Saturday, June 16, 2012

Margano and Lentenor Racing Today...


Both brothers will be racing today in Stakes races...


Lentenor and Margano





Margano will be going in the $150,000 Grade III Hill Prince Stakes (race #8) at Belmont Park, post time is about 4:34, Junior Alvarado gets the mount. 

Lentenor will be racing tonight at Colonial Downs in the $50,000 Da Hoss Stakes (race #5), post time is about 7:44, Luis Garcia gets the mount. 

Both brothers are the third choice in the morning line odds, with both races came up with very talented fields!  Each of their races have fields of ten, with Margano breaking from the two hole and Lentenor breaking from the four hole.  Also, both are coming of second place finishes at Belmont park in their last races.  Margano came in second back on May 20th in the Tiller Stakes and Lentenor finished second on May 19th in a Allowance race.  Totally expect both to have huge efforts today, and it would not surprise me in the least to see both in the winner's circle!  Fingers crossed...


Little brother Marganos's race...

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Three year old Margano will be going for his second win in five starts later today, and his first attempt in a Graded Stakes race.  If he were to win, he would be close to $150,000 in earning's in just five starts.  Talk about a solid, talented field of three year old colts, this is it!  Margano will have his hands full facing the likes of Summer Front and Howe Great.  Love the fact Margano is getting a little more distance after his freshener last out at seven furlong's.  Both turf specialist's, Summer Front and Howe Great, look to return to their winning ways on the turf.  Summer Front is unbeaten on the turf with a record of 3-0, including wins in the King Cugat Stakes and Dania Beach Stakes.  Howe Great is 3-1 on the turf, with a 3rd last out in the American Turf Stakes, and victories in the Palm Beach Stakes (Grade III) and Kitten's Joy Stakes. 

For Margano to win (he might need a longer race), he will need a quick/clean break, a trouble free trip, and a chance to open his long stride in the stretch.  He also needs to change leads at the correct time in the stretch, as he is still learning the game and has a tendency to not change leads when he is so asked.  With that all said, going with Margano to get his first Stakes victory, and first Graded Stakes win for a full brother of the great Barbaro. 



Belmont Park

$150,000 Hill Prince Stakes (Grade  III, Race 8, 4:34 p.m.) 3-Year-Olds, One Mile, Turf

PP  Horse  Jockey  Wgt  Trainer  Odds

1 Summer Front  R A Dominguez  120  C Clement  7-2
2 Margano  J Alvarado  116  B Tagg  5-1
3 Big Screen  R Maragh  116  T Albertrani  15-1
4 Film Shot   E S Prado 116  W I Mott  15-1
5 Spring to the Sky  M J Luzzi  116  B R Brown  6-1
6 Mr. Handsome  E D Rodriguez  116  T J Tullock Jr  12-1
7 Shkspeare Shaliyah  C H Velasquez  120  D Shivmangal  -1
8 Our Entourage  E Castro  116  T A Pletcher  6-1
9 Howe Great  A Garcia  123  H G Motion  3-1
10 Star Channel  J Bravo  120  T A Pletcher  6-1



Photos I took of Margano last race at Belmont Park on May 20th:






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Margano6.jpg

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Margano2.jpg

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Godspeed Margano...

Replay of Margano's race:







Big brother Lentenor's race...


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Five year old Lentenor will be making his 15th start of his career (3rd of 2012) tonight at Colonial Downs in the $50,000 Da Hoss Stakes.  Luis Garcia will have the mount in this one mile test on the inner turf, they will be breaking from the four hole in the field of ten.  Post time is about 7:44, and it is race #5 on the card.  Lentenor looks to be primed and ready for the challenge, coming off a solid second place finish last out at Belmont Park on May 19th.  Lentenor has had two works since then at Fair Hill for trainer Leigh Delacour.  This will be his first start at Colonial Downs for Lentenor, and the second time Luis Garcia has been on Lentenor, where they finished 5th back on Feb. 25 in the Grade III Tampa Bay Stakes.

A look at the race...

Just like Margano's race, Lentenor faces nine others in this talented field of older colts.  The morning line favorite is the Graham Motion trained five year old gelding, Slew's Answer.  Racing in just his tenth career start, and coming off a third place finish back in April at Tampa in the Turf Classic, I think is very vulnerable here.  I am more worried about Action Andy and Followmyfootsteps.  Action Andy is in better form right now, but Followmyfootsteps won this race last year in a photo finish with Action Andy.  Followmyfootsteps, a eight year old Giant's Causeway gelding, is my outside shot at winning since he is one for one on the turf at Colonial Downs.  Action Andy, a five year old Gators N Bears gelding, is about as consistent as they come.  A starter of twenty four races, he has hit the top three twenty times and is coming off a third place finish at Pimlico in the Maryland Sprint back on May 19.  He has raced at Colonial Downs six times, with two wins and three seconds. 

