http://www.drf.com/feeds/xml/news-categories/columnists en http://www.drf.com/news/jay-hovdey-glen-hill-continues-its-fine-line-marketing-mix Although it is becoming more and more difficult for succeeding generations to either operate or justify the continuation of a large Thoroughbred operation, there are those who try. One of them is the Glen Hill Farm of Leonard Lavin, who plans to celebrate his 92nd birthday in October, and has placed the ongoing legacy of the farm in the hands of his grandson, Craig Bernick. Columnists Marketing Mix Jay Hovdey: Glen Hill continues its fine line with Marketing Mix 1369430901 a:5:{s:15:"field_race_date";s:19:"2013-05-26T00:00:00";s:16:"field_track_name";s:22:"Betfair Hollywood Park";s:16:"field_track_code";s:3:"BHP";s:17:"field_race_number";s:1:"9";s:13:"field_session";s:1:"D";} Fri, 24 May 2013 20:19:48 +0000 By Jay Hovdey 293300 at http://www.drf.com <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-article-columnist"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Jay Hovdey </div> </div> </div> <p>The Kentucky Derby victory of Orb placed a rightful spotlight on the inspiring history of the Phipps family stable, tracing its pre-World War II roots to the ongoing success of the current generation. At times, it sounded as if it was the last surviving family stable of a bygone era.</p><p><a href="http://www.drf.com/news/jay-hovdey-glen-hill-continues-its-fine-line-marketing-mix" target="_blank">read more</a></p> Marketing Mix makes her return to the races for Glen Hill Farm in the Gamely Handicap. Barbara D. Livingston http://www.drf.com/news/jay-hovdey-talamo-learns-mile-obviouslys-comfort-zone For the past couple of years, turf milers have been California’s deepest division, and Obviously has been the best of the best.But befoe he was teamed up with Joe Talamo, Obviously was a sprinter who had trouble relaxing. Columnists Global Hunter Obviously Jay Hovdey: Talamo learns mile is Obviously's comfort zone 1369345899 Thu, 23 May 2013 17:31:48 +0000 By Jay Hovdey 293151 at http://www.drf.com <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-article-columnist"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Jay Hovdey </div> </div> </div> <p>If there was a better losing performance last year than Obviously’s third-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Mile, it didn’t make the headlines. After taking the star-studded field through three increasingly hot quarters in 23.34 seconds, 22.82, and 22.65, Obviously was still fighting like an overgrown alley cat when Wise Dan and then Animal Kingdom came along in the final stages. Wise Dan won by 1 1/2 lengths in a Santa Anita course-record 1:31.78, while Animal Kingdom beat Obviously by just half a length for second money.</p><p><a href="http://www.drf.com/news/jay-hovdey-talamo-learns-mile-obviouslys-comfort-zone" target="_blank">read more</a></p> Joe Talamo says Obviously, shown finishing third in the Breeders' Cup Mile. finds his best rhythm at that distance, something the horse cannot do when he is asked to sprint. Jenny Burgos http://www.drf.com/news/jay-hovdey-scott-stevens-bursting-sibling-pride Scott Stevens finished riding his three horses through the Minnesota mud at Canterbury Downs last Saturday afternoon just in time to gather in the room with the other jocks to witness little brother Gary take Sky Ring wire-to-wire in the Dixie Handicap on the Pimlico undercard. Scott enjoyed the view, then proclaimed: “Now watch him do the same thing right back in the Preakness.” Columnists Jay Hovdey: Scott Stevens bursting with sibling pride 1369257417 Wed, 22 May 2013 20:14:25 +0000 By Jay Hovdey 293073 at http://www.drf.com <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-article-columnist"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Jay Hovdey </div> </div> </div> <p>Scott Stevens finished riding his three horses through the Minnesota mud at Canterbury Park last Saturday afternoon just in time to gather in the room with the other jocks to witness little brother Gary take Skyring wire to wire in the Dixie Handicap on the Pimlico undercard. Scott enjoyed the view, then proclaimed:</p> <p>“Now watch him do the same thing right back in the Preakness.”