Try to Remember the Champs of September
Summer basically is over and the much-anticipated fall racing season has begun. Or has it? Only the “grizzly bear,” Thorpedo Anna, will be in action this month at Parx Racing while it seems all the other big bears will be in hibernation. But it never used to be like that. ~ Steve Haskin
Try to Remember the Champs of September
By Steve Haskin
Saratoga has come to an end and that means one thing. It is time for a trivia quiz, so here goes: What do the following recent Horses of the Year and/or Breeders’ Cup Classic winners have in common – Cody’s Wish, Flightline, Knicks Go, Bricks and Mortar, Justify, California Chrome, American Pharoah, White Abarrio, and Arrogate? The answer is that none of them raced in September of their respective years. You might even add Gun Runner, who raced on September 2 only because Saratoga was still running.
So how did the one-time most active and important month of the year, culminating with the race that usually decided the Horse of the Year title, the Woodward Stakes, become virtually devoid of major races?
Here we are in early September, racing in New York hasn’t even resumed yet, and for the next few weeks we will have to settle for two Grade 3 turf stakes, a listed stakes and four New York-bred stakes before we get to what have become pretty much Breeders’ Cup prep races and not even successful ones. The last Breeders’ Cup Classic winner to win a prep in New York at the end of September was Curlin 16 years ago (Vino Rosso finished first in The Jockey Club Gold Cup but was disqualified) and the last Joe Hirsch Turf Classic winner to capture the Breeders’ Cup Turf was 10 years ago. Now, most of the leading Classic horses have their final prep at Saratoga or Del Mar and then spend two months freshening up for the big race.
Somehow the Woodward Stakes has wound up back again on the last weekend in September after toiling around for years at the end of the Saratoga meet, and is now mostly an insignificant Grade 2 prep for the Breeders’ Cup Classic. This is a far different Woodward than the one that once decided 14 Horse of the Year titles way back in the stone age from 1959 to 1980. In 15 of those 21 years the Woodward was won by a future Hall of Famer, and to demonstrate the star-studded fields that assembled every year, during that time 11 future Hall of Famers were beaten in the mile and a quarter, weight-for-age race.
The names of Woodward winners from 1959 to 1980 who are in the Hall of Fame rattle off your tongue – Kelso, Buckpasser, Damascus, Forego, Seattle Slew, Affirmed, Spectacular Bid, Arts and Letters, Sword Dancer. Hall of Famers defeated in the Woodward include Secretariat, Dr. Fager, Round Table, Riva Ridge, Cougar II, Exceller, and Hillsdale. If you can name even four or five of the last dozen Woodward winners you have a much better memory than I do, although I admit that’s not too difficult these days.
But September meant more than just the Woodward. It meant seeing future Hall of Fame fillies Gamely, Shuvee, Desert Vixen, Susan’s Girl, Cicada, and Tosmah win the Beldame, and Gallant Bloom clinch the 3-year-old Filly championship over Shuvee in the Gazelle Handicap and the Handicap Filly or Mare championship over Gamely in the Matchmaker Stakes. And later on we saw future Hall of Famers Personal Ensign, Lady’s Secret, and Go For Wand win the Maskette Stakes.
And finally in September we saw Round Table, Dr. Fager, Fort Marcy, Assagai, Parka, and Mongo all clinch the Champion Grass Horse title in the United Nations Handicap at Atlantic City.
What that all means to me is that with the closing of Saratoga and a virtually barren September ahead of us, I can’t help but become a bit saddened and nostalgic about those years when we actually looked forward to those cool early autumn breezes blowing in off Jamaica Bay as we settled into our seat at Aqueduct on a Saturday afternoon in September. It was a simpler time in racing when greatness shined just about every week.
To quote the lyrics from the long-running off-Broadway musical The Fantasticks that inspired the title of this column:
Try to remember the kind of September
When life was slow and oh, so mellow
Deep in December, it’s nice to remember
The fire of September that made us mellow
Don’t get me wrong, I still love racing and all the technology it has to offer the racing fan and horseplayer, but with the closing of Saratoga I can’t help think back to the promise of September and those Labor Day crowds of 60,000 and 70,000; poring over the past performances in the Morning Telegraph with your trusty binoculars hanging off your neck and using the rest of “The Telly” to save your seat; and being engulfed by the intoxicating aroma of cigars, mustard, and beer wafting through the grandstand.
I’ve now busted open the dam and the memories are flooding back. There was only one exotic bet and that was the Daily Double on the first and second race, and if you wanted to define the word stampede all you had to do was watch the latecomers arrive at Aqueduct on the subway or later at Belmont on the Long Island Railroad and try to make the double. Wherever you went there were the proverbial racetrack characters, and one such character to me known as Roland the Magnificent was once seen frantically dashing to the mutuel window with the first race just about to run, slapping down a couple of hundred dollar bills and telling the mutuel clerk, “Gimme anybody.”
For me, Labor Day meant seeing Damascus win back-to-back runnings of the Aqueduct Stakes, a race whose existence you likely won’t find even on Google; a race won twice by Hall of Famers Kelso and Stymie, as well as by champions Tom Rolfe and Bald Eagle and Hall of Famer Hillsdale. In 1969, after Belmont reopened following a five-year renovation project, the Aqueduct Stakes was replaced on Labor Day by the Governor Nicolls Stakes, then changed to the Governor Stakes after two years, attracting top stars such as Forego twice, Wajima, Foolish Pleasure, Ancient Title, Nodouble, Verbatim, Tentam and Loud before being discontinued in 1976 due to the popularity of the Marlboro Cup.
I admit I looked at racing differently than most people in the United States, being fortunate enough to live in New York City, the epicenter of the sport, where I could hop on a Pioneer bus that took me to Aqueduct and brought me home after the last race. I can only imagine the excitement of racing fans around the country when great horses came to their tracks, like Arlington Park, Washington Park, Tanforan, Hawthorne, Garden State Park, Atlantic City, Hialeah, Suffolk Downs, Rockingham Park, Narragansett, and Detroit Race Course. And they came, from Seabiscuit, Citation, Whirlaway, Native Dancer, Swaps and Nashua to Buckpasser, Damascus. Dr. Fager, and Spectacular Bid. A superstar like Dr. Fager traveling cross country to run at Hollywoood Park was extremely rare. All those tracks are now gone.
To be a young racing fan in America meant keeping a scrapbook of your favorite horse, cutting out clippings and photos from newspapers and magazines, such as Turf and Sport Digest, known for its fan interaction. To see your favorite horse on the cover and in color was as exciting as it gets. In the 60s the biggest breakthrough in fan interaction came when a 13-year old girl named Heather Noble started the Kelso Fan club complete with a newsletter mailed out to members, which numbered in the thousands.
