The 2010 Dubai World Cup is here!

Once again it’s that time of the year in the spring when the “big day” racing focus comes early in the morning and many miles from us in the desert. It’s one of the very few times where we get “world class” racing action overseas and now have more of a “American” type flair to it. Today’s Dubai World Cup racing card has a new look for the first time in its history. A brand new synthetic race course opened in the city of Meydan for this year’s racing carnival. The new race course has been modeled after the American type racing ovals and also has installed the polytrack surface; Tapeta which was designed by trainer Michael Dickenson and also is featured at Presque Isle Downs in Erie Pennsylvania. This gives the racing in Dubai a new look this year and much like the Breeder’s Cup from the past two years at Santa Anita, has attracted many turf horse horses to the “main track” races.

The American contingent is strong as ever because of the new track, more than a dozen runners based in North America have gone to Dubai with many of them being the betting favorites. This along with the locally based runners who have had a chance to race over the Meydan surface during the racing carnival in January & February, we have a group of European runners making the yearly debuts for the multi-million dollar purses that make up the eight race card. This makes it an interesting wager card with possibly of giving the edge to the horses that have already raced over the course.

The first race of the card which is at six furlongs on the turf has many local runners in it, but the majority of them haven’t done well on the grass surface. This where an American shipper and favorite sticks out. Coming in from the states is the speedy west coast runner; California Flag who has a decided edge over this group of runners. The Godolphin Mile surprisingly has no North American runners in the race, but has one who did race in America last year. Desert Party returned off a long race layoff a few weeks back and scored an impressive victory over the course. This runner torn up the Dubai racing scene last winter before disappointing in the Kentucky Derby, he looks like the logical “one to beat” here.

The UAE Derby is just full of foreign bred runners (12 out of 14 entered) and most likely will NOT have an impact as a prep race for this year’s Kentucky Derby . But, this race will feature two very talented young runners. Mendip and Musir had shown a lot in their short careers and will go head to head for favoritism in this mile & three sixteenths event. The Golden Shaheen Sprint at six furlongs has a short field of only ten runners from all across the world. This year’s race will be contest going a turn sprinting for the first time, unlike past year’s six furlong “straight away” sprint. This race comes down between the well known Gayego and the Singapore flash; Rocket Man.

In the two grass races; we get full fields with an assortment of local runners, European shippers coming off layoffs and the North American stars. First in the Duty Free, sixteenth are entered going a mile and an eighth. Presvis may be the best horse entered, but gets hurt by the outside post in my opinion. I’ll be giving the slightest to the Bill Mott runner; Courageous Cat. He returned from his Breeder’s Cup Mile effort to win at Gulfstream last time out. Two longshot to consider here are; Alexandros and Bankable. In the Dubai Sheema Classic, American based runner; Precious Passion is very dangerous to take this field wire to wire with his blazing front running style. My longshot play of the card is a horse bred in Turkey and is at 30-1 on the morning line. Pan River has had two good races over the Meydan turf course and will offer great value. Others to consider are; Buena Vista from Japan and Eastern Anthem, who race won this race last and makes his seasonal debut.

In the ten million dollar Dubai World Cup, don’t take the favorite at a low price. That will be most likely be duel Eclipse award winning Gio Ponti at the morning line odds of 7-2. Even though I loved him last year, this time I’m going to try to beat with several other “pricey” horses. The local connections from Godolphin have only one runner entered in the World Cup and he has a 40-1 morning line odds. Mastery may not be good enough to win this race, but is a must use underneath in the exotic plays. I’ll be “boxing” him in my plays with Gio Ponti, Gitano Hernando and Red Desire.

Here are all my selections for the card......


