VIRGINIA-BRED RACE WINNERS

Bean (g, 7yo), Will's Way - Mexicali Rose by El Gran Senor. B - Backer William M. Sam Houston, 1/28/2011, clmg, $3,660, 8.3 f, 1:45.21.


Boxer Shorts (c, 5yo), Two Punch - Green Jeans by Green Dancer. B - Richards Althea. Penn National, 1/29/2011, clmg, $7,800, 8 f, 1:38.18.

Nan's Real Love (g, 6yo), Not For Love - Real Concern by Concern. B - Iselin Mary S. Charles Town, 1/28/2011, clmg, $6,600, 4.5 f, 0:53.40. ($30,000, yrlg, 2006, ftmoct; $2,500, rac age, 2009, ftmdec)

Storm The Field (g, 6yo), Stormin Fever - Biding Time by Seeking The Gold. B - Edward P. Evans. PRX, 1/25/2011, clmg, $13,200, 8 f, 1:37.65. ($100,000, yrlg, 2006, keesep)

RACING BILLS BEFORE THE 2011 GENERAL ASSEMBLY

There are several bills being offered by the various stakeholders in Virginia racing and breeding, but none are likely to impact purses or the Breeders Fund if history repeats itself again in 2011.

Del. Ed Scott of Culpeper is sponsoring HB 1832 for the VTA and VHBPA.  The primary item in this bill was the creation of Restricted Wagering Facilities (RWFs) which would allow Colonial Downs to open small OTBs in existing restaurants without an enabling referendum.  The bill called for local and VRC approval to open the small OTBs (RWFs) which would be similar to the ones currently operating at Finn McCool’s and Mulligans, both in Richmond.

Unfortunately, prominent Republicans in the House of Delegates have no appetite for bills that they see “expanding gambling” and little interest in our argument that with 5,000 lottery outlets, almost unlimited charitable gaming and the Internet, there really is no place left to expand gambling – it’s everywhere.

That said, we are still pursuing the passage of the bill without the RWF component as it contains some housekeeping measures.  In addition, we will be seeking an informal General Assembly study on the racing and breeding industries.  This will allow the industry to have an audience with a group of legislators for the purpose of presenting the facts of our case for needed growth in the face of intense out-of-state and slot machine-fueled competition.

Colonial Downs is pursuing several pieces of legislation through the Senate.  SB 1429 would increase the number of traditional OTBs from 10 to 20 along with other technical and political items.  While this bill will likely pass the Senate, it will face stiff opposition in the House. 

The Virginia Racing Commission is pursuing two bills – SB 1333 and SB 1332.  We predict the provisions of SB 1333 will be incorporated into another bill. Its primary purpose is to give the VRC the ability to adjust the takeout on wagers in Virginia placed on live racing in Virginia (about 5% of the total handle).  The other bill, SB 1332, deals with various issues related to those pursuing a “limited” license to conduct live racing the likes of the Strawberry Hill race meet held at Colonial Downs.   This bill should be seen as “non-controversial” and pass both houses.

Finally, Senator Tommy Norment will once again offer a bill to permit “historic horseracing” or Instant Racing as it is known in Arkansas and other jurisdictions.  This bill was merged with a similar bill offered by the horsemen and breeders through Senator Mark Herring.  Herrings bill gave a larger percentage to purses and the Breeders Fund and Norment agreed to the changes.  Several version of this bill have passed the Senate in previous years only to be killed by the leadership of the House of Delegates. 

We will keep you posted about what you can do to help as these bills make their ways to various committees.

To read the details of any of these bills, click here and use the bill search box in the lower left.

VIRGINIA POINT-TO-POINT ASSOC. OFFICIALS SEMINAR

WHEN: February 18 

WHERE: Blackthorn Inn and Restaurant, 10087 John Mosby Highway, Upperville, VA

TIME: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

COST: Free!

This is a seminar for current race officials and ANYONE who would like to learn to be an official at the point-to-point races.