It was in September that Kelso would begin to shine his brightest during his five-year reign as Horse of the Year, with arguably his most emotional victory coming at the age of 7 when he out-dueled his arch rival Gun Bow in the 1964 Aqueduct Stakes. And it was in September at Aqueduct that racing’s three titans, Damascus, Dr. Fager, and Buckpasser battled for racing supremacy the 1967 Woodward Stakes in what was called the Race of the Century. Eight years earlier, Aqueduct was also the sight of the epic showdown for Horse of the Year in the Woodward between future Hall of Famers Sword Dancer, Hillsdale, and Round Table, each representing a different part of the country. Ironically, the winners of both races, Sword Dancer and Damascus, were father and son.
That is just a glimpse into what the Sport of Kings was like back then and the importance of racing in September.
So, here we are into the second week of September and racing in New York hasn’t even resumed yet, and for the first few weeks of the meet we will have to settle for a few minor stakes before we get to what are now merely Breeders’ Cup prep races.
Those cool September breezes still blow through the Aqueduct grandstand, but there is no one to feel them as we did. With all of today’s technology and conveniences and easy access for horseplayers, there appears to be little interest in going back in time and learning about a sport that was regarded as one of the three most popular sports in the country, along with baseball and boxing.
I realize how much racing has to offer now and am looking forward to the Breeders’ Cup as much as anyone. But I believe its history is something precious and should not only be appreciated but marveled at. It was a time when the horses were like friends we got to know and depend on, and not just transients being asked to do just enough to establish their stud value and then departing just as we begin to embrace them.
So why am I standing on my soapbox this week, knowing that I am likely preaching to a handful of old-timers sitting on the proverbial park bench who can relate to my words? Very simple. It’s September and I have nothing new to write about.
Photo courtesy of Steve Haskin
Racing historian, author, and award-winning retired journalist for the Daily Racing Form and The Blood-Horse, Steve Haskin was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame’s Media Roll of Honor in 2016. Known for his racing knowledge and insightful prose, he has been an exclusive contributor to Secretariat.com since 2020.
Great article about the long gone glory days of NY racing. Thanks, Mr. Haskin.
Despite the tons of money I lost, I wouldn’t trade the memories for anything…
Racing on the 28th of September looks to be a pretty good imitation of the past, with old stakes, newer stakes, and brand stakes new mixed in. I noticed it’s closing day at Prairie Meadows and they have a slew of Iowa bred stakes. Aqueduct has some famous old stakes with a kick while Woodbine features the Durham Cup with its long history. The Ack Ack is slated at Churchill Downs, as is the new California Cup stakes and day at Santa Anita park. Laurel Park will host the Japan Turf Cup, a venerated turf race that was renamed. I hope the weather is good, as Autumn Leaves fall, early this year.
It’s very early to rate this year’s crop of 2yr. old colts, but the following are my top 10 in preferential order.
1) Jonathan’s Way, 1st in the Iroquois Stakes
2) Gaming, 1st in the Del Mar Futurity
3) Chancer McPatrick, 1st in the Hopeful
4) Showcase, 1st in the Saratoga Specical
5) McKinzie Street, 2nd in the Del Mar Futurity
6) Ferocious, 2nd in the Hopeful
7) Zula Kingdom, 1st in the With Anticipation, (could be pointed to the BC Juv. Turf)
8) Artislas, 1st in the Del Mar Juvenile Turf (could be pointed to the BC Juv. Turf)
9) Banned for Life, 1st, MSW, 6 1/2 furlongs, 1:16.05, at Saratoga (E:102)
10) Bullard, 1st, MSW, 6 furlongs, 1:10.32, at Del Mar, (E:88)
If there’s anyone out there that would like to list their top 10, please feel free to do so.
The Road to the Kentucky Derby started with Saturday’s running of the Iroquois Stakes.
OK Bill it’s September 16th…You list TEN two year olds—What would be the over/under from your list—for horses making the 20-horse starting gate? 1.5?….1/2?…..I like Gaming a little bit, and Ferocious a lot—Still—I’d be surprised if more than one on your list made it, it’s just too early, Derby points in September seems like a reach..
Hey Matthew W.
From my point of view, the first Derby prep race that offers points seems like a good place to start reviewing potential Derby horses.
Obviously, things will change down the road, they always do. I see no harm in pointing the top 2yr. colts that have impressed me the most moving forward on the Derby trail.
Feel free to disregard the colts that I have listed on this September date.
Have a great evening Matthew W.
Stevel,
Pondered your column all week and Breeders Cup, trainers new way of training and in some respect HISA have made September racing irrelevant. It would take several changes to make it relevant again. Biggest would be is to have the Breeder Cup move to the 3rd Saturday in November. Not sure why it couldn’t be. Only thing is it probably would eliminate New York from being eligible from participating but they would be the biggest beneficiary of September racing. Rearrange in California to have either Santa Anita or Del Mar run their meets in September and move Los Alamitos to October but most important is all of racing heirarachy needs to look at horse racing as a whole and do what is best for racing an what the racing fans want and stop being so myoptic and everyone for themselves.
Have a great day !!!
‘HISA has made September racing irrelevant”
Care to elaborate?
Yes, the harsh penalties for minor drug overages and tightening of the use of LASIX.
Does welfare of the horse figure into the equation?
Why does this specifically apply to September and not year round?
Before the advent of The Breeders Cup—I don’t remember the Woodward being run on the first Saturday in November, let alone the third Saturday—late November seems too late, in my opinion….if anything bring it back to late October, didn’t it use to be on last Saturday of October, or am I forgetting….Belmont will be getting the Breeders Cup, so will Churchill Downs, if they ever get a turf course….late November can start to get cold…
This column really brings back memories. I couldn’t believe the Aqueduct Stakes had been forgotten–until I tried to look it up. I remember the 1962 Aqueduct Stakes when Crozier got his revenge on Carry Back. There was a four-horse field that day, and for some reason I wrote their names on a paper napkin. Crozier won with Guadalcanal second, I think Ridan third, and Carry Back fourth. I wanted to check and see if my memories were correct or if time and wishful thinking were playing games with me. I found absolutely nothing about the race–it was as if it never happened–and that’s really sad because it’s worth remembering.
I too think of Kelso when I think of September. I always thought of the Jockey Club Gold Cup rather than the Woodward as the race that determined the Horse of the Year, but Kelso was usually there for both of them. September meant leaves falling, pumpkins ripening, and Kelso winning. It was a great time. Thank you for bringing it back so vividly.
Hey Jiffy — Your memory didn’t let you down; that was the correct order according to Pedigree Query. I typed in the winner’s name and used the pulldown menu to find his stakes wins, and there it was.
Thank you for looking that up. I’m happy to hear that those results were correct.
Hi Jiffy.
