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: