Derby Top Ten #7

We are less than sixty days out from the most anticipated race of the year, the Kentucky Derby (GI). The prep races have been heating up, becoming crucial for Derby contenders. This crop of three-year-olds looks to have plenty of depth to it and there already seem to be plenty of human interest stories involved. The Kentucky Derby is, like usual, shaping up to be a tremendous race.

This is the list of my top ten 2012 Kentucky Derby contenders as of March 12. This one required some very tough decisions and I feel as if the last three could be in any order or replaced by a number of the honorable mentions. The top horse has not changed since the first top ten list, however.

1. Union Rags: Though his pedigree is not glowing with stamina, it does give hints that he will be able to get the Derby distance. In addition, the way this colt runs hints that he wants more ground. He has an extremely powerful, keen way of going. His race in the Fountain of Youth Stakes (GII) was very professional and he seems to have matured. He is being pointed toward the Florida Derby (GI) at Gulfstream Park on March 31. For more on why he is a top Kentucky Derby contender, please click here.

2. Creative Cause: Though he did not run very straight in the stretch of the San Felipe Stakes (GII) on March 10, the way he accelerated was breathtaking. He faced a tough horse in Bodemeister, but once their noses became even, the son of Giant’s Causeway effortlessly dug in to draw away to a three-quarters of a length victory before galloping out very impressively. In fact, it seemed as if he was just getting started when he crossed the finish line. The final time for a mile and one-sixteenth was an impressive 1:41.84. Not only did his performance in the San Felipe show that he wants to run all day, but so does his pedigree. A successful router himself, Giant’s Causeway has sired many prosperous distance horses, such as Giant Oak, Heatseeker, and Swift Temper. For more on why he is a top Kentucky Derby contender, please click here.

3. El Padrino: He has a great pedigree for the Derby, as well as an advantageous off-the-pace running style. He clearly has plenty of heart and determination, as he displayed in winning the Risen Star Stakes (GII). He could run next in either the Florida Derby (GI) on March 31 or the Louisiana Derby (GII) on April 1. For more on why he is a top Kentucky Derby contender, please click here.

4. I’ll Have Another: His Robert B. Lewis (GII) win was very impressive, as was the work he had between races on March 3. His pedigree suggests that he should appreciate longer distances, as he is by the Travers Stakes (GI)-winning Flower Alley and out of an Arch mare. He is expected to run next in the Santa Anita Derby (GI) on April 7.

5. Bodemeister: He ran an extremely game second to Creative Cause in the San Felipe, giving the gray colt all he had in the stretch before finishing behind him by three-quarters of a length. He showed in that race that he does not need the lead and though he was a bit rank the first quarter of a mile, he eventually seemed to relax. He drifted out in late stretch, which may hint that he was getting tired, but it was only his third start and the toughest of his career at that. His pedigree is full of stamina and he is learning more with every start. I have been very high on him since his maiden win and am not at all surprised with how well he ran on Saturday.

6. Mark Valeski: In his runner-up finish behind El Padrino in the Risen Star Stakes (GII), Mark Valeski proved that he has grit. In addition, his pedigree is full of stamina, as he is by the runner-up in the 2002 Kentucky Derby, Proud Citizen, and out of a Fortunate Prospect mare. As mentioned in the previous Derby Top Ten, Fortunate Prospect is also the grandsire of this year’s Santa Anita Handicap (GI) winner, Ron the Greek. He may be seen next in the Louisiana Derby (GII) on April 1.

7. Dullahan: He’s already proven that he can compete against the best, as he won the Dixiana Breeders’ Futurity (GI) last October before finishing fourth behind Hansen, Union Rags, and Creative Cause in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (GI). After a slight illness early in 2012, he kicked off his sophomore campaign with a good debut in the Palm Beach Stakes (GIII) on the turf, closing well to finish second behind Howe Great by a length. The winner was sharper than Dullahan, having already started this year, while Dullahan needed to get a race in. It is obvious that he is bred for the Derby, as he is out of Mining My Own, the dam of the 2009 Kentucky Derby (GI) winner, Mine That Bird. Trainer Dale Romans – who finished fourth in the Derby last year with Shackleford and third in 2010 with Paddy O’Prado – is pointing him toward the Blue Grass Stakes (GI) at Keeneland Racecourse on April 14.

8. Heavy Breathing: He is making his first appearance on this list, simply because I just discovered him. His pedigree is one of the most remarkable I've ever seen and the digger I deep while studying his bloodlines, the more impressed I am. His last two starts have come at Gulfstream Park - one in a seven and one-half furlong maiden special weight and one in nine-furlong allowance - and have been extremely impressive. His win in the mile and one-eighth allowance showed that he is ready for more ground and his pedigree hints that more distance will not be a problem. He will likely start next in the Spiral Stakes (GIII) on March 24 at Turfway Park, the same race that produced last year's Derby winner. Expect him to be spotlighted soon.