There is a good report of the 1962 Aqueduct Stakes under a NYT title: “Carry Back Last in 4-horse Field”. It gives account of the race including a picture of the finish and mentioning it was the second largest attendance in New York history that Labor Day. The attendance was 70,123 fans who wagerd 5.35 million dollars.
Carry Back carried a weight of 128 pounds conceding 14 pounds to Crozier and Guadalcanal. Even victorious jockeyBraulio Baeza acknowledged that the low weight (114 lb) favored Crozier that day.
That Aqueduct Stakes was Carry Back’s prior race before running the Arc D’Triomphe.
Thank you for the information, Nelson. I didn’t know much about racing at that time–I became a real fan the following year–and a lot of your knowledge was new to me. I do remember the handicap races of that era and how weight assignments often did affect outcomes. If today’s horses were asked to give 10 or 15 pounds to their rivals, as their ancestors did, everybody would retire after the Travers.
Kyprios is the King! I love that horse. I would love to see him try the Arc.
I am glad to learn that many talented and well regarded 3-year-old are getting ready to resume racing. The list below may also make you excited about the older division next year.
Today:
Parchment Party, had his 6th workout getting ready for his 3-y-o debut.
Knightsbridge had his 3rd workout since his last win on March 28 at GP.
Locked completed his 6th workout since his 3rd in the BC Juvenile.
Snead had his 6th workout in preparation for his 3-year-old debut.
Track Phantom is a bit behind with only his 3rd workout since the Derby.
Yesterday the valiant new yorker El Grande O worked for the 3rd time since his 3rd in the Gotham in March.
Another talented one getting ready for his 3-y-o debut is Generous Tipper after his 3rd in the Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity last October…
Stronghold reappeared with a good second in the Indiana Derby on July 6 behind the up-and-coming headliner Dragoon Guard. This blue blood son of Arrogate flaunts a 4-winning streak including the Indiana and the Virginia Derbies in fast times…
It is said that the imposing Nysos is galloping again …
Again, these nice runners migth not be fully ready for upcoming Stakes but if they remain healthy we will be enjoying a slew of terrific horses next year…
What is your take on this?
The mist impressive horse yesterday was a sprinter named Happy Is A Choice, who made up four lengths coming wide, into a :44.99 (easy) half by Skelly, and caught that one with a :23 final quarter..
September 13th—a Hall of Fame trainer named Jerry Hollendorfer won his first race of the year..
One of my favorite trainers is Dale Romans. Every year I wish the best of luck to him.
Just a genuine kindness I think in this man.
He has two real beauties this year, Mesero and Kinetic Control both by Not This Time.
Not This Time certainly stamps most of his progeny with his good looks and Kinetic Control is a fine example of that.
Yes, I know that good looks alone do not win races but that does not stop me from enjoying the beauty of many of this horses, win or lose.
Romans made low rent comments prior to Derby stating CA Chrome didn’t belong. Lol Sometimes when one displays a big mouth- end up looking really dumb.
He looked at the breeding, and not the 8 length San Felipe and 4 1/2 length SA Derby hand ridden…but Everyone was wondering about the ten furlongs…turned out ten was his best distance, but who could’ve known?..
Attended Derby that year. Romans never before or since had a horse like Chrome in his barn.
I have never heard of one displaying a big mouth.
Does the width of the lips equate to the size of the mouth or comments therefrom?
Opening a big mouth in reference to speech
Foot in mouth is more appliable to Dale Romans’ comment regarding CC.
Multi tasking.
Nice post, Lynda.
My favorite Dale Romans quotation was when he sent Keen Ice into the Travers. He said he was glad attendance was being limited because there would be only 50,000 people there to boo him when he beat American Pharoah. Everybody thought that was very funny–until it happened. But I don’t think there was booing–just shock and amazement.
Evidently, the word is out on Jonathan’s Way. He went from 9/2 on the morning line to even money and is now the favorite. Owen Almighty remains at 5/2 (2nd favorite)
Post time is 5 minutes away.
Jonathan’s Way wired the field, for a very impressive win in the Iroquois. This colt has a bright future. BC Juvenile Stakes, next up? Probably.
Iroquois winners haven’t gone on to have bright futures. T
The winner that could, was Not This Time who was an 8 3/4L winner of the 2016 renewal. he was narrowly defeated by Classic Empire in his next start in the BCJ. he unfortunately had to be retired thereafter due to career ending injury.
Interestingly, Lookin At Lee who finished a badly beaten 2nd to Not This Time in the Iroquois, was the eventually runner up in the 2017 KD. The connections of Not This Time must have been left pondering what could have been when the lesser impressive Always Dreaming emerged the fortunate winner of the 2017 KD.
JW was assigned an Equibase figure of 100 which just happens to be the number that was assigned to Not This Time.
Mesero the Iroquois entrant that I fancied finished 4th by 7 3/4L. He is clearly no match for the winner at this moment. However, his 4th was encouraging given broke slowly and finished just outside the TRI closing from 3rd last.
Right now, JW is very swift, but the KD isn’t won by swiftness only
“Iroquois winners haven’t gone on to have bright futures”
I can think of at least one Iroquois winner that went on to have a bright future, his name was Street Sense. He won the KD in 2007.
Jonathan’s Way’s trainer, Philip Bauer, mentioned he’ll point JW to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.
Just as a suggestion, let’s see how he performs
in the BC Juvenile before you pass judgement on this Iroquois winner.
BTW, Jonathan’s Way has shown he can win closing from far back, as well as setting the pace on the front end. He has shown remarkable adaptability and maturity for a 2 yr. colt.
Good luck with Mesero, you’ll need it.
Have a nice day, Counter Point (AKA Coldfacts)
La Cara won the Pochohontas at CD by about 3/4 of a length. She’s the 3rd GSW 2 year old out of a Bernardini mare – 2 of which are G1 winners. The cross with Street Sense is brilliant
Steve, have you seen such a brilliant start by a a BMS as Bernardini ?
Terrific article by Jay Hovdey, about Jack Carava, who has transitioned from trainer to jockey agent (Kyle Frey)….He talks about the frustrations of a small barn trainer who lives 12 hours a day, with his horses, only to be talked down to by a 5-minute visiting protocol vet—trainers that know every single ache, and hot spot in their horses…..it can be taxing—
Great read Matthew, I expect more trainers will be following suit into another profession in the next few years.
Racing in England on Saturday is headlined by the now neglected third part of the English Triple Crown the St Leger at Doncaster. Arguably, the most interest in the race is whether three sons of Galileo can come in 1, 2, 3 with Illinois, Jan Brueghel, and Grosvenor Square.
While in Ireland at Leopardstown in the Champion Stakes the Japanese invader Shin Emperor is using this race as a prop for the Arc. Enjoy the races.
Davids, Auguste Rodin is running in the Champion Stakes as well. Will set the recorder and hope to catch one or more of the big races. Not to mention the first prep in the Road to the Derby sequence, the Iroquois at Churchill Downs, featuring Sandman and Ellis Juvenile winner Owen Almighty. Many intriguing horses are running here, most after having only one or two starts.
