{"id":1518,"date":"2006-01-20T19:42:18","date_gmt":"2006-01-20T19:42:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blacktypebugler.com\/?p=1518"},"modified":"-0001-11-30T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"-0001-11-30T00:00:00","slug":"oldbtb_1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/?p=1518","title":{"rendered":"Preferred Power, Gingobell lead Marcos Footwear(G3) short field"},"content":{"rendered":"Queensland<\/STRONG>–\u00a0\u00a0 Not really surprising that the Grade 3 $225,000 Marcos Footwear Handicap<\/EM> only attracted five runners.\u00a0 Historically, this race’s January fields have been on the lite side.\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV>However, what the Marcos(G3)<\/EM> lacks in bulk, it more than makes up in drama.\u00a0 This year’s renewal sees one of ’05’s top 10 furlong grass horses, Preferred Power<\/STRONG>, kick off his 2006\u00a0campaign.\u00a0\u00a0 Additionally, we have a bright miler sophomore of last year (Gingobell<\/STRONG>) trying to extend his stamina.\u00a0\u00a0 Toss in a shining upstart Aslan’s Mane(IRE)<\/STRONG> and a pair of longshots and we’ll test these fellows to the wire……….<\/FONT><\/DIV><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV>But first, some Marcos(G3)<\/EM> Q & A:<\/FONT><\/DIV><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV>Q:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 So what’s the story with moving this race from California to Queensland in 2001?<\/STRONG><\/FONT><\/DIV>A:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Blame it all on the newspaper’s editors!\u00a0\u00a0 Ha!\u00a0 Back in ’99-’00, the Sim’s graded races pretty much followed their IRL equivalents.\u00a0 This race follows Santa Anita’s San Marcos Handicap<\/EM>, so\u00a0therefore it originally appeared at California.\u00a0 Since most graded races are at a handful of tracks in the U.S., this meant that California, New York, and other big tracks hosted huge graded cards near each week.<\/FONT><\/DIV><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV>To make a long story short,\u00a0this wreaked havoc on the\u00a0newspaper staff!\u00a0 We assigned writers to tracks and they were responsible for ALL stakes races at their track.\u00a0\u00a0 “Big track” people covered 5 races sometimes, while “little track” people (LOL!) always covered one race.\u00a0 This was a huge mess, so the editors complained and convinced the Sim powers that be<\/EM> to “spread the wealth” around.\u00a0 Thus, the powers moved races like the\u00a0Marcos<\/EM>\u00a0to\u00a0help bolster new or “little” tracks.<\/FONT><\/DIV><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV>Q:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 But it was downgraded from Grade 2 status!<\/STRONG><\/FONT><\/DIV>A:<\/FONT>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Yup, and\u00a0probably to fit it into the grand <\/EM>graded scheme of things.\u00a0\u00a0 But hey, it got a $75k boost in purse.\u00a0 \ud83d\ude42<\/FONT><\/DIV><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV>Q:\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0‘Footwear’?!!?<\/STRONG><\/FONT><\/DIV>A:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Darned if I know.\u00a0 A brand of tennis shoe?\u00a0 Or Marcos = Philippines’ former moonbat-lady Imelda Marcos and her “new shoes each day” lifestyle?\u00a0 The Sim powers<\/EM> must’ve been fans (or just drunk).\u00a0\u00a0Ha!\u00a0 \u00a0\ud83d\ude09<\/FONT><\/DIV><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV>Q:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Who was the most popular winner?<\/STRONG><\/FONT><\/DIV>A:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Though Huge Tale (2000) was a genuine Sim superstar in his day, the “most popular” award has to go to Paper St. Soap Co. (2004).\u00a0\u00a0With an odd-n-memorable name, foxon’s ‘Soapie had a lot of fans among both players and SRF\/BTB writers when he raced.\u00a0 \ud83d\ude42\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV>Q:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Who was the richest Marcos winner?<\/STRONG><\/FONT><\/DIV>A:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Prospector Spend.\u00a0\u00a0 He counted the 2002\u00a0lion’s share\u00a0amongst his career’s\u00a0$5.2 million dollars.