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From DRF (The Inside Post): Always in a Tiz will run in Belmont Stakes 2013.Posted 1 day ago
Mucho Macho Man breezed 5f in 1:01.40 (4/11) at Fair Hill on 5-24. Posted 1 day 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 2 days ago
Itsmyluckyday to skip Belmont Stakes 2013 in favor of Pegasus Stakes on 6-16. Posted 2 days ago
Rosie Napravnik will ride Code West in Belmont Stakes 2013. Posted 2 days 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 3 days ago
Unlimited Budget is expected to face males in Belmont Stakes 2013. Posted 4 days ago

Ride
Contested
against other champions!

Contested

4 year old Filly
Retired
5 fans5

0 favorites0

[Edit]

Owner(s):

Natalie J. Baffert -

Trainer:

Bob Baffert

Bred:

Kentucky (USA) by Cherry Valley Farm

Pedigree:

Ghostzapper - Gold Vault by Arch

Rating:

7.68/10


	Eclipse Sportswire

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What the Horse Racing Nation is saying about Contested...

Contested

Будем ждать от нее потомство?

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Contested

Будем ждать от нее потомство?

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Contested

Who was she sold to? Do they plan to race her again?

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northport · She was sold to Teruya Yoshida and was exported to Japan to be bred · 100 days ago ·

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Is 3 Enough for My Miss Aurelia and an Eclipse?

Many consider her the best of the three-year-old filly division, but does she deserve a year-end championship after only three starts this year?Read More

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Mary Z. · My Miss Aurelia could very well be the best 3yo dirt filly. She's a fighter and that was a very impressive place to Royal Delta in the BCLC in MMA's third start this year, but with only one graded stakes win in 2012, I think she can not win an Eclipse this year. To me, Lady Of Shamrock had the best overall year. There is not a 3yo filly turf Eclipse, so she contends in the 3yo filly category. Her 5th place finish in the F&M Turf, while of course out of the money, was not such a bad race, but that may be another discussion, although her top rival for the Eclipse, Questing, finished last in the BCLC, having been pulled up with a reported eye injury, so, both fillies may only be judged on their pre BC performances. Questing will likely take the Eclipse due to beating graded stakes winners in the CCAO and Alabama, both grade prestigious grade 1's at Saratoga. I'd say she was helped by getting away on the lead, and in the Alabama, Zo Impressive was injured, but Questing did take those top races. I think had she had to duel, she would not be a two-time grade one winner. My Miss Aurelia is tough as nails. Too bad she had to have such a long recovery, but if she runs in 2013 she may be the one to give Royal Delta a tough time, at least up to 9f. · 194 days ago ·

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Mike in SB · I think My Miss Aurelia is the best 3 year old filly to race this year and will receive the Eclipse Award. Ghostzapper is the horse that typifies racing today, notice that all the precedent examples are since 2000. Few horses today, in any division, have records that would win Eclipse Awards just 20 years ago. If racing doesn't change, in the future there will be a lot of Eclipse winners with only 2-4 starts. · 194 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · Do I even need to say it? The defeat of Questing and then every horse except Royal Delta in the Breeders' Cup makes MMA the 3YO filly of the year. · 193 days ago ·

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Floridaf · MMA without a doubt had a great year once she made it to the track, but I agree with Mary Z. I think Lady of Shamrock had the best, most consistent year of any of the 3-YO fillies. She was only 2 1/2 lengths away from it all in the BC F&M Turf, so that's not a terrible finish. She has 2 Grade 1 wins, which is good considering that not many were able to piece together a year that included more than 2 Grade 1's. Her biggest downfall is that she is a turf filly, but I don't think that should detract from the year she's had. · 193 days ago ·

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rafirox · Lady of Shamrock, IMO. · 193 days ago ·

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MarcelloMarocco · Questing on level weights at a 1 1/4m is the better horse, and she has proved it at the distance. Next year we will see those two gals lock horns in the Delaware handicap. · 193 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · It appears Lady of Shamrock is getting more love here than on the homepage poll. · 193 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · calracing.com That's how I "met" Lady Of Shamrock. Some people only watch the TC and the BC. · 193 days ago ·

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The Bid · MMA All The Way.................. · 192 days ago ·

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AmenChampion · Grace Hall. · 191 days ago ·

