Breeders' Cup - Juvenile Fillies Turf

October 31, 2013

Dear Readers,

      Oops…I skipped right over the Juvenile Fillies Turf. So here are my opinions.

The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf

1                    Nesso – This filly has been showing real talent in only three starts.

2                   Al Thakhira – This filly will love the Santa Anita course. Look for her to run down the speed. She was a bit green in Yarmouth, switching leads a lot, but they run the distance on a straight course.  Since that race she has another win to her credit. Big future for this filly.

3                   Colonel Joan – Runs hard from off the pace, needs to find a way to save some ground on the turn. She seems to get hung out to dry a lot.

4                   Kitten Kaboodle – Who wouldn’t look good winning off by so far in a Gr 3 race. The turf looked heavy and she looked like she was laboring over it. Big filly, she should only improve with age.

5                   Granny Mc’s Kitten – Nice filly, likes to stalk the pace, finds a way to stay out of trouble, and maybe if the planets align she might get up in time.

6                   Vorda – Looked good in Europe and I can see why she is so well respected.

7                    Street Sailing – Awesome win in her first start in the U.S. I think I would’ve liked to see another. And so I shall.

8                   Chriselliam – That win in the Shadwell Fillies Mile in Newmarket was so impressive. I like this filly.

9                   Dancing House – Another lightly raced filly, and as one would expect of two-year-olds. But even though she is running well in good races, I think she needs more improvement before she can win a race like this.

10               Clenor – Three wins, hard to complain.

11                Ready To Act – What a scary incident in her near win in the Natalma Stakes. Obviously ducking from the whip once she made a clear lead, this filly came close to going over the rail. I think this filly could be real hard to beat if she doesn’t decide to ride the rail again.

12               Testa Rossi – Hard to not like this filly. She’s going to have some tough company coming from off the lead. Not to mention this is a big field for that sort of running style.

13               Sky Painter – That second place finish to Testa Rossi could have easily been reversed, what a stretch run by both fillies.

14               My Conquestadory – No telling how good this filly is. I can’t bet against her. She’s not going to care what post she drew. She’ll push right through when she’s ready to make her bid. 

And who do I pick? The real fun of handicapping two-year-old races is, despite prior racing, you really don’t know how much more there is to discover with each horse. They are still learning and there can always be a surprise. This is probably the hardest race to pick a top three. This could be a good time to sit back and enjoy the pageantry.

1                    My Conquestadory

2                   Ready To Act

3                   Al Thakhira

4                   Chriselliam – ah shucks, I just can’t pick three. 

Here’s to safe racing for all tomorrow.  

Take care,

Shelley Riley

www.shelleyriley.com

Breeders' Cup - Distaff

October 31, 2013

Dear Readers,

        I have posted my wish list on the first three races on Fridays’ card, and now I’m moving on to the next one.

The Breeders’ Cup Distaff:

1                    Street Girl – Really?

2                   Authenticity – Oh boy, what a nice mare and she can run with these horses. But I don’t think she can outrun them.

3                   Close Hatches – This filly has learned how to win. I wouldn’t be surprised to see her upsetting the favorites.

4                   Royal Delta –What needs to be said, that hasn’t already been said.

5                   Beholder – Well, here’s another really amazing filly. Gotta like her.

6                   Princess of Sylmar – Who am I to argue with all the people singing her praises? This filly is amazing. 

My choices: 

1                    Close Hatches – Yikes, what am I doing?

2                   Princess of Sylmar

3                   Royal Delta 

I made it through these races. What a joy to see so many truly great horses in one place at the same time. I would love to just be hanging around the stables, and watching the day’s activities unfold. Good luck to all.

Take care,

Shelley Riley

www.shelleyriley.com

Breeders' Cup - Dirt Mile

October 31, 2013 

Dear Readers, 

        Oh dear they just get harder to pick. I will never get through all these races. But I will try. Next up:

Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile

1                     Taptowne – Clearly a front runner. But I’m not going to be able to back this horse in this race, there’s to much speed.

2                    Golden Ticket – This is a very nice horse, a horse I would love to own, but I don’t think he has a clear chance in this field of fierce competitors.

3                    Hymn Book – Yet another very nice horse, and again I can’t pick him to win this race.

4                   Brujo de Olleros – Lightly raced five-year-old.

5                   Fed Biz – Could surprise.

6                   Broadway Empire – Alright I get it, this horse has been winning in easier company, while blazing away on the front end. But winning can become a ego boosting exercise and can become habitual. He may not win, but he may well become the spoiler in this race, like he did in the Affirmed Handicap. At 12-1 odds I might be tempted to take a flyer.

7                    Alpha – This horse has made a lot of money and is undoubtedly a good one. But it appears to me he likes an uncontested lead, something he won’t get in this race.