\u00a0\u00a0 Next up is Huge Tale ($5.1M), followed by Majestic Water ($4.8M).<\/FONT><\/DIV><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV>Q:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Which\u00a0horse <\/EM>competed the most often in this race?\u00a0<\/STRONG><\/FONT><\/DIV>A:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Prospector Rizzo.\u00a0 He appeared three times, winning the 2002 renewal.\u00a0 He finished 13th in 2003 and 6th in 2004.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV>Q:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 How many Breeders Bowl winners have graced this race?<\/STRONG><\/FONT><\/DIV>A:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Four.\u00a0 Both Alone Between Robe (Mile<\/EM>) and Stormy Prospector (Classic<\/EM>) ran 2nd in 1999 and 2003 respectively.\u00a0 Huge Tale (Mile<\/EM>) won the 2000 renewal over Writer Orange (Turf<\/EM>).\u00a0\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV>Well, that was fun!\u00a0 LOL!\u00a0\u00a0 Scroll down the page to read more about the history of the\u00a0Marcos Footwear Handicap.<\/STRONG><\/EM>\u00a0 <\/STRONG>\u00a0This year’s field’s short (and a tad boring — LOL!), so sorry I got kind of carried away with blarney.\u00a0\u00a0 \ud83d\ude42 \ud83d\ude42 \ud83d\ude42 \ud83d\ude42 \ud83d\ude42 \ud83d\ude42 \u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV><\/DIV><\/DIV><\/DIV><\/DIV><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV>Now for your 2006 renewal:<\/FONT><\/DIV><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV>4\/5 – Gingobell<\/STRONG> (notturna1):\u00a0\u00a0 I wrote about this guy a couple times last year — he won the Coalmine Mile Cup(G2)<\/EM> against a pretty solid field of Monster Grass Mile<\/EM> sophomores.\u00a0 I love this 4YO Pine Bluff colt over the mile — he was one of a handful of last year’s 3YO crop that could compete effectively versus older horses (only beaten 4 lengths in Kingab Mile(G1) <\/EM>— that was a wicked race!\u00a0 Ditto for Canada Mile(G1)<\/EM>).<\/FONT><\/DIV><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV>In his final ’05 start, Gingobell got\u00a0in a speed duel and weakened\u00a0just a tad over 9f.\u00a0\u00a0It wasn’t the first time that he weakened over 9f either.\u00a0 I’m kind of skeptical that he can win over 10f.\u00a0\u00a0 This is such a short field however and he’s the only legit pace.\u00a0 Possible he can wire this one\u00a0and hold clear late-closing Preferred Power.\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV>Which leads us to…………\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV>8\/5 – Preferred Power<\/STRONG> (dshock):\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 But Kingab’s horse is just not gonna sit too far back.\u00a0\u00a0 He’s proven in the past to stalk well and I don’t think Larry will let him drop too far out of it.\u00a0 Pulpit 5YO makes his 31st start and you always got to worry when a horse hits that benchmark — wear and tear just might be right around the corner.<\/FONT><\/DIV><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV>However, ‘Power specializes\u00a0in 10f.\u00a0\u00a0 He won the 2nd-half of the end-of-year\u00a0“twin” million-dollar 10f\u00a0Grade 1s (Eclipse(G1), 108 SP#<\/STRONG>).\u00a0 ‘Power coughed it up on DelPenn Day, but he should be back in form if fit.\u00a0 <\/FONT>\u00a0I think this race is his to win and Gingobell’s to lose (due to stamina questions).\u00a0\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV>But hold\u00a0your horses because………<\/FONT><\/DIV><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV>3\/1 – Aslan’s Mane(IRE)<\/STRONG> (eddieboo):\u00a0\u00a0 Eddieboo couldn’t ask for a more perfect graded stakes debut spot for this Theatrical(IRE) blueblood.\u00a0\u00a0 C’mon!\u00a0 This race is totally written for him!\u00a0 Ha!\u00a0 Looks like a 2005 late-summer 3YO homebred.\u00a0 Won MSW and ALW\u00a0easy peasy, then proceeded to take 3 of next 4.\u00a0 Talk about textbook with not one but *two* listed stakes wins to build class, SP#s,\u00a0and confidence.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV>Gorgeous — he’ll probably sit behind Gingobell and maybe a longshot.\u00a0\u00a0 This 4YO’s ready to pounce if the favorite gets winded on the far turn.\u00a0\u00a0 More than enough class too to outrun Preferred Power to wire.