9. Paynter: He’s very highly ranked for a horse who has only raced once and has no graded stakes earnings, but I feel as if he is a future star. The way he won his debut was tremendously impressive and despite his forelock blowing into his ear and causing him to shake his head, he was very professional. By the Breeders’ Cup Classic (GI)-winning Awesome Again – who has produced several ten-furlong winners, including Awesome Gem, Game on Dude, Ghostzapper, and Ginger Punch – and out of a full-sister to the two-time Breeders’ Cup Classic (GI)-winning Tiznow, Paytner is by all means bred for distance and top-class races. He will need some thorough training to get him ready for longer distances and a race in which he can garner plentiful graded stakes earnings. I would love to see him make the Kentucky Derby, so hopefully he will make his graded stakes debut soon.

10. Hansen: He is clearly talented and has heart, but his ability to get ten furlongs is hazy. His sire, Tapit, has only sired one ten-furlong winner and his dam, Stormy Sunday, was never victorious at a distance longer than six furlongs. In fact, Hansen’s second dam never produced a foal that won farther than one mile. He’s an impressive horse and has matured, but there’s more to a racehorse than its flashiness. He is likely to make his final prep in the Wood Memorial Stakes (GI) on April 7.

Honorable Mentions:

Alpha: Rather than staying in New York, Alpha is headed for the Florida Derby (GI) for his final Derby prep race. This is likely a good move and not just because many view the Wood Memorial as a cursed race, but because he will face stiffer competition for his last start before the toughest race of his career. He has not been beating much in New York, but if he performs well against the tough horses lined up for the Florida Derby, he will solidify himself as a top Derby contender. Nonetheless, I am doubtful of how he will contend against the likes of Union Rags and others.

Castaway: The way he runs and his pedigree hint that he will enjoy longer distances. He was slower than Secret Circle in the Southwest Stakes (GIII) and when they worked together on Saturday, Secret Circle easily outworked him and galloped out far ahead of him. He will likely be seen next in the Sunland Derby (GIII) on March 25.

Gemologist: Rather than making his first three-year-old start in the Rebel, Gemologist will race for the first time in 2012 on March 16 in a one-mile allowance at Gulfstream. This decision was made due to problems with travel plans, but it is discouraging that Gemologist will only get an eight-furlong race into him rather than the extra sixteenth of a mile he would race over in the Rebel. He will need to run a spectacular race in Friday’s allowance.

Howe Great: He is considered by many to solely be a turf horse, but so was Animal Kingdom before he won the Kentucky Derby last year. Another similarity between the two is that they have the same connections: Team Valor International, Graham Motion, and John Velazquez. However, unlike Animal Kingdom, Howe Great has already started over the dirt. In fact, the first two races of his career came over conventional dirt: a second-place finish in a seven-furlong maiden special weight at Parx Racing and a victory in a six and one-half furlong maiden special weight over the same track. He shipped to Gulfstream Park for the winter, reeling off victories in a mile and one-sixteenth turf allowance, the Kitten’s Joy Stakes, and the Palm Beach Stakes (GIII). In the latter race, he proved that he could rate rather than set the pace like he had in his past two starts. By the group one-winning son of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes-winning Sunday Silence in Hat Trick – who was a champion miler in Japan – and out of a Western Winter – who never won beyond seven furlongs – mare, there does not seem to be much stamina in his pedigree. He has been successful at a mile and one-sixteenth and will add another sixteenth in the Blue Grass Stakes (GI). However, the Blue Grass is a full furlong shorter than the Kentucky Derby. Howe Great is talented, but I am not overly confident in his ability to go much longer.

Prospective: After winning the Grey Stakes (GIII) at Woodbine at two, he faced top two-year-olds – many of which are now on this list – in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (GI). He was never a threat in the prestigious race and finished last. He has great form at Tampa Bay Downs, with a win in the Pasco Stakes, a runner-up finish in the Sam F. Davis Stakes (GIII), and a win in the Tampa Bay Derby (GII), but I am unsure of how he will fare against the top horses of the same age at Churchill Downs. Last time he faced them, it did not turn out well.

Secret Circle: He’s talented and fast, but, even though his pedigree is full of stamina, he doesn’t seem to want much more ground. On Saturday, he had a beautiful six-furlong work in company with Castaway, easily drawing away from the other colt and galloping out far ahead of him. This is very encouraging, as it could hint that he is growing more accustomed to longer distances. He could be seen next in the Rebel Stakes (GII) on March 17.

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Zenyatta Delivers a Colt

A new life has been brought into world, and that is the life of the first foal of the great mare Zenyatta. In the hearts of racing and Zenyatta fans, such as me, the hope that the foal will be at least somewhat similar to Zenyatta soars feverishly. During her racing career, we watched Zenyatta fly past horses in late stretch twenty times, our eyes glued to her large, dark frame. The closer she grew to the wire, the louder we cheered and the faster our hearts beat. Now her life as a broodmare has brought us a different form of excitement: an eagerness for the dynasty of Zenyatta to begin.

At approximately 10:00 Eastern Time on March 8, 2012, Zenyatta gave birth to a dark bay colt weighing 130 pounds at Lane’s End Farm in Versailles, Kentucky. Not long after the great mare had foaled, official word, a photo, and a video were posted on the Zenyatta website, which can be reached here. 

