SuperfectaBlog

Busy Ballydoyle

SuperfectaBlog — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:13:00 GMT

Things are a bit quiet Stateside, but there's been a flurry of activity for Ballydoyle in the past week. First, it was announced that the British Horseracing Authority was going to investigate a charge of team tactics (as discussed here last week...(read more)

Anak Nakal in Race-Win Shock

SuperfectaBlog — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:01:00 GMT

Perpetual underachiever Anak Nakal (pictured) finally stepped it up over the holiday weekend to take the Pennsylvania Derby and rewarded his backers at 16-1. I've always liked his pedigree but had more or less given up on seeing him return to the...(read more)

Meanwhile, Down Under...

SuperfectaBlog — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:24:00 GMT

While all North American racing fans will be looking forward to Curlin's Saratoga debut in the Woodward , we should be aware that there is an exciting clash developing Down Under. 4-year-old sensation (and Horse of the Year in waiting) Weekend Hussler...(read more)

Curlin...and Jalil?

SuperfectaBlog — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:15:00 GMT

With Curlin's advance on Cigar's all-time earnings mark continuing on Saturday in the Woodward, Andrew Beyer examines how his majority owner, Jess Jackson, has ruffled feathers within the industry in his comparatively short time as a major player...(read more)

Rabbits Rabbits Rabbits

SuperfectaBlog — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 18:06:10 GMT

With the Travers and the Pacific Classic in the record books (and yes, there will be more on the Pacific Classic later this week), it's nearly time to turn our attention to the Woodward , which will feature a certain horse named Curlin . But before...(read more)

Yes, He Can!

SuperfectaBlog — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:19:00 GMT

On occasion, I like horses to prove me wrong. Colonel John did just that in the Travers, demonstrating that not only could he run on a conventional dirt track, he could do so after a tough stretch run and against a determined competitor. I wish the finish...(read more)

Bookends

SuperfectaBlog — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:52:00 GMT

While the Travers and the Pacific Classic mean that the weekend (and the country) will be bookended with G1 races, let's not overlook Wait a While's second win in the Ballston Spa yesterday. The victory, her 11th win in 22 starts, makes her look...(read more)

Like G-Force, But Different

SuperfectaBlog — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:07:00 GMT

As Dana put it, the rumors are indeed true; a few of us horse racing blogger types (along with a number of other fine people affiliated with the racing industry) have been arguing working on the NTRA Marketing Task Force for the past few weeks. We're...(read more)

A Filly for The Diva

SuperfectaBlog — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:07:02 GMT

Makybe Diva's second foal has arrived -- it's a filly this time. The Fusaichi Pegasus filly was born at Segenhoe Stud in Australia's Hunter Valley and it seems that mother and baby are both doing very well. Plans to head to Coolmore for a...(read more)

Genuine Risk and her Successors

SuperfectaBlog — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:04:00 GMT

The biggest racing news of the past 24 hours is the death of Genuine Risk ; as a tribute, Washingtonian.com has re-published a great 2002 article detailing her racing success, breeding troubles and eventual happy retirement. Genuine Risk's Derby is...(read more)

Beyond Big Brown (and the Olympics)

SuperfectaBlog — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:38:00 GMT

As Val so correctly notes , the Curlin - Big Brown war of words may continue on, but it should not overshadow the other remarkable horses in training right now; it's really a stellar group of fillies and mares currently on show. The Alabama gives...(read more)

This is Getting Good...

SuperfectaBlog — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:43:00 GMT

The Curlin / Big Brown war of words continues -- this shot from Jess Jackson: " Big Brown's camp's recent remarks about Curlin inspired me to offer an incentive to get these two great horses to race at the legendary track at the Spa,” said...(read more)

Here's to the Ladies Who Munch (Grass)*

SuperfectaBlog — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 17:19:00 GMT

Although not directly related to the Arlington Million, a highlight of the broadcast from my perspective was last week's Claiborne Farm Foal Patrol segment. Featured was über-broodmare Hasili (pictured here in a print by Susan Crawford ), who was...(read more)

Ungentlemanly?

SuperfectaBlog — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:33:00 GMT

Spirit One's victory in the Arlington Million is being somewhat overshadowed in the European press by the manner of Archipenko's defeat. The Guardian quotes trainer Mike de Kock as referring to Johnny Murtagh's ride on 3rd-place finisher Mount...(read more)

Arlington Million Preview

SuperfectaBlog — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 18:10:00 GMT

With the Arlington Million only a day away, Team Archipenko (pictured) is feeling confident. Jockey Kevin Shea was pleased with what might be considered a slow work by American standards, but that's standard operating procedure for the 4-year-old...(read more)