WASHINGTON - During its 15-day spring meeting, Keeneland offers a concentration of high-class racing that is unmatched in the sport. It pays out more than $600,000 per day in purse money. It attracts the nation's elite stables and jockeys. It features at least one stakes race every day, including two important preps for the Kentucky Derby: the Blue Grass Stakes and the Lexington Stakes.
ARCADIA, Calif. - If Chris McCarron, in his new role as general manager, is going to help usher in the renaissance of Santa Anita Park, he will need to get cracking. The meet ends Sunday. The challenge has already begun.
No doubt McCarron has been getting a lot of advice. The in-box is stacked high. A general manager, if he does his job, must answer for everything from parking to programs to the quality of the pastrami at the sandwich bar, and anything in between.
ARCADIA, Calif. - First, an old snapshot, taken nearly 15 years ago on the afternoon of Nov. 20, 1988, at Hollywood Park.
There were nine races run that day, and all but two of them were won by someone named Valenzuela. The fact that Patrick won four should come as no surprise, especially to anyone witnessing his most recent incarnation at the top of the Southern California jockey standings.
LEXINGTON, Ky. - As a stepping-stone to the Kentucky Derby, Saturday's $325,000 Lexington for 3-year-olds is invariably an interesting race. But Derby interest should be unusually high this weekend, because Ministers Wild Cat is here and apparently ready to exchange some promises for some realizations.
ARCADIA, Calif. - Imagine what it's like to play straight man to Kenny Mayne. There he sits, innocent as a choirboy, well-groomed and smartly dressed, hair tossed just right. His expression is pleasant, his voice reassuring. Horse racing, obviously, is in trustworthy hands, at least for the duration of an ESPN telecast.
And then he says something like this, during the post parade for a race:
"That 'K' by their name means the horse's parents had sex at Keeneland."
LEXINGTON, Ky. - A point to remember about the Kentucky Derby: The unexpected is to be expected.
Outstanding horses such as Native Dancer, Damascus, and Bimelech were upset when they ran in the Derby. Horses with limited credentials such as Proud Clarion ($62.20), Charismatic ($64.60), and Gato del Sol ($44.40) lit up the tote board when they surprised.
One of the most unexpected of all Derby victories took place in 1970, and to this day letters and electronic queries wonder how Dust Commander did it and paid $32.60.
LEXINGTON, Ky. - In 1948, Plain Ben Jones of Calumet Farm started an entry in the Kentucky Derby. Citation, ridden by Eddie Arcaro, was coming off a victory in the Derby Trial four days earlier, while stablemate Coaltown, ridden by Newbold Leroy Pierson, was an impressive winner of Keeneland's Blue Grass Stakes nine days earlier.
ARCADIA, Calif. - It will be hard to turn around during Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs without bumping into a Dollase. The California-based clan of trainers will try to turn the proceedings into a family affair.
Craig Dollase will be there with Elloluv, who is looking more and more like the filly to beat for all the lillies in the Kentucky Oaks. Father Wally and his wife, Cincy, will be on the scene with Ten Most Wanted, who will try to replicate his impressive Illinois Derby form in the Kentucky Derby.
WASHINGTON - When Barry Irwin and Jeff Siegel began buying and syndicating Thoroughbreds in the 1980's, they had a simple concept: They would study races from coast to coast, identify runners with hidden virtues and the potential to improve, and attempt to purchase them for a reasonable price. Then they would sell shares to clients who wanted the excitement of owning a fractional interest in a good racehorse.