2nd) California Flag #8 & Star Crowned #14 (exotic adds #3 & #16)
3rd) Desert Party #11 & Skysurfers #12 (exotic adds # 7 & #4)
4th) Mendip #5 & Musir #9 (exotic adds #7 & #3)
5th) Rocket Man #6 & Gayego #8 (exotic adds #10 & #5)
6th) Courageous Cat #5 & Alexandros #11 (exotic adds #8 & #15)
7th) Pan River #4 & Presious Passion #9 (exotic adds #2 & #10)
8th) Gitano Hernando #2 & Mastery #12 (exotic adds #4 & #3)

ATP "Derby Dozen" @ the mid-way point

The road to the Kentucky Derby is only six weeks away and with this being the first “official” day of spring, also comes my first “official” Derby Dozen list. I usually start this list quite earlier in the prep race season, but with the late start of my column this year we get a clearer picture of the main contenders for May 1st than if we would in mid February.

Top horse on the list is the Fountain of Youth winner; Eskendereya trained by Todd Pletcher. With a solid victory in that stake prep at Gulfstream Park , it was announced this week a change in plans for this runner in his next start. He will pass on today’s Florida Derby and race two weeks in the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct. This plan was by design since another Pletcher runner will be contending in the Florida Derby instead; more on him later in my column.

The Bob Baffert trainee and last year’s Juvenile Colt Eclipse winner; Lookin’ at Lucky gets the second spot. He started last weekend in the Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park and was victorious in making the transition from the Pro-Ride surface to dirt. With this effort, he can only move forward to his next start in the Arkansas Derby on April 10th.

The Todd Pletcher horse that will be racing today in the Florida Derby is Rule who comes in at #3. Recent wire to wire winner of the Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs, he skipped the prep race there last Saturday for this spot at Gulfstream Park . It was stated from the beginning that Todd Pletcher wanted to keep his two top Derby prospects separated and he has.

Conveyance is another Bob Baffert runner who also has made the switch from polytrack to dirt and is at #4 on the list. It was a gate to wire effort last start at a mile and goes from Oaklawn Park back across country to race in the Sunland Derby at Sunland Park in a week and one day. This was the race that last year’s Kentucky Derby winner; Mine That Bird used as prep for his upset win.

Number 5 on the list is another Todd Pletcher runner and a recent addition to the barn this year. Discreetly Mine shipped from Gulfstream Park to the Fairgrounds and promptly won the Risen Star Stakes. Another Pletcher runner with keen speed, he’ll stay in Louisiana and contend next in that Derby in one week (3/27).

Last weekend at Santa Anita, Sidney’s Candy (#6) went wire to wire in the mile and a sixteenth; San Felipe Stakes. This son of Candy Ride out of a Storm Cat mare showed he could handle the two-turns for the first time. He’ll continue the California route and start next in the Santa Anita Derby in two weeks.

No Kentucky Derby list would be complete without a Nick Zito runner and the first one here is Jackson Bend #7. A Florida based horse; he has had a good record of in-the-money finishes this year after showing brilliance as a two year old runner. Next start for him, he’ll ship north for the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct.

The list of horses making the transition from synthetic tracks to dirt continues with Noble’s Promise #8. He just missed last weekend versus Lookin’ at Lucky in the Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park . Making his first start of year, he showed extreme gameness losing the race by a head. He adds more pace to the race.

A lightly raced three year old with tons of upside came on the Derby prep scene last weekend in the Tampa Bay Derby . Odysseus #9 (which was a Greek god) got up in the final jump over six others for victory as the second choice in the wagering. Making his stakes debut, Odysseus is unlike most runners on this list and can come from back of the pack.

A European import that raced last year as a two year old on grass came to New York a few weeks back and beat nine others in the Gotham Stakes. Awesome Act #10 ; trained by Jeremy Noseda who is a Euorpean conditioner, found a great spot to make his dirt debut and launched himself into the Derby picture. Next out for him is the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct.

Alphie’s Bet #11 upset the apple cart in the weather delayed Sham Stakes at the route distance of a mile an eighth on March 6th at Santa Anita. He was overlooked in the betting at 8-1 and rallied smartly down the track to victory. Due to his relatively unknown connections may be a square price next time out in the Santa Anita Derby .

Super Saver #12 who was my personal “horse to watch” on the Derby Trail, finally made his three year old debut last weekend in the Tampa Bay Derby . Having not raced since last Fall, he ran well for 3rd and may have needed the race. It will be interesting where Todd Pletcher decides to run this colt for his next prep race. Although he was beaten, I’ll continue to watch him and look for an improvement next time out.

