Thursday, April 30, 2009

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Even more Road to the Kentucky Derby...Spotlight...Desert Party




Videos





No footage found.


Desert Party has been flying under the radar en-route to North Americas premier horse racing event, the Kentucky Derby. Sure John Asher vice president of communications at Churchill Downs has ranked Desert Party at the top of his Derby Contenders List for several weeks now, but the general public has yet to catch on letting the sublime Desert Party sneak off at 17/1 & 16/1 in each of the two final Kentucky Derby Future Pools.
 
A closer look at this years future pool reveals Desert Party as somewhat of a wiseguy selection. The horse twice opened up at 30/1 only to be bet down to nearly half that number on either occasion.
 
The reason for Desert Party's "under the radar" status is quite simple... ...race handicappers the world over are all too familiar with just how difficult it can be for a horse win in North America following a trip to Dubai's Nad al Sheba raceway. The score is pretty tight, horses returning from Dubai to race in North America seldom , if ever make it to the winners circle directly off the plane. Another reason for the lack of hype surrounding Desert Party, who has tallied four wins and a second place in just six lifetime starts, is the colts lone second place performance. Back on March 28th of this year Desert Party finished second, chasing home stablemate and co-Derby Contender Regal Ransom in the U.A.E. Derby @ Nad al Sheba racecourse.
 
Desert Party will look to turn the tables on Regal Ransom on the grandest stage of them all, the Kentucky Derby.
 
Desert Party is a son of Street Cry who sired unbeaten champion Zenyatta, Italian High-weight Street Boss and the once coveted American racer Street Hero. On the dam's side Desert Party is a grand-son to Tabasco Cat through the virtually unknown Sage Cat. Despite Tabasco Cat's unquestionable stamina his daughters (Sage Cat) have been transmitting speed rather then staying power to their progeny.
 
It's interesting to note that the Saeed bin Suroor trainee, who is ridden by International top jock Frankie Dettori and owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum's Godolphin operation has yet to be confirmed as one of the twenty horses that will compete in this years Kentucky Derby despite blowing past Derby Contender Nowhere to Hide during a recent training session over the main track at Churchill Downs.
 
The success of horses running on or near the lead in the Kentucky Derby is well documented but over the past several years the sit and strike position has proven to be a bit of a thorn in the side of statistics. Horses that avoid fighting for the early lead tend to avoid a lot of the banging and crashing that have become synonymous with the Kentucky Derby.
 
Zoltan Black
 
 
It was announced today by trainer Saeed bin Suroor that Allen Garcia would be aboard Regal Ransom while Ramon Dominguez would pick up the mount on Desert Party for the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby.
 
Although Garcia has been partnered with Regal Ransom for sometime now the decision to give Ramon Dominguez the mount aboard Desert Party was a complete shock to this reporter.
 
Astute Deby Blogger Justin Dew (www.kentuckyderby.com) questioned the decision wondering out loud if International riding superstar Fankie Dettori "would have made the trip if he thought either of them (Regal Ransom or Desert Party) was live"


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Daily Activity Report (April 23) | Kentucky Derby 135

April 23rd, 2009
Daily Activity Report (April 23) | Kentucky Derby 135
John Asher

Garcia sticks with Regal Ransom; Dominguez to ride Desert Party | Kentucky Derby 135

April 23rd, 2009
Garcia sticks with Regal Ransom; Dominguez to ride Desert Party | Kentucky Derby 135
Brisnet Editorial

General Quarters breezes five furlongs in 1:01 4/5 | Kentucky Derby 135

April 23rd, 2009
General Quarters breezes five furlongs in 1:01 4/5 | Kentucky Derby 135
Brisnet Editorial

The Wizard Analyzes the Derby Trial | Kentucky Derby 135

April 23rd, 2009
The Wizard Analyzes the Derby Trial | Kentucky Derby 135
The Wizard

James Scully's Derby Report (April 23) | Kentucky Derby 135

April 22nd, 2009
James Scully's Derby Report (April 23) | Kentucky Derby 135
James Scully

