Superfectablog v3.0 » Henny Hughes http://superfectablog.com Tue, 08 Jun 2010 14:34:36 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Comings and Goings http://superfectablog.com/2006/11/comings-and-goings-2.html http://superfectablog.com/2006/11/comings-and-goings-2.html#comments Tue, 07 Nov 2006 18:28:00 +0000 admin http://superfectablog.lisagrimm.com/?p=98 The Breeders’ Cup may be over (and, sadly, a chapter closed when Pine Island was buried at Claiborne) but auction and retirement season is in full swing. Just about 48 hours after competing in the Distaff, Sharp Lisa went through the ring, bringing a price of $3.4 million. Apparently she’s set for [...]]]> The Breeders’ Cup may be over (and, sadly, a chapter closed when Pine Island was buried at Claiborne) but auction and retirement season is in full swing. Just about 48 hours after competing in the Distaff, Sharp Lisa went through the ring, bringing a price of $3.4 million. Apparently she’s set for a visit with George Washington. Summerly also brought a high price ($3.3 million) and will be taking a little trip to see Distorted Humor.

Half Ours was sold for $6.1 million but at least he’ll remain in training, unlike some horses (more on that below). I do wonder, though, if he also has the ‘bad feet’ that Unbridled Song’s offspring are always said to have. I’d like to see some actual statistics on it. Madcap Escapade and her dam, Sassy Pants, both brought high prices as well.

As expected, Bernardini and Henny Hughes are heading off to stud. Sayeth the Darley rep:

“These are the supreme Thoroughbreds of their generation and each bested older horses, too,” said Darley’s Dan Pride. “They are well-bred and exceptionally attractive. They were not only brilliant, but they came back for more time and again. We couldn’t be more thrilled than to have the chance to stand them.”

I would take exception to the ‘coming back again and again’ notion — that would involve lifetime starts at least in the double digits for me. Ouija Board (“coolness personified” which is something I can agree with), with 21 lifetime starts, came back again and again. Bernardini didn’t even come back when a horse started to pass him. So much for longevity. At least Invasor is staying in training…for now. I predict a sudden retirement after the Dubai World Cup. For those who enjoy debating the influence of Dubai on American racing, this is another negative point. Injecting a lot of money into auctions can be great for the local economy and small breeders, but retiring uninjured 3-year-olds to stud (particularly when you don’t need the cash) further hurts racing.

As an aside, let’s look at some of those instances in which the big price tag has not paid off — Jalil cost $9.7 million and didn’t do so well in his first start — and (not to leave Coolmore out of the equation) whither The Green Monkey?

In other retirement news, Film Maker has officially been retired and is booked to Storm Cat. Her 27 lifetime starts and many gutsy finishes also do a lot more for me than Bernardini’s temporary (and, seemingly, accidental) domination over his competition.

How ’bout that Melbourne Cup finish? Sunday Silence continues to power Japanese racing.

Barbaro’s cast is off and there are a few good articles (here too); there is some video here but I suggest you mute the audio — not only do they not know the word ‘laminitis’ they apparently think that when the next press release comes out (as per usual) on the 14th, we’ll know that he’s going to recover fully. Interesting interpretation. Ignoring the ignorant report, it’s still good news.

Finally, for those of you who worked in Silicon Valley in the 90s and wondered whatever happened to Mahir (which, for some odd reason, I was just the other day), he’s busy trying to sue over Borat. Now that’s seriously funny.

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]]> http://superfectablog.com/2006/11/comings-and-goings-2.html/feed 0 Breeders’ Cup Picks http://superfectablog.com/2006/11/breeders-cup-picks.html http://superfectablog.com/2006/11/breeders-cup-picks.html#comments Thu, 02 Nov 2006 17:08:00 +0000 admin http://superfectablog.lisagrimm.com/?p=94 The European perspective seems a bit glum in some quarters; in others, they are simply surprised that George Washington is not being seen as a conquering hero by the Americans.

Here in the States, there is comparatively little Bernardini-centered coverage compared with a number of European articles focusing on star horses; one of the few is [...]]]> The European perspective seems a bit glum in some quarters; in others, they are simply surprised that George Washington is not being seen as a conquering hero by the Americans.

Here in the States, there is comparatively little Bernardini-centered coverage compared with a number of European articles focusing on star horses; one of the few is here but it does seem his potential talents are being overlooked (or simply assumed) while the spotlight remains on his owners (or, more specifically, their vast wealth). I’d prefer to see what he’s really capable of instead of hearing about Dubai, but it seems that’s the angle everyone is going for.

But I digress…on to my picks:

Juvenile Fillies
I’m not overly-impressed by any in this group so far, but I like Dreaming of Anna‘s workouts and think Octave could do more down the line. Frankly, it’s something of a toss-up.
Dreaming of Anna/Octave exacta box
Longshot: Gatorize

Juvenile
Again, with the 2-year-old colts, I believe we have yet to see the best of the crop at this point; I wasn’t convinced from his last performance that Circular Quay wanted to go any sort of distance, but Great Hunter and Scat Daddy have looked good (and besides, Great Hunter is a local boy). I like Teuflesburg and I am not sure why.
Great Hunter, Scat Daddy exacta
Longshot: Teuflesburg

Filly & Mare Turf
This is one I’m really looking forward to; I love Ouija Board and hope she goes out on a win, but I expect a great performance from many others in the race — Wait a While, Film Maker and Honey Ryder are all possible spoilers. I’ll limit myself to two choices, but I’d love to see Wait a While back next year.
Ouija Board
Wait a While
Longshot: I don’t think I’ll bother on this one

Sprint
The Sprint also showcases a deep field. On paper, it looks like Henny Hughes or Pomeroy; while there are others on the board with shorter prices, I think Lewis Michael has been flying just under the radar and could pull an upset.
Henny Hughes, Pomeroy exacta
Longshot: Lewis Michael

Mile
This is another tricky one, also full of horses I really like. I love Gorella (and I always pick the girl against the boys), so she’s a natural choice. Aragorn and Miesque’s Approval are other favorites of mine, and Aussie Rules at 10-1 is a fantastic price. I don’t want to ignore Librettist either, but I’m still picking Aussie Rules over him. Speaking of Gorella, anyone want to buy her dam?
Gorella
Gorella/Aussie Rules exacta box
Longshot: Ad Valorem

Distaff
It’s Fleet Indian all the way. Balletto and Round Pond will give her a run for her money, but I’m singling her.
Fleet Indian
Longshot: Round Pond

Turf
Hurricane Run is a deserving favorite, but Cacique and English Channel have scores to settle with each other. It’s great to see Better Talk Now back for another shot too — and at 12-1, he’s my longshot without question. Otherwise, I freely admit this is chalkier than chalk could be.
Hurricane Run, Cacique, English Channel trifecta box
Longshot: Better Talk Now

The Classic
Obviously leaving out Bernardini would be foolish; however, I still like the Europeans for a little value, so I’m throwing in George Washington and David Junior as well. I am a big fan of both Lava Man and Perfect Drift and believe they will run well, but that it just won’t be their day. Check out this hagiographic article on George Washington before you make your choice. Speaking of sainthood, contrast this article in USA Today on the Maktoums to the Beyer one from the Washington Post the other day. Interesting.
Bernardini, George Washington, Lava Man trifecta box
David Junior, Bernardini, Perfect Drift trifecta box
Longshot: Flower Alley – hey, you never know.

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