{"id":7788,"date":"2010-02-12T21:49:59","date_gmt":"2010-02-12T21:49:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blacktypebugler.com\/?p=7788"},"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=7788","title":{"rendered":"NH Air National Guard (written by Kloie)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Welcome to the 2010 Equinics! \u00a0The theme this year is We are the Sim as a sign of the global community that we are a part of in this game. \u00a0\u00a0When I hear the name \u201cWe are the Sim\u201d I can\u2019t help but think of the 1985 song \u201cWe are the World\u201d written and performed to raise money for the starving in Africa. \u00a0In light of what has happened recently in Haiti and other tragedies in recent years it is easy to feel lost in global community and helpless as to how to help or make changes. \u00a0Today I am honored to be writing about the race that my residency named and picked a flag for, the NH Air National Guard \u2013 Let Freedom Ring. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The name and flag for this 10 furlong race on the dirt for males 4yo and up is an example of how when individuals get together they can do amazing things, even in the midst of hardships around the world. \u00a0
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The New Hampshire Air National Guard Make-a-Wish Foundation has hosted over 30 children since its inception 8 years ago. \u00a0The children arrive on the enormous fire pump truck with lights and sirens. \u00a0They are able to tour the base and are presented with a flight suit, aviators cap, leather jacket and headset. \u00a0Once they are dressed and ready to go, they get to either take a short flight in a jet with their name stenciled on the side of the jet or talk onboard to a crew to prepare for taxi and then marshall the jet onto the runway. \u00a0Most of the funding for these events is from individual donations. \u00a0When I first heard the story I was inspired at how when individuals join in community they can truly do great things. Way to go NH Air National Guard Make-a-Wish Foundation!
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Before we look forward, let\u2019s look back and the previous winners of this race:
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The first Equinics were run in the summer of 2000 and this race was called The Hades Handicap <\/strong> sponsored by Socalslew<\/strong>. \u00a0It was 10 furlongs on the dirt like today, but for 3yo+ instead of the 4yo+ that is run in the winter Equinics. \u00a0The winner of the first Equinics was One The Naked <\/strong> trained by John4 <\/strong>supporting Vermont<\/strong>. \u00a0He was the favorite and won from post position 4, coming from over 10 lengths back to finish almost 3 lengths ahead in 2:00 1\/5. \u00a0 One The Naked <\/strong> went on the win the 2000 Older Horse of the Year Eclipse Award. \u00a0
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In the 2002 Equinics the race was sponsored by Roys <\/strong> and was called The Black Gold Kele<\/strong>. \u00a0The winner was an 8 year old son of Forty Niner named Your Boundaries <\/strong>representing Viking Racing <\/strong>. \u00a0He was trained by sos at the Mrcoker Stables<\/strong>. \u00a0Heraced 70 times in his career, winning 17 times. \u00a0He won 2 G1s and 1 G3 and 14 stakes. \u00a0He was retired in 2003 as a grade A hemare. \u00a0All of his wins and all but one of his 38 ITM finishes were dirt routes. He earned almost 2 million during his career. \u00a0\u00a0He won The Black Gold Keles from post position 7 as the second favorite. \u00a0R Lilbitfarm rode the 10 furlongs in 2:01 and he won by 1 \u00be lengths. \u00a0 <\/p>\n

The 2004 Equinics named the races for great Olympic cities of the past and this race was called The Mexico City Mettle<\/strong>. \u00a017 horses entered that race, but Coastal Mining <\/strong> was the first across the finishline. \u00a0He was out of post position 1 and jockey D Hogin patiently waited until the stretch to shoot past the 4 leaders and finish over 3 lengths ahead of the second place finisher in 2:00 4\/5. \u00a0Coastal Mining was bred by daunte6 <\/strong> and then claimed for $20,000 by goody4 <\/strong> and raced in the Equinics representing the Northwest Racing Circuit<\/strong>. \u00a0