</p><p><a href="http://www.drf.com/news/jay-hovdey-scott-stevens-bursting-sibling-pride" target="_blank">read more</a></p> http://www.drf.com/news/andrew-beyer-77-lukas-rolls-dice-and-wins When Oxbow led all the way to score a 16-to-1 upset in the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, the result confirmed one tent of trainer Wayne Lukas’s philosophy: You can’t win if you don’t run. Columnists Preakness Oxbow Andrew Beyer: At 77, Lukas rolls the dice and wins 1369144614 a:5:{s:15:"field_race_date";s:19:"2013-05-18T00:00:00";s:16:"field_track_name";s:7:"Pimlico";s:16:"field_track_code";s:3:"PIM";s:17:"field_race_number";s:2:"12";s:13:"field_session";s:1:"D";} Sun, 19 May 2013 01:48:15 +0000 By Andrew Beyer 292807 at http://www.drf.com <div class="field field-type-text field-field-byline"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> By Andrew Beyer </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-article-columnist"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Andrew Beyer </div> </div> </div> <p>BALTIMORE — “I don’t wake up in the morning and say that I have to prove I can train a horse,” Wayne Lukas said at Pimlico Race Course on Saturday night.</p> <p>But if the 77-year-old Hall of Famer still has full confidences in his abilities, most people would say that Lukas’s time has passed. More than 15 years have elapsed since he dominated American racing as no one ever had before. He revolutionized Thoroughbred training by being the first person to run a truly national operation and he smashed every significant record in his profession.</p><p><a href="http://www.drf.com/news/andrew-beyer-77-lukas-rolls-dice-and-wins" target="_blank">read more</a></p> Trainer Wayne Lukas leads Oxbow and Gary Stevens to the winner's circle after the Preakness. Tom Keyser http://www.drf.com/news/steven-crist-each-orbs-races-better-last In many years, a Kentucky Derby winner who won the roses on a wet track with a modest Beyer Speed Figure of 104 would be only a tepid favorite for the second leg of the Triple Crown. On Saturday, however, Orb will be even money or less in the 138th Preakness Stakes – and it’s hard to argue with either his price or his prospects of victory. Columnists Preakness Departing Goldencents Itsmyluckyday Mylute Orb Oxbow Will Take Charge Steven Crist: Each of Orb's races is better than the last 1368937491 a:5:{s:15:"field_race_date";s:19:"2013-05-18T00:00:00";s:16:"field_track_name";s:7:"Pimlico";s:16:"field_track_code";s:3:"PIM";s:17:"field_race_number";s:2:"12";s:13:"field_session";s:1:"D";} Thu, 16 May 2013 14:36:29 +0000 By Steven Crist 292391 at http://www.drf.com <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-article-columnist"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Steven Crist </div> </div> </div> <p>In many years, a Kentucky Derby winner who won the roses on a wet track with a modest Beyer Speed Figure of 104 would be only a tepid favorite for the second leg of the Triple Crown. On Saturday, however, <a href="http://www.drf.com/horse/orb-horse-profile">Orb</a> will be even money or less in the 138th Preakness Stakes – and it’s hard to argue with either his price or his prospects of victory.</p><p><a href="http://www.drf.com/news/steven-crist-each-orbs-races-better-last" target="_blank">read more</a></p> Orb working at Belmont Park on Monday morning. Trainer Shug McGaughey has called his recent works "breathtaking" and "magnificent." Barbara D. Livingston http://www.drf.com/news/andrew-beyer-hard-imagine-derby-form-wont-travel-baltimore After Orb scored his decisive victory in the Kentucky Derby and was hailed as a bright new star of racing, many handicappers had a reason for skepticism. They had seen this scenario before. Columnists Preakness Orb Andrew Beyer: Hard to imagine Derby form won't travel to Baltimore 1368937489 a:5:{s:15:"field_race_date";s:19:"2013-05-18T00:00:00";s:16:"field_track_name";s:7:"Pimlico";s:16:"field_track_code";s:3:"PIM";s:17:"field_race_number";s:2:"12";s:13:"field_session";s:1:"D";} Thu, 16 May 2013 14:55:08 +0000 By Andrew Beyer 292394 at http://www.drf.com <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-article-columnist"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Andrew Beyer </div> </div> </div> <div class="container" style="width: 100%;"> <div class="videoWrapper" style="padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0;"> <iframe src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/pd16/media/719509166001/719509166001_2390163519001_MikeandAndrew.mp4" style="height: 100%; width: 100%;"></iframe> </div> </div> <p>After <a href="http://www.drf.com/horse/orb-horse-profile">Orb</a> scored his decisive victory in the Kentucky Derby and was hailed as a bright new star of racing, many handicappers had a reason for skepticism. They had seen this scenario before.</p> <p>The Kentucky Derby often unfolds in a way that gives an advantage to horses rallying from far behind. The winner comes to Pimlico amidst acclaim, but the Preakness isn't run like the Derby and it doesn't favor his style. Another Triple Crown bid is foiled, and skeptical bettors are rewarded.