RacehorseGirl

Breeders Cup 2008 Musings

Jen — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 07:05:03 +0000

Okay, I never thought I’d be saying this but I think that the new Friday-Saturday format for the Breeders Cup has some merit…however, I really believe that it would be more beneficial to move the filly and mare races to Sunday instead of Friday. Those of us who have to work cannot wager on those races (or even WATCH them if we aren’t lucky enough to have unmonitored internet access at work), and to render a large part of the public unable to bet on or watch part of the largest weekend in a given sport is pretty silly. I’m sure there were probably some decisions made based on television coverage, but the internet and streaming live coverage makes this less of an issue than it used to be, and I personally would rather have the additional race day handle than a slot on ESPN2.

I have been reading some pretty good stories about this year’s competitors, including this article about Delightful Kiss in the 2008 BC Marathon and one about Zenyatta in the Distaff/Ladies Classic (I have a bone to pick with the BC people about that name change, by the way). I love the back stories leading up to a race, I think they are my favorite part of the whole build-up to race day. Well, that and the handicapping. Speaking of which…

I need to sit down and wade through a couple of races here soon, I haven’t even started handicapping yet! What’s wrong with me? In case it might be any help to anyone out there doing the last-minute thing like me: Breeders Cup live odds.

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2008 Breeders Cup pre-entries are available

Jen — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 16:38:42 +0000

Apparently I need to change my domain name to Ionlyblogaboutthebiggestracingdays.com or something, because I have been ridiculously bad about updating this thing.

There is a really nice .pdf of the Breeders Cup pre-entries at http://assets.espn.go.com/winnercomm/horseracing/2008_BCWC_PreEntries.pdf for your perusal. Check it out.

I have opinions on all of this with the two-day format and who’s entered in what, but you will have to wait for it because I am at work and not working. Come back tomorrow and I’ll have something for you. I promise.

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Big Brown out of Breeders Cup, retired

Jen — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 19:07:48 +0000

Big Brown has grabbed a quarter and torn part of his hoof off, according to Bloodhorse.com. The incident occured at Aqueduct after a workout with Kip Deville on the turf, in which they both completed 6f in 1:12 4/5. Big Brown, who was due to retire at the end of this season as stated by owner Michael Iavarone, and will be standing at Three Chimneys for the 2009 breeding season.

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Genuine Risk Dead

Jen — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:50:32 +0000

Genuine Risk died in her paddock this morning at Newstead in Upperville, VA. Owned by Mrs. Diana Firestone, she was the winner of the 1980 Kentucky Derby (becoming only the second filly EVER and the first in 65 years to win the historic race) and placed second in both the Preakness and the Belmont that same year. There was controversy surrounding her Preakiness race as she was reported to have been whipped in the face by the rider of Codex, who won the race. Genuine Risk had only two foals in her lifetime (Genuine Reward, by Rahy, and Count Our Blessing, by Chief Honcho), neither of whom raced. She was the oldest living Kentucky Derby winner at the time of her death at age 32.

R.I.P. beautiful girl, I’m sure you’re kicking some boys’ hineys up in heaven with Eight Belles right now…

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Lewis Michael to Three Chimneys; Chelokee to Vinery

Jen — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 14:29:29 +0000

Lewis Michael will be retiring to Three Chimneys at the end of his racing career this year, according to owner Frank Calabrese. The son of Rahy has a stud deal inked with the farm, home of Smarty Jones, Point Given, Rahy, and others, with an increase in the price if Lewis Michael can come up with a gr.I win before retirement.

Chelokee is headed to the Vinery to stand at stud. The colt is listed amongst the rest of the farm’s roster in the Thoroughbred Times Stallion Directory, and rehabilitation for a dislocated ankle has been going well according to those at Rood and Riddle, with the colt shod on both front feet and going for daily walks without bandages (Bloodhorse.com). I wish him an uneventful rest of his recovery and a great life at stud.

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