Distance fits for Silver City in Derby Trial | Kentucky Derby 135

April 22nd , 2009
Distance fits for Silver City in Derby Trial | Kentucky Derby 135
Brisnet Editorial

Supreme Summit reaches for Withers peak | Kentucky Derby 135

April 22, 2009
Supreme Summit reaches for Withers peak | Kentucky Derby 135
Brisnet Editorial

Quality Road quarter crack a 'done deal' | Kentucky Derby 135

April 22nd, 2009
Quality Road quarter crack a 'done deal' | Kentucky Derby 135
Brisnet Editorial

Daily Activity Report (April 22) | Kentucky Derby 135

April 22nd, 2009
Daily Activity Report (April 22) | Kentucky Derby 135
kentuckyderby.com

Derbytown | Kentucky Derby 135

April 23rd, 2009
Derbytown | Kentucky Derby 135
Justin Dew

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Unruly Ash, Base Running Blunders and $1.00 Hot Dogs




Videos





No footage found.


Will we ever see an end to the base running blunders made by professional baseball players?
 
Professionals? Most of whom cash multi million dollar pay cheques to apply their craft can be found at baseball parks across the Continent botching the most basic base running principles. Principles recently mastered by my own son during a very competitive season of neighbourhood tee-ball.
 
On Tuesday evening I attend a game at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Canada for a game between the Texas Ranger and the home town Blue Birds. Toronto Blue Jays Second-Basemen Aaron Hill belted a Home-Run in the 5'th inning to go along with a late innings double that kept the Jays in the game despite Cy Young pitcher Roy Halliday less then stellar eight innings of work.
 
Hill was also left on base three times on Tuesday evening, indicating a complete lack of support from those around him, however Hill had an outstanding game, even flashing some leather brilliance in the ninth to shutdown an eager Rangers attack.
 
Sounds good right? Wrong!
 
The truth is, box scores lie and nobody should put faith in these make shift recaps when they could be attend the game and witnessing the event first hand. Aaron Hill may have been the one left on base three times during the Jay's, Rangers game on Tuesday night but it was Marco Scutaro who was left holding the bag. Well not really, check the box score, Scutaro was 1 for 4 with a walk and a run scored not exactly a horrible game. I mean the guy could have went o for 4 with three strike-outs and been the box-score villain but that is not what happened. 
 
What did happen?
 
Scutaro was all out traveling the base path in the third inning following a one out double by former Home-Run derby contestant Alex Rios when he stopped at third allowing Travis Snider to cash, well Scutaro held up at third base. Despite happening in the third inning this very well could have been a crucial moment in the game, a turning point perhaps that sealed the faith of both teams, however Vernon Wells hit a deep sacrifice fly to right field allowing Scutaro to trot in from third. The throw from Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz was a cannon shot and almost caught Scutaro at the plate.
 
Now I was there at the game and I'm not exactly sure why Scutaro, who has decent speed held up at third base, down a run in the bottom of the third with Jays ace Roy Halliday on the mound. What I am sure of is that Scutaro would have had an easier time scoring on the Rios double then he did on the Well's sac-fly.
 
Perhaps the Jays could use the services of former Center-Fielder Devon White who is applying his trade as member of the Washington Nationals coaching staff. DeVo is currently the Nats Outfield Coordinator. Combining DeVo's services with those of Nats first-base coach Marquis Grissom the Nats have become one of the only teams in professional baseball who look competent running the bases. 
 
Unless the Jays and other big league clubs are prepared to be patient with my developing six year old (who already has this base running thing down to an art) it would seem to make a lot of sense for teams to hire guys like Marquis and Devon who can show some of these rich young men just how to behave well on base.  
 
 
Zoltan Black
 
Sad/Side Note:
 
Tuesday nights game at the Rogers Centre also featured one dollar hot-dogs, thankfully that meant my better half had already been shipped off to concession row at the top of the sixth inning when Home-Plate Umpire Kerwin Danley was struck in the side of the head by a wayward bat that had been sawed off at the hands of Texas Rangers batter Hank Blalock.
 
