2008 Foals, update 3

Just listing the newborns - full list will follow later in the year. My lot are pushing out babies left right and centre!

- Unbridled's Song x Dream Time, Storm Cat
- Roman Ruler x Firebaby, Marquetry
- A P Indy x Last Song, Unbridled's Song
- Include x Night Heron, Silver Charm
- Yes It's True x Pagosa Springs, A P Indy
- Anabaa x Premium Hope, Miswaki

and a special cheer for the first time mums:
- More Than Ready x Oberon's Girl, Coronado's Quest
- Malibu Moon x Mystic Chant, Unbridled's Song
- High Fly x Multicolored Lady, Marquetry - named Independent Lady
- Orientate x Miss Fury, Unbridled's Song
- Najran x Mersaides, Montbrook
- Bellamy Road x Divine Shadow, Capote

I have 33 foals already!

Sugar Swirl: The Sprint Queen

My girl Sugar Swirl did it with style. Yesterday she became the Queen of Gulfstream, as she shone in the Shirley Jones Handicap (G2), winning comfortably by 5 1/2 lengths. She covered the 7 furlongs in 1:22.57, only 1.5 seconds away from the track record. She seems to be getting better and better with every race she runs. She was under restraint, tucked in behind the leaders around the turn. She was angled out and rallied to take over entering the stretch, drawing off when asked. She is a very, very good mare.

She has now won 4 stakes raced in a row. She is on route to be the first Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint in the autumn if you ask me. For some reason I do well with sprinters, with Lost In The Fog and Thor's Echo before her.

She might be pointed at the Humana Distaff (G1) at Churchill Downs on 3 May, but a decision has not been made yet.

She is owned by Stronach Stables and trained by Brian Lynch. She was bred by Adena Springs in Canada.

(Sugar Swirl (CAN) - 2003 chestnut mare - Touch Gold x Astrapi, by Distinctive Pro)

The Tap 9th in Dubai World Cup

Premium Tap finished a disappointing 9th in the Dubai World Cup. Of course it was not completely unexpected as his connection did announce their doubts about the horse's fitness. There might have been a slight excuse as he almost clipped heels in the back straight when he started running, which threw him off stride. Whether his connection will decide to retire him or not remains to be seen, but it is certainly a possibility. I hope in my heart he will return to the US to stand at stud there, but he will most likely stay in Saudi Arabia.

Of course I have to take my hat off to Curlin. He ran the kind of race a short-priced favourite should. He certainly seems the best horse on dirt in the world right now. I cannot help but wonder what would have happened if Premium Tap had showed up with last year's form, but that is a mute point, isn't it?

It will be interesting to see where Curlin will go from here. In the meantime I am anxiously awaiting an announcement on Premium Tap's future. I love his bloodlines and he would be an asset at stud in the US.

Complete order of finish:
1. Curlin (USA)
2. Asiatic Boy (ARG)
3. Well Armed (USA)
4. A P Arrow (USA)
5. Great Hunter (USA)
6. Lucky Find (USA)
7. Jalil (USA)
8. Gloria De Campeao (BRZ)
9. Premium Tap (USA)
10. Sway Yed (KSA)
11. Kocab (GB)
12. Vermilion (JPN)

Video Replay


(Premium Tap (USA) - 2002 bay horse - Pleasant Tap x Premium Red, by Thirty Six Red)

The World Cup For Premium Tap

Premium Tap will take his rightful place in the line-up for the Dubai World Cup at Nad Al Sheba on Saturday. For a while his contention was in doubt after a disappointing 4th place in Saudi Arabia's premier race on 15 February. His trainer was unhappy with the way the horse was working and he had some other problems. Though he just about won his follow-up start in a mile race on 7 March, he is still not quite back to the old Tap.

But Premium Tap will travel to Dubai to challenge 2007 american horse of the year Curlin and I will be cheering for him. Curlin is likely to be a short-priced favourite. He is looking a dream and has had a dream preparation for the big race. But there are others beside Premium Tap that will be challenging the 4yo Smart Strike colt.

The field looks like this (per DRF):

* DUBAI WORLD CUP-G1. Purse $6,000,000. 1 1/4m (dirt) 4yo+

Post time: 1:30 p.m. (EDT)

1 - Sway Yed - O Peslier - 126 - 100-1

2 - Well Armed - A T Gryder - 126 - 33-1

3 - Happy Boy - K McEvoy - 126 - 16-1

4 - Kocab - S Pasquier - 126 - 33-1

5 - Great Hunter - G K Gomez - 126 - 66-1

6 - Premium Tap - S Madrid - 126 - 14-1

7 - Vermilion - Y Take - 126 - 12-1

8 - Jalil - L Dettori - 126 - 7-1

9 - Asiatic Boy - J P Murtagh - 126 - 10-1

10 - Lucky Find - K Shea - 126 - 25-1

11 - Gloria de Campeao - C-P Lemaire - 126 - 33-1

12 - Curlin - R J Albarado - 126 - 2-5

13 - A.P. Arrow - R A Dominguez - 126 - 25-1

I wish I could say that Premium Tap will win, but his form is suspect at best and one has to wonder whether the level of competition he has been facing is enough to have fit and ready for a clash like this. But yet, I believe he has a lot of class and an enormous amount of talent and heart and if he would win I would be over the moon. However, Curlin is looking strong and there are other contenders, like Asiatic Boy, that cannot be underrated. I hope he will be able to equal or better his 2nd place in last year's race and that is what I am hoping for. He is definitely not without a chance and I will be cheering him on all the way!

Unfortunately I won't be around this weekend as I will be climbing a mountain in Wales, but I will be anxiously looking for the result as soon as I am back home on Sunday.

(Premium Tap (USA) - 2002 bay horse - Pleasant Tap x Premium Red, by Thirty Six Red)

ToF Tidbits - 26 March 08

The Shirley Jones Handicap (G2) has been rescheduled for Saturday 29 March, so Sugar Swirl will have her chance for queendom after all!

2007 Champion Sprinter Thor's Echo is back on the worktab with a workout at Hollywood Park. It took him 37.20 secs to cover the 3f distance over a fast all weather track. He had not worked from 6 August last year. He has undergone surgery to remove a bone chip from a hind ankle. It;s good to see him back! Looking forward to a good 2008 from him.

(Sugar Swirl (CAN) - 2003 chestnut mare - Touch Gold x Astrapi, by Distinctive Pro)
(Thor's Echo (USA) - 2002 chestnut gelding - Swiss Yodeler x Helen Of Troy, by Mr Integrity)

ToF Tidbits - 23 March 08

Flashy Flyer, daughter of 2001 ToF horse Wood Duck, had her first workout on 20 March at El Primero Training Center, where she worked 3f out of the gate in 40.60. Flashy Flyer is included in my 2006 crop.

Bonfire was the third horse part of my 2006 crop that worked. He worked 3f in 40.00 at Laurel Park on Saturday (22 March).

Sugar Swirl was denied the chance to claim queendom as after the sixth race racing was cancelled at Gulfstrea. A daylong deluge compromised the safety of the horses. A decision on rescheduling the Shirley Jones Handicap has not yet been announced.

(Flashy Flyer (USA) - 2006 bay filly - Valid Expectations x Wood Duck, by Kingmambo)
(Wood Duck (USA) - 2001 bay mare - Kingmambo x Duck Trap, by Affirmed)
(Bonfire (USA) - 2006 dkbr colt - Runaway Groom x Tenacite, by Seattle Slew)
(Sugar Swirl (USA) - 2003 ch mare - Touch Gold x Astrapi, by Distinctive Pro)

Cat Dreamer Second

Cat Dreamer, Cat Dreams' first starter as a sire, finished 2nd in his debut outing yesterday. according to the chart he had good early speed and pressed the pace on the outside, he drifted in some past midstretch and continued willingly to the wire. Turbo Call clinched the race.

I am pleased. Second is a good start and Cat Dreamer earned $7,200 in the process.

(Cat Dreams (USA) - 2002 bay horse - Storm Cat x J J'sdream, by Glitterman)

Sugar Swirl Ready To Reign

Sugar Swirl is currently the horse in form and she could be crowned the Sprint Queen of Gulfstream this Saturday went she will be contesting the G2 Shirley Jones Handicap there. The 7f race for older fillies and mares carries a purse of $200,000.

She already won the First Lady Handicap (G3) and Hurricane Bertie Handicap (G3) at Gulfstream this year and the Shirley Jones would provide her with an impressive hattrick. However, the other fillies and mares in the race have a weight advantage of 6 to 9 lbs to Sugar Swirl's 124 lbs and they will all be out to get her. The field includes the G1 placed Shaggy Mane and Baroness Thatcher, though neither of those come into the race with the form that Sugar Swirl has showed this winter. The biggest danger is likely to be Lady Marlboro, who also comes off a graded stakes victory at Gulfstream. She has not raced for two months, but is coming into the race fit and ready.

Javier Castellano will be on board once again, as he was in her last two wins. He has ridden her five times in the past and won four with her, so he must be feeling confident in the five-year-old Touch Gold mare.

