While it is true that Nicanor just raced two weeks ago at Keeneland and this is a quick turnaround for him. The Delacour's must feel extremely confident that the race took nothing out of Nicanor and he is ready to go today. Prior to today's two week turnaround, Nicanor's quickest race back has been with a three week break between races. Let's hope he is ready and the fact he has raced at Pimlico before will help him.
Today's race, scheduled to be run at one mile on the turf (if taken off the turf, it will be run on the main track at one mile and one sixteenth), has a talented field, with most coming into the race with extended lay-offs. The race most likely will be used as a prep for some to race next in the $300,000 Dixie Stakes (Grade II), which is on the undercard of the Preakness in three weeks (a race that Nicanor finished sixth in two years ago).
My top three to watch out for are Hudson Steele, Concealed Identity, and Monument Hill. One must look at Todd Pletcher's Hudson Steele (5-2) as the favorite. Hudson Steele is coming off nearly a year lay-off, but he does have to his credit a second place finish in the Fort Marcy Stakes (Grade III) at Belmont Park, and a victory in the Jersey Derby at Monmouth Park. He has been working well at Palm Meadows and should have a good effort today, jockey Chris DeCarlo gets the mount. Concealed Identity (5-1) is also a viable threat. Trained by Linda Gaudet, the four year old Smarty Jones gelded son has been working out well at Bowie training center, and does have two victories on the Pimlico track. With a thirteen month lay-off, it will be interesting to see how he responds today, jockey Sheldon Russell gets the mount. My third threat for Nicanor will be the George Weaver trained six year old gelded son of Royal Academy, Monument Hill. This will be his 5th start of the year, having two wins, a second, and a third, all at Gulfstream Park. His most recent effort was a third place finish on March 31st in the Grade III Appleton Stakes, jockey Joe Rocco gets the mount.
Another tough race for Nicanor today. If he can get to the front from the start, I honestly think he can go gate to wire. He is getting his blinkers back on, and I believe the outside post will help him have clear sailing to the front. Regardless if the race is kept on the turf, or changed to the main track, I think he is capable of winning on either surface. Luis Garcia rides Nicanor for the first time. Also, let's hope Nicanor enjoys the paddock of Pimlico today!
Nicanor in the noisy Pimlico paddock back on May 15, 2010 prior to the running of the Dixie Stakes (Grade II):
The field and conditions:
Race #10, post time 5:24
Henry S. Clark Stakes
Purse $75,000. (Includes $25,000 – MBF - Maryland Bred Fund). For Three-Year-Olds And Upward. By subscription of $100, $250 to pass the entry box. $250 additional to start with $50,000 Guaranteed, (plus $25,000 for Registered Maryland Breds) of which 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 6% to fourth, 3% to fifth and 1% to sixth. Unearned guaranteed purse money is split between the horses that start and finish the race. Weights: Three-Year-Olds, 120 Lbs.; Older, 124 Lbs. Non-winners of a Sweepstakes in 2012 allowed, 2 Lbs.; $50,000 in 2012, 4 Lbs.; $40,000 in 2012 allowed, 6 Lbs. (Maiden, Claiming and Starter races not considered in estimating allowances). Preference to starters with highest career earnings in 2011-12 on the Turf. Horses may be placed on the also-eligible list. Trophy to the owner of the winner. Nominations closed Wednesday April 18, 2012 with 39 nominations. (If deemed inadvisable by management to run this race on the Turf course, it will be run on the main track at One Mile and One Sixteenth) . One Mile. (Turf) (Rail at 20 Feet)
# Horse Age Jockey Trainer M/L Odds
1. El Commodore 5 D Centeno G A Griffith 10/1
3. Concealed Identity 4 S Russell L S Gaudet 5/1
4 . Hudson Steele 5 C P DeCarlo T A Pletcher 5/2
6 . Monument Hill 6 J Rocco, Jr. G Weaver 9/2
7. Paris Vegas 5 A Castellano, Jr. T H Voss 30/1
8. Pocket Patch 7 F Boyce F W Stites 20/1
9. Sleepless Knight 6 E Trujillo K J Breen 8/1
10. Humble and Hungry 4 H Karamanos I Correas, IV 4/1
11. Nicanor 6 Luis Garcia Leigh Delacour 5/1
13. Monzon 4 H Karamanos I Correas, IV 20/1
Here are some photos of Nicanor and Lentenor taken this past Wednesday at Fair Hill (thank you Dewey):
Nicanor
Lentenor
Godspeed Nicanor...
