselin Stakes (gr. 3) at Monmouth. This time, it was Valid's turn to outrun Bradester, who finished second. His latest work was five furlongs in 58.60.

3. Liam's Map

Raise your hand if you didn't know much about this horse up until recently. Guilty as charged. Liam's Map hasn't had a long 2015 campaign, but Pletcher sure did make the best of it. Starting in an Allowance Optional Claiming (1 mile) in June, Liam's Map brought the field home in 1:34.48. He started in the Whitney Stakes (1 1/8 miles) next, where it was luck that forced his loss to Classic starter, Honor Code. Pletcher, however, didn't have to wait long for his grey colt to earn his grade one win. Less than a month later, the quick turn of foot sealed the deal for Liam's Map in the grade one Woodward Stakes (1 1/8 miles). With a small Keeneland turn, his turn of foot will be one to watch out for.

4. Mr. Z

Ah, the infamous, unfortunate Mr. Z. Had this colt been born a year earlier or a year later, then maybe Mr. Z would still be owned by the real Mr. Z(ayat). Mr. Z is a really good horse and can run with the best of them, but wasn't ready to win his stakes (blacktype) until this year in the Ohio Derby. He had a great effort in the Pennsylvania Derbyshire and without the added 1/8 , I see him pulling a huge upset. After all, D. Wayne Lukas is know for his Breeders' Cup upsets.
5. Lea

It's obvious Lea likes one mile on the dirt races and the Dirt Mile is a perfect fit for him. Sadly though, the First Samurai colt hasn't won in nine months. That maybe be so, but you can't ignore his extravagant record this year. Because, hey, a third in the Dubai World Cup isn't bad at all. His last win was the Hal's Hope Stakes back in January. Since then, Lea hasn't finish worse that 3rd (we will just draw a line through the Whitney Stakes because that isn't the Lea we all know). If I was another horse, I would honestly be worried about Lea in this race. I see him coming second behind Liam's Map or just barely beating him for first. 

6. Street Strategy

Well. Unless a meteor falls from the sky and cherishes the rest of the Dirt Mile field, I don't see Street Strategy winning. But congratulations on being in the Breeders' Cup!

7. War Envoy

This isn't Europe and this definitely isn't the allowance claiming races. So unless you excel in America (which you haven't so far), go back home. 

8. Wicked Strong

I remember when this was the horse. Ah, the good ole days. His last win was the Jim Dandy Stakes in 2014. Don't get me wrong, he is a great horse. However, he really needs a confidence boost and I highly doubt he'll find one in the Breeders' Cup. I do expect Wicked Strong to have a lot of closing speed and, if Liam's Map fails to fire, this horse will clean it up.
9. Tapiture

While he was a great horse last year, Tapiture has just not found the winner's circle as often as he should have this year. He started his 2015 campaign with a fifth in the Razorback Handicap, where he just failed to respond in the stretch. I'm going to draw a line through that race. He stayed at Oaklawn for the Oaklawn Handicap (1 1/8 miles), in which he finished third to Race Day and Carve yet again. He then shipped to Texas for trainer Asmussen and ran third in the Lone Star Park Handicap (1 1/16 miles). Again, I will draw a line through his performance in the Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicap (1 1/8 miles). For his Breeders' Cup prep, Tapiture when to the Ack Ack Handicap (1 mile) and established himself as a winner once again. I see him coming in fourth or higher.
10. Valid

What's there to say? Valid has beat some horses in this field. He's lost to some horses in this field. For this reasons, I have a reason to say that Valid is a valid contender.

11. War Story

I remember when War Story was on the Derby trail and wasn't doing to shabby. Those days seem to be long gone now, and I just don't see him getting his form back without a win under his belt.

Contenders

Red Vine

Liam's Map

Mr. Z

Lea

Wicked Strong

Tapiture

Valid

Pretenders

Street Strategy

War Envoy

War Story

It All Depends

Bradester- If he shows up with his best, he has a very good chance. However, if he shows up with anything less, then toss your bet slip in the trash. 

Stallion View: Pioneerof the Nile | Retama Ruffian

Welcome to Stallion View. My thoughts on stallions standing the the 2016 breeding season. All opinions are my own. These in no way represent the thoughts or opinions of the breeding farms where the stallions stand. 