Ms Blacktype, I just got home from seeing “Oscar” a new Australian Ballet production. It was brilliant, they will tour it in the US in the near future.
Yes, I love all the 2 year old stakes races around this time of the year. I better hop into bed to get a few hours sleep before the races start. Good luck.
St Leger and the Champion Stakes were resulted in thrilling finishes both decided by a neck.
The 3-year-old Economics with his beautiful white face was very brave in defeating a high-powered Auguste Rodin in the Champion Stakes for the Kingdom of Bahrain’s Owner.
Shin Emperor was third less than a length behind Economics. It was an impressive display of courage after lacking room in the home stretch and having to veer to the outside. The son of Siyouni will be another excellent Japan representative in the Arc…
The historical St Leger was very similar finish with Jan Brueghel defeating Illinois after an electrifying duel over the last 2 furlongs. Jan Brueghel remains undefeated in 4 starts. It was the 8th win for Aiden O’Brien in the oldest of Britain’s Classics… another testimony for the late Galileo of being a colossus in the Breeding arena.
Very exciting Arc comming on October 6 …
Davids and Nelson:
Happy to say I saw both Group 1 events from the U.K. What an epic dual between Economics and Auguste Rodin — and Shin Emperor was a fast-closing third. That was a terrific race. And Jan Brueghel was my pick to win the St. Leger, which certainly ended with a rush after the expected glacial beginning.
As for the American 2YOs, Jonathan’s Way is a cut above past Iroquois winners. His time was very fast on the Churchill Downs course today, so no doubt he’ll get big speed figures. I’m not thrilled he’s by Vekoma (wasn’t he known for paddling on the 2019 triple crown trail?) out of the winner of a minor stakes, but on the plus side his first five generations are free of crosses. There are two crosses of Mr. Prospector on Vekoma’s side (4×5), but interestingly, two of Hoist the Flag (4×5) as well. No Mr. P on the dam side at all. It will be interesting to see how he progresses, along with Gaming, Chancer McPatrick, McKinsie Street, Ferocious and others on my budding TC watch list.
I have watched the Iraquois head-on replay many times and Jonathan’s Way runs as stratight as an arrow. I really like seeing great broodmare sires in his family side (Indian Charlie, Dixieland Band, Roberto and Graustark).
With the scratch of the speedy First Resort the pace was not as hot as I expected. Joel Rosario was astute enough to sense that and sent the son of Vekoma to the lead from the first jump. The early fractions were not as fast of those of the Pocahontas Stakes but the last quarter was a full second faster for Jonathan’s Way. His final time was a respectable 1:36.08
Jonathan’s Way is one to keep a close eye on… I would add to your list Showcase and Godolphin’s East Avenue.
Both are already on my list, Nelson — especially since East Avenue is a half to Cody’s Wish!
The dam of East Avenue is a half to Cody’s Wish – not EA himself
I stand corrected, Betsy. At least I knew they were closely related!
Steve and all,
I must say that I am encouraged by what seems to be a renewed and growing interest in turf racing.
Both Kentucky Downs and Colonial Downs just came off very successful meets.
In summary there were full fields many with also eligibles, big purses especially at Kentucky Downs, and older horses competing at 4, 5, 6 and 7 and geldings. Races in different distances up to and including a mile and a half.
I am not saying that turf that will ever replace dirt here in the United States. However, it might help save the sport that seems to be continuing its downward spiral until the market place rights itself. By that I mean the big breeding farms, owners and trainers come to realize that yearling colts going for high 6 and now 7 figures have a very limited shelf life and is killing the sport.
The signs are all there I think. Not just the closing of racetracks but the ever decreasing field size, the bare minimum when it comes to racing starts, retirement at the time they are peaking and continued drops in foal crops. In other words, the business model for horse racing today revolves strictly around lucrative stud deals, not performance, not stamina, not durability and not longevity.
I think the retirement of Heartland (by Justify) to Win Star after winning one race, his maiden last year and watching the video of Baffert and Walden (3rd man in video, name escapes me) discussing what this colt will mean to the breeding industry actually sickened me. I even said to myself, do these men even know what they are saying?
Understand, this is not bashing Baffert or WinStar, there are others!
There has to be a changing of the guard if the sport has a chance of surviving.
Lynda, I’m hoping that the new Belmont will ensure an increased interest in turf racing and the new Tapeta track will also increase field size which is a major drawback to dirt racing.
Kentucky Downs and Colonial Downs have been great to watch and the prize money will ensure large fields. Watching dirt racing withering on the vine in California is a tragedy.
Most of the top sires have offspring that are equally efficient on turf and an import of Australian, European, Japan et al is just what the herd needs in the US. As much as I enjoy the speed involved with dirt races I’m not sure it’s viable in the future.
I have to say, going to turf tracks in Australia has re-enthused the desire to watch thoroughbreds run on grass. Safer and aesthetically more pleasing to watch.
Australasian, European, Japanese blood that is. Sorry, for being so brief, but I’m busy getting ready for a conference, starting Sunday, the mind is thinking faster than the fingers can type. Ha ha
Well they’re working for the owners, I think in this case discretion is understandable..
Lynda, something seldom that ever gets mentioned about today’s dominant sires compared to the Northern Dancer, Seattle Slew, Mr. Prospector, Danzig, Nureyev, Lyphard, A. P. Indy era is how low the percentage is for black type winners. The above group go from 24 – 1%. from memory, but it’s about right.
In the modern era, only Tapit has a doubled digit percentage of 10% for black type wins. Let’s have a look at the overinflated other stallion stars and their % of black type.
Into Mischief – 9%
Curlin – 8%
Uncle Mo – 7%
Gun Runner – 7%
Justify – 6%
Imagine paying out 5 million for a yearling who’s sire has an 8% of getting black type. Or, more shockingly, your investment has a 92% of not getting black type. Now that’s truly gambling.
The percentage of black type winners for the Northern Dancer – A. P. Indy era is supposed to be 24 to 16 %.
Yeah,Elliot is a charmer isn’t he?
Hello Steve, from the proverbial bench: Belmont Park September 15, 1973
Race 6 Beldame Winner DESERT VIXEN
Race 7 Marlboro Cup Inv. Winner SECRETARIAT
Race 8 Alw. Winner FOREGO
Would have made an Historic HOF TRI! Forego was 2nd choice to Cutlass!
Meant PICK 3! (AGE)
It sure woud’ve…except I didn’t see a pick three wager until the early 1990s….and it was a $3 wager….back in 1973 the only exotics offered were the daily double—races one and two….cost $2….and a couple of exacta wagers that cost $5….
