President’s Day. Quick, who’s your favorite president? No, no, no, not any of the recent ones, think back, the ones you wanted to learn about, read about, hear what they said.
On what’s a normally quiet day around the country, with local, state and federal offices for the most part closed, schools out and many enjoying the three-day weekend, a bit of news in the Thoroughbred world finally came down the pipe. Perhaps we’re being a bit understated with the word bit.
The expected bomb that will be the disqualification of Medina Spirit from his Kentucky Derby victory came down Monday when Kentucky stewards made it official. They also slapped trainer Bob Baffert with a suspension and fine, all of which, including the DQ, will be appealed. So buckle up, it’s still going to be a while before Mandaloun will be the end-all be-all “winner” of Derby 2021.
Meanwhile, preps continued in earnest for this year’s Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks over the weekend. More are on tap for this coming Saturday, namely the Rebel and Honeybee at Oaklawn Park.
Have a great week.
Worth Repeating
“Johnny had her next to last workout. Loved it. Mike Smith worked her last time. Loved her. Can’t get better endorsements from those two guys, right?”
Trainer Wesley Ward before Happy Soul won Saturday’s Dixie Belle at Oaklawn to improve to 3-for-4
“We are on a mission to find him the perfect place because he has brought so much joy to everyone who has been a part of his life. He will thrive in his second career, possibly as a riding horse because he loves to do trails. We want to make sure he is happy and productive going forward.”
Owner David Ross of the recently retired $1.7 million earner Extravagant Kid
“This is my first time in the winner’s circle here. It’s a good race to choose, right?”
Jockey Dylan Davis after riding Glass Ceiling to victory in Saturday’s Grade 3 Barbara Fritchie at Laurel
“It’s very special, very special. We did it once before with Bandbox in this very race, and it was a cold day just like today. He’s a horse that, with age, he doesn’t seem to want to stop doing this. He gets better with age.”
Owner Ellen Charles after winning Saturday’s Grade 3 General George at Laurel with Cordmaker
“I’m proud of the horse’s effort that he was still able to get a minor piece. The points can help us down the road.”
Trainer Chad Brown on Zandon and the 10 points he earned toward a spot in the Kentucky Derby starting gate after his troubled third in the Risen Star
By the Numbers
4: Prominent stakes that will not be run in 2022 in Canada this year – the Grade 1 Northern Dancer, Grade 2 Nijinsky and Grade 2 Play the King, which were not included on Woodbine’s schedule, and the Grade 1 Canadian International, which will be placed on hold for this year.
21.20: Win payoff in dollars for a $2 bet on Continental Coins, picked by our Rob Whitlock, in the fifth race Saturday at Fair Grounds.
40: Graded stakes races scheduled to be run in Canada this year, including four Grade 1s with the E.P. Taylor, Natalma, Summer and Woodbine Mile.
41.40: Win payoff in dollars for a $2 bet on Pyron, another bomb picked by Rob Whitlock, in the $98,000 Colonel Power Stakes Saturday at Fair Grounds.
54: Career starts for Extravagant Kid, who won 15 of those tries and banked $1,704,683 before being retired last week.
64: Points earned by Risen Star winner Epicenter on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, tops among this year’s class through the weekend. Who’s the last horse in? Risen Star fourth-place finisher Pioneer Of Medina with 5 points.
3.8 million: Total stakes purses for Preakness Weekend in 2022, including the $1.5 million headliner.
