Vanity and Mother Goose

Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta proved they were the best in the respective races on saturday. Rachel Alexandra dominated a small field in the Mother Goose winning like she has all year. Zenyatta stayed perfect and kept the rank as the best horse in the country in my mind with a dominating win the Vanity. I hope two things will happen. 

1. Rachel Alexandra face each other

2. Zenyatta runs agaisnt males 

Both of these things would make the 2009 racing year memorable and be one great ride!

Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta

    Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta run on Saturday June 27th. Rachel Alexandra runs in the Mother Goose where she will be the heavy favorite. I like Malibu Prayer to upset Rachel Alexandra. Rachel Alexandra is bound to not run as well as she has and her record around one turn in not nearly as impressive. Malibu Prayer is improving and should like the distance. 

No one is going to beat Zenyatta in the Vanity, she is far and away the best mare and the country and no one in California can run with her, expect her to dominate this field. 

Stephen Foster

Macho Again upset Einstein in the Stephen Foster at Churchill Downs on saturday. Macho Again has proved to be an inconsistent but talented horse. He won the New Orleans Handicap earlier this year but then flopped in the Alysheba on Kentucky Derby Day. He was well back in the Stephen Foster and then made a powerful move to pass the field. to give jockey Robby Albarado his third straight Stephen Foster victory. 

Horse To Watch- Asiatic Boy finished second in the Stephen Foster in his first start in the United States. Asiatic Boy has proven he is a talented racehorse when he won the UAE Derby in 2007 and since has run well in Dubai. I loved his Stephen Foster and he is a horse to watch for the future. 

The Triple Crown

The Triple Crown has not been won in 31 years. In my opinion the main reason for this, is a horse has not been good enough to accomplish the feat, but there are human errors that have effected this. I believe that breeding, and training techniques have effected this as well. The Triple Crown can be won, 11 horses have proved it, but the question is can the modern horse accomplish this feat.  I think it is possible but trainers need to change how they approach the race. Horses do not always need to have the winter off. A horse can win it. Mine That Bird proved he can run in well in all three. I believe the Triple Crown can be won a horse will win it soon enough. 

Belmont Stakes

Summer Bird won the 1 1/2 Belmont Stakes on Saturday at Belmont Park. Favorite and Kentucky Derby winner Mine that Bird made a big move and faded to third. Summer Bird was kept in behind horses and made a big move turning for home.  I was most impressed with Dunkirk, who set the pace and then fought hard down the lane to run a well earned second. I am looking for Charitable Man to run a big races in the summer and the fall. Trainer Tim Ice did a fantastic job training Summer Bird, adding shoe clips and blinkers might of made the difference in the Belmont. 

In the Manhattan Gio Ponti ran a very impressive coming from last to first.  My pick Marsh Side ran a good race to finish second. 

In the Acorn Gabby'sGoldenGal led from start to finish to win. My pick Dream Play started slowly and never ran after that. 

In my opinion the most impressive race of the day was by Munnings in the Woody Stephens. Munnings stayed close and then EXPLODED through a hole a the top of the stretch. 

In the True North Fabulous Strike was just too much for the field. The 6 furlong distance was too short for Two Step Salsa, my other pick Silver Edition ran a solid race to get third. 

In the Just A Game favorite Forever Together was upset by Diamonderlla. Forever Together was just outpaced in the final eighth of a mile. 

Congrats to Summer Bird!! 

Belmont Under-card- Part 2

Woody Stephens- In the Woody Stephens I like Hull in this race. He has not been touced in three races and I think it will continue here. 

Acorn  Stakes- I like Dream Play in this race. She was very impressive in the Comely. I like her to upset JustWhistleDixie and Four Gifts in this race. 

The Manhattan Stakes- I really like Marsh Side, he likes soft ground and he should like this race. I hate Cowboy Cal, his two tries at 1 1/4 have been awful. His Kentucky Derby was not that bad, but his Santa Anita Handicap was disappointing after his first two races in California. 

Belmont Undercard Entry 1- True North and Just A Game

True North- I do not like Fabulos Strike or Benny the Bull in this race, I like Two Step Salsa but my pick is Silver Edition to pick it up in the True North.

The Just A Game- I do not think anybody in this race can beat Forever Together, she is just as good as any mare in the country on grass right now, and her Jenny Wiley was impressive. The one horse that I think could step up is Raw Silk if she gets an easy lead

The next three races tomorrow!

Belmont Draw

The Belmont Stakes Post Position draw was today. Mine That Bird drew the seven was made the 2-1 favorite. I am sticking with my pick Charitable Man, I think he will have the jump on Mine That Bird turning for home. I also LOVE Brave Victory, I think he is ready to run a career race! 

Tomorrow- The Belmont Under-card