Horseracing…..what a ride. It takes you up and it takes you down and sometimes it drops you right on your “you know what”. Starting with Super Saturday, this month has been one huge roller coaster ride.
We were up when Havre De Grace won her final prep before the big day, then fell down as Blind Luck not only lost her race, but did not even finish it. Then another up when Uncle Mo returned to form with a 118 Beyer figure. Of course, it would not last long, the coaster headed down when Stay Thirsty lost his last prep race. Then, the coaster just sank further and further down when Goldikova and So You Think both lost their races. Such a disappointing weekend, but at least I had Keeneland to look forward to.
My coaster started heading up as Wednesday saw the return of Awesome Feather, and boy is she ever back. She remains undefeated, 7 for 7 in her career and I see nothing but ups for her. After a long, long layoff she came back to win and could be on her way to the Breeder’s Cup Ladies Classic. It may be a long shot, but I think this is the best year for taking chances in the Breeder’s Cup. No horse heading to the Breeder’s Cup has a lock this year.
Before I could get too comfortable riding high on cloud nine with the amazing return of Awesome Feather, Mike Repole made an announcement. It has been reported that WHEN Uncle Mo retires, he will be sent to stand at Ashford Stud. I don’t know exactly when he will retire, but I hope it is not for awhile. I am so sick of losing horses that are good and could keep marching on to greatness to the breeding shed. It is ridiculous and a real shame. There are many I think we lost too early and I don’t want to lose anymore. I know the price is good, but really Mr. Repole (sold his company for $4.2 BILLION) do you need the reported $10 million? I am not going to write Mr. Repole a letter or beg him to keep his horse running. I am going to have faith that he is a fan of the sport and will keep Mo running another year. I am still getting over the retirement of Lookin at Lucky from last year.
This seemed to be that last straw for me heading into opening weekend at Keeneland, but the racing gods would smile that day when one of my favorite jockeys would get 4 wins on the opening day card. Julien Leparoux would ride in a total of 10 on opening against jockeys like John Velazquez, Ramon Dominguez and Garrett Gomez. That first day, he won the first, third, sixth and tenth race and finished second in the seventh. Leparoux left opening day on his way to another riding title at Keeneland.
Day 2 of opening weekend would be a very productive day for Leparoux, who won another 4 races. He took home the winning purse in race 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7. He also came in third in the tenth race. It looked like my coaster ride would be on a permanent high while Leparoux was racing at Keeneland. Of course, in horseracing you shouldn’t speak too soon.
Day 3 of opening weekend Leparoux would finish second in both the 2 and the 3rd race. He also got a third place finish in the seventh race. I expected the stakes races to be huge for Leparoux since he did not make it into the winner’s circle yet that day, but instead in the 8th race as his horse was heading down the stretch on the way to Leparoux’s first win of the day the horse spooked and Leparoux went flying over the fence. This is one of those times the coaster ride dropped me on my ass. He lay there, still for a while then sat up as he was greeted by a few track workers and an announcer. He then got up and walked away, favoring his right hand. The ambulance escorted him off the track, he was checked out and decided to ride the next two races. With both hands taped up, he rode the last two races finishing out of the money in both races…but at least he is racing.
I am making my first trip to Keeneland this weekend and was hoping to see one of my favorite jockeys. Leparoux said there are no broken bones, but he did sustain an injury to his ligament. Not sure where that leaves Keeneland’s leading rider, but here is wishing him a speedy recovery and the best of luck this weekend if the roller coaster so decides to head back up.
On the up side, it was nice to see Robby Albarado’s presence in the winner’s circle again. Wishing nothing but the best for him! Also, if my handicapping strategy of betting Leparoux in every race doesn’t pan out, then I will use Albarado. Because of all the ups and downs I am heading out to Keeneland with my Dramamine in hand, but can’t wait to get there.