Despite the weight disadvantage Sugar Swirl is the likely short priced favourite, as she should be. She is a fast powerful mare who is in the form of her life. She won authoritatively in both her starts this year for Brian Lynch and she obviously likes Gulfstream. She has an outstanding chance.

Come on Sugar!

(Sugar Swirl (CAN) - 2003 ch mare - Touch Gold x Astrapi, by Distinctive Pro)

First Starter For Cat Dreams

Cat Dreams will have his first progeny in the starting gate this afternoon in one of the earliest two-year-old races of the season.

Cat Dreamer, a chestnut colt out of Silent Alarm, by Boundary, was an early foal, born on 14 January. He sold at the Barretts Yearling Sale for $18,000 to Michael Shustek, the top price paid for a Cat Dreams.

He will enter the gate for the first race at Santa Anita this afternoon, a two furlong contest for California-bred maidens together with eight other precocious youngsters.

He is owned by Kentucky D Stables LLC & Stanley & Firsthome Thoroughbreds and trained by Adam Kitchingman. Martin Pedroza will be the man on his back.

I hope he will do well, but it is debatable how much can be read from a two-furlong race. Even though I am not a fan of racing two-year-olds this early, I cannot help feeling excited about Cat Dreams having his first starter. Here begins another road for Cat Dreams. May he do well as a sire and have plenty of winners.

(Cat Dreams (USA) - 2002 bay horse - Storm Cat x J J'sdream, by Glitterman)

Remembering The Fog

Last week I said I would put the spotlight on one of my former stable stars. And where better to start than with the star that shone the brightest, and whose light was cruelly dimmed too soon.

When scouting for horses to include in my crops, it is always a pleasure to look through the photos for the Ocala Breeders Sales August Yearling Sale. When checking out horses for my 2002 crop, I came across a conformation photo of a dark bay yearling who carried the beautiful name Lost In The Fog. He was by Lost Soldier out of Cloud Break, a Dr Carter mare. Not a fashionable pedigree for sure. He looked balanced and strong for a yearling and had none of the awkwardness that many other yearlings have. His backside was already showing the promise of power. So, with such an impressive physique and a gorgeous name like that, how could I not include him. So in August 2003 into my stable the lovely dark bay colt went. Little did I expect the kind of ride that he would take me on.

He was bred by Susan Seper in Ocala, Florida. The story goes that she went to pasture to look for the weanling, but the field was covered in a blanket of fog. As she searched, this young horse emerged and walked towards her. And so Lost In The Fog was named.

He was owned by 85-year-old Californian Harry J Aleo and trained by veteran trainer Harry Gilchrist. I received his first official workout on 16 May 2004. He worked 2 furlongs in 24.40, good, but not spectacular. Towards the autumn his workouts made me sit up and take notice, he was consistently fast and I mentioned to someone about this colt that was working like lightning at Golden Gate Fields.

I was surprisingly nervous when he was entered into his first race on 14 November 2004 in race 3 at Golden Gate Fields. I wasn't the only one who had noticed him and he went off favourite. He was already an old pro it seemed. He sped to the front, set the pace and was easily best under a hand ride. Yes, I knew, this colt really could be something.

And something he was. He took me on a journey that none of my other horses have taken me on so far. He ran again and again and climbed up in the ranks, coming out top every time. That he was a sprinter I never doubted. One only had to look at those hind quarters to know that this horse was all about speed. And speed was something he had excesses off.

The first graded stakes win came in his 4th start in the Riva Ridge Breeders' Cup S (G2) at Belmont Park on 11 June 2005. He followed up with another G2 win in the Carry Back and a well-deserved G1 win in the King's Bishop S at Saratoga over 7 furlongs. Another win was recorded back in California in the Bay Meadows Speed H. Then on to the Breeders' Cup at Belmont, still undefeated and the fastest horse in the US. The Sprint was his for the taking and it was his to lose. He went off as a short-priced favourite. I couldn't watch the race, but was listening to the audio broadcast. My heart sank when he started to fall back late in the race. This was not like Fog, something had to be wrong. I was so disappointed. That was supposed to be his the diamond in his crown. He was the Eclipse Champion Sprinter, I just wished he would still be undefeated. One can ask for too much I suppose.

As a four-year-old he came back in the at the Golden Gate Fields Sprint S on 22 April. I was nervous, his Breeders' Cup loss still in my memory. He lost to Carthage. Again, I was baffled, had Fog lost his speed, his power? Was he just not quite fit? Churchill Downs was his next stop in the G3 Aristides Breeders' Cup H over 6f. I was so relieved when he won again and in a time quicker than the winning Sprint time had been. Was Fog back, was he going to take revenge?

Then came the Smile Sprint H (G2) at Calder. Surely Fog would show the field his heels and be back to his best. But he just did not fire. He finished 9th. I felt worried - something had to be not quite right. That was not the Fog of old!

His trainer Greg Gilchrist said after the race that he had not been quite right, but still believed he would run his race. In August he showed some discomfort, which was believed to be colic and he was taken to the University of California-Davis Veterinary School to be treated. There they discovered a mass in in the Fog's spleen that the doctors believed to be lymphoma. I remember seeing the first reports and my heart sinking. A few days later even graver reports came - more tumours were discovered and they were inoperable. He had a tumor the size of a football near the spine, a second large tumor in the spleen and a third in the membrane that suspends the spleen.

The vets told us that these tumours could have been growing there for four months, maybe even up to a year. It sure would have affected his last race but could it have caused him discomfort as far back as October 2005? But how much did that matter now I knew that my favourite horse would soon be no more.

The colt was brought back to his own stable to be cared for by his groom Pascual Garcia to live out his last days. Hopeful reports briefly came, Fog was going to undergo chemotherapy, but I was sceptical. But the end came, all too quickly.

Lost In The Fog lost his battle with cancer on Sunday 17 September 2006 when he was euthanized after he went into distress just after Gilchrist had grazed him.

I don't often cry, but I cried for Lost In The Fog. For him, for his connections, for all that could have been. Here had been a horse with so much talent, so much raw speed, and yet he was no longer here.

Necropsy revealed that the cancer was even more extensive than it had been believed. One tumour ran almost the length of his back. The cancer also involved his arteries, kidneys and intestinal organs.

Lost In The Fog earned $978,099 in a 14 race career, which included 11 wins and 1 second.

The star is gone, but his memory remains. He will always be special to me and to many others I am sure. Thank you Fog, for all the beautiful moments you have given me. I am so proud!

(Lost In The Fog (USA) - 2002 dkbr colt - Lost Soldier x Cloud Break, by Dr Carter)

Imari's Firstborn Named

Curragh Mon is the name of Imari's first foal, a two-year-old grey colt by Maria's Mon.

Imari is a daughter of Forty Niner out of a Sunday Silence granddaughter. She was bred in Japan by Nishikawa Co Ltd. Imari's dam, Western Sharp, was a winner in Japan. I first noticed her in the Keeneland September Yearling Sales Catalogue of 2002. Her breeding really caught my eye. I mean, Forty Niner and Sunday Silence! So into my first stable she went. She sold for $285,000 to Amerman Racing.

She didn't show that much promise in her 3yo year, but managed to win her two races at 4. Her last race was in February 2005, in time for her to be bred for a 2006 foal! I am not sure whether there was an injury or whether her owners decided she was never going to get blacktype. Anyway, she was bred to Maria's Mon on 7 April 2005. She once again entered the Keeneland sales ring in November 2005, pregnant with her Maria's Mon foal. She was sold to Kenneth and Sarah Ramsey for $100,000, a bargain if you ask me!

On 19 March 2006 she gave birth to her first foal. She was then bred to Ramsey Farm's own Kitten's Joy. I wonder, was she bought with Kitten's Joy in mind? Her Kitten's Joy foal was born on 11 April 07, a chestnut colt.

I am looking forward to Curragh Mon, he should be an interesting race horse. He brought a meagre price of $9,000 at the Keeneland Yearling Sale last year when he was bought by Crupi's New Castle Farm, but I hope that he can run. I have added him to my 2006 crop.

(Imari (JPN) - 2001 dkbr mare - Forty Niner x Western Sharp, by Sunday Silence)
(Curragh Mon (USA) - 2006 gr colt - Maria's Mon x Imari, by Forty Niner)

Stars Of The Turf

I am participating in a new online horse racing game called Stars Of The Turf, started by Alex. He has devised this idea for a horse racing game, that lets you choose 30 2yo race horses based on their sires' stud fees. 5 horses for each level of stud fee. You score via a points system as the horses run throughout the year. See the website for more details. This could be a really good game and I hope a lot of people will enter!