Nicanor is looking absolutely stunning! Lentenor looks a lot darker than usual, but looks good. that first picture of nick, though.. wow!
ReplyDeleteJiminy cricket
I think the bottom one of Nicanor is actually Lentenor, there's no snip, and it's the bridle that Lenny is wearing in the other pictures, and Nick's bridle has a figure 8.
ReplyDeleteJiminyCricket
Good luck today, Nicanor. Run a safe race.
ReplyDelete~AQL
Good Blessings on this race which ever runs Lentenor or Nicanor?? butterflies.Rose
ReplyDeleteGlad you put this up GregJ..Thank You..
Is there a link where we can watch the race?
ReplyDelete~AQL
He placed 2nd to last, maybe a cut back in distance, and not running so close together would do him good, I wish they had run lentenor.
ReplyDeleteJiminy cricket
Nick lost but he is loved the most..
ReplyDeleteI totally agree !!!!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI love Nic so much and worry that he will lose his great heart for competitive racing. He ran great at first but they wouldn't let him take the front which is where he was headed, hell for leather. This horse cannot and will NOT be rated! Quit insisting on it and let him run the race his way. He's happiest when doing so, and more successful. God Bless you, Nic, and know you are loved no matter what the outcome of any race is.
ReplyDeleteDaffodil (Daffy over Nic, Len, and Mags)
I agree with Daffodil and Jiminy Cricket. NIcanor came home safely, and that is all that truly matters.
ReplyDelete~AQL
I guess my question is why are Nicanor and Lentenor's trainers training them on the all weather track? They are turf horses, thats where they win.... I just wish they'd get Rosie Napravnik for Nicanor.... He seems to really favor him, she lets him run his race.
ReplyDeleteJoy in Texas
For all of those who were expecting photos of Nicanor from Pimlico yesterday, I apologize, I was unabloe to make it to the track in time for the race. I am a Realtor and had a client call at 4pm wanting to see a house they found on the internet. Story of my life. the upside is, they made an offer on the house, YEA ~!. I watched Nic's race replay and all I can say is, im deeply concerned for Nicanor. When they broke and he went for the lead, i was yelling, let him go ! But of course no one has figured out that You can't hold Nicanor back, He hates it. Also, I was concerned that the jock was looking down and back, like Nicanor was not running as he should. After yesterdays race, I really hope they retire him before he gets hurt. If they are not going to let him run HIS race, then whats the effing point ?? Sorry for the vailed profanity but I am pissed.
ReplyDeleteCriminal Type
Criminal Type, you have said it perfectly. When will Nicanor be allowed to run his race? I saw the jockey's actions, too, and it has me worried.
ReplyDelete~AQL
In Oklahoma you call a Realtor on a weekend your told call back Monday, they would not help you on a weekend for anything..You must be special to help people on weekends..we need emails/phone numbers for jockeys so we can instruct them on how to ride the Brothers. Bet that would change things.
ReplyDelete( That would go over like a lead balloon in the ocean..)
As I had to watch it on my phone, as I realized too late that HRTV wasn't going to show it, and I couldn't get my computer pulled up in time, I didn't couldn't really see much. The live stream wasn't connecting weel with my phone, so I did not see what the jockey was doing. I think that Nick may just be well past his prime, he hasn't won in 2 years, and these last 2 races were probably his most lackluster efforts ever. Maybe he caught his quarter again? He seems to do that pretty often.
