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  • From DRF (The Inside Post): Always in a Tiz will run in Belmont Stakes 2013.Posted 14 hours ago
  • Mucho Macho Man breezed 5f in 1:01.40 (4/11) at Fair Hill on 5-24. Posted 15 hours ago
  • Wise Dan targets the G2 Firecracker 'Cap at Churchill on June 29.  Posted 1 day ago
  • Jockey Chantal Sutherland will return to saddle at Del Mar. Posted 1 day ago
  • Itsmyluckyday to skip Belmont Stakes 2013 in favor of Pegasus Stakes on 6-16.  Posted 1 day ago
  • Rosie Napravnik will ride Code West in Belmont Stakes 2013. Posted 1 day ago
  • From DRF (The Inside Post): Mylute will not run in Belmont Stakes 2013. Posted 2 days ago
  • Eblouissante breezed 4f :49.17 (18/44) at Belmont (dirt Training) on 5-22. Posted 2 days ago
  • Giant Finish will make his next start in Belmont Stakes 2013. Posted 2 days ago
  • Unlimited Budget is expected to face males in Belmont Stakes 2013. Posted 4 days ago

2012 Breeders' Cup F&M Sprint: The Gallant Bloom

The G2 Gallant Bloom Handicap, the third race in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint Championship series, drew a tough field of ten for its 19th renewal. Headlining the race is last year’s F&M Sprint and Female Sprint Eclipse champion Musical Romance
 
 
In order to secure a spot in the starting gate for the Breeders’ Cup F&M Sprint, Musical Romance, who is undefeated at the Gallant Bloom distance of 6.5 furlongs, will have to best two other Grade 1 winners: Turbulent Descent and Emma’s Encore. Turbulent Descent has been a Grade 1 winner every year since she began her career while Emma’s Encore just became a Grade 1 winner in her last outing, the G1 Prioress Stakes, in which she topped fellow Gallant Bloom entrant Judy the Beauty. Also lined up to contend the Gallant Bloom are Roman Treasure, former claimer Island Bound, the never worse than third Dust and Diamonds, the newly ultra consistent C C’s Pal, and ungraded stakes winners Mildly Offensive and Risky Rachel.
 
 
Roman Treasure, Dust and Diamonds, C C’s Pal, Mildly Offensive, and Risky Rachel are speedy types and will likely set a competitive pace. I look for Turbulent Descent and Musical Romance to take up good stalking positions, and Emma’s Encore does her best running at the end. With so much speed at the front end, it looks as though the trio of Grade 1 winners have the pace advantage and will no doubt use it to their benefit.
 
 
Musical Romance is one that I have underestimated time and again, but I have learned from past mistakes. Even though Turbulent Descent has been made the morning line favorite based on her score in the G1 Ballerina last out, I believe Musical Romance is the one to beat. As previously stated, she’s undefeated at 6.5 furlongs, and she should be fresh since she has not raced since July 7 when she won the G1 Princess Rooney Handicap. Turbulent Descent, Emma’s Encore, C C’s Pal, and Judy the Beauty, Musical Romance’s main competition, are all coming in off big races from last month. Additionally, according to trainer Bill Kaplan, getting back to the Breeders’ Cup has been their goal all along; the Gallant Bloom will be the Eclipse award winner’s final prep before the big dance.
 
 
Advantages or no, Musical Romance’s task on Saturday will not be easy. She faces a very tough field, and everyone would love to get a piece of the “Win and You’re In” pie. Turbulent Descent has already stamped her ticket, but with championship honors also on the line, a win in this race is a must. Last year, Turbulent Descent was my pick to take home all the honors, but I have since learned to respect Musical Romance. I will not make the mistake of underestimating her again, and I fully expect that she will come home the winner. But, this is horse racing, and anything could happen. 

 

What the Nation is saying about 2012 Breeders' Cup F&M Sprint: The Gallant Bloom ...

I knew you would approve, Michele.
Like I said, I've learned to respect Musical Romance, but Turbulent Descent is my personal favorite.
Great article Aslhey.
Turbulent Decent should improve off her last, but I like Mildly Offensive. I didn't find anything about her comback race at Saratoga offensive at all.
Judy The Beauty and CC's Pal are my picks.
I always back a Jerkens horse. Made some nice money when she first raced. The Chief does not put a horse in race unless he thinks it has an excellent shot
Emma's Encore is my pick ... the pace scenario and distance should be perfect for the Chief's new star.

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Meet Ashley Tamulonis
 
Growing up, I cannot remember a time when I did not love horses. I also loved reading, so it was only a matter of time before my two obsessions combined into one; I have my mom to thank for that one. Knowing how much I loved horses, when she stumbled upon the book Ashleigh’s Diary by Joanna Campbell, she bought it and brought it home to me. After reading the book, I was hooked. Though horse racing was not mentioned in that book, which was a super edition chronicling events that happened before the main character and her family became involved in the sport, it was what the series was all about. Additionally, thanks to the series, I actually wanted to become a jockey.
 
The Thoroughbred book series kick started what would become a lifelong passion. Unfortunately, Georgia is not exactly big on horse racing, so I have never actually been to a live race. However, I watched every race that was shown on TV; and now, as an adult, I follow the races closer than ever, handicapping, betting on, and blogging about them.
 
I am in the process of earning my B.A. in History at Macon State College, in Macon, Georgia. Along with reading, I have always loved writing. Once I was done with the bulk of my college career and had the time to write for pleasure, I started my own blog, Wired with Ashley Paige, which you can read here. When I was offered the chance to write for Horse Racing Nation, I jumped at the chance. Though I did not pursue a journalism degree in college, I would love nothing more than to pursue a career in writing, especially if it means I can combine my love of writing with my passion for horse racing.