Zenyatta's owners, Jerry and Ann Moss, were on site for the birth of the foal, having arrived at the farm days before the colt was born. It is expected that John and Dottie Shirreffs will arrive soon, as will Mike Smith, the jockey who rode the great mare in seventeen of her twenty starts.

As soon as word was released, racing fans were raving about Zenyatta and her new colt. This was not unlike any other time that exciting Zenyatta news was disclosed. Even in retirement, the 2010 Horse of the Year holds the key to the hearts of many racing fans. It is obvious that Zenyatta is one of the most popular horses of all-time and that she will continue to be.

Clearly, Zenyatta is one of the greatest racehorses ever to set foot on a racetrack. Her colt's sire, Bernardini, was one of the best sophomore runners of the past decade, being voted 2006 Champion Three-Year-Old Male after dominantly winning five graded stakes races – including the Preakness Stakes (GI), the Travers Stakes (GI), and the Jockey Club Gold Cup (GI) – by a combined 40 lengths. Furthermore, Bernardini has become one of the top sires in America. In fact, he is currently the third-leading North American sire by earnings.

Perhaps Zenyatta’s first foal will not live up to expectations, but like Rachel Alexandra’s colt born in January, he will be one of the most-loved horses of all-time. After all, he is the son of one of the most celebrated horses to ever look through a bridle. No matter what he achieves, there’s one thing no one can ever take away from him: he is the first offspring of the great Zenyatta. The colt, whether he ever wears a garland of flowers or not, is already a prince.

Zenyatta
Photo: Terri Cage

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Orfevre: A Horse of Hope

In a year that Japan faced extreme tragedy in the wake of natural disasters, horse racing brought great relief and hope. Fifteen days after the March 11 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, three horses brought optimism to Japan due to the results of two races. Two horses brought immediate positivity while the other horse was just beginning his road to building hope in Japan.

The two horses that caused immediate celebration were none other than Victoire Pisa and Transcend, who finished first and second respectively in the $10 million Dubai World Cup (GI). The horse that was on his way to increasing Japan’s optimism didn’t run in the richest horse race in the world that day. Rather, he raced in his home country in the Fuji TV Sho Spring Stakes (GII), finding the winner’s circle for the first time since his debut.

The horse was a three-year-old chestnut colt by the name of Orfevre, which means goldsmith in French. The Spring Stakes set him up for the first leg of the Japanese Triple Crown, the Satsuki Sho (Japanese Two Thousand Guineas) (GI), a month later. Finding his way through traffic, Orfevre struck to the lead in late stretch to capture the 2000-meter race by about three lengths.

Similar to when a horse wins the Kentucky Derby, hopes that Orfevre would capture the Triple Crown soared in Japan. Unlike the American Triple Crown, however, it had been only six years since a horse had won all three legs. Orfevre continued on to the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) (GI) a month later with the goal of winning the second jewel of the Triple Crown. In deep stretch, Orfevre showed a breathtaking kick to take the near-twelve-furlong race by two lengths.

Also unlike the American Triple Crown, the dates of the Japanese Triple Crown are much more spread out. The first leg – the Satsuki Sho – is run in April, the second leg – the Tokyo Yushun – is run towards the end of May or early in June, and the final leg - the Kikuka Sho -is run in October. Orfevre took four months off after winning the Tokyo Yushun before winning the Kobe Shimbun Hai as his prep race for the Kikuka Sho.

On October 23, 2011, nearly 70,000 people flocked to Kyoto Racecourse with expectations of witnessing history. Their cheers and applause sounded through the air as the horses loaded into the gate for the start of the race, their eyes riveted by Orfevre. It had been seven months since tragedy had struck Japan; now was their chance to rejoice in the glory of a horse with rare brilliance.

The roar from the crowd gathered at Kyoto was deafening as eighteen three-year-olds leapt from the starting gate. Orfevre found his position in mid-pack, being restrained by Kenichi Ikezoe as the horses began their journey of 3000 meters (about 15 furlongs). The cheers from the crowd never let up. In fact, they only grew louder. The sound of the racing fans was thunderous as the horses swung around the final turn, as Orfevre loomed large on the outside.

As the dazzling chestnut colt flew down the homestretch, the Japanese celebrated loudly as the horse made their dreams reality. Thought it was a year that will always be remembered in Japan due to a great tragedy, it was also a year that will be hailed as one of the greatest in Japanese horse racing history. This was all because Orfevre dominantly galloped down the homestretch before a rejoicing crowd to capture the coveted title of Triple Crown winner.

After capping off 2011 with a victory in the Arima Kinen Grand Prix (GI), Orfevre was voted Japan’s Horse of the Year. Orfevre did not just accomplish more than any other Japanese racehorse in 2011, but he captured the hearts and imagination of racing fans and gave them more hope than any other horse. He was more than deserving of the prestigious title.

Not only did Orfevre give Japan great hope, but he also provides optimism for American racing. Horses that race in Japan are prohibited from racing on medication, unlike horses that compete in the United States. Orfevre achieved his stunning accomplishments without the assistance of any medication.

