Equinics: Mick Dittman showcases sophomore turf milers
Italy– At long last, Sim Equinics IV arrives stocked-full of great residency racing action. It’s the Super Bowl of the Sim — Vermont hosts the main track events, while IRL Olympics’ Italy showcases the grass contests.
The third race on Italy’s card brings together 2,000 Guineas trail sophomore colts. Over a flat Monster Mile, 20 horses carry their residency colors over a yielding course for the Grade 1 $1,000,000 Mick Dittman.
Born in 1952, Mick Dittman was a 3-time champion Australian jockey. He won a whopping 88 Group 1 races and rode over 1,700 winners. He won the Melbourne Cup once and two Cox Plates, one of which was aboard Strawberry Road (4th in 1984 Breeder’s Cup Turf).
To honor Mick Dittman, we present a great Sim lineup that includes the 1st & 2nd place finishers in last year’s Breeders Bowl Juvenile Turf: Always Improving and Very Silver. They represent Minnesota and GR Simsters respectively. The actual Champion 2YO Turf Colt Pub Crawl(IRE) races a bit later on the card in the sophomore grass sprint.
Let’s go riding with the Legends as the Grade 1 $1,000,000 Mick Dittman post parade gets underway……..
–> And we have the Breeders Bowl Juvenile Turf champ Always Improving (Post 1 – 11/1) representing Minnesota. Trainer Rharfo shakes hands and signs programs as he makes his way to the Minny owners’ box. Sporting a chic black tux and red bow-tie, Rharfo’s all class like his residencies’ black-on-gold color scheme. He’s sure dressed to the hilt, but boy, his hair’s all messed up and he’s got circles under his eyes too. Someone tell Rharfo that the Sim Eclipse Awards are over and he should get some sleep! And tell him not to worry too, Always Improving is gonna have a great sophomore season! 🙂
The Trempolino colt brings his A-game. If he can overcome traffic woes on the rail, a ground-saving trip could see him in the winner’s circle. And Always Improving is on a mission too since finishing poorly following his BB triumph last year. He did close out the season with a fine listed win though. Jockey N. Labreche pilots the fan favorite in his 3YO debut. Look for him behind the pace or maybe even midpack. Oh and the colt’s 2-for-2 over off tracks, yeah!
–> Slipknot22 stable and their stakes-winning colt Cortez(IRE) (Post 2 – 12/1) carry the Northwest Racing Circuit banner. My oh my, just look at the grin on Larry’s face! From ear-to-ear, Larry’s quite the happy camper with this interesting outsider colt…. or perhaps, he’s been hitting the NWRC’s mini-bar full of free margueritas and tequilas! Oh wow, look! He’s chachacha-ing with BTB Editor, Roys! What a pair of snappy dancers…. the crowd just loves it. 🙂
And Cortez(IRE) is a sassy little outsider too. By High Chaparral(IRE), the colt’s bred for classic-type grass stamina. Promising last year in turf sprints, he closed very well in his two-turns grass debut, gaining ground to finish 3rd in the 9f Japan Racing Association(G1). One of the Harzheim brothers gets the rider call. Extremely interesting mild longshot — keep an eye on this one from behind the pace or midpackishness. Not without a shot.
Yeah! Great Plains Residency sends a Smarty Jones colt named Smarty’s Chant (Post 3 – 12/1). Dressed in a cool-black bomber jacket, “Smarty’s Chant” ball cap, and blue jeans, trainer Aces1211 sure is confident. We can hear Aces1211’s cry of “Yip, yip! Go, Smarty, Great Plains-n-Chicken, GO! Bomb’s away, we’ll take the day! HahaHa!” all the way here to the announcer’s booth.
Smarty’s Chant looks a wee bit green out there though, sensing that he’s among the big boys. Tall order for the little guy who just pocketed his ALW NW1x over a grassy mile. It was the colt’s two-turns debut, so no matter. He’s got War Chant on his momma’s side, so look for this colt to rally for some money from midpack.
Sig4 sprints his way through the grandstands, high-fiving Epsom supporters. Sig sends out Sky Bet.com (Post 4 – 43/1) for Epsom Downs Residency. He looks like a walking billboard, dressed in a Skybet.com T-shirt, sweats, and ball cap. My oh my, what energy! The crowd roars as Sig does a couple cartwheels, jumping jacks, and “Whoop, Whoops!” And shadow-boxing too in between handing out SkyBet.com hats…. boy, are there showguys and girls at Epsom Downs or what?!!?
Sky bet.com himself needs some of that promo help. He’s a bit washed out, nipping nervously at the lead pony. The Golden Missile colt has only made 3 lifetime starts, breaking his maiden over a grassy 6.5 furlongs. Italy’s wet-n-humid weather seems to be wreaking havoc on the colt. He’s a genuine longshot, but anything can happen Saturday.