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ErnieMunick · This is the biggest question for me these days. I still can't decide. Good piece. Left Bank <3 · 191 days ago ·

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dani.pugh · I honestly don't know who to pick here. I am not a fan of just 3 starts. That isn't her fault, but that just isn't a year worth of performances. With Questing, I think you have to toss the LC. That race reminded me of LAT at Churchill in 2010. I would be different if Questing simply went to the lead like she always does and ended up fried by the pace, but she never got into the race. Based on that, I think that is a toss race and you have to count her other races over the dirt, and in those, she is 3 for 4 with only a head loss to MMA after a long stretch duel. That race is what makes it difficult for me to decide, because I am a person who believes head to head match ups are the deciding factor. My only issue is that the distance was perfect for MMA, and probably not so much for Questing. I really wish we could see these two one more time, the Gazelle possibly, but we know that won't happen. Since that is the case, I have to say based on her consistency and brilliance, up until and injury to her eye cause her to pull up, that I choose Questing. But only very narrowly. I would not argue with anyone who said MMA. · 191 days ago ·

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travel_vic · It would suggest a terribly weak division if three starts won the prize · 191 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · My Miss Aurelia worked Monday at Santa Anita. Could a run in the Grade 1 La Brea, hoping to strengthen her Eclipse resume, be next? · 178 days ago ·

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Fasig-Tipton November Sale Delivers Fireworks

Known for her perseverance, veteran breeder Mandy Pope displayed that quality in landing Horse of the Year Havre de Grace for $10 million on Nov. 5 at a wildly successful Fasig-Tipton November sale in Lexington. Read More

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Contested

Say, I see that Contested is to be sold at Fasig-Tipton on Monday, Nov. 5, Hip #41. What gives here? I expected her to be at the BC this weekend.

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skipaway2000 · she reportedly spiked a fever before entries were taken & they decided to hold back on her. WHoever buys her Monday could bring her back to the races, I know I would! · 202 days ago ·

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Contested

Why isn't she in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint?

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rafirox · She's been having a cough recently, they didn't want to risk anything. · 205 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Credit to Ashley for already reporting that Contested had a cough. · 205 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Rafirox, I didn't see your answer when I posted mine. That happens sometimes. Not meaning to usurp. · 205 days ago ·

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rafirox · That's fine Mary Z, happens all the time to me too. · 205 days ago ·

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Game On Dude Leads Baffert's BC Workers

Game On Dude worked seven furlongs under regular rider Rafael Bejarano on Santa Anita’s conventional dirt track Sunday morning in 1:25 for next Saturday’s $5 million World Championship event at 1 ¼ miles.Read More

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byebyebernie · I'm telling you right now, WATCH OUT for Richard's Kid in the classic, I think he's got a good shot to win it. I'm still trying to figure out why they didn't ship Shanghai Bobby out to California sooner. · 207 days ago ·

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rafirox · Richard's Kid has lost to Game On Dude a bunch, and Nonios, he is always fast closing for third, he needs more distance. Game On Dude's best isn't ten, but he has wins at the distance. I disagree, he should have been placed in the marathon. · 207 days ago ·

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2012 BC F&M Sprint: Switch Looking for a Win

If ever a mare were reduced to always being a bridesmaid and never a bride, then that mare would be Switch. Read More

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Mary Z. · Here's the thing about Switch, at 7f on dirt is there a way to exclude her? She had a long break this winter, then started back at Churchill Downs, not her Ca. home where she had begun last year's campaign. She did run smack into Groupie Doll's record win, but still, Switch was about three seconds behind that. She was in the lead going into the stretch in the Clement Hirsch, but then not much of an effort in the Zenyatta, but a couple of others were disappointing in that race, too. Looks like Switch may be over her dull race, and sharpening up. Can't risk that she won't show up when it's known that she can in grade 1, 7f sprints, so she's on my ticket, behind Groupie Doll. All behind Groupie Doll. · 209 days ago ·

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Floridaf · She does like 7F on dirt, but I'm just not convinced that she's got it this year. She was soundly beaten by both Groupie Doll and Musical Romance in the Humana Distaff at 7F and was about 6 lengths out of it behind Turbulent Descent in the Desert Stormer. I can forgive her last 2 starts for being longer than she prefers, but I just don't see her landing on the board against competition that has already trounced her this year. She's a nice mare, but she's definitely up against it. · 209 days ago ·

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CarolynBarg · Her workouts are just stellar, but when she gets on the track she doesn't seem to have her mojo working right. I think she's ready to me a mom, and she'll be sold at FT in November. She's a lovely horse and deserves retirement. · 208 days ago ·

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platano.lajara · i think groupie doll willnt win · 208 days ago ·

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Contested

Contested should run in the Filly and Mare Sprint. She has all kinds of horsepower to blow that field away!