Nearly every racehorse in America runs on medication, though many feel as if we should halt that method. Orfevre was able to put together a Horse of the Year and Triple Crown-winning campaign without drugs. If horses in other nations can do this, so can horses in the United States. We need to rule out medication.

You have to go back to 1978 to find the most recent American Triple Crown winner. The pedigrees of the most current Triple Crown victors are outdated, as the three most recent champions were born in the 1970s and have since passed away. Perhaps we should look to the pedigrees of horses like Orfevre to discover one of the keys to producing a Triple Crown champion.

Though Orfevre was bred in Japan, he is a grandson of a near-American Triple Crown winner in Sunday Silence, who won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes before falling short to his rival, Easy Goer, in the Belmont Stakes. The last horse that won the Japanese Triple Crown before Orfevre, Deep Impact, was a son of Sunday Silence. Both Orfevre and Deep Impact trace back to Northern Dancer. There is not much of an American flair to either horses’ pedigree, especially considering Sunday Silence stood most of his stud career in Japan. However, Hat Trick and Silent Name – two talented studs of Sunday Silence – are standing in the United States. Yet these two are most well-known as milers.

Orfevre descends from female family number eight, the same family that has produced many distance runners: the winner of the Oaks Stakes (GI, 12F) and the Swettenham Stud Fillies’ Trial Stakes (GI, 10F) in Eswarah, the winner of the Epsom Derby (GI, 12F) and the Dante Stakes (GII, 10F) in Motivator, the 1975 Coaching Club American Oaks (GI, 12F) winner in Ruffian, the 1970 English Triple Crown winner in Nijinsky II, and the 1941 American Triple Crown winner in Whirlaway.

We can gather much hope from Orfevre. Not only did he give Japan faith in a time when they needed it most, but Orfevre has given us the momentum to determine what we need in a durable champion with the potential to become a Triple Crown winner. We have a lot to learn from horses like Orfevre, horses who provide great hope.

As for Orfevre, he is being pointed toward this year’s prestigious Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Should Orfevre continue his winning ways, he could go down in history as one of the greatest Japanese horses to ever set foot on a racetrack. No matter what happens in Orfevre’s future, he has left a lasting impression of hope on the racing world.

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Derby Top Ten #6

It’s the race that defines horse racing, the race that fans of the sport await for months, the race that is history in the making, and the race that can evoke emotions unlike any other race. It’s the Kentucky Derby (GI).

This is the list of my top ten 2012 Kentucky Derby contenders as of March 4.

1. Union Rags: He is by all means deserving of this position. He could not have been any more impressive in the Fountain of Youth Stakes (GII) on February 26 and is absolutely classy. Though his pedigree is not radiating with stamina, Union Rags has shown that he is a sophisticated enough individual to stretch out. This colt clearly loves to run and is absolutely brilliant at doing so. He is being pointed towards the Florida Derby (GI) on March 31. For more on why he is a top Kentucky Derby contender, please click here.

2. El Padrino: I love this colt’s pedigree, which is full of stamina and class. He has been quite impressive on the track, having found the winner’s circle in three of five starts. He showed his heart and resilience in the Risen Star Stakes (GII) on February 25, prevailing by a nose. He has not been as dominant as Union Rags, but he gets the job done and has every right to be considered a top Derby horse. He could run next in the Florida Derby (GI) on March 31 or the Louisiana Derby (GII) on April 1. For more on why he is a top Kentucky Derby contender, please click here.

3. Creative Cause: He tries hard every time and has enough stamina in his pedigree to suggest that Triple Crown distances will not be a problem. He was not extremely impressive in his sophomore debut, but he clearly wanted more ground than seven furlongs. More than likely, he will get back into the swing of things before the first Saturday in May rolls around. He definitely needs to. He could be seen next in the San Felipe Stakes (GII) on March 10. For more on why he is a top Kentucky Derby contender, please click here.

4. Fed Biz: He has been extremely impressive in his last two starts and has nearly everything you could want in a Derby hopeful: talent, beautiful conformation, an advantageous stalking running style, and a pedigree full of stamina. Yet, he lacks graded stakes earnings. He will have his first chance to acquire them in the San Felipe Stakes (GII) on March 10.

5. I’ll Have Another: I am not overly fond of his connections decision to not run the colt until the Santa Anita Derby (GI) on April 7, but his work between races on the Big Cap undercard was very impressive. I find it very beneficial when a horse works between races rather than in the morning, as it gives the work a “race feel” by allowing the horse to work over a track prepared for racing while exercising in front of a crowd. This is especially advantageous for I’ll Have Another, considering the colt will not start again until April 7. He and Fed Biz switched places, due to the fact that Fed Biz galloped out more impressively than I’ll Have Another in their most recent races and that Bob Baffert’s charge is prepping more rigorously. However, they could very easily change positions yet again.

6. Out of Bounds: He needs to grow into himself and mature, but he has plenty of potential. He is absolutely royally bred, being out of a Breeders’ Cup Distaff (GI) winner and by the grade one-winning Discreet Cat. Though he has beautiful bloodlines, they do contain doubt as far as longer distances are concerned. Nonetheless, he is a talented colt. He will also likely be seen next in the San Felipe Stakes (GII) on March 10.