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The 2006 race was named The Eddie Arcaro<\/strong>, the \u201cMaster\u201d of the Triple Crown. \u00a0 Solar Song <\/strong> was the champion in 2006, giving Northwest Racing Circuit <\/strong> back to back wins. \u00a0He won the race as the second favorite out of post position 3 in 2:00 4\/5. \u00a0Hehad J White in the irons and came from 10 lengths back to win by 2 \u00be. \u00a0This win was the second race of the year for Solar Song and his trainer squirrel4 <\/strong> who went on to win HOTY for 2006 and 2007, TOTY for 2007 and earn a spot in the SimHall of Fame (Class of 2009). \u00a0
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Ace Bailey <\/strong> was the name of the race in 2008 as the Equinics named races for charitable organizations and the event was called Race for a Cure<\/strong>. \u00a0The Ace Bailey Children\u2019s Foundation helps to raise money for the improvement of hospital stays for children. \u00a0The winner in 2008 was Bluegrass Ghost <\/strong> supporting GR Simsters<\/strong>. \u00a0\u00a0He was the third favorite and won from post position 10 as a late runner with BRenfroe as jockey. \u00a0He ran the mile and a quarter in 2 minutes flat which is the stakes record. \u00a0Will his record hold this year? \u00a0Let\u2019s look at the field:
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PP 1 \u00a0\u00a0 BOURNVILLE (IRE) \u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>(AZAMOUR (IRE)x RAHY x SPINNING WORLD) bred and trained by dsg <\/strong>(Planoaxia Stables, 16%) \u00a0\u00a0Odds: \u00a017 to 1
Career: \u00a025 races: \u00a08 wins, 6 places, 5 shows \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a032%wins \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a076% ITM
Career earnings: \u00a0$340,842
Divisional Ranking: \u00a095
First we have Bournville trained at the Planoaxia Stables representing EAAA Racing<\/strong>. \u00a0He is a 5 year old son of Azamour out of game dam Sun And Shade. \u00a0He first tried graded in June at the G3-The Day of Dominion at today\u2019s distance where he won. \u00a0Unfortunately he didn\u2019t win again until his last out at a listed stakes against a 4 horse field. \u00a0His one other G1 attempt was late last summer in the G1-CA Classic where he really struggled. \u00a0He is a late runner, but doesn\u2019t like to get too far back and if he can regain his form from early last year he could be in the mix. \u00a0
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P 2 \u00a0\u00a0 GO GENTLE (IRE) \u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>(DYLAN THOMAS(IRE) x MILL REEF x NORTHERN DANCER) bred and trained by saver \u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>(Dixiedotco Racing, 27%) \u00a0\u00a0Odds: \u00a024 to 1
Career : \u00a0\u00a016 races: 11 wins, 4 shows \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a069%wins \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a094% ITM
Career Earnings: \u00a0$197,273
Divisional Ranking: \u00a0350
Our host track and residency Vermont <\/strong> sends Go Gentle racing for Dixiedotco Racing. \u00a0Go Gentle is a 4 year old scratch bred son of DylanThomas (10th ranked horse from Dylan Thomas\u2019 2008 crop). \u00a0\u00a0Looking at his past performance is like looking at a sea of 1s. \u00a0In his 13 starts on the dirt he has won 11, every single one wire to wire! \u00a0His two losses came on his first dirt try and his first and only stakes try. \u00a0He is on a 3 win streak and has won his last 6 at this distance. \u00a0There are two big obstacles for him here: class and racing style. \u00a0Like many others in the field he is taking quite a step up in class for his graded debut and it looks like he needs the lead to win. \u00a0There are some other, classier, early speedhorses in the field that are going to fight him for it. \u00a0We don\u2019t know if this a graded quality horse yet, but it is definitely an impressive horsewho has never finished out of the money on his preferred surface. \u00a0
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PP 3 \u00a0\u00a0 CODE WORD BULLET \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>(RED BULLETx SEATTLE SLEW x RIVERMAN) bred and trained by eliteteam2 <\/strong>(Belguim Racing Team, 15%) \u00a0\u00a0Odds: \u00a016 to 1
Career: \u00a033 Races: \u00a011 wins, 12 places, 3 shows \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a033%wins \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a079% ITM
Career earnings: \u00a0\u00a0$308,279
Divisional Ranking: \u00a0487
