Golden Pal Makes Seasonal Bow in Shakertown

 Golden Pal (Uncle Mo) gets his 2022 season underway Saturday in Keeneland's GII Shakertown S. Winner of the GII Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint S. in 2020, the son of talented turf sprinter Lady Shipman (Midshipman) opened 2021 with a win in Saratoga's GIII Quick Call S. last July and failed to fire when seventh at York in the G1 Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe S. Aug. 20. Returning to winning ways in the GII Woodford S. back in Lexington Oct. 9, the bay wired the GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint S. when last seen Nov. 6, good for a gaudy 107 Beyer Speed Figure.

Hard-knocking Just Might (Justin Phillip) has won no fewer than eight stakes, but will try to secure his first graded score here. The chestnut won three straight black-type events at the Fair Grounds: the Nov. 25 Thanksgiving Classic S., the Dec. 26 Richard Scherer Memorial S. and the Jan. 22 Duncan F. Kenner S, but was second last out in the Colonel Power S. Feb. 19.

The post Golden Pal Makes Seasonal Bow in Shakertown appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Michelle Lovell ‘Just Might’ Take Her Shot In Dubai

After crossing the finish line first in the Kenner Stakes at the Fair Grounds last weekend, Just Might's trainer Michelle Lovell is considering shipping him to Dubai for the $1.5 million Al Quoz Sprint on the March 26 Dubai World Cup undercard.

Impressively taking over early and winning the turf sprint by 2 ¾ lengths geared down late, Just Might was disqualified and placed 8th after the stewards ruled his move to the rail as impeding a foe's ability to get out of harm's way. Winning or finishing 1st in 7 out of his last 8 starts, his lone miss came in the Phoenix (G2) when he grabbed his quarter.

“People don't send me horses that could to go to Dubai,” Lovell said. “I had to raise one, which is crazy. I got to make every call in this horse's career and it makes me feel good that we got this far.

“Yeah, Dubai,” Lovell mused and spoke to Just Might in his stall. “It's a big step, Pappa. I think they have to give an official invite, too–they've asked me a few times to nominate. I think they want me to nominate.”

“It's a straight six furlongs,” Lovell continued. “We have nowhere to practice, but you know he probably will be okay. He runs his turns pretty good and he does make his little move right there sometimes. But he leans out in the turns so maybe he will be a little better going in a straight line. He leans out in every race just because he is going pretty fast and the turns on the turf are just sharper. He just runs.”

“He has really matured a lot this past year,” Lovell said. “I think one of his best races maturing in his brain as a race horse, not just raw talent but figuring it out, was when he ran and beat Johnny Ortiz' horse, Mucho, at Colonial. It was on the dirt which was a little scary for me, six furlongs which was stretching him out more. He actually dug in and won that race. And he lost his shoe somewhere in the race, too. He never took a bad step, he never tore his foot up but he did run the race with his left shoe off. And he dug in really hard–that day he grew up, really fighting that nice horse that Johnny has. And he broke the track record, which they don't really say a new track record because they didn't run a lot of races on the dirt there. He ran a 1:07 and change.”

The post Michelle Lovell ‘Just Might’ Take Her Shot In Dubai appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

Shared Sense Leads Contentious Tenacious Stakes; Just Might Faces Comebacking Manny Wah In Scherer Memorial

Somewhat of an afterthought when the top horses in the Brad Cox barn are discussed, the Godolphin homebred Shared Sense has already put together a career that includes a pair of graded stakes scores and nearly $540,000 in earnings. He'll look to build on that resume as the 5-2 morning line favorite for Sunday's $75,000 Tenacious Stakes to be run over 1 1/16 miles at the Fair Grounds.

The winner of both the Indiana Derby (G3) and the Oklahoma Derby (G3) during his sophomore campaign, the 4-year-old ridgling by Street Sense has raced only three times this year. He finished a disappointing fifth in the Shaefer Memorial at Indiana Grand in his seasonal debut this summer, but bounced back with a game win the Tri State at Ellis Park. In his most recent run, he finished a hard-fought third behind his highly decorated stablemate Knicks Go in the Lukas Classic (G3) at Churchill Downs.

“He is a very, very hard trying horse,” Cox said. “I feel like he's moved forward from age three to four. We've always liked him, but to pick up two Grade 3's at age three, I thought that was a nice achievement. He's somewhat lightly raced. It took us a little while to get him back in the swing of things, but once we did, he started running well. The Schaeffer I don't have an answer for you there on him that day. We loved him that day but he didn't show up and we kind of hit the reset button with him.”