Topics to be covered:  Steward, Starter, Timer, Clerk of Scales, Placing Judge, Patrol Judge, Paddock Judge

Any questions, call: Donny Yovanovich, President VPPA  540.592.9535,  Norman Fraley, Chief Steward VPPA 443.249.3615 and/or Bill hair, Steward VPPA 540.272-4666.

(Photo by Eschneider via Flickr)

PICTURES OF THE DAY

Wicked Thunder (No. 7), under Josean Ramirez, edges Diski Dancer to win the $50,000 Dancing Count Stakes at Laurel. (Photo by Jim McCue/Maryland Jockey Club)

In this photo released by Gulfstream Park, Tackleberry, ridden by Javier Santiage, captures The Sunshine Millions Classic stakes at Gulfstream in Hallandale Beach, Fla.

In this photo released by the New York Racing Association, Kid Kate (6), with Ramon A. Dominguez aboard, captures The Correction  at Aqueduct race track in New York, Saturday, Jan. 29, 2011. Meese Rocks, with Junior Alvarado aboard, took second.

 This photo released by Gulfstream Park shows Pomeroys Pistol capturing The Grade II Forward Gal Stakes at Gulfstream Park, Fla, Sunday Jan. 30, 2011.

In a photo provided by Benoit Photo, Switch and jockey Joel Rosario cruise to victory in the Grade I, $250,000 Santa Monica Stakes Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011, at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif.

TWO VA DERBY WINNERS NOMINATED TO DUBAI WORLD CUP

Two winners of the Virginia Derby are thought to be major contenders for the world’s richest horse race.  

With nearly 50 possible representatives from the U.S., this year's Dubai World Cup has a significant chance to be brought home by the red, white and blue. Virginia Derby winners Gio Ponti and Paddy O'Prado lead a list of contenders that include Drosselmeyer, Misremembered, Alcindor, Sidney's Candy, I Want Revenge and Square Eddie.

Many of the nominees have been cross-nominated in one or more of the six other races on the World Cup card.

PICTURES OF THE DAY

A detail of horses hooves as the runners race across the turf at Fontwell racecourse on January 28, 2011 in Fontwell, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

Runners make the top turn as the sun begins to set at Fontwell racecourse on January 28, 2011 in Fontwell, England.  (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

Robert Thornton riding Dhaafer (3rd L, green) on their way to winning The Racing UK Juvenile Maiden Hurdle Race at Warwick racecourse on January 27, 2011 in Warwick, England.  (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

THINGS THAT MAKE YOU GO...

Robot camel jockeys

Hmmm…

Camel  racing is popular throughout the Arab Gulf nations where owning a herd of the beasts specially bred for the sport has become a fashion accoutrement. The most prized animals can sell for more than $1 million. 

Sound familiar?

Now, Dubai police have confirmed that they have uncovered a gang of dealers who were selling electric stun gun kits, for up to $7,500 each, across the region.  The electric zappers were then installed in the robot jockeys that pilot the camels ever since the traditional jockeys (children) were banned some years ago.   

Robot camel jockeys sans racing silks

The robot jockeys, which cost between $200 to $300, are operated by remote control by the camel’s trainer.

Brigadier General Khaleel Ibrahim al-Mansouri, head of Dubai CID, said, "They put stun guns inside the jockey that sits on the camel so it could send electric shocks. It is inhumane to use such machines in camel races. It is also against animal protection laws and against our traditions." 

Details of the case are sketchy and the gang has not yet been brought to court.

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Kathmanblu with Julien Leparoux winning the Sweetest Chant Stakes at Gulfstream Park on January 22, 2011. (Photo by Horsephotos.com/NTRA) 

QUALITY ROAD LEADING VA-BRED EARNER IN 2010

The 2009 Virginia-bred Horse of the Year, Quality Road again topped the list of Virginia-bred earnings with $1,260,000 in purses during his 2010 racing season.

By Elusive Quality, out of Kobla by Strawberry Road, Quality Road won three Grade 1 stakes for his owner and breeder, the late Edward P. Evans of Spring Hill Farm in Casanova. Evans, who has been Virginia’s top breeder 10 of the past 12 years, bred five of the horses on the top ten list of earners.

