FROM ASH-FAULT TO TURF

It's difficult to imagine that Colonial's famous Secretariat Turf Course looked more like the Indy 500 when these pictures was taken in early spring of this year...

....with long fetches of burned dormant Bermuda down the stretch.  The burn gaps disappeared and you moved inward toward the rail. 

The Secretariat Turf Course at post burn with vibrant turf awaits the upcoming season that begins June 2nd.

COLONIAL DOWNS OFF AND RUNNING ON SATURDAY

Colonial Downs 2012 Thoroughbred meet will be off and running on Saturday, June 2.  As a benefit for our current members, the VTA and the VaHBPA in partnership are delighted to make a fourth floor sky suite available throughout the meet.

(Coady Photography)

Kicking off the VTA/VHBPA's special events are suites for the Strawberry Hill Races on Saturday, June 2 and a special VTA Belmont Stakes Day at Colonial on Saturday, June 9.  Please RSVP to the VTA at 540.347.4313 for any of the events in the suites, and take a moment to review the calendar and important information below regarding access to the Sky Suite:

June 2012 

• Thursday, Friday and Sunday: A Sky Suite is available to 25 VTA/VaHBPA members on a first-come, first-served basis.  No prior RSVP is necessary.  Please show your membership card at the Pass Gate (free admission) and at the Guest Services Upgrade window to receive wristbands allowing access to the suite. 

• Saturdays: A Sky Suite is to current VTA/VaHBPA members – RSVPs are required for Saturday access.  Please RSVP to the VTA office at 540.347.4313. 

·      Saturday, June 2: Strawberry Hill Races – $35.00 per person includes full buffet, cash bar and program.  Reservations limited to 45 members/guests.  RSVP to the VTA office by Thursday, May 31.

·      Saturday, June 9: Belmont Stakes Day at Colonial Downs: Complimentary, includes appetizers, cash bar and program.  Reservations limited to 90 members/guests.  RSVP to the VTA office by Thursday, June 7.  Sky Suite open at 3:00 p.m. Watch the third jewel of racing’s Triple Crown on television in the Sky Suite, then stay to enjoy an evening of Colonial Downs racing, post time 7:00 p.m.

·      Saturday, June 16: Colonial Turf Cup: Complimentary, includes full buffet, cash bar and program.  Reservations limited to 45 members/guests.  RSVP to the VTA office by Wednesday, June 6.

·      Saturday, June 23: Colonial Downs evening of racing: Complimentary, includes appetizers, cash bar and program.  Reservations limited to 45 members/guests.  RSVP to the VTA office by Tuesday, June 12.

·      Saturday, June 30: Colonial Downs evening of racing: Complimentary, includes appetizers, cash bar and program.  Reservations limited to 45 members/guests.  RSVP to the VTA office by Wednesday, June 20.

July 2012*

*Our July calendar will be updated mid-June.  Please watch your mail, the VTA website www.vabred.org and the VTA blog www.vtablog.org for details!

• Thursday, Friday and Sunday: A Sky Suite is available to 25 VTA/VaHBPA members on a first-come, first-served basis.  No prior RSVP is necessary.  Please show your membership card at the Pass Gate (free admission) and at the Guest Services Upgrade window to receive wristbands which will allow access to the suite.

• Saturday, July 21: Virginia Derby Day: $100.00 per person, includes full buffet, cash bar and program. Reservations limited to 100 members/guests and must be paid in advance.  RSVP to the VTA office by Wednesday, July 11.

• Friday, July 27: Commonwealth Turf Festival (VTA Annual Equine Hall of Fame Event): Complimentary, includes full buffet, cash bar and program.  Reservations limited to 100 members/guests.  RSVP to the VTA by Tuesday, July 17. 

Colonial Downs Race Days, Post Times, Suite Access and Dress Code

Racing Days: Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Dark Days:    Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

Post Times:

• Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: 7:00 p.m. (Suites open approximately one hour before post time.)
• Sunday: 12:55 p.m.