ReplyDeleteJiminy Cricket
I just watched the replay, and I definetely saw what you were talking about, and I also realized just how much Luis was fighting Nick, I mean, his leg was braced forwards. Do these jockeys not know that fighting a horse takes more out of the horse than letting them run a tad quicker? I also saw that when Luis looked down and back, Nicanor did kind of look like he was running kind of odd for a few steps, but he finished the race.
ReplyDeleteJiminy Cricket
This notice is to inform you that one or more of your horses has worked out.
ReplyDeleteLentenor (5-Year-Old Horse)
Date: April 29, 2012
Track: FAIR HILL
Distance: Five Furlongs
Time: 1.01:20 Breezing
Track Condition: Fast
Surface: All Weather Training
Rank: 1/1 - See the day's workouts
~*~Happy Birthday to the Big Man Himself, barbaro!~*~
ReplyDeleteJiminy Cricket
Dynaformer has joined his greatest son, Barbaro, in heaven. RIP Daddy D, we will miss you.
ReplyDeleteJiminy Cricket
The passing of DYNAFORMER is incredibly, incredibly sad.
ReplyDeleteHis passing on the day of BARBARO's birthday brings a poignancy to the story of this family.
It's the end of an era . . . DYNAFORMER was an era. You almost thought he was tenacious to live forever. You did very well, Daddy D!
Karen, PA
It's a sad day......... Rest in Peace Dynaformer
ReplyDeleteJust heartbroken over this. The great Dynaformer is gone and the horse world is diminished. What a loss...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/69338/premier-stallion-dynaformer-dies-at-27
ReplyDeleteIt's a sad day indeed, and most definitely the end of an era, farewell Dynaformer.
Jiminy Cricket
Yes, just heartbroken about this but,our beloved Barbaro escorted his Dad to his home today and we will one day see them all at Heavens Gate Stables. Services will be May 5th is that correct...I am so very sorry I was wishing for at least 1-2 more years but with that type of injury I am suprised he survived this long.(Rose)
ReplyDeleteWhat a devestating lose for the thoroughbred world. RIP Dynaformer.
ReplyDeleteCriminal Type
so, so sad at the passing of the great Dynaformer... not enough people recognize his influence! He has so many beautiful offspring, especially the Brothers, to carry on the line. Three Chimneys outlined his second career achievements on their site:
ReplyDeleteDynaformer was without question one of the most globally successful sires in the Thoroughbred industry. With 21 crops to race, his progeny have earned more than $105,000,000. Dynaformer is the sire of 130 stakes winners, including 61 graded stakes winners, 25 Grade 1 stakes winners, and 18 millionaires. **These numbers are the best in each respective category of all active sires. **
Even if Nicanor doesn't return to the track, I have a feeling he might be great at passing along these bloodlines. At least we know they produce the best looking horses!!
Artemisarts
I would retire the Brothers and protect them so they will provide a bloodline of winners for coming generations. Their value will go up from today forward. At least that is my opinion..after all not all sires were winners on the track. and what beauty they possess. (Rose)
DeleteI would not retire them. There are plenty of other dynaformer foal yet to even race. He's got several foals born THIS year. The brothers are just 4 in a huge amount. And for people to consider sending good mares their way, they need more success on the track, you can see the stats up there, there are plenty of sons way more accomplished to keep the dynasty going for now.
ReplyDeleteJiminy Cricket
I agree with what'S been said about Nic's race. Also, don't forget that he slows down when being hit with the whip. He does it eveytime. Seems like no one listens to this horse. They all think they know what's best for him. Horses talk!!!! LISTEN!!!!
ReplyDeleteHe's just like his Dad. He will do it his way!
By the way, Greg has a forum about Dynaformer's passing if you also wish to comment there.
Lou in Tx
I saw Nicanor's race on Saturday. I am not sure he would have won had the whip not been used, but I think he would have done better than 9th.
