{"id":16780,"date":"2013-11-30T20:54:11","date_gmt":"2013-12-01T01:54:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blacktypebugler.com\/?p=16780"},"modified":"2013-11-30T20:55:04","modified_gmt":"2013-12-01T01:55:04","slug":"the-story-about-cougar-bite-classic-chapter-9-proven-fighters-ends-and-new-beginnings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/?p=16780","title":{"rendered":"The Story about Cougar Bite Classic: Chapter 9: Proven fighters, ends and new beginnings"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"color: #808080; font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;\"><i>** Grammar tolerance is advised.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;\">Stories. That is what every bargain race brings up to the table. That is what every bargain race creates. And..since 2005, there is hell a lot of stories. Bargain racing is a remarkable phenomenon. From my point of view, \u201cregular\u201d racing participants are disappearing over a time. There were so many famous sim horses, but where are they now? Just a few of them has left in our memories. With runners from bargain races it is different. May be because the size of playground is smaller and competition is limited. Thus famous bargain horses could have fought much more battles with each other. They had more options to write their stories and in the small community of bargain trainers (under a supervision of mighty Knightmare) build their immortality\u2026<\/p>\n<p>This saturday, 9th edition of Bargain Bowl &#8211; the biggest annual celebration of bargain racing, is set. In Louisiana, we should see battles of best current bargain runners. Well, at least those, who are familiar with bargain tradition. Thanks to Morgan (Knightmare), who keeps it alive and extends every year. Did you know, that in 2005, bargain racing series had 13 races and now in 2013 I calculated 62 stakes races (among many allowances, maidens and offspring races)? It is amazing.\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/knightmarebbrs.proboards.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">Join it<\/a>\u00a0if you haven\u2019t done it yet.<\/p>\n<p>Since 2005 also Bargain Bowl meeting has become larger and some races were added to please all type of runners. But Cougar Bite Classic (or Cougar Bite Turf), is one of those races, which are in the program since the very beginning. The race carries a name of famous bargain bred horse\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/derbyfever.com\/horseracing\/onehorse_inline.asp?horse=10200023356\" target=\"_blank\">Cougar Bite<\/a>, triple graded winner (including two G1) and millionaire with beautiful bloodlines (Half Term x Ballydoyle x I\u2019m Snake Bit). Btw. in sim you can still breed 3yo with these bloodlines :).<br \/>\nUnder a name of this great ancestor, there is long 8 years of competing. Years which have brought many nice stories and created new legends and big names. We have to omit majority of horses, who were part of this tradition, but you can find at least some of them in the list of top three finishers:<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<div align=\"left\">\n<table style=\"width: 940px;\" border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" width=\"100\" height=\"2\"><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;\"><b><i>2005<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" width=\"25\" height=\"2\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><b>1st<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" width=\"215\" height=\"2\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><b>PEPE&#8217;S PIPES<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" width=\"25\" height=\"2\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><b>2nd<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" width=\"215\" height=\"2\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">CLEARANCE CLARENCE<\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" width=\"25\" height=\"2\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><b>3rd<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" width=\"215\" height=\"2\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">HAPLESS<\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\"><a href=\"http:\/\/derbyfever.com\/horseracing\/onerace.asp?whicher=res&amp;raceid=406952\" target=\"_blank\">result<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" bgcolor=\"#66CCFF\" width=\"100\" height=\"4\"><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;\"><b><i>2006<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" bgcolor=\"#66CCFF\" width=\"25\" height=\"4\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><b>1st<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" bgcolor=\"#66CCFF\" width=\"215\" height=\"4\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><b>GALLIC CHARM<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" bgcolor=\"#66CCFF\" width=\"25\" height=\"4\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><b>2nd<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" bgcolor=\"#66CCFF\" width=\"215\" height=\"4\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">ANKALINE<\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" bgcolor=\"#66CCFF\" width=\"25\" height=\"4\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><b>3rd<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" bgcolor=\"#66CCFF\" width=\"215\" height=\"4\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">CLEARANCE CLARENCE<\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" bgcolor=\"#66CCFF\"><a