I know , I lived it and was there that day! Methinks with $3.60, $2.80, and $6.20 it would have returned about $20 -$25 for a Dollar if it Existed back then!?!?
And the Marlboro entry, of Secretariat and Riva Ridge ran one/two—my dad always told me if you like them both…and they run one/two the place price pays about the same as the win price..I’ve always remembered my dad’s horse sense—another one of Dad’s: Watch for calm horses, and not so much horses on their toes, or swishing tails…the nervousness that takes energy….he loved the slow walking calm horse…but not so much on a two year old,–more on an older horse who has seen it all….he liked to see a young horse that held his head up high–said it was a sign of intelligence, and not a herd follower….things my father told me, in the early 70s that have stayed with me all these years….longtime gone but I still look up to my father..
I was 22 years old and fell in love with the size and nobility of Forego. Still my alltime favorite Horse including honoring him when I bought my first car a 1977 Trans Am. It was Yellow and Black the LAZY F silks.
However getting back to the Marlboro, Eddie Maple rode Riva Ridge and I kept his quote after the race on my BR wall for years. “I took a peek over my shoulders and I saw him coming,a big red head and body coming right at me,my horse was still running strong but there was nothing I could do about it!”
I live in Cali and fir tears kept a picture of Firego winning the ’76 Matlboro, I called the giant son of Forli “‘Ol Number Ten”….
Take Two…..I lived in Cali, for years I kept a picture of ‘Ol Number Ten on my wall, Forego winning the ’76 Marlboro Cup..
Still hangs in my bedroom “Forego, Shoemaker Up”. Print by Anthony Alonso! Told my son it goes in my coffin…….
RE: G3 Iroquois Stakes, 1 Mile, (R10) at Churchill Downs.
Street Sense won this race back in 2006 and went on to win the Kentucky Derby in 2007.
With no Derby winners coming out of the Iroquois in the past seventeen years, it’s understandable that there’s been very little interest in this race in recent years.
As I mentioned in an earlier comment, Owen Almighty appears to be the one to beat.
However, there are two first out maiden winners that look mighty enticing. I’ve already mentioned Jack’s Time, but the one that impresses me the most is Jonathan’s Way, with Joel Rosario in the irons. The way he closed from far back, was something to behold. He was passing horses like they were standing still, earning a Brisnet closing pace figure of 97 (highest in the field).
Boxing Owen Almighty with Jack’s Time and Jonathan’s Way in a fairly large Trifecta might be rewarding if the two first out maiden winners finish 1st and 2nd.
Just a suggestion, check out the video replay of Jonathan’s Way circling the field in his maiden win on August 17th.
The morning line odds have been posted for the Iroquois Stakes, and it comes as no surprise that Owen Almighty is the clear favorite, at 5/2.
1) First Resort, 12-1
2) Giocoso, 10-1
3) Jack’s Time, 20-1 (doubtful he’ll be 20-1 when the gates open)
4) Authentic Strike, 12-1
5) Owen Almighty, 5/2
6) Strummin, 12-1
7) Sandman, 6-1
8) Magnitude, 8-1
9) Firmus, 20-1
10) Jonathan’s Way, 9/2 (not surprised he’s the 2nd favorite)
11) Mesero, 15-1
12) Politicallycorrect, 6-1
In the superfecta, I’ll key Owen Almighty on top, with Jack’s Time, Sandman, Magnitude and Jonathan’s Way underneath in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th slots.
That is: 5/3,7,8,10/3,7,8,10/3,7,8,10
In the trifecta, I’ll box Owen Almighty with Jack’s Time and Jonathan’s Way in hopes he (Jonathan’s Way) can replicate his huge closing effort that he displayed in his maiden win.
Safe trips to all.
Hi Bill,
I suggest you review Mesero’s debut win over 6F. If your evaluation of his performance is similar to mine. You might just be inclined to redraft your trifecta.
When a 2YO makes its debut in a manner depicting that of an older horse. It suggests it has an early grasp of racing.
The colt was tardy at the start and was regulated momentarily to last. He quickly gathered his stride and went in chase of his 11 opponents ahead. There was some pace to run at as fractions of 22; 46; & 58 were recorded. up front.
From 8L off the pace, he was piloted 3W as the top of the stretch and after executing a smooth lead change, he made a sustain run at the leaders. This run carried him to victory by 1 3/4L.
I assessed his performance to be extremely professional for 2YO debutant. Albeit one that fetched $525K at the Keeneland September Sale.
He surrendered a bit of ground when slowly out, got into stride quickly, rated kindly on the back stretch, changed lead on que and sustained his gallop with an energy efficient stride pattern.
Since his debut he hasn’t missed a beat. Equibase reflects he has been on a 7-day work schedule. It appears this Not This Time colt will relish longer distances. If he returns improved and given the ton of speed signed on for the Iroquois. He should be picking up the leaders late and could just get there in time.
Sometimes what is considered pertinent to one might be insignificant to another.
When Mesero returned to the winners’ enclosure. His rider was covered with a significant amount of the track’s surface. This indicated the colt must have taken a lot of kick back but was unflinching throughout. That’s a sign of a good temperament and bravery. All characteristics of good racehorse.
Thanks for your input, Counter Point.
I’m sure you noticed the track was labeled “muddy”, hence all the kickback.
I’ve always been skeptical of horses trained by Dale Romans, he hasn’t had a lot of success with Derby type horses.
Mesero’s lack of early speed could work against him, especially positioned on outside in P/P 11. Can he replicate his big closing effort on a fast track like he did over a muddy track? That remains to be seen.
Good luck Counter Point.
Thanks Bill for this information.
As you said, albeit being the first 10 point-race for the Derby the Iroquois has not been a relevant source of Triple Crown horses. If you go by the winners this Century, only Harlan’s Holiday, The Cliff’s Edge and Court Vision have been notable Stakes horses going forward… As you know, Not This Time was a rising star but he was retired after his runner-up effort in the BC Juvenile …
I foresee a scorching pace benefitting horses that showed a powerful late kick in or were battle tested and prevailed in the last furlong.
My trifecta (box) so far is:
Jonathan’s Way 9/2
Sandman 6-1
Magnitude 8-1
Authentic Strike 12-1
If the track becomes muddy I will be including First Resort.
It is interesting that Not This Time got four sons in the Iraquois who will be looking to emulate his impressive win (by a record 9 lenghts) in the Grade III Stakes…
Good luck with all your bets this weekend Bill…
Thanks for the reply, Nelson.
Boy you said it, there’s a lot of speed in the Iroquois. However, there are several horses that have demonstrated the ability to close on fast fractions.
From my perspective, Jonathan’s Way appears to be the best closer in the Iroquois field, with a late pace figure of 97.
I’m somewhat surprised that you didn’t include Owen Almighty in your trifecta. In the Ellis Park Juvenile Stakes, he rated off the pace setter, Politicallycorrect, before drawing off by 4 3/4 lengths, in a good time of 1:24.36.