Just like Margano's race, let's hope Lentenor and Luis get a good start, and Lentenor can stalk Action Andy the whole race, since he will be your front runner trying to take it gate to wire.  Just hope Lentenor reaches down and runs lights out to get past Action Andy at the wire!  So, Lentenor at the wire, with Action Andy and Followmyfootsteps finishing out your top three, fingers crossed!


Some recent photos of Lentenor, taken within the last month at Fair Hill (thanks Dewey!):


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Godspeed Lentenor...


 

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Dynaformer (April 1, 1985-April 29, 2012)




Sadly, we lost the great Dynaformer today, on what would have been Barbaro's ninth Birthday.  My hope is that Barbaro greeted his Father when he crossed over, and they are both running pain free today.  My heartfelt condolences to all at Three Chimney's that took such wonderful care of Dynaformer over the years.

From Jen Roytz at Three Chimney's Farm:(http://www.threechimneys.com/)

One of the breed's premier stallions, Dynaformer, has passed away at the age of 27 at Robert and Blythe Clay's Three Chimneys Farm. The stallion had been pensioned after suffering an aortic valve rupture the afternoon of Saturday, April 14th while in his stall.
Known internationally for siring such top class athletes as Kentucky Derby winner BARBARO, Melbourne Cup winner AMERICAIN, $4.7 million dollar-earner PERFECT DRIFT, European Champion Two-Year-Old Filly RAINBOW VIEW, English Champion Three-Year-Old Colt LUCARNO, multiple Grade 1 winner RISKAVERSE, multi-millionaire DYNEVER, and many others, Dynaformer will be remembered as one of the most prolific sires the Thoroughbred breed has ever seen.
"Dynaformer impacted the industry in a way that few ever have or will," said Three Chimneys President Case Clay. "More than that, though, he was an awe-inspiring horse to be around. He commanded respect and his toughness was undeniable to the very end. He reminded me a lot of Seattle Slew in that when you were around him, you knew you were in the presence of greatness."
Dynaformer was without question one of the most globally successful sires in the Thoroughbred industry. With 21 crops to race, his progeny have earned more than $105,000,000. Dynaformer is the sire of 130 stakes winners, including 61 graded stakes winners, 25 Grade 1 stakes winners, and 18 millionaires. These numbers are the best in each respective category of all active sires.
Dynaformer ranks in the top one-half of one percent of all sires by average earnings per starter.
"Dynaformer's tough spirit will continue to influence our breed for many years to come.  He reminds us that looks aren't everything, and that the will to win is that intangible ingredient we are all striving to find," said Robert Clay, owner of Three Chimneys Farm.
The caliber and quantity of races won by progeny of Dynaformer is unprecedented. Sons or daughters of Dynaformer have won the Kentucky Derby, One Thousand Guineas, Melbourne Cup, Irish Oaks, Stephen Foster Handicap, English St. Leger, German Derby, Blue Grass Stakes, American Oaks, Hollywood Derby, Shadwell Turf Mile, Santa Margarita Invitational, Flower Bowl Invitational, Santa Maria Handicap, Yorkshire Oaks, Beverly D. Stakes, Diana Handicap, Florida Derby, Hempstead Handicap, Gazelle Handicap, Matriarch Stakes and numerous other black type events.
Four of his daughters have won the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup at Keeneland's fall meet, a record for any stallion. 
"He commanded respect and total attention at all times," said Three Chimneys stallion manager Sandy Hatfield. "He had earned every bit of his reputation as being one of the toughest stallions in the industry, but when it came to his job in the breeding shed, he was a total professional. In my opinion, our industry has lost one of the greatest sires it will ever see."
Known not only for his propensity to sire high caliber racers, but also his curmudgeon-like attitude, Dynaformer had legions of fans both within the Thoroughbred business and among the general equestrian community.
Dynaformer's progeny were known for their soundness, durability, and heart. They not only excelled on the flat, but over jumps as well. His son, McDynamo, is the winner of an unprecedented five Breeders' Cup Steeplechase races, and countless other sons and daughters went onto successful post-racing careers in the show ring and as field hunters.
Thoroughbred owner/breeder and show horse owner Ann Banks had this to say about Dynaformer: "I was always on the lookout for offspring of Dynaformer as flat and steeplechase horses. They were the full package; good bone, athleticism, fabulous movers, and a flexibility and natural movement like no other. The breeding industry, the flat and steeplechase industries, and the show world have truly lost one of their greatest producers."
Dynaformer will be impacting the Thoroughbred breed for decades to come. His daughters have produced 78 stakes winners and that number grows month-by-month.
Dynaformer, whose passing came on what would have been the ninth birthday of his most famous son, Barbaro, will be buried in the Three Chimneys stallion cemetery next to stable mates Rahy and Wild Again.
After suffering a significant cardiac episode in his stall on April 14, Dynaformer was immediately pensioned from stallion duty. After Dynaformer had been stabilized, an ultrasound performed on April 15th reveled several holes in his heart as a result of the heart attack, one measuring eight centimeters long and two others measuring two centimeters each.
Dynaformer had been resting comfortably, eating well, and maintaining his daily turnout routine in the weeks following his heart scare, but his health took a turn the evening of Saturday, April 28th.