Pioneerof the Nile

(Empire Maker-Star of Goshen, Lord At War (ARG), 2006)

We all know, without a doubt, that Pioneerof the Nile's stud fee (set at $125,000 for 2016) is due to American Pharoah's Triple Crown win and crazy success on the track. Keep in mind, however, this fee is a minimum and will, more than likely, go up after the Breeders' Cup. With that information in mind, is Pioneerof the Nile worth his stud fee?

In 2015 (with a $60,000 stud fee), Pioneerof the Nile had 109 runners, forty-nine (45.7%) of which won races and only fifteen (14%) were repeat winners. To make numbers smaller, four (3%) horses in his crop were stakes runners, although the horses won nine stakes races. Of those four, ONE, yes ONE (0.09%) was a graded stakes winner (as well as a grade one winner). And that one? You guessed it, American Pharoah. Due to his foals earning $8,212,433 (of which $5,538,800, 67% of total earnings, was because of American Pharaoh). 

Yes, I get it. Everyone wants a Triple Crown winner. Yes, I understand it. Pioneerof the Nile was the sire of the first horse to win a Triple Crown in 37 years. However, I will argue that American Pharoah's class comes from Littleprincessemma, who's grandsire is Storm Cat. Storm Cat was a notable damsire and it's obvious that it was passed on through the lines. 

I've look at Pioneerof the Nile from a racing standpoint. Now, let's look at him from a sales point of view. 

Starting with yearlings, the stallion had a total of 65 offered and had 53 (81.5%) sold. The yearlings brought $8,450,000, bringing the average to $166,887 and the median to $150,000. His twenty-seven (50.9%) colts brought a $201,185 average. The 26 (49%) fillies sold for a $131,269 average. These foals were bred with a $15,000 stud fee and a total of 108 were born.

Now on to two-year olds. With a $15,000 stud fee, Pioneerof the Nile only sired 62 foals. Of the twenty-seven offered, nineteen sold (70%). Twelve (63%) were colts and brought an average of $287,333. The seven (36.8%) fillies only brought $58,429.

In conclusion, Pioneerof the Nile's rankings and "success" is all due to American Pharoah. In my opinion*, find another stallion and get more bang for your buck. I don't agree with his stud fee, but it is not my place to input. 

*-Please consult your bloodstock agent or broodmare manager before breeding a mare.

Texas Racing Commission

I've always liked horses. I loved eventing and show jumping. Dressage was never my favorite, I'll admit it.

Then, I discovered horse racing. It was fun, dangerous and captivating all at the same time. Sure, I got basic terms but then that one day- June 5th, 2014, actually- I watched a horse racing in real life. It was a Quarter Horse sprint at my beloved Retama Park. From there, my interest expanded. I started looking through past performances, studying pedigrees and, doing what I love, photographing the daily life at a track.

For my 13th birthday, I went to Sam Houston Race Park. It was amazing (and cold). I could not have asked for a better birthday present. (Plus I got to take photos with my brand-new Nikon D3200 that I got for my birthday. Thanks, Dad!)

Because of racing, I have no free time. I'm either handicapping races, studying pedigrees or editing my photos from my previous track trip. And I love it!

Don't take that away from all of us. We love the horses, the track and the lifestyle that comes with it. Don't close Texas tracks. I don't know how else to tell you, Texas. #SaveTexasRacing

Queen's Plate Handicapping | Retama Ruffian

Queen's Plate

1 1/4 mile, 3YO M, July 5th

This is an extremely late post but I think I have a pretty good reason. Everybody remember Danzig Moon? He was my Derby, Preakness and Belmont pick, until his connections decided to point him towards the Queen's Plate. He never made it to the post postition draw and he never will again. In his prep race for the Queen's Plate, Danzig Moon broke his right hind leg and was euthanized. So I dedicate this post to his memory and hope that he will never be forgotten. 

Post Position

1. Shaman Ghost

2. Oakton

3. Ault

4. Academic

5. Billy's Star

6. Sweet Grass Creek

7. Danish Dynaformer

8. Conquest Boogaloo

9. Breaking Lucky

10. Easy Indygo

11. Portree

12. Milwaukee Mist

13. Bear At Last

14. Ami's Flatter

Shaman Ghost

Ghostzapper-Getback Time, by Gilded Time

A recent maiden winner, Shaman Ghost has only started in two non-maiden special weights; an allowance at Keeneland (1st, 1 1/16 mile) and the grade three Marine Stakes (1 1/16 mile) at Woodbine, which he won over fellow starters Danish Dynaformer (3), Ami's Flatter (7) and Conquest Boogaloo (8). He posted a six furlong work in 1:28.00 at Woodbine on June 27th.