href=\"http:\/\/derbyfever.com\/horseracing\/onerace.asp?whicher=res&amp;raceid=491029\" target=\"_blank\">result<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" width=\"100\" height=\"7\"><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;\"><b><i>2007<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" width=\"25\" height=\"7\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><b>1st<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" width=\"215\" height=\"7\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><b>TEN LOST PYRAMIDS<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" width=\"25\" height=\"7\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><b>2nd<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" width=\"215\" height=\"7\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">PEPE&#8217;S PIPES<\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" width=\"25\" height=\"7\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><b>3rd<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" width=\"215\" height=\"7\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">CLEARANCE CLARENCE<\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\"><a href=\"http:\/\/derbyfever.com\/horseracing\/onerace.asp?whicher=res&amp;raceid=572855\" target=\"_blank\">result<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" bgcolor=\"#66CCFF\" width=\"100\" height=\"11\"><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;\"><b><i>2008<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" bgcolor=\"#66CCFF\" width=\"25\" height=\"11\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><b>1st<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" bgcolor=\"#66CCFF\" width=\"215\" height=\"11\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><b>TEN LOST PYRAMIDS<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" bgcolor=\"#66CCFF\" width=\"25\" height=\"11\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><b>2nd<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" bgcolor=\"#66CCFF\" width=\"215\" height=\"11\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">BRIGERAND<\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" bgcolor=\"#66CCFF\" width=\"25\" height=\"11\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><b>3rd<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" bgcolor=\"#66CCFF\" width=\"215\" height=\"11\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">CLEARANCE CLARENCE<\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" bgcolor=\"#66CCFF\"><a href=\"http:\/\/derbyfever.com\/horseracing\/onerace.asp?whicher=res&amp;raceid=656635\" target=\"_blank\">result<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" width=\"100\" height=\"6\"><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;\"><b><i>2009<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" width=\"25\" height=\"6\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><b>1st<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" width=\"215\" height=\"6\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><b>RECON SHOP<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" width=\"25\" height=\"6\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><b>2nd<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" width=\"215\" height=\"6\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">TEN LOST PYRAMIDS<\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" width=\"25\" height=\"6\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><b>3rd<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" width=\"215\" height=\"6\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">CELESTIAL KEY<\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\"><a href=\"http:\/\/derbyfever.com\/horseracing\/onerace.asp?whicher=res&amp;raceid=746021\" target=\"_blank\">result<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" bgcolor=\"#66CCFF\" width=\"100\" height=\"8\"><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;\"><b><i>2010<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" bgcolor=\"#66CCFF\" width=\"25\" height=\"8\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><b>1st<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" bgcolor=\"#66CCFF\" width=\"215\" height=\"8\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><b>BRILLIANT NOTATION<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" bgcolor=\"#66CCFF\" width=\"25\" height=\"8\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><b>2nd<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" bgcolor=\"#66CCFF\" width=\"215\" height=\"8\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">HOUSEFULLOFGHOSTS<\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" bgcolor=\"#66CCFF\" width=\"25\" height=\"8\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><b>3rd<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" bgcolor=\"#66CCFF\" width=\"215\" height=\"8\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">TEN LOST PYRAMIDS<\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" bgcolor=\"#66CCFF\"><a href=\"http:\/\/derbyfever.com\/horseracing\/onerace.asp?whicher=res&amp;raceid=837972\" target=\"_blank\">result<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" width=\"100\" height=\"8\"><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;\"><b><i>2011<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" width=\"25\" height=\"8\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><b>1st<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" width=\"215\" height=\"8\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><b>AL