"Dynaformer told us when it was his time to go," said Dr. Jim Morehead, Three Chimneys' resident veterinarian.  "Amazingly, he had been comfortable after his initial crisis on April 14 and had been able to go to his paddock daily.  A normal horse would not have survived his initial cardiac episode. He did everything on his terms, including deciding when he'd had enough."

The public is invited to pay their respects to Dynaformer during the annual Three Chimneys Derby Week Open House on Thursday, May 4 from 10:00am until 1:00pm. A memorial service for Dynaformer will be held at 12:30 during the event in the stallion cemetery.

Rest in Peace Dynaformer...





Dynaformer Young & Wise


Dynaformer, Barbaro, Nicanor, Lentenor, and Margano...





Saturday, April 28, 2012

Both Brothers Entered Today at Pimlico, Nicanor Will Race...

When the entries came out for today's $75,000 Henry S. Clark Stakes at Pimlico, both Nicanor and Lentenor were entered.  It was quite obvious only one would go in the race once the the field was announced, since both had Luis Garcia listed as their jockey and that Nicanor was an "also eligible" entry.  I believe their trainers, Leigh and Arnaud Delacour, were seeing where each brother's post position would be, along with the size and quality of the field, before making their decision who to race.  I thought Lentenor was going to be the one running all week, until a few minutes ago when it was listed that he was a scratch and Nicanor would be going instead with Luis Garcia getting the mount.  They will be breaking from gate #9 in the field of ten talented colts.  I think the decision had a lot to do with Nicanor racing at Pimlico almost two years ago in the Grade II Dixie Stakes on Preakness day, and the fact that thunderstorms are rolling into Pimlico as I write this, which most likely means the race will be taken off the turf and run on the dirt.  Nicanor is more experienced then his little brother running on the dirt and on a off track, plus he has experienced the awful paddock area of Pimlico.

While it is true that Nicanor just raced two weeks ago at Keeneland and this is a quick turnaround for him.  The Delacour's must feel extremely confident that the race took nothing out of Nicanor and he is ready to go today.  Prior to today's two week turnaround, Nicanor's quickest race back has been with a three week break between races.  Let's hope he is ready and the fact he has raced at Pimlico before will help him.

Today's race, scheduled to be run at one mile on the turf (if taken off the turf, it will be run on the main track at one mile and one sixteenth), has a talented field, with most coming into the race with extended lay-offs. The race most likely will be used as a prep for some to race next in the $300,000 Dixie Stakes (Grade II), which is on the undercard of the Preakness in three weeks (a race that Nicanor finished sixth in two years ago). 

My top three to watch out for are Hudson Steele, Concealed Identity, and Monument Hill. One must look at Todd Pletcher's Hudson Steele (5-2) as the favorite.  Hudson Steele is coming off nearly a year lay-off, but he does have to his credit a second place finish in the Fort Marcy Stakes (Grade III) at Belmont Park, and a victory in the Jersey Derby at Monmouth Park.  He has been working well at Palm Meadows and should have a good effort today, jockey Chris DeCarlo gets the mount.  Concealed Identity (5-1) is also a viable threat.  Trained by Linda Gaudet, the four year old Smarty Jones gelded son has been working out well at Bowie training center, and does have two victories on the Pimlico track.  With a thirteen month lay-off, it will be interesting to see how he responds today, jockey Sheldon Russell gets the mount.  My third threat for Nicanor will be the George Weaver trained six year old gelded son of Royal Academy, Monument Hill.  This will be his 5th start of the year, having two wins, a second, and a third, all at Gulfstream Park.  His most recent effort was a third place finish on March 31st in the Grade III Appleton Stakes, jockey Joe Rocco gets the mount.

Another tough race for Nicanor today.  If he can get to the front from the start, I honestly think he can go gate to wire.  He is getting his blinkers back on, and I believe the outside post will help him have clear sailing to the front.  Regardless if the race is kept on the turf, or changed to the main track, I think he is capable of winning on either surface.  Luis Garcia rides Nicanor for the first time.  Also, let's hope Nicanor enjoys the paddock of Pimlico today!

Nicanor in the noisy Pimlico paddock back on May 15, 2010 prior to the running of the Dixie Stakes (Grade II):





The field and conditions:

Race #10, post time 5:24

Henry S. Clark Stakes
Purse $75,000. (Includes $25,000 – MBF - Maryland Bred Fund). For Three-Year-Olds And Upward. By subscription of $100, $250 to pass the entry box. $250 additional to start with $50,000 Guaranteed, (plus $25,000 for Registered Maryland Breds) of which 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 6% to fourth, 3% to fifth and 1% to sixth. Unearned guaranteed purse money is split between the horses that start and finish the race. Weights: Three-Year-Olds, 120 Lbs.; Older, 124 Lbs. Non-winners of a Sweepstakes in 2012 allowed, 2 Lbs.; $50,000 in 2012, 4 Lbs.; $40,000 in 2012 allowed, 6 Lbs. (Maiden, Claiming and Starter races not considered in estimating allowances). Preference to starters with highest career earnings in 2011-12 on the Turf. Horses may be placed on the also-eligible list. Trophy to the owner of the winner. Nominations closed Wednesday April 18, 2012 with 39 nominations. (If deemed inadvisable by management to run this race on the Turf course, it will be run on the main track at One Mile and One Sixteenth) . One Mile. (Turf) (Rail at 20 Feet)