Next we have the entry from Benelux<\/strong>, Code Word Bullet trained at Belguim Racing Team. \u00a0This will be the 6th start for this 7 year oldson of Red Bullet out of game dam Sore River. \u00a0He was originally bred by proffactor who is no longer active. \u00a0He has also raced for DelPenn National Stables and for Lenny at The Empire. \u00a0In his 5 races for eliteteam2 he has won 2 allowance races and come close in 2 listed stakes. \u00a0This will be Code Word Bullet\u2019s first try against graded company and a huge jump in class. \u00a0I would love to see him win or hit the board here because I love the claimer turned graded winner story, but I think it will be tough. \u00a0
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PP 4 \u00a0\u00a0 SYMONDITE (KY) \u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>(KINGMAMBO x STORMCAT x HABITAT) bred and trained by upgrade <\/strong>(Tulloch Stables,11%) \u00a0Odds: \u00a011 to 1
Career: \u00a027 races: \u00a08 wins, 4 places, 2 shows \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a030%wins \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a052% ITM
Career earnings: \u00a0$258,218
Divisional Ranking: \u00a0157
Out of post position 4 is Symondite trained at the Tulloch Stables representing Midas<\/strong>. \u00a0He is a 6 year old son of Kingmambo (the first of three in the race). \u00a0He is coming off back to back stakes wins and his career high speeds of 110 and 112. \u00a0He has tried graded stakes three times, most recently the G2-Bluegrass Cup Classiclast October where he finished 10th. \u00a0His other graded tries he came upshort as well and this will be his first G1 attempt. \u00a0He is an early runner, in almost all his wins he has wired the field. \u00a0Perhaps coming off two straight stakes wins he can hit the board at the graded level, although he will need to watch out for the late runners in the stretch.
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PP 5 \u00a0\u00a0 ROCK AND FIRE (KY) \u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>(ROCK HARD TEN x HOLD THAT TIGER x A.P. INDY) \u00a0\u00a0bred and trained by willyam37 <\/strong>(Willyam13 Stables, 12%) \u00a0Odds: \u00a0\u00a012 to 1
Career: \u00a022 races: \u00a07 wins, 2 place, 1 show \u00a0\u00a0\u00a032% wins \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a045%ITM
Career Earnings: \u00a0$867,219
Divisional Ranking: \u00a01472
Next we have Rock and Fire trained at Willyam13 Stables representing GRSimsters<\/strong>. \u00a0He is a lightly raced 5 year old son of Rock Hard Tenout of game dam Clouded Vision. \u00a0She was a dirt router, although was neverable to win at the stakes or graded level. \u00a0Rock And Fire is the only stakes winner that she has produced. \u00a0He is coming into the Equinics off 8 weeks rest, having last raced at the DPCD Christmas Classic. \u00a0He finished 9th there behind three others in the field today. \u00a0\u00a0Prior to DPCD he almost tied his career high speed when he won a restricted stakes with a 111 over 10 furlongs. \u00a0Besides that stakes race he has been bouncing back and forth between allowance wins and graded attempts. \u00a0He has only hit the board once at the graded level, \u00a0the G2-Arkansas Juvenile \u2013 Derby Lock Prep on an off track during his 3 year old campaign. \u00a0
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PP 6 \u00a0\u00a0 OIL PLATFORM (ENG) \u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>(MEDICEAN(GB) x DEPUTY MINISTER x SHIRLEY HEIGHTS (GB)) bred and trained by 77 <\/strong>(The Big Oil Conglomerate [Ft. LordPye], 11%) \u00a0\u00a0Odds: 34 to 1
Career: \u00a025 races: \u00a05 wins, 3 places, 7 shows \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a020%wins \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a060% ITM
Career earnings: \u00a0$355,180
Divisional Rankings: \u00a051
Representing the East-West Connection <\/strong> is Oil Platform from The Big Oil Conglomerate. \u00a0Although he is one of the higher ranked horses in the race at 51, he has struggled recently and hasn\u2019t won since May in The ALPHA RICHTER Stakes at 8.5 furlongs. \u00a0He has attempted 5 graded stakes since then, including the G1-The MAYBE NEXT YEAR Special and G1-Toilet Scrubbers Anonymous Handicap last out. \u00a0He finished third in both of those races, showing he can be competitive at the graded level, but with his early speed running style he has been struggling to hold on to the lead in the stretch and that could definitely be an issue for him here. \u00a0
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PP 7 \u00a0\u00a0 INVINCIBLE HAACK (IRE) \u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>(INVINCIBLE SPIRIT (IRE) x AFFIRMED x GRAUSTARK) \u00a0bred and trained by haackotto <\/strong>(OttoHaack (Venezuela), 19%) \u00a0Odds: \u00a026 to 1