8                   Holy Lute – Someday this could be a great horse, but I don’t think he’s ready for this bunch. But then again why not, he could be.

9                   Centralinteligence – Spotty career, but clearly when he’s right, he’s a force to be reckoned with.

10               Verrazano – Whoa what happened in that last race? I really wanted to like this horse, and I do. But maybe not today.

11                Pants On Fire – Now were talking, this horse goes out to give his best every time.

12               Goldencents – Well he doesn’t have to go up against Points Offthebench again. I like this horse in this race, and especially going this distance.

13               Easter Gift – Not sure I could get behind this horse to win this race.  

Got to make up my wish list.

1                    Goldencents – love this horse today.

2                   Pants on Fire

3                   Broadway Empire 

This is a lot of work, so many good horses, so few slots to fill, so many opportunities to get it wrong.

Take care,

Shelley Riley

www.shelleyriley.com

Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf

October 31, 2013 

Dear Readers,

        Here are my thoughts on the second Breeders’ Cup race on Friday’s card.

The Juvenile Turf

1                     All Cash – I like this horse, I watched his run in the G3 Bourbon Stakes, and he was in trouble nearly all the way.  When he finally found a small opening in the stretch he showed good determination.

2                    Giovanni Boldini – Love the name, but names don’t win races, however European entrants do in the Juvenile Turf. This colt has the pedigree and the connections to get the job done.

3                    Got Shades – Lookin' sharp…They come runnin' just as fast as they can. ZZ Top lyrics from Sharp Dressed Man. This colt tried to come runnin in the Zuma Beach only to run into a faster closer than him. Got Shades looked like he got tired to me. He should run better this trip.

4                    Outstrip – Talk about connections, this colt has it all. Well bred and running under the colors of a very successful stable. I like this horse.

5                    Bobby’s Kitten – Wow.

6                    Home School – I don’t think this horse should be 30-1 on the morning line. But having said that I can’t get behind him either.

7                    Aotearoa – Beware of overlooking this horse. He had to force his way through in the Zuma Beach. He looks to get better as he learns.

8                   Bon Accord – Consistent, game and hard to overlook. He definitely belongs in this race.

9                    Wilshire Boulevard – Experience alone will hold this colt in good stead. I think he will like the firmer turf at Santa Anita. In with a chance.

10                Ontology – Every horse can have an off day, and that is especially true of two-year-olds. Too bad it was the one before this one. Still—if he improves off his previous races he could be contentious.

11                 Poker Player – Morning line odds of 12-1 just emphasizes how deep the talent pool runs in this race. This horse was impressive winning the G3 Bourbon in only his third lifetime start. He beat morning line 6-1 Bashart honestly.

12                Shamshon – This colt shows speed on the deeper European turf courses and I think he will like the firmer turf here at Santa Anita. Don’t count him out.

13                Bashart – This is one of the more versatile horses in the field. He can be on the lead, stalk the lead or come from off the pace. His rider can adjust to the conditions and know that his horse will be adaptable.  

Oh dear, I have to make a top three list…argh! I don’t think Bobby’s Kitten is going to get away with running off all by his lonesome. Those riders’ are going to be gunning for him. Having said that, if he still opens up like a champion, look out Triple Crown next year. This is such a tough race to pick, juveniles are so mercurial. Oh well here goes. We’re just having fun…right?

 My wish list for the Juvenile Turf:

1                    Outstrip

2                   Aotearoa

3                   Bobby’s Kitten 

Next I’ll find my favorites for the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. 

 

Take care,

Shelley Riley

www.shelleyriley.com

Breeders' Cup Marathon 2013

October 31, 2013

Dear Readers,

            I’ve been busy writing short stories, entering writing competitions and getting ready for my trip to Kentucky. I really wanted to finish up on the “Win and Your In Series,” but unfortunately recapping them takes me away from creating my short stories that need to be finished. Hopefully I will have a collection ready to publish in the next few months. I’ll let you know when it’s ready for publication.

            So now the time has come, the horses are gathered and the parties are in full swing. The Breeders’ Cup Extravaganza is upon us. I’m going to try to get through all the entries and pick the horses I would bet if I were there on the day. Maybe I’ll go over to the simulcast and spend some time with Dennis Miller on Friday.

First up Breeders’ Cup Marathon

1                      Old Time Hockey – Consistent stalker, probably won’t get up in time to win.

2                    Cease – I’m not sure what this horse is doing in this race. He’s a nice horse, but unless the front end collapses I don’t see him being a threat.

3                    Commander – Another horse who is reaching for the stars, he looks as though he could show some speed, but I doubt this would benefit him.

4                    Ever Rider – I have always been partial to a roan, and this one is a beauty. But this race isn’t about being pretty. He will be coming at the end and I think he will be scaring the front runners as he unleashes down the lane.