Oakton

Macho Uno-Woods Bay, by Mr. Greeley

Oakton has started six times and only finished ahead of the pack in his maiden race at Keenland going 1 1/16 mile on the dirt. His most recent races are nothing to be proud of, two fourths and a seventh in allowance races at Woodbine. Oakton worked four furlongs in 50.20 on June 29th.

Ault

English Channel-Montefiore, by Rahy

Still a maiden, Ault has finished second three times, twice in maiden special weights at Woodbine back in winter of 2014 and most recently at Woodbine in June going 1 1/16 mile. Ault went five furlongs in 1:00.40 on June 28th. 

Academic

Henny Hughes-Awesome Lass, by Awesome Again

A filly, Academic is one of the more accomplished horses thus far in the field. She broke her maiden in May at Woodbine going 1 1/16 mile before finishing 1 3/4 lengths in front of the field in the Woodbine Oaks (1 1/8 mile). She also worked on the 28th of June going five furlongs in 1:00.80. 

Billy's Star

Perfect Soul (IRE)-Tapatina, by Seeking the Gold

Billy's Star is another recent maiden winner. His only other start since his maiden was the Plate Trial Stakes (1 1/8 mile), in which he lost came sixth and lost to fellow starters Danish Dynaformer (1) and Conquest Boogaloo (3). He posted a two furlong breeze yesterday in 24.80 at Woodbine. 

Sweet Grass Creek

Wando-Sweet Bama Breeze, by City Zip

Yet again, you guessed it, a recent maiden winner. Sweet Grass Creek won his maiden at Woodbine and then finished second in a 1 1/6 mile allowance at Woodbine. He posted a four furlong work in 48.60 on July 1st.

Danish Dynaformer

Dynaformer-Danish Wildcat, by Danehill

Danish Dynaformer is easily the talk of the field. He broke his maiden on his third attempt at Gulfstream Park on February 21st. He then went on to finish third in the grade three Marine Stakes (1 1/16 mile) and first in the Plate Trial Stakes (1 1/8 mile). Danish Dynaformer posted a five furlong work in 1:00.40 at Woodbine on June 27th.

Conquest Boogaloo

Scat Daddy-Jules Best, by Jules

Conquest Boogalo broke his maiden on his second attempt and then went on to finish first in the Swynford Stakes at Woodbine last October. Since then he has finished third in the Cup and Saucer Stakes, fourth in the Queenston Stakes and third in the Plate Trial Stakes. He breezed five furlongs in 1:01.40 at Woodbine. 

Breaking Lucky

Lookin At Lucky-Shooting Party, by Sky Classic

Another maiden winner, Breaking Lucky's best race since then was a second in an allowance optional claiming at Woodbine on May 10th. He breezed five furlongs in 1:02.00 at Woodbine. 

Easy Indygo

Marchfield-Real Scoop, by Catienus

Yet again, a maiden winner. Easy Indygo finished second and third in allowances at Woodbine. He handily worked five furlongs in 1:01.00 at Woodbine on June 24th.

Portree

Niigon-Eclipse Bay, by Hennessy

Portree won a maiden and an allowance at Woodbine in April and May, respectively. He finished fourth in the Plate Trial Stakes (1 1/8 mile). He breezed five furlongs in 1:02.00. 

Milwaukee Mist

Milwaukee Brew-Moonlit Mistress, by Deputy Minister

Milwaukee Mist is another maiden winner. He finished third in the John Battaglia Memorial Stakes in February 2015. He worked four furlongs in 51.00 at The Thoroughbred Center on June 20th. 

Bear At Last

Marchfield-Clayton's Lass, by Forest Camp

Probably the most raced in the field, Bear At Last is 11: 1-3-2. He broke his maiden in November of 2014 and then went on to finish third in the Kangarvie Stakes and in the Wando Stakes. He can second in an allowance at Woodbine. He worked five furlongs in 1:02.00 at Woodbine on the 28th. 