Danley was transported to Mount Siani Hospital where he was diagnosed as having suffered a mild concussion.
 
We all wish Mr. Danly and family nothing but the very best moving forward.  


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Pioneer, Revenge head Derby worktab | Kentucky Derby 135

April 20th, 2009
Pioneer, Revenge head Derby worktab | Kentucky Derby 135
Brisnet Editorial

Talamo to make donation with Derby win | Kentucky Derby 135

April 20th, 2009
Talamo to make donation with Derby win | Kentucky Derby 135
Brisnet Editorial

Schedule of arrivals for Derby contenders | Kentucky Derby 135

April 20th, 2009
Schedule of arrivals for Derby contenders | Kentucky Derby 135
Brisnet Editorial

Sunday, April 19, 2009

The Derby Dream | Kentucky Derby 135

April 19th, 2009
The Derby Dream | Kentucky Derby 135
Justin Dew

Friesan Fire takes final Keeneland work in stride | Kentucky Derby 135

April 19th, 2009
Friesan Fire takes final Keeneland work in stride | Kentucky Derby 135
Brisnet Editorial

Papa Clem records five-furlong move at Churchill | Kentucky Derby 135

April 19th, 2009
Papa Clem records five-furlong move at Churchill | Kentucky Derby 135
Brisnet Editorial

Gomez chooses Pioneerof the Nile for Derby | Kentucky Derby 135

April 19th, 2009
Gomez chooses Pioneerof the Nile for Derby | Kentucky Derby 135
Brisnet Editorial

Advice proves to be well worth taking in Lexington | Kentucky Derby 135

April 17th, 2009
Advice proves to be well worth taking in Lexington | Kentucky Derby 135
Brisnet Editorial

Friesan Fire to work Sunday | Kentucky Derby 135

April 17th, 2009
Friesan Fire to work Sunday | Kentucky Derby 135
Brisnet Editorial

Friesan Fire to work Sunday | Kentucky Derby 135

April 17th, 2009
Friesan Fire to work Sunday | Kentucky Derby 135
Brisnet Editorial

Quality Road doing well after Friday work | Kentucky Derby 135

April 17th, 2009
Quality Road doing well after Friday work | Kentucky Derby 135
Brisnet Editorial

Pioneerof the Nile gallops | Kentucky Derby 135

April 17th, 2009
Pioneerof the Nile gallops | Kentucky Derby 135
Brisnet Editorial

Dunkirk fires bullet at Palm Meadows | Kentucky Derby 135

April 17th, 2009
Dunkirk fires bullet at Palm Meadows | Kentucky Derby 135
Brisnet Editorial

Musket Man motors six panels | Kentucky Derby 135

April 17th, 2009
Musket Man motors six panels | Kentucky Derby 135
Brisnet Editorial

Godolphin contenders work five furlongs | Kentucky Derby 135

April 17th, 2009
Godolphin contenders work five furlongs | Kentucky Derby 135
Brisnet Editorial

Friday, April 17, 2009

Lexington offers final opportunity - NTRA

April 17th, 2009
Lexington offers final opportunity - NTRA
Marty McGee

Verdana Bold gets bigger, stronger - NTRA

April 17th, 2009
Verdana Bold gets bigger, stronger - NTRA
Bill Tallon

Woodbine Entertainment Group - Columns

April 17th, 2009
Woodbine Entertainment Group - Columns
Elissa Blowe

Woodbine Entertainment Group - Columns

April 17th, 2009
Woodbine Entertainment Group - Columns
Jeff Bratt

Quality Road drills a bullet six furlongs | Kentucky Derby 135

April 17th, 2009
Quality Road drills a bullet six furlongs | Kentucky Derby 135
Brisnet Editorial

California invaders visit the track at Churchill | Kentucky Derby 135

April 17th, 2009
California invaders visit the track at Churchill | Kentucky Derby 135
Brisnet Editorial

Churchill Downs invites you to register for a chance to win the ultimate Kentucky Derby Party Pack | Kentucky Derby 135

April 17th, 2009
Churchill Downs invites you to register for a chance to win the ultimate Kentucky Derby Party Pack | Kentucky Derby 135
Kentuckyderby.com


Comment:

Enter to win...no purchase necessary www.kentuckyderbyparty.com

ESPN Sunday Night Basball -- The Great Soriano Debate



On Sunday Night ESPN commentators Joe Morgan and Steve Phillips almost came to blows carrying on a heated debate with no clear resolution.
 