Next up, sabalou’s Change o’ Luck(AUS) (Post 5 – 19/1) carries the hopes of Queensland. Sabalou gives a thumbs-up to his rowdy Queensland supporters as he threads his way to the owner’s boxes. My oh my, Sabalou sure dressed the part too — with his Crocodile Dundee feathered hat, Sabalou’s all decked out in matching leather shorts and tan tank top. Thank goodness we’ve got a warm day here.
Change o’ Luck(AUS) seems quite the player too. The dark bay son of Lucky Owners(AUS) was a champion last year at his residency, winning 3 freshman turf allowances restricted to his circuit. Just look at him prancing away — the colt’s forgotten all about his two dismal graded drubbings last season. No matter though — sabalou has Change o’ Luck on the muscle, ready for another closing shot at the big time.
–> Vermont’s Pastures of Green cheers on chilcoat’s Cronus(IRE) (Post 6 – 13/1). Chilcoat herself looks lovely in a lite springtime-green dress with matching white corsage. She also proudly carries Elsinore’s twin Sim Eclipse statues in each hand.
As Chilcoat makes her way to Pastures’ owners box, Cronus(IRE) looks full of spirit out on the course. The Giant’s Causeway(IRE) son finished 8th in the BB Juvy Turf — he did win a stakes last year though and closed evenly last time out in a Texas overnighter. Though a mild outsider here, he has a shot. I can’t help but wonder though how he’d do shortening up again in turf sprints. Still, Cronus’ golden brown coat shines in the Italy afternoon sun…. hope he enjoys the soggy course though.
Nitrocavy’s The Hot Drink (Post 7 – 43/1) represents Alpine Turf Club. Nitrocavy is having a blast handing out hot cocoa and candies to the railbirds. Despite a sunny-but-soaked day here at Italy, a hot drink still hits the spot. Nitrocavy sure is in the Winter Equinics spirit too, wearing a woolknit ski cap, matching red scarf and mittens….. what fun! 🙂
And The Hot Drink adds some refreshing spice to this race. The Spinning World son makes his grass debut. He’s been average so far over the main track and comes off a long layoff. However, turfy sire could signal a turnaround. Quite a spot for a litmus test though — still, drinks and goodies shall be on the house for all fun-loving ATC supporters win or lose.
–> And we have more wintertime-is-funtime fans with Viking Racing. Bobo’s Kepler Berzerk (Post – 8/1) proudly carries the Viking’s blue-n-white standard. My, how theatrical Bobo looks, shouting “Skoll!” to all passers-by! Bobo is all decked out in an 8th century Viking costume, complete with sword, helm, and walrus-whisker cloak. Watch out for those Sim PETA folks, Bobo! Ha! But the crowd loves ya. 🙂
Great shot for Kepler Berzerk who won 3 turf stakes last season. Woodman son came awfully close in the grades too, including the High Flyer(G1). Must steer clear of traffic with his closing stretch kick. Unbeaten in grass sprints too. He has the goods to spoil the more accomplished favorites. One to watch if speed duel cooks the stalkers.
–> DelPenners cheer on super28’s racetime favorite Spare T(IRE) (Post 9 – 6/1). The supers are sure yucking it up, all dressed in red-white-and-blue. There’s Laura in a snazzy red dress and Wayne in a royal blue zuit suit. Jeff went for the pearly all-white look with a golf shirt and shorts, while Tony wildly mixes all three colors: a white Psychotic Reaction T-Shirt, matched with blue corduroys and a spiffy red Superman cape. Gosh, they all sure stand out from the crowd! The Supers, ladies and gents!
Spare T presents a pair of 90+ SP#s in his last two outings. A stakes winner last season, he was 2nd to champion Pub Crawl shortening up to 7f on DPCD Day. Gotta adore that 3YO debut victory over a flat mile. The Theatrical(IRE) son’s getting better and better and can’t wait to see him try some more ground. Hasn’t tried an off track yet, but many in this group haven’t either. Top jockey R Harzheim reels in the major races. Has all the goods, but must join stalker scramble. The one to spoil Always Improving and Very Silver’s star-studded hopes.
CR Racers must’ve been a colt short, because they send a filly: Turfin USA(IRE) (Post 10 – 48/1). Trainer Tiramisu42 chats on the cell phone while waving hysterically at the TV cameras. Tiramisu sure came here to have fun, wearing a flowery Hawaiian shirt and clashing hot-pink jams. Turn down the volume! Ha! The whole outfit screams, “Where’s the beach?” Oh, those chatroom Racers just wanna have fun. 🙂
Sulamani(IRE) daughter should be in the pace hunt. She doesn’t boast the SP#s to suggest much of a factor here. In it for the glory of the day though and maybe to distract some boys from the winner’s circle.