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benji · Umm no! Contested is a great horse but will run into a buzzsaw when she faces Groupie Doll. There is little doubt who the best horse in this division is. · 216 days ago ·

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Eclipse Awards as of today - One Writer's Stance

Laura Pugh of Dead Heat Debates give you her Pre-Breeders Cup Eclipse Awards Picks!Read More

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zatt · I'm still loving Emcee's chances in the sprint. · 222 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · If Emcee can win in the sprint he can. I thought his connections were between in and the Dirt Mile though. If that's the case and they choose the mile I think we'll see something similar to what happened with Caleb's Posse last year. Unfair, but too many people refuse to give the distance of a mile a distinction of sprint or route. · 222 days ago ·

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TimSmith · Alot of the right horses were mentioned.. they are all 1 big race away from becoming or loosing a championship... Should be exciting · 222 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · Wise Dan, is probably the best horse in the world up to a mile on any suface. Distance should count. When his trainer says he's not competing in the BCC because he's afraid of GOD, and I can find the quote if asked. Then I don't think he qualifies for HOTY. Of all the horses have been in the mix I can only see two legitimate challengers to IHA, Fort Larned and Ron the Greek. BTW: In order to put my bias AGAINST IHA aside I had to set aside some deep reservations about him and his connections. · 222 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · No flack, just saying that on Royal Delta's overall '12 record, I don't think the trip to Dubai was a negative as far as how she then ran in her U.S. races, and I know you did not mention that, DH. The stumble start, running up too close to the pace early in the too short for her Gulfstream prep for Dubai, and the crap ride in the Personal Ensign meant a "blowout" win by Awesome Maria, which could have been a much shorter margin of victory, and a very wasteful loss in a grade 1 at Saratoga. I didn't like the Del cap ride, but what was to be done? Can't let the speed get away, so, understandable. Win pick, BCLC, Royal Delta. I could c&p that to any race she's in. · 222 days ago ·

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cigarorrison · One horse I would throw into the mix for the sprint award, is The Lumber Guy. For a 3 Y/O to defeat his elders in a Gr1 is a huge feather in his cap (not to mention his other wins). Should he run in the B.C. Sprint and win he would certainly get my vote. He's a very fast and talented horse, who stays under alot of peoples radar. · 222 days ago ·

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TimSmith · The Older Female award is 100% up for grabs .. It will all come down to 1 big race for the trophy. · 222 days ago ·

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Mike in SB · I like your pick Love and Pride, but like a lot of horses on the list, she has to win a Breeders Cup race. · 222 days ago ·

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zenyatta mondatta · Great picks, Dani Pugh. I give Wise Dan the nod too for HOTY. · 221 days ago ·

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Floridaf · I like your pick of Love and Pride, however, it's Coil that I'm having trouble with. For me, Shackleford gets the nod for running against and beating the best in the division, but even his record is a bit lacking when you consider his Vanderbilt and Donn Hcp finishes. As for HOTY, I still say I'll Have Another gets the nod, but ask me again AFTER the Breeders' Cup. · 221 days ago ·

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SteveHerron · I don't doubt that this older male division has become quite weak, but come on, if Wise Dan ends up the champion older male and HOTY this would probably be the weakest group of older males I've ever seen. I have more faith in the division than that though and I simply cannot fathom Wise Dan getting HOTY even if Game On Dude wins the Breeders Cup Classic. It would defy logic. A win in the Stephen Foster would’ve helped, but with his subsequent avoidance of all dirt races doesn’t give off the impression he’s quite as versatile as everyone seems to think. There’s no doubt in my mind he’s a lesser horse on dirt, and it’s even more apparent that his forte is middle distance races, not 10 furlongs., which explains why his connections won’t run in the Classic. Wise Dan is a nice feel good story, but in no way is he Horse Of The Year material. Not unless he steps out of his comfort zone, runs in, and wins the Breeders Cup Classic. Otherwise, he’ll have to try again next year if he’s to get an Eclipse Award. · 221 days ago ·

