Kickin N Screamin @ Atlantic City and beyond.....

The last four weeks have been quite busy and interesting with all the excitement of this year’s Triple Crown. Between Mine That Bird and Rachel Alexandra, thoroughbred racing hasn’t had a better story. But, the racing world has had other stories and events during this time and one personal that I’ve been waiting to share with you.

A month ago, I was very fortunate to make a trip to historic Atlantic City Racecourse in Mays Landing New Jersey. The facility was opened shortly after World War II and located about 20 minutes from the “boardwalk” in Atlantic City. It had the financial backing of such greats in showbiz like; Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Harry James, Sammy Kaye and Xavier Cugat and was where the great racehorse; Kelso debuted in 1959. Through the 70’s, ACRC was a major force in east coast racing until the impact of casinos hurt the revenue and handled dropped. The past ten years ACRC has been primarily a simulcast facility for Philadelphia Park racetrack with the expectation of six racings days a year in an agreement with state officials and the casinos that are “down the road”. Our racing stable; Dee Tee Stables had a unique opportunity to have one of our runners race there this past 2009 short six day meet.

On April 30th, Kickin N Screamin raced in the 2nd race of a six race card on day #5 of their “all” grass race meet. The trip from Fonda was a five hour drive down the New York State Thruway to Garden State Parkway just outside Atlantic City. The racecourse has showed its age with only being open for this short meet. The main dirt track has been over taken with weeds and the structure itself is in need of a lot of work. It has no outside tote board, the stable area is in need of repair and horses are only allowed the day of the race on track. We got there about 1:30 for the 3 o’clock post time and it was quite empty. But, by 2:30 the crowd was filing in and we met up with about ten other Dee Tee Stable members and a very special guest host.

Our stable manger; Steve Byk secured legendary Mid Atlantic jockey; Anthony Black as our day’s host for the group. “Tony” known to his fans, is one of 21 North American jockeys to win over 5,000 races. He is also the co-holder of the North American record for most consecutive wins by a jockey with 9 between Atlantic City and Philadelphia Park in one day. He was very gracious and stayed with our group throughout the entire race card. Even though Kickin N Screamin did not win that day, she did give a good account of herself spite shipping in from Kentucky and surrounded by different handlers for this race. The trip was a very enjoyable one and all too short as the day flew by. It was great seeing the historical racetrack and meeting Tony Black. But, most of all it was great finally seeing Kickin N Screamin “in the flesh” for the first time.

Today our girl returns to the site of our first victory for Dee Tee Stables a little over a year ago. Kickin N Screamin (#3) will be racing in the 4th race at Arlington Park just outside of Chicago Illinois. That was the place where she gartered our first winner’s circle photo on Preakness day last year. Today she returns at a lower claiming level than she raced at last spring, but fits well here. She also will be sprinting for the first time since we claimed her in the Fall of 2007. The distance will be seven furlongs and the likely favorite; Light Sleeper, "KnS" defeated soundly in her victory a year ago. Her main danger today will be the outside horse, Cart Martial (#9) and Island Miss (#2) just inside her.

Mark Hoffman's 2009 graded Preakness selections

RACHEL ALEXANDRA (#13) Borel / Asmussen 9-5

The super three year old filly turned heads with a 20 plus length victory in the Kentucky Oaks, now she races for new connections and takes on the boys, draws almost impossible post…..but, won with devastating ease in her last start without being asked, gotta go with her in this spot spite her odds.

MUSKET MAN (#3) Coa / Ryan 10-1

The one I feared the most in the Derby and did not use, ran his usual good race parked wide in the stretch drive while forced out, gotta think he’ll fire his best shot again and at good odds.

MINE THAT BIRD (#2) Smith / Woolley 9-2

Very hard to leave this impressive Kentucky Derby winner out of the top three, Got his track and excellent ride in the Derby, race sets up for him again…..would be no surprise to make it two in a row.

TAKE THE POINTS (#11) Prado / Pletcher 30-1

Decided to skip the Derby by his connections after two good efforts on the Santa Anita “pro-ride” surface, looks to be forwardly placed in the running of this race, a longshot that may be overlooked.

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FRIESAN FIRE (#5) Saez / Jones 10-1

Didn’t fire at all as the lukewarm favorite in the Derby with horrible trip, could be a “throw out” under the circumstances he endured, maybe has a Louis Quartorze like turn around effort in his cards.

PAPA CLEM (#7) Bejarano / Stute 8-1

Ran a bang-up race in the Derby….one that I expected, that effort may have taken something out of him, toyed with using him in my top three….but back-off late.

