Wise Dan one of the greats, but don't forget these underrated geldings

Tue Sep 08 2015Vance Hanson

The unfortunate retirement on Monday of Wise Dan brings to an end a remarkable career that will, after the mandatory waiting period, be rightfully acknowledged with a Hall of Fame induction. For those of us residing in Central Kentucky, the April and ...
Juveniles in spotlight, speed strong once again as Del Mar concludes

Tue Sep 08 2015John Mucciolo

DEL MAR NOTEBOOK Juveniles took the spotlight during the closing weekend at Del Mar Race Course. Del Mar Futurity (G1) : Reddam Racing’s NYQUIST (Uncle Mo) chased the leader early, took a short lead in early stretch and powered home a fine 3 ¾ ...
Five Takeaways from Labor Day Weekend

Tue Sep 08 2015James Scully

1) Classic Speed : Liam’s Map impressed romping on the lead in Saturday’s Woodward (G1), registering his first graded win with the 4 ¾-length decision, and the 4yo front-runner has posted BRIS Speed ratings of 104-109-106 (Woodward) in his last t ...
Nyquist completes cross-country G1 double in Del Mar Futurity

Tue Sep 08 2015Kellie Reilly

"I think it is the best group of two-year-olds I’ve ever had." So declared trainer Doug O'Neill in early August. Just about a month to the day later, that view was vindicated on Labor Day when O'Neill pupils Ralis and Nyquist turned an historic ...
Living the Life repeats in Presque Isle Downs Masters

Mon Sep 07 2015Vance Hanson

Living the Life became the third repeat winner in the nine-year history of the $400,000 Presque Isle Downs Masters (G2) when she made a late, inside bid to catch 6-5 favorite Leigh Court by three parts of a length in the 6 1/2-furlong dash Monday ...
Ralis has breakout performance in Hopeful

Mon Sep 07 2015Vance Hanson

Ralis, a California-based colt with an unassuming record, put several of New York's leading juvenile males to shame Monday when authoritatively taking the $350,000 Hopeful (G1) , highlight of the closing day card at Saratoga. Rating in third as ...

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Ironicus eclipses Fourstardave's course record in Bernard Baruch

Mon Sep 07 2015Kellie Reilly

Not too long after Wise Dan's retirement was announced Labor Day afternoon, Ironicus rallied from last to take the $250,000 Bernard Baruch H. (G2) in course-record time at Saratoga. On a literal level, the Stuart S. Janney III homebred supplanted W ...
Pure Sensation enters BC Turf Sprint mix with Monster score

Mon Sep 07 2015Vance Hanson

Pure Sensation, who was made the 2-1 favorite in Monday's $300,000 Turf Monster H. (G3) at Parx Racing against many of the region's most accomplished grass sprinters, lived up to bettors' expectations when catching front runner Mongolian Saturday i ...
Wise Dan's highlight reel

Mon Sep 07 2015Kellie Reilly

The title is a misnomer, since the future Hall of Famer deserves a much more thorough video tribute that we can provide here. So here's my personal list of Wise Dan's top six performances. 6. The Bernard Baruch (G2) on August 30, 2014. From my ...
Wise Dan retired after tear discovered on tendon

Mon Sep 07 2015Vance Hanson

Two-time Horse of the Year Wise Dan , who was expected to make his return from an 11-month layoff in next Sunday's C$1 million Woodbine Mile (G1), has been forced out of the race and off the track for good after a tear on his tendon was found Monday ...
Races to watch during the 4-day St Leger Festival

Mon Sep 07 2015Kellie Reilly

While Doncaster's Festival is anchored by the St Leger (G1) on Saturday, the action begins Wednesday. Here's the overview of the most significant races to watch. Wednesday The Scarbrough (10 a.m. EDT) is the only black-type event on the ope ...
Storm the Stars, O'Brien trio, filly Simple Verse among 8 in St Leger

Mon Sep 07 2015Kellie Reilly

The world's oldest classic -- the St Leger (G1) at Doncaster -- will be staged for the 239th time on Saturday. The third jewel in Britain's Triple Crown, the 1 3/4-mile, 132-yard prize tests the stamina of these three-year-olds. Storm the Stars ...
Saratoga trainer race: Pletcher, up by two wins, sends out 12 to Brown’s 7 in finale

Mon Sep 07 2015James Scully

Four wins down entering last Wednesday’s program at Saratoga, Todd Pletcher now leads Chad Brown by two in the race for leading trainer. Pletcher and Brown will each be well-represented in Monday’s closing-day program, with the advantage going to ...