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Wise Dan targets the G2 Firecracker 'Cap at Churchill on June 29. Posted 16 hours ago
Jockey Chantal Sutherland will return to saddle at Del Mar. Posted 23 hours ago
Itsmyluckyday to skip Belmont Stakes 2013 in favor of Pegasus Stakes on 6-16. Posted 23 hours 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 1 day ago
Eblouissante breezed 4f :49.17 (18/44) at Belmont (dirt Training) on 5-22. Posted 1 day 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 3 days ago
Verrazano will make his next start in the Pegasus Stakes at Monmouth on 6-16. Posted 3 days ago
Dreaming of Julia will make her next start in the Mother Goose at Belmont on 6-22. Posted 3 days ago

Vanity Hcp

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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. · 220 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. · 220 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 · 220 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. · 220 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. · 220 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. · 220 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. · 220 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. · 220 days ago ·

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zenyatta mondatta · Great picks, Dani Pugh. I give Wise Dan the nod too for HOTY. · 220 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. · 220 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. · 220 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. · 220 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. · 220 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. · 220 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. · 220 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. · 220 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. · 220 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. · 220 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 · 220 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. · 220 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. · 220 days ago ·

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Floridaf · Icy has a good point. · 220 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 · 220 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. · 220 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. · 220 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. · 220 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. · 220 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. · 220 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. · 219 days ago ·

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travel_vic · Stand alone turfers do not win horse of the year.....It just does not happen. · 219 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. · 219 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. · 219 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. · 219 days ago ·

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travel_vic · Sprinters winning horse of the year? You are dreaming. · 219 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. · 219 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. · 219 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. · 219 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. · 219 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. · 219 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. · 219 days ago ·

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Love Theway Youare Surprises Vanity Foes

Love Theway Youare ended an 11 race losing streak and became a Grade I winner at the same time, shocking heavily-favored Include Me Out in the $250,000 Vanity Handicap Saturday at Betfair Hollywood Park. Read More

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Saturday's Betfair Hollywood Park Pick 6 Tickets - June 16

Friday Betfair Hollywood Park Recap – June 15 (5 out of 6) Two Cushion Track sprint wire jobs early in the program. A patient runner nabbed the lone turf sprint carded. Edwin Maldonado booted home a pair. Eswan Flores and Victor Garcia teamed up for two wins on Friday night. On the ticket front I ta...Read More

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7:38 PM

Zazu is reportedly off behind and will miss Saturday's G1 Vanity. She will have a nuclear scan on Tuesday.

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cocoa2 · off behind? · 343 days ago ·

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bigbrown2332 · She's off in behind. It means when she walks or jogs she carrys her hind end awkwardly. Unsound would be appropriate, bight just be stiffnes · 343 days ago ·

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Include Me Out, Zazu Rematch in Vanity

Include Me Out will try for her fourth consecutive graded stakes win when she faces seven others in the $250,000 Vanity Handicap Saturday at Betfair Hollywood Park.Read More

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Blind Luck's Style Fits for Vanity (Video)

Once again the winner of the $250,000 Vanity Handicap (Grade I) won in last-to-first fashion, as Blind Luck swung wide to pass all five rivals through the stretch as the 9-to-5 second choice and edged 7-to-5 favorite Switch by half a length at the wire. Read More

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zatt · I never tire of watching Blind Luck ... thanks, Marc! · 705 days ago ·

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mdoche · Was nice to get to see her run locally. She's always all over the place. In my 100th video, she was the star for the first time. · 705 days ago ·

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kedez2012 · I adore this filly! Great to see her win another G1 · 705 days ago ·

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cpsoren121 · Blind Luck is a champ!! Sounds like we'll have some kind of rematch in the Delaware! · 704 days ago ·

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lsbrilliance77 · I AGREE THIS HORSE IS GREAT! · 657 days ago ·

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Post Time with My Father

In April of 2004, while visiting my parents in New York, my dad and I took a trip to Belmont. The main purpose of the outing was to bet on a horse my husband’s employer was running in Kentucky. It was my father who suggested we go to the track to place our bets. I’m sure he didn’t think the local OT...Read More