PIONEER OF THE NILE (#9) Gomez / Baffert 5-1

Second best in the Derby and looked like a “drunken sailor” late in the stretch, a definite “throwout” for me in this spot, a lot of races this spring and could be tailing off, he wins…..he beats me!

BIG DRAMA (#1) Velazquez / Fawkes 10-1

Speedy sort recently won the seven furlong Swale Stakes at Gulfstream Park only to be d.q’d late for drifting out, should be gunning from the inside post and will take them as far as he can, the distance is a major question with him.

GENERAL QUARTERS (#8) Leparoux / McCarty 20-1

No factor in the Derby and had an eventful trip to Pimlico on Tuesday afternoon when his horse trailer was involved in a minor accident, may bounce back from that non-effort two weeks ago…..but thinking otherwise.

TERRAIN (#6) Rose / Stall 30-1

Winless since first two career victories last summer, had little impact in either of his races this spring, no huge form reversal here!

TONE IT DOWN (#12) Desormeaux / Komlo 50-1

Weakened for third in the Federico Tesio Stakes which is a prep race over the track for today, may press RA a bit from the inside early on.

LUV GOV (#4) Theriot / Lukas 50-1

Just broke maiden on tenth try last time out, hard to recommend at any price.

FLYING PRIVATE (#10) Garcia / Lukas 50-1

One thing I had right in the Derby was where this runner ended up…..can I be two for two with that prediction???

Sumwonlovesyou comeback thwarted, retired due to injury

AS REPORTED VIA E-MAIL FROM DEE TEE STABLES....

Dear Dee Tee 01 Partners,

It's taken me the better part of the day to complete this note as the news today was exceedingly difficult to deal with... Sumwonlovesyou has torn the upper suspensory ligament in her lower left front and will be unable to continue her racing career.

The injury made itself apparent Tuesday, and though the swelling had come down today, scans revealed the extent of the damage. Given her age and prior injury/illness, we would be forced to sit her out at least 6 months before re-evaluating, and there would still be no guarantee she could return at that point. As a result, Chuck has made the call that she be retired.

We have spent the day making arrangements to have Sumwonlovesyou bred in the next 17-21 days so she could deliver approximately an April 2010 foal. We will seperately address the future of the original 'Dee Tee 01' partnership and the options regarding the morphing of it into a breeding deal of some kind.

Needless to say, for us collectively, this is both a sad day and one filled with many emotions. For the majority of you, this was your 'first horse' as an owner, and marks your involvement in racing on a very different level. Sumwonlovesyou brought us into the sales ring and to four of the games most famed racing ovals: Keeneland, Churchill, Arlington and Saratoga.

In many ways, no matter where the Dee Tee Stables experience takes us long term, those first 8 months with "SWLY" may never be duplicated for the sheer excitement, drama, tension and exhileration produced. Sumwonlovesyou took us from anonymous fandom to owners of the public betting favorite on a Saratoga Sunday.

Though she could not get us into the winner's circle, it certainly wasn't for lack of effort on her part. The harrowing second place finishes in top company Derby Week, through the Arlington summer try, made 2007 a thrilling blur for our fledgling stable, and helped give rise to another 7 runners that carry or are soon to carry our Lime and Royal silks. And while there will hopefully be many more wins to go with the two by Kickin N Screamin, the agonizing but emboldening efforts of Sumwonlovesyou will always be the foundation of friendships on which Dee Tee Stables was built.

Thanks of course go to Chuck first and foremost for identifying SWLY in the catalog, authoring her improvement and shouldering a financial burden while trying to get her back to the races. Thanks to the entire CES Racing Team for their efforts with her and Cherie particularly who was frequently worn out by Sumwon in the mornings.

Bethani White gets our unending thanks as well. If Sumwonlovesyou goes on to a productive career as a broodmare, it is because Bethani likely saved her life with a decisive call for veterinary intervention on her infected hoof last summer.

Thanks of course to the 50 or so of you who eagerly sent $500 apiece into the mail to make an unlikely dream come true for yourselves and people you didn't know. And finally, thanks to the mint-crazed daughter of Came Home and Mysterious Moll who will never stop being our favorite racehorse... the perfectly named Sumwonlovesyou.

With unending appreciation for your support and enthusiasm,
Steve Byk and Chuck Simon

Mark Hoffman’s 2009 graded Kentucky Derby selections

REGAL RANSOM (#10) Garcia / bin Suroor 30-1

When my original pick declared from the race, I decided to go with a speed horse that is bred with stamina and landed on this longshot; upset his better regarded stablemate in the UAE Derby and can repeat that performance at huge odds; hoping he has a clear lead into the stretch and it’s to the windows!