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dani.pugh · Steve, please name me another older male with four graded stakes wins to his record? Please name me another older male who has finished no worse than second this year. You act as if WD was up the track in the Foster, when in reality he was beaten a very short head. Most will also take into account his trip vs Rons and him giving Ron weight. Game on Dude has faced almost nobody of note this year. Richards Kid is about it, and he is better going longer than 10f. No other older male, except for Point of Entry has a record as consistent as his. No other horse is as good on mulitple surfaces as he is. I would agree he is lesser on dirt, however, he still has a win and a place in his two grade one tries, suggesting he is not nearly as bad over dirt as you may think. Also most older males in the east avoid 10f. Your top two in the Woodward didn't even go to the Gold Cup. Of the Whitney top three only one had tried 10f prior to that and that was Ron the Greek. You act as if Wise Dan is the only one. To Honor and Serve avoided the Gold Cup and went in the Kelso and is still pointing to the Classic. Wise Dan has the best record, of any older male period. Florida, you debated with me last year Caleb's Posse vs Amazombie, why because you did not believe a mile was a true sprint. How can you speak for Shackleford this year when the only grade one he has won was at a Mile, the very distance you debated with me over, saying Caleb shouldn't get it because he won the Dirt Mile. · 221 days ago ·

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footlick · Racing Post feels Wise Dan is marginally better on dirt and synthetic over turf, so not everyone feels that turf is his strongest surface. · 221 days ago ·

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brooklyn.steve · Hard to argue with most of these. Wise Dan clearly HOY because of his versatility. Kudos for Lover and Pride for Older Female. She deserves to be the fav for the BCLC. Sprinters are right on. Turf Female strongly disagree. Tapitsfly races constantly in Graded Stakes races, and always hits the board, if not win. Kudos for saying Questing for 3yo Filly. To loses a head bob to MMA with a 7 lb. disadvantage shows just how great she is. 2yos are spot on. Grade A- here. · 221 days ago ·

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digidot · You think this year is bad for older males, with almost no decent 3 year olds making it past the triple crown races next year is going to be even worse. · 221 days ago ·

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dani.pugh · Footlick, I almost think it depends on how the dirt is. He dominated last year's Clark, one of his best races IMO, still ran well in the Foster, I still think he was the best horse but RTG just got there that day. He's a grade one performer over any surface it would seem. brooklyn, while she has, my thing again is that she won't get paid attention to in the voting because she runs in mile races and come BC she will either have to skip it all together or run in either the mile or FM turf. Her best chance is to skip it and if she does there is no way she gets any respect on voters unless the other main turf fillies all fall flat. LOS has won four of her five turf starts, won at 10f, and her only loss was a second. Can't ignore a record like that. digidot, I actually don't think this year is bad for older males, I feel it is incredibly deep, especially in the east. FL, Greek, MMM are all very good horses. THAS can be brilliant. Thirsty and Flat Out love Belmont it would appear. When you have so many horses capable of running big races this is what happens. I don't think it is weak, but because of the depth the division lacks a clear leader. · 221 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · I believe this is an exceptional year for older horses. Those that got in the mix took turns beating each other. As I was commenting in another thread I relized why Wise Dan wasn't running in the BCC. He feels he has feels a great chance in the mile turf as oppossed to running over the SA dirt track and being a gelding he doesn't need to go for HOTY while for the others it's an enormous monetary bonanza should the win. · 221 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · I forgot to add his trainer also stated he doesn't want to run him over a dirt track he hasn't run on before especially the way GOD runs there that being his home tack as CD was to Blame. · 221 days ago ·

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dani.pugh · icy, while he said that, if some of the euro milers come over, along with facing obliviously, would you honestly say he is not facing a fields as good or better · 221 days ago ·