Ami's Flatter

Flatter-Galloping Ami, by Victor Gallop

Ami's Flatter finished second in the Mucho Macho Man Stakes, fourth in the Sam F. Davis Stakes (1 1/16 mile), second in the Tampa Bay Derby (1 1/16 mile) and third in the Florida Derby (1 1/8 mile). He worked four furlongs in 48.40 at Woodbine on the 29th of June. 

Contenders:

-Ami's Flatter

-Bear At Last

-Conquest Boogaloo

-Danish Dynaformer

-Academic

-Shaman Ghost

Pretenders:

-Milwaukee Mist

-Portree

-Easy Indygo

-Breaking Lucky

-Sweet Grass Creek

-Billy's Star

-Ault

-Oakton

Until next time,
Madison

Sales Analysis | Fasig-Tipton Summer Selected Horses of Racing Age: Hip 401

Hip 401- Harlan's Honor

2012 Filly, Harlan's Holiday/Indian Rush, Paramount Sales Agent II

SIRE: Harlan’s Holiday is a 1999 Thoroughbred stallion. He was euthanized in Argentina in 2013. Before his death he sired Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner Shanghai Bobby, Arlington Classic and American Derby winner Willcox Inn, Cashcall Futurity winner Into Mischief, Natalma Stakes (CAN) winner Conquest Harlanate.

Harlan’s Holiday won the Hoover Stakes (6 furlongs), Cradle Stakes (1 1/16 mile), Iroquois Stakes (1 mile), Florida Derby (1 ⅛ mile) and Blue Grass Stakes (1 ⅛ mile) before finishing seventh in the 2002 Kentucky Derby. He went on to win the Pennsylvania Derby (1 ⅛ mile) and the Donn Handicap (1 ⅛ mile). Other notable performances include:

2nd- Breeders Futurity (1 1/16 mile)

2nd- Holy Bull (1 1/16 mile)

2nd- Fountain of Youth (1 1/16 mile)

4th- Preakness Stakes (1 3/16 mile)

4th- Cigar Mile (1 mile)

2nd- Dubai World Cup (1 ¼ mile)

2nd- Hollywood Gold Cup

Harlan’s Holiday’s foals tend to be early maturers and have some of their best seasons as two- and three-year olds. His foals aren’t huge monsters but are well built and solid. They have high withers. They have thick, large hips and a large stride.
DAM: Indian Rush is a stakes placed mare by Indian Charlie. She came second in the Finger Lakes Juvenile Fillies (6 furlongs). She has twenty-four starts with five first, six seconds and one thirds. She’s made $98,208 in her four year career.

WATCHMAKER ANYLSIS:

This 3-year-old stakes filly is by the deceased Harlan’s Holiday, from the stakes performing Indian Charlie mare Indian Rush, who herself is a full sister to a multiple stakes performer. What distinguishes this filly is she is a registered New York bred who really hasn’t yet taken advantage of that lucrative program, but she is already an open stakes winner. She won her debut last summer on the main track at Monmouth Park over straight maidens in decisive fashion, and then after showing good early speed in the Lynbrook Stakes at Belmont Park in what remains her only start to date against fellow New York breds, she returned to Monmouth, moved to turf and wired eight opponents in a four length romp in the Colleen Stakes. She also showed high early speed in the Selima Stakes in her penultimate 2-year-old start. In two starts this year, she competed in turf sprint stakes, and finished third in both. But she still has her second-level allowance condition available to her, as well as the option to return to dirt if so desired.