7. American Act: This colt has one of the best Derby pedigrees of any horse on this list and has already proven that he has a great amount of heart. He may only be the winner of one race, but he was extremely impressive in his second-place finish in the San Vicente Stakes (GII).

8. Mark Valeski: He was extremely tough in his runner-up finish behind El Padrino in the Risen Star Stakes (GII), giving the eventual winner everything he had. He also galloped out nearly evenly with the victor, proving that he had plenty left. He has beautiful breeding for the Derby, as he is by a Kentucky Derby runner-up in Proud Citizen and out of a multiple stakes-winning mare over nine furlongs. It is also favorable that his grandsire is Fortunate Prospect, who is also the grandsire of this year's Santa Anita Handicap (GI) winner, Ron the Greek.

9. Bodemeister: His pedigree is glowing with stamina and in his maiden win, he displayed his brilliance by crossing the wire 9 ¼ lengths ahead. American Act’s second-place finish in the San Vicente Stakes (GII) flattered him, making it seem as if Bodemeister will be competitive against graded stakes company. He will need to be in order for him to obtain the necessary graded stakes earnings. His work this morning with Secret Circle was extremely impressive, as he was being held in hand while Secret Circle received more asking and yet still finished ahead of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Sprint and Southwest Stakes (GIII) winner.

10. Paynter: By the Breeders’ Cup Classic (GI)-winning Awesome Again and out of a full sister to the two-time Breeders’ Cup Classic-winning Tiznow, Paynter is indoubtedly bred for ten furlongs. He is also a half-brother to the winner of the 2008 Cinema Handicap (GIII, 9F), Tiz West. Despite the fact that he is bred for stamina, he won his debut at five and one-half furlongs, proving his professionalism. He has a lot of learning to do and history is against him, but I find this colt extremely intriguing and full of potential. According to the Zayat Stables website, he is expected to make his next start in a graded stakes race.

Honorable Mentions:

Alpha: He has not been beating much in New York, though the colt who finished third to him in the Withers Stakes (GIII) – Tiger Walk – came back to finish a decent fourth in the Gotham Stakes (GIII). Like I’ll Have Another, he will need to train extremely well, as he may not race again until April 7, though he may run in the Florida Derby (GI) on March 31.

Castaway: He is a very talented colt and looked like he could keep going in his win in the first division of the Southwest Stakes (GIII). By the 2007 Kentucky Derby winner in Street Sense and out of a Storm Cat mare, Castaway is sure to handle the Derby distance.

Gemologist: As an undefeated graded stakes winner, he does not lack talent. However, his times were not spectacular and he did not begin working until February. His most recent move came on March 3, when he breezed five furlongs in 1:00.22 at Palm Meadows Training Center. It was his sharpest work yet, but he needs a good race in him soon. He is likely to run next in either the Tampa Bay Derby (GII) on March 10 or the Rebel Stakes (GII) on March 17.

Hansen: Many may feel that I have him ranked too low, but he does not seem to have much potential to get ten furlongs. Though he is a great grandson of both A.P. Indy, Unbridled, and Storm Cat, his immediate family does not give him much stamina support. His sire, Tapit, has not had much success with siring routers. In fact, he is only sired one grade one winner at ten furlongs, Careless Jewel. Hansen’s dam, Stormy Sunday, never won beyond six furlongs and her dam, Thinkin’strait, never produced a foal capable of winning a race longer than one mile. Nonetheless, Hansen’s victory in the Gotham Stakes (GIII) was nearly exactly what we needed to see from him. Without blinkers, he settled off the pace before drawing clear in the stretch to win by three lengths. He will have to use all the heart he has to continue to stretch out in distance, but he certainly has plenty of heart.

Secret Circle: Despite his pedigree, Secret Circle has not displayed much affinity for a lengthening of distance. It was a step in the right direction when he prevailed in the second division of the eight-furlong Southwest Stakes (GIII), but he drifted out yet again, which may hint that he was growing tired.

Street Life: He is very talented, but I don’t know if he will make it to the Derby, as he is entered to run in an allowance optional claiming at Aqueduct on March 7. He must perform well there and then acquire an abundant amount of graded stakes earnings in his next start in order to even be in consideration for the Kentucky Derby. If this schedule does not pan out, perhaps he could be a threat in one or two of the latter legs of the Triple Crown.

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Union Rags: Another Matz Superstar

With some paragraphs drawn from Derby Hopeful: Union Rags

The sun shone down on the crowd gathered at Churchill Downs as fans awaited the next race, the Breeders’ Cup Mile (GI). Regally Ready had just flashed across the finish line en route to the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (GII) and many people milled around the winner's circle following the race. Among those people was Michael Matz, whose brilliant juvenile colt, Union Rags, would run later that day in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (GI).

Meanwhile, I stood nearby with my family. I caught sight of Matz, who had been one of my favorite trainers since 2006, when he had trained the ill-fated Barbaro to a brilliant Kentucky Derby (GI) victory. Not only do I respect him for his brilliance at training, but I admire him for the talent he displayed in his Hall of Fame equestrian career and the courage and compassion he showed in saving the lives of four children after a plane crash in 1989.

