The Track at Saratoga: America's Grandest Race Course

Celebrate 150 years of the famed Saratoga Race Course with 'The Track at Saratoga: America's Grandest Race Course.' This historical documentary will transport you through 150 years of owners, trainers, jockeys and horses. Experience the track beginning with four thrilling days in August 1863 through the pageantry of today.

Racehorses at Longchamp

"Horse racing, a luxury sport imported from England, experienced a vogue in 19th century Paris.  Built on the Western edge of the city in 1857, the Longchamp racetrack drew fashionable crowds and Degas, whose love for horses was matched only by his attachment to the ballet.  This scene of jockeys and their mounts milling beside the track at the end of a race was the first Degas painting acquired by an American museum." MFA; Edgar Degas; 1871; Oil on canvas.

Cozmic One Still Running Free

Cozmic One at Lanes End Farm

Officially named a few months ago, Cozmic One (formerly Z12) is just about 18 months old now.  From the Zenyatta blog: "May the heavens bless him and he has all the chances to be the bright star he is :)".  

"Coz" will celebrate birthday #2 March 2014.

Kentucky Derby 2014 News

Churchill Downs Releases 34-race Schedule for 2013-14 'Road To The Kentucky Derby' Series.

Derby Top 25 Update

Here's how it is shaping up with just over 8 weeks to go.  Points are earned for the top four finishers in each Kentucky Derby prep race and these are the top 25 horses as of today.  To see the longer, complete list link here.

Next prep race is the Gotham Stakes scheduled for this Saturday, March 2 at Aqueduct Racetrack.

A lot can change between now and the May 3 & 4th Derby dates . . .

Get Your Game On

If you like to play games, pick winning horses and not lose money (but have an opportunity to win up to $3K!) this is the perfect competition for you!  It's time for the "Showvivor" contest again - out of SantaAnita Park.  Simple steps to participate:  1) register;  2) log on to the Showvivor website each day of racing; 3) select ONE horse in ONE race(each day) that you think is going to win, place or show.  That's it!  If your pick comes in first, second or third - you will move on to the next day of gaming; if not it's sudden death and you are out.  It all starts tomorrow - so sign up here before 3pm (ET) tomorrow, Saturday February 23 and you'll be off & running . . .

El Camino Real Derby - Real Upset

Dice Flavor pulls from behind as a 9-1 medium shot and takes the win in the El Camino Real Derby on Saturday, 2/16 at Golden Gate Fields.  DF surpassed all Derby hopefuls to take this race - coming from behind to over-take those who took off too fast with a 3 3/4 length lead over the second place finishing horse.  Bafferts favored horse (2-1), Manando led the pack for most of the track, but then after losing steam, staggered in last almost 25 lengths behind Dice Flavor.  Jose Valdivia, Jr. rode DF for the win.

Link here to see replay - fun race to watch!

Next Derby prep race is today - - Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park - tune in at around 6:09 (ET).

Magnificent Snow Sculpture

Snow sculptures of stallions are carved onto the landscape prior to the start of the annual Vasaloppet China International Ski Festival at Jingyuetan Park in Changchun, China.

Got My Eyes on this Girl

Eblouissante, half-sister to famed Zenyatta is a horse to watch this year.  She's not only a fun new favorite, but she appears to be starting up on a bit of a winning streak going 2 for 2 in her career-to-date starts.  Scheduled to race in the $300K Santa Margarita Invitational on March 16 at Santa Anita Park, "E" is now suffering from a bruised foot and may be pulled out of this race by trainer, John Shirreffs.
http://www.drf.com/news/santa-anita-eblouissante-has-bruised-foot-may-miss-santa-margarita

Rachel Alexandra's Foal Has Heart

Rachel Alexandra and new foal.

And there's now another race baby to keep an eye on!  Just in time for Valentine's Day 2013, Rachel Alexandra's foal (with Bernardini) emerges with a beautiful heart-shaped star gracing her forehead.  This 140 lb. baby girl is sure to have heart and it will be fun to see her run!

Kentucky Derby 2013 Prep Race Schedule

More info on the new point system to come, but here's the schedule to help follow the races and evaluate the contenders . . . next race is the El Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate Fields on Saturday, February 16.

Giddy Up!

Oh, my poor forgotten blogs . . . time to get posting, sharing and writing again . . . looks like a total design revamp may be needed too . . . giddy up!

Will look forward but will also post some "flashbacks" from the time missed, too.