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Floridaf · I have to agree with Dani, and I have been saying this all year. The older male division was and still is incredibly deep this year. Just because there wasn't necessarily a true standout doesn't mean that there wasn't a heckuva lot of talent there. The Classic will be contentious even without all the 3-year olds. · 221 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · "icyhotboo · Wise Dan, is probably the best horse in the world up to a mile on any suface." I'm saying many things. Life isn't fair. "The race doesn't always go to the swiftest." While Rachel Alexandra won HOTY in 2009 without winning at the n/a classic distance of 1 1/4 miles she earned it by dominating the 3yos including males up to 1 3/16 miles and beating older horses once. He Preakness run which was unprecedented from the outside post should also be mentioned. It's my belief that a horse not able to win at the classic distance doesn't deserve the award. I mentioned in another comment that if Wise Dan was a stallion he'd be running in the classic, but he's not, and he's not. While it's a very wise choice by the trainer it also eliminates him from HOTY contention. Personally I think 1 1/4 mile is within his reach but he has to beat the other best older horses who have been in the mix not just lose a photo. GOD has the same problem as I see it. Even if he wins it's his home field and he never got in the mix. A win gives him one win over this group while a win by Fort Larned or Ron The Greek give them three, Flat Out, MMM, THAS, two. · 221 days ago ·

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Floridaf · Icy has a good point. · 221 days ago ·

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buds · I dont think distance should count unless, they can win at multiple distances, then that should be a plus. The award is Horse of the Year, not "Classic Distance Horse of the Year." It kind of like saying you cant be the best boxer if your not a heavyweight. Dominating the mile turf is just as impressive as dominating a mile and a quarter on dirt · 221 days ago ·

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dani.pugh · icy, just because he doesn't win over that group should not take away from who he has beaten on turf. he bested cityscape a world performer, dominus who impressed in his turf stakes now, and silver Max who was riding quite the winning streak. · 221 days ago ·

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travel_vic · Just review the history. As dominant as both Miesque and Lure were at the distance, it did not transfer to HOY votes in anything but their own category. · 221 days ago ·

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travel_vic · Wasn't DaHoss a double Mile winner as well 96 and 98? Didn't help him either. · 221 days ago ·

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GregRiessland · if they finally stop snubbing turf than i say point of entry, allowance horse to grade 1 killing machine. · 221 days ago ·

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GregRiessland · if they finally stop snubbing turf than i say point of entry, allowance horse to grade 1 killing machine. · 221 days ago ·

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dani.pugh · Icy, when his best is on turf why take away points for not beating a group of dirt horses when he has now made it clear that turf is where he will stay for the rest of the year? He has beaten some nice horses in his turf races. Cityscape is a horse who won in Dubai came back and finished second to Excellebration going a mile. Silver Max was dominating his age group over middle distances and had been riding quite the streak. Dominus impressed a lot of people with his turf debut. Data Link has also performed well this year, so it's not like he has beat a horrible group of horses. In the Mile he's going to see a lot of new and very formidable faces. Should he win there how can you hold that against him? Especially when Fort Larned, MMM, THAS, and RTG have taken turns beating up on each other. Neither is a stand out in their division like Dan is in his. Game on Dude, has yet to really face the bulk of the best in the Handicap division and even he has proven mortal this this year on a couple of occasions. · 221 days ago ·

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travel_vic · Stand alone turfers do not win horse of the year.....It just does not happen. · 221 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Wise Dan would not get HOTY over Game On Dude if both win their BC races. The grade 1 and grade 2 route wins plus the Classic would ensure that title going to Game On Dude. Wise Dan has 1 grade 3 route win on a synthetic track. Sorry, even with Acclamation's top older male award last year, with him being a turf and synthetic winner, and his wins were all in routes, things haven't changed that much. It won't go to a mainly, now, turf miler over a dirt router with each having 3 grade 1 wins. Point Of Entry, if he wins the BC Turf, would have the most grade 1 route wins, and could overcome a bias against turf horses for HOTY(unlikely, but not impossible) and top older male( Gio Ponti, Acclamation precedents) if the other two fail in their BC attempts. Not forgetting of course that IHA is sitting pretty on his laurels that must be trumped by outstanding effort. · 221 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Personally, I'd like to see Lady Of Shamrock take top three yo filly, and Tapitsfly take top turf mare. · 221 days ago ·