My picks are all either in my ToF Stable or foals by my ToF horses:

Tier A ($100k +)
1. Burgee (USA) : colt - Awesome Again ($150k) x Gold Streamer
2. Rotterdam (USA) : colt - Unbridled's Song ($150k) x Zoftig
3. Secret Wish (CAN) : filly - Street Cry ($100k) x Awesome Lass
4. Sunspear (IRE) : filly - Montjeu (EUR 125k) x Out West
5. unnamed (USA) : colt - Storm Cat ($300k) x Paiota Falls

Tier B ($50k - <$100k):
1. Ermine Slippers (USA) : filly - El Prado ($75k) x Sweet As Honey
2. Early Morning Rain (IRE) : filly - Rock Of Gibraltar (EUR 35k=$54k) x Honorine
3. unnamed (USA) : filly - Mineshaft ($75k) x Wildwood Flower
4. unnamed (USA) : filly - Mineshaft ($75k) x Whitewater
5. Seiun Knowledge (USA) : colt - Vindication ($60k) x Dossier

Tier C ($20k - <$50k):
1. Captain Captivated (USA) : filly - El Corredor ($30k) x Captivated
2. Barnstorming (USA) : colt - Thunder Gulch ($20k) x Soul Of The Cat
3. Race The Breeze (CAN) : filly - Theatrical ($40k) x Wedding Day Blues
4. unnamed (USA) : colt - Medaglia d'Oro ($40k) x Mizzen Lass
5. unnamed (USA) : filly - Lion Heart ($20k) x New Jersey

Tier D ($10k - <$20k):
1. Flashy Flyer (USA) : filly - Valid Expectations ($17.5k) x Wood Duck
2. Legendary Peace (USA) : filly - Peace Rules ($12.5k) x Red Mischief
3. unnamed (USA) : colt - Five Star Day ($15k) x Adventure
4. Flat Water (USA) : colt - Stephen Got Even ($12,5k) x Zirke Falls
5. unnamed (USA) : colt - Kafwain ($10k) x Unaltered

Tier E ($5k - <$10k):
1. Rightly So (USA) : filly - Read The Footnotes ($8.5k) x Fit Right In
2. Man Of Faith (USA) : colt - Essence Of Dubai x($5k) x River Of Faith
3. Bear Canyon (USA) : filly - Champali ($7.5k) x Miss Vesuvio
4. Oscar's Nominee (USA) : filly - Marino Marini ($5k) x Theatrical Doll
5. Hickory Nut (USA) : colt - Horse Chestnut ($5k) x Masked Ball

Tier F (<$5k):
1. Ancient Future (USA) : filly - Cat Dreams ($4k) x Ma Guerre
2. Certainly You (USA) : filly - Certain Storm ($2.5k) x Had To Be You
3. Marleau (USA) : colt - Cat Dreams ($4k) x Ascalon
4. Storm's Ransom (USA) : colt - Certain Storm ($2.5k) x Cushina
5. Cat Dreamer (USA) : colt - Cat Dreams ($4k) x Aunt Polly

Crop Of 2006... update 2

Acquiesced (IRE)	06F - Refuse To Bend x North East Bay (Prospect Bay) BAY
Adri's Emblem	06F - Our Emblem x ADRIATRICA
Amethyst Dawn (IRE)	06F - Act One x A L'Aube (Selkirk) GR
Ancient Future	06F - CAT DREAMS x Ma Guerre (Lord At War) CH
Artax Minstrel	06F - Artax x Coquina Bay (Cozzene) CH
Barnstorming	06M - Thunder Gulch x SOUL OF THE CAT
Bear Canyon	06F - Champali x Miss Vesuvio (Thirty Six Red)
Bonfire	06M - Runaway Groom x Tenacite (Seattle Slew) DKB
Burgee	06M - Awesome Again x Gold Streamer (Forty Niner) B
Captain Captivated	06F - El Corredor x CAPTIVATED
Certainly You	06F - CERTAIN STORM x Had To Be You (Horatius)
Curlew (IRE)	06M - Cape Cross x Billbill (Storm Cat) BAY
Damselfly (GB)	06F - Dr Fong x Mazarine Blue (Bellypha) BAY
Darcey (GB)	06F - Noverre x Firozi (Forzando) CH
Dark Echoes (GB)	06M - Diktat x Calamanco (Clantime) BLK
Early Morning Rain (IRE)	06F - Rock Of Gibraltar x Honorine (Mark Of Esteem) B
Emilia Plater	06F - Ascot Knight x Heavenly Glitter (Thirty Six Red) CH
Ermine Slippers	06F - El Prado x Sweet As Honey (Strike The Gold) GR
Firsaan (IRE)	06M - Haafhd x Walayef (Danzig) BAY
Flashy Flyer	06F - Valid Expectations x WOOD DUCK
Hickory Nut	06M - Horse Chestnut x MASKED BALL
Legendary Peace	06F - Peace Rules x Red Mischief (Thirty Six Red)
Man of Faith	06M - Essence Of Dubai x RIVER OF FAITH
Marleau	06M - CAT DREAMS x Ascalon (Two Punch)
Morning Mist	06F - Holy Bull x Go For Bail (Go For Gin) GR
Omega Wolf (IRE)	06M - Spartacus x Brave Cat (Catrail) BAY
Porcupine	06M - Housebuster x Loon Lake (Cryptoclearance) B
Premium Action	06F - Action This Day x Premium Red (Thirty Six Red) CH
Ptarmigan	06F - Unbridled Jet x Flaine (Chenin Blanc) GR
Qelaan	06F - Dynaformer x Irtahal (Swain) BAY
Race the Breeze	06F - Theatrical x Wedding Day Blues (El Prado) DBR
Rightly So	06F - Read The Footnotes x FIT RIGHT IN
Rotterdam	06M - Unbridled's Song x Zoftig (Cozzene) GR
Secret Wish	06F - Street Cry x Awesome Lass (Awesome Again) BAY
Shadows Lengthen (GB)	06M - Dansili x Bay Shade (Sharpen Up) B
Shetan (GB)	06M - Desert Prince x Seven Notes (Zafonic) CH
Shining Dawn	06F - Seeking The Gold x Easy 'n Gold (Slew O'Gold) CH
Snow Valley (FR)	06F - Choisir x Snow Lady (Vision) BAY
Storm's Ransom	06M - CERTAIN STORM x Cushina (Holy Bull)
Sunspear (IRE)	06F - Montjeu x Out West (Gone West) B
Valkyrie (IRE)	06F - Danehill Dancer x Ridotto (Salse) BAY

Lucky No 25 for Kaw Moe

Many things get written about G1 winners, about outstanding equines and champions, but few words are devoted to the unsung heroes, the bread and butter horses, the ones that are an integral part of racing; the claimers.

One such claimer is Kaw Moe, who I included in my 2004 crop, as he is a son of a Thirty Six Red daughter. The chestnut gelding by Rock And Roll out of True Compassion, had 24 runs behind him when he was fed and watered on Friday morning, 14 March. All his runs had come in maiden claiming raced and despite running second and third regularly during his career a win remained elusive.

He was entered in another maiden claiming on Friday afternoon at Mountaineer Racetrack in West Virginia, USA. The race carried a purse of $9,100 and a claiming tag of $5,000. The ten horses in the starting gate would have to cover 1 mile 70 yards over a sloppy dirt track. Kaw Moe went off second favourite, his record such that in company of other non-winners he sure would stand a chance. Lost At The Ritz went off favourite.

Finally he made it happen, finally he came good and how! He trounced the field, winning by almost twelve lengths under John Perez Jr.

Kaw Moe sat close up following Shocking Surprise into the far turn, challenged for the lead, powering clear into the upper stretch, winning much the best while kept to a drive (Equibase chart). He crossed the finish line in 1:52.87. Strike Two was second and Treasure's Joy back in third. The favourite finished fourth.

Kaw Moe was bred by Pine Manor Stable, is owned by Michelle Helms and trained by Edward Clouston. He was foaled on Valentine's Day 2004 in Pennsylvania. He has now earned $18,178 in 25 career starts.

Congrats to his connections and may he win again!

(Kaw Moe (USA) - 2004 chestnut gelding, Rock And Roll x True Compassion, by Thirty Six Red)

2008 Foals, update 2

A couple of more foals have been born.

Mon Belle, full sister to Kentucky Derby winner Monarchos has had her second foal, by Empire Maker. Last year she had a filly by the same sire.

Gypsy Hollow, dam of Gipson Dessert, who is a listed winner in France, had a foal by El Corredor. It is her third foal.

Sire x Dam (Dam Sire)
- Mr Greeley x Adventure (Unbridled's Song)
- Langfuhr x Aimer (Swain)
- Consolidator x Al Maha (Holy Bull)
- Harlan's Holiday x Calusa (Unbridled's Song)
- Elusive Quality x Catbaby (AP Indy) COLT
- More Than Ready x Citron Moon (Danzig)
- Value Plus x Concert Bythe Lake (Stormy Atlantic)
- Unbridled's Song x Friendly Michelle (Artax)
- Vindication x Gently (Storm Cat) FILLY
- El Corredor x Gypsy Hollow (Dixieland Band) NEW
- Olmodavor x Howl At The Moon (Dynaformer) named Beth's Angel
- Chief Seattle x Loch Nessie (Meadow Monster)
- Empire Maker x Mon Belle (Maria's Mon) NEW
- Belong To Me x Moonlight (Unbridled) FILLY
- Arch x Quickfire (Dubai Millennium)
- Unbridled Energy x Tiffed (Seattle Slew)
- Johannesburg x Uriel (Unbridled)
- Valid Expectations x Wood Duck (Kingmambo)

I am away for a few days, but next week on my return, I will write something on one of my past stable stars.

I will be away for a the next few days.