ReplyDeleteLou in TX , I agree with you regarding Nicanor. Rosie seems to be the only rider who understands how Nicanor likes and NEEDS to run. Do you remember when she rode him when he broke his maiden? I believe he won by 15 lengths.
ReplyDelete~AQL
Maybe some of this has to do with people not listening to the horse, but I think the bottom line is that this horse is not that great of a racehorse. At this level at least. People think because they are full siblings to Barbaro, they are automatically good racehorses. Not every well bred horse is good. Many of them struggle to win, like Nicanor. Or maybe he's had enough of racing, he's what, 6 or 7 now? It's not fair to the horse to race him in races he will likely lose, I honestly think this horse would stand a better chance in claimers, but the Jacksons would never risk losing their horse, which is good for them. Retire him to stud, he is a gorgeous animal or send him along to a second career. I think he would be a great eventer!
ReplyDeleteIt's not always the jockey's/trainer's fault or that he had a bad trip. If you're constantly coming up with excuses for a horse, maybe he's not that good. I have nothing but love for the brothers and all their connections, just my honest opinion.
Nicanor is a talented horse, but I think he may have lost his heart to race. We are saying what we have seen, not making excuses.
ReplyDelete~AQL
If anyone is interested, Rags to Riches daughter by Giants Causeway (the three yr old) has a name. It is Opulence, Not Riches Causeway.
ReplyDeleteCriminal Type
Thanks, Criminal Type.
ReplyDelete~AQL
Why doesn't Len use a flash or figure 8? His mouth is always open it seems...
ReplyDeleteJiminy Cricket
In regards to Nicanor:
ReplyDeleteDynaformer sired some top steeplechasers. And sixish is a really good age for a chaser....many of them start their careers at an age when many flat racers are retired.
I do not know if Nicanor would be good at chasing, but it might be worth checking out for a second career for him at some point? He certainly has a competitive spirit!
Is the Rags to Riches/Giant's Causeway filly (Opulence?) doing better? I had heard she had had a pretty serious injury/set back when training as a two year old. She was one I was really looking forward to seeing on the track...as are Mr Besilu (the AP Indy/Balance colt) and Zenyatta's half sister by Bernardini who is three this year (I am not going to attempt to spell her name)...at least Wine Princess (the third offspring of the great mare Azeri and sired by Ghostzapper) broke her maiden in great style today at Churchill.
Jiminy, tell me, how is your horse trailering?
ReplyDelete~AQL
I haven't gotten him on yet. Hes put his bsck legs up, but he stepped up on his toes, and scared himself and ran back wards. I have a bruise on my leg where I was sotting up in the front of the trailer, with my friemd moving his feet, and his lead got tangled on my leg, and he flew backwards as usual. I'm supposed to go to a show on the 9th, so I hope we can get him on in time. I'm working with him this afternoon, will tell you how it goes.
ReplyDeletejiminy cricket
Ah, I am glad that you are alright. I wish you the best of luck with the trailering and with the show. What discipline do you show?
ReplyDelete~AQL
I usually show jumpers, but I'm going to start doing hunters. This is a western show to get pistol used to showing. We got him on a larger trailer yesterday rather easily, I think he's too claustrophobic for the smaller one.
ReplyDeleteJiminy Cricket
Good, very good. Pistol is a very interesting name. I wish you both luck in the show and in future shows to come. I, personally, believe that larger trailers are safer in the event of a horse who is fearful of them. And I must give you my congratulations for a successful loading.
ReplyDelete~AQL
Thanks. His name is very fitting, its pistol's tornado, and he has definitely destroyed his fair share of fences in his time. His sire was pistols blue eyes. I've run into a few pistols, including a gorgeous grey ex racehorse!