The two former major leaguers pitted themselves on opposite side of what has now become an age old debate.
 
Which is the better method to utilize Cub's outfielder Alfonso Soriano? Batting at the top of the line-up in the lead-off spot, where the Cub's spoiled former MVP prefers to be stationed or in the middle of the line-up, where Cub's management could take full advantage of Soriano's significant pop with runners actually on base in front of him.
 
Soriano at his best can launch forty plus home-runs in a single season, many of those solo shot due to his spot at the top of the Cub's batting order.
 
The argument as Mr. Phillips sees it is by putting Sorinao in the three or four position in the batting order rather then his traditional lead-off spot you would give Soriano a chance to see pitches with runners on base and perhaps even in scoring position....It make sense if you think about it. Why bat Soriano, who has adequate big league speed in a position that demand a high engine speed-ball. Soriano belongs in a position where he can utilize quite possibly the only skill that has not deteriorated since his MVP days. His Power.
 
Hall of famer Joe Morgan doesn't see things in the same light. In fact he made a point to inform Steve Phillips on Sunday's broadcast that he had indeed spoken to Cub's manager Lou Piniella regarding Soriano's position in the Cub's batting order and that Lou happened to agree with Joe and felt that the best place for Sorinao in the Cubs line-up is front and center, right at the top, leading things off.
 
It strike me as a little but unusual that Lou Piniella would care enough about not ruffling feathers to say anything to protect the emotions of one of his fragile, volatile daisies. The truth is...if Lou said it, it's probably true. 
 
There was a third voice in the booth on Sunday Night, play by play announcer Jon Miller whose comments quite frankly were more up this reports alley "I just like saying Miller Park" said the incomparable Mr. Miller, truly incomparable. 



Zoltan Black




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Thursday, April 16, 2009

The early favorite for next year? | Kentucky Derby 135

April 16th, 2009
The early favorite for next year? | Kentucky Derby 135
Justin Dew

On the bubble | Kentucky Derby 135

April 15th, 2009
On the bubble | Kentucky Derby 135
Justin Dew

Mafaaz will skip Kentucky Derby | Kentucky Derby 135

April 16th, 2009
Mafaaz will skip Kentucky Derby | Kentucky Derby 135
Brisnet Editorial

Pioneerof the Nile, Chocolate Candy settle down at Churchill | Kentucky Derby 135

April 16th, 2009
Pioneerof the Nile, Chocolate Candy settle down at Churchill | Kentucky Derby 135
Brisnet Editorial

The Wizard Analyzes the Lexington | Kentucky Derby 135

April 16th, 2009
The Wizard Analyzes the Lexington | Kentucky Derby 135
The Wizard

James Scully's Derby Report (April 16) | Kentucky Derby 135

April 15th, 2009
James Scully's Derby Report (April 16) | Kentucky Derby 135
James Scully

Mafaaz to move to McLaughlin barn | Kentucky Derby 135

April 15th, 2009
Mafaaz to move to McLaughlin barn | Kentucky Derby 135
Brisnet Editorial

Pioneerof the Nile posts bullet at Santa Anita | Kentucky Derby 135

April 15th, 2009
Pioneerof the Nile posts bullet at Santa Anita | Kentucky Derby 135
Brisnet Editorial

Square Eddie headlines Lexington | Kentucky Derby 135

April 15th, 2009
Square Eddie headlines Lexington | Kentucky Derby 135
Brisnet Editorial

Leparoux named to ride General Quarters | Kentucky Derby 135

April 15th, 2009
Leparoux named to ride General Quarters | Kentucky Derby 135
Brisnet Editorial