Career: \u00a022 races: \u00a08 wins, 4 places, 2 shows \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a036%wins \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a064% ITM
Career earnings: \u00a0$226,573
Divisional Ranking: 1033
Next we have Invincible Haack, a 5 year old son of Invincible Spirit out of open mare game dame Star Heather. \u00a0He is trained at Otto Haack (Venezuela) and runs representing Hispano Parlante. \u00a0 <\/strong>He has won four of his last 6, the two losses coming on off tracks. \u00a0They were all allowance races and he hasn\u2019t tried graded company since the Equinics in 2008 where he finished 4th. \u00a0\u00a0His only other graded try was the G2-Arkansas Juvenile \u2013 DerbyLock Prep where he finished behind Rock and Fire, also in the field today. \u00a0Invincible Haack has been close to invincible at the allowance level lately and he loves the distance, but class is an issue for this one. \u00a0
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PP 8 \u00a0\u00a0 MR. MAMBO (KY) \u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>(KINGMAMBO x SEATTLESLEW x MR. PROSPECTOR) bred and trained by stlcards <\/strong>(Stlcards Stable, 10%) \u00a0Odds:26 to 1
Career: \u00a016 races: \u00a05 wins, 2 places, 2 shows \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a031%wins \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a056% ITM
Career earnings: \u00a0$206,329
Divisional Ranking: \u00a0299
Out of post position 8 is Mr. Mambo, a lightly race 4 year old scratch bred son of Kingmambo representing the Alpine Turf Club<\/strong>. \u00a0Since his trainer at the Stlcards Stable switched him to dirt he has only finished out of the money once and has won 4 times in 9 starts. \u00a0His only out of the money finish came last out in his graded debut at the G3-The Naked Diver. \u00a0Based on his regal breeding you would expect him to be able to win at the graded level, perhaps as he matures a little more. \u00a0He has only raced this distance once and although he hit the board, he was almost 4 lengths back, one of his worst career finishes on the dirt. \u00a0He is coming off a 7 week rest after his struggle against graded company last out. \u00a0
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PP 9 \u00a0\u00a0 BOYA BOYA BAY \u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>(DEHERE x MACHIAVELLIAN x NUREYEV) bred and trained by claim4fame <\/strong>(Nickesyd Racing Club, 9%) \u00a0Odds: \u00a0\u00a073 to 1
Career: \u00a022 races: \u00a04 wins, 4 places, 2 shows \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a018% wins \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a045% ITM
Career earnings: \u00a0$166,537
Divisional Rankings: 4585
Ireland <\/strong> sends Boya Boya Bay, trained at Nickesyd Racing Club to represent The Forty Shades of Green. \u00a0He is a 5 year old scratch bred son of Dehere making only his 23rd career start today. \u00a0After winning his NW4L in December of 2008 he has stepped up in class to stakes company, but unfortunately hasn\u2019t fared well there. \u00a0He did hit the board twice early last year in listed stakes. \u00a0Many of his races have been at distances longer thantoday\u2019s race and he is ranked considerably higher in the dirt long route division that he is in the classic division. \u00a0\u00a0His sole graded try was the G1-The Razorback Route in June at 14 furlongs. \u00a0In his last win he came from over 17 lengths back to win by 4 \u00bc, so if he is a factor here it will probably be in the stretch. \u00a0
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PP 10 \u00a0\u00a0 ALYDAR AGAIN (KY) \u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>(AWESOME AGAIN x NORTHERN BABY x ALYDAR) \u00a0\u00a0bred <\/strong>and trained by texasace04 \u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>(Theavenger\u2019s F\u2019 A.R.S.E Stables, 13%) \u00a0Odds: \u00a07 to 1
Career: \u00a027 races: \u00a011 wins, 5 places and 2 shows \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a041% wins \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a067% ITM
Career Earnings: \u00a0$3,102,010
Divisional Ranking: \u00a07
