Racetrack Lenny

Let The Games Begin!

The race to the Derby has begun with 2 significant prep races run today. One at New York's Aqueduct racetrack and the other at the Fair Grounds in Louisiana. The results- a muddled mess.

It's the time of year if you don't know whether highly touted horses are out for real or just out for the workout. For those that backed Galloping Grocer in the mile and one sixteenth Whirlaway Stakes in New York, you came away sorely disappointed. Sent off at 1-2, Galloping Grocer had the lead but was pressured heavily by Diamond Wildcat. Still, the fractions were not all that demanding. Scrappy T, a pony foaled close to the Bluegrass Family residence, had the misfortune of landing Post 10 with only a short run to the first turn. Jockey Alan Garcia compromised Scrappy T's chances by not being patient. At the half mile mark, he moved Scrappy T from last to 3rd in one huge sweeping move. That cost him in the late stages when he got passed by eventual winner Sort it Out who came from out of the clouds to prevail at 19-1. He was followed by another deep closer- Naughty New Yorker. The shots you heard in the stands were the bridge jumpers who bet Galloping Grocer with reckless abandon despite his not racing in a very long time.

The Risen Star Stakes at the Fair Grounds, also at a mile and a sixteenth proved to be a similar race. Scipion Way (Gary Stevens up) closed from dead last to prevail at 10-1. The highly touted Harlington, who had had some sensational works, ran evenly throughout finishing 6th as the 7/5 favorite. He was never better than a non-threatening 5th. Maybe out for exercise? Highly touted Storm Surge ran evenly at 6-1 and never threatened at any stage.

Of note, Rockport Harbor, from the same connections that brought you Smarty Jones, ran a 6 furlong workout at Oaklawn Park in 1:01-3/5. Not sensational; but, the plan was just to get him revved up for the upcoming Rebel Stakes and the Arkansas Derby--the same route Smarty Jones took to the Run for the Roses.

May the horse be with you!

Racetrack Lenny

racetrack lenny went to the post at @ 7:12 PM