Birthday Starters - Results

Well my birthday horses did rather poorly, only Watchtower managed 2nd, the rest finished 6th and worse! That's that for my lucky birthday theory...

- Nyuk Nyuk Nyuk (CAN) - Gulfstream Park, race 8 - Richter Scale H G2 - 7f dirt - finished 6th, the chart reads: off slowly, moved up to chase the pace around the turn, then faded

- My Thirty Six (USA) - Tampa Bay Downs, race 3 - claiming - 1 1/16 m dirt - finished 7th, the chart reads: Failed to menace

- Watchtower (IRE) - Tampa Bay Downs, race 4 - claiming - 1m40y dirt - finished 2nd, the chart reads: set a moderate pace, resisted the winner though a prolonged duel then just hung late

- Kaw Moe (USA) - Mountaineer Park, race 1 - claiming - 1m70y dirt - racing cancelled

- Possum (USA) - Hawthorne, race 6 - claiming - 1m70y dirt - finished 6th, the chart reads: Never menaced

- Bitter Bill (USA) - Santa Anita, race 10 - claiming - 6 1/2 f turf - finished 6th, the chart reads: close up stalking the pace inside, bid along the rail in the stretch and was outfinished.

- Redan (USA) - Aqueduct, race 6 - claiming - 6f dirt - finished 9th, the chart reads: raced inside and tired

- Silmi (GB) - Sandown 3.15 - Listed Handicap - 2m110y hurdles - finished 16th, chart reads: in touch, reminder after 5th, weakened under pressure after 3 out

Birthday Starters

Tomorrow, Saturday 8 March, is my birthday. Last year on my birthday every single horse won. I know this is unlikely to happen again, but I will list my crops' starters for tomorrow:

- Nyuk Nyuk Nyuk (CAN) - Gulfstream Park, race 8 - Richter Scale H G2 - 7f dirt -
- My Thirty Six (USA) - Tampa Bay Downs, race 3 - claiming - 1 1/16 m dirt -
- Watchtower (IRE) - Tampa Bay Downs, race 4 - claiming - 1m40y dirt -
- Kaw Moe (USA) - Mountaineer Park, race 1 - claiming - 1m70y dirt -
- Possum (USA) - Hawthorne, race 6 - claiming - 1m70y dirt -
- Bitter Bill (USA) - Santa Anita, race 10 - claiming - 6 1/2 f turf -
- Redan (USA) - Aqueduct, race 6 - claiming - 6f dirt -
- Silmi (GB) - Sandown 3.15 - Handicap - 2m110y hurdles -

Funnily enough a lot of them seem to be by Thirty Six Red daughters. I always include quite a few Thirty Six Red grandkids in my crops. He is the first horse I remember seeing on television, so has a special place in my heart. I will write more about him soon.

Wish my lot good luck!

(Bitter Bill - 2004 dk bay gelding - Cobra King x Revelation Bay, by Thirty Six Red)
(Kaw Moe - 2004 chestnut gelding - Rock And Roll x True Compassion, by Thirty Six Red)
(My Thirty Six - 2002 dk bay gelding - My Mike x Thirty Six Lou Lou, by Thirty Six Red)
(Nyuk Nyuk Nyuk - 2001 bay gelding - Mutakddim x May Time, by Cure The Blues)
(Possum - 2004 grey gelding - Silver Charm x Regal Eyre, by Regal Remark)
(Redan - 2004 chestnut gelding - Storm Boot x Thirtysix On Ice, by Thirty Six Red)
(Silmi - 2004 grey colt - Daylami x Intimaa, by Caerleon)
(Watchtower - 2002 chestnut horse - Dubai Millennium x Balisada, by Kris)

Godolphin Seven Stars Competition

I enter the competition on www.godolphin.com every year, but never seem to do very well :o) They have made it more complicated over the last couple of years, with all this active and non-active horses rubbish! Very annoying! Just thought I'd share my choices this year:

Blackat Blackitten
Blue Ksar
Creachadoir
Eastern Anthem
Filios
Happy Boy
Ibn Khaldun
Literato
Moon Quest
Numaany
Ramonti
Rio De La Plata
The Illies
West Wind

Three of these I already follow in my ToF stables: Eastern Anthem, Filios and Ibn Khaldun, so obviously I couldn't leave them out!

Eastern Anthem was very disappointing for me last year, as I adored his dam Kazzia, who won the 1,000 Guineas and the Epsom Oaks, and expected big things from him. He still might be something and I hope he will bloom this year. Filios has been a decent handicap horse last year and made his first start at Nad Al Sheba after a seven-month absence. He did not very well at all, but as it was his first start back I sure hope he will get to his old level and even better. The guys at Godolphin must have seen something in him. He is by Kutub, who was a triple G1 winner for Godolphin. Ibn Khaldun is my main hope for the classics next year. He really ran very well last year and I think he is still underrated. As far as I can tell generally Rio De La Plata is considered to be Godolphin's main classic hope, but my eye is definitely on the chestnut son of Dubai Destination. He is a very professional genuine colt and he should definitely be a contender.

As for the rest of my choices, some of them are obvious ones and others are bigger gambles.
My active horses for Challenge I, which runs from 29 March till 31 May are:

- Blackat Blackitten
- Blue Ksar
- Filios
- Ibn Khaldun
- Moon Quest
- Rio De La Plata
- West Wind

Let's just hope I picked the right 7!

Fingers crossed - some toes as well!

(Eastern Anthem (IRE) - 2004 bay colt - Singspiel x Kazzia, by Zinaad)
(Filios (IRE) - 2004 bay colt - Kutub x Karlinaxa, by Linamix)
(Ibn Khaldun (USA) - 2005 chestnut colt - Dubai Destination x Gossamer, by Sadler's Wells)

2008 Foals, update 1

Sire x Dam (Dam Sire)
- Mr Greeley x Adventure (Unbridled's Song)
- Langfuhr x Aimer (Swain)
- Consolidator x Al Maha (Holy Bull)
- Harlan's Holiday x Calusa (Unbridled's Song)
- Elusive Quality x Catbaby (AP Indy)
- More Than Ready x Citron Moon (Danzig) NEW
- Value Plus x Concert Bythe Lake (Stormy Atlantic) NEW
- Unbridled's Song x Friendly Michelle (Artax)
- Vindication x Gently (Storm Cat) FILLY NEW
- Olmodavor x Howl At The Moon (Dynaformer) named Beth's Angel
- Chief Seattle x Loch Nessie (Meadow Monster) NEW
- Belong To Me x Moonlight (Unbridled) FILLY
- Arch x Quickfire (Dubai Millennium) NEW
- Unbridled Energy x Tiffed (Seattle Slew)
- Johannesburg x Uriel (Unbridled) NEW
- Valid Expectations x Wood Duck (Kingmambo

Crop Of 2006... update 1

I have added quite a few horses since my last list - mainly European. Unfortunately I have had to remove Saluki, a Dubai Destination colt, as he had been exported to South Africa, which would make him hard to follow. Apart from a few foals from my earlier crops I am unlikely to add any more north american horses. I am shortlisting some Europeans and the final choice is going to be hard. I might go slightly over 50 horses, but I will try and contain myself and not go crazy. The last one I added was Shetan, a Desert Prince colt, as it was the arabic name of The Black Stallion from Walter Farley's books that I loved so much when I was little. I still love them really!

Acquiesced (IRE)	06F - Refuse To Bend x North East Bay (Prospect Bay) BAY
Adri's Emblem	06F - Our Emblem x ADRIATRICA
Amethyst Dawn (IRE)	06F - Act One x A L'Aube (Selkirk) GR
Ancient Future	06F - CAT DREAMS x Ma Guerre (Lord At War) CH
Artax Minstrel	06F - Artax x Coquina Bay (Cozzene) CH
Barnstorming	06M - Thunder Gulch x SOUL OF THE CAT
Bear Canyon	06F - Champali x Miss Vesuvio (Thirty Six Red)
Bonfire	06M - Runaway Groom x Tenacite (Seattle Slew) DKB
Burgee	06M - Awesome Again x Gold Streamer (Forty Niner) B
Captain Captivated	06F - El Corredor x CAPTIVATED
Certainly You	06F - CERTAIN STORM x Had To Be You (Horatius)
Damselfly (GB)	06F - Dr Fong x Mazarine Blue (Bellypha) BAY
Darcey (GB)	06F - Noverre x Firozi (Forzando) CH
Early Morning Rain (IRE)	06F - Rock Of Gibraltar x Honorine (Mark Of Esteem) B
Emilia Plater	06F - Ascot Knight x Heavenly Glitter (Thirty Six Red) CH
Ermine Slippers	06F - El Prado x Sweet As Honey (Strike The Gold) GR
Hickory Nut	06M - Horse Chestnut x MASKED BALL
Legendary Peace	06F - Peace Rules x Red Mischief (Thirty Six Red)
Man of Faith	06M - Essence Of Dubai x RIVER OF FAITH
Marleau	06M - CAT DREAMS x Ascalon (Two Punch)
Morning Mist	06F - Holy Bull x Go For Bail (Go For Gin) GR
Neptune Fix (FR)	06M - Goldneyev x Bella Dicta (Vayrann) BLK
Omega Wolf (IRE)	06M - Spartacus x Brave Cat (Catrail) BAY
Porcupine	06M - Housebuster x Loon Lake (Cryptoclearance) B
Ptarmigan	06F - Unbridled Jet x Flaine (Chenin Blanc) GR
Qelaan	06F - Dynaformer x Irtahal (Swain) BAY
Race the Breeze	06F - Theatrical x Wedding Day Blues (El Prado) DBR
Rightly So	06F - Read The Footnotes x FIT RIGHT IN
Rotterdam	06M - Unbridled's Song x Zoftig (Cozzene) GR
Secret Wish	06F - Street Cry x Awesome Lass (Awesome Again) BAY
Shadows Lengthen (GB)	06M - Dansili x Bay Shade (Sharpen Up) B
Shetan (GB)	06M - Desert Prince x Seven Notes (Zafonic) CH
Shining Dawn	06F - Seeking The Gold x Easy 'n Gold (Slew O'Gold) CH
Snow Valley (FR)	06F - Choisir x Snow Lady (Vision) BAY
Storm's Ransom	06M - CERTAIN STORM x Cushina (Holy Bull)
Sunspear (IRE)	06F - Montjeu x Out West (Gone West) B
Valkyrie (IRE)	06F - Danehill Dancer x Ridotto (Salse) BAY