I’m sure there’s a reason why you didn’t include Owen Almighty in your trifecta. Would you care to share your thoughts on OA, the morning line favorite.
Thanks Nelson.
Owen Almighty is very fast and strong runner but I believe there are other very talented contenders in the Iroquois who could be more adept to the mile. My assumption is that Irad Ortiz will find that Owen Almighty is so fast out of the gate that they will be very agressive from the get go… if that happens the undefeated and beautiful Owen Almighty may find himself losing steam at the end.
I see Authentic Strike as the one who could win a speed battle against the other 5 sprinters in the race.
Magnitude performs and looks like a Derby horse in view of the way he won at 7 furlongs… and the Saratoga horses (Sandman and Jonathan’s Way) have been the fastest in the field.
Of course, I might be wrong about Owen and he turns to be an spectacular miler but given he will likely be an odds-on favorite I see better value on other prospects.
Your points are well taken, Nelson.
This year’s first Derby Prep race looks very competitive to say the least. You never know, the winner of the Iroquois could be a Derby horse down the road. We’ll see.
Good luck Nelson.
I think First Resort could be a nice colt…..I wonder if they will go at Churchill or on turf at Woodbine, where he is also entered..
In years past I’ll (and I know Matthew W will) always remember September horseracing as the time for the Los Angeles County Fair aka Pomona aka Fairplex. Still remember the hot windy days smelling the smoke from numerous grills, hearing the screams from the kids on the rides and listening to the band by the winner’s circle playing “Pony Girl” after ever race.
The half mile bull run, the Appaloosas, the quarterhorses, then the thoroughbreds…always looking for that horse that showed any speed in a race…any speed.
Don’t forget the last weekend of September usually meant the start of the Oak Tree meeting at Santa Anita/Hollywood Park. ‘Twas a shame they ‘destroyed’ the Oak Tree meeting it was unique.
Were you the fellow opinion writer that characterized Tapit Trice’ slow return race as reflecting significant improvement as a 4YO?
I did very well when Pomona was a half mile non banked bull ring…..I did poorly when they changed it to 5/8 and banked the turns (Fairplex)….
When Pomona was still a 4 furlong “bullring”, I always shielded my eyes when they went into that first turn. Always a hair-raising moment in races there.
Tommy–I saw some horrific accidents, at Pomona….I saw a race where six horses fell, only two finished and they called it a non race….on closing day one year (around 1979) it was extremely hot, they could not jeep the track moist enough….13 fatal breakdowns, in 12 races—including a Quarter Horse that ended up on the bandstand, adjacent to the winners circle..
My first memory of hearing the “September Song” was the cover Andy Williams did in the mid 1960’s.
As I was reading your post Steve, I could not help but hum along. Great title for your article by the way!
A photo taken at either Saratoga or Keeneland some years back came to mind. There was a lone horse and rider out in the early morning against a backdrop of glorious yellow leaves bathed in golden sunlight. It was probably taken in Keeneland, ash trees turn yellow in the Fall and the ash is one of the most the prominent trees in Kentucky.
My Dad, who was very close to nature, always referred to Fall as the “sap falling”. My Mom always seemed to get “the blues” as she called it in Fall. The Lakota Sioux tribe referred to the 3 Autumn moons as moons of change, when the leaves turn brown, the wind shakes the leaves off the trees and the deer rut. It was a time of slowing down in preparation for the 4 winter moons.
Autumn is my favorite time of year. The changing of the leaves, the garden spiders weave their final web and lay their eggs in a brown sack. The acorns start falling off the white and red oak trees and I can hear the pinging noise they make as they fall. The pecans start falling and the squirrels stay busy gathering the nuts and stashing them in the knot holes in the trees. The humming birds, start to leave and the Canadian geese fly overhead. Butterflies have one last flurry of activity laying eggs.
The bright blue skies overhead with nary a cloud, the cool nights and misty mornings both of which the horses seem to love.
A couple of lines from another song, “The Way We Were” came to mind. “Can it be that it was all so simple then? Or has time rewritten every line? If we had the chance to do it all again, tell me, would we, could we?”
I think the answer is yes, at least for me. Fall trail rides at Mount Rogers where you are so high up you feel like you can reach up and touch heaven, the cross country eventing at the Radford Farm; the start of Friday Night Lights at my old high school; making apple butter in a hundred year old copper kettle.
But alas I have digressed.
I wish Thorpedo Anna was running in the Woodward. She would have had a very good chance of doing what only two other fillies (Rachel Alexandra and Harve de Grace) have done. Somewhat disappointing, only two probables so far for the Woodward, Skippylongstocking and Crupi.
In closing, I will borrow a couple of lines from another nostalgic song, “Where Have All The Flowers Gone?”:
“Where have all the flowers gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the flowers gone?
The girls have picked them, everyone
Oh when will you ever learn?
Oh when will you ever learn?
Where have all the horses gone?
The answer my friends is blowing in the wind.
Thank you Steve. We still have you to take us on the journeys into the past and reflect on things lost but still cherished.
September is by far my favorite month of the year, and not just because it’s my birthday month.
I would love 12 months of Autumn, and September is the best. I love the cool, crisp air, the changing of the leaves, stomping on the dead leaves and hearing that satisfying crunch…apples. Halloween baking shows…
Alas, that was in NY – I’ve been in South Florida for 2 years, and there’s really no Fall here…certainly no leaves changing. The closest thing to Autumn here is really Winter, when it’s often in the 60’s. I go without a jacket even when it’s cooler, while born Floridians wear Winter jackets, lol
Replying to myself, lol
I would have preferred that Rank not run in the DM Futurity, but I never thought he’d be beaten 20 lengths.
I missed the race, but apparently he climbed for most of it – and just didn’t have energy to put in any kind of run
My first inclination was to hope they turn him out, but now I think that’s not going to help. I think he may hate Del Mar – it would explain his goofy stride, and awkwardness at times. And maybe he’s just still green AF. I think he wants to go long, so I hope that they run him again. Ridiculously, there isn’t a race for him until 10/14, so I almost wish they’d ship
But anyway, I hope Doug and Calumet end up right about him
Yes, Lynda + Betsy, Autumn is my favorite season as well. Alas, here in Melbourne you tend to just get Winter and Summer now. Hot Summer for 3 months then a mild Winter for 9 months. Even the bulbs aren’t producing flowers anymore just green leaves.
David, you’re in Australia ? It’s my dream to visit – one day!
Ah, that’s a shame!
Betsy, come in Autumn to Australia, not too hot and not too cold. Or in Spring to witness the build up to the Melbourne Cup especially in Victoria- everyone is talking horse racing when the football final is over at the end of September.