Exceptions:

• Saturday, June 2: Post time 12:55 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 4: Post time 5:00 p.m.
• Thursday, July 5: Dark Day
• Sunday, July 22: Dark Day 

Suite Access:

• Thursday, Friday, and Sunday: Please show your membership card at the Pass Gate (free admission) and at the Guest Services Upgrade window to receive your wristband, allowing access to the suite.  No prior RSVPS are necessary.
• Saturdays: RSVP by the appropriate deadline to the VTA office at 540.347.4313 for the Saturday access you would prefer.  At Colonial Downs, visit the “Groups” tent at the main front entrance of Colonial Downs, present your membership card, and indicate that you are with the Virginia Thoroughbred Association to receive your wristband, allowing access to the fourth floor.  In the fourth floor lobby, visit the VTA/VaHBPA table to be escorted to the Sky Suite. 

Turf Club Access: FREE access to any unsold Turf Club dining tables and bar seats can be acquaired by VTA/VaHBPA members through Guest Services.  There is NO standing room in the Turf Club.

Turf Club (Fourth Floor) Dress Code: The dress code for the Turf Club (Fourth Floor) will be strictly enforced.  Required proper attire includes: business casual clothes, dress walking shorts, dress slacks, dresses and suits.  Gentlemen’s jackets are optional.  Absolutely NO jeans, torn clothing, tank tops, flip-flops or abbreviated dress permitted!  Individuals not in compliance with the dress code will not be permitted in the Turf Club – NO EXECPTIONS!

VIRGINIA-BRED WINNERS

Born Force (g, 3yo), Political Force - Born Twice by Opening Verse. B - McNeely C. W. Mr. & Mrs. III.  Arapahoe Park, 5 /27/2012, stk, $24,000, 6 f, 1:12.66. ($1,200, yrlg, 2010, ftkoct)

Bull's Eye Candy (f, 5yo), Holy Bull - Megler by Pleasant Tap. B - Johnson Karl B. Sr. River Downs, 5/27/2012, clmg, $2,160, 5.5 f, 1:09.05. ($32,000, yrlg, 2008, ftmoct)

Celestial Fields (c, 4yo), Bluegrass Cat - May Star by Unbridled. B - Audley Farm.  Charles Town, 5/25/2012, clmg, $6,600, 6.5 f, 1:20.22. ($170,000, yrlg, 2009, keesep)

Country Chic (f, 4yo), Cactus Ridge - Lunar Antics by Hay Halo. B - Concepts Unlimited & Nellie M Cox. Delaware Park, 5/23/2012, clmg, $7,500, 6 f, 1:12.22.

Dot's Dream (f, 5yo), Oratory - Polish Patty by Polish Numbers. B - Estate Of Dorothy N. Burnette. Charles Town, 5/25/2012, clmg, $8,400, 7 f, 1:27.70. ($1,000, wnlg, 2007, ftmdec)

Hot Body (f, 3yo), Grand Slam - Last Fever by Storm Cat. B - Edward P Evans. Canterbury, 5/27/2012, mdn sp wgt, $8,700, 6.5 f, 1:17.59. ($17,000, 2yo, 2011, keenov)

Internalaccounting (c, 5yo), Pleasantly Perfect - Chasing Yield by High Yield. B - Evans Edward P. Churchill Downs, 5/25/2012, clmg, $15,420, 8 f, 1:36.09. ($35,000, yrlg, 2008, keesep)

Oykel Bridge (g, 4yo), Yonaguska - Ringaring A Rosie by Secret Hello. B - James M Hackman. Charles Town, 5/24/2012, clmg, $6,600, 6.5 f, 1:20.92.

Private Tale (c, 4yo), Tale Of The Cat - Taint by Private Account. B - Mr & Mrs Frank Zureick Mr & Mrs. Belmont Park, 5 /26/2012, alwc, $46,200, 8 f, 1:34.96. ($50,000, yrlg, 2009, ftmoct)

Swap Up (c, 3yo), Political Force - Marietta's Charm by Wolfhound. B - Morgan's Ford Farm. Arlington Internat'l, 5/28/2012, mdn clmg, $9,300, 6 f, 1:13.72. ($1,500, yrlg, 2010, keesep)

PICTURES OF THE DAY

Kentucky Derby, and Preakness winner I'll Have Another is ridden by exercise trainer Humberto Gomez at Belmont Park on May 21, 2012 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

In this photo provided by the New York Racing Association, Aruna and jockey Ramon Dominguez capture the Sheepshead Bay Stakes horse race, Saturday, May 26, 2012, at Belmont Park in New York.