5                     Suns Out Guns Out – I’m scratching my head over this horse, sometimes he shows some speed, sometimes he doesn’t. They have run him a lot and he never embarrasses them, but he seldom wins either.

6                    Indian Jones – If you bet on this horse, your heart will be in your throat as the field pounds down the lane. He loves to come from way off the pace.

7                     London Bridge – I have no opinion of this horse. He was brought a long way, to not make a good showing, so I couldn’t rule him out.

8                    Blueskiesnrainbows – Okay, here’s the speed. Trouble is you never know with this horse. If he gets hooked he can run a really bad race, but then sometimes he hangs real tough. Which horse shows up for this race?

9                    Pool Play – Once upon a time this was a really nice horse. But I don’t see him winning this race. But you never know, today could be the day he remembers when…

10                Worldly -  Not all sons of A.P. Indy are world beater’s.  

This is a really tough race to pick a sure thing. I would probably be satisfied to sit in my seat and enjoy watching the race, and be thrilled for whoever wins. But if somebody gave me two dollars to bet, I would vacillate back and forth and then place it to win on Ever Rider. 

I hope to see the finish in the following order.

1                    Ever Rider

2                   Indian Jones

3                   Blueskiesnrainbows 

Check back later, I’m working on the Juvenile Turf. 

Take care,

Shelley Riley

www.shelleyriley.com

Writer's Digest Review

October 21, 2013
 

Dear Readers,

         I was thrilled to receive the following review of Casual Lies – A Triple Crown Adventure, by the judges at Writer’s Digest. So of course I wanted to share it with all of you. This is particularly fortuitous timing, what with the Kentucky Book Fair coming up on November 16^th at the Frankfort Convention Center in Frankfort Kentucky.

 

“Judge, Writer’s Digest 21^st Annual Self-Published Book Awards”

 For anyone who has wondered what the life of thoroughbred horse racing is like, this book will tell you. The author offers an inside look at the horse racing industry, from the breeder-trainer-owner perspective. The narrative concerns the life of a racing colt, Casual Lies, from purchase in the bluegrass hills of Kentucky to training in California to racing in the three premiere horse races in the U.S. “the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.” The writers personal style, however, makes it clear this is much more than a matter-of-fact recounting of the horse’s racing career. There is genuine affection by the author for the horse. There’s a richness of detail and authenticity as to what it’s like to raise and train a thoroughbred which can be simultaneously exciting and nerve-wracking. The horses can be spirited, fragile, unpredictable and courageous. All this comes across well. The anecdotes are both personal and informative. While there is the occasional horse industry jargon, there is also an appreciation for the splendor of the countryside, the sleek beauty of a finely tuned racehorse and the humor of the author and her husband as they journey through life and races with Casual Lies. The photo gallery of the horse and the humans in its life are a nice touch.

       You can get a copy at Amazon or you can contact me via my website www.shelleyriley.com if you would like to get a signed copy.

Take care,

Shelley Riley

www.shelleyriley.com

I Love Novellist

October 14, 2013

Dear Readers,

            I didn’t expect to see Novellist when I Googled Longines Grosser Preis Von Baden, a Group I race, going 1 ½ mile and run over the turf course at Iffezheim Racecourse.  I’ve told you how much I love this horse in the past. Well let me reiterate, I Love this horse.

            What’s not to love? Big, bold, a beautiful stride and so dark in color he’s nearly black. Novellist looms large wherever he’s placed, in front or in the pack. After this race I love him even more.

            Pundits have said Novellist didn’t go off and leave the other horses in his dust and thus the race was less than impressive. I beg to differ. I don’t think he cared for the going; the turf was soft, really soft. The horses were bogging down nearly to their ankles. And since the jockeys kept their mounts off the rail and angled out even more down the lane, I suspect the going was firmer on the outside, though I couldn’t see that it was.

            Being much the best, and embarrassing your opponents is one thing, getting hooked on the front end, stride for stride, backing off, and then coming back to out-finish the field with grit and determination is very impressive to me.




The Grandstand at Iffezheim Racetrack in Baden-Baden Germany.

          Founded in 1858 by Frenchman Edouard Benazet, Iffezheim is located near the Spa town of Baden-Baden in Germany. A favorite of the aristocrats, Baden-Baden was the destination of choice for the summer months in the 19^th century. Iffezheim soon became the leading racetrack in Germany.

            Reading the latest news on Novellist, I see he was scratched from the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Fr- I). Reportedly he spiked a temperature. I just hope he didn’t get hurt in the deep going at Iffezheim. If he did, we probably won’t see him for awhile, if he didn’t, I can’t wait to see him run again. Love, love, love this horse.

Photo Liesl King

           If anybody knows what's going on with this horse, drop me a line and fill me in, here or at www.shelleyriley.com.  I will take a look at a few more races tomorrow.

Take care,

Shelley Riley

Author of Casual Lies - A Triple Crown Adventure