Tune up for the gals today for more later on down the road

The last time we spoke about the two biggest female horses to hit the track in years (Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta) the prospects of either two facing each other were few and far between of ever happening. But, when the talk of “Horse of the Year” prospects really started after the first of the year, things began to change. Zenyatta was sight by the California clockers working out, more and more. The connections first would not confirm that she was returning to training. But as the weeks went on, it became clear that Zenyatta still had to prove something more on the racetrack.

After the Eclipse Awards were presented and Rachel Alexandra was the overwhelming winner of 2009 “Horse of the Year”winner, another major announcement was made. The connections of both Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta agreed to a set of races this year where both horses would face each other. The hopes of the two meeting on the racetrack had come true again. After a few weeks of decisions by both of their connections, the date of April 9th, 2010 was set for Rachel and Zenyatta to face each other in the Apple Blossom Handicap at Oaklawn Park. With the epic event now having a date and increased purse, only the progress in training of the two runners would be needed for them to reach the date. Today on different coasts, the two battle participants make there 2010 debuts on track for the lead up to what some are saying as the “Race of the Century”.

First off at 6:15 (EST) last year’s “Horse of the Year” – Rachel Alexandra make her four year old debut at the Fairgrounds versus four foes in the New Orleans Ladies Stakes (9TH). With a series of workouts, Rachel returns to action in a prep race for her date versus Zenyatta in a little less than four weeks. Although her competition may not be a big threat to her, it will be interesting how she returns off the long layoff. Last seen beating the boys in the Woodward Stakes in September at Saratoga, Rachel may not be totally “cranked up” for the race. But she should get the needed work from this mile and a sixteenth test. One of her opponents will be a John Sadler runner shipping in from California named; Zardana along with both local runners; Wing Fighter and Clear Sailing who have had a race over the Fairgrounds strip. The field is rounded out by the closer Unforgotten. This will be a test to see if Rachel Alexandra will be up to her task in a few weeks facing the still, undefeated Zenyatta with only two starts of a layoff.

About 20 minutes later at 6:36 (EST) at Santa Anita, Zenyatta returns to the races in the Santa Margarita Invitational Handicap (7th). She’ll face eight foes and travel the mile and an eighth distance on Santa Anita’s Pro-Ride surface. Zenyatta was last seen winning the mile and an quarter Breeder’s Cup Classic versus the boys and will carry the high weight for this race at 127 lbs. Here she faces an assortment of California based runners which have performed on both polytrack and turf. Although the field she faces only has two grade stakes winners (both grade II) her late kick running style always puts her in a vulnerable situation.

She’s been working well for the race, but unlike Rachel Alexandra has more to lose in this first start of the year. That’s because Zenyatta is putting her 14 race undefeated streak on the line today. The streak plays an important role in her match up versus Rachel Alexandra on April 9th.

Today we get to see a preview of two very talented ladies; it’s just a preview for what is to become maybe the most anticipated two horse match up in decades. As always, it is hoped that both horses come out of the race in top shape and with no ill effects. There will be no excuses when both meet in four weeks and do their thing!

Todd Pletcher......"loaded for bear" towards this year's Kentucky Derby

The road to the 2010 Kentucky Derby is now in full swing with the return of my weekly column on thoroughbred racing; At the Post. The long winter is coming to a close and the thoughts of the first Saturday in May are now getting more focused. As the year started out, I could see no clear cut horse as a definite favorite for this year’s “Run for the Roses”. But now after the first group of early prep races, a familiar face has come to the forefront and he has a “loaded” stable of three year old runners.

Todd Pletcher has been one of the top trainers of this decade. Winning many a race, there is STILL one certain race that has eluded him. That race has been the Kentucky Derby. Now, Todd has been at this level before going into the year’s biggest race. The past decade, he has had many bright prospects along the Derby trail. But, it always seems that he comes up a bit short. This year though, his group of runners seem a bit more ahead of the game than do his other three year old counterparts.