I would say Lynda that this post is my favorite for 2024. I really enjoyed it. “Where Have all the Flowers Gone”
Original song by Peter, Paul & Mary although I enjoyed Johnny Rivers version more. Marlene Dietrich also covered the song.
I don’t much anymore, I am so disalusioned with horse racing these days. It is an absolute joke to what the idustry has done to our beloved sport. All it is now is a gambling link. The purity is gone & many of the old time fans have died off.
You & Steve are two of the reasons why I still come to this link.
Have a great Autumn Lynda………..
Oh thank you Deacon.
I always look for your posts and when I do not see any I wonder how you are doing.
I will have to try and find the Marlene Dietrich cover.
Happy Autumn to you too!
Her version of the song is on You Tube. I think she also did a live version of the song. I didn’t realize that she had such a beautiful voice.
Steve thanks ! What an article ! We really appreciate you !
“Remember” by Charles Aznevor and “Try to Remember” by Ed Ames have always had a tragic melancholy tone for me, of lost memories that cannot be relived, as age is catching up on you. Well, you can live in the past, and that is sad, or you can enjoy what is actually available for you.
Let’s just see what’s around in September for racing fans to watch.
First, we have the Keeneland September Yearling Sales to watch for a week or so, the renewal of things to come in the future.
Second, we have all the two year old races to watch the world over, as preps for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile races and for the Classic races for the following year.
Third, there are all the final preps in Europe for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the Breeders’ Cup Turf races, and the British Champions Series.
Fourth, the Victorian Spring Racing Carnival with stacks of Group races and highlighted by the Melbourne Cup Carnival in late October early November start in September.
Fifth, the Sydney Spring Carnival with such races as the 20 million “The Everest” and the 10 million Golden Eagle also begins in September.
Nothing to do in September? I’ll be flat out trying to catch up with all the activities going on in September, the world over.
It’s not that we’re living in the past, we already lived it and I’m sorry that you don’t understand that. The biggest difference today is that trainers don’t race to train thus depriving us of seeing them progress. It’s hard to fall in love a Barn rat. Owners are speculators more then sportsmen. When was the last time you heard an owner proudly say Put a cement bag on my horses back and he’ll still beat you!
Derek, from childhood I loathed seeing champion racehorses ‘hobbled’ by massive weights trying to beat an inferior horse to please punters who have bet 50c on a win/place bet.
We travel in a different milieu but I understand your point of view. All good.
Davids, the prices are unbelievable this year for the First Book. Much higher averages than last year.
Usually the later lots sell for much higher.
Makes me wonder how high they might go this year.
Many of the acquisitions have been made by the new players which I guess is encouraging.
Lynda, the Curlin – Cavorting colt was beautiful and the pedigree demands a stud future but 5 million for an untried yearling. It’s like the crazy days of the 80s. Let’s hope he shines for Whisper Hill Farm.
You can see where they’re going with all the Tapit blood (mares) they have crossing with the colt above if he’s successful. Want and see, I guess.
Davids, the Curlin-Cavorting colt was very nice. Much prefer his conformation to the Curlin-Beholder colt that brought 5 mil and a better walk as well. Last I heard he is still out on the farm.
This colt is full brother to Clairiere so that adds to his value I think.
Time will tell of course if any of these multi-million dollar yearlings do anything on the track or is it just about potential sire value now?
Mike Repole had an interesting post on X yesterday about how these prices are way out of reach for the middle level buyers.
I see that Constitution is now number 5 on the All Sires List.
Lynda, A. P. Indy as a yearling in 1990 cost $2.9 million, and he is one of the rare gems that earned more, $2.979,815, that what he cost. Of course, A. P. Indy turned out to be one of the great sires of history but these horses are as rare as hen’s teeth.
In the 80s, Keeneland used to promote their July Select Yearling Sale (now defunct) that 7% would win Grade 1 races, 12 % Graded races, and 20 % would win black type. That left around 80% who never reached black type. That’s quite a gamble considering the price of many of the yearlings.
Mike Rapole makes a good point but there is a difference comparing the 80s to now. In the 80s the big spenders competed against each other to buy the ‘star’ yearlings sending the prices sky high.
Now the big spenders, apart from a handful, club together to buy a nice yearling so the price stays ridiculously reasonable, lol, but the wealth that eventually would have spread more evenly among the racing community is remaining within a tight group and the breeders aren’t getting that ‘once in a million sale’ as often as they used to.
I hope the Curlin – Cavorting colt is successful as Whisper Hill Farm are supporting the racing/breeding industry handsomely but with somewhat limited success thus far. Taking on the powerhouses of stallion stud farms can lead to trouble.
Lynda, have there been any yearlings you have fallen in love with? I’ve been drawn to the Constitution, Tapit, Essential Quality colts and often the yearlings whose dams are by BernardinI, Tapit, A. P. Indy lines.
Hip 343, by Into Mischief out of Cariba. Went for one million to Japanese trainer Mitsu Nakauchida who was looking for a Kentucky Derby horse. Just has that look about him. Balanced conformation, nice walk, very fluid, nice pasterns not as sloping as found on most Thoroughbreds today.
The Medaglio D’Oro out if Lotta Kim, full brother to Rachel Alexandra. Went for 1.385 million to some new players.
Hip 81, bought by Shadwell, 1.2 million filly by Tapit out of Immediate Impact (Into Mischief out of Arrogate’s dam Bubblier).
Hip 70, Charlatan out of Guarana, Magnier for 1.4 million
Davids I think the point that Repole was trying to make is the average sale prices have skyrocketed due to the increasingly smaller foal crops and the book size of the top stallions which puts the squeeze on the middle.
In a way that is basically what has happened to the economy in the United States in the last 4 years. In a manner of speaking what is happening in the Thoroughbred breeding market is a reflection of our economic situation.
There has been a lot of interest this year from foreign investors and it is noteworthy I think that Japan has made numerous purchases. Typically they have been buying potential breeding stock at the Fall sales (retiring fillies and colts).
I am somewhat dismayed that trends in conformation is towards these long sloping pasterns which cannot hold up under the intense and hard training and in my opinion shorten the shelf life of racing career.
As to the formation of of the “clubs” you mentioned, you are spot on in that observation. The list of owners is becoming more and more like a “my racehorse” ownership.
Lynda, the long sloping pasterns or, conversely, upright pasterns have been an increasing, worrying sign over the past decade or so. You are just begging for tendon trouble especially on the uncompromising US dirt surfaces.
Yes, it’s been fascinating observing the Japanese buying US thoroughbreds especially over the past decade as they have been varying the lines to mix with the dominant Halo and Northern Dancer blood they already have been successful with.
While Europe, USA have ‘basically’ doubled down on what has been successful over the past 30 or so years, while limiting variety in the herd, Japanese and Australian breeders have endeavoured, especially over the last decade to expand upon the bloodlines they have been successful with.