–> Ts1442’s Silver Court (Post 11 – 21/1) represents The Kentucky Horsemen. Whoa is it just me or does Ts1442 resemble Colonel Sanders? Dressed in a pure white suit with coattails, black tie, grey wig and goatee… my goodness! But wait all the Kentucky Horsemen supporters have those costumes too! Wow, they must be getting into the Yum! Brands 2006 Kentucky Derby sponsor spirit. Way to go, promoting the Triple Crown!
Silver Ghost’s a really popular sire in this race and his son Silver Court went 3-for-3 to begin his turf career as a 2YO. Unfortunately, the stakes winner ran a clinker on DPCD Day. Toss out dirt debacle 2nd time around in his last. He’s much better than his record suggests — still trying to figure out if he’s a sprinter, short router or more. Possible.
–> And here comes some more Aussies with Down Under Racing‘s Gallant Dancer (Post 12 – 12/1). Trainer Coffee shadows Nitrocavy (trainer of The Hot Drink), passing out capuccinos and cinammon sticks. Indeed, the DUR crew has camped out next to the Alpine Turf Club supporters. The whole group make a merry sight, raising lattes and cocoas in a grand toast to this year’s Equinics. Coffee appears ready for a long night at the Italian coffeehouses and discos, dressed in a satin purple shirt, black pants, and spiffy golden shoes. Ready to PARTY and dance the night away!
Another Sadler’s Wells and this one won a couple grass stakes last year. Gallant Dancer bred for mucho stamina though and additionally finished kind of subpar in sole off track outing. Must handle course, but the stalker shows some talent. I like him better over 9f -10f and more sooner rather than later, but could be a factor here. Possible threat.
–> Devil’s King(IRE) (Post 13 – 10/1) from the stevesutto stable storms on the track for Global Sim Racing. Total confidence written all over Steve– he goes for the casual-professional look here with navyblue sport coat and grey Dockers. Oh, how the ladies love those Dockers — they’re all flocking to Steve. What a handsome devil. 🙂
Extremely handsome Refuse To Bend(IRE) son boasts best SP# (97) of the bunch. Green, but records 3 of 4 lifetime starts in the winner’s circle. Very talented. Steve might have a star-in-the-making. We’ll see how good the ‘King is Saturday.
Fun And Friends Stable Club checks in with gamble4fun’s Silver Colony (Post 14 – 30/1). Having fun is the name of the Equinics game and gamble4fun has sure taken that to heart. Gamble’s all decked out in a gold-sequinned top hat, riding boots, blue-jean overalls, and a red bow tie. What an ensemble! Gamble shouts “Woohoo, woo, woo! Yabba Dabba!”, diving into the crowd, slapping backs, and laughing wildly. A pure picture of merriment. Let’s have some fun!
Another pacesetter prospect. Silver Ghost colt makes two-turns debut. He’s not half bad in grass sprints, though he hasn’t gotten past his NW3L yet. Soft speed figures make shim a brave longshot. Not much of a chance on paper, but should enjoy the show.
–> Kaif021’s Geometry Of Rage (Post 15 – 22/1) carries the EAAA Racing banner. Holy smokes! Someone send the fashion police after Greg. Talk about a sore thumb… Greg’s in torn-up ancient blue jeans, plain-jane white work short, dirty tennis shoes, and taped up glasses. Do I see a pocket protecter too with pens and geometric compass? Yeesh. Quick, Greg! The camera’s on ya, quit picking your nose! Everyone: Nerd alert! Ha! Just teasing… 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Sadler’s Wells royal bred began his career impressively, winning 3 of 4. Toss out DPCD Day clinker — this guy might see his name in lights. Stalker/pace presser should be in the hunt. Can’t pass up the pedigree. Possible longshot spoiler.
–> Gael1’s My Own Turbo(IRE) (Post 16 – 16/1) stands in for Ireland. Oh, like a leprechaun! Isn’t that cute: chilly green-gold vest, rolled up trousers and funny-looking elf shoes. Gael sure looks the part representing Ireland. He’s handing out lucky shamrocks to the railbirds. Get a load of that orange wig and olive-drab top hat too — jiminy crickets! Ha!
Best Of The Bests(IRE) colt took a couple grass stakes last season. Better than he looks on paper — competitive and might earn some money from behind the lead. Outside chance for the little guy.