Belmont Early Look | Retama Ruffian

Belmont Stakes (G1) 1 1/12M, Dirt, 3YO M 6/6/15

Horse Name	Trainer	Last Start, Distance, Track	Finish & Time
The Truth or Else	K. McPeek	Allowance Optional Claiming (Belmont Park) 1 1/16 miles	1st 1:43.27
Frammento	N. Zito	Kentucky Derby (Churchill Downs)     1 ¼ miles	11th 2:03.02
Tale of Verve	D. Stewart	Preakness Stakes (Pimlico) 1 3/16 miles	2nd 1:58.46
American Pharoah	B. Baffert	Preakness Stakes (Pimlico) 1 3/16 miles	1st 1:58.46
Frosted	K. McLaughlin	Kentucky Derby (Churchill Downs) 1 ¼ miles	4th 2:03.02
Madefromlucky	T. Pletcher	Peter Pan Stakes (Belmont Park) 1 ⅛ miles	1st 1:48.36
Carpe Diem	T. Pletcher	Kentucky Derby (Churchill Downs) 1 ¼ miles	10th 2:03.02
Keen Ice	D. Romans	Kentucky Derby (Churchill Downs) 1 ¼ miles	7th 2:03.02
Materiality	T. Pletcher	Kentucky Derby (Churchill Downs) 1 ¼ miles	6th 2:03.02
Mubtaahij	M. De Kock	Kentucky Derby (Churchill Downs) 1 ¼ miles	8th 2:03.02

The Truth or Else-  A well seasoned runner who has had twelve starts since June of last year. He’s won two of those, ran second once and third three times. He’s earned a total of $294,137. He finished third in the Champagne Stakes, Nashua Stakes, sixth in the Remsen Stakes, second in the Southwest Stakes, fourth in Rebel Stakes and seventh in the Pat Day Mile Stakes. He finished ahead of the other runners in an allowance optional claiming at Belmont Park on May 22nd.

Frammento- Frammento ran in eight races since October, in which he won one, came second once and finished third once. He’s earned a total of $139,700. He’s only win was his maiden, which took place at Keeneland going 1 1/16 miles. The best he’s come since then was a third place in the Fountain of Youth Stakes. He also ran second and fourth in an allowance optional claiming, sixth in the Holy Bull Stakes, fourth in the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes and eleventh in the Kentucky Derby.

Tale of Verve- Tale of Verve had seven career starts. He came first in one of those, second in two, and third in two of them. He has earned a total of $354,640. It took him six tries to break his madien, finally accomplishing that at Keeneland on April 23, 2015. He also finished second in the Preakness.

American Pharoah- American Pharoah had seven career starts and won six of them. He’s earned a total of $3,730,300. He finished fifth in his maiden special weight. He won the Del Mar Futurity, FrontRunner Stakes, Rebel Stakes, Arkansas Derby, Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes.

Frosted- Frosted raced eight times. He finished first twice and second four times. He has earned a total of $936,800. He won his maiden, came second in the Remsen Stakes and Holy Bull Stakes. He finished fourth in the Fountain of Youth and the Kentucky Derby. He won the Wood Memorial.

Madefromlucky- Madefromlucky had eight career starts. He came first three times, second twice and third once. He has earned a total of $378,700. He won his maiden, an allowance optional claiming and the Peter Pan Stakes. He finished second in the Rebel Stakes and fourth in the Arkansas Derby.

Carpe Diem- Carpe Diem raced six times. He came first four times and second once. He’s earned $1,519,800. He won his maiden, the Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity, Tampa Bay Derby and Toyota Blue Grass Stakes. He came second in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and tenth in the Kentucky Derby.

Keen Ice- Keen Ice ran eight times. He finished first once and third twice. He has won $160,395. He won his maiden. He’s finished fifth in the Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity and the Holy Bull Stakes, third in the Risen Stakes Stakes and the Holy Bull, fourth in the Louisiana and seventh in the Kentucky Derby.

Materiality- Materiality raced four times and finished first three times. He has won $656,028. He broke his maiden this January, won the Islamorada Handicap and the Florida Derby and sixth in the Kentucky Derby.

Mubtaahij- Mubtaahij raced eight times and finished first four times and second once. He has earned $1,4461,332. He won his maiden, a conditions, the Al Bastakiya and a group two. He finished second in the U.A.E. Two Thousand Guineas and eighth in the Kentucky Derby.

Derby Dreaming - Post Position Draw | Retama Ruffian

1. Ocho Ocho Ocho
2. Carpe Diem
3. Materiality
4. Tencendur
5. Danzig Moon
6. Mubtaahij
7. El Kabeir
8. Dortmund
9. Bolo
10. Firing Line
11. Stanford
12. International Star
13. Itsaknockout
14. Keen Ice
15. Frosted
16. War Story
17. Mr. Z
18. American Pharoah
19. Upstart
20. Far Right

Guest Post: Tarnishing American Racehorses, by Julia Campbell | Retama Ruffian

Tarnishing American Racehorses

by Julia Campbell

The American public has been hoping for a Triple Crown winner for thirty-seven years now. According to some, it hasn’t been won in a long time because it is simply harder to win. These knowledgeable people say that with bigger and fresher fields, it’s harder to win all three races, and that the limited amount of time between the races (five weeks) is not enough. However, it has been enough time for eleven horses, and nearly enough time for forty-seven more. The reason we haven’t seen a Triple Crown in decades? No one knows for sure, but two leading reasons may be the use of drugs on race day an the breeding of American racehorses.