ReplyDeleteJiminy Cricket
That name is beautiful. And I believe that every Pistol is. I can think of nothing more fun then a horse who takes down fences, but anyway, he sounds like a tornado, beautiful and strong. Our old horse, Nugget, would crawl under the fences. We use Electobraid because we constantly have to change the location of the fence, but we electrify it. Nugget successfully crawled his thirty two or older butt under the wires when we had two up. Then, we tried three, all electrified. He was successful in his escape attempt, but somehow found his way into our pasture, which is separate from the main turn out area, and walked into the barn when I came out there to give he and Elliot, my OTTB, their nighttime grain. Onto four, he still escaped, but with difficulty. Only the fifth strand could hold him in. Oh, I apologize for going on with such long story, I guess I became carried away.
ReplyDelete~AQL
At one barn a long time ago, there was a pasos named danelo (or something like that) and we would pull up, and he'd be out of the pasture. We have no clue how, the fence was electric. Pistol had scarring from where he backed into that fence and tore the whole thing down.
ReplyDeleteAny news on nick, len, or Margano? Where's Greg been?
Jiminy Cricket
Margano has had two workouts in the past 10 days. Lentenor worked out a few days ago, but there is nothing on Nicanor. I know not of Greg but he is likely busy. What a horse Danelo is.
ReplyDelete~AQL
I guess I missed Lenny's work, I saw Margano's. I wonder what is up with Nick? I'm thinking he's probably being retired, and we just haven't heard yet....
ReplyDeleteJiminy Cricket
I hope that Nicanor is being retired. He is at the age when retirement to stud is his best interest. I love watching him run, but his last performances have begun to worry me. I am sure that he would be an excellent stallion. I rode Elliot yesterday, and he was very well-behaved. We tend to only walk, because he has been acting up at the trot, but I am hoping to trot him a bit today. Oh, Margano is nominated for a stakes race later in the month. It is one mile on turf. The race he ran in back on May 20th was 7 furlongs. With an extra furlong added, we are in for a very exciting race.
ReplyDelete~AQL
Whoever you are, if that's what you think, you shouldnt be here. Nicanor was on his way to a stellar career before an injury. He was the early favorite for the va derby before his injury. He doesn't have the heart to race anynore, hes had too much time off, and has learned to be a horse. Lentenor broke a track record over the winter. When he runs bad, its typically due to drawing to the inside, and he hates being on the inside. Margano is on his way to a very stellar career. He beat silver max in his maiden win, and silver max is the top turf 3 yr old in the country right now. The tiller stakes was a good bit too short. He kicked it in with a 1/8 to go, and with another 20 feet would have won, the way he kicked in. He beat several stakes winners, including Mr. Prankster (multiple stakes winner), even though he ran very greenly, swapping his leads and such. Mr. Tagg has said that they have a lot of hope for him. There are very few, if any dynaformers at stud, they will go to stud on retirement. Whether they make it or break it, it will be a wait and see game, just like with any new stallion, you never know if their good til their foal race. Smarty Jones was a great racehorse, how good of a stud is he? Dynaformer wast the greatest racehorse, but he was a great stud. these are also FULL brothers to barbaro, and Barbaro never had the chance to go to stud. That will add a bit of reason to send them to stud.
ReplyDeleteJiminy Cricket
In my opinion, nicanor was also run into the ground last spring. And with a nearly year lay off, he lost his racing spirit.
ReplyDeleteJiminy Cricket
Iha is injured and scratched.
ReplyDeleteJiminy Cricket
I am devastated.
ReplyDelete~AQL
Jiminy, thank you for defending the brothers against that anonymous troll.
ReplyDelete~AQL
You are very welcome AQL, it pissed me off. I'll have another is retired.
ReplyDeleteJiminy Cricket
So I've heard. It is sad, but at least he will recover in time. I do give my gratitude to his owner and trainer for deciding to play it safe and not run him. I hope that no rumors regarding this are going around. Margano is nominated for a one mile turf stakes. Silver Max is also nominated, so a possible showdown may await.
ReplyDelete~AQL
That showdowns already happened, and Margano won it.;) what race is it?
ReplyDeleteJiminy Cricket
Oh, yeah, you're right. I think it is the Hill Prince Stakes.