With this week’s listing of Kentucky Derby future pool #2, Todd has six runners included in it. Going past the entry of “all other 3 year olds”, he has four of his six runners in the upper part many top 10 Derby prospect lists. On top of those list is his recent Fountain of Youth Stakes winner ; ESKENDEREYA. This son of Giant’s Causeway out of a Seattle Slew mare was very impressive in victory and earned a 106 Beyer speed figure, by far the best of any three year old colt this spring. After taking charge on the back stretch, Eskendereya was dominated going the two turned mile and an eighth distance at Gulfstream. The next race for Eskendereya will either be the Florida Derby (Gulfstream) or Wood Memorial (Aqueduct).

Hot on the heels of Eskendereya is Pletcher’s other Florida based runner; RULE. He led from gate to wire as the odds-on favorite in the Sam Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs in mid-February. With his extreme front running speed, Pletcher wants to keep him and Eskenderya apart. But, he is also penciled in for either the Florida Derby or Wood Memorial as his next start. It is most likely; one horse will go in one race and the other elsewhere.

One horse that Plecther shipped out of Florida to contest elsewhere and was successful is; DISCREETLY MINE. This half brother to grade I winner; Discreet Cat, made his seasonal return to Gulfstream sprinting and then was shipped to Louisiana for the recently run Risen Star Stakes. There stretching out to a route distance, he went wire to wire. Another Pletcher runner with keen speed, he’ll remain there and contest the Louisana Derby next on March 27th.

The last of Plecther’s top “4”, could be his best yet for the garland of roses on May 1st. SUPER SAVER is a son of Maria’s Mon out of an AP Indy mare. He has yet to race as a three year old, but was highly regarded last year as a two year old. His last start was a very convincing win at Churchill Downs going a route distance in a grade stake. He’ll most likely make his three year old debut in the Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park or the Tampa Bay Derby. If he races at Oaklawn , he may meet up with last year’s two year old champion; Looking at Lucky.

Two other Pletcher runners are also listed in the Derby future pool #2, but have the look of longshots at this point. Both AIKENITE and CONNEMARA have shown they belong, but the latter Connemara may just be a better runner on synthetic surfaces with all his races over polytrack. He’ll continue to race on that surface, most likely in the Lane’s End Stakes at Turfway Park. Polytrack will also be the next start for Aikenite in the Bluegrass Stakes at Keeneland.

So this year with six runners currently on many top lists, Todd Pletcher should have NO excuse in getting his first Kentucky Derby victory. He has the best hand of runners and can spot them anywhere across the country to race. It probably won’t be better than this and this year is the year to strike!

Meydan "Masters" night selections - 3/5 meet record (12-61)

1st) Global City #1 & Warsaw #12 (exotic adds #6 & #4)

2nd) Sicrocco Breeze #2 & Silverside #10 (exotic adds #1 & #3)

3rd) Anzas #7 & Real Secret #1 (exotic adds #10 & #11)

4th) Drunken Sailor #3 & Firebet #2 (exotic adds #10 & #12)

5th) Kal Berg #9 & Monte Alto #10 (exotic adds #7 & #11)

6th) Oasis Star #12 & Sol de Angra #1 (exotic adds #8 & #4)

7th) Snaafy #4 & Imbongi #10 (exotic adds #1 & #7)

"Super Thursday" @ Meydan selections (3/4)

2nd) Storm Chispazo #12 & Vale of York #8 (exotic adds #14 & #4)

3rd) War Artist #7 & Barbecue Eddie #3 (exotic adds #2 & #5)

4th) Calming Influence #7 & Skysurfers #6 (exotic adds #12 & #4)

5th) King of Rome #14 & Halicarnassus #5 (exotic adds #9 & #3)

6th) Lizard's Desire #1 & Allybar #2 (exotic adds #5 & #8)

7th) Presvis #1 & Zirconeum #7 (exotic adds #3 & #8)

Back in the saddle!......."AT THE POST" column returns to the RECORDER this Saturday (3/6)