Next we have the first of our co-favorites. \u00a0Alydar Again races for Texasace04 representing DelPenn National<\/strong>. \u00a0He is definitely one of the hot horses in the division this year. \u00a0He finished second in the BB Classic behind HOTY Jeepster, but ahead of Rock Hard Korn and Screaming For, also in the field today. \u00a0He earned a nomination for the older dirt horse champion of the year as well. \u00a0He was the top finisher of those in the fieldtoday last out at the DPCD Christmas Classic, but fell just short, finishing second. \u00a0He already holds the title of G1 winner from the G1-The Arizona Diamond, but after coming so close his last two tries he is eager to be in thewinner\u2019s circle. \u00a0He has some amazing late speed and can make up alot of ground fast, so he is definitely one to watch in the stretch. \u00a0
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PP 11 \u00a0\u00a0 NITE IRONMAN (CA) \u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>(IRONMAN DEHERE x TABASCO CAT x GONE WEST) \u00a0\u00a0bred <\/strong>and trained by \u00a0 nycavenger \u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>(Chuckrocke Comedy Central Stables, 9%) \u00a0Odds: \u00a028 to 1
Career: \u00a015 races: \u00a04 wins, 5 places, 2 shows \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a027% wins \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a073% ITM
Career earnings: \u00a0$192,149
Divisional Ranking: \u00a01021
When I was in the chat room the other day I was given permission to fully make fun of any entry by Comedy Central. \u00a0Although this is one of the horses entered with few stakes points, Nite Ironman doesn\u2019t have much to make fun of. \u00a0One really doesn\u2019t need to look any farther than the damsire of this horse to know where he is trained; Chuckrock loves that Tabasco Cat! \u00a0Last out Nite Ironman won a restricted residency stakes race at 9 furlongs, putting up his career high speed of 109. \u00a0This will be his first race as a 4 year old and his third try at 10 furlongs. \u00a0In his last two he was either first or second most of the race, but wasn\u2019t able to hold on. \u00a0Most of his wins have come when he has let others take the lead and then he turns the heat up in the stretch; last out he was 10 lengths back and won by almost 2. \u00a0Nite Ironman is making his graded debut here and class will definitely be an issue, but I am excited to see what he can do. \u00a0
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PP 12 \u00a0\u00a0 ELUSIVE HIGH (KY) \u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>(ELUSIVE QUALITY x VICTORY GALLOP x EASY GOER) bred and trained by dailyracin \u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>(Worldwide, 15%) \u00a0\u00a0Odds: \u00a018 to 1
Career: \u00a014 races: \u00a04 wins, 5 places, and 3 shows \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a029% wins \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a086% ITM
Career Earnings: \u00a0$773,055
Divisional Ranking: \u00a017
Hong Kong Racing Club <\/strong> send this 4 year old lightly race son of Elusive Quality, Elusive High. \u00a0His trainer at Worldwide stables already knows the elusive high feeling of training a G1 winner when he won the G1-The MAYBE NEXT YEAR Special last Halloween. \u00a0Last out he held his own at the DPCD Christmas classic and hit the board putting up his career high speed of 110. \u00a0He usually runs at the front, but last out he let others fight forthe early lead, staying about 7 lengths back, but he didn\u2019t have enoughto pull out a win. \u00a0He is definitely used to bringing home a check, onlyfinishing out of the money twice in his career. \u00a0Definitely has a chance to earn some money here. \u00a0
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PP 13 \u00a0\u00a0 SEEKING THE SECRET (KY) \u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>(SEEKINGTHE GOLD x SECRETARIAT x DR. FAGER) bred and trained by serioli <\/strong>(RottNRoll Racing, 10%) \u00a0\u00a0Odds: \u00a0\u00a013 to 1
Career: \u00a021 races: \u00a08 wins, 6 places, 2 shows \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a038% wins \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a076% \u00a0ITM
Career earnings: \u00a0$189,093
Divisional Ranking: \u00a0700