Jockey Joel Rosario guides Belle Royale to the winner's circle after their victory in the Grade I, $250,000 Gamely Stakes horse race, Monday, May 28, 2012, at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, Calif.

In this photo provided by the New York Racing Association, Contested and jockey Javier Castellano win the Acorn Grade I horse race, Monday, May 28, 2012, at Belmont Park in New York.

In this photo provided by the New York Racing Association, Gitchee Goomie and jockey Alan Garcia capture the Mount Vernon Stakes horse race at Belmont Park, Sunday, May 27, 2012, in New York.

In this photo provided by the New York Racing Association, It's Tricky and jockey Eddie Castro (4) pass Cash for Clunkers and jockey Alan Garcia (1) to win the Ogden Phipps Grade I horse race, Monday, May 28, 2012, at Belmont Park in New York.

In this photo provided by Benoit Photo, Roman Threat and jockey Rafael Bejarano win the Grade III, $100,000 Los Angeles Handicap horse race, Monday, May 28, 2012, at Hollywood Park in Inglewood Calif. (AP Photo/Benoit Photo)

In this photo provided by the New York Racing Association, Shackleford and jockey John Velazquez, rear, pass Caleb's Posse and jockey Rajiv Maragh to win the $750,000 Metropolitan Handicap horse race, Monday, May 28, 2012, at Belmont Park in New York.

Kentucky Derby, and Preakness winner I'll Have Another ridden by exercise trainer Humberto Gomez walks from the racetrack at Belmont Park on May 21, 2012 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

2012 COLONIAL DOWNS - OFF & RUNNING ON SATURDAY, JUNE 2

Colonial Downs 2012 Thoroughbred meet will be off and running on Saturday, June 2.  As a benefit for our current members, the VTA and the VaHBPA in partnership are delighted to make a fourth floor sky suite available throughout the meet.

Kicking off the VTA/VHBPA's special events are suites for the Strawberry Hill Races on Saturday, June 2 and a special VTA Belmont Stakes Day at Colonial on Saturday, June 9.  Please RSVP to the VTA at 540.347.4313 for any of the events in the suites, and take a moment to review the calendar and important information below regarding access to the Sky Suite:

June 2012 

• Thursday, Friday and Sunday: A Sky Suite is available to 25 VTA/VaHBPA members on a first-come, first-served basis.  No prior RSVP is necessary.  Please show your membership card at the Pass Gate (free admission) and at the Guest Services Upgrade window to receive wristbands allowing access to the suite. 

• Saturdays: A Sky Suite is to current VTA/VaHBPA members – RSVPs are required for Saturday access.  Please RSVP to the VTA office at 540.347.4313. 

·      Saturday, June 2: Strawberry Hill Races – $35.00 per person includes full buffet, cash bar and program.  Reservations limited to 45 members/guests.  RSVP to the VTA office by Thursday, May 31.

·      Saturday, June 9: Belmont Stakes Day at Colonial Downs: Complimentary, includes appetizers, cash bar and program.  Reservations limited to 90 members/guests.  RSVP to the VTA office by Thursday, June 7.  Sky Suite open at 3:00 p.m. Watch the third jewel of racing’s Triple Crown on television in the Sky Suite, then stay to enjoy an evening of Colonial Downs racing, post time 7:00 p.m.

·      Saturday, June 16: Colonial Turf Cup: Complimentary, includes full buffet, cash bar and program.  Reservations limited to 45 members/guests.  RSVP to the VTA office by Wednesday, June 6.

·      Saturday, June 23: Colonial Downs evening of racing: Complimentary, includes appetizers, cash bar and program.  Reservations limited to 45 members/guests.  RSVP to the VTA office by Tuesday, June 12.

·      Saturday, June 30: Colonial Downs evening of racing: Complimentary, includes appetizers, cash bar and program.  Reservations limited to 45 members/guests.  RSVP to the VTA office by Wednesday, June 20.

