HRN: 2014 Kentucky Oaks Contender: Onlyforyou

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

2014 Kentucky Oaks Contender: Onlyforyou

For the first time, my Derby Hopefuls will be reaching the pages of Horse Racing Nation rather than the original Past the Grandstand. Oaks Contenders feature the fillies I view as the best contenders leading up to the Kentucky Oaks. Each horse spotlighted in an Oaks Contender will join the 2014 PTG Oaks Contender roster, found on the right side of the blog. Horses will be listed in an order that corresponds to how highly I think of them, with the horse I think most highly of ranking at the top. A horse featured in an Oaks Contender may be taken off the roster if its performances after its article are published are not up to par or if that horse is taken off the Oaks trail, though those articles will remain on my blog.


"When I was fourteen, I discovered a love for Thoroughbred sales. The thrill of choosing a horse from a sale and later watching as it finds success is extraordinary, leaving me to become enthralled with the art of “discovering” a talented horse before its career begins. This led me to make selections from various sales and follow those picks as they blossomed into racehorses, whether they were withdrawn from their respective auctions or not.

Putting pedigree and conformation, as well as movement and potential displayed in breeze shows for juvenile sales, into consideration, I have assembled an army of promising young horses. Among those horses is Onlyforyou, who caught my attention with her athleticism while breezing prior to the 2013 Keeneland April Two-Year-Olds In Training Sale. Since then, Onlyforyou has transformed into a talented racehorse who has made a mark on the Kentucky Oaks trail. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: 2014 Kentucky Derby Hopeful: Commissioner

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Derby Hopeful: Commissioner

For the first time, my Derby Hopefuls will be reaching the pages of Horse Racing Nation rather than the original Past the Grandstand. Derby Hopefuls feature the horses I view as the best contenders leading up to the Kentucky Derby. Each horse spotlighted in a Derby Hopeful will join the 2014 PTG Derby Hopeful roster, found on the right side of this blog (the original Past the Grandstand). Horses will be listed in an order that corresponds to how highly I think of them, with the horse I think most highly of ranking at the top. A horse featured in a Derby Hopeful may be taken off the roster if its performances after its article are published are not up to par or if that horse is taken off the Triple Crown trail, though those articles will remain on my blog.

"Four years ago, the white and green silks of WinStar Farm – stained by mud – were carried to Kentucky Derby (gr. I) glory by Super Saver and Calvin Borel. One of the most renowned farms in the horse racing industry, WinStar Farm has experienced much success in some of the most important races in the world, including not only the Derby, but also the Dubai World Cup (UAE-I), Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I), and Belmont Stakes (gr. I). But surely few victories would taste sweeter than an additional win in the Run for the Roses.

In WinStar’s possession is a talented colt that could grant them that triumph: Commissioner. In just three starts, none of which were at the stakes level, Commissioner has left his mark on the Derby trail. While the well-bred colt still has much left to prove, he is certainly on the right track to Louisville. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: Revolutionary is a big threat in the Donn

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Revolutionary is a big threat in the Donn

"Perhaps the most magical racetrack in North America, Saratoga is a portal to the past and a gateway to the future. Resting on the edge of Saratoga Springs, New York, Saratoga is not only a staple for the town; it is a staple for the sport of horse racing. The ghosts of racing greats – the likes of Kelso, Man O’ War, Native Dancer, Ruffian, and Secretariat – linger at the Graveyard of Champions, adding to the rich history of the iconic racetrack. In addition, “The Spa” has served as the launching pad for a multitude of champions, which attracts much attention the track’s numerous maiden races for two-year-olds each summer.

Any impressive performance from a talented two-year-old at Saratoga often lands a horse on watch lists, with hopes focused upon the Kentucky Derby (gr. I), several months and more than 800 miles away. But usually, only the outstanding maiden winners – such as those that draw away to win by a wide margin – land themselves a position on watch lists, leaving the horses that ran well but did not find the winner’s circle to frequently be abandoned.