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12thCrown · The best blog of the day! I envy your time with your dad --my father passed on last year, but I carry on his spirit. My "track momemt" with dad was seeing him drop a $100 bill on a 5-2 favorite at Oaklawn at the urging of my Uncle "Shell". Seeing a man from the depression era wager a hundo was something, as he was more nervous than at any other time I saw him. He was relieved when the chalk came in first and banked enough for a nice dinner for our whole family. Life was good in Hot Springs on that day and my dad will always be with me at the track. Thanks for the post! · 704 days ago ·

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cpsoren121 · My dad got me started on racing too when I was a pre-teen. I learned a lot from him and have carried the passion of racing forward to today! · 704 days ago ·

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ruffian75 · I was out of work, and living with my folks. I was going stir crazy, and pop asked me, "You want to go to the races?" He knew I was really battling turmoil, being out of work, and I didn't undestand his line of questioning, for he never bet a race. We were so far from a track, but the closest was La Downs in Bossier City, LA. We went, and I hit 5 straight races at a foreign track. Pop never bet a race, but he watched in admiration. He gave me a real thrill that I will never forget. Thanks, pop, you are, and were, my hero. I miss you. · 704 days ago ·

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rohan2reed · ruffian that's awesome. i'm originally from Shreveport, LA. my father used to take me to LA Downs all the time. · 704 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · And isn't this what racing should be all about! · 704 days ago ·

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Waya · Some of my greatest childhood memories are of going to the races with my Dad :) · 704 days ago ·

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LizSnedden · Great story....... · 703 days ago ·

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LizSnedden · great story....thought at first you were brought along up w/ the racing Phipps and it's long time history in the throughbred business, Refreshing to find out otherwise. It's wonderful of you to share your story and to help bring newer, younger, appreciative and enthusiastic(sp?) people to horse racing ..... Thank you... keep up the good work and enjoy the ponies :) · 703 days ago ·

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KyOaksRunner · A great father's day tribute!! · 702 days ago ·

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Vanity Not Same Without Zenyatta

The $250,000 Grade I Vanity Handicap will not be quite the same without retired three-time winner Zenyatta but the distaff championship of the Hollywood Park will not be lacking for drama Saturday. Champion Blind Luck and two females who finished close seconds to Zenyatta last year--St Trinia...Read More

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dreamingofanna · They should have named it the Zenyatta Stakes so her owners would've remembered which soft race to cower to next. · 707 days ago ·

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dubby30 · I agree with that! · 707 days ago ·

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zXswordxz · hahahhaa...I second that....I remember when the duck the Stephen foster for that.... · 707 days ago ·

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zenyatta mondatta · I second that and I have to add that most of racing this year isn't the same without Zenyatta. · 707 days ago ·

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zXswordxz · I believe dubby and I was referring to dreamingofanna comment..... · 707 days ago ·

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Zgirlsrule · Jess entered RA in the SF at the last minute.I guess Zenyatta is s'posed to be waiting at the airport for Jess to decide where hes going with Rachel. · 707 days ago ·

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ruffian75 · Jess passed away a couple of months ago. No more decisions for Jess. · 707 days ago ·

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zXswordxz · Who's said anything about RA? This provide how dumb you guys are...RA never ran in the Stephen Foster. However, the Stephen Foster had better competition than the Vanity. · 707 days ago ·

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Zgirlsrule · lmaoooooooooooooooooooooooo..gotcha! · 707 days ago ·

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Zgirlsrule · Cant even make a joke around this camp.Good grief...everybody here gets their panties in a twist so easily;) · 707 days ago ·

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zXswordxz · This is the field for 2010 Vanity-Zenyatta, St Trinians, Zardana, Will O Way, Miss Silver Brook, Cherryblossomiss. The SF had 61 Winners within that field which include Blame! · 707 days ago ·

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ruffian75 · As far as her waiting at the airport. She might not know how to travel. 17-for-17 in California; 2-for-3 outside of the state. Priceless. · 707 days ago ·