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dani.pugh · Mary, as many others have said awards should not be restricted to a certain distance. Give due credit to horses in any division. Should a sprinter or miler stand out as an older male when the classic division is leaderless then they should have a fair shot at the title. Wise Dan is top in quite a few polls, even over Game on Dude, even though Dude won last out. That should tell you that not many voters are going so much based on distance or surface, but the dominace one has shown. On cannot simply ignore the dominance Wise Dan has shown through the year. The way he has won his races is not often seen in turf racing. His Ben Ali effort was eye popping and record setting. His Foster while a lost, still showed what a good horse he is. One cannot overlook his dominace and consistency this year, and most aren't. · 220 days ago ·

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travel_vic · Sprinters winning horse of the year? You are dreaming. · 220 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Okay, say it still comes down to which horse wins his BC race. I'd say Game On Dude, of G.O.D. P.O.E. and Wise Dan, has the best chance to win his. After the BC, then it gets down to discussing things like domination in a grade 3, and strength of competition in all contenders' races. · 220 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · For top turf male, Point Of Entry would get that over Wise Dan, if he were to win the BC Turf,I'll say even if Wise Dan took the Mile, or I can't list every variable such as all of the combinations of placings, margins of defeats, but simply put a better showing at the BC than Wise Dan. · 220 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · What differentiates thoroughbred racing from other types is the many different distances they run as opposed to quarter horse and standard bred racing which each have one specific distance. Thoroughbreds have always been valued by their ability to carry speed over distance. The farther the more value placed in all categories, monetary (purses), awards (eclipse), breeding shed (higher fee). In 1993 Kotashaan a turf horse won HOTY winning six of ten starts and finishing second three times. In the process in addition to bettering his n/a counterparts he also bettered many of the top European horses. He won at distances from 1 1/8m up to 1 3/4m. Wise Dan farthest victory has been at 1 1/8m thus insuring he can't get HOTY. The winner will come out of the BCC or be IHA with POE having an outside chance. · 220 days ago ·

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travel_vic · And as we all know they used to have to win TOW 4 mile heats to be declared the winner of a contest. · 220 days ago ·

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dani.pugh · icy, polls say different. His ablity to run over multiple surfaces and his dominance has people calling him the best older male in training. That is not just me. Things can change. Before Rachel the last to win HOTY as a 3yr old filly were Twilight Tear and Busher, both fillies not only beat males but did it at the "classic" distance. Rachel never beat males at the Classic distance as you pointed out, so obviously wins at that distance are not required when one shows other qualityies that seperate them from the rest. Dan has his dominance and ability to win over any surface. So far that is proving enough for voters. You also say distance is valued...you surely can't mean America. Not when we constantly shorten the distance of our races. The JCGC that used to be 2 miles is now 10f, both Whitney and Woodward used to be 10f, now only 9f. The Met mile one of the most prestigious races in our country is only a mile. Distance is not celebrated as much in the USA as much as you make it out to be. Speed dominates, and Wise Dan has plenty of it and has used it to assert the dominance that ranks him so high on many lists. · 220 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · It's true the older horses have taken turns beating each other but IMO this is a very good group. I've watched and enjoyed Wise Dan and his quick turn of foot. IMO he's the best older male we've had in quite a while and the best of this group because of his consistency and versatility. His trainer isn't taking any chances shipping him and running him on a dirt suface on which he's never run knowing he'll be running at least two more years so he's sticking to turf and playing it safe. Being a gelding HOTY award doesn't mean much to them as they've stated. Dani, you make it seem as though I'm on a personal vendetta, I'm not. I've simply stated factually the way things have been. Also I nor you mentioned Rachel the lone exception in my life time Dominated the Champion Three-Year-Old Male Champion Summer Bird and there were no good older males that year by consensus at HRN comments. That is not the case this year. I however believe her Woodward in which she was never given a breather and five of the six horses running took there best shot at a time in the race best for them was a classic in itself. As for distance I realize times have changed and I've stated numerous times the classic distance has been figuatively reduced to 1 1/8 mile but I don't make the rules so I can only state the way things are. If you want to change the rules you have to talk to people higher up on the totem pole than I am. You flatter me with your attention but I've had enough on this matter until after the BC. · 220 days ago ·

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Groupie Doll Sizzles to a win in the TCA Stakes