Photo by Mary Cage

I clutched my program and a Sharpie and walked toward Michael Matz, asking him for his autograph. Very graciously, he smiled and signed beside Union Rags’ name in my program. Before parting ways, I wished him luck.

Of course, Union Rags fell just a head short to Hansen later that day in the Juvenile, drifting out in the stretch while closing. Though Hansen was presented the Eclipse Award for Champion Two-Year-Old Male, many – including me – felt that Union Rags was the most talented juvenile of 2011.

The colt debuted at Delaware Park last July as one of seven first-time starters in the nine-horse field. Sent off at nearly 8-1, Phyllis Wyeth’s colt settled in seventh as the horses began their run down the backstretch in the five-furlong maiden special weight. Jockey Julian Pimentel asked the two-year-old to make his run around the far turn and Union Rags responded eagerly, making an impressive move as the juveniles grew closer to the homestretch. His powerful stride ate up ground as Pimentel urged the colt forward and with an imposing turn of foot, Union Rags swept past Jake N Elwood near the furlong pole to win by 1 ¾ lengths in a final time of 58.25. The final eighth of a mile was run in 12.14 seconds.

After his excellent debut, his connections pointed Union Rags to the Three Chimneys Saratoga Special Stakes (GII) at the renowned Saratoga Race Course. Over a very sloppy track, Union Rags broke from the rail and raced alongside three other horses as the juveniles galloped along the backstretch. Ridden by Javier Castellano for the first time, the bay colt edged away with the favorite, Stat, as the two-year-olds entered the turn. The two ran neck and neck until the field reached the top of the stretch. Then Union Rags accelerated over the sealed track and drew away under Castellano despite drifting out badly in deep stretch. He crossed the wire 7 ¼ lengths ahead of the rest of the field, immediately appearing on plenty of watch lists, including mine.

To solidify his position as the leading two-year-old colt in the nation, Union Rags made his final start before the Breeders’ Cup in the esteemed Champagne Stakes (GI) at Belmont Park. As the juvenile colts galloped down the backstretch in the one-turn mile, Union Rags settled in mid-pack and was forced to take up slightly when he came in contact with Takes the Gold. He recovered quickly, quickening as the horses entered the final half-mile. Castellano guided the talented colt through traffic on the far turn, nearly taking the path along the rail until an opening appeared and the pair aimed for the lead on the outside. With his beautiful stride carrying him over fast track, Union Rags effortlessly opened up on the field and swept across the finish line with 5 ¼ lengths separating him and the others.

Photo by Mary Cage

The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile seemed like his for the taking, but Hansen kept Union Rags from wearing the blanket of flowers in the Churchill Downs winner’s circle. Breaking from post ten in a thirteen-horse field, Union Rags broke smoothly and made his way to the middle of the pack. Due to his post position, the colt was forced to race very wide throughout the race. Castellano asked him for more speed as the two-year-old colts swept into the final turn and Union Rags responded, going widest of all. At the top of the stretch, it seemed as if he could catch the front-running Hansen, but he drifted out in the homestretch and finished a head behind Hansen before galloping out ahead of the winner.

Union Rags finished second in Eclipse Award voting for Champion Two-Year-Old Male, but was made the early favorite for the Kentucky Derby. He solidified that title on February 26 in the Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth Stakes (GII) at Gulfstream Park. Though the race had lost much luster after the scratch of the Holy Bull Stakes (GIII) winner, Algorithms, it also featured blossoming horses like the stakes-placed Casual Trick, the clear winner of two races at Calder in Csaba, the extremely impressive two-time winner in just as many starts in Discreet Dancer, the multiple stakes-winning Fort Loudon, the hard-knocking Neck ‘n Neck, and the promising News Pending. After breaking cleanly from the gate, Union Rags settled off the pace and though he was challenged at the end of the clubhouse turn by News Pending, he continued to rate under Julien Leparoux – who was riding him for the first time. Around the far turn, his long, powerful strides carried him to the lead, which would flourish into an effortless four-length victory in which the whip never touched him.

Of course, one of the major concerns revolving a Derby contender is the horse’s ability to stretch out. Though his pedigree does not scream distance, it does not restrict him to races under a mile and one-quarter, either.

His late sire, Dixie Union, was never considered much of a distance horse. Most of his victories came at a sprinting distance, though he won the nine-furlong Haskell Invitational Handicap (GI). However, the one time he attempted ten furlongs was in the 2000 Travers Stakes (GI), in which he did not rally strongly enough and finished fourth. Dixie Chatter, his multiple grade one-winning son, never won beyond a mile and one-sixteenth and Dixie Union’s brilliant grade one-winning daughter, Hot Dixie Chick, was never victorious at a distance longer than seven furlongs.

However, some Dixie Union offspring have shown affinity for distance. For instance, four of Grasshopper’s five wins came at one mile or farther and he lost to the Kentucky Derby-winning Street Sense by just a half-length in the ten-furlong Travers. Dixie Union also sired Gone Astray, a two-time winner at nine furlongs. In fact, those two nine-furlong wins by Gone Astray came in graded stakes races in which the horse looked capable of going an extra furlong.

