My Soapbox for Equestrian Writings
Malathaat, an undefeated filly sired by Curlin, continued her winning streak in the Kentucky Oaks, the day before the Kentucky Derby. Also ridden by Johnny Velasquez, Malathaat went into the race as the favorite (5-2) and battled down the stretch with Search Results, to win the $1.25 million race by a neck, despite getting bumped […]
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With all attention focused on Essential Quality, Medina Spirit (12-1) put in a perfect trip, led almost the entire way, and fought off a home stretch challenge by Mandaloun and Hot Rod Charlie. Essential Quality made a bid on the stretch but finished fourth. In fact the run down the stretch was quite exciting, with […]
Read MoreThe first thing you notice about Always Dreaming and Johnny Valezquez is how clean they are. It’s an amazing accomplishment considering how sloppy the track was and how all the other horses and jockeys looked coming under the wire. That’s the benefit of a clean break and a skillful ride that kept them sitting pretty […]
Read MoreAlthough the Belmont was a bit of an anti-climax without I’ll Have Another, Union Rags ran a lovely race, squeezing through a hole on the rail to win by a head from Paynter. Bet Mike Smith wishes he’d kept that hole shut!
Read MoreShortly after breaking from the starting gate, Animal Kingdom clipped heels with either Mucho Macho Man or Munzon, almost falling. Jockey Johnny Velasquez narrowly escaped falling but it took him more than an eighth of a mile to get his foot back into his stirrup. It was an incident that stopped Animal Kingdom’s Belmont bid […]
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