Two ToF Offspring in Keeneland Breeze-Up

Two youngsters from my ToF crop horses are in the Keeneland Two-Year-Olds In Training Sale on 8/9 April 2008:

Hip 41: chestnut colt (2006), Storm Cat x Paiota Falls
and
Hip 163: dark bay or brown filly (2006), Cat Dreams x Siphonophora

In the Keeneland September Yearling Sale the Paiota Falls colt, who is her first foal, went unsold for $425,000. I am very interested to see what he will bring in this sale. It should be around the half million mark in my opinion.

The Cat Dreams x Siphonophora filly is quite experienced at this whole sales thing by now. This will be third time she is led through the Keeneland sales ring. She was first sold at the January Of All Ages Sales in 2007 for $16,000, then she fetched $10,000 in September of the same year. In feel she is well bred and I would hazard a guess that she will bring between $20,000 and $25,000.

They will gallop under tack on Monday 7 April.

ToF 2008 Foals

Some of my ToF mares have foals already, so I just thought I'd give a list of the foals:
Sire x Dam (Dam Sire)
- Mr Greeley x Adventure (Unbridled's Song)
- Langfuhr x Aimer (Swain)
- Consolidator x Al Maha (Holy Bull)
- Harlan's Holiday x Calusa (Unbridled's Song)
- Elusive Quality x Catbaby (AP Indy)
- Unbridled's Song x Friendly Michelle (Artax)
- Olmodavor x Howl At The Moon (Dynaformer)
- Belong To Me x Moonlight (Unbridled) FILLY
- Unbridled Energy x Tiffed (Seattle Slew)
- Valid Expectations x Wood Duck (Kingmambo

I like the Olmodavor x Howl At The Moon cross. It's very exciting finding out whether my mares have foals yet and who they are by. I am expecting quite a few this year. I will give updated lists every now and then.

Sugar Swirl Romps

Sugar Swirl did me proud yesterday. Despite the fact her main rival Lady Marlboro scratched she definitely made people turn heads. She made decisive move around the turn to draw off to a eight-and-three-quarters length win over Change Up, with Silver Knockers back in third. She recorded a time of 1.22.77 under a hand ride.

Her jockey Javier Castellano said: "She was primed and ready. There's no question about her being able to go longer based on the way she ran today. I had a ton of horse going for home."

Her next target is likely the Shirley Jones H (G2) on 22 March.

Mr Golden Ruler unfortunately finished last in the Borderland Derby

(Sugar Swirl - 2003 chestnut mare - Touch Gold x Astrapi, by Distinctive Pro)

Premium Tap Manages Only Fourth

I have to say I am slightly dissapointed in the fourth place finish of Allam (Premium Tap) in the The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup (G1), the biggest and most important race in Saudi Arabia's racing callendar. Kharimes (Joe Louis) won the 2400m race in 2:28.07, three quarters of a length in front of Shabel Almidaan, who beat Aloqhuwan (Omikron) by head back in third.

Yes the winning horse is quite accomplished, being an Argentinian G1 winner, but overall Premium Tap (Allam in Saudi Arabia) should have had the upper hand in this field. It is hard to determine exactly what happened or why he lost as the only information I have is the cold hard fact of the result. I sure hope he does not have a physical problem. Who knows, maybe he got boxed in, which is not impossible in a field of 18. I wish I knew. For now I will give him the definite benefit of doubt and expect him to be fit and ready to go for the Dubai World Cup, in which he is likely to face some big boys, including Curlin.

I love this horse and I hope he will bounce back to prove that he is a fantastic horse that is certainly capable of a top 3 in the Dubai World Cup, though I still want him to win it!

PS horses when racing in Saudi Arabia get different names, ie Premium Tap is Allam.

(Premium Tap - 2002 bay horse - Pleasant Tap x Premium Red, by Thirty Six Red)

The Weekend's ToF Stakes Action

Today (Saturday) Mr Golden Ruler, son of my 2001 mare Nature's Gold, is contesting the Borderland Derby at Sunland Park. He was not included in my 2005 crop, but nonetheless, being by one of my mares, I keep a close eye on him. Nature's Gold, a Valiant Nature mare, raced a few times without hitting the board, but her three-year-old son broke his maiden in his second start and placed in his last of three starts, an allowance race. The Arizona-bred Tribal Rule colt is likely to be the longest shot of the field. Poni Colada looks to go off a short-odds favourite. The Borderland Derby is over the trip of 1 1/16 miles and carries a purse of $100,000. It is an enormous step up for him, but who knows!

Sunday it is Sugar Swirl's turn, from my 2003 crop. She is taking her place in the $150,000 Hurricane Bertie Handicap (G3) at Gulfstream Park. Her biggest rival in the seven furlong race will be Lady Marlboro, who finished in a a dead heat in the Sabin Handicap (G3) back at the beginning of January. Of course Sugar Swirl is a G3 winner now and she has been quite consistent so far in her career. I give her a big chance of winning another one. She should be able to stretch out to 7f, as she seemed to have something left to give in her last race. She has actually won over 1 mile before, though that was 'only' an allowance race. Maybe the fact that Javier Castellano chose to ride her over Lady Marlboro is enough. Sugar Swirl is on a roll and I hope she keeps on rolling. I would love to see her in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint at the end of the year. She could be my American flagbearer for 2008!

(Sugar Swirl - 2003 chestnut mare - Touch Gold x Astrapi, by Distinctive Pro)
(Mr Golden Ruler - 2005 dark bay colt - Tribal Rule x NATURE'S GOLD, by Valiant Nature)

Price Is Right For Rightly So

The Selected Sale of Two-Year-Olds in Training took place on Tuesday 12 February. In it was hip 17, a dark bay filly from the first crop of graded stakes winner Read The Footnotes. She is out of Fit Right In, who belonged to my 2002 crop.

Fit Right In never raced. Her dam Gaye's Blossom is by Thirty Six Red, one of my all-time favourite horses. I also follow her Freud half sister Don't Mind Me (2004), who is an allowance winner and stakes placed.

Rightly So is Fit Right In's first foal and Tuesday was the first time she went through the ring. She had performed well in the under tack show, going 2f in 10.1 on 3 February. Showing speed in the under tack shows can really up the sales price, remember The Green Monkey anyone? :o)

She was consigned by Sequel Bloodstock and sold for a very neat $220,000. Zayat Stables bought her.

Her name was not on her catalogue page, but I hope they will keep her name. I like Rightly So. It sounds stubborn :o)

Anyway, keep an eye out for the girl when she gets to the races. I have added her to my 2006 crop.

(Rightly So - 2006 dark bay filly - Read The Footnotes x Fit Right In, by Out Of Place)
(Fit Right In - 2002 chestnut mare - Out Of Place x Gaye's Blossom, by Thirty Six Red)

All About Cat Dreams

2008 is going to be an exciting year, not least because two of my first crop (2001) boys have their first two-year-olds this year, Certain Storm and Cat Dreams, both sons of the big man Storm Cat.

I actually have very high hopes for Cat Dreams. He is beautifully bred, being out of J J'sdream, a multiple stakes winning Glitterman mare. He only made one start, which he won. Unfortunately, he sustained a career ending injury in that race, though I am not sure what that injury is/was. He started his career at Pepper Oaks Farm in California for a $4,000 fee. He was well supported in his first year with 64 mares. I have 44 live foals listed for him, which I will of course be keeping an eye on. I will report on them as the season progresses. He was also supported by B Wayne Hughes, who was his owner during his short racing career, and he sent some decent mares to Cat Dreams, including Siphonophora, a Siphon half sister to Kentucky Derby winner Monarchos, and Ma Guerre, a graded-placed half sister to Louisiana Derby winner Mighty. Hopefully he should get some decent runners.

So far I have added two of them to my Crop of 2006 to follow closely: Marleau, a grey colt out of Ascalon (Two Punch) , and Ancient Future, the chestnut filly out of Ma Guerre. I will probably add one more, maybe the Siphonophora filly, which has not been named yet.