CENTAINE<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" width=\"25\" height=\"8\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><b>2nd<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" width=\"215\" height=\"8\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">YELLOW GIALLO<\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" width=\"25\" height=\"8\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><b>3rd<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" width=\"215\" height=\"8\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">HOUSEFULLOFGHOSTS<\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\"><a href=\"http:\/\/derbyfever.com\/horseracing\/onerace.asp?whicher=res&amp;raceid=928596\" target=\"_blank\">result<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" bgcolor=\"#66CCFF\" width=\"100\" height=\"8\"><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;\"><b><i>2012<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" bgcolor=\"#66CCFF\" width=\"25\" height=\"8\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><b>1st<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" bgcolor=\"#66CCFF\" width=\"215\" height=\"8\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><b>BRILLIANT NOTATION<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" bgcolor=\"#66CCFF\" width=\"25\" height=\"8\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><b>2nd<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" bgcolor=\"#66CCFF\" width=\"215\" height=\"8\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">HOUSEFULLOFGHOSTS<\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" bgcolor=\"#66CCFF\" width=\"25\" height=\"8\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><b>3rd<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" bgcolor=\"#66CCFF\" width=\"215\" height=\"8\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">KEY ADDRESS<\/span><\/td>\n<td align=\"center\" bgcolor=\"#66CCFF\"><a href=\"http:\/\/derbyfever.com\/horseracing\/onerace.asp?whicher=res&amp;raceid=1031552\" target=\"_blank\">result<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;\">The table shows the beauty of bargain racing. It shows us trainers, who are returning with their best bargain horses to reach the top place. It shows us never ending rivality of some of the horses. Some of them were lucky enough to win, some of them never did it, but they have kept coming. Magnificent was relentless Clearance Clarence, who finished top three four times and never won. He would deserve the win. It had never happened, but he didn\u2019t stop trying. That is also the beauty of bargain racing. And as we\u2019ll get to it later&#8230;even current days have their \u201cClearance Clarences\u201d.<br \/>\nDuring the time, two of the horses were so strong and lucky to win twice: Ten Lost Pyramids and Brilliant Notation. They are both here, but their chances to make it three are not particularly high. We will get to them specifically.<\/p>\n<p>The race field is quite small today. Nevertheless, lack of quantity is balanced by its quality. We have three winners of Cougar Bite Classic here, next to three other multiple bargain racing series winners. Just one of the participants is gaining experience so far. That is impressive start list.<br \/>\nEnough history, let\u2019s look at them.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div align=\"left\">\n<table style=\"width: 100%; height: 259px;\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"2\" height=\"89\"><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: medium;\"><b><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">1\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/derbyfever.com\/horseracing\/onehorse_inline.asp?horse=11300117885\" target=\"_blank\">ZABACA<\/a><\/span><br \/>\n<\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><b>4yo c\/g,<\/b>\u00a0<b>King of Danes\u00a0 x Glide x Krisinsky\u00a0<\/b><\/span><b><br \/>\n<\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;\"><b>Trainer: LGBOST Racing Stables<\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: medium;\"><b><br \/>\n<\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;\">r,w,p,s:<b>\u00a0<\/b>(4-2-2-0); earnings: $36,570; jockey:B Moore ; odds:\u00a022\/1<\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"290\" height=\"170\"><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;\"><i>Trend in speed figures:<br \/>\n<\/i><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"Picture shows last 10 starts of the horse. Red line represents development of speed figures (captions on left y-axis), columns represent distance of the race and their color means the surface type (distance captions on right y-axis)\" alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/planoaxia.vselijak.eu\/btb\/zab_2013.png\" width=\"272\" height=\"168\" border=\"0\" \/><\/span><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" height=\"170\">\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;\">Zabaca is a newbie to bargain racing. He is very unexperienced horse, but claimed from last race by very experienced bargain trainer Lgbost. Lino definitely has a big talent of finding bargain series racing material. It happened many times, that we could watch horse with very high odds, who did a great job in bargain race. Usually Lino was standing behind such kind of success. On good example is his filly\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/derbyfever.com\/horseracing\/onehorse_inline.asp?horse=11000035031\" target=\"_blank\">Champion Two Miler<\/a>, currently ready for BB John\u2019s Call. Zabaca could very easily follow her example. It seems distance is not an issue. He is fresh and ready for promising bargain career. Problem is, that after four starts in claim races, he is probably not ready right now. This is his baptism by fire. If he would be better than 5th, we should probably remember his name and look forward. Nevertheless, this is horse for the future and it is very nice to see young blood in this race. And it is always pleasant, not to know what to expect (at least in horse racing, including the simulated \ud83d\ude42 ).