July 2012*

*Our July calendar will be updated mid-June.  Please watch your mail, the VTA website www.vabred.org and the VTA blog www.vtablog.org for details!

• Thursday, Friday and Sunday: A Sky Suite is available to 25 VTA/VaHBPA members on a first-come, first-served basis.  No prior RSVP is necessary.  Please show your membership card at the Pass Gate (free admission) and at the Guest Services Upgrade window to receive wristbands which will allow access to the suite.

• Saturday, July 21: Virginia Derby Day: $100.00 per person, includes full buffet, cash bar and program. Reservations limited to 100 members/guests and must be paid in advance.  RSVP to the VTA office by Wednesday, July 11.

• Friday, July 27: Commonwealth Turf Festival (VTA Annual Equine Hall of Fame Event): Complimentary, includes full buffet, cash bar and program.  Reservations limited to 100 members/guests.  RSVP to the VTA by Tuesday, July 17. 

Colonial Downs Race Days, Post Times, Suite Access and Dress Code

Racing Days: Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Dark Days:    Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

Post Times:

• Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: 7:00 p.m. (Suites open approximately one hour before post time.)
• Sunday: 12:55 p.m.

Exceptions:

• Saturday, June 2: Post time 12:55 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 4: Post time 5:00 p.m.
• Thursday, July 5: Dark Day
• Sunday, July 22: Dark Day 

Suite Access:

• Thursday, Friday, and Sunday: Please show your membership card at the Pass Gate (free admission) and at the Guest Services Upgrade window to receive your wristband, allowing access to the suite.  No prior RSVPS are necessary.
• Saturdays: RSVP by the appropriate deadline to the VTA office at 540.347.4313 for the Saturday access you would prefer.  At Colonial Downs, visit the “Groups” tent at the main front entrance of Colonial Downs, present your membership card, and indicate that you are with the Virginia Thoroughbred Association to receive your wristband, allowing access to the fourth floor.  In the fourth floor lobby, visit the VTA/VaHBPA table to be escorted to the Sky Suite. 

Turf Club Access: FREE access to any unsold Turf Club dining tables and bar seats can be acquaired by VTA/VaHBPA members through Guest Services.  There is NO standing room in the Turf Club.

Turf Club (Fourth Floor) Dress Code: The dress code for the Turf Club (Fourth Floor) will be strictly enforced.  Required proper attire includes: business casual clothes, dress walking shorts, dress slacks, dresses and suits.  Gentlemen’s jackets are optional.  Absolutely NO jeans, torn clothing, tank tops, flip-flops or abbreviated dress permitted!  Individuals not in compliance with the dress code will not be permitted in the Turf Club – NO EXECPTIONS!

ROMANS OFF TO THE RACES FRIDAY EVENING

We thought it might be a good time to catch up with Dullahan before he catches up to us.  Here is the Bluegrass winner walking the shed row at Churchill Downs one morning during Kentucky Derby week. (Photo: Hahn)

Tune in to "Off to the Races" on ESPN AM 950 (WXGI) in Richmond Friday evening as Nick Hahn and "Derby" Bill Watson interview trainer Dale Romans.  Romans will saddle Dullahan, third place finisher in the Kentucky Derby and leading contender to thwart the Triple Crown bid of I'll Have Another in the Belmont Stakes.  "Off to the Races" airs Friday evenings at 6:00 pm in Richmond and on the web at www.espn950am.com.  Also on Friday's show, we will recap the significance of the Preakness day racing action at Pimlico last weekend and preview two three year old turf races to be run Memorial Day weekend.  Romans has the favorite in the $125,000 Arlington Classic, Silver Max and Shackleford in the Metropolitan Mile.   

Romans conditioned Paddy O'Prado to two wins at Colonial Downs in 2010 and attended both races.  Here is watches Kent Desormeaux guide the Colonial Turf Cup winner into the winner's circle with owner Jerry Crawford of Donegal Racing.