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Questions for you | Kentucky Derby 135

April 9th, 2009
Questions for you | Kentucky Derby 135
Justin Dew

Desert Party, Regal Ransom arrive at Churchill Downs | Kentucky Derby 135

April 9th, 2009
Desert Party, Regal Ransom arrive at Churchill Downs | Kentucky Derby 135
Brisnet Editorial

Mafaaz visits Keeneland starting gate | Kentucky Derby 135

April 9th, 2009
Mafaaz visits Keeneland starting gate | Kentucky Derby 135: "Derby"
Brisnet Editorial

Mafaaz visits Keeneland starting gate | Kentucky Derby 135

April 9th, 2009
Mafaaz visits Keeneland starting gate | Kentucky Derby 135
Brisnet Editorial

Theregoesjojo made eligible for Epsom Derby | Kentucky Derby 135

April 9th, 2009
Theregoesjojo made eligible for Epsom Derby | Kentucky Derby 135
Brisnet Editorial

The Wizard Analyzes the Blue Grass | Kentucky Derby 135

April 9th, 2009
The Wizard Analyzes the Blue Grass | Kentucky Derby 135
The Wizard

James Scully's Derby Report (April 9) | Kentucky Derby 135

April 8th, 2009
James Scully's Derby Report (April 9) | Kentucky Derby 135
James Scully

Cliffy's Future breezes for Blue Grass | Kentucky Derby 135

April 8th, 2009
Cliffy's Future breezes for Blue Grass | Kentucky Derby 135
Brisnet Editorial

Old Fashioned favored over nine rivals in Arkansas Derby | Kentucky Derby 135

April 8th, 2009
Old Fashioned favored over nine rivals in Arkansas Derby | Kentucky Derby 135
Brisnet Editorial

Old Fashioned favored over nine rivals in Arkansas Derby | Kentucky Derby 135

April 8th, 2009
Old Fashioned favored over nine rivals in Arkansas Derby | Kentucky Derby 135
Brisnet Editorial

Quality Road gallops at Belmont | Kentucky Derby 135

April 8th, 2009
Quality Road gallops at Belmont | Kentucky Derby 135
Brisnet Editorial

I Want Revenge arrives at Churchill Downs | Kentucky Derby 135

April 7th, 2009
I Want Revenge arrives at Churchill Downs | Kentucky Derby 135
Brisnet Editorial

TheStar.com | Columnist | Obama letter slams 'inhumane' seal hunt

April 9th, 2009
TheStar.com | Columnist | Obama letter slams 'inhumane' seal hunt
Mitch Potter

TheStar.com | Golf | There's no sign of recession at Masters

April 9th, 2009
TheStar.com | Golf | There's no sign of recession at Masters
Dave Perkins

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

TheStar.com | GTA | Toronto a suburb? It's begun

April 8th, 2009
TheStar.com | GTA | Toronto a suburb? It's begun
Vanessa Lu

TheStar.com | GTA | Toronto a suburb? It's begun

April 8th, 2009
TheStar.com | GTA | Toronto a suburb? It's begun
Vanessa Lu

TheStar.com | Travel | Louisville slugger museum pays homage to baseball institution

April 8th, 2009
TheStar.com | Travel | Louisville slugger museum pays homage to baseball institution
Muhammad Lila

HealthZone.ca - Mind & Mood - We're all guilty of doing it , Dutch researchers say many cultures use self-punishment as a form of atonement

April 8th, 2009
HealthZone.ca - Mind & Mood - We're all guilty of doing it , Dutch researchers say many cultures use self-punishment as a form of atonement
Barbara Turnbull

TheStar.com | Sports | Don't pop the champagne yet - these Jays are still mighty raw

April 8th, 2009
TheStar.com | Sports | Don't pop the champagne yet - these Jays are still mighty raw
Richard Griffin

TheStar.com | World | Pirates hold captain hostage in lifeboat

April 8th, 2009
TheStar.com | World | Pirates hold captain hostage in lifeboat
Katharine Houreld