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div align=\"left\">\n<table style=\"width: 100%; height: 259px;\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"2\" height=\"89\"><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: medium;\"><b><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">2\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/derbyfever.com\/horseracing\/onehorse_inline.asp?horse=11300006698\" target=\"_blank\">ARCANO OPERA<\/a><\/span><br \/>\n<\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><b>4yo c\/g,<\/b>\u00a0<b>Arcano\u00a0 x Line in the Sand x T.M. Opera O\u00a0<\/b><\/span><b><br \/>\n<\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;\"><b>Trainer: GOWANS Racing Stables<\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: medium;\"><b><br \/>\n<\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;\">r,w,p,s:<b>\u00a0<\/b>(16-5-4-2); earnings: $320,895; jockey:T Campy ; odds:\u00a09\/2<\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;\">Bargain racing successes: 1st The Pearl Cup (2013), Bargain Turf Derby (2013), The Winchester (2012); 2nd Arc de Maleleve (2013), 100 Guineas (2013), Bourbon Trail (2013), Class Ack Juvenile (2012)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"290\" height=\"170\"><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;\"><i>Trend in speed figures:<br \/>\n<\/i><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"Picture shows last 10 starts of the horse. Red line represents development of speed figures (captions on left y-axis), columns represent distance of the race and their color means the surface type (distance captions on right y-axis)\" alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/planoaxia.vselijak.eu\/btb\/ao_2013.png\" width=\"272\" height=\"168\" border=\"0\" \/><\/span><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" height=\"170\">\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;\">Another representative of new generation is called Arcano Opera. Young colt with more than $300,000 earnings was strong even as a 2yo, when winning The Winchester and finishing 2nd in BB Class Ack Juvenile. Fortunately, he was one of those, who could improve at 3. He was very competitive between 3yos even on shorter distances like 6 or 8F, but his true domain became 10F+ races. He had dealt with other 3yos with ease in Bargain Turf Derby and finished 2nd behind Ghost With a Heart in Bargain Arc. So, he was able to beat all other older horses and successfully enter the division. He proved it in the Pearl Cup, where he handled easier competition of older horses over 9F. Now he has these experiences behind and could continue improvement and be even stronger. Also he is 3yo and stability of his performances is not a problem. From my point of view, second favorite of the race.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div align=\"left\">\n<table style=\"width: 100%; height: 259px;\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"2\" height=\"89\"><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: medium;\"><b><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">3\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/derbyfever.com\/horseracing\/onehorse_inline.asp?horse=11000021549\" target=\"_blank\">AL CENTAINE<\/a><\/span><br \/>\n<\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><b>6yo,<\/b>\u00a0<b>Al Samer\u00a0 x Centaine x Sort\u00a0<\/b><\/span><b><br \/>\n<\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;\"><b>Trainer: PROSPORTZ Racing Stables (Hawkz)<\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: medium;\"><b><br \/>\n<\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;\">r,w,p,s:<b>\u00a0<\/b>(37-6-5-6); earnings: $420,293; jockey:I Szott ; odds:\u00a05\/1<\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;\">Bargain racing successes: 1st Cougar Bite Classic (2011), Hunt Turf Cup (2013); 2nd Arc de Maleleve (2011), Hunt Turf Cup (2011); 3rd Ten Lost Pyramids (2012), El Joven (2009)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"290\" height=\"170\"><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;\"><i>Trend in speed figures:<br \/>\n<\/i><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"Picture shows last 10 starts of the horse. Red line represents development of speed figures (captions on left y-axis), columns represent distance of the race and their color means the surface type (distance captions on right y-axis)\" alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/planoaxia.vselijak.eu\/btb\/ac_2013.png\" width=\"272\" height=\"168\" border=\"0\" \/><\/span><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" height=\"170\">\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;\">Winner of this race from 2011 is very mysterious participant this year and it is very difficult to read in him. He is very unstable in his performances. He has quite easy win from The Hunt Turf Cup this year, but very disappointing results from Bargain Arc as well as from the Pearl Cup. The distance could be the problem in Arc, but the last spot in Pearl Cup is a surprise. But without any doubts, 10F is his favourite distance and thus he should improve and leave behind those two last dreadful races. After all, Al Centaine is six years old and occasional bad mood could be excused. On the other hand, even if he is planning something great, it is probably not the way to victory. In the case of good day he could fight for 3rd spot. If he has a bad day, he could be far behind as in previous races.