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zXswordxz · BTW...it was 250K vs 600K payout...guest which one the opt to run in? · 707 days ago ·

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zXswordxz · Got who???...you were dumb enough to make a comment without knowing the fact...so that was your cover up? You're not talking to any kid here...so just shut up and stop defending a coward bunch of connection. · 707 days ago ·

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4everZenyatta · Guys, come on, seriously? Zenyatta is finished racing, there is no need to harp over choises that we had no part of. Maybe her connections thought that was best for her, maybe they wanted her record in tact, we will never know the legitimate reasoning. So let's not be faceitious and move on. · 707 days ago ·

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zXswordxz · 4everZenyatta....this topic is about Zenyatta and the Vanity. I think most of us was making a joke about the connection. But Zgirlrule been in RA into the topic with a dumb ass comment without knowing the facts. · 707 days ago ·

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Ann Maree · Very amusing. What's funny is that no body, and I mean nobody, pays any mind or gives any credence to the criticism handed out by Zen haters! (Please check Zen's Wiki page for all the reasons she deserves every single accolade she gets!) Her critics are to be pitied, I think because they are so irrelevlant. She's has moved into star territory that even the most ardent hater could only dream about for whatever their horse favorite. You may not care for the "great unwashed", but 86,000 Facebook fans easily override any puny negative comments that are viewed by one and all as "sour grapes". The opinions of others around the world, not just in the U.S. is she is a horse for the ages and she is firmly ensconsed at the top of any mare list out there. And that sure seems to rile the zen haters. Just amazing how their voices tend to echo in the empty chambers of their own small mindedness. Hey, get over it. Find another whipping girl! · 707 days ago ·

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brianalanvh · i think this will be a very memorable vanity · 707 days ago ·

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Thead'or · Ann Maree- Small mindedness? We are the few people who wouldn't buy the crow the Mosses were trying to sell their fans. "We'll go to the Stephen Foster or The Whitney, we promise it will be different this time, etc. etc." Then they pulled another lame excuse that they wanted to keep her "Safe." What, was the mare allergic to racing against the best in the handicap division? Every HOTY eligible raced against each other before the BCC, not her. Because apparently shes too special to do anything significant. · 707 days ago ·

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ruffian75 · And Reverand Jim Jones told the 86,000 Facebook fan multitude to drink the Koolaid, and they did. · 707 days ago ·

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timgsmith10 · This years vanity is a fairly competive group Im looking forward to it. Zgirl Go away / Its known to all zenyattas connections were cowards. · 707 days ago ·

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skipaway2000 · I think Switch is going to really step it up here. · 706 days ago ·

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BrittanyHamilton · @Timgsmith10 Zenyattas owners wanter to face RA in the Apple Blossom and RAs owner backed down · 706 days ago ·

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mdracing69 · I agree skipaway2000. Switch seems to hold a tactical advantage and beat Blind Luck in last year's Hollywood Oaks by getting first run. · 706 days ago ·

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4everZenyatta · I agree with BrittanyHamilton. Jackson pulled her out and she was perfectly sound. It was only because he was afraid of Rachel losing. · 706 days ago ·

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zXswordxz · I swear to god...Zenyatta fans are the most stupidest ppl in horse racing. It seems like the start following horse racing yesterday. @ BrittanyHamilton Do you know what happen to RA in the Woodward? Calvin gutted her and she will never be the same horse again....the horse career was done at that point. If you think RA owner back down in the AB. What happen to the Kentucky Oaks in 2009? Let me educate your dumbass, Zenyatta connection back out of it at the last minute. Their excuse???the condition is not good to race her in...You want an article on that too? I can provide you with it if you like....I swear to good these ppl learn about horse racing yesterday and trying to debate things that they have little knowledge about.....Just go away...day in and day out this forum prove that Zenyatta fans are pure nut case and uneducated about horse racing. Like Zgirlrule, saying that RA owner enter her in the Stephen Foster at the last minute...when RA never ran in any SF · 706 days ago ·