I WANT REVENGE (#13) Talamo / Mullins 3-1

The logical “horse to beat” off his two efforts at Aqueduct after shipping from the west coast; overcame a lot of trouble in his brilliant Wood Memorial victory; has all the makings of a Derby winner….if you like a short price.

HOLD ME BACK (#5) Desormeaux / Mott 15-1

This well bred closer ran good in his last two starts (both on synthetic surfaces); one dirt try wasn’t that good though; at this price, looks better than other synthetic horses who have never raced on the “real” stuff.

FRIESAN FIRE (#6) Saez / Jones 5-1

Swept the Fairgrounds series of three year old races this year; hasn’t raced in seven weeks though, which could be a concern; may get overlooked in the wagering and does move up on a wet track.

MR. HOT STUFF (#3) Velazquez / Harty 30-1

This full brother to last year’s runner; Colonel John has no early foot & will be rallying late; could be a huge price if the race falls apart late; solid longshot play.

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DUNKIRK (#15) Prado / Pletcher 4-1

Was spectacular in his first two career starts at Gulfstream during the winter; gutsy 2nd behind Quality Road in the Florida Derby, but looked quite tired from that effort; didn’t race as a 2 yr.old is his big knock.

PIONEER OF THE NILE (#16) Gomez / Baffert 4-1

The pride of the west coast and polytrack has worked well over the Churchill strip….but, is STILL a question when is comes to race day on the “real” stuff; got burned by Colonel John last year…..it won’t happen again!

DESERT PARTY (#19) Dominguez / bin Suroor 15-1

The flagship runner of the Godolphin contingent; did his jock misjudge the stablemate last time out in the UAE Derby? Not really happy with his post draw, so downgraded him a bit.

PAPA CLEM (#7) Bejarano / Stute 20-1

Another that has made the adjustment from polytrack to dirt with his Arkansas Derby victory; could be one of the few on or near the pace. May better this rating and could full out triples & superfectas at a price.

CHOCOLATE CANDY (#11) Smith / Hollendorfer 20-1

Northern California runner has made a good account of himself in stakes on polytrack; sharp 2nd behind Pioneer of the Nile in the Santa Anita Derby & if you like him…..you MUST use this runner!

WEST SIDE BERNIE (#1) Elliott / Breen 30-1

Got to this spot from a sharp effort behind I Want Revenge in the Wood Memorial; been a hard hitter throughout his two year old campaign & has the look of runner-up type here.

MUSKET MAN (#2) Coa / Ryan 20-1

This son of Yonaguska has only been out of the winner’s circle once in five lifetime starts; he has already outrun his pedigree and has the look of a second or third tier three year old than a grade I runner.

GENERAL QUARTERS (#12) Leparoux / McCarthy

With 11 lifetime starts, he’s the veteran of the group; trained by the 74 yr.old McCarthy, he excelled on the polytrack in the Blue Grass Stakes; I think he’s a cut below the top contenders.

ADVICE (#4) Douglas / Pletcher 30-1

This stone cold closer registered both victories on synthetic track; late to the dance, he needs to step in up big time versus this group.

SUMMER BIRD (#17) Rosier / Ice 50-1

Like Dunkirk, he’s only had three starts and didn’t race as a two year old.....that’s where the comparisons end though; trainer, jockey & of course horse are all new to the Derby scene.

JOIN IN THE DANCE (#9) DeCarlo / Pletcher 50-1

Only shows maiden victory sprinting at the Spa in an off-the-turf event; he will most likely be gunning on the front end & will be nowhere at the finish.

NOWHERE TO HIDE (#18) Bridgemohan / Zito 50-1

Late, late entry to the race; amazing, but I almost picked two Hall of Fame trainers to finish last and second to last.

MINE THAT BIRD (#8) Borel / Woolley 50-1

All I know about this runner is that he ran well on the polytrack at Woodbine as a two year old…..that’s about it!

ATOMIC RAIN (#14) Bravo / Breen 50-1

Another late entry most likely for the owner connections; can’t recommend his chances at all.

FLYING PRIVATE (#20) Albarado / Lukas 50-1

The post position in this field and chances of this runner winning are at the bottom; this is a trainer that is in the twilight of his career with maybe his last derby runner.

A great morning as Sumwonlovesyou breezes 3f Wednesday after 19 months sick and injured

From the Dee Tee Stable "Facebook" page.....

18 months after last appearing in a recorded racetrack performance, Sumwonlovesyou today officially returned with a 3f breeze at Trackside.

Slated to go a quarter mile between the three-eighths and eighth poles, our 5 year old Came Home mare was clocked at :25.0 for the quarter and :38.3 to the wire on the gallop out. The splits were 13.0,: 12.0 and :13.3, and Chuck promptly declared that it couldn't have been drawn up any better.