Union Rags’ dam, Tempo, is by the influential sire, Gone West, a son of Mr. Prospector who won three graded stakes races at one mile or longer. He also sired many talented distance horses, such as Pacific Classic (GI, 10 furlongs)-winning Came Home, Belmont Stakes (GI, 12 furlongs)-winning Commendable, Breeders’ Cup Turf (GI, 12 furlongs)-winning Johar, and Pattison Canadian International Stakes (GI, 12 furlongs)- and Northern Dancer Turf Stakes (GI, 12 furlongs)-winning Marsh Side. In addition, he is the sire of Elusive Quality, sire of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes (GI)-winning Smarty Jones.

Tempo’s grandsire is Nijinsky II, winner of the 1970 English Triple Crown who sired many distance horses, including the winner of the 1986 Kentucky Derby and the 1987 Breeders’ Cup Classic (GI, 10F) in Ferdinand, the winner of the 1983 Prix du Jockey Club (GI, 10.5F) and International Stakes (GI, 10.5F) in Caerleon, and the winner of the ten-furlong Canadian Maturity Stakes and Seagram Cup Handicap, the Rothmans Ltd. International Stakes (GI, 12F), the Early Times Manhattan Handicap (GII, 10F), the Arlington Handicap (GII, 10F), and the Turf Classic Invitational Stakes (GI, 12F) in Sky Classic.

Tempo has also produced the stakes-placed Geefour, a full brother to Union Rags. Tempo is a half-sister to the multiple graded stakes-placed Dancing Devlette – who was capable of winning at nine furlongs – and the multiple ungraded stakes-winning and graded stakes-placed Marry Me Do – who was also successful at nine furlongs. Through Tempo, Union Rags hails from female family number thirteen, the same family that produced the winner of the 1977 Triple Crown, Seattle Slew.

Though Union Rags’ pedigree may give one reason to doubt his ability to get the Derby distance, the colt has undeniable heart and brilliance. His long, authoritative stride shows that Union Rags could likely handle more ground, as does the way he effortlessly pulls away from fields.

You can always find at least one fault in a Derby contender. Union Rags has his own share of them, most notably the room for doubt in his pedigree as far as stamina is concerned. However, he has arguably been the most impressive horse on the Kentucky Derby trail yet this year. Racings fans have every right to be excited about him. Michael Matz has already had a horse in his stable that captured the hearts of racing fans; who's to say he can't have another one?

Union Rags
Photo: Terri Cage

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Miss Fifty's Miracle

If you have not read The Story of Miss Fifty, please read it before reading this story.

There were just minutes to post until Miss Fifty’s sixteenth race. Like usual, I was perched before both my television and computer, watching TVG’s coverage and the live feed on Charles Town’s website. I had formed a prayer chain between my family, my friends, and me, praying for Fifty to stay safe in the running of the race. It wasn’t much different than any other time she’d raced.

Miss Fifty with me at Churchill Downs
Photo: Terri Cage

There were some differences, however. For one, Fifty was returning to the allowance level. She had raced at that level in her most recent start, but the jockey had lost the irons at the start and she had run up on the heels of other horses. She had finished last, but it was not because of a lack of talent. I was eager to see how she would compete at the higher level and hoped that she would have a fairer chance this time around. 

The main difference was the one that worried me the most: the track was extremely sloppy. Fifty had never raced over a sloppy track before. I was sure she could handle it, but I was worried nonetheless.

From the start of the race, things were not completely okay. The horse that broke from the rail, Ideal Thoughts, stumbled out of the gate and caused the jockey to lose his irons, though he regained his seat. I fixed my eyes on Fifty as the horses raced down the backstretch. She found a position behind the leaders along the rail and was gaining ground on the inside as the field rounded the far turn. I was certain she was about to run a huge race.

Then everything changed. The horse on the lead, Sharp Beauty, suddenly broke down in Fifty’s path. I lost my breath and watched in horror as Fifty miraculously scrambled over the fallen horse as the other horses in the field fell like dominos. I was shaking uncontrollably as Fifty continued on under Oswald Pereira, crossing the finish line all alone. The remainder of the horses had either fallen or lost the jockey.

I was relieved that Fifty had not gone down, but I was still extremely worried. I was concerned that she had received an injury from clambering over the fallen horses and was also afraid that a loose horse would collide with her.

The latter fear nearly became reality in the gallop out. After pulling her up after crossing the finish line, Oswald Pereira guided Fifty to the outside rail with hopes of avoiding the riderless horses. However, one of the loose horses neared Fifty at full speed and with seconds to spare, managed to avoid colliding with her. My mother and I, watching the television screen in dread, let out a giant sigh of relief.

I soon received word from Miss Fifty’s owner that the filly had received some cuts on her legs that required stitches, but would be okay. Miraculously, Fifty had avoided disaster. And that’s exactly what the incident had been for her: a miracle. She had every chance to go down or to be slammed into, but somehow, those things did not happen. God was watching over her.

Thank you, everyone, for your prayers! Please continue to pray for Fifty to heal. Also, please pray for the others involved. Rest in peace, Sharp Beauty.