Groupie Doll stamped herself as the early favorite for the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint with an authoritative win at Keeneland.Read More

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Mary Z. · Whatever her hock problem was, she came back with two fantastic wins and she will be a most deserving top female sprinter Eclipse winner, considering her Grade 1 wins, I'll say with any kind of a decent BC finish, but I hope she wins. That Humana Distaff win would be tough for another female sprinter to match or beat. Which other filly had a record setting win over a good field like that? · 227 days ago ·

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Floridaf · I can't think of any right off the top of my head. Groupie Doll has had a stellar year, even finishing on the board against males and at distances that were not her best. · 227 days ago ·

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AnnaK · You see, I barely even know this girl, now I have to really check her out. Never seem to understand the sprinters very well. · 227 days ago ·

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2012 Breeders Cup: Baffert Still Sitting Pretty

When it comes to the Breeders Cup you either come in loaded and ready rumble, or you have your one big horse in your one big race. This year there are a couple connections ready to roll into the Breeders Cup with guns a blazing. One of those is the infamous Bob Baffert.Read More

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brooklyn.steve · An embarrassment of riches it would seem. That’s a strong group of horses you have listed here. Can easily see where Baffert can win multiple BC races with this bunch. Will be interesting to see the placement of horses between the Sprint and Dirt Mile. · 250 days ago ·

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seattleslewgal345 · Sorry, but I do not think Rolling Fog will win the Juvenile, JMO. His performance in the Futurity was not spectacular by any means. But I agree with the other picks. I think GoD has a very good chance of wining in the Breeders cup, considering the Santa Anita is his home "turf", per se. · 250 days ago ·

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SteveHerron · I see Baffert winning at least 3 Breeders Cup this year. His best shot will come with Executiveprivilege, and Contested. As long as Game On Dude is ridden correctly and can set a swift pace up front, I don't see him getting beat. Ron The Greek will be his biggest threat. · 250 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · seattle, those were not my picks. Simply just illustrating that Baffter has top horses for several of this year's Breeders Cup races. Rolling Fog is a very nice colt, not my pick, but a nice colt nonetheless. Steve, I agree about Dude, I wonder about the rider change, since he was easily at his best with Chantal, but we'll see how this affects him or does not in two weeks. Ron the Greek is a very big threat to him if others decide to duel with Dude. I could easily see him trying to pull a Dullahan and try to build up too much momentum for Dude to react to. · 250 days ago ·

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SteveHerron · I don't know if Dude can be considered "easily at his best with Chantal", rather than easily at his best when ridden correctly. Bejarano is 1 for 1 on Game On Dude and has ridden him in the mornings more than Chantal has. While he may not improve with the rider switch, I don't see him diminishing either. · 250 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Steve I say that because if you look at his career, she experienced more success with him than any other jock. Only twice was she worse than second, and one could say it was the surface on both those occasions. · 250 days ago ·

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rafirox · I think Baffert will win at least three or four BC races this year. · 250 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · One win tops for Baffert in 2012. · 250 days ago ·

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dani.pugh · Andy, I understand why one might say that if the BC was at another track or run over syn, however it is at SA and over dirt. What makes you think one win tops? · 250 days ago ·

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Floridaf · Baffert does look to be sitting pretty this year, especially since he has the home track advantage. I'm not sure that he'll win all that he has horses in; I have a few that I like better than his contingent, but he is rather loaded. · 250 days ago ·

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dani.pugh · It is never a given that you'll win everything. The juvenile has a few nice horses. Turbulent Decent is a very good filly, the sprint division still has some nice horses and the Classic division is as deep as i've ever seen. · 250 days ago ·

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Travers Photo Gallery

Relive the action from the incredible dead-heat finish in Saratoga's signature race, in TWO big albums!!Read More

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skipaway2000 · I like that they're doing Instagram now! Pretty cool images :) · 271 days ago ·

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ruffian65 · Really great photos!! · 271 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · More Alpha, please. · 270 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Agree, though, nice photos. · 270 days ago ·

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horsegal437 · love it · 270 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · So much respect for these racing photographers! · 270 days ago ·