Quality Road started his season with a victory in the Grade 3 Hal’s Hope at Gulfsream and then followed that up with a record-smashing performance in the Grade 1 Donn Handicap.  Back in New York, the four-year-old colt would go on to win the Metropolitan Mile and the Woodward Handicap, both Grade 1 fixtures. 

Quality Road retired to stud after a disappointing last place finish in the Breeders Cup Classic – the only out-of-the-money finish of his career – with career earnings of $2,232,830.

The second-leading Virginia-bred earner of 2010, was Mr. and Mrs. Bert Firestone’s homebred Winchester.  By Theatrical, out of Rum Charger (IRE) by =Spectrum (IRE), the five-year-old Winchester won $892,080 including the Grade 1 Manhattan and the Grade 1 Turf Classic both at Belmont Park.  Winchester, the 2008 Virginia-bred Horse of the Year, ended 2010 with career earnings of $1,237,898.

Evans’ Grade 2 stakes winner A Little Warm, by Stormin Fever, out of Minidar by Alydar, was third on the list with 2010 earnings of $708,000.  Prior to his retirement due to injury, A Little Warm won the Grade 2 Jim Dandy at Saratoga and the Spectacular Bid Stakes at Gulfstream Park.

Charles Town specialist Researcher came next with $596,100 which included a win in the listed $1 million Charles Town Classic. Researcher, by Two Smart out of Wild Magnolia by Apalachee, was bred by the Virginia Tech Foundation by way of the M.A.R.E. Center in Middleburg.  The now seven-year-old gelding has career earnings in excess of $1.3 million.

The other top Virginia-bred earners are: Victor’s Cry (R. Larry Johnson/Legacy Farm) $418,761, Shoemaker Mile Gr.I; Eishin Boston (Audley Farm) $340,363, stakes placed over jumps in Japan; Malibu Prayer (Edward P. Evans) $269,000 Ruffian H. Gr.I, Perfect Ken (Edward P. Evans) $263,773; Dixie City (Edward P. Evans) $203,180 and Two Notch Road (James M. Hackman) $186,447.

For the year, all Virginia-breds earned more than $15 million.

VIRGINIA-BRED WINNERS

Dance City (c, 3yo), City Zip - Ballet Colony by Pleasant Colony. B - Edward P Evans.  Gulfstream Park, 1/21/2011, mdn sp wgt, $23,000, 9 f, 1:51.89.

Free Entry (c, 3yo), Tale Of The Cat - Preachtothechoir by Pulpit. B - Corner Farm & Raul Lottero. Gulfstream Park, 1 /23/2011, mdn sp wgt, $23,000, 6 f, 1:10.50. ($150,000, wnlg, 2008, keenov)

Parker'sgoldencat (g, 6yo), Parker's Storm Cat - Gold Leaf by Slew O' Gold. B - Donna M. Hayes. Charles Town, 1 /22/2011, clmg, $9,600, 7 f, 1:28.66. ($1,000, yrlg, 2006, ftmoct)

Quick Delivery (c, 5yo), Distorted Humor - Penny Marie by Sky Classic. B - Lazy Lane Farms, Inc. Gulfstream Park, 1 /19/2011, clmg, $14,400, 8 f, 1:38.64.

Silver Daughter (f, 4yo), Silver Deputy - Captain's Daughter by Captain Bodgit. B - Atkins Homes, Inc. Laurel Race Course, 1 /20/2011, mdn clmg, $4,560, 8.5 f, 1:52.19.

Valueaddedpartner (f, 4yo), Partner's Hero - Kelly's Question by Mr. Greeley. B - R. Larry Johnson. Charles Town, 1 /21/2011, clmg, $9,600, 4.5 f, 0:53.92.

EVANS AGAIN LEADING VIRGINIA BREEDER

For the ninth time in the past eleven years, the late Edward P. Evans was the leading breeder of Virginia-bred Horses.  Powered by Grade 1 winners Quality Road and Malibu Prayer, Evans was represented by 583 starters which won 104 races and a total of $4,884,927. 