Bigger name freshman sires this year include Derby and Preakness winner Smarty Jones, Belmont winner Birdstone, Travers winner Ten Most Wanted, Subarban H winner Peace Rules and Florida Derby winner Friends Lake. But yet, I think Cat Dreams can compete with any of them. He is by a sire of sires out of a multiple stakes winning mare and showed brilliance in his only outing. When looking at his conformation photo, you can see he is a son of Storm Cat.

Can he beat the odds and become a great sire? I sure hope so - I think he has the genes to do it.

I already said it, but I will say it again, this year is all about Cat Dreams!

(Cat Dreams - 2001 bay horse - Storm Cat x J J'sdream, by Glitterman)

Crop of 2006... so far!

There is a lot of picking and choosing to do and of course waiting on some prospects to be named, but this is what I have so far. Pretty much all of these should make the final cut. The horses in bold are from earlier crops.

Adri's Emblem	06F - Our Emblem x ADRIATRICA
Ancient Future	06F - CAT DREAMS x Ma Guerre (Lord At War) CH
Artax Minstrel	06F - Artax x Coquina Bay (Cozzene) CH
Bear Canyon	06F - Champali x Miss Vesuvio (Thirty Six Red)
Bonfire	06M - Runaway Groom x Tenacite (Seattle Slew) DKB
Burgee	06M - Awesome Again x Gold Streamer (Forty Niner) B
Captain Captivated	06F - El Corredor x CAPTIVATED
Certainly You	06F - CERTAIN STORM x Had To Be You (Horatius)
Darcey (GB)	06F - Noverre x Firozi (Forzando) CH
Emilia Plater	06F - Ascot Knight x Heavenly Glitter (Thirty Six Red) CH
Ermine Slippers	06F - El Prado x Sweet As Honey (Strike The Gold) GR
Hickory Nut	06M - Horse Chestnut x MASKED BALL
Legendary Peace	06F - Peace Rules x Red Mischief (Thirty Six Red)
Man of Faith	06M - Essence Of Dubai x RIVER OF FAITH
Marleau	06M - CAT DREAMS x Ascalon (Two Punch)
Neptune Fix (FR)	06M - Goldneyev x Bella Dicta (Vayrann) BLK
Omega Wolf (IRE)	06M - Spartacus x Brave Cat (Catrail) BAY
Qelaan	06F - Dynaformer x Irtahal (Swain) BAY
Race the Breeze	06F - Theatrical x Wedding Day Blues (El Prado) DBR
Rightly So	06F - Read The Footnotes x FIT RIGHT IN
Rotterdam	06M - Unbridled's Song x Zoftig (Cozzene) GR
Saluki (GB)	06M - Dubai Destination x Dog Rose (Fort Wood) BAY
Secret Wish	06F - Street Cry x Awesome Lass (Awesome Again) BAY
Snow Valley (FR)	06F - Choisir x Snow Lady (Vision) BAY
Storm's Ransom	06M - CERTAIN STORM x Cushina (Holy Bull)
Sunspear (IRE)	06F - Montjeu x Out West (Gone West) B
Valkyrie (IRE)	06F - Danehill Dancer x Ridotto (Salse) BAY

Cloudburst Wins Mardi Gras

Cloudburst has done it! She won her first stakes in good fashion. After a good showing in her last race, a sprint over turf, she was saddled yesterday to go in the Mardi Gras S at the Fair Grounds.

This stakes, over five and a half furlongs on the grass, turned out to be just up her street. She led wire to wire to win by a convincing 2 1/2 lengths. She beat the good filly Sweepstake (IRE). Sweepstake is a Listed winner in the UK and was 3rd in her last outing, a G3 race at Ascot in July.

She is bred and owned by Overbrook Farm, who stand her sire Storm Cat, and trained by Dallas Stewart. She is unbeaten in two starts this year and with the $36k cheque she won yesterday she has career winnings of just over 70k.

Daily Racing Form article

I was going to call this post 'Cloudburst Burst Onto The Scene", but thought it a bit corny!

I am chuffed to bits that one of my 2005 Crop finally decided to step up to the plate and she did it well. I doubt she will be in the Oaks starting gates come May, but she is beautifully bred and I hope she will continue to improve. As she will likely be tried over two turns in her next start, I will just have sit tight and see what happens.

Isn't horse a wonderful sport?

(Cloudburst - 2005 Dark bay filly - Storm Cat x Harbor Springs, by Vice Regent)

Captain Captivated First To Work

It is always a thrill to get the first workout of a two-year-old of the season.

This year, Captain Captivated was the first to work. Only a furlong, mind you! She is the first produce of my 2001 crop mare Captivated, a Capote mare, by El Corredor. She worked one furlong in 12.40 over the Hollywood Park all-weather yesterday.

It does raise the question, as it does each year, should such young horses really be working at all yet? Their bones have so much growing to do, can they really take the strain of working out yet?

In Captain Captivated's case, she was foaled on 11 February, so she's not even two yet. I have often found that the youngsters that are the first to work, disappear halfway through their two-year-old season and are never heard from again, which is a great shame and I do wonder whether being asked to be race horse so early in life compromises their growth and strength.

In an ideal world, if I had the choice, I would rather not have races for horses under three years old, but I am afraid this is an idle wish and will never happen.

So, it is up to the trainers and owners to decide whether their two-year-old is ready to start working or not. If their youngster is precocious and has done most of their growing, maybe it won't hurt. But if the animal is still awkward and weak, isn't it better to wait until (s)he has grown into his or her frame. There are trainers out there that let their horses dictate their schedule, but others don't and race youngsters that are not ready yet and they get hurt.

Anyway, I hope in Captain Captivated's case that she is ready. I know, she only ran a furlong and how much harm can it do? Fingers crossed she will not be one of the ones to fall by the wayside.

(Captain Captivated - 2006 dark bay filly - El Corredor x Captivated, by Capote)

Three-Year-Olds of 2008

At the start of a new year, one cannot help but cast the mind forward to the upcoming classic season; Kentucky Derby/Oaks, Epsom Derby/Oaks, 1,000/2,000 Guineas in particular and the races running up to them.

This means taking a close look at my 100 foals of 2005 and deciding which ones are most likely to show up in these races.

As far as the Kentucky Derby is concerned I can safely say that I do not have any contenders. My colts this year have been relatively poor. Probably the most promising colt in North America I have is Meer Kat, who is a turfer, so the Ky Derby seems far fetched for him.

My North American fillies are a slightly better bunch than the colts, but whether any of them are good enough to take their place in the Kentucky Oaks, I doubt very much. The best bred and least exposed is Cloudburst possibly, but with only a turf sprint win to her name, her chances of getting to the Oaks are slim. Another filly I am very keen of is Fancy Footsteps. She has won a couple of races, but again over turf. She is the daughter of Fancy Tale, who is a mare from my 2001 crop.

Not a classic contender either, but I am following Sarcasm with interest. Racing in Canada, she seems to be the bridesmaid and never the bride. She raced five times at 2, finishing 2nd four times and 3rd in her only other race. I hope she can finally break her maiden at 3. She deserves it!

That is all I have to offer in the way of North America-based horses I am afraid.

In Europe it's a different story, I have a few very interesting prospects. The most prominent being Ibn Khaldun, already a G1 and G3 winner. He won the Racing Post Trophy in good style in his last race, showing that he is one to be reckoned with for the spring classics. In my eyes he is more a miler than a middle distance runner and my hope for him is that he will win the 2,000 Guineas. I think he's good enough. He has not yet met many of the prime contenders, but he is a fighter and I believe he can do it. The Derby distance might be a bit far for him, though I would not be surprised if his connections gave it a shot. May 2008 be his year!

Maybe for the Epsom Derby General Eliott may be an interesting prospect. He won his only race as a two-year-old in October and being by Rock Of Gibraltar out of a Selkirk mare, the classic distance should suit quite well. He is a bit of an enigma at this stage and it is hard to say how much he will improve.

For the filly classics and more specifically the Epsom Oaks, Step Softly is my girl. She is bred by The Queen and I believe she will get better as the distances stretch out. The 1,000 Guineas may be too short for her, but the Oaks, yes, that should be within her powers. Fingers crossed!

Others that I am expecting a lot from include Starlit Sands (G2 placed), Alfathaa, and sprinter Spitfire.

Thought those are my picks for the coming year, I am sure there will be some surprises in store, some may not even have run yet.

Come on 2008, make it a good one!

(Meer Kat (IRE) - bay colt, Red Ransom x Bush Cat, by Kingmambo)
(Cloudburst (USA) - dark bay filly, Storm Cat x Harbor Springs, by Vice Regent)
(Fancy Footsteps (USA) - chestnut filly, Sky Classic x Fancy Tale, by Rahy)
(Sarcasm (CAN) - chestnut filly, Distorted Humor x Point Gained, by Hennessy)
(Ibn Khaldun (USA) - chestnut colt, Dubai Destination x Gossamer, by Sadler's Wells)
(General Eliott (IRE) - bay colt, Rock Of Gibraltar x Marlene-D, by Selkirk)
(Step Softly (GB) - bay filly, Golan x Step Aloft, by Shirley Heights)
(Starlit Sands (GB) - bay filly, Oasis Dream x Shimmering Sea, by Slip Anchor)
(Alfathaa (GB) - bay colt, Nayef x Arctic Char, by Polar Falcon)
(Spitfire (GB) - bay gelding, Mujahid x Fresh Fruit Daily, by Reprimand)

2006 Crop - Work In Progress!

My crop of 2006 is taking shape. Originally I picked around 100 horses each year, but I have decided this is too many. 50 at the most will be picked from now on.