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div align=\"left\">\n<table style=\"width: 100%; height: 259px;\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"2\" height=\"89\"><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: medium;\"><b><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">4\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/derbyfever.com\/horseracing\/onehorse_inline.asp?horse=11100030045\" target=\"_blank\">GHOST WITH A HEART<\/a><\/span><br \/>\n<\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><b>5yo,<\/b>\u00a0<b>Sri Pekan\u00a0 x Wilde Rufo x Snurge\u00a0<\/b><\/span><b><br \/>\n<\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;\"><b>Trainer: PLANOAXIUS Racing Stables<\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: medium;\"><b><br \/>\n<\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;\">r,w,p,s:<b>\u00a0<\/b>(28-8-5-4); earnings: $312,355; jockey:D Hogin ; odds:\u00a08\/5<\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;\">Bargain racing successes: 1st Arc de Maleleve (2013), Ten Lost Pyramids (2013, 2012)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"290\" height=\"170\"><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;\"><i>Trend in speed figures:<br \/>\n<\/i><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"Picture shows last 10 starts of the horse. Red line represents development of speed figures (captions on left y-axis), columns represent distance of the race and their color means the surface type (distance captions on right y-axis)\" alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/planoaxia.vselijak.eu\/btb\/gwh_2013.png\" width=\"272\" height=\"168\" border=\"0\" \/><\/span><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" height=\"170\">\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;\">Currently probably the strongest competitor on this distance and surface is called Ghost With a Heart. Bred by gorytus player, but in last two years competing for my stables. He finished 4th last year, which was slight disappointment for me. In last two years, he was able to achieve three bargain stakes wins &#8211; this year\u2019s Arc as well as both editions of Ten Lost Pyramids\u2019 memorial. In the beginning of this year, he was probably in his lifetime best form stably getting over 100 speed mark. But for whole year, he keeps good results. I don\u2019t like speaking about my horses as about favorites. Maybe I\u2019m bit superstitious. But if Ghost with a Heart won\u2019t return to the results\u2019 inconsistency, which was present in his earlier days &#8211; he has to be bear the role of first favorite.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div align=\"left\">\n<table style=\"width: 100%; height: 259px;\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"2\" height=\"89\"><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: medium;\"><b><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">5\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/derbyfever.com\/horseracing\/onehorse_inline.asp?horse=10600033023\" target=\"_blank\">TEN LOST PYRAMIDS<\/a><\/span><br \/>\n<\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><b>10yo,<\/b>\u00a0<b>Tenpins<\/b><b>\u00a0 x Pyramid Peak x Roanoke\u00a0<\/b><\/span><b><br \/>\n<\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;\"><b>Trainer: PLANOAXIUS Racing Stables<\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: medium;\"><b><br \/>\n<\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;\">r,w,p,s:<b>\u00a0<\/b>(60-19-9-10); earnings: $1,004,773; jockey:W Cahill ; odds:\u00a015\/1<\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;\">Bargain racing successes: 1st Cougar Bite Classic (2008, 2007), Hunt Turf Cup (2010, 2007), Arc de Maleleve (2009, 2008); 2nd Cougar Bite Classic (2009); 3rd Cougar Bite Classic (2010), Hunt Turf Cup (2012, 2008)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"290\" height=\"170\"><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;\"><i>Trend in speed figures:<br \/>\n<\/i><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"Picture shows last 10 starts of the horse. Red line represents development of speed figures (captions on left y-axis), columns represent distance of the race and their color means the surface type (distance captions on right y-axis)\" alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/planoaxia.vselijak.eu\/btb\/tlp_2013.png\" width=\"272\" height=\"168\" border=\"0\" \/><\/span><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" height=\"170\">\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;\">Veteran of bargain racing, 10yo Ten Lost Pyramids, is still the most successful horse in the history of this race. Winner of 2007 and 2008 edition, 2nd from 2009 and 3rd from 2010. Since that time, he was stagnating with only light moments in his favourite race The Hunt Turf Cup (4th in 2011, 3rd in 2012). Last year, he finished on the last spot in this race. This year, it will be his 7th start in Cougar Bite Classic&#8230;7th and last. It was long 7 years of bargain racing. During his career, he had met great amount of horses. He is witness of past times. His presence here is a link between old and new times of bargain racing. Among his rivals we can see names of Pepe\u2019s Pipes, Clearance Clarence, Ankaline, extraordinary filly Shoaib Akhtar, magnificent Far Beyond the Sun, Recon Shop, tough fillies Celestial Key and Brigerand, probably immortal mare Lot at Steak, Concotelli, Ante Meridiem, all current personalities Brilliant Notation, Housefullofghosts, Al Centaine and many others. Today in his last race, he will connect also new young rising star Arcano Opera with all those names. Ten Lost Pyramids is going to this race with no ambition. He is here as an outsider. But I\u2019m glad, he could have been here for such a long time. Every his race was fun, even those which ended with his defeat. Now, it\u2019s time to go.