Horses that didn’t run in the Kentucky Derby or Preakness have run in the Belmont for as long as all three races have been in existence. These fresh horses were brought into the Belmont in years colts became Triple Crown winners. In the 1973 Belmont, for example, the year Secretariat became a Triple Crown winner, a fresh horse named Pvt. Smiles ran. He finished fourth. In 1948, Better Self ran fresh in the Belmont and finished second to Triple Crown winner Citation. Triple Crown winners have beaten fresh horses before. Also, the Belmont fields have always varied in size. The largest field (fifteen horses ran) was in 1983. The Belmont has had a two-horse field five times (1887, 1888, 1892, 1910, 1920). There is nothing new in having a nine or ten horse field.

California Chrome at the 2014 Pennsylvania Derby (gr II)

This is not meant to discredit recent reachers-and-missers, such as California Chrome. It is hard to win all three Triple Crown races. It’s hard to win the longest race of the three after winning the two shorter ones with just two weeks of rest since.

However, the failure to win the Triple Crown may be due to the fact that most American Thoroughbreds have run on drugs since 1995. Every Triple Crown was won before 1995. The Kentucky Derby is no longer run on steroids after the fatal breakdown of Eight Belles in the 2008 Derby, won by Big Brown won. However, most other races allow Lasix and other anti-bleeding medication. There is great question as to whether Big Brown was really as good as he seemed, or if the medication enabled him to do as well as he did. That question still constantly hangs over the industry today.

The failing of recent horses to win the Triple Crown can also be attributed to too much inbreeding. Almost every horse currently running in the United States can trace their bloodlines back to Native Dancer at least once. For example, three of four grandparents of Eight Belles can trace their bloodlines back to Native Dancer within the first three generations of their pedigrees.

Additionally, most graded stakes winners in the U.S. in 2014 come from one of five sire lines: Northern Dancer, Mr. Prospector, Bold Ruler, Turn-to, and In Reality. The top two of these five, Northern Dancer and Mr. Prospector, are both grandsons of Native Dancer. 2014 Horse of the Year California Chrome, for example, contains at least two of the aforementioned sires in the first five generations of his pedigree. There is a declining amount of variety in American breeding, leading to more inbreeding. In the case of California Chrome, Northern Dancer and Mr. Prospector both show up twice in the first five generations of his pedigree.

California Chrome

With more inbreeding, racehorses will become more susceptible to genetic disorders. One example of this is the fact that racehorses’ ankles have become thinner over the years. Thinner and weaker ankles unable to support one thousand pounds on muscle and bone charging at forty miles per hour are bound to lead to more breakdowns, and they do. Breakdowns can be attributed to a.) drug use, and  b.) inbreeding.

With the same sires dominating the scene, their talents are passed on the most. Of the top five sires in 2014 graded stakes wins mentioned earlier, Northern Dancer and Bold Ruler never won races longer than ten furlongs (1 ¼ miles), Mr. Prospector never won a race longer than six furlongs (¾ mile), and Turn-to and In Reality never won races longer than nine furlongs (⅞ mile). This may not seem to be a big deal, but when it comes to longer races like the twelve-furlong (1 ½ miles) Belmont Stakes and Breeders’ Cup Classic, only Mr. Prospector produced more than four offspring whose progeny went on to win either of those races.