I have 21 newly turned two-year-olds picked at the moment. It is starting to get interesting as many mares from my first two crops (2001 & 2002) have two-year-olds this year, around 30 in all. I will pick around ten to fifteen of those. Also Cat Dreams (2001) is a freshman sire this year and has quite a few youngsters rearing to go. Certain Storm (2001) also will have his first crop hitting the track this year, though he only has a few.

With so many offspring from my crops this year, it promises to be an interesting one. However, I am also adding some interesting broodmare, stallion or racing prospects from the UK, Ireland, France and North America. I have noticed that my focus when picking my prospects has changed very much over the years. With only going for 50 this year, it forces me to be more picky and selective. I am leaving horses out that any other year would have been included.

Every year I hope to pick a champion, and twice I have picked the sprint champ (Lost In The Fog and Thor's Echo), but I hope I can once pick a Kentucky or Epsom Derby winner, or a Breeders' Cup Classic winner, or even better, an Arc De Triomphe winner! A World Champion even? The chance might be a slimmer with fewer horses, but does that not make it more exciting?! And how wonderful would it be if a champion was born out of one of my mares?

One of the best-bred colts I will include in my 2006 lot this year is a grey Unbridled's Song colt called Rotterdam. He went through the 2007 Keeneland September Yearling Sale ( he was named Sing Zoftly at the time) and brought $235,000. I chose him on name alone, as I grew up in Holland near the city Rotterdam, so the name has special meaning.

I am sure as the season progresses I will mention some more of my 2006 youngsters! For now, I still have a lot of picking to do!!!

Moonlight Miracle

"...Literally and figuratively a filly by Moonlight"

That is what the auctioneer told the potential buyers when Moonlight was led into the Keeneland ring with her little chestnut filly by her side on 8 January. The filly, by Belong To Me, was born on Sunday night, 6 January on the Keeneland sales grounds. And already she has had to deal with noise, people and going through the hustle and bustle of a big horse auction.

Moonlight with her 2-day-old filly

Moonlight herself was part of my 2001 stable - she was a decent runner at allowance level, winning once and placing/showing 5 times out of 13 races. She should make a decent broodmare. This filly is her second foal . She has a 2007 colt by Forest Camp as well.

Bred and campaigned by Overbrook Farm, she is by Breeders' Cup Classic winner Unbridled out of G3 winner Cat Appeal. She was sold on 8 January at Keeneland for $90,000, Gayle Van Leer (agent) signed for her. Hopefully Moonlight and her girl are bonding somewhere somewhat quieter!

(Moonlight - 2001 bay mare - Unbridled x Cat Appeal, by Storm Cat)

Sugar Swirl Lands The First Lady

My first Stakes winner of the year - Sugar Swirl, a sturdy chestnut mare, started the year in good form, finally landing her long over due Graded win. Her win came in the $100,000 First Lady Handicap (G3) on Sunday 14 January.

She was held up on the sloppy Gulfstream Park as Rgirldoesn'tbluff set the pace. Sugar Swirl was ridden by Javier Castellano, who angled her out on the turn as she found another gear. She gamely conquered her foes in good style and came home in 1.10.06 in the slop.

The pacesetter Rgirldoesn'tbluff held secon, comfortably clear of Bereba, who finished in third.

She is trained by Brian Lynch for Stronach Stables.

(Sugar Swirl - 2003 chestnut mare - Touch Gold x Astrapi, by Distinctive Pro)

Z Z Dome Wins On New Mexico Cup Day

Z Z Dome, a 3yo Dome gelding, managed his 4th career win in the New Mexico Cup Classic Championship Colts & Geldings S, a 153k race for (surprise, surprise) New Mexico-bred colts and geldings at Zia Park last Saturday (11 Nov).

Back in January of this year he won the Pepsi Cola Handicap at Sunland Park by a neck and followed up with a 2nd place finish in the New Mexico Breeders Derby in March. After a spell on the sidelines he returned in an allowance race at Zia Park, but managed only 6th.

However, he bounced back to form in Saturday's race, winning the 6f race in 1:11.20. He was bred by Angel Parr, Frank Parr & W L Mooring. As a yearling he was sold at the August Ruidoso NM-bred Sale to Jimmy Howard for $23,000, his owner. He is trained by Todd Flincher.

He was a pretty good investment, having earned a whopping $224k. He ran 7 times, winning 4, placed 2nd once and 3rd once.

Well done Z Z Dome!

( Z Z Dome - dark bay or brown gelding - Dome x Zsa Zsa K, by Thirty Six Red)

Echo Of Light Retired To Stud

It is old news by now, but I wanted to put the spotlight on this horse.

Echo Of Light is my favourite out of the late Dubai Millennium's only crop, which were born in 2002. Has has been from the beginning. He is a beautiful individual and has a beautiful name to boot. He is also very much like his sire physically and in my mind he was his most brilliant son, but a quirky character did not help him to quite achieve his potential. He has done well enough, winning a few Group races, but to this day I maintain: He is better than his record suggests.

Quite a few Dubai Millenniums were taken up in my 2002 crop, including champion miler Dubawi, who was special from the start, but even Dubawi had his quirks, having a tendency to hang. It seems that most of Dubai Millennium's crop had temperament issues of one kind or another. A few of his fillies were rumoured to be divas, including the good filly Quickfire, also part of my 2002 crop.

However, Echo Of Light's quirks are probably a little more infamous than of the others, the most famous occasion was when he ran off the course at Windsor in his third outing. Needless to say, he never ran there again. He did win his next two starts, starting to show some of the promise that he had been showing at home. He was first tried in Group company in the G1 Champion Stakes at Newmarket. I was so angry when I was watching the race on telly. He was ridden like a pacemaker and I thought he was too good a horse for that. Needless to say, he tired and finished last in a race won by David Junior. Next time out was on the all-weather at Lingfield for the Summer Mile Stakes (G3), which he won without too much fuss, like a good horse should.
He plonked again though in his next race (Sussex Stakes G1), being too keen for his own good.

At 4 he started his season with another G3 win in the Strensall Stakes at York. He gave a nice front running performance. He was able to relax and won his race decisively.
Next came probably the finest performance of his career. At Longchamp (Paris) he ran a neat race and captured the Prix Daniel Wildenstein (G2), despite drifting left once more in the final stages. I was looking forward to the Breeders' Cup Mile, knowing that the horse had so much to give, but once more he plonked. Once again he was too keen for his own good and one must wonder whether the firm American turf would have suited him at all.
He returned to action as a five-year-old to contest the Summer Mile Stakes (G2) once more. This time he could not manage better than fourth, once again hanging violently left a furlong from home. He should have been involved in the finish.
He won a G3 at Deauville before capturing the Strensall Stakes (G3) again at York. He could manage only 5th when he attempted another Prix Daniel Wildenstein (G2) and bowed out in the Premio Vittorio Di Capua at San Siro race course in Italy.

He ran all races under the Godolphin banner trained by Saeed Bin Suroor.

Shortly after followed the announcement that he would be retired to stud at Darley, where he will stand for GBP 5,000 in 2008.

It is a good price and hopefully he will attract a decent sized book of mares.

Only one request to broodmare owners though: Please only send mares with a quiet relaxed disposition and preferably a sense of direction.

(Echo Of Light - 2002 bay horse - Dubai Millennium x Spirit Of Tara, by Sadler's Wells)

Outside ToF Report: RIP Gorgeous George

George Washington (bay colt, Danehill x Bordighera, by Alysheba)
1 March 2003 - 27 October 2007

I get quite annoyed when I hear people say that George Washington should not have been in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Even more annoyed when they tell me that he had not been performing at top class level this year and thus had no business being in the race. Where do they get their information from I wonder?

Let's look at his starts this year, shall we? After returning to training from stud duties due to fertility problems, his first competitive outing was at Ascot, in the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes over 1m. Hef finished 4th in a blanket finish, only half a length behind the winner Ramonti, who would prove this year's top miler, and he was gaining in the final furlong. He followed up with 2 third place finishes. In the 1m2f Eclipse he finished 1 1/2 lengths behind Notnowcato and Authorized and Notnowcato, racing so far from the rest of the field, took everybody by surprise, but was only beaten by star 3yo Authorized by a head. In Paris at Longchamp, he was beaten 3 lengths by Dajina and Ramonti and was finishing fast. Both his mile races suggested he wanted further.

He ran 6th in the Breeders' Cup Classic last year and no doubt would have been closer up had he not been bumped. If he can be competitive against America's top dirt horses, surely that means he handles the dirt right? I don’t get it, I just don’t get it.