TheStar.com | Canada | Problem gambler suing OLC for $3.5 billion

April 8th, 2009
TheStar.com | Canada | Problem gambler suing OLC for $3.5 billion
Kenyon Wallace

TheStar.com | Crime | Man robbed of clothes at gunpoint

April 9th, 2009
TheStar.com | Crime | Man robbed of clothes at gunpoint
Adrian Morrow

Friday, April 3, 2009

Anticipated showdown on tap for SA Derby - NTRA

April 4th, 2009
Anticipated showdown on tap for SA Derby - NTRA
Mike Curry

The Fix - Friday Governors Line: A "Once in a Generation" Election#more

April 3rd, 2009
The Fix - Friday Governors Line: A "Once in a Generation" Election#more
Chris Cillizza

The Fix - White House Cheat Sheet: Obama vs. Congress#more#more

April 3rd, 2009
The Fix - White House Cheat Sheet: Obama vs. Congress#more#more
Chris Cillizza

Michael Wilbon - Washington Redskins Are Lucky to Have Jason Campbell, Despite Their Efforts for Jay Cutler - washingtonpost.com

April 3rd, 2009
Michael Wilbon - Washington Redskins Are Lucky to Have Jason Campbell, Despite Their Efforts for Jay Cutler - washingtonpost.com
Michael Wilbon

TheStar.com | living | Crack the meaning of life... but do it in under 140 characters

April 3rd, 2009
TheStar.com | living | Crack the meaning of life... but do it in under 140 characters
Stuart Laidlaw

ParentCentral.ca - News & Features - Children harmed by sole custody, report says , Canadian judges rarely use voluntary arrangements in which kids live with each parent roughly equally

April 3rd, 2009
ParentCentral.ca - News & Features - Children harmed by sole custody, report says , Canadian judges rarely use voluntary arrangements in which kids live with each parent roughly equally
Susan Pigg

TheStar.com | World | Tall man was cut short to fit his coffin

April 3rd, 2009
TheStar.com | World | Tall man was cut short to fit his coffin
Jeffrey Collins

Todd Kabel can't say no | Bill Lankhof | Columnists | Sports | Toronto Sun

April 3rd, 2009
Todd Kabel can't say no | Bill Lankhof | Columnists | Sports | Toronto Sun
Bill Lankhof

One way to skin a rat | Mark Bonokoski | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun

April 3rd, 2009
One way to skin a rat | Mark Bonokoski | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun
Mark Bonokoski

It's a juggle out there | Mike Strobel | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun

April 3rd, 2009
It's a juggle out there | Mike Strobel | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun
Mike Strobel

Woodbine Entertainment Group - Columns

April 3rd, 2009
Woodbine Entertainment Group - Columns
Jeff Bratt

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Daily Racing Form - News

April 2nd, 2009
Daily Racing Form - News
Dick Jerardi

Daily Racing Form - News

April 2nd, 2009
Daily Racing Form - News
Mike Watchmaker

Daily Racing Form - News

April 2nd, 2009
Daily Racing Form - News
Steve Davidowitz

Virginia 'Brer' Foxx Drops 'Tar Baby' Bomb - The Sleuth

April 2nd, 2009
Virginia 'Brer' Foxx Drops 'Tar Baby' Bomb - The Sleuth
Mary Ann Akers

The Fix - Should Norm Coleman Concede?#more#more

April 2nd, 2009
The Fix - Should Norm Coleman Concede?#more#more
Chris Cillizza


Comment:

***** (5 stars)

The Fix - Wag the Blog: What Does NY-20 Mean?#comments#comments

April 2nd, 2009
The Fix - Wag the Blog: What Does NY-20 Mean?#comments#comments
Chris Cillizza

The Fix - Dodd Goes From Bad To Worse#more

April 2nd, 2009
The Fix - Dodd Goes From Bad To Worse#more
Chris Cillizza

The Fix - White House Cheat Sheet: The Rise, Fall and Rise of Tim Geithner#more#more