“We found the right spot for him (in the Tri State) and then I thought he ran a really good race in the Lukas Classic,” Cox continued. “He had a little bit of a setback after that race and we lost a little bit of time, but he has been training well. On a good day he can be a good grade three horse.”

A deep closer earlier in his career, Shared Sense has shown the ability to sit much closer early on in his recent starts.

“He has been able to put himself into the race a little bit more now,” Cox said. I don't know if that is him maturing a little bit or what but he definitely doesn't make it as tough on himself as he used to. He is a pretty basic work horse. His work last week was a really good work and that gives me confidence in him going into this race.”

A maiden winner at Fair Grounds on New Year's Day 2020, Lloyd Madison Farms IV's Major Fed would go on to finish second in a division of the Risen Star (G2) and then a better than it looks fourth in the Louisiana Derby (G1). Second behind Shared Sense in the Indiana Derby that year, he would later finish 10th of 15 in the Kentucky Derby, which was run in September. He has two allowance wins from four tries this year, and the long Fair Grounds stretch should work in his favor. At 9-2 in the morning line, trainer Greg Foley will give a leg up to Mitchell Murrill aboard the the 4-year-old son of Ghostzapper who will leave from post two of 10.

With a post time of 3:33 p.m. CT, the Tenacious is scheduled as race 8 on the 13-race card. The remainder of the field with post position, jockey/trainer and morning line odds is as follows: Pravin Patel's Ebben (post 1, Adam Beschizza/Juan Cano, 12-1 ML), a participant in both the 2018 Lecomte (G3) and Risen Star (G2) who was last seen winning a third-level optional claiming allowance over seven furlongs at Churchill; Floyd Sagely Properties and Keith Johnston's Trident Hit (post 3, David Cabrera/Ron Moquett, 6-1 ML), a four-time winner who finished fourth in the JA Hawk Memorial at Remington Park last out; Gulliver Racing, Craig Drager and Dan Legan's Pirate's Punch (post four, Corey Lanerie/Grant Forster, 10-1 ML), a two-time graded stakes winner who finished third in the 2020 edition of the locally run Mineshaft (G3); LTB and Miles Childers' Warrior in Chief (post six, Marcelino Pedroza, Jr./Bernie Flint, 20-1 ML), a four-time winner who earned black type by finishing a distant third in the mud two starts back in the Salute the Hero at Indiana Grand; Fly P Stable's Little Menace (post 7, Colby Hernandez/Tom Morley, 10-1 ML), who was claimed for $40,000 out of an authoritative victory over 1 1/16 miles at Churchill Downs last out; Lothenbach Stables' Happy American (post nine, James Graham/Neil Pessin, 10-1 ML), the winner of consecutive allowance races in scintillating, off the pace fashion at Churchill Downs; and the Estate of Jim Coleman, Jr.'s Chess Chief (post ten, Reylu Gutierrez/Dallas Stewart, 10-1 ML), the winner of the New Orleans Classic (G2) on March 21.

[Story Continues Below]

Just Might Returns to Turf to Take on Comebacking Manny Wah in Richie Scherer Memorial

If you saw the race, there's no way you've forgotten Manny Wah's first time on turf. Last with a half furlong to go in January's Duncan F. Kenner Stakes, Miguel Mena sent Susan Moulton's 12.80-1 Manny Wah flying by six foes, the last of which was hard-used dueler, Just Might. Visually stunning, the only questions in people's minds were — why hadn't this 2019 Triple Crown nominee tried turf before and when would he get back on this surface. Wait no longer, the 16th renewal of the Richard R. Scherer Memorial $75,000 Stakes turf sprint is here.

Just Might was there for Manny Wah's next attempt in the Colonel Power last February but that day was rained off the turf, and Just Might held court again on the lead to win. Since then, 2-1 morning line favorite Just Might has won five out his last eight, including two stakes on the turf.

“He's won a lot of stakes on the turf and he likes this turf course,” Lovell said. “He's doing awesome so I thought we ought to give it a try. Hopefully he shows up like he has been, you know he's been so honest, and it's a nice race. He's been super. My horse is doing super. I pray for a great race and a safe one.”

Thanksgiving Classic romper Just Might's last four races have been on dirt. He won three of those, and was severely compromised in the Phoenix (G2) at Keeneland when he suffered a severe quarter crack. Back on turf where he has 4 wins out of 21 turf sprint tries, Just Might breaks from post 5 with Colby Hernandez back aboard. This 5-year old gelding owned by Michelle Lovell and Griffon Farms seems at the top of his game.