Here’s hoping that the success of Justify’s stock on both sides of the Atlantic will return the days when European Classic winners stood at numerous US stud farms and European buyers went to the major sales to buy yearlings to race in Europe.
I’m always hoping for a Nasrullah line colt will win the Epsom Derby, 2,000 Guineas, Prix du Jockey Club or Arc once again and stands in England, Ireland, or France once again.
One more thought.
So far in the first two sessions only 2 Justify yearlings have brought 7 figures, one an acquisition by Godolphin.
Other than a couple high 6 figures most have been mid six and one was low 6 (200,00). Several RNA.
Considering how hot he is right now, this was someone surprising to me.
This of course might change in the later sessions.
Usually the better yearlings come out in the later sessions.
Charlatan is doing very well.
I personally prefer the format for sales in Japan and Irelsnd as compared to the US.
Fully expect one of these wild- eyed, stressed yearlings to jump off the stage and into the crowd one day.
These yearlings would be Justify’s 4th crop which is usually the weakest crop for a new sire. The sire hasn’t had time to provide a verdict on his success as yet so the breeders tend to wait and see.
Justify’s progeny will exponentially improve in quality and size from now on. Constitution is an example of same, his crops by better mares are three year olds and two year olds now and his stud fee has increased accordingly.
If City of Troy were to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic this year Justify’s fee could be insurmountable for most breeders.
Cavorting was a wonderful filly, so underrated, and she’s become a fantastic broodmare
Betsy, the Bernardini and Tapit are possible blue hen mares that can establish families down the line. It’s very exciting watching them develop.
I know people come here with different interests and agendas, but I, for one, am glad you mounted your soapbox, Steve. When my affair with racing began, around 1979, some of the greats were already in the rear window, but the 80s and 90s still offered some memorable horses. As someone who’s world revolved around the Atlantic City summer meeting, September was in some ways a time mourning for me, but I still looked forward to and remember the New York fall championships races. The Breeders’ Cup largely made them as irrelevant as malls made main street in the same era. I still have a stack of special racing forms and magazines to remind me of those horses from that time, but they are stored in my head anyway. As you stated, I can’t say the same for today’s horses. You mentioned running into the track to get a bet down. One September, probably 1980, a horse my dad and I had followed at Atlantic City was running first time lasix (it was a thing then) at Keystone. We had gone to work, painting, that morning, but it rained a little, so we decided to go bet the horse. We had never been to Keystone, got lost, then I ran across the parking lot and somehow got the bets down as the bell rang. I had bet quite a bit, for us, and hit the win bet and exacta for my dad, grandfather, and me. I think we collected about $500, certainly not my biggest hit ever, but I’ll never forget it. Those typex of memories are why I loved racing so much back then.
This Gentile has been crying that from the wilderness for at least 10 to 12 years now, probably since I’ve stopped cutting the back cover of the Post and daily News for Derby Winner photo shot. Hell they don’t even do it anymore! I hope they hear us but I fear they have ears yet can not hear the herald. There has been 1 joy this September and that’s Kentucky Downs!!!!!
Derek, have you been to KY Downs this meet? Was watching the Ainsworth Turf Sprint, and I couldn’t tell if it was the light or the actual grass, but the turf course looked rough! What’s up in the blueGRASS state that they can’t get the grass to grow?
(Maybe they have army worms, which have been a scourge and amazement around here for the last month, ruining many people’s coastal Bermuda fields.)
My boy Witty showed absolutely no interest, or bled or displaced or something in that race. No way he could have run with Cogburn anyway – he’s just SO fast. Not This Time is really becoming one of my favorite sires.
Charyn, another grey turf horse I love (in a seriously different class than Witty), fared a little better at Longchamp, but couldn’t catch Tribalist. He did close like an absolute train with only 3 shoes, so I still liked his performance. I also like Tribalist, and was glad to see them figure out what he wants for a Group 1 win.
Thank goodness this is an international sport!
I wish I was there. It looked a little rough to me to. Great meet, big money , big fields and I love that stretch run. Next year I hope to see even more of the foreign stables. The money is just to good!
I thought the turf course looked rough as well.
No doubt the combination of the army worm infestation and the drought situation in that part of Kentucky.
Colonial Downs looked very good but they have not been in a drought in New Kent County.
Hi Steve
Another great article taking us down Saratoga’s memory lane.
Your last sentence, “It’s September and I have nothing new to write about,” says a lot.
Soon, you’ll have plenty to write about. The Road to the 2025 Kentucky Derby starts this coming Saturday, with the running of the G3 Iroquois Stakes, with 10 Derby points going to the winner.
Owen Almighty, by Speightstown, out of a Bayern mare, appears to be the one to beat.
I realize your KD Weekly Rankings are a long way off, (January) but I’m looking forward to another year of your expert analysis. You picked the 2024 winner, Mystic Dan, based mainly on his lowest Thoro-Graph number in the field, and you were spot on.
BTW, any thoughts on Gaming and his impressive performance in the Del Mar Futurity?
Thanks Steve.
Edit
Jack’s Time deserves a hard look in the Iroquois. He broke his maiden, first out, going 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:03.20, drawing off by 10 open lengths. By Not This Time, out of an Into Mischief mare, his pedigree reflects speed and stamina top and bottom.
The odds have yet to be posted on the Iroquois, but I would think Owen Almighty will be the post time favorite. Jack’s Time could be an enticing bet if the odds are right.
When no one wept, except the willow… and me. Great song for the occasion, Steve. Try to Remember has always made me cry, especially when my Dad plays it on the guitar – but in a good way. Now, I feel nostaglic about races and tracks I never even got to see. There is just nothing like horses. I still have my childhood newspaper clippings in a notebook. Of all the things my Mom tossed when they moved from the house I grew up in to the back forty on our farm, she kept that for me. And what do you know? My kid likes to look at them.
Maybe when Belmont reopens, they’ll consider taking on some of the early Fall Aqueduct races?
Kay, when Belmont reopens Aqueduct is closing for redevelopment. The new Belmont is Belmont + Aqueduct races with a Tapeta racing surface added.
Katy not Kay. This website is shocking to use with an iPad.
I wasn’t expecting to find your column so early, Steve, but it’s such a good one! As I read, a flood of memories washed over me of watching those wonderful fall races on TV, where the waning mellow light added a sense of climax and drama to thrilling races like Buckpasser’s win in the slop over Tom Rolfe in the 1966 Woodward. And then the anticipation of receiving the next Sports Illustrated in the mail a few days later.
Instead of scrapbooks, I made collages. (There’s one upstairs on the guest room dresser — a decoupaged box covered with fillies and mares, including Fleece winning the 1,000 Guineas and a gorgeous head shot of Moccasin.) I must have hundreds of pictures carefully clipped from issues of the Blood Horse and SI in archival boxes. Someday I’ll put the laptop down and make a new one.