#     Horse                        Age           Jockey                         Trainer                    M/L Odds

1.    El Commodore            5             D Centeno                   G A Griffith              10/1
3.    Concealed Identity       4             S Russell                      L S Gaudet               5/1
4 .   Hudson Steele             5             C P DeCarlo                T A Pletcher              5/2
6 .   Monument Hill             6             J Rocco, Jr.                 G Weaver                  9/2
7.    Paris Vegas                 5             A Castellano, Jr.           T H Voss                  30/1
8.    Pocket Patch               7             F Boyce                       F W Stites                 20/1
9.    Sleepless Knight          6             E Trujillo                      K J Breen                   8/1
10.  Humble and Hungry     4             H Karamanos               I Correas, IV             4/1
11.  Nicanor                       6             Luis Garcia                   Leigh Delacour           5/1
13.  Monzon                       4             H Karamanos               I Correas, IV             20/1




Here are some photos of Nicanor and Lentenor taken this past Wednesday at Fair Hill (thank you Dewey):


Nicanor




Lentenor











Godspeed Nicanor...

Friday, April 6, 2012

Nicanor Returns Today at Keeneland.

The long awaited return of Nicanor happens today on opening day at Keeneland, race #8 with post time about 4:42.  After almost eleven months since his last race, a fourth place finish in the Island Sun Stakes at Belmont Park on May 12, 2011, this will be a very tough test for six year old Nicanor (can't believe he is six years old!).  Rajiv Maragh gets the mount for the first time on Nicanor in this very talented field of nine, a $65,000 Allowance race at seven furlong's on the All-weather surface of Keeneland (the first time Nicanor has run on this surface).  TVG will be carrying the race live, and like I mentioned, post time is about 4:42.


After his last race, he was given a vacation by the Jackson's for basically a mental break, the first time Nicanor has been allowed to have such a break since he started his career back on Jan. 31st, 2009.  Yes, he did have a break for almost eleven months back in 2009-2010 after he sustained a hind injury, but this break had nothing to do with an injury, just some time to be a horse.  It was up to Nicanor if he was going to return, by his attitude and more then ten published works, he has shown that he wants to return and is ready for that return.  This will be the first race under the guidance of the Delacour's since Nicanor was transferred to their barn.  The Delacour's are known to have well conditioned horses in their barn, and have a very good record with their horses after a long break, and with first timers in their care.


What can I say about this field?  While the race is listed as a $65,000 Allowance race, it could easily be a stakes race.  After such a long break and facing a very talented and tough field, it will be asking a lot for Nicanor to hit the board, even asking more for him to pull off a victory.  Most likely, the Delacour's want to get a race under his belt before he returns to Fair Hill.  With Nicanor's style of going straight to the lead and the short distance of just seven furlong's, he could pull off the huge upset.  I will say this, this year could be the last of Nicanor's career on the track, and it really is up to him and the results he gets in the process.  As everyone here, I wish nothing but the best today and in the future for Nicanor.  To me, just getting the start today is a victory in itself.


A safe race for all today...


The race and field for today's race:


Keeneland April 6,2012
Race #8- 4:42pm
About Seven Furlongs. (All Weather Track)

Purse $65,000, Allowance Optional Claiming $100,000

PP Horse A/S Jockey Wgt Trainer

1 Nicanor (KY) 6/H R Maragh 118 L Delacour

2 Capt. Candyman Can(KY)6/G C J Lanerie 118 I R Wilkes

3 Hoofit (NZ) 5/G J R Velazquez 118 H G Motion

4 Steve's Double (MD) 8/G M Pedroza 118 G L Knight

5 Rescue Squad (KY) 6/H R Albarado 118 C R McGaughey III

6 Noble's Promise (KY) 5/H A Garcia 118 K G McPeek

7 Golden Yank (KY) 7/G S Bridgmohan 118 G A Thomas

8 A Diehl (KY) 7/G J Graham 123 G R Arnold, II

9 Successful Dan (KY) 6/G J R Leparoux 118 C Lopresti


*I wanted to mention, my computer died last night and I had to write this on my smart phone, not something I recommend and the reason it is shorter then normal, sorry!  Also, look for the Lentenor to race VERY soon, and the return of Margano within the next month!  The first time all three brothers will be on the track at the same time!


Godspeed Nicanor...












***Updated***

Here is the replay of Nicanor's return yesterday.  I am running late for my trek down to Aqueduct to witness what should be a wonderful day of racing, great card!  Wishing the best for Bourbonstreetgirl and Teeth of the Dog, hope they BOTH shock the racing world and win at huge odds!