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travel_vic · many of these shots are taken from slave units and the photographers are no where to be found. Friend Cindy Person won the Eclipse for best shot of the year and told me it was a total fluke. She was taking shots randomly and a baby jumped straight up in the air doing sort of a Lippizaner jump and she got it. This was on Preakness Day http://www.tra-online.com/eclipse_photo_winner_2005.jpg · 270 days ago ·

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likin sparks · tv, the g was cut off here's the working address... http://www.tra-online.com/eclipse_photo_winner_2005.jpg · 270 days ago ·

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MarlanaWalters · Thanks for the link, cool picture! · 270 days ago ·

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likin sparks · For the first time in history the infield pond will have two canoes...http://cdn.bloodhorse.com/images/content/Travers2012CanoesNYRA298.jpg · 268 days ago ·

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This Week In Racing Photo Gallery - Pacific Classic/Travers edition

Eclipse Sportswire was on the scene at Del Mar for the G1 Pacific Classic, where Dullahan redeemed himself with a win over Game On Dude! Also at Del Mar was the G1 Pat O'Brien, a sweep for Bob Baffert's trainees Capital Account and Coil. At Saratoga, Alpha and Golden Ticket dead-heated fo...Read More

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Contested

i luved watching u at saratoga

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Contested

i luved watching u at saratoga

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Travers Day thoughts, and Pacific Classic dreams

Another Travers Day has come and gone, and as usual, it provided plenty of thrills. First off, I want to say thank you to everyone who sent me a note saying I helped them hit the Pick 4 yesterday. Knowing that several friends hit it is so much better than winning alone! I wish Fast Falcon could have...Read More

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AndyScoggin · The BSFs are in: Golden Ticket/Alpha 100, Contested 91, Willy Beamin 97, Zagora 102. A bit low for Contested in the Test. I think Game On Dude is a play against also. · 272 days ago ·

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JohnSigerson · Thanks for the insight on Where's Sterling. He has been an intriguing prospect since in printed out the pp's. I know that Calabrese has won big stakes at DMR before at good prices. · 272 days ago ·

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Floridaf · Yes, I was quite remiss in this department yesterday, but congrats on the P4 win, Brian! Game On Dude and Richard's Kid are my top picks for the Pac Classic for obvious reasons, but Suggestive Boy sure is intriguing. · 272 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · It was a pleasure to read this blog, Brian. I have G.O.D. and RK 1-2 in the Pacific Classic, but I like Where's Sterling. He was my Donn pick and I agree that the bump with Hymn Book cost him; I think it cost him the win. I'm in total agreement with you about Royal Delta, not that it's a choice for me--I always pick her. · 272 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · And, congrats on your p4. · 272 days ago ·

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yukichan · What a great day of racing yesterday at Saratoga! It was so exciting, even in my living room across the country. I can only imagine how thrilling it must have been there at the track to experience Willy's win, Zagora's record breaker, and course the historic dead heat. Today, it's Richard's Kid for me-- with all due respect to GOD, I think Del Mar might be his Achilles heel. I will have my fingers crossed for Mr. Commons and hope he runs to his potential. And with no doubt Royal Delta. Like Mary Z., I always will have her as my #1. · 272 days ago ·

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travel_vic · On track at Traver's day in the humidity and heat and the throngs, IF you don't have a seat, it can be miserable. Unless you have a seat higher up, you miss seeing the race anyway. Take it from someone who has watched races there in both extremes. WIthout a seat, in the heat, the expereince can be less than exciting. · 272 days ago ·

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travel_vic · Went to Aniat for the 86 Breeder's Cup and could not get a seat...Refused to even try the expereince again unless we had a shot at seeing the races. · 272 days ago ·

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travel_vic · can anyone make a case for Richar's Kid. TOO FAR out of it to get there with Game on setting the pace · 272 days ago ·

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gelded1 · Game On Dude should get some pressure from the #1 #6,#8, or #10. · 272 days ago ·

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yukichan · @TV, you may have a point with the best seat in the house being in your Living Room w/ big screeen television. Del Mar reports earthquakes and aftershocks, coupled with added security measures of bomb-sniffing dogs and sharp-shooters on roof tops.... · 271 days ago ·

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Patience Pays Off for Contested

Even-money favorite Contested came from off the pace to regain her winning form with a two-length victory in the 87th running of the Grade 1, $500,000 Test for 3-year-old fillies on Saturday at Saratoga Race Course.Read More