I did worry about the ground though, not just for George, but for all the horses’ safety. It looked like a swimming pool out there at Monmouth Park (NJ). It was beyond ‘sloppy’! On the Breeders’ Cup broadcast they mentioned that had it been any other meeting during the summer, the card would have been cancelled. As it was, it was the Breeders’ Cup and how can one cancel the Breeders’ Cup?

Curlin confirmed for me that he is the best horse the United States has got to offer at the moment, but his convincing win was overshadowed by the news that Gorgeous George, as he was lovingly known by us all, had suffered fatal injuries while being eased through the stretch and had to be put down. Several eye witness accounts report that they knew it was the end as soon as they saw the leg. There was no hope and the kindest thing to do was to put him to sleep before the adrenaline would wear off and the pain would kick in. The thought of George Washington, a majestic beautiful horse, lying in the Monmouth mud while his heart stops beating, seems so undignified. That it all ended there, in front of a foreign crowd and yet for the world to see, it does not seem right somehow.

Even though in most of his races I had cheered for different horses, just having him in the races added extra excitement. Wherever George went, he caused a stir. He had a mind of his own, was quirky and full of fire. He knew he was that good and I think that was what people loved about him.

Most of the times I love this sport, but sometimes it kills me inside. I know fatal injuries are unfortunately not uncommon in horse racing, but I will never get used to them. Every time I see a horse pulling up or falling during a race, my heart shrinks a little. Most get up again or sustain only minor injuries, but sometimes they never get up again.

The thoroughbred is a strange creature. Such a powerful body, such fragrile legs, such beauty and grace, such speed and determination, such is their nature that they will fall to the ground with their eyes still firmly fixed on the finish line.

Let me propose a toast to all those gallant horses that have given their lives running for our pleasure and to George Washington, who will always be our Gorgeous George:

Cheers!

Ibn Khaldun Gets The Job Done

What Breeders Cup? I have already watched the most important race of the day!

Ibn Khaldun's connections had travelled from all corners of the globe to be at Doncaster today. OK, that is a bit of an exaggeration, but close enough. Jockey Kerrin McEvoy travelled back from Australia to ride him. Frankie Dettori chose to go to the Breeders' Cup, which is fair enough, but his loss and Kerrin's gain. Trainer Saeed Bin Suroor and Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford travelled back from Monmouth Park to be there today. And boy, I bet they were glad they made the effort!

The Racing Post Trophy, the last G1 flat race in England, went exactly as I had hoped for Ibn Khaldun. Obviously people had been reading this blog (yeh right!) as he went off as the 11/4 favourite. He settled nicely in the middle of the pack and when Kerrin McEvoy asked him at the 2f pole he quickened very smoothly. In the end he won comfortably by a widening 3 to 4 lengths with City Leader in 2nd and Feared In Flight, a longshot, back in 3rd.

Kerrin McEvoy likes the Khaldun a lot and as was obvious in his previous G3 win, the chestnut colt is very easy to ride. He is a very genuine race horse, if you ask me, and will always do his best. I hope greater things are still to come for him! He is my out and out 2,000 Guineas horse for next year and I already placed an antepost bet on him on the day of the Autumn Stakes. Fingers crossed!

Frozen Fire finished 8th, but I know he is likely to improve over the winter and will benefit from extra distance as a three-year-old. 1 1/2 miles will probably suit him much better.

First Try at Group 1 for Ibn Khaldun and Frozen Fire

Ibn Khaldun is a beautifully bred colt from my crop of 2005. He is by Dubai Destination out of Gossamer, both of which were top class milers. I am counting on this guy to win the 2,000 Guineas for me next year!

He won his last three races, and won the Group 3 Autumn Stakes at Ascot a couple of weeks ago. He did it easily, with Frankie Dettori never even having to touch his whip Ibn Khaldun weaved his way to front and won beautifully. I was so proud. It was a delight to watch. He raced like a seasoned professional.

However, this afternoon he will be facing much tougher company in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster.

Also in this race is another of my 2005 boys, Frozen Fire. He is by Montjeu out of Flamingo Sea. He won his maiden over 7f in August, so the jump of class for him is much bigger than for Ibn Khaldun. I am expecting for him to really come through next year. However, he has only raced once and it is hard to rate how good he is. He is very much an unknown entity.

I think that Ibn Khaldun is the better horse at this point of time and it should be his ideal distance.

Let's have a look at the competition. There are 12 horses in the race, 11 are winners:
- Art Master: winner over the All Weather of Kempton last time out over 8f. One must wonder whether he has the class to be very competitive. He will probably want a little further.
- City Leader: Won the Group 2 Royal Lodge Stakes last time out over soft ground, beating another of my crop horses (Alfathaa) in the process. Achill Island finished second in the race and that horse ran in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf yesterday at Monmouth Park (USA) finishing a close second to Nownownow. The form seems to be solid and he should be a big danger.
- Curtain Call: Sadler's Wells colt - won the Group 2 Beresford Stakes last time out at the Curragh. His win came over yielding ground and I do wonder whether slightly easier ground would suit him better. However, he is hard to look past and he is likely to be favourite at post time.
- Declaration of War: I saw Declaration Of War in person when he won the Woodcote Stakes (listed) at Epsom on Derby Day. He has not won since, but he has been trying tougher company and he finished 2nd in his last 2 (G1 & G2) races to Hatta Fort and Rio De La Plata respectively. I don't think he will win, but he should be thereabouts.
- Feared in Flight: his form is suspect and I think he has quite a bit to find on some of the other entrants
- Internationdebut: In over his head and will probably be one of the last to finish
- King Of Rome: Never discount an O'Brien runner. He won his last race by 5 1/2 lenghts over 7f on good ground at Tipperary. The mile is probably not his ideal distance, but a bit like Frozen Fire, he is hard to figure out.
- Ridge Dance: 4th behind 3 good horses in the Royal Lodge and finished strongly. I can see him reverse form with City Leader.
- River Proud: Looks like he will some to find against this level of competition despite a Group 3 win last time out at Newmarket.
- Tajaaweed: Another coming of a single maiden win. He is bred to go further, but should give a good show of himself in this race

The winner? I sincerely hope Ibn Khaldun is as good as I think he is.
Rio De La Plata is his stable's (Godolphin) star 2yo and Ibn Khaldun is rated below him by his connections, but I am not so sure. Though he seems to be a surprise for his stable, his pedrigree does not lie, and I have had my eye on him for a long time.

What questions will this afternoon answer? We will see...

(Ibn Khaldun (USA) - ch c - Dubai Destination x Gossamer, by Sadler's Wells)
(Frozen Fire (GER) - b c - Montjeu x Flamingo Sea, by Woodman)

Introduction: The Sport Of Kings and Queens

Such a cliché, but still true to this day. Royal Ascot is famous for having Queen Elizabeth II attend with various members of her family. It is a sight to behold when she comes down the course in her carriage. Horse racing would not be the same without it. She also owns a string of race horses , and I would love to visit her for a cup of tea and a bit of horse related chat. I think we'd get on.

For myself, my love affair with horse racing started when I was probably around eight or nine. I saw the movie “The Black Stallion”, in which a desert bred arab ends up in America and wins a match race against the best horses in the country. My mum later bought me a copy of the book 'The Black Stallion And Satan” by Walter Farley, which we found at a flea market for peanuts. I read it over and over again, collecting the rest of the series in the years to come.

In 1990 I saw my first horse race on TV. It was the Belmont Stakes of that year. In wonder I stared at the telly, so excited to watch my first live horse race. And the horse I fell in love with at that time was Thirty Six Red, a red streak that led the pack through the turns. That he lost to Go And Go did not matter, he was a horse I would always remember.

My second memory is seeing the Party Politics winning the Grand National in 1992. I watch the pre-race coverage and saw this giant of a horse and I was rooting for him through the race.

It took a few years for me to really start following racing. When I did I was drawn in and I have been a fervent racing enthusiast ever since. Unfortunately, by the time I started following racing again, I discovered that Thirty Six Red had died in 1996. He has however left various offspring and I do try to follow some of them.

I soon found a another hero. One Godolphin horse by the name of Dubai Millennium caught my imagination. By the time he ran in the Dubai World Cup I was deeply in love. And that night, in the desert oasis called Nad Al Sheba in Dubai, magic happened. A dark bay horse ran before the rest of the field, gleaming under the flood lights, so easily, not willing to let Dettori stop him. Thoughts of The Black Stallion inevitably came to mind. I knew I was watching true greatness. He followed up in the Prince of Wales' Stakes at Ascot, but unfortunately injury ruled out a race against the other superstar, Montjeu. To this day, I believe that over 10 furlongs, Dubai Millennium would have beaten him and would have forced his name into the record books as being the best race horse in a long long time...

Now I follow racing by picking around 100 race horses each year (mainly USA and Europe-based) that I follow throughout their careers. This way I have followed some amazing horses, such as G1 winners Lost In The Fog, Dubawi, Premium Tap, Friendly Michelle and Thor's Echo. I am sure I will put the spotlight on some of these horses and some of my other favourites in the future.

This blog will be documenting the current highlights from my crops in search of another superstar, but also some of my old top moments.

I hope you will enjoy!

K.