Seeking The Secret is entered today by RottNRoll Racing, representing \u00a0GreatPlains Residency<\/strong>. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0He is a 6 year old scratch bred son of Seeking the Gold. \u00a0He was bred by bdog01 and although he won twice and finished in the money 60% of the time in his 10 races for him bdog01 decided to see what kind of money he could get for him at the auction. \u00a0RottNRollpurchased him and he done impressively for his new connections. \u00a0He has only finished out of the money once since the stable change and has won three listed stakes. \u00a0His first stakes win earned him a place on the 25 top speeds of the week for September 13, 2008. \u00a0Most of his races have been at today\u2019s distance or a furlong longer, but the big question for him will be the jump inclass. \u00a0 Despite his classy breeding this will be his first try at the graded level. \u00a0The other big question for Seeking The Secretis how he will handle his first race back after a 3 month layoff. \u00a0He isa late runner, so if he is going to be a factor it will be in the stretch. \u00a0\u00a0
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PP 14 \u00a0\u00a0 LUCKY\u2019S CARPET (KY) \u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>(KINGMAMBO x STORM CAT x MILL REEF) \u00a0\u00a0bred and trained by naracing2 <\/strong>(MrLucky\u2019s, 20%) \u00a0Odds: \u00a0\u00a09 to 1
Career: \u00a032 Races: 14 wins, 4 places, 6 shows \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a043%wins \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a075% \u00a0\u00a0ITM \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
Career earnings: \u00a0$2,144,110 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
Divisional Ranking: \u00a060
Ohio Thoroughbred Racing <\/strong> sends Lucky\u2019s Carpet trained at Mr. Lucky\u2019s. \u00a0I would argue that it takes a lot more than luck to train a horse this well. \u00a0Lucky\u2019s Carpet is a multiple stakes and graded stakes winner, bringing home well over $2 million for his connections. \u00a0He won the DPCD Christmas Classic in 2008, but he finished this year with a couple of allowance wins. \u00a0This will be his first graded try since July, also the last time he ran this distance. \u00a0I think he prefers \u00a0a little extra distance, so perhaps going back to 10 furlongs will help him get into the winner\u2019scircle again. \u00a0
\u00a0
PP 15 \u00a0\u00a0 ROCK HARD KORN (KY) \u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>(ROCK HARDTEN x SEATTLE SLEW x NIJISKY II) bred and trained by korn <\/strong>(Qwikvett Stables, 11%) \u00a0Odds: \u00a07 to 1
Career: \u00a030 races: \u00a07 wins, 7 places, 3 shows \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a023%wins \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a057% ITM
Career Earnings: \u00a0$8,021,096
Divisional Rank: \u00a03
Universal Racing Club <\/strong> sends the second co-favorite Rock Hard Korn trained by Korn. \u00a0What a year 2009 was for this 5 year old son of RockHard Ten and his connections. \u00a0He won 2 G1s and a G3, hit the board in theG1-Breeders\u2019 Bowl Classic, placed In 3 other graded races, was nominated for Older Dirt Horse of the Year and his trainer Korn for TOTY. \u00a0He is coming off a beautiful win at the G1-The Japan Dirt Cup with his career high speed of116. \u00a0This was his first win since April though, so hopefully it is a sign that he is getting back to his winning form he had at the beginning of 2009. \u00a0He is definitely one to watch for in the stretch. \u00a0He has the highest last out speed, far above most everyone else in the race. \u00a0
\u00a0
PP 16 \u00a0\u00a0 SCREAMING FOR (KY) \u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>(BERNARDINI x FORTY NINER x NIJINKSY II) \u00a0\u00a0bred <\/strong>and trained by \u00a0 4gone \u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>(Shamrock Stables, 14%) \u00a0Odds: \u00a012 to 1
Career: \u00a020 races: \u00a07 wins, 5 places, 2 shows \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a035% wins \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a070% ITM
Career earnings: \u00a0$828,942
Divisional Rank: \u00a09
It is hard not to be biased towards my residency Blazing Saddles and their entrant Screaming For. \u00a0He is a lightly raced 5 year old son of Bernardini. \u00a0After only 2 starts foxon3 dropped this beautifully bred horse into a $4000 claimer where our fearless BS leader grabbed him up. \u00a0Since the move to Shamrock Stables Screaming For has only finished out of the money four times and went from a $4000 maiden claimer to a G1 winner at the G1-Bob Woodward Memorial. \u00a0\u00a0Hedid struggle in his last two graded tries, but they were big ones, the BB Classic and the Japan Dirt Cup. \u00a0His last race was a listed stake at today\u2019s distance where he led for most of the race, but couldn\u2019t hold on and lostin the stretch. \u00a0This is a concern for him here as well as there is somedangerous late speed in the race.