The drill came without urging, as Cherie never asked the stable standardbearer for run. Cherie said that SWLY tired predictably at the end and was a bit clunky in her mechanics, but felt strong and eager under her.

It has been an arduous year and a half since Sumwon's last race the day after Travers 2007. Starting with a muscle tear early in 2008 and a subsequent bout with a hoof infection that flirted with laminitis, having Dee Tee's first runner reach the worktab again represents the welcome next step in having her back.

With no residual fitness to rely on, she has a long way to go to get race ready, but she was in no hurry to drink any water after the work, which is a good sign that she is already gained some condition.

Without hyperbole, it's easy to say that this was as special a 3f workout as those connected with a horse will get to see. Ashley has pictures that she will hopefully put up later today.

Remembering Alysheba

As I listened to the home opener at the “new” Yankee Stadium on Thursday afternoon and heard the legends of the pinstripes announced to the roar of the crowd. I thought back to the days of my youth in the mid seventies when I first fell in love with the New York Yankees. Being a fan of major league baseball since I started collecting baseball cards thirty five years ago in 1974, baseball was my passion and the Yankees were my team. I can remember every stat on the back of those TOPPS baseball cards right up until I graduated from high school in 1982. A few years later, the same passion continued with thoroughbred racing and one of those horses from that time era was Alysheba.

On March 27th, the 1987 Kentucky Derby champion was euthanized at Kentucky Horse Park’s Hall of Champions in Lexington Kentucky. Alysheba had recently returned from Saudi Arabia after serving stud duty for Saudi King Abdullah for eight years. When returning stateside nearly five months ago, he took up residence at the park but was injured in a stall accident and the twenty five year old stallion could not survive his injuries. While I wasn’t a big fan of this horse, the impact he make on the sport when I was first getting interested in it was major when the sport was at a crossroads.

I really followed the Triple Crown trail for the first time in 1987. That year the lukewarm favorite was a runner named Demon’s Begone, who took the Arkansas route to the derby. I fancied a horse named Bet Twice, who was ridden by Craig Perret for New Jersey connections. Hall of Famer trainer; Jack Van Berg brought a runner to the first Saturday in May that year off of a race in the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland. In the race, Alysheba was disqualified from first in running and came into the derby with only a maiden victory. This son of Alydar was dismissed at 8-1 odds and over came nearly falling in the stretch to win the 113th Kentucky Derby. Bet Twice was second and those two runners would hook up again in the Preakness Stakes in which Alysheba once again was victorious. In the Belmont Stakes; three weeks later, Alysheba was entered without the use of lasix (which at the time was not allowed in New York) and this time Bet Twice turned the tables on Alysheba who was never a factor and denied him the Triple Crown. After the triple crown, he would run second in the Haskell Stakes and once again “up the track” in the Travers Stakes (again because without lasix). He would finish his three year old campaign with a Super Derby victory and a nose defeat to 1986 Kentucky Derby winner; Ferdinand in the Breeder's Cup Classic, but the best was yet to come the following year.

Alysheba would win seven out of nine starts as a four year old in 1988, winning races in California (Strub, Santa Anita Handicap and San Bernardino) in New Jersey (Iselin and Meadowlands Cup) and the Woodward at Belmont Park. But, his biggest victory was at the spot where he achieved his great feat; Churchill Downs in the 1988 Breeder’s Cup Classic. He retired with 11 victories in 26 lifetime starts and earned nearly 6.7 million dollars. At stud, he wasn’t that good as he was on the track, but did sire; Alywow who was a champion in Canada. Three year old champion of 1987 and 1988 Horse of the Year, Alysheba was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1993. He was horse that I never played, but one that I respected and now he is gone along with fellow Derby winner; Lil E Tee who passed away just days before. Now, Strike the Gold is the oldest living Kentucky Derby winner and as time goes by the memories of my youth following thoroughbred racing seem to go farther and farther away. But there will ALWAYS be the memories.

Something tells me in the end, there will be LESS than 20 horses entered the "first Saturday in May"

1) Pioneerof the Nile
2) Friesan Fire
3) I Want Revenge
4) Quality Road
5) Papa Clem
6) Chocolate Candy
7) Musket Man
8) Dunkirk
9) Hold Me Back
10) Regal Ransom*
11) West Side Bernie
12) Desert Party
13) General Quarters

the other 7

Mr. Hot Stuff
Summer Bird
Mine That Bird
Giant Oak
Win Willy*
Join in the Dance*
Square Eddie*

* still on the fence

or someone else???