I will say regarding Nicanor's race, it is VERY premature to say Nicanor should be retired after this race.  One needs to remember, it was his first race in almost a year, his first race on the all-weather surface, and he was facing a stakes caliber field.  While I don't think he would have won, but, I will say this until I am blue in the face, if Nicanor does not get the lead from the start, he is not the same horse.  With that said, it was great to see him, and the most important aspects of yesterday's race are, he came out of the race in good order and he got a race under his belt after the long lay-off.  Also, look for Lentenor to be entered to race VERY soon :)

Replay of Nicanor's return:


Saturday, February 25, 2012

Two Sons, Two Races...

Dynaformer, the twenty seven year old great Stallion of Three Chimneys, has two sons that have races today.  Five year old Lentenor (Dynaformer-La Ville Rouge) and fifteen year old Dyna King (Dynaformer-Rekindled) are those two sons.  Lentenor will be in a race to further his career on the track, and Dyna King  is in a race fighting for his life, as he begins a new chapter today in his continuing fight against that damn disease, laminitis. So, as we are cheering on Lentenor today while he returns to stakes company at Tampa Bay Downs, let's also think of Dyna King as he will be in Arizona getting stem cell and hoof treatments.

Dynaformer, Dyna King, and Lentenor on the track:

Dynaformer, before his victory in the Jersey Derby (Grade II) at Garden State Racetrack, back on May 30, 1988:



Dyna King, in his last race of his career at Rillito Racetrack, back on February 10, 2007:



Lentenor, after his victory at Tampa Bay Downs,back on December 23, 2011:



A look at both races...


Lentenor

Lentenor returns to the track today in race #9 at Tampa Bay Downs, post time is about 4:10 for the Grade III Tampa Bay Stakes.  This will be Lentenor's first race since his record setting performance back on December 23rd, when he set the track record on the same course and same distance, covering the 1 1/16 miles on the turf in 1:40.95.  This will be Lentenor's third race in stakes company in his lightly raced career, having finished 7th in the Grade III Kent Stakes at Delaware Park on September 25, 2010 (a race I throw out due to the fact I believe he was racing with a undetected shoulder injury), and a 4th place finish in the Grade I Florida Derby back on March 20, 2010.

Today's race will have a full field of twelve,Luis Garcia gets the return mount on the Leigh Delacour trained Lentenor, they will be breaking from the unlucky outside post (#12) in the race. 

What can I say?  This field in this race is incredibly tough to predict and to handicap, it truly is a race that five or six colts can win.  Will Lentenor overcome the outside post and return to the winner's circle?  If Luis can get Lentenor up close in a stalking position by the first turn and keep him out of traffic problems, then I believe Lentenor has what it takes to come charging down the stretch and be right there for the victory.  This race is impossible to handicap and I have given up trying.  I will just sit back while watching the race unfold, hoping it is a safe race for all, and would love to see Lentenor in the winner's circle after the race.  With that said, my top three in the race are Lentenor, Allie's Event, and Successful Mission.  Two wildcards would be the Graham Motion trained Hoofit, and the Dale Romans trained colt Guys Reward.  The class of the field is Duke of Mischief, with earning's over $1.7 million, the question will be if he can return to form on the turf, I am going to say not today, we shall see. 

In light of what Dyna King has gone through and continues to go through, today's race for Lentenor puts everything into perspective for me.  I just want a safe race for all, and of course would love to see Lentenor get his first stakes victory for Roy and Gretchen Jackson, Leigh and Arnaud Delacour, and of course, for Lentenor!  I am sure Barbaro will be looking down cheering his baby brother on!

The field for today's race:

Tampa Bay Downs, Race #9, Post Time 4:10 PM

$150,000 Tampa Bay Stakes (Grade III), One And One Sixteenth Miles (Turf), Four Year Olds And Upward.

PP       Horse                      Age/Sex                  Jockey                      Trainer                     M/L  Odds

1.  Roman Tiger                   7/Gelding               Angel Serpa                 Dennis Manning               12/1
2.  Versailles Road               6/Gelding               R.D. Allen, Jr.              Ian Wilkes                       12/1
3.  Union Bowman               5/Horse                 Oriana Rossi                 Joesph Davis                   20/1
4.  Swift Warrior                  4/Colt                    Mark Guidry                John Terranova                15/1
5.  El Commodore              5/Gelding              Daniel Coa                   Gregory Griffith              30/1
6.  Hoofit                              5/Gelding              Rosemary Homeister    Graham Motion                8/1
7.  Duke of Mischief              6/Horse                Daniel Centeno             David Fawkes                  8/1
8.  Successful Mission           6/Gelding            Jeffery Sanchez             Edward Plesa                  9/2
9.  Guys Reward                   5/Horse                Pable Morales              Dale Romans                    6/1
10. Moryba                           6/Horse                Luis Saez                      William Mott                    3/1
11. Allie's Event                     6/Gelding             Scott Spieth                   Lori Smock                     8/1
12. Lentenor                          5/Horse               Luis Garcia                    Leigh Delacour                8/1


The race will be shown live on HRTV, for those that don't have HRTV, here is a link to watch the race live (remember, post time is about 4:10 PM!):

Link :  http://www.tampabaydowns.com/tampa-bay-downs-live-video.aspx


A replay of Lentenor's record setting race back on December 23rd:




Photos of Lentenor:








****UPDATED FEBRUARY 26, 2012****

Lentenor finishes 5th, just two lengths behind the winner, longshot Roman Tiger.