Nexis rolls into town with fersara’s Sanabria (Post 17 – 17/1). Debonair Fernando leads his posse to the owners’ boxes. There’s Sinoboy and Rafa, Roys and Euanwd. The crew are all dressed to the hilt — Fernando himself sports a perfectly-tailored navy suit, spotless black shoes, and gallant grey silk derby hat. I see a rose peaking out of his left coat-pocket. Wow, so debonair and dashing! Just like his beautifully-named horses: Sanabria, Santillana, and more! Like a rose or an awe-inspiring sunrise. Or like Nexis’ gorgeously-crafted website too: all class and handsomeness. 🙂
Pacesetting prospects for Fernando’s Sanabria. Cat Thief colt has won or placed in 5 turf starts. He makes both his two-turns and graded debut. Should enjoy stretching his speed a tad. His numbers aren’t half-bad too. Outside chance for some minor money.
Teddy’s Mania(NZ) (Post 18 – 29/1) zooms in from ets2 stable and Ohio Thoroughbred Racing. Scarlet-and-grey all the way for Buckeyes. Trainer Ets had to sport an Ohio State jersey, blue jeans, ball cap, and leads the group in a stirring “Alama Mater, Ohio” rendition. Other OTR supporters wear Cleveland Browns, Cavaliers & Indians, Cincinnati Bengals & Reds stuff. One loan OTR soul even sports a Toledo Mud Hens tee! Go, Ohio! 🙂
Recent MSW winner Teddy’s Mania looks like a litle crazy in the post parade. The Umatilla(NZ) son tosses his head warily, zigzagging during warmups. Jockey A. hudson has his hands full with the feisty colt. Teddy carries the blank colors …. and the little colt has some spunk from midpack. Doubtful he’ll make any kind of dent here though. But hey! He’s got crazy character. 🙂
–> That upstart residency GR Simsters brings acote stable’s Very Silver (Post 19 – 11/1) next. Trainer Pilgrim waves to the delighted crowd. Wow, what a shiny silver suit Pilgrim’s wearing — the whole Elvis-like outfit’s matched with glittery golden chains, jewelry, watches, you name it! Gold-rimmed sunglasses too and I must say, appropriately golden — GR Simsters brings a great lineup to this year’s Equinics… they’re a residency on the rise, challenging the Sim’s old guard.
Very Silver impressively gained ground on Always Improving in the BB Juvy Turf. The sky seemed the limit for the GSR Juvenile(G1) winner. The Silver Ghost youngster followed up the BB with just as good effort on DPCD day, but faltered in the Japan Racing Association(G1) afterwards. He’s the #1 ranked Classic colt in the Sim and you can make a pretty good case that he might just be a Monster Miler. But he’s still learning, look for a better effort in his 2nd 3YO race if the midpacker can overcome lousy post.
–> Finally, Dessie Hollandia(IRE) (Post 20 – 9/1) carries the hopes of Benelux. Trainer Rosemont graciously passes out carnations, lilacs, and of course roses to lucky ladies in the grandstands. You can’t miss Rosemont amongst the crowd — Rosemont’s quite a sight dressed in a classic black tuxedo, complete with silver vest, red bowtie and sleek white scarf. I bet Rosemont’s heading to the Italian opera for the “Don Giovanni” performance afterwards. Bet some of those lucky ladies will join him too!
Runner-up in the Apparently Juvenile(G3), Dessie Hollandia snapped a 3-stakes race win streak. Desert King(IRE) son keeps on improving and has the SP#s to upset the graded stars. Lousy post, but I like him a lot shortening up to the flat mile. Boasts plenty of stamina for a classic test down the road. Still, great shot here if top jockey K Ledwith can overcome the 20-hole. Hasn’t tested off track over grass yet though. Will factor amongst pacesetters, but can stalk behind the lead.
Snowchief’s Picks:
Horses labelled above with a “–>” are the ones who I think will factor into the winner’s circle and purse money hunt.
The 3 favorites (Always Improving, Very Silver, and Spare T) all look fabulous for the gold medal. Geometry of Rage and Devil’s King have the impressive pedigrees and both display wonderful on-the-rise talent. Dessie Hollandia needs some major luck from the 20-hole.
Cortez, Cronus, My Own Turbo, Gallant Dancer, Silver Court, & Kepler Berzerk all have considerable merits to spoil the show… but all need their best races.
I really can’t select one winner and most of these horses test an off track for the very first time. But I’ll go with the best two SP#s-type horses over the BB-winner on the ground-saving rail. Watch out for BB winner Always Improving though — he’s 2-for-2 over off turf tracks!:
Win: Devil’s King or Always Improving
Place: Spare T
Show: Always Improving
Good luck to all and enjoy Sim Equinics IV!