Evans three top earners were Quality Road ($1,260,000), A Little Warm ($708,000) and Malibu Prayer ($269,500).  Evans also ended 2010 as the seventh leading owner of Thoroughbreds with earnings of $3,617,508.

As has happened consistently in past years when Evans wins the title, Audley Farm in Berryville finished second with earnings of $1,251,503.  The leading Audley-bred winner again this year was Eishin Boston.  The now nine-year-old by Cat Thief out of Mather Miss added $340,363 to his bankroll in 2010 while racing over jumps in Japan.

Joe Allbritton’s Lazy Lane Farm in Upperville nosed out his neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Bert Firestone of Newstead Farm also in Upperville, to get the show.  Virginia-breds produced by Lazy Lane won $916,820 in 2010, while Virginia-breds produced by the Firestone’s earned $908,542. Lazy Lane’s leading earners for the year were the three-year-old filly In the Rough ($124,775) and the two-year-old graded stakes winner Position Limit ($120,000).  The Firestone’s biggest winner was the multiple Grade 1 stakes winner Winchester who won $892,080 while racing as a five-year-old in the familiar green and white silks of his breeder.

Bolstered by the Charles Town specialist Researcher who was the fourth leading Virginia-bred earner of the year with $596,100 in purses, the Virginia Tech Foundation was fifth on the list of leading breeders.  The Foundation’s year-end total for all Thoroughbreds produced here in the Commonwealth was $843,760.

Larry Johnson and his Legacy Farm are next on the list with $733,857 in earnings.  His star pupil was Grade 1 winner Victor’s Cry who won $418,761.

The top 30 Virginia breeders for 2010:  1) Edward P. Evans - $4,884,927; 2) Audley Farm - $1,251,503; 3) Lazy Lane Farm - $916,820; 4) Mr. and Mrs. Bert Firestone - $908,542; 5) Virginia Tech Foundation - $843,760; 6) R. Larry Johnson and Legacy Farm - $733,857; 7) Mrs. C. Oliver Iselin III - $515,425; 8) Morgan’s Ford Farm - $368,221; 9) William M. Backer - $301,355; 10) Lady Olivia at North Cliff - $255,722; 11) Althea “Robin” Richards - $241,047; 12) James M. Hackman - $228,482; 13) Chance Farm - $184,877; 14) Mede Cahaba Stable and Stud LLC - $162,436; 15) Donna Hayes - $135,602; 16) Keswick Stables - $113,560; 17) Dr. and Mrs. Glenn Noffsinger - $112,670; 18) Atkins Homes (Danny Atkins and Lee Ann Smith) - $110,162; 19) Foxcroft Farm - $102,694; 20) Hector Alcalde - $91,340; 21) Carlos S. E. and Gillian Gordon Moore - $86,886; 22) Carolyn Nicewonder - $71,332; 23) Karl B. Johnson - $70,524; 24) Braeburn Farm Corp. - $65,802; 25) Holly Ridge Farm - $65,550; 26) Diane Louise Manning - $64,445; 27) David Ross - $63,671; 28) Dr. Sam English II - $61,093; 29) Sally and Gerald Yeckley - $55,865 and 30) Mr. and Mrs. Sam Rogers, Jr. - $47,905.

PICTURES OF THE DAY

In this photo released by the New York Racing Association, Calibrachoa, ridden by Ramon A. Dominguez, captures The Toboggan Grade III Stakes at Aqueduct race track in New York, Saturday, Jan. 22, 2011.

In this photo released by Hodges Photography, Early Return, front right, with Shaun Bridgmohan, aboard holds off the rest of the field to win the 26th running of the F. W. Gaudin Memorial Stakes at Fair Grounds in New Orleans on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2011.