Manny Wah (post 8, 9/2 morning line, jockey Core Lanerie) has been on the shelf. But he's back, and this feisty bay 5-year old looks to come with the late kick to win again.

“That was a very explosive move he made when we ran him on the turf here the last time,” Manny Wah's trainer Wayne Catalno said. “He's everybody's favorite horse. It's nice having him back. We're really happy with him being back in action. He had a few minor things going on, some bone bruising, he just needed plenty of time. Our goal now is to get him ready for the Breeders' Cup this year. He could have won it last year.”

Finishing third in the Thanksgiving Classic to Just Might, Al Stall Jr's Pyron (8-1 morning line) earned a 96 Bris speed figure last out–only 4 points shy of Just Might's 100. Declan Carroll keeps the mount on this versatile runner who has 0 wins out of 3 starts on the grass but is making his first start on turf as a much improved 5-year old. Pyron will be coming late.

Mark Casse sends Lucky Curlin (8-1 morning line) out from post number 3. He scored his best Bris speed figure in his one win on the turf, where came running from behind at 7 furlongs against first-level optional claimers at Woodbine. Florent Geroux takes the mount on this 4-year old who has finished second twice against graded stakes company.

The rest of the field has early speed.

Steve Asmussen's Grinning Tiger (8-1 morning line, jockey Adam Bescizza) is another horse that shocked-and-awed when trying something new. In the $100k Crystal Waters on June 6, 2020 at Santa Anita, this seven-time dirt winner wired the field going 1 mile on the turf at odds of 92.00-1, holding off graded stakes star Lieutenant Dan. Breaking from the rail, front-runner Grinning Tiger is in deep against this field but seems to be in form after scoring his first turf sprint win while being put up for a $40k tag against first-level optional claimers at Remington Park.

Breaking from the 4-hole, The Connecter (6-1 morning line) will attempt to win his fourth turf sprint with Angel Suarez up. He will be making his second start for trainer Darien Rodriguez after finishing third in the $90k Metzen Memorial on December 4th at Gulfstream.

Turf sprint stakes winner Firecrow (post 7, 5-1 morning line, jockey Reylu Gutierrez,) has proven he can win on the lead or just off it for trainer Ronald Moquett.

And just outside of Manny Wah, turf sprint specialist Field Day makes his first start since finishing third in the Dade Park Dash at Ellis Park on July 4th, 2021. Breaking from post 9, Brian Hernandez Jr will likely send this 10-1 morning line front runner.

After a game defeat to Midnight Tea Time in last Saturday's third-level optional claimer at Fair Grounds, Juan Cano's Mr. Hustle will scratch.

Post Time is 3:02 pm CT. The Richard R. Scherer Memorial is race 7 of a 13 race Road to the Derby Kickoff Day card.

The post Shared Sense Leads Contentious Tenacious Stakes; Just Might Faces Comebacking Manny Wah In Scherer Memorial appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

More Than Meets The Eye In New Orleans’ Thanksgiving Classic

Stop me if you've heard this one before: A Kentucky Derby router and a Breeder's Cup turf sprinter walk into a New Orleans bar on Thanksgiving looking to hustle up a six furlong dirt score. The bartender gives a wink and a nod and says “See that gelding leaning up against the wall. He just came down from Remington Park. Prairie Meadows before that. He's won his last nine and will race anybody as long as there's money on the table.”

We see it again and again–class climber runs into a buzz saw of horses who have been facing our sport's best. How much of a factor does class play in a horse race? Can a horse learn something from his hard-fought wins against lesser? On Thursday, November 25th at 3:12 CT we'll have our answers in the 97th running of the $150,000 Thanksgiving Classic at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.

The joke could be on those who bet against him if Necker Island runs to his Kentucky Derby potential. He looked to be struggling when trying turf earlier this year, but both trips were troubled, setting up his backers for overlay scores in his next two races: dirt sprints at Churchill that resulted in career-best speed figures.

“The horse is having a good campaign,” trainer Chris Hartman said. “And I think we have finally found what he likes: sprinting.”

Earlier this month, he beat two game foes in Mucho and Sir Alfred James in the Bet On Sunshine at Churchill Downs. This son of Hard Spun has class and talent to spare, but he is being turned around in 19 days, similar to when he won an allowance race on June 6 and then entered the G2 Stephen Foster this summer, eventually finishing 11 lengths back from winner Maxfield.

“We're a little bit short on time with this guy but he's in pretty good form right now,” Hartman added. “His energy level is good, he's carrying a lot of flesh, and he's doing really good. We thought best to strike while the iron is hot. I think he'll love that race track.”