A good effort by Lentenor to stay up for 5th place. The outside post really hurt him today, since I believe he used up a little too much energy to get up to third going into the first turn. A perfect ride by Luis, he stalked perfectly in third for the whole race and was in a perfect position coming into the stretch. He just didn't have that burst of speed, he did well to hold onto 5th in this very evenly matched talented field of twelve. BTW, to show you how much the outside post hurt Lentenor, he traveled 52 feet more then the winner! That right there says it all!

Bravo to Lentenor for his game effort today, with a better post postition, he would have most likely got the win or have been very close.

Just click on the link below to see a replay of Lentenor's race. After clicking on the link, click on the 25th in the calender section, then click on race #9. You can view both the regular view or head-on view. Remember, Lentenor is on the far outside.

REPLAY OF LENTENOR'S RACE





Dyna King/Gifted

I first heard of Dyna King back in December of 2010, after he had just been rescued from the Arizona desert.  He was found in horrible shape, starving, emaciated, barely able to stand, let alone walk.  He was rescued by Judy Glore, President of HEART of Tucson equine rescue.  For those not familiar with Dyna King's story, here is a story I wrote about him on Bloodhorse back in December of 2010:

"In The Spirit Of Christmas"

Link: http://familyofbarbaro.blogspot.com/2011/03/in-spirit-of-christmas.html

He has been to hell and back, with his will to survive and all the love and support by Judy, the volunteers of HEART, and everyone that has helped with donations, Dyna King wants to live, and he knows he is loved by everyone that his story/life has touched.  He has fought everyday to survive and was doing amazing for so long, but, a few months ago, that evil laminitis reared it's ugly head and Dyna King had major setbacks.  With Judy's love and commitment to Dyna King every minute of everyday, he is improving one day at a time.

I would like to print Judy's words from this week (via Facebook), on what Dyna King is facing and how wonderful so many people have been in helping with his plight.  With that said, the following is by Judy Glore, President of HEART of Tucson equine rescue:

Dyna King/Gifted...

"This Saturday is the day for Gifted.  Dr. Dryden will be here at one of our best barns in Tucson to help him with his feet. We have vets and farriers attending to see what the treatment will be for this boy. I can't believe this is coming true for Dyna King. I am so greatful to all the doctors that are helping him and most of all the flight is being donated by him on his frequent flyer miles. We could never afford this kind of treatment for him or the chance to save his life with out the help of all of you, and the vets who really care. THANK YOU EVERYONE that has had faith and stood by this boy.

Some one told me the other day that lots of great horses have been lost to this disease like Secretariat, Barbaro and many others, I said the doctors didn't know what they know now either. We don't ever give up hope we just push to save the ones we can now, and give them a good life of love, carrorts and laughter. We still have so much to learn and every horse that has died before them has taught us just one more thing that might be the key to saving many.

Night everyone, Saturday here is going to be the tell all for our beloved Dyna King. What a strong angel he is.  A big thank you goes to Jen at Three Chimneys. She was able to make the call to Rood and Riddle that got them on board for Dyna King. This guy truly has some amazing angels around him. Four more days to go.  Thank you everyone for hanging in with us here. We have been working so hard for this boy and your prayers and thoughts have helped us to push over that edge that we never thought would come for him. I just can't thank you all enough. I really believe that all of your thoughts and prayers have made this happen. God Bless you all and I hope and pray that all of you get the same blessings that Gifted has brought to us back to you ten fold. I know he would wish this for you as well.
We have lots of updates for you all tonight on Gifted. I am having trouble uploading the pictures and videos so our wonderful webmaster Greg Ambrose will do it for us tonight. Lol, Greg you are awesome!!!! I know everyone wants to see what our sweetheart did today and thank you for helping us to make that happen. He was the Rock Star I knew he would be. Dyna King gets to meet Dr. Dryden tomorrow morning. And we are doing stem cell, and hoof treatment for him. This guy gets to have the dream of a life time come true, and now the rest will be up to him, but with his will power I feel really good about this. Will Power, Great Doctors, and more love and faith from America he has got one hell of a chance here to have a good life again.