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div align=\"left\">\n<table style=\"width: 100%; height: 259px;\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"2\" height=\"89\"><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: medium;\"><b><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">6\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/derbyfever.com\/horseracing\/onehorse_inline.asp?horse=10900034418\" target=\"_blank\">HOUSEFULLOFGHOSTS<\/a><\/span><br \/>\n<\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><b>7yo,<\/b>\u00a0<b>Wharf\u00a0 x Wilde Rufo x Wolver Hollow\u00a0<\/b><\/span><b><br \/>\n<\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;\"><b>Trainer: LGBOST Racing Stables<\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: medium;\"><b><br \/>\n<\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;\">r,w,p,s:<b>\u00a0<\/b>(54-17-14-7); earnings: $559,819; jockey:V Jennings ; odds:\u00a08\/1<\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;\">Bargain racing successes: 1st Arc de Maleleve (2011), Hunt Turf Cup (2011); 2nd Cougar Bite Classic (2012, 2010); 3rd Cougar Bite Classic (2011), Hunt Turf Cup (2013), Hunt Turf Cup (2010)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"290\" height=\"170\"><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;\"><i>Trend in speed figures:<br \/>\n<\/i><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"Picture shows last 10 starts of the horse. Red line represents development of speed figures (captions on left y-axis), columns represent distance of the race and their color means the surface type (distance captions on right y-axis)\" alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/planoaxia.vselijak.eu\/btb\/hfg_2013.png\" width=\"272\" height=\"168\" border=\"0\" \/><\/span><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" height=\"170\">\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;\">7yo Housefullofghosts is regular bargain runner, with second biggest amount of starts of all runners. This horse is competing in bargain series for long 4 years. He was able to win Bargain Arc as well as Hunt Turf Cup during his career. In Cougar Bite Classic, he was always a bit out of luck. Like Clearance Clarence, mentioned in the introduction, Housefullofghosts has never won this race. In remarkable fight with Brilliant Notation and Ten Lost Pyramids in 2010, he ended 2nd just a head behind winning Brilliant Notation. He also has 2nd spot from last year edition and 3rd from 2011. If he gets between top three this year, he would be only one of three horses, who were able to repeat it four times. Nevertheless, he should do the best of him or maybe better to reach this goal. A sad hero of bargain racing is slowing down significantly and was competing mainly in local bred races this year. His trainer usually gives him tough seasons with many starts, so wear and tear is a factor here. He is really the one, who deserves significant success. But some are not as lucky as others. I believe, it\u2019s the case here as well.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div align=\"left\">\n<table style=\"width: 100%; height: 259px;\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"2\" height=\"89\"><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: medium;\"><b><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">7\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/derbyfever.com\/horseracing\/onehorse_inline.asp?horse=10900034035\" target=\"_blank\">BRILLIANT NOTATION<\/a><\/span><br \/>\n<\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><b>7yo,<\/b>\u00a0<b>Editor&#8217;s Note\u00a0 x Accelerator x Desert Wine\u00a0<\/b><\/span><b><br \/>\n<\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;\"><b>Trainer: MTK76 Racing Stables (mtk)<\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: medium;\"><b><br \/>\n<\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;\">r,w,p,s:<b>\u00a0<\/b>(42-6-10-9); earnings: $565,344; jockey:C Garber ; odds:\u00a02\/1<\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;\">Bargain racing successes: 1st Cougar Bite Classic (2012, 2010), Hunt Turf Cup (2012); 2nd Ten Lost Pyramids (2013), Silenus Mile (2012, 2011), Bargain Summer Classic (2011); 3rd Arc de Maleleve (2011, 2010)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"290\" height=\"170\"><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;\"><i>Trend in speed figures:<br \/>\n<\/i><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"Picture shows last 10 starts of the horse. Red line represents development of speed figures (captions on left y-axis), columns represent distance of the race and their color means the surface type (distance captions on right y-axis)\" alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/planoaxia.vselijak.eu\/btb\/bn_2013.png\" width=\"272\" height=\"168\" border=\"0\" \/><\/span><\/td>\n<td valign=\"top\" height=\"170\">\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;\">Another 7yo colt Brilliant Notation is the only horse in this race, who has at least low real chance to become three times winner of Cougar Bite Classic. Something what no bargie before hasn\u2019t done. I\u2019m now wondering if horse\u2019s trainer doesn\u2019t regret the 2011 edition. That time, he decided to enter Bargain Bowl Classic (as Brilliant Notation is very capable on dirt too) and refused the chance to defend his title from 2010. If he had been in Cougar Bite instead\u2026 Well, but these are ifs and ifs has nothing in common with reality.