Most Recent Articles

• May 15, 2012 - El Padrino on Vacation in Lexington | Read More
  
  

  After careful consideration, we've decided to send El Padrino to WinStar Farm in Lexington, KY for some time off and relaxation. El Padrino has performed very admirably throughout his Kentucky Derby trail including a gutsy win over recent Peter Pan S. (G2) victor, Mark Veleski, in the Risen Star S. at Fair Grounds. The plan is to give El Padrino ample time to recharge his batteries at the farm, and we anticipate a return later this Fall.

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• May 11, 2012 - Good Debut for Broadway Hat at Belmont Park | Read More
  
  

  Broadway Hat finished 2nd beaten about 1/2 length in a maiden special weight NY-Bred race at Belmont Park this afternoon.

  Breaking OK from the gate, jockey John Velazquez urged Broadway Hat clearing most of the field by a few lengths but running a length behind eventual winner Cay to Pomeroy (5).

  The opening 1/4 mile was a solid 22.08 and Velazquez had Broaway Hat off Cay to Pomeroy's hip coming out of the turn. After leveling out and switching leads at the 3/16 pole, it was apparent Cay to Pomeroy was game. Broadway Hat would fight to the wire and settle for 2nd place today. 

  After the race, Velazquez mentioned that he thought Broadway Hat raced green and after the wire, he let out a big blow indicating he had held his breath for most of the race. We can also note that rail is playing very favorably which Cay to Pomeroy race on. 

  We're looking at this result in good light for several reasons. First, he gained some valuable experience today which we're hopeful he'll benefit from next time out. Second, we'll definitely consider blinkers to keep him more focused as he was green and looking around throughout. Third, we have another NY-Bred maiden race in four weeks, which we're already looking forward to. 

  To watch a Race Replay CLICK HERE

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• May 03, 2012 - America's Best Racing Highlights El Padrino | Read More
  
  

  America's Best Racing takes you behind the scenes all week long at the Kentucky Derby, giving you an insiders view with a non-stop series of must see stories direct form Churchill Downs. 

  With all-access features created by the Hennegan Brothers, Eclipse Award winning Producers of the Documentary "The First Saturday in May," we'll take you from the backstretch to the track, get up close and personal with the horses and meet their key connections. Everything you'll need to know to get ready for the big race.

  America's Best Racing spent an hour with us on Wednesday morning: Derby Insider: Let's Go Stable

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• May 01, 2012 - DRF's Countdown to the Crown | Read More
  
  

  For more than a few months now, turf writers, professional handicappers, and fans alike have all been disecting and analyzing countless information on dozens of three-year-olds from all over the country. Now that the Kentucky Derby is only days away and the race has come into focus, prognosticators take aim at the Frst Saturday in May.  

  This year, it seems there is at least some consensus going into the 138th running of the Kentcly Derby. Many will have you believe almost a dozen horses have a shot to Wear the Roses, and you will likely hear that speed will play a significant role throughout the early stages of the classic: two very interesting aspects which clealry give way to great betting odds and spirited debate!

  With entries drawn on Wednesday, many analysts will likely gain more traction as they narrow down their selections, but for now, we're thrilled to be in the mix and part of the debate...

  Here's a look at El Padrino's Profile from the Daily Racing Form's Countown to the Crown: Week 17 - April 27, 2012 

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• April 30, 2012 - El Padrino Puts in Final Maintenance for Derby | Read More
  
  

  With weather wreaking havoc in Boynton Beach, FL, track conditions were muddy this past Sunday morning at Plam Meadows where El Padrino worked 1/2 mile in :53 1/5 in less than ideal conditions.

  With regular exercise rider Isabelle Bourez on the DL, El Padrino and new exercise rider Humberto Zamora leisurely breezed around the far turn picking it up slightly down the lane along with stablemate Windsurfer. Zamora went slower than we had wanted, but we ultimately have El Padrino in great condition leading up to the Kentucky Derby. At this point, we believe less is more.

  El Padrino's five furlong workout in 1:00 1/5 and strong gallop out in 1:41 on April 20 provided all the conditioning he would need for his next test. This latest move was more for maintenance and just enough to keep him in good order. Furthermore, El Padrino has two 1 1/16 mile races and a 1 1/8 mile race in three starts this year - a great foundation for any 3-year-old in April. 

  El Padrino is scheduled to arrive in Louisville, KY tomorrow morning where he'll continue to train up to the Kentucky Derby!

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• April 15, 2012 - English Major Wins Battle at Big A | Read More
  
  

  In what could easily be described as a strange race, English Major prevailed in a thrilling, determined stretch run between rivals in yesterday's first race at Aqueduct.

  Out of the gate, English Major broke in slightly forcing jockey Eddia Castro to straighten sharply. Approaching the first turn, Castro had English Major wide while looking for a good stalking posiiton. Urging English Major along through the clubhouse turn, Castro hooked Yari (5), who then took a bad step and lost some ground.

  Castro guided English Major in third travelling three-wide down the backstretch with an eye on the leaders. At the 3/8 pole, Castro called on English Major for run through the far turn while edging closer to the lead. At the top of the stretch, Half Lucky (9) started to pull away from the field and looked like a winner at the 1/8 pole. However, within a sixteenth of a mile, Half Lucky's (9) margin was quickly diminishing as English Major, Yari (5) and Selection Sunday (4) came thundering home to the wire. 

  In an all out run, English Major fought to the finish line between Yari (5) and Selection Sunday (4) as Castro looked for the wire. In the final strides, English Major gained the edge and got his nose down first at the wire picking up a nice win for his connections.

  English Major has been a bit of a slow learner, but he is really starting to put it all together after winning back-to-back turf races. We look forward to his next start, and we would think he's suited for longer distances as well.

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