 In this photo provided by Benoit Photo, Euroears, right, ridden by jockey Mike Smith goes on to win the Grade II Palos Verdes Stakes on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2011 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif. (AP Photo/Benoit Photo)

Participants in the eighth traditional Kashubian horse race - Kaszebsko Szlopa.Kashubia is a region in northern Poland near Gdansk that is inhabited by Kashubians who are a West Slavic ethnic group in Pomerania, north-central Poland. The event took place on January 23, 2011.

 Participants in the seventh annual  Berenberg Snow-Polo event on January 23, 2011 in Klosters, Switzerland.

Keiran Burke riding Sparky Man clear the last to win The 1942 Was A Vintage Year Mares' Hurdle Race at Ascot racecourse on January 22, 2011 in Ascot, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

CHENERY ANNOUNCES NEW AWARD

Penny Chenery, owner and breeder of Virginia-bred Triple Crown winner Secretariat, has announced the creation of an award that will annually recognize a horse whose popularity and racing excellence best resounded with the American public and gained recognition for the sport during the past year. The award is the first of its kind in horseracing.  

To the surprise of few, the inaugural Secretariat Vox Populi Award, or “Voice of the People,” will be awarded to Zenyatta.

Owned by Ann and Jerry Moss, Zenyatta is also the recent winner of the 2010 Eclipse Horse of the Year Award and considered one of the most popular horses ever to have raced.

Chenery is scheduled to present the custom-made VoxPopuli trophy to the Mosses at Santa Anita Park on Feb. 5.

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Sam Thomas riding Cedre Bleu clears the last to win The Berkshire Stand Bookshop Juvenile Hurdle Race at Newbury racecourse on January 19, 2011 in Newbury, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

PICTURES OF THE DAY

Team Zenyatta at the Eclipse Awards. From left, Mike Smith, Alex Waldrop of the NTRA, Ann Moss, Jerry Moss, Dottie Ingordo and John Shirreffs at Fontainbleau Hotel, Miami, FL. (Photo by Horsephotos.com/NTRA)

Leighton Aspell and jockey Abey M’Boy about to part company during the Handicap Steeple Chase Race at Newbury Racecourse in Berkshire, England. (Photo by Julian Herbert/Action Images/Zumapress.com)

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Runners take the water jump in The M and C Carpets Handicap Steeple Chase at Newbury racecourse on January 19, 2011 in Newbury, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

ZENYATTA NAMED HORSE OF THE YEAR

To almost everyone’s delight save the connections of Blame – the only horse to ever beat her – Zenyatta was named North America's Horse of the Year for owners Jerry and Ann Moss and trainer John Shirreffs.

With five Grade 1 victories in 2010 and an unbeaten 19-race streak that was ended by a head loss to Blame in the Breeders' Cup Classic, Zenyatta, at six-years-old, became the oldest Thoroughbred to win the title since Cigar in 1996. It was the second year in a row that a female runner was selected Horse of the Year.

When the announcement was made, a collective shout rang out through the entire ballroom as the attendees sprang to their feet in a standing ovation.

The voting was relatively close as 128 voters chose Zenyatta and 102 selected Blame. There were five votes for Goldikova, one abstention, and two "no votes" that weren't counted. But the overwhelming sentiment of those in attendance was that the big bay mare deserved the honor 100 percent, not only for her accomplishments on the racetrack but for the vast amounts of attention she drew to the sport.

Moss congratulated the connections of Blame, noting "Blame is a wonderful racehorse."

"It has been a great honor to be associated with the other two finalists," Moss said while accepting the award. He went on to acknowledge Zenyatta's breeder Eric Kronfeld of Maverick Productions, Don Robinson who foaled and raised the champion at his Winter Quarters Farm, and bloodstock agent David Ingordo, who bought her at auction, and Jeanne and April Mayberry of Mayberry Farm near Ocala, where Zenyatta was broke and trained. All these people were on stage with the Mosses.