<br \/>\nMighty brown horse from mtk stables, the regular bargain racing trainer, had only 6 starts this season, saving his powers for seasonal top. Nevertheless, all the six races were stakes races and pretty tough. In the beginning of season, he also participated in regular stakes race, finished 5th, but far from the winner. The rest of the races was part of bargain series. There he showed the best effort in Silenus Mile (close 5th place) and was nicely 2nd in Ten Lost Pyramids memorial. Last time, he was 7th in Arc de Maleleve, but distance of the race was changed from 10F to 12F last year and that was maybe a bit longer for Brilliant Notation. Now he\u2019s back on 10F which should suits him better. Also the size of the field could be his advantage. But, he is slowing down. No doubts about it. If he wants to be triple Cougar Bite Classic winner, he has to do it today. From my point of view, it\u2019s 3rd favorite of the race. Good luck, mtk!<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;\">So how can this story continue? What stories end here and what will start here? Let\u2019s pretend to be narrator of it. Stories are memorable and loved, when contain surprises, unexpected ends, well deserved justice. So, let\u2019s imagine Ten Lost Pyramids wins after couple of \u201cinfertile\u201d years, in his last career start. That would be THE story! Or maybe Housefullofghosts, finally gets it after three big chances in previous years. Justice works! Too crazy? Maybe just Brilliant Notation wins for a 3rd time and becomes the only one in history of the race. Still utopia? Well, maybe, maybe not. By all means, the story will be attractive after today. Even if we will stay on the ground. So, after sobering up\u2026 Ghost with a Heart has a biggest chance to win today, but I think Arcano Opera will be stronger than in Arc. I\u2019m fascinated how good 3yos are this year. How they beat older in big graded races. So, I expect pretty tough fight between these two. Brilliant Notation, I think, is still great adept for podium. He might show his strong finish and get the 3rd spot. Al Centaine is a bit of mystery today, but he should defend 4th place from Housefullofghosts. I don\u2019t expect old guy on the podium this time. We are surely all curious, what Zabaca is going to show today. Theoretically, he could beat both previously mentioned guys, but more probably, he should be satisfied if reaching the money. It would be nice if Ten Lost Pyramids ends his career competitive with others, but it\u2019s highly improbable. He\u2019s here in his 7th start in Cougar Bite after long successful career. That is still a story I can accept.<\/p>\n<p>It is slightly unfair to speak only about one story, when there is so many others. Whole Bargain Bowl is full of them. If you want to know few strong ideas, look at Cemetery Winter Distaff race. Probably the most successful bargain horse of all times\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/derbyfever.com\/horseracing\/onehorse_inline.asp?horse=10900033039\" target=\"_blank\">Slave to Tradition<\/a>\u00a0ends her career there. Her eternal nemesis\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/derbyfever.com\/horseracing\/onehorse_inline.asp?horse=11000033385\" target=\"_blank\">Sullivan\u2019s Rainbow<\/a>\u00a0came to say goodbye. And strong 3yo fillies came to say &#8220;we don\u2019t care&#8221; :).<br \/>\nGreat generation battle is expected in Kaif Mile. Also there is big field of horses there, so anything can happen.<br \/>\nOne could also talk about immortal\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/derbyfever.com\/horseracing\/onehorse_inline.asp?horse=10800002000\" target=\"_blank\">Lot at Steak<\/a>\u00a0in John\u2019s Call. Her defense of last year\u2019s title will be pretty difficult, but stories with no difficult tasks are boring.<br \/>\nDo you like some of them? Watch bargain racing or\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/knightmarebbrs.proboards.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">become part of it<\/a>\u00a0with your own horses. Everyone has sometime a horse, who runs nice results despite the bloodlines. Maybe one day you find yourself being enthusiast for it. Trust me, I know what am I talking about :).<br \/>\nThanks for reading!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>** Grammar tolerance is advised. Stories. That is what every bargain race brings up to the table. That is what<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":334,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"colormag_page_container_layout":"default_layout","colormag_page_sidebar_layout":"default_layout","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-16780","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-previews"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16780","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/334"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=16780"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16780\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16782,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16780\/revisions\/16782"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=16780"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=16780"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=16780"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}