There is no doubt that the American Thoroughbred has decreased in value over the years. The real question is how much has the Thoroughbred downgraded over the decades. And just how much time and money will it take to bring America and its horses back to the top before it’s too late

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Derby Dreaming - Ami's Flatter | Retama Ruffian

| Derby Dreaming is a blog series in which I review the pedigree and capabilities of the horses who have, as of the day posted, a spot in the Kentucky Derby starting gate. |

Ami’s Flatter

Flatter - Galloping Ami, Ivan Dalos, 20 Points

Ami’s Flatter is yet to win a graded stakes, coming fourth in the Sam F. Davis Stakes (1 1/16 mile) and second in the Tampa Bay Derby (1 1/16 mile). His sire, Flatter, did nothing spectacular other than coming third in the grade two Washington Park Handicap (1 3/16 mile). Flatter sired Flat Out, who came third in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (1 ¼ mile). He came third and won two editions of the Jockey Club Gold Cup (1 ¼ mile). Flatter’s sire is the Hall of Fame A.P. Indy. A.P. Indy won the Santa Anita Derby (1 ⅛ mile), Peter Pan Stakes (1 ⅛ mile), Belmont Stakes (1 ½ mile) and the Breeders’ Cup Classic (1 ¼ mile).

Galloping Ami, Ami’s Flatter dam, never started. Victory Gallop, Ami’s Flatter’s damsire, came second in the Kentucky Derby (1 ¼ mile) and the Preakness Stakes (1 3/16 mile). He won the Belmont Stakes (1 ½ mile), Stephan Foster Handicap (1 ⅛ mile) and the Whitney Handicap (1 ⅛ mile). He also came third in the Dubai World Cup. Galloping Ami’s dam, Secret Ami, was a black-type stakes placer. She was a dirt sprinter who stretched out to 1 1/16 mile.

Ami’s Flatter is capible of getting the distance that the Kentucky Derby demands. The only sprinter is his pedigree may come in handy for homestretch battles. Ami’s Flatter looks good on paper but hasn’t really proved himself in the races.

Ami's Flatter's Pedigree (Courtesy of Equineline)

Derby Dreaming - American Pharoah | Retama Ruffian

Derby Dreaming is a blog series in which I review the pedigree and capabilities of the horses who have, as of the day posted, a spot in the Kentucky Derby starting gate.

American Pharoah

Pioneerof the Nile - Littleprincessemma, Zayat Stables, 60 Points

American Pharoah finished fifth in his first start, a maiden special weight. The next month the bay colt won the  grade one Del Mar Futurity (7 furlongs). He repeated the win, proving he wasn’t a fluke, in the grade one FrontRunner Stakes (1 1/16 miles) and the grade two Rebel Stakes (1 1/16 mile). American Pharoah won the 2014 Eclipse Award Champion Two-Year Old Colt.

His sire, Pioneerof the Nile, can get the distance of the Kentucky Derby, coming second in the race himself. Before his second in the Derby, the stallion won the CashCall Futurity (1 1/16 mile), Robert B. Lewis (1 1/16 mile), San Felipe Stakes (1 1/16 mile) and the Santa Anita Derby (1 ⅛ mile). In the Kentucky Derby, Pioneerof the Nile lost to Mine That Bird after a bumped start and racing three-wide. The dark bay stallion finished eleventh in the Preakness, losing yet again to Mine That Bird and the future Horse of the Year, Rachel Alexandra. American Pharoah’s grandsire, Empire Maker, is yet another reassurance to American Pharoah’s ability to get the Kentucky Derby’s distance. Empire Maker came third in the Remsen Stakes (1 ⅛ mile) and second in the Sham Stakes (1 ⅛ mile), Kentucky Derby (1 ¼ mile) and the Jim Dandy Stakes (1 ⅛ mile). The fifteen year old stallion in the Florida Derby (1 ⅛ mile), Wood Memorial Stakes (1 ⅛ mile) and the Belmont Stakes (1 ½ mile).

Littleprincessemma never won in either of her two starts. Her sire, Yankee Gentleman, was a sprinter. He won the Pirate’s Bounty Handicap (6 furlongs). He came fourth in the grade two Riva Ridge Breeders’ Cup Stakes (7 furlongs) and the grade one Ancient Title Breeders’ Cup Handicap (6 furlongs). Yankee Gentleman came fifth in the grade two Dwyer Stakes (1 1/16 mile) and the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (6 furlongs). The granddam of American Pharoah won the five furlong Florida Thoroughbred Charities Stakes.

American Pharoah’s distance capabilities come from the male side of his pedigree. His speed comes from his dam side. If the colt stays healthy and continues with his workouts and racing form, American Pharoah will continue to be a force to be reckoned with on the Derby Trail.

American Pharoah's Pedigree (Courtesy of Equineline)