April 2nd, 2009
The Fix - White House Cheat Sheet: The Rise, Fall and Rise of Tim Geithner#more#more
Chris Cillizza

Michael Wilbon - Michael Wilbon: Cleveland's LeBron James Might Eventually Average a Triple-Double in a Season - washingtonpost.com

April 2nd, 2009
Michael Wilbon - Michael Wilbon: Cleveland's LeBron James Might Eventually Average a Triple-Double in a Season - washingtonpost.com
Michael Wilbon

TheStar.com | Canada | Red-faced Harper misses G20 photo

April 2nd, 2009
TheStar.com | Canada | Red-faced Harper misses G20 photo
Les Whittington

TheStar.com | Columnist | My future robot scares me now

April 2nd, 2009
TheStar.com | Columnist | My future robot scares me now
Vinay Menon

TheStar.com | Canada | New Quebec law turns Lara Croft into francophone

April 2nd, 2009
TheStar.com | Canada | New Quebec law turns Lara Croft into francophone
Andrew Chung

ParentCentral.ca - News & Features - Assault of the senses a new tool in boys' arsenal , Bodyspray marketing lays it on a bit thick

April 2nd, 2009
ParentCentral.ca - News & Features - Assault of the senses a new tool in boys' arsenal , Bodyspray marketing lays it on a bit thick
Diana Zlomislic

Random, violent act | Michele Mandel | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun

April 2nd, 2009
Random, violent act | Michele Mandel | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun
Michele Mandel

In T.O., mobs rule! | Mike Strobel | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun

April 2nd, 2009
In T.O., mobs rule! | Mike Strobel | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun
Mike Strobel

Obama's disaster in the making | Comment | Toronto Sun

April 2nd, 2009
Obama's disaster in the making | Comment | Toronto Sun
Lorrie Goldstein

Gaston has foul memories of Rocket | Baseball | Sports | Toronto Sun

April 2nd, 2009
Gaston has foul memories of Rocket | Baseball | Sports | Toronto Sun
Ken Fidlin

-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::

April 2nd, 2009
-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::
Battalion, Majors set to do battle

-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::

April 1st, 2009
-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::
Peel rivals get playoff date at last

The Wizard Analyzes the Santa Anita Derby | Kentucky Derby 135

April 2nd, 2009
The Wizard Analyzes the Santa Anita Derby | Kentucky Derby 135
The Wizard

Are you not entertained? (I sure am.) | Kentucky Derby 135

April 1st, 2009
Are you not entertained? (I sure am.) | Kentucky Derby 135
Justin Dew

Even more Road to the Kentucky Derby...Spotlight...Quality Road







Quality Road




Connections




Trainer James Jerkens has an opportunity to accomplish something his hall of famer father never could... ...Win the Kentucky Derby.




For all the accomplishments of H. Allen Jerkens, 4 Suburban Handicap’s, 4 Brooklyn Handicap’s, 5 Vagrancy Handicap’s as well as the 1975 Derby Trial Stakes, Giant Killer as he is widely known in today’s racing circles has never captured the elusive garland of roses.




With the third Kentucky Derby Futures pool opening up this Thursday, Churchill Downs oddsmaker Mike Battaglia has penciled in Allen’s son James and his charge, Florida Derby winner Quality Road as the narrow 6-1 choice to capture all the marbles on May 2nd.




Pedigree




Quality Road is only the fourth foal produced by the obscure Strawberry Road (Aus) mare named Kobla who is a full sister to Grade 1 starlet Aijina who captured the 1997 Breeders’ Cup Distaff. Five of Aijina seven wins were achieved at the distance of nine furlongs or more giving Quality Road an indirect link to the Kentucky Derby’s mile and a quarter distance.




Race History




In three career races Quality Road has only been beaten to the finish line by one horse. Theregoesjojo beat Quality Road by 2 3/4 lengths in a January 10th Allowance (7 furlongs) race at Gulfstream Park. Since that time the two have squared off in both the Fountain of Youth Stakes (1 Mile) and the Florida Derby (1 1/8 mile) with Quality Road turning the tables on jojo on consecutive occasions.