Such is not the case for WinStar Farm’s Revolutionary. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: Derby Hopeful: Top Billing

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Derby Hopeful: Top Billing

For the first time, my Derby Hopefuls will be reaching the pages of Horse Racing Nation rather than the original Past the Grandstand. Derby Hopefuls feature the horses I view as the best contenders leading up to the Kentucky Derby. Each horse spotlighted in a Derby Hopeful will join the 2014 PTG Derby Hopeful roster, found on the right side of this blog (the original Past the Grandstand). Horses will be listed in an order that corresponds to how highly I think of them, with the horse I think most highly of ranking at the top. A horse featured in a Derby Hopeful may be taken off the roster if its performances after its article are published are not up to par or if that horse is taken off the Triple Crown trail, though those articles will remain on my blog.

"The result of the 2013 Kentucky Derby (gr. I) was a heartwarming one. When Orb splashed through the mud to attain Derby glory, he granted Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey his first win in America’s most famous race. A Kentucky native, McGaughey has for decades been a household name, conditioning the likes of the champions Easy Goer, Lure, and Personal Ensign. But the garland of red roses had been incredibly elusive for McGaughey. One of the most respected horsemen in the history of Thoroughbred racing, McGaughey had six previous Derby starters, including Easy Goer – who finished second behind Sunday Silence, a horse he would later defeat in the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) – before he ever reached the Derby winner’s circle with Orb.

Could a sequel to this fairytale play out this year on the first Saturday in May? McGaughey has two top Derby contenders in Honor Code and Top Billing, the latter of which has drawn attention without even having competed in stakes company yet. Although back-to-back Derby wins is a rare feat, McGaughey is more than deserving of this accomplishment. Could Top Billing allow him to fulfill that hope? . . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: Farewell, General Challenge

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Farewell, General Challenge

"On the afternoon of the final day of October 2012, the excitement was nearly tangible as dozens of the world’s best racehorses prepared for that weekend’s Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Santa Anita Park. Fans and media flocked to see top contenders schooling in the paddock beneath the California sun, Breeders’ Cup decorations abundant at the Great Race Place.

Meanwhile, a large chestnut gelding stood within a small paddock, staring off into the distance of the foothills of the Laguna Mountains less than 150 miles to the southeast. On the nameplate of his halter read the name General Challenge. Thirteen years earlier, he had competed in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) at Gulfstream Park. While he did not find success that day, General Challenge had certainly had a racing career to remember. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: Ponies of the Track - Rocket: Not Your Ordinary Pony

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Ponies of the Track - Rocket: Not Your Ordinary Pony

"There are many forgotten heroes at the racetrack of the human variety: grooms, hotwalkers, EMTs, veterinarians, and jockey valets among them. But there are also equine heroes outside of the obvious racehorses: the outrider horses and lead ponies. They are kicked, they are bit, they are slammed into, and they are pushed around. They tolerate the immature two-year-old, the testy mare, and the lazy gelding. Their riders often endure the same difficulties. But these horses also provide guidance and comfort for many racehorses, as well as a best friend for many young children and loyal racetrackers that visit the track.

For racing enthusiasts that frequently watch racing on television or visit the track regularly, a pony horse may become familiar in appearance, but it is rather unusual for a pony horse’s name to be known. The name of the racehorse alongside the pony is in the program, on the television monitor, and in pedigree databases, but the pony is largely anonymous. But for hours upon hours – whether it be in the morning or afternoon – the pony works tirelessly, often encountering unruly racehorses and unpredictable weather. It is time to shine a light upon these hard workers.

Please enjoy the newest installment of a my series featuring these horses, called “Ponies of the Track.”

Rocket: Not Your Ordinary Pony

Among the regal Thoroughbreds whose gleaming coats and defined muscles attract the eyes of fans and bettors, pony horses stand out as is. Oftentimes, their coats are colored or patterned far different from the racehorses they escort to the starting gate. More often than not, they are ridden in Western tack with a rider aboard whose attire differs greatly from that of the jockeys aboard the Thoroughbreds. But at Turfway Park, racing fans are often surprised to see a pony horse that is not even a horse. He’s a mule, named Rocket. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.