MEADOW SOLD TO TENNESSEE-BASED AMUSEMENT COMPANY

LOVELL (Steve Helber/AP Photo)

Associated Press - The owner of a Tennessee-based amusement company placed the winning bid Tuesday for the State Fair of Virginia, buying both the 150-year-old fair and the event site, which includes where Triple Crown winner Secretariat was born.

Mark Lovell, owner of Cordova, Tenn.-based Universal Fairs, successfully bid $5.35 million at an auction for the State Fair of Virginia’s intellectual property as well as its real estate. He’s also paying an additional $320,000 for the auction house’s fees, bringing the total cost to $5.67 million.

Lovell said at a news conference Tuesday that he has already contracted for midway rides and vendors, and plans to stage the fair Sept. 28 through Oct. 7.

He said he’s “excited about the opportunity that’s been given to us,” but added he would have been glad to pay less for the property.

State Fair of Virginia Inc. acquired the Meadow Farm property in 2003 for $5.3 million and moved the annual fair from Richmond, where it had been held since 1854. The nonprofit defaulted on about $80 million in financing from a group of creditors and was forced to liquidate, casting uncertainty on this year’s event.

Tuesday’s live auction featured Meadow Event Park’s real estate, including a 12,900-square-foot manor house, a 76,000-square-foot exhibition hall, a 9,700-square-foot pavilion and an extensive equestrian facility. The package also includes the State Fair of Virginia trademark, website and social media accounts. Secretariat’s preserved foaling shed and yearling barn also is on the property.

(P. Kevin Morley/Richmond Times Dispatch)

After the site underwent nearly $100 million in construction projects, the fair debuted in Caroline County in September 2009. Attendance hit a record 250,000 last year, but the group was unable to make money after the fair left Richmond.

The organization took on massive debt for the project, even as the economy worsened and the stock-market slump shrank its investment portfolio. It also failed to curb spending, with State Fair president Curry A. Roberts and a handful of officers continuing to draw outsized salaries, according to documents in the bankruptcy case as well as SFVA’s own filings with the Internal Revenue Service.

The group filed for bankruptcy protection in December and proposed to buy out the bondholders to settle the debt. The creditors declined, saying the offered amount wasn’t near what they were owed. SFVA subsequently liquidated its assets.

Several groups had expressed interest in buying the property and staging this year’s fair in September, as regularly scheduled. Lovell was one of nearly a dozen bidders at the auction, which wrapped up in about half an hour.

To read more, click here.

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Kentucky Derby, and Preakness winner I'll Have Another is walked in his barn at Belmont Park on May 21, 2012 in Elmont, New York. (Al Bello/Getty Images North America)

THE TURF TEN

by Nick Hahn

The James Murphy at Pimlico on Preakness day was an English Channel sired exacta comprised of #2 Skyring and Easy Crossing (outside shadow roll).  Both make the Turf Ten list for the moment.  There are two significant three year old turf stakes this weekend, the American Classic at Arlington and the Lamplighter at Monmouth.