\u00a0 Of course, he’s green with only 6 career starts, so tip the hat to ‘Power.\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV>Finally t<\/FONT>he longshots…………<\/FONT><\/DIV><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV>17\/1 – Bounded Fool<\/STRONG> (freddy):\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 7YO ALW closer guaranteed a cheque — enjoys 10f and might pick up more money if one of the favorites cough it up badly.\u00a0\u00a0 All 3 would have to fall flat on their faces if ‘Fool was to win.\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV>78\/1 – Mamool(FR)<\/STRONG> (punterdoug):\u00a0\u00a0 The same for this 4YO.\u00a0 He’s in it for the minor cheque.\u00a0\u00a0 Can’t fault the trainers, good race-spotting.\u00a0 \ud83d\ude42\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV>Snowchief’s Picks<\/U>:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (N<\/FONT>ot much of a trifecta!)<\/FONT><\/DIV>Win:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Preferred Power\u00a0 (he’ll rebound to outrun inexperienced horse)<\/FONT><\/DIV>Place:\u00a0\u00a0 Aslan’s Mane(IRE) (one to watch though!)<\/FONT><\/DIV>Show:\u00a0 Gingobell (possible, but I don’t see him getting the distance… worth a shot though!)<\/FONT><\/DIV><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV>Good luck to all.\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV>Grade\u00a03 Marcos Footwear Handicap History<\/STRONG><\/EM>:\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV>8th installment this year, first run in 1999.\u00a0 First run at\u00a0track CA (California),\u00a01999-2000.\u00a0 Moved to\u00a0track A3 (Queensland), 2001-present.\u00a0 All\u00a0over\u00a010 furlongs\u00a0turf.\u00a0\u00a0All but two renewals on firm turf (course listed as “fast” (1999) & yielding (2001)).\u00a0\u00a0 Purse:\u00a0 $150,000 in 1999-2000;\u00a0 $225,000 from 2001-present.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Grade 2 ranking,\u00a01999-2000;\u00a0 downgraded to Grade 3, 2001-present.\u00a0\u00a0 Stakes record:\u00a0 2:01 2\/5 (tie:\u00a0 Huge Tale & Majestic Water).\u00a0\u00a0 Real-life equivalent = San Marcos Handicap at Santa Anita\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV>1999<\/A>:\u00a0 Won by Pharivor<\/STRONG> (mrluck), 2:04 2\/5 at California.\u00a0 Longshot survived pace cooker to hold off 1998 Breeders Bowl Mile(G1)<\/EM> champ Alone Between Robe by 1 3\/4 lengths.\u00a0Graded winners Pharsea ($690k) and Holy Ransom ($838k) led rest of\u00a0mostly claimer-filled field.\u00a0 Turf course listed “fast” (off surfaces added in 2000).\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV>5YO horse Pharivor won the Grade 2-ranked Marcos<\/EM> in just his 4th career outing.<\/FONT>\u00a0 The River Mist son won several more turf listed stakes before eventually retiring in 2001.\u00a0 His greatest victory though came as a surprising longshot again in the Burrito Grande(G2-6.5fD)<\/EM> over the main track.\u00a0<\/EM> Retired C-rank, $388k earnings.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/FONT>“Dam” of obscurely-sired filly who went winless through 8 starts.\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV>2000<\/FONT><\/A>:\u00a0 Won by Huge Tale<\/STRONG> (tfv), 2:01 2\/5 at California.\u00a0 One of the Sim’s all-time great racehorses bagged stalker-style score over 1999 Breeders Bowl Turf(G1)<\/EM> champ Writer Orange (Huge Tale\u00a0finished 6th in that BB race!).\u00a0 Millionaire also-rans Dynasea ($1.4M), Alyrap Roar ($1.7M), and Trillium Rick ($1.1M) led pretty\u00a0decent field.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV>Already a Sim superstar,\u00a0Huge Tale kicked off his ’00 campaign with the<\/FONT> Marcos(G2) <\/EM>victory.\u00a0\u00a0The 7YO Nureyev horse would go on to win 4 Grade 1s that year, including a coveted triumph in the 2000 Breeders Bowl Mile<\/EM> (defeating eventual Sim Eclipse Horse Of Year, School Kris(GB)).\u00a0\u00a0 A versatile grass star from 8f to 12f, Huge Tale’s best known for two things:\u00a0 1) he was the celebrated rival of legendary Enough Knock (champion, 2001 Breeders Bowl Mile<\/EM>), and 2) he was his popular trainer and Sim pioneer Davarto’s (aka\u00a0tfv stable) greatest racehorse.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/FONT>Retired A-rank in 2004, $5.1M bankroll.\u00a0 “Dam” of winless Carson City filly.<\/FONT><\/DIV>