ReplyDelete~AQL
There is a new picture of Margano on Mr. Tagg's site.
ReplyDelete~AQL
Pistol was a rockstar at the show last night, we beat a grand total of 2 horses in 6 classes, but hey, he did great. It looks like we may be heading for a career in not only jumping, but western speed events. My friend's are telling me he could be a champion barrel racer!
ReplyDeleteJiminy Cricket
Good job, Jiminy!
ReplyDelete~AQL
This notice is to inform you that one or more of your horses has worked out.
ReplyDeleteMargano (3-Year-Old Colt)
Date: June 11, 2012
Track: BELMONT PARK
Distance: Five Furlongs
Time: 1.00:99 Breezing
Track Condition: Fast
Surface: Dirt
Rank: 1/3 - See the day's workouts
And I think I saw a recent workout from Lentenor too.
Still no word on Nicanor, though.
Thanks for the notice on Margano's workout. He needs to race on dirt, if you ask me.
ReplyDelete~AQL
Well, he had some pretty good turf races and if Mr. Tagg thinks he's better on turf than on dirt, we should trust his opinion.
ReplyDeleteIt isn't like there are no good turf races (I know in America the dirt races are more "viable" or something, but there's nothing wrong with turf races at all, imo)
As I said some weeks ago, most trainers work their horses on dirt because it's harder than training on turf. The horses get (and stay) fit and build muscles faster. At least, that's what a trainer said when I asked him.
Oh, I see. I would love to see Margano try dirt at least once, just to see how he does. I do agree that Margano is good on turf, so if that is what is best for him, then so be it. Did you hear that Margano was the fastest of eighteen in his most recent workout? What a speed demon!
ReplyDelete~AQL
His works certainly are brilliant!
ReplyDeleteI hope we will know whether he'll run on saturday by tomorrow, very exciting weekend ahead if he gets in.
So, Margano will be running this saturday!
ReplyDeleteMargano is entered to run on June 16, 2012, at BELMONT PARK.
Race: 8 - 4:34 PM
STAKES
Hill Prince S. - Grade: 3
PP 2 - Junior Alvarado will have the mount.
Also in this race are Swag Daddy, Summer Font and Howe Great to name just the potentially major dangers.
I still have to look up some of the other horses, will definitely be a tough race for Margano.
And I just got another entry notification for Lentenor! Wohoo!
ReplyDeleteLENTENOR is entered to run on June 16, 2012, at COLONIAL DOWNS.
Race: 5 - 7:44 PM
STAKES
Da Hoss S.
PP 4 - Luis Garcia will have the mount.
Ugh, looks like I will be missing both of them. I will be on vacation with a friend. Good luck Lenny and Margano.
ReplyDeleteJiminy Cricket
Have a good time, Jiminy.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTKuRXKo9o4&feature=related
~AQL
Thanks, yall will have to give me a rundown of the races. I'll have my phone, so I can get on here. Can't wait. Margano's one of the favorites, Haven't seen Lenny's odds. Margano is a great horse, and I think he can get it done. I haven't even looked at Lenny's race, as I haven't been able to use my computer, due to it's being broken. I stole my brothers while he's at work, so that's what I'm using right now. LOL
ReplyDeleteJiminyCricket
I'm near tears.....We lost Giant Ryan......
ReplyDelete~AQL
http://www.drf.com/news/belmont-park-howe-great-cuts-back-mile-hill-prince-stakes
ReplyDeleteThe article says margano underwent throat surgery to correct a breathing problem after his 7th place finish.
Jiminy Cricket
I heard. It scared me, but it explains a lot.
ReplyDelete~AQL
Finally updated, sorry. Better late then never :)
ReplyDeletehttp://familyofbarbaro.blogspot.com/2012/06/margano-and-lentenor-racing-today.html
Hey, Greg, how are you doing?
ReplyDelete~AQL
Hey Greg...have u deserted us forever?
ReplyDelete