</p><p><a href="http://www.drf.com/news/andrew-beyer-hard-imagine-derby-form-wont-travel-baltimore" target="_blank">read more</a></p> Orb’s Kentucky Derby victory was aided by an extremely fast pace over a sloppy track. Michael Amoruso http://www.drf.com/news/dave-tuley-orbs-triple-crown-odds-trending Will Orb win the 2013 Triple Crown? Vegas has given him the most favorable odds since Big Brown in 2008. Columnists Preakness Orb Dave Tuley: Orb's Triple Crown odds trending up 1368829772 Thu, 16 May 2013 17:36:41 +0000 By Dave Tuley 292437 at http://www.drf.com <div class="field field-type-text field-field-byline"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Dave Tuley </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-article-columnist"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Dave Tuley </div> </div> </div> <p>LAS VEGAS – No sooner had Orb crossed the Kentucky Derby finish line two weeks ago than the talk turned to whether he has what it takes to become horse racing’s first Triple Crown winner since 1978.</p><p><a href="http://www.drf.com/news/dave-tuley-orbs-triple-crown-odds-trending" target="_blank">read more</a></p> http://www.drf.com/news/jay-hovdey-hollywood-graded-stakes-grabs Among the items in the Hollywood Park garage sale that will take place at some point after the track says sayonara in December will be a prime collection of 37 graded stakes events of all colors, shapes, and sizes. Columnists Jay Hovdey: Hollywood graded stakes up for grabs 1368822186 Fri, 17 May 2013 20:16:32 +0000 By Jay Hovdey 292586 at http://www.drf.com <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-article-columnist"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Jay Hovdey </div> </div> </div> <p><a href="http://www.drf.com/news/jay-hovdey-hollywood-graded-stakes-grabs" target="_blank">read more</a></p> http://www.drf.com/news/jay-hovdey-preakness-stakes-classic-any-name The horse race called the Preakness Stakes has been run 137 times, dating back to 1873, only it’s tough to take the first couple dozen versions very seriously. Columnists Preakness Govenor Charlie Jay Hovdey: Preakness Stakes a classic by any name 1368806908 a:5:{s:15:"field_race_date";s:19:"2013-05-18T00:00:00";s:16:"field_track_name";s:7:"Pimlico";s:16:"field_track_code";s:3:"PIM";s:17:"field_race_number";s:2:"12";s:13:"field_session";s:1:"D";} Thu, 16 May 2013 16:29:44 +0000 By Jay Hovdey 292418 at http://www.drf.com <div class="field field-type-text field-field-byline"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Jay Hovdey </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-article-columnist"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Jay Hovdey </div> </div> </div> <p>The horse race called the Preakness Stakes has been run 137 times, dating back to 1873, only it’s tough to take the first couple dozen versions very seriously.</p><p><a href="http://www.drf.com/news/jay-hovdey-preakness-stakes-classic-any-name" target="_blank">read more</a></p> Govenor Charlie is going into the Preakness with only three starts behind him. Barbara D. Livingston http://www.drf.com/news/andrew-beyer-orbs-kentucky-derby-win-another-phipps-family-success-story Over the years, the aristocratic families have faded from prominence and Thoroughbred racing has become democratized. It no longer operates like a private club; anyone with enough money can play the game. But when Orb won the Kentucky Derby, giving the Phipps family its first victory ever in America’s most famous race, the colt’s success was a reminder of what the dynasties contributed to the breed. Columnists Preakness Orb Andrew Beyer: Orb's Kentucky Derby win another Phipps family success story 1368715731 Mon, 13 May 2013 20:12:46 +0000 By Andrew Beyer 292156 at http://www.drf.com <div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-article-columnist"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> Andrew Beyer </div> </div> </div> <p>The most famous names in American Thoroughbred racing used to be those of dynasties possessing fabulous wealth – the Phipps family, the Vanderbilts, the Whitneys, the Wideners, and others. They owned the best stallions and mares, bred and campaigned the best racehorses. They did not merely participate in the sport; they ran it. The elites were members of the Jockey Club, the organization that ruled racing, often in a high-handed fashion.</p><p><a href="http://www.drf.com/news/andrew-beyer-orbs-kentucky-derby-win-another-phipps-family-success-story" target="_blank">read more</a></p> Dinny Phipps (left) and Stuart Janney III, cousins and the co-owners of Orb, enjoy victory in the Kentucky Derby. Barbara D. Livingston