I cried tonight when I had to leave him there and he whinnied at me and tried to call me back. This is like leaving your kid at the hospital and telling them you will be back first thing in the morning. All too familar for me.
He came off the trailer like we were going to the gates. He was so proud and walked out so well. He followed me like a puppy and loved meeting Mrs. Rogers the barn owner and his staff.  Unreal is all I can say. He is in a stall with mattress floor. The place is a dream for horses.
Dyna King trusts us and knows we will only put him in a good situation. he is amazing that way especially since he came out of such horrific conditions. Horses are the most forgiving animal here on earth. We can never validate that trust with them. My spelling is horrible I need to go to bed, lol. Love you all and thank you for the prayers for Dyna King/Gifted.
We are getting closer to the day for Gifted.  Here is the link to where he will be spending the night and waiting for Dr. Dryden to come work with us and the staff at Bandaleros for his treatment. We will have our local vets there that want to attend and farriers that will learn what they can from this amazing vet. We will try to film as much as we can for this day to share with you all. wish our boy good luck, and dreams do come true if you pray hard enough, and work to make it happen. Gods Speed Gifted, you get the chance boy now lets make it happen !!!!!"


Photos of Dyna King and Judy  taken yesterday:





 

A complete slideshow of photos taken yesterday of Dyna King/Gifted:





 
Judy, you are a true saint, and the love and hard work you dedicate everyday to Dyna King and all the others at your rescue are truly blessed to have you in their lives, thank you!
So, as we watch Lentenor's race today, I am asking everyone to also think of Dyna King, who at the same time, will be starting a race for his life.  These two sons of Dynaformer mean the world to me, and I just pray they both win their respective races today, and everyday that follows in the future.
The ongoing care for Dyna King is expensive, and any donation you can make would help greatly!  I thank you from the bottom of my heart for any donation you can make, every dollar helps, thank you!
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Links:
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To donate:  http://heartoftucson.com/help.cfm
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HEART of Tucson's website:  http://www.heartoftucson.org/
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HEART of Tucson's blog:  http://www.heartoftucson.org/blog/
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HEART'S Facebook page:  http://www.facebook.com/groups/94549935886/
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****UPDATED FEBRUARY 26, 2012****

Dr. Dryden's interview after treating Dyna King/Gifted with stem cells and new shoes. A huge thank you to Dr. Dryden, Rood & Riddle, Three Chimney's, and everyone that helped with donations to make yesterday possible. Dyna King has such a long road ahead of him to fight this evil laminitis, but, if ever a horse could do it, Dyna King is that horse! A huge thank you to Judy, she is truly Dyna King's guardian angel. Continued prayers for Dyna King...




Video of Dyna King/Gifted walking to his stall after receiving his treatment.




Here are photos taken on February 25, 2012 of Dyna King/Gifted getting treated by Dr. Dryden:
(All photos courtesy of Kim Reis, Heart of Tucson, thank you!)





Godspeed Dynaformer, Lentenor, and Dyna King...

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Margano and Edgar Racing Today at Gulfstream Park, Post Time 3:49

***UPDATE***

Margano finished in 7th place today today.  Just not his day and he will be back.  To finish 7th and only be behind the winner by just three and a half lengths just shows how evenly matched this talented field was.  Congrats to Star Channel and Javier Castellano for the win, very impressive. 

Chart:

http://www.equibase.com/static/chart/pdf/GP010812USA8.pdf


Here is the replay:









What a pleasant surprise we all received when the entries came out for today's races at Gulfstream Park, Margano with Edgar Prado on board!  Coming off his very impressive maiden breaking victory back on December 10th, Margano will try to repeat that effort on the same turf course today in race #8, post time is about 3:49 eastern time.  Edgar Prado will have the mount on Margano, the first time Edgar has been on a brother of Barbaro since Nicanor's racing debut back on January 31, 2009.  A race that saw Nicanor grab a quarter and finish tenth in the field of twelve.  While I am not one to speculate why it has been almost three years since Edgar has been on board a brother of Barbaro, I am just glad that Margano will have the guidance of a Hall of Fame rider, and hope it is the beginning of a wonderful partnership between the two!

Margano enters this race as a three year old, as all racing Thoroughbred's turn a year older the first of January, even though his "real" birthday is March 10th.  He will be facing a field of eight other rivals, with Edgar and Margano breaking from gate #3.  Margano will be carrying the most weight of the field at 122 pounds and has been named as the morning line favorite at odds of 3-1.  The high weight is dictated by the conditions of the race, "Weight, 122 Lbs. Non-winners of a race at a mile or over since December 8, 2011 Allowed 2 Lbs. Such a race since November 8, 2011 Allowed 4 Lbs.", Margano is the only one in the field that has had a victory at a mile or over since December 8th, hence the weight of 122 pounds (which I don't think will be a factor at all).  I will add that I think this is a very wise move by Mr. Tagg and the Jackson's to continue Margano's progression on the turf, a surface he seems very comfortable racing on.  With that said, I fully expect to see Margano give dirt a shot after today's race, but, let's talk about that after today's start.

Since his maiden victory, Margano has had three impressive works at Gulfstream Park, all on the dirt with the latest coming this past Wednesday, where Margano went five furlongs "handily" in a time of 1:00.65, ranking second of five working that distance.