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zXswordxz · For the record...I love Zenyatta as a horse. It there coward connection that I dislike....I would think higher of her career if she ran in better competition and lost a couple race than run in weak ass competition with the exception of the BCC. Heck, if a lot of horse ran those type of campaign, we would see a lot of undefeated horses. · 706 days ago ·

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SkiptheCountry · zXswordxz-- You might want to be more careful calling people stupid, and what seems to be one of your favorite insults, dumbass. Your posts/comments do not exactly scream "educated" in manner. · 706 days ago ·

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timgsmith10 · Think of the real races in a season. Dubai, Jockey club, Woodward, Stephen foster, donn handicapp, Santa anita big cap, among many others throughout a season in which the Zenyatta connections didnt enter this horse. They were cowards. If I have the best horse im going to race him/her like a champ. Like Curlin go anywhere / face anyone. · 706 days ago ·

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4everZenyatta · Agreed SkiptheCountry ;) · 705 days ago ·

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zxswordxz · I call it as I see it, because it seems like a lot of you Zenyatta fans make dumb comments without any facts to back it up, it almost like they are in denial of the truth.. maybe I should use the word "imbecile" or "numbskill" instead. If you don't like it, maybe you should make like your screen name and "SkiptheCountry". · 705 days ago ·

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SkiptheCountry · zxswordxz-- What do you call your comments? Intelligent? I do not care what word or words you use, it won't make your comments any more educated (since that is what you often claim to be doing, "educating") , rather just the child like, name calling rants that they are. Half the time your comments are unreadlable and one wonders if either you do not understand what people are saying or do not take the time to fully read a post or comment. Perhaps try to clarify if you do not understand. I do believe your referred to me as a "dumbass" because you did not understand the comment. Again, I do not care what meaningless drivel you post, just be prepared if and when it comes back and bites you in the, well, ass. · 705 days ago ·

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Zgirlsrule · No...I was putting some bullsh!t out there just to see who would jump down my throat first,I was joking.It worked..lol...You are a child that doesnt know anything and likes to call people names to make yourself feel better.You ARE pathetic. You trash talk Zenyatta and who are you?Zenyatta might not be that great to you but highly doubt anyones going to remember your screen name in 10 years.Little man behind the computer ACTING as if he knows everything about racing when truth be known,youre just another POS at the track prolly begging for buck to try your chance at one more trifecta so you dont leave the track broke.You stay on this site all the time so really doubt you even have a life.Its hard to have a life when spend almost every minute doggin out a horse thats greater than you'll ever be.Peace little man;) · 704 days ago ·

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zXswordxz · hahahhaha....you know what they say about assumptions? · 704 days ago ·

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TimSmith · I thought the Vanity was a great race. blind Luck was awesome and the others ran really well! · 704 days ago ·

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More than just Luck

Blind Luck has made it two back-to-back graded stakes scores with her impressive Vanity Handicap win and could be ready to challenge Havre de Grace yet again.Read More

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BrianZipse · This filly is pure heart. She doesn't know how to do anything else other than give it everything she has. · 704 days ago ·

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Blind Luck is a Super Hero

Blind Luck came from last, and just in the nick of time, to power by her rivals in the Grade 1 Vanity Handicap today at Hollywood Park...Read More

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timgsmith10 · Blind Luck is Awesome . They Females are tough in every year now . wow · 705 days ago ·

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brianalanvh · i'm really looking forward to a showdown between her and havre, BL looks in form · 705 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · Vanity Handicap just not the same any more but then change affects everyone differently. · 705 days ago ·

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MBPhipps · I fell in love with Blind Luck in the Alabama at Saratoga last year. Never thought about the Mighty Mouse angle, but I like it! No doubt I'll be humming the tune myself from now on--thanks Brian! · 705 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · Good, Melaina, now I know I'm not crazy! · 705 days ago ·

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12thCrown · The best rivalry going today - look at BL and HdG races going back to last year. Saw them at Oaklawn in spring and you've tempted me to fly to Jersey next month! · 704 days ago ·