When “ol'Necker” runs, as Hartman affectionately refers to him, you can't help but admire his rhythm and swagger. This horse is class in motion. He's the morning line favorite at a lukewarm 3-1. Breaking from rail, Mitchell Murril will be tasked with putting this first-run chestnut in position to eye down his foes late.

Michelle Lovell's five-year-old gelding, Just Might (7-2 ML), has a similar long, strange trip to 6-furlong dirt fixtures.

This near $700,000 earner has run his last three races at this distance and surface, but had only been entered in one dirt contest in his first 27 races. With seven graded stakes races under his belt, one of those being the Breeder's Cup Turf Sprint, coming home in the G2 Phoenix at Keeneland he had the run to win his first.

“He was making a run to the eventual winner in the stretch,” trainer and owner Michelle Lovell said. “I was excited. I thought this horse was going to win this race.”

That would have been a victory against 2021 Breeders Cup winner Aloha West and entrant Special Reserve. And Mucho, whom Necker Island beat by a head last out. But he took a bad step.

“He just grabbed his quarter,” Lovell explained. “He was very tender walking home. In the end, he hit the meaty part of the heel and tore the protective cover. It has healed up nicely. He had a really nice breeze last week, and he shipped down [to Fair Grounds] and he's ready to roll. He better be because it is not an easy spot.”

We know he likes Fair Grounds, having posted his career-best speed figure here. Can his class carry him home? Lovell says he has more than classy company up his sleeves.

“He's learned to fight harder this past year as he matured mentally,” Lovell said. “When I entered him in the dirt stakes at Colonial Downs, I was not sure if he could beat dirt horses. We'd beaten off the turf races but that was a big question. He answered and he did it in a head-and-head battle, nose-to-nose. The year before I don't think he would have fought as hard. That's just an example of when horses win, they get grittier–they grow up mentally and physically and they learn to give more.”

That brings us to the $10k claimer in the corner. The one who has stared down fifty-five horses in his last nine races and beaten them all: Greeley and Ben (7-2 ML). He can win out front or from off the pace, and his last race was his first foray into stakes company. He won by 2 ½ lengths running 3 to 4 wide throughout. This 7-year-old gelding out of Greeley's Conquest has sixteen wins and a half million in purses to show for it. Out of 17 races the past two years, he only finished out of the money once and it was his lone two-turn try. But does Remington Park and Prairie Meadows form transfer to Fair Grounds?

“I'd like to have been able to run this horse [Necker Island] in starter races,” Hartman said. “I think he'd win 12 in a row, too.”

But wait, more competition just walked in. Winner of three out of the last five Thanksgiving Classics, New Orleans native Al Stall Jr. sends the powerful closer Pyron (6-1 ML) to battle from gate 2. Declan Carroll gets the mount after the passing of longtime Fair Grounds rider and friend to all, Miguel Mena. Four wins out of seven tries at this distance, this Candy Ride chestnut likely needs these horses to duel early and fade in order to have a chance.

Watch how this race shapes up early–if Louie Roussel's Went West (8-1 ML) can break from gate 3 and get to the rail, where he does his best running, he might very well bulldoze the field. But this is New Orleans newcomer Jareth Loveberry's first time up.

He'll have to pass another out-classed underdog, Emerald Forest (8-1). The connections claimed this Gemologist gelding for a $15k tag at Fair Grounds last February. With the blinkers off, he will likely be passed early by the speed to his outside, Strike Power (4-1 ML). This son of Speightstown trained by Steven Asmussen won the G3 Swale and placed in the G2 Fountain of Youth, but then faltered against the better in the G1 Florida Derby and did not earn enough points for a spot in the 2018 Kentucky Derby. DeShawn Parker will have this 5-year-old breaking quick out of the 6th gate, but will he save enough for the real running at the end?

The Thanksgiving Classic matches extremely talented horses at the top of their game, finally running at their preferred distance and on their preferred surface.

“You've got a lot of fit and sound horses that impress you in the morning, but when it comes to being eyeballed by a horse that can run as good as them they just cave, they just falter because they don't have the heart, the guts for the fight,” Lovell said. “It separates the boys from the men.”

The 7th race on the day, post time is 3:12 pm CT. The first running of the Joseph R. Peluso Memorial stakes follows at 3:44 pm CT. The first post on Thanksgiving is at noon CT for a 9 race card.

The post More Than Meets The Eye In New Orleans’ Thanksgiving Classic appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

Verified by MonsterInsights