Virginia Derby winner Gio Ponti

Complete Eclipse Award Results



2-Year-Old Male: Uncle Mo

2-Year-Old Filly: Awesome Feather

3-Year-Old Male: Lookin At Lucky

3-Year-Old Filly: Blind Luck

Older Male: Blame

Older Female: Zenyatta

Female Sprinter: Dubai Majesty

Male Sprinter: Big Drama

Male Turf Horse: Gio Ponti

Female Turf Horse: Goldikova

Steeplechase Horse: Slip Away

Owner: WinStar Farm

Breeder: Adena Springs

Jockey: Ramon Dominguez

Apprentice Jockey: Omar Moreno

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

PICTURES OF THE DAY

This photo released by the New York Racing Association, shows Fort Hughes capturing The Jimmy Winkfield at Aqueduct, New York Monday Jan. 17, 2010.
In a photo provided by Benoit Photo, Bourbon Bay and jockey Rafael Bejarano win the $150,000 San Marcos Stakes Gr.II Monday, Jan. 17, 2011, at Santa Anita in Arcadia, Calif.

Tar Heel Mom and Alan Garcia winning the $100,000 Sugar Swirl Stakes Gr.III at Gulfstream Park on Saturday. (Photo by Horsephotos.com/NTRA)

Mendip under Frankie Dettori wins the Group 3 Al Maktoum Challenge at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, UAE on January 13, 2011. (Photo by Horsephotos.com/NTRA)

VIRGINIA-BRED WINNERS

Alicudi (f, 4yo), Mr. Greeley - Testy Trestle by Private Account. B - Mrs. C. Oliver Iselin, III. Deauville, 1 /11/2011, clmg, $11,663, 9.4 f, 2:00.80.

Allie's The Boss (f, 5yo), Black Tie Affair (IRE) - Latori by Unaccounted For. B - Hayes Donna M. Charles Town, 1 /13/2011, mdn sp wgt, $15,600, 6.5 f, 1:23.51.

American Wildcat (c, 3yo), Forest Wildcat - Gingham And Lace by Kris S. B - Lazy Lane Farms Inc. Golden Gate Fields, 1 /14/2011, mdn clmg, $9,000, 6 f, 1:11.87. ($115,000, yrlg, 2009, keesep)

Colleen's Charm (f, 4yo), Ball's Bluff - Amyscharmingway by Will's Way. B - Virginia Tech Foundation Inc. Charles Town, 1 /14/2011, mdn clmg, $6,600, 9 f, 2:04.14.

Doing Great (f, 3yo), Great Notion - What Do I Do by Two Smart. B - R Larry Johnson. Charles Town, 1/14/2011, alwc, $16,200, 6.5 f, 1:21.37.

Endless Wish (f, 4yo), Weshaam - Helen's Bid by Loustrous Bid. B - Bryant Sherwood. Charles Town, 1/11/2011, clmg, $6,600, 6.5 f, 1:24.85. ($3,200, wnlg, 2007, ftmdec)

Imperial Moment (f, 4yo), Mr. Executioner - The Fighting Chief by Aggressive Chief. B - Page Calvin Mr. & Mrs. Charles Town, 1 /12/2011, mdn clmg, $6,600, 6.5 f, 1:27.01.

Leobuster (g, 6yo), Housebuster - Leotive by Our Native. B - Noffsinger Glenn R. Dr. Charles Town, 1/14/2011, alwc, $18,000, 7 f, 1:27.83.

Pulverizer (c, 6yo), Volponi - Als Delight by Wayne County (IRE). B - Concepts Unlimited. Charles Town, 1 /14/2011, clmg, $6,600, 4.5 f, 0:53.52.

Quiet Giant (f, 4yo), Giant's Causeway - Quiet Dance by Quiet American. B - Edward P. Evans. Aqueduct, 1 /16/2011, stk, $36,000, 8 f, 1:36.51.

Sin And The City (c, 5yo), Speightstown - Sincerely by Meadowlake. B - Larry Johnson Aqueduct, 1/16/2011, alwc, $26,400, 6 f, 1:10.40.