Nick's picks for the top ten three year old horses in North America with at least one start on the turf in 2012 and perhaps with an inclination of running in the $600,000 Virginia Derby (G2) at Colonial Downs on July 21st.
		Owner	Trainer	Jockey (last start)
1	SILVER MAX	Mark Bacon & Dana Wells	Dale Romans	Rafael Bejarano
	I'm not sure of the method in regard to the Virginia Derby despite that he has won his third straight all on the front end.  Looks like Rafael Bejarno will keep the mount on Silver Max who may start in this weekend's Arlington Classic.
		Owner	Trainer	Jockey (last start)
2	DULLAHAN	Donegal Racing	Dale Romans	Kent Desormeaux
	With a 3rd-place finish in the Kentucky Derby, the similarities to Paddy O'Prado are astounding.  With another Donegal interest is emerging on the turf, it may be a while before Dullahan sees the turf again.  Javier Castellano picks up the mount from Desormeaux for the Belmont Stakes.
		Owner	Trainer	Jockey (last start)
3	HOWE GREAT	Team Valor	Graham Motion	Javier Castellano
	He could be interchangable here at #3 with Travel Advisory who finished ahead of him in the American Turf.  The stormy conditions in the American Turf may have been a factor for the Palm Beach winner, but I think he may have needed a start after his Bluegrass outing.
		Owner	Trainer	Jockey (last start)
4	TRAVEL ADVISORY	TK Stables	Kellyn Gorder	M. Cruz
	He seems to be moving up on Silver Max with each outing and certainly has found a home on the turf.  I like his chances as the distances begin to increase.  He ran still run second to Silver Max twice, but the margin is getting closer.
		Owner	Trainer	Jockey (last start)
5	EASY CROSSING	Preston Stables, LLC	Christophe Clement	Ramon Dominquez
	One of many English Channel colts that could be on the rise.  Easy Crossing had a horrible trip in the Murphy at Pimlico and still rallied for second to complete the English Channel exacta with Skyring.  Appears to be improving with every start.
		Owner	Trainer	Jockey (last start)
6	STAR CHANNEL	GDS Racing Stable	Todd Pletcher	Pedro Cotto
	Pletcher trains not only this three year old Florida talent, he also trained his sire, English Channel to a sweep of Colonial’s “twin turf” wins in 2005.  The Sophomore Turf winner has won his last three starts-all turf wins.  Like the Correze mare, Reach the Top.  Appears to be fine after tossing Castellano in the American Turf.
		Owner	Trainer	Jockey (last start)
7	BLINGO	Jerry & Ann Moss	John Shirreffs	Mike Smith
	Undefeated and impressive on the turf in two starts while being two lackluster in two starts when not on it.  Sheriffs tells the DRF he may not be fully convinced that he has to race on the turf, but we like it when he does.  A solid win in the La Puente Stakes at 1 & 1/8th at Santa Anita.
		Owner	Trainer	Jockey (last start)
8	ACHILLES	Peachtree Stable	Christophe Clemente	Joe Talamo
	Undefeated in two starts on the west coast, this Smart Strike colt has now switched to the Clemente barn.  There was talk of him starting in the American Turf and he was entered in the Murphy as well as an allowance at Belmont versus older horses.  What's keeping him out of the starting gate?
		Owner	Trainer	Jockey (last start)
9	FINNEGAN'S WAKE	Donegal Racing	Dale Romans	Kent Desormeaux
	Donegal and Dale must have been happy while the way was moving at the wire of the American Turf when he finished 4th.  I love his Powerscourt (GB) breeding on the top side.  With this colt in the barn and improving, it's less tempting to return stableeneighbor Dullahan to the turf.
		Owner	Trainer	Jockey (last start)
10	SKYRING	Bluegrass Hall, LLC	D.Wayne Lukas	Joel Rosario
	The winner of the Murphy only gave up the lead briefly in the Murphy Stakes but got it back in time to hold off Easy Crossing.  Lukas considered running him in the Preakness instead of Optimizer.  Lukas acknowledges that it's difficult to win on the turf on the front end, but isn't concerned about going longer with this colt.
EDGED OFF THE TURF TEN - REAL SOLUTION who had been undefeated in Italy, ran 6th in the Italian Derby and is nominated to several stakes in America including the Mid-American Triple.  It wouldn't take much to place STATE OF PLAY back in the Turf Ten.  He ran third in the Transylvania and won the Battaglia on the synthetic.  Clemente also has MALIBU WAY who has won twice.   So has Neil Howard's SACHEM SPIRIT.  Other honorable mentions include LOOK AT THE TIME, STONEY FENCE, FILM SHOT,  CHIPS ALL IN, ENGLISH MAJOR and SUMMER BREEZING.

VTA SPONSORS COVERT ACTION

It’s not the title of a spy novel. No, "Covert Action" is a retired racehorse who was foaled in Canada in 1995. He is by Silver Deputy and out of Office Affair, a mare by Secretariat.  Out of 26 lifetime starts, he had three wins and earned $22,569.

COVERT ACTION (Debby Thomas/AnimalArtAndPhotography)

He was accepted into the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s program in 2001 with a very sore knee.  He eventually ended up in Virginia and was moved to the James River Work Center in 2007.