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annmatt · The ladies are providing the consistency that the males have lacked this year! It looks like a 3-way race this year for the Eclipse Older Female, and, depending on what happens in the handicap and the 3 yo male divisions, we could just see a 3rd in a row Horse of the Year who is a female. It would be unprecedented, but so far, none of the males are reaching superstar heights...they all seem to stub their toes at the wrong time. Depends on the meetups with the TC winners later on and how they fare, but, if they don't perform as expected, look for the females to save the day. Awesome Maria, Blind Luck, and Havre de Grace have each won a G1 this year along with multiple wins, or strong seconds. It's still Girl Power!! · 704 days ago ·

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annmatt · The ladies are providing the consistency that the males have lacked this year! It looks like a 3-way race this year for the Eclipse Older Female, and, depending on what happens in the handicap and the 3 yo male divisions, we could just see a 3rd in a row Horse of the Year who is a female. It would be unprecedented, but so far, none of the males are reaching superstar heights...they all seem to stub their toes at the wrong time. Depends on the meetups with the TC winners later on and how they fare, but, if they don't perform as expected, look for the females to save the day. Awesome Maria, Blind Luck, and Havre de Grace have each won a G1 this year along with multiple wins, or strong seconds. It's still Girl Power!! · 704 days ago ·

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annmatt · Just a little curious why Awesome Maria is not up in the top 10? She is on a roll with 5 straight, 4 this year and she got her G1 in the OPhipps, so can we see her move up on your list? I'm rooting for all three of these great fillies -- Blind Luck, Havre de Grace & Awesome Maria! · 704 days ago ·

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Silveyville · She is my hero! Big fan since the Starlet · 704 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · She is #3 on my list, Ann, and in the toughest of all divisions. · 704 days ago ·

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Blind Luck vs. Switch, St Trinians in Vanity

Blind Luck, St Trinians and Switch, who have combined to win 12 graded stakes, are among six fillies and mares entered in the $250,000 Vanity Handicap Saturday at Hollywood Park.Read More

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yukichan · Sooooo excited for this race and the Ogden Phipps!! So many classy mares! Gotta go with St. Trinians, seeking redeemtion for her DQ. And gutsy Awesome Maria. · 707 days ago ·

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medlocke · St Trinians really likes that all-weather surface at Hollywood Park a great deal. She's run about as well over it as any other surface she's raced on since coming to America. But I just think that Switch's turn of foot might prove to be the difference in this race!! Switch defeated Blind Luck last season at Hollywood Park. Blind Luck is certainly not without a shot in this race. But I think she's about a half-length better on conventional dirt than she is on a synthetic surface. JMO. · 706 days ago ·

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Saturday Pick 6 from Hollywood Park - June 18

Saturday’s Pick 6 from Hollywood Park includes two stakes races. First up is the Manhattan Beach (7th race) and Mizdirection and Mildly Offensive figure to battle throughout. The Grade 1 Vanity (8th race) looms an interesting contest between Blind Luck, St Trinians, and Switch. The latter seemingly ...Read More

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Vanity Handicap Coming Up Tough

Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer joked in the Hollywood Park stable area Sunday morning that he does not need to be reminded about birthdays any more since he is busy filling out Medicare forms for his 65th next Saturday. Hollendorfer said that no gift would be more greatly appreciated than a victo...Read More

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rohan2reed · i would like American Story to win this race if it was 1 1/16th. i'll put her with Switch and Blind Luck. · 711 days ago ·

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TimSmith · I ll say Switch Blind Luck, St trinians..In that order. · 710 days ago ·

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My Favorite Races of 2010

Brian Zipse runs through his favorite races of 2010. Read More

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Zenyatta Nips St Trinians in Vanity

With a powerful closing kick she has never failed to deliver, Zenyatta remained perfect, running her way into history with a thrilling victory over St Trinians and four others in the $250,000 Vanity Handicap on Sunday at Hollywood Park.Read More