Union Chapel Road (g, 4yo), Silver Deputy - Seemslikearocket by Beau Genius. B - Audley Farm. Laurel Race Course, 1 /13/2011, mdn clmg, $6,840, 7 f, 1:27.16. ($35,000, yrlg, 2008, ftmoct)

QUALITY ROAD, WINCHESTER TOP VA-BRED EARNERS FOR 2010

Quality Road

The VTA’s year-end reports on Virginia-breds show that 16 Thoroughbreds produced here in the Commonweath were six-figure earners during 2010.  The late Edward P. Evans bred seven of those horses including multiple Grade 1 winner Quality Road who tops the list at $1,260,000 which included wins in the Donn Handicap, Metropolitan Mile and the Woodward.

Joe Allbritton’s Lazy Lane Farm in Upperville bred three of the top earners while James M. Hackman bred two.

1. Quality Road 06 B H, BY Elusive Quality 1993 -- Kobla 1995, Evans Edward P., $1,260,000

2. Winchester 05 B H, BY Theatrical (IRE) 1982 -- Rum Charger (IRE) 1999, Firestone Bertram R. Mr. & Mrs., $892,080

3. A Little Warm 07 B C, BY Stormin Fever 1994 -- Minidar 1990, Evans Edward P., $708,000

4. Researcher 04 B G, BY Two Smart 1994 -- Wild Magnolia 1995,Virginia Tech Foundation Inc., $596,100

Winchester

5. Victor's Cry 05 DK B/ R, BY Street Cry (IRE) 1998 -- Short Time 1992, Legacy Farm, $418,761

6. Eishin Boston 02 CH H, BY Cat Thief 1996 -- Mather Miss 1994, Audley Farm, $340,363

7. Malibu Prayer 06 B M, BY Malibu Moon 1997 -- Grand Prayer 2001, Evans Edward P., $269,500

8. Perfect Ken 06 B H, BY Tiznow 1997 -- Perfect Probe 1990, Evans Edward P., $263,773

9. Dixie City 08 B F, BY Dixie Union 1997 -- City Sister 2000, Evans Edward P., $203,180

10. Two Notch Road 07 DK B/ G, BY Partner's Hero 1994 -- Capiana 1995, Hackman James M., $186,447

11. Silverside 06 B H, BY Pleasantly Perfect 1998 -- Lyrical Ghost 1995, Evans Edward P.,                          $172,338

Researcher

12. Elusive Gift 05 B G, BY Elusive Quality 1993 -- Christmas Gift 1992, Evans Edward P., $132,499

13. In the Rough 07 B F, BY Stormy Atlantic 1994 -- Old Fashion Girl 2001, Lazy Lane Farms, Inc., $124,775

14. Position Limit 08 DK B/ F, BY Bellamy Road 2002 -- Payable On Demand 2001, Lazy Lane Farms, Inc., $120,000

15. Argent Affair 07 GR/RO F, BY Black Tie Affair (IRE) 1986 -- Caty's Quest 1998, Hackman James M., $106,467

16. Ginza Knight 05 CH H, BY Lemon Drop Kid 1996 -- Silent Greeting 1993, Lazy Lane Farms, Inc., $106,177

EVANS-BRED QUIET GIANT WINS AQUEDUCT STAKE

The Estate of Edward P. Evans’ Quiet Giant rolled to a three-length win Sunday in the $60,000 Lady On The Run Stakes for fillies and mares.

Trainer Todd Pletcher again dominated an Aqueduct stakes a day after his horses ran 1-2 in the Evening Attire Stakes, Pletcher had a 1-3 finish, with McVictory taking the show spot.

Quiet Giant, the 4-5 favorite, improved to 4 for 7 with her second straight stakes win at Aqueduct. Ramon Dominguez was aboard as the 4-year-old ran the mile in 1:36.51 on the fast track.

After stalking the pacesetting Wind Caper through fractions of 23.79 and 47.56 seconds, Quiet Giant and Dominguez drew on even terms with that rival at the five-sixteenths pole. Quiet Giant ran outside of Wind Caper until just inside the eighth pole when, despite attempting to lug in, she drew clear to get the relatively easy victory.

