Monthly Archives: May 2009

Latest update on Belmont favorite Mine That Bird, direct from the Churchill Downs publicity office: OWNERS DROP IN TO CHECK OUT MINE THAT BIRD – Mine That Bird’s entourage grew a bit Sunday morning as Mark Allen and Dr. Leonard … Continue reading →

Here’s a brief question-and-answer session, courtesy of Churchill Downs’ publicity office, with Chip Woolley Jr., trainer of Mine That Bird, and jockey Calvin Borel that was held after it was announced Friday that Rachel Alexandra will not race in the … Continue reading →

Today’s $250,000 Grade I Gamely Stakes at Hollywood Park appears to be a wide-open race on paper, with Bobby Frankel holding a pair of aces as he tries for a record ninth victory in the stake. Frankel will saddle both … Continue reading →

I wrote shortly after the Preakness Stakes that I’d be surprised if Rachel Alexandra ran in the Belmont Stakes on June 6, and earlier today it became official that the fabulous filly will not run. That means Calvin Borel will … Continue reading →

OK, three horses caught my eye on tonight’s eight-race card at Hollywood Park — Something Sonic in the second, Sky Marni in the sixth and Denizen in the nightcap. Something Sonic, 6-1 on the morning line, is trained by the … Continue reading →

A young star in the making will be racing at Hollywood Park in tonight’s seventh race, a 6 1/2-furlong optional claimer ($80,000) for 3-year-olds. His name is Zensational, and he’s possibly got as much speed if not more than any … Continue reading →

When I first started in this business, I wrote a column about how some fans heckle and verbally abuse jockeys after a losing race. I’m sure it’s probably the worst in New York or Philly (surprise, surprise, huh?), but there … Continue reading →

Here’s some updated news on a few of the probables for the Belmont Stakes on June 6, courtesy of Belmont Park publicity official Jenny Kellner: Belmont Stakes contender Mr. Hot Stuff worked a bullet five furlongs over Polytrack at Keeneland … Continue reading →

Midway through the 2009 season, I know my early pick for Horse of the Year. I’ll reveal it in my Friday column. But I want to know who you pick: If voting were held today, who is Horse of the … Continue reading →

Despite owner Jerry Moss’ apparent eagerness to raise the bar for his unbeaten mare Zenyatta, it appears trainer John Shirreffs will choose the safe route and keep racing the 5-year-old daughter of Street Cry against other distaffers for the time … Continue reading →