\u00a0
PP 17 \u00a0\u00a0 LEGENDARY THIEF (KY) \u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>(CAT THIEF x GENERAL MEETING x MR. PROSPECTOR) bred and trained by twister <\/strong>(ONEWORLDStables \u2013 Established Wk. 634, 11%) \u00a0Odds: \u00a0\u00a09 to 1
Career: \u00a042 races: \u00a09 wins, 9 places, 3 shows \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a021% wins \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a050% ITM
Career earnings: \u00a0$792,774 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
Divisional Ranking: \u00a053
Out of post position 17 is Legendary Thief, trained by ONEWORLD Stables representing MinnesotaDowns<\/strong>. \u00a0Last September this 6 year old son of Cat Thief won his first graded at the G3-The Brookline Handicap. \u00a0He stayed well back until after third call and then he blasted past the competition and finished almost 3 lengths ahead. \u00a0Unfortunately he hasn\u2019t won since then, although he has a pair of fourths in his 2 graded tries and a pair of seconds in his twostakes tries, including his last out. \u00a0He has been running 9 furlongs for the second half of 2009 and has only tried 10 furlongs once in his career. \u00a0He definitely has a shot here, but as a late runner will really have to fight for it in the stretch. \u00a0
\u00a0
PP 18 \u00a0\u00a0 LISTENING (KY) \u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>(EAVESDROPPER x THEATRICAL (IRE) x GONE WEST) bred and trained by foxvbullet <\/strong>(NextBonus Racing 15%) \u00a0\u00a0Odds: \u00a08 to 1
Career: \u00a031 races: \u00a07 wins, 9 places, 7 shows \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a023% wins \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a074% ITM
Career Earnings: \u00a0$1,107,690
Divisional Ranking: \u00a0153
Queensland Residency <\/strong> sends the second favorite today, Listening from Next Bonus Racing. \u00a0Fellow BTB writer and social butterfly Next Bonus has quite a few entries this year representing three different residencies! \u00a0Lastout Last out Listening finished 4th at the DPCD Christmas Classic behind Alydar Again and Elusive High, but ahead of Rock and Fire. \u00a0This son of Eavesdropper is a deep closer, he has come from over 16 lengths back to win, but he just wasn\u2019t able to catch the leaders at DPCD. \u00a0There is a lot of late speed in the race, but many don\u2019t like to run so far back as Listening does. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0There could be quite a jam in the stretch as many are jockeying for position late and being a bit further back might provide the vantage point necessary to navigate through to a win. \u00a0
\u00a0
PP 19 \u00a0\u00a0 ELUSIVE SAINT \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>(ELUSIVE QUALITY x STRIKE THE GOLD x SAINT BALLADO) \u00a0\u00a0bred and trained by camry <\/strong>(Sledge4 Stables, 12%) \u00a0Odds: \u00a020 to 1
Career: \u00a050 races: \u00a013 wins, 6 places, 7 shows \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a026% wins \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a046% ITM
Career earnings: \u00a0$445,234
Divisional Ranking: \u00a0245
Northwest Racing Circuit <\/strong> has won this race twice (2004 and2006) and tries to do so again with Elusive Saint. \u00a0He is a 7 year old scratchbred son of Elusive Quality trained at Sledge4 Stables. \u00a0He has won stakes many times, but has only tried graded three times and he hasn\u2019t come close. \u00a0His best graded finish came at the last Equinics where he ran 12 furlongs and finished 10th, 8 lengths back. \u00a0Since the 2008 Equinics he has been winning or hitting the board in listed stakes until the Tag Team competition in July. \u00a0He finished just off the board there and since then has been struggling in stakes and graded company. \u00a0He did win an allowance last out, but is going to face much tougher competition here. \u00a0Most of his wins and on the board finishes were at 11 or 12 furlongs, so this may not be his best distance. \u00a0
\u00a0
Historically this race has been won by late speed and usually by one of the topthree horses in the field. \u00a0I won\u2019t buck the trend and will pick Rock Hard Korn for the win. \u00a0I will go with my residency to place (Screaming For) and Listening to show. \u00a0
Morning Line: \u00a0Alydar Again and Rock Hard Korn (tied), Listening, and Lucky\u2019s Carpet and legendary Thief (tied)
Kloie\u2019s Picks: \u00a0Rock Hard Korn, Screaming For, and Listening.
Good luck to all and happy racing! \u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Alydar Again and Rock Hard Korn Favored in Classic Battle<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":91,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","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-7788","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-previews"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7788","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\/91"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=7788"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7788\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=7788"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=7788"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=7788"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}