Quality Road’s achievements in the Florida Derby didn’t end with his consecutive victories over jojo. Quality Road also turned back the highly touted, previously undefeated Dunkirk well setting a track record over Gulfstream’s white hot dirt course. Three records in all were broken on Saturday afternoon at Gulfstream’s, rasing significant question regarding the legitimacy of Quality Road’s run time and subsequent record setting performance.




Outlook




Prepping is through for Quality Road which raise an interesting question regarding the layoff between now and Derby Day.




How will Quality Road run coming off a thirty+ day layoff?




Zoltan Black




"For thoroughbred race horses the sky is not the limit... ...the finish line is"




It’s interesting to note the potential hazards that can be encountered when horses are forced to race on paved super highways rather then the more forgiving dirt race courses that they are used to






thinking back to the 2001 Derby (from memory only) as Justin mentioned earlier, the track was like running on concrete according to Baffert. Maidens were breaking records and records that were set in say race 2 were broken again in race 4. Point Given (losing the Derby) was not the only casualty in the 2001 Derby. I remember reading (or hearing) that no horse in the field (except for Point Given) ever won another race. Some never raced again. Their legs were ruined by the surface that day and many had small fractures from which they never recovered. Monarchos was one that never fully recovered.







 






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Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Seven challenge I Want Revenge in Wood - NTRA

April 1st, 2009
Seven challenge I Want Revenge in Wood - NTRA
David Grening

Mr. Hot Stuff a talented troublemaker - NTRA

April 1st, 2009
Mr. Hot Stuff a talented troublemaker - NTRA
Steve Andersen

Capt. Candyman Can tops Bay Shore | Kentucky Derby 135

April 1st, 2009
Capt. Candyman Can tops Bay Shore | Kentucky Derby 135
Brisnet Editorial

Mousse, Nile match-up highlights Santa Anita Derby | Kentucky Derby 135

April 1st, 2009
Mousse, Nile match-up highlights Santa Anita Derby | Kentucky Derby 135
Brisnet Editorial

James Scully's Derby Report (April 2) | Kentucky Derby 135

April 1st, 2009
James Scully's Derby Report (April 2) | Kentucky Derby 135
James Scully

I Want Revenge draws rail in Wood | Kentucky Derby 135

April 1st, 2009
I Want Revenge draws rail in Wood | Kentucky Derby 135
Brisnet Editorial

The Fix - Stevens Cleared in Alaska?#comments#comments

April 1st, 2009
The Fix - Stevens Cleared in Alaska?#comments#comments
Chris Cillizza

The Fix - White House Cheat Sheet: Obama and X-Factors#more#more

April 1st, 2009
The Fix - White House Cheat Sheet: Obama and X-Factors#more#more
Chris Cillizza

TheStar.com | Canada | Several months likely before Mike Danton wins parole

April 1st, 2009
TheStar.com | Canada | Several months likely before Mike Danton wins parole
Colin Perkel

TheStar.com | Horse Racing | No horsin' around: Drivers one tough breed

April 1st, 2009
TheStar.com | Horse Racing | No horsin' around: Drivers one tough breed
Dave Perkins

TheStar.com | Canada | Conservatives make third attempt to kill gun registry

April 1st, 2009
TheStar.com | Canada | Conservatives make third attempt to kill gun registry
Tonda Maccharles

Accardo sent packing | Ken Fidlin | Columnists | Sports | Toronto Sun

April 1st, 2009
Accardo sent packing | Ken Fidlin | Columnists | Sports | Toronto Sun
Ken Fidlin

She wins! (wink, wink) | Mike Strobel | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun

April 1st, 2009
She wins! (wink, wink) | Mike Strobel | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun
Mike Strobel

Airport security not on safe ground | Greg Weston | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun

April 1st, 2009
Airport security not on safe ground | Greg Weston | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun
Greg Watson

Eleven Late Triple Crowns nominations added | Kentucky Derby 135

April 1st, 2009
Eleven Late Triple Crowns nominations added | Kentucky Derby 135
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