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mdracing69 · What a great race. St Trinians gave Zenyatta everything she had and the undefeated Z exuded class in another heart-stopping, well-deserved victory. · 1075 days ago ·

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humphrey · That was the first time I saw her hang for a few strides before kinking in on all burners. · 1075 days ago ·

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Medlocke · Many people didn't know much about St Trinians before she came to America from racing in the UK. But St Trinians, during her 3yr.old season in 2008, had been winning handicap races on the all-weather tracks at Wolverhampton and Southwell in Great Britain. She ran well winning the Paseana Handicap at Santa Anita in January. Looked marvelous beating B.C. Ladies Classic champion Life is Sweet in the Santa Maria Handicap in February, and held her own as the betting favorite against 13 other older males, finishing 6th of 14 in the Santa Anita Handicap. St Trinians is as good of a mare as Zenyatta has faced in her career. Equally as good as Ginger Punch, Music Note, and Life is Sweet. She put that talent on display Sunday in the Vanity Handicap. Pushing Zenyatta as hard as she's ever been pushed in any of her prior 16 races. Even harder than Anabaa's Creation pushed her at Del-Mar in the Clement L. Hirsch, IMO. Because St Trinians is a more talented mare than Anabaa's Creation. Great effort by St Trinians. It's nice, every once in a while, to see a mare come along that really brings that champions heart and her best effort out of Zenyatta. · 1075 days ago ·

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railbird1 · For a few seconds coming down the stretch I thought I might have to bow to the King of handicapping, instead I give my bow to the Queen of horse racing. What a horse!! The epitome of class. As Trevor put it "unbelievable" · 1075 days ago ·

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mdracing69 · Zenyatta and St Trinians could meet again in the Aug 7 Clement Hirsch at Del Mar. The shorter distance (8.5f) of the Hirsch could favor St Trinians, who reportedly threw her left front shoe in the Vanity. · 1074 days ago ·

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manderson1119 · I think Mike Mitchell should play a quick game of hide and go f*** himself......The DRF reports he texted John Sherrifs and told him to keep "Zenyatta out California". What a piece of crap, sore looser........and she threw a shoe???? No one that I know on and off the track at Holleywood park has mentioned that.........what a craptastic sore looser.... MIKE YOU LOST DEAL WITH IT DOUCHE BAG · 1074 days ago ·

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Vanity Handicap Quotes

$250,000 Vanity Handicap Grade I 69th Running 1 1/8 Miles Jockey Quotes MIKE SMITH, ZENYATTA, Winner: "It's just incredible. It was a great, great race. It was a gallant effort on St Trinians' part, she really ran huge. When we headed for home I hit a real...Read More

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Hollywood Park: Zenyatta's raceday morning

Zenyatta spent Sunday morning jogging 1 1-8 miles on Hollywood Park's main track and being walked at the stable in advance of her start in the $250,000 Vanity Handicap later in the day. Zenyatta is after her 17th consecutive victory in the Vanity, and an unprecedented third consecutive win...Read More

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Hollywood Park Today - June 13

A ten race card is on tap for Sunday and all eyes will be glued to Zenyatta as she attempts to run her streak to seventeen wins from as may starts in the Grade 1 Vanity Handicap. The 129 pound heavyweight could have her hands full with talented mare St Trinians. Sunny skies are expected with a high ...Read More

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Girl Power! Zenyatta Coverage in the Toronto Star

Well, Sunday's the BIG DAY, race fans! Zenyatta will once again prance and power her way into the hearts of her adoring fans at Hollywood Park in the Grade 1 Vanity Handicap. The media is really gearing up, and this blogger was even interviewed for a Zenyatta piece in the Toronto Star...Read More

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Someone yell "Four!"

The 1-2-3 finishers of the La Troienne Stakes at Churchill Downs are all back in action this weekend, including Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra. Plus we get the addition of none other than Zenyatta to the card. There's one small catch: These four horses are in four different races across the nati...Read More

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mdracing69 · Good point. Makes no sense to run four Graded stakes from the same division in a span of two days. · 1078 days ago ·

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