It was the second stakes straight victory for Quiet Giant, a 4-year-old daughter of Giant’s Causeway.

ECLIPSE AWARDS TONIGHT

The Eclipse Awards, the Oscars of the racing world, will be handed out Monday night in Miami.  Zenyatta is up for Horse of the Year, an award she was denied the past two years.

Zenyatta is up against Breeders' Cup Classic nemesis Blame, the only horse that ever beat her.

The awards show airs at 6 p.m. on TVG.

The announcement, expected to come between 9:30 and 10 PM Eastern by NTRA president and CEO Alex Waldrop, will surely start a new series of arguments on this site and many others.

LIVE BLOGGING FROM ECLIPSE AWARDS

The Paulick Report will be live blogging the Eclipse Awards for the third year in a row this year.

 Of course, the major storyline going in is whether superstar mare Zenyatta or Breeders' Cup Classic winner Blame will take home the top prize at Horse of the Year, but only at the Paulick Report will you have the opportunity to sound off on every bit of the awards ceremony and read Ray Paulick's take as well. This year, we will be using Coveritlive, the same blogging software used on ESPN, the BBC and Fox News for their online live blogs.

So sit back, relax and enjoy the show. Well, actually who can relax with so much anticipation in the air? Instead, sit forward, let your thoughts be known and try not to completely chew off your fingernails! We'll be under way at six-ish but the blog will open for folks to start commenting around 5:30.

Click here to join in the fun as Ray Paulick Live Blogs the Eclipse Awards!

PICTURES OF THE DAY

Nancy Terhune’s Aspenglow sped off to her sixth straight victory when she beat six other fillies and mares in the $75,000 What A Summer Stakes Saturday at Laurel Park. Travis Dunkelberger was aboard the 5-year-old as she covered the six furlong distance over the fast main track in 1:10.21. (Photo by Jim McCue/MJC)

Vincent Scuderi’s Laysh Laysh Laysh and Erick Rodriguez won the $50,000 Native Dancer Stakes at Laurel on Monday, January 17, 2011. (Photo by Jim McCue/MJC)

 In this image provided by Benoit Photo, Winchell Thoroughbreds' Tapizar, with jockey Garrett Gomez aboard, wins the $100,000 Sham Stakes Gr.III Saturday, Jan. 15, 2011, at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif.

 Heart Butte and David Cohen won the Evening Attire on Saturday at Aqueduct Racetrack.

In this photo provided by Benoit Photo, Indian Firewater ridden by jockey Mike Smith, second from right, make the turn for home and go on to win the Grade II San Fernando Stakes horse race, Saturday, Jan. 15, 2011, at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif. (AP Photo/Benoit Photo)

 Matt Griffiths riding Manmoon fall at the last in The Revelstoke Wine Company Handicap Steeple Chase at Plumpton racecourse on January 17, 2011 in Plumpton, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/ Getty Images)

 The muddy face of a runner after finishing on the Heavy going at Plumpton racecourse on January 17, 2011 in Plumpton, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

In this photo provided by Benoit Photo, California Nectar, ridden by jockey Patrick Valenzuela, inside, hold off Zazu, ridden by Joe Rosario, to win the Santa Ynez Stakes Gr.II horse race on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2011 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif. (AP Photo/Benoit Photo)

Always a Princess and jockey Rafael Bejarano winning the $150,000 El Encino Stakes Gr.II Sunday, Jan. 16, 2011 at Santa Anita Park, Arcadia Calif. (AP Photo/Benoit Photo)

In this photo released by Gulfstream Park, Adirondack Summer (1), with Alan Garcia aboard, captures The Dania Beach Stakes horse race at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale, Fla., Sunday, Jan. 16, 2011. Brilliant Speed, with John Velazquez aboard, placed second. (AP Photo/Gulfstream Park)

In this photo released by Gulfstream Park, Big Drama ridden by Eibar Coa, captures the Mr. Prospector Stakes at Gulfstream Park on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2011, in Hallandale Beach, Fla.