The story of Covert Action is the story of so many horses which drop down through the ranks, changing owners several times, and wind up in cheap claiming races, usually with soundness issues.  The last owner said that he was lame for a week after each race and was just trying to get out from under the daily expenses once he was no longer sound enough to earn his keep.

Today, Covert Action is enjoying his life on the banks of the James River and being well cared for by one of the inmates in the TRF James River program.  Covert Action’s bad right knee is readily apparent but does not seem to bother him too much.  He has trained several inmates in the Groom Elite Program and, more importantly, touched the hearts and souls of more than one horse lover. 

(Debby Thomas/AnimalArtAndPhotography)

Covert Action travels around the state representing the TRFof James River.  Having Virginia-bred Triple Crown winner Secretariat in his pedigree remains a great draw wherever he travels. 

MORE PREAKNESS 2012

Photographs from Rob Carr/Getty Images.

VA-BRED WINNERS

Chris's Symphony (g, 3yo), Mr. Executioner - Minifever by Stormin Fever. B - Nancy M Rizer & Eric A Rizer.  Charles Town, 5/17/2012, mdn clmg, $6,600, 7 f, 1:30.32.

Galitzianer (c, 3yo), Langfuhr - Andalucian (Gb) by Zafonic. B - Hickory Tree Farm LLC. Golden Gate Fields, 5/20/2012, mdn clmg, $7,980, 8.5 f, 1:46.70. ($50,000, yrlg, 2010, keesep)

Silver Tie Affair (c, 6yo), Black Tie Affair (IRE) - Silver Design by Cozzene. B - Mr & Mrs Samuel H Rogers Jr. Pimlico, 5/18/2012, alwc, $25,650, 8.5 f, 1:43.23. ($21,000, yrlg, 2007, ftmoct)

Star Ariana (f, 5yo), Star Trace - Lucky For Her by Salutely. B - Larry Johnson. Charles Town, 5/18/2012, clmg, $6,600, 8.5 f, 1:50.12.

JOCKEY CLUB UNVEILING NEW WEB SITE

The Jockey Club is announcing a new web site called Thoroughbred OwnerView.  The new information website for Thoroughbred owners developed by The Jockey Club as part of the McKinsey study announced at the Saratoga Round Table in 2011.

This new website is designed to give new, prospective and current Thoroughbred owners detailed information about trainers, managed racing syndicates, getting started owning Thoroughbreds, licensing, racehorse retirement and much more and its' all free.

Visit www.ownerview.com.

If you are a licensed owner or trainer, be sure to register with OwnerView and submit your Profile for other owners to view. 

MEDICATION RHETORIC HITTING CYBERSPACE

(Press Release) The Jockey Club and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) today announced the launch of an advocacy website, cleanhorseracing.org, that is dedicated to the reform of medication rules.

Features of the new educational website include news, videos, scientific studies and commentary in support of medication-free racing, as well as several action-oriented sections that enable industry participants to pledge their support for clean racing by contacting state racing commissions and signing petitions regarding medication reform.

The site will also maintain a substantial social media presence, including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

“As the momentum continues to grow for a ban on the use of race-day medication in this country, we want to keep all industry stakeholders properly informed,” said James L. Gagliano, president and chief operating officer of The Jockey Club. “This website provides a platform for advocates of medication reform to receive the latest updates and take action. It should also prove to be an invaluable information resource for regulators as they reconsider current medication rules in their respective jurisdictions.”

“More than 75 percent of TOBA members support a measured phase-out of race-day medication,” said Dan Metzger, president of TOBA. “Those members, as well as sales companies, prospective buyers and sellers, fans and international organizations, all want to see a true representation of quality that is based solely on a horse’s natural athletic ability.”

(Editor’s Note: For the record, we think that the 75% noted above have an unrealistic view of meat and potatoes horse racing in the United States and the economic engine that supports everyone involved.  As we have also said before, a compromise is in order starting with the continued use of Lasix in overnight racing and a prohibition of all race day medication in graded stakes.)

PREAKNESS UNDERCARD

Natalie J. Baffert’s Awesomemundo and Mike Smith winning the $100,000 Allaire DuPont Distaff Stakes Gr.3 on the Preakness undercard on Saturday at Pimlico. (Jim McCue