June, 2022 | Horse Racing Free Tips

‘You Can’t Duck And Dodge Everybody’: Speaker’s Corner To Face Life Is Good In Saturday’s Nerud

Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott plans to send out the talented Speaker's Corner in Saturday's seven-furlong Grade 2 John A. Nerud Stakes at Belmont Park, according to the Daily Racing Form, which sets up a matchup with multiple Grade 1 winner Life is Good.

Most recently, Speaker's Corner finished third, 8 1/4 lengths behind Flightline in the G1 Met Mile. The 4-year-old by Street Sense had won three straight races prior to the Met Mile, including the G1 Carter.

“I think it's the wrong thing to do, the way he is right now, not to run,” Mott told DRF. “My feeling is you can't duck and dodge everybody. Every good race that comes up from now 'til the end of the year, you're going to have one or two good horses in there. You can't be afraid.”

Life is Good, meanwhile, will be making his first start since finishing fourth in the G1 Dubai World Cup on March 27. Trained by fellow Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher, the 4-year-old Into Mischief colt has recorded five half-mile works at Belmont Park since returning from WinStar Farm for a freshening.

Haskell Could Be In Play As Baffert’s 90-Day Suspension Concludes

Trainer Bob Baffert plans to return to training on Sunday, July 3, following the conclusion of a 90-day suspension issued by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. According to the Asbury Park Press, the nine-time winner of the Grade 1 Haskell could send one or more top 3-year-old entrants to the Jersey Shore for the 2022 edition on July 23.

Dennis Drazin, chairman and CEO of Darby Development, which operates Monmouth Park, told the APP: “Bob Baffert has been a central piece of making the Haskell what it is today and has always supported Monmouth Park, and once his suspension ends he is welcome to come to Monmouth Park and participate in any of our races that he wishes to.”

The Haskell is a “Win and You're In” race for the Breeders' Cup Classic; the winner is granted an expenses-paid berth in the Classic starting gate at Keeneland this November.

Among Baffert's possible Haskell contenders are the following:

Taiba, winner of the G1 Santa Anita Derby and 12th in the Kentucky Derby. Conditioned during Baffert's suspension by Tim Yakteen.
Messier, 15th in the Kentucky Derby. Conditioned during Baffert's suspension by Tim Yakteen.
Hopper, winner of the G3 Affirmed Stakes. Conditioned during Baffert's suspension by Sean McCarthy.

When the APP asked Baffert via text about the Haskell, the trainer responded: “I get back to training Sunday. Know more by the afternoon or Monday. Haven't seen horses for 90 days.”

Godolphin Flying Start Class of 2020-22 Graduates

Following a rollercoaster two-year period due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022 Godolphin Flying Start graduation ceremony took place in the Cape Cross centre at Kildangan Stud in Ireland June 24. The Godolphin Flying Start program is accredited by the University College Dublin Michael Smurfit Business School as a Graduate Certificate in Management. Among those addressing the graduating class and assembled guests, Helen Brophy, Director of Smurfit Executive Development at UCD and Joe Osborne, Managing Director of Godolphin Ireland and Trustee of Godolphin Flying Start.

“On behalf of the global Godolphin team, I congratulate this graduating class and wish them success and encouragement for their futures in the thoroughbred industry,” said Osborne.

The 2022 graduates comprised trainees from five countries, including Angus Robertson (Australia), Samantha Bussanich (USA), Devon Dougherty (USA), Erin McLaughlin (USA), Tommy Lyon Smith (UK), Brigitte Murphy (Ireland), Donncha McCarthy (Ireland), David Skelly (Ireland), Marine Moussa (France) and Solene Hudbert (France).

The diploma for the top trainee was presented to George Broughton (UK), who achieved the highest grade among the 2022 graduating group, attaining a Distinction award.

Angus Robertson and Samantha Bussanich spoke on behalf of the class, reflecting on the experience of the two years with their fellow classmates.

“We have had the most unorthodox experience in the 19-year history of the program, yet it is one that we would not exchange. At a time when people's lives were sent into turmoil through lockdowns, social distancing, and furlough, we were 11 fortunate individuals who still managed to travel, gain incredible practical and theoretical experience, and develop personally and professionally. This was due to the resilience of the Thoroughbred industry, the fortitude of the Godolphin Flying Start management team, and the generosity of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed.”

The next opportunity to apply for Godolphin Flying Start is December 2022. For more information, visit www.godolphinflyingstart.com.

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H. Allen Poindexter to be Inducted into Prairie Meadows Racing Hall of Fame

Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino will induct two horsemen into its Racing Hall of Fame on Saturday, July 9 including Quarter Horse jockey Stormy Smith and prominent Thoroughbred owner and breeder, H. Allen Poindexter. His maroon and grey silks have been carried by multiple stakes-winning horses at Prairie Meadows and other tracks across America, such as GIII Fantasy S. runner-up Chanel's Legacy (Dominus) and GIII Iowa Oaks victress Flat Out Speed (Flat Out). Both will be inducted in a ceremony on the second day of the 2022 Iowa Festival of Racing beginning at 4:00 p.m.

“I am thrilled and privileged to be inducted into the Prairie Meadows Hall of Fame,” said Poindexter. “Even though I knew my name was in the mix, I still got goose bumps when I received word that I would be part of the Class of 2022.”

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