Also, thank you, Mr. Vrable, for updating me on Miss Fifty, not just in this situation but ever since I first contacted you about her. And thank you, Oswald, for taking such good care of her doing this horrific race!

To read the official news release, please click here.


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Raging Fever: Meant to be a Star

There’s no doubt that when Edward P. Evans sent Pennant Fever to Overbook Farms to visit Storm Cat in 1997 that he was expecting a future star. Pennant Fever came from a long line of champions and Storm Cat – standing for $150,000 – had sired many talented horses himself, including the Preakness Stakes (GI)- and Belmont Stakes (GI)-winning Tabasco Cat. The two together had already produced Stormin Fever, who would go on to win the Sport Page Handicap (GIII) and place second in two runnings of the Vosburgh Stakes (GI).

Pennant Fever’s bloodlines hinted that she would become a sensational broodmare. She was by the great sire and 1977 Triple Crown winner, Seattle Slew, and out of the black-type-placed Letty’s Pennant, who also produced the grade three-winning R. Associate. Her third, fourth, and fifth dams were all Reine De Course mares. Her third dam, Nalee, was a multiple stakes-winning mare who produced a group one winner, five graded stakes-placed horses, two ungraded stakes winners, and two black-type-placed horses. Her fourth dam, Levee, was the multiple stakes-winning 1970 Broodmare of the Year and dam of four stakes winners, including the champion Shuvee. Pennant Fever’s fifth dam was Bourtai, a stakes-placed mare who produced six black-type horses and two Broodmares of the Year.

Like Pennant Fever, her 1998 foal would descend from female family number nine, which is most famous for producing the multiple group- or grade-one-winning horses Alydar, Galileo, Sea the Stars, and Shergar, the first Triple Crown winner in Sir Barton, the only horse to defeat the great Man O’ War in Upset, and some of the most influential sires of all-time in Bull Lea, Fair Play, Mahmoud, Nasrullah, and Royal Charger.

Pennant Fever’s second foal by Storm Cat was born on April 2, 1998. The nearly black filly grew into a beautifully built racehorse by the name of Raging Fever. Edward Evans sent her to trainer Mark Hennig in New York, where the filly reeled off five victories in her first five starts. Among these wins were trips to the winner’s circle in the Adirondack Stakes (GII), the Matron Stakes (GI), and the Frizette Stakes (GI). Though she was sent off as the favorite in the 2000 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (GI), she weakened to finish sixth.

Despite her disappointing run in the Breeders’ Cup, Raging Fever continued her glory. She began her sophomore campaign with a second-place finish in the Dame Mysterieuse Stakes at Gulfstream Park and a third-place finish in the Beaumont Stakes (GII) at Keeneland. She was entered in the prestigious Kentucky Oaks (GI), but it was never a very serious entry and she was scratched.

Due to a fracture of the growth plate in her stifle, Raging Fever did not start again until December. She made her return in the Garland of Roses Handicap at Aqueduct, sweeping to victory for the first time since October of the previous year. She wheeled off another win in her subsequent start, the First Lady Handicap (GIII) at Gulfstream.

Following a defeat in the Shirley Jones Handicap (GII) at the same track, Raging Fever scored two more consecutive wins in a pair of graded stakes: the Distaff Breeders’ Cup Handicap (GII) and the Bed o’ Roses Breeders’ Cup Handicap (GIII). After being beaten by a longshot in the Shuvee Handicap (GII), Raging Fever crossed the wire victoriously in the Ogden Phipps Handicap (GI). She had found the winner’s circle in a grade one race for the first time since her two-year-old campaign.

It was nearly another year before Raging Fever won again. Yet, she placed in four graded stakes races between her triumph in the Ogden Phipps and in her repeat victory in the Bed o’ Roses. However, her win in the 2003 Bed o’ Roses was the final time Raging Fever entered the winner’s enclosure.

Raging Fever left the racetrack with $1,458,198 in earnings from eleven wins, seven seconds, and three thirds in twenty-six starts. She found a home at Evans’ Spring Hill Farm in Virginia and was first sent to the prosperous sire Gone West. Raging Fever has not yet produced a stakes winner, but if her pedigree is any indication, it would be no surprise if she did.

In November of 2011, the complete dispersal of the deceased Edward P. Evans’ estate continued at the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. Raging Fever, her full sister in Last Fever, and her 2011 Smart Strike filly were offered at the sale. Last Fever sold for $65,000 to Elaine Lawlor, Raging Fever’s 2011 filly sold for $1,000,000 to Stonestreet Stables & George Bolton, and Raging Fever – in foal to Quality Road – sold for $725,000 to R.J. Bennett, agent.

Raging Fever may never have been presented with an Eclipse Award, but she is still a champion. As I said in my blog post To See a Champion, “a champion is any horse that has accomplished great things.” Raging Fever is not just a champion for winning three grade ones or for being royally bred, but she is a champion for enduring hardships while still maintaining an impressive race record. Perhaps she will not be the broodmare she was expected to be, or perhaps she will someday produce a champion. Nevertheless, Raging Fever was bred to be a star and she accomplished just that.

Raging Fever
Photo by Terri Cage

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