Rather then break the field down as usual, I am just going to sit back and enjoy today's race.  Of course I believe this will be Margano's second victory of his young career.  With that said, I will say the top three will be Margano and Edgar, Star Channel, and Africanist to finish out the top three in this very evenly matched field of young three year olds.  Also, watch out for Argentine Tango to come flying down the stretch, he is the one I am scared of the most, even though I left him out of my top three due to him just racing two weeks ago and I expect he might be a little tired, I hope.


You can watch Margano's race LIVE on the following link, remember, post time is about 3:49!

Link:  http://www.gulfstreampark.com/portal/gulfstream-video-and-xpressbet-racechat



Race 8, Post Time 3:49, Allowance Optional Claiming ($75,000), Purse $53,500, 1 1/16 Miles-Turf


P.P       Horse                         Jockey                         Trainer                               Odds


1.  Mucho Mas Macho           L. Jurado                       H. Collazo                              12-1

2.  Jackwagon                      D. Centeno                      B. Croft                                  20-1

3.  MARGANO               Edgar Prado                 Barclay Tagg                       3-1

4.  All for the Trip                   J. Bravo                          K. Dickey                                6-1

5.  Heiko                               J. Velazquez                     D. Miller                                  6-1

6.  Argentine Tango               R. Maragh                        S. Gold                                    4-1

7.  Star Channel                    J. Castellano                     T. Pletcher                                8-1

8.  Patrioticandproud            L. Contreras                      T. Pletcher                                6-1

9.  Africanist                         J. Leparoux                       E. Kenneally                             5-1




Godspeed Margano...




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Also, PLEASE take a moment to look at the following, a HUGE thank you to Bea Gobee, Susan Rollison, Mercy Turano, Geralyn Hoffman, and other FOB's that made the shirts and brunch possible! 

ALL donations for the shirts and brunch benefits the Barbaro Laminitis Fund, THANK YOU in advance!!!!





Pictured above are the tee shirts for our Remembering Barbaro 2012 Event, April 2012 in Louisville, Kentucky.  It is a black tee shirt with our logo with the silhouette of Barbaro.  We were not able to use the actual photo of Barbaro due to copyright issues and cost of the ink to print his photo. The price of the shirt would increase.

Prices are as follows for sizes listed below. Larger sizes have additional cost and additional shipping.
$16.00 per shirt includes the shirt, shipping and a donation to the laminitis fund.

The shirt is a unicycle shirt, not a men’s nor a lady’s, it is a standard tee, 100% cotton.  It’s the same shirt as the blue Barbaro shirt that was for sale in 2009 at the statue unveiling.  Sizes are as follows:

Small  (S)     Medium  (M)     Large  (L)     Extra Large (XL)
Anyone wanting a Large Youth, the manufacturer suggests the Adult Small listed above.
Larger sizes are as follows along with the additional cost per shirt:

XXL - $2.00     XXXL - $4.00     XXXXL - $6.00     XXXXXL - $8.00

Shipping costs on the larger shirts are an additional $1.50 for XXL and XXXL, $2.00 additional for XXXXL and XXXXXL. Examples of total prices below include additional charge for larger shirts and shipping:

one XXL shirt would cost total: $19.50,
one XXXL - $21.50,
one XXXXL - $24.00,
one XXXXXL - $26.00.

Anyone interested in ordering a shirt can do so by sending me your name, address, phone number, email address, abr name,  amount of shirts ordering, sizes of shirts ordering along with a check for the full amount of the order made payable to me: Bea Gobee to my home address:

Bea Gobee
373 Saw Creek Estates
Bushkill, PA 18324
If anyone has any questions they would like to ask me, I can be contacted at my home phone number: 570-588-0880.

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Happy New Year! Come join us for Brunch at Wagner’s Pharmacy and Restaurant.


Remembering Barbaro 2012


There will be no racing at Churchill Downs that day, and Wagner’s would have been closed.  They are thrilled to honor Barbaro on his birthday and have agreed to open for us ONLY and host our private party.

Time: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM       Date: Sunday, April 29, 2012
Location: Wagner’s Pharmacy & Restaurant
3113 South 4th Street
Louisville, KY 40214-1710

Price Per Person Paid In Advance:  $22.50

Menu:
Scrambled Eggs
Bacon, sausage
Biscuits
Side gravy
FEATURING:  PAM'S famous grilled potatoes
Coffee / tea
Juice
Milk
Price also includes:
Cake - Wagners will be ordering the cake for us (Remembering Barbaro 2012 – hopefully with a photo of Barbaro on the cake)

Maintenance fee to the person doing the cleaning after we leave

Gratuity
Donation to New Bolton Center Laminitis Fund

For reservations: Email Geralyn Hoffman at: Geralynhoffman@yahoo.com with “Wagner’s Brunch” as the subject line, (no phone calls please). Then you will need to send a check payable to me: Bea Gobee (no paypal) at my home address.  Once your check is received, you have a guaranteed reservation and will receive an e mail confirmation so please provide Geralyn with your e mail address.

Wagner’s Restaurant is limited to 120 people max.  Paid reservations are on a first come first serve basis.

The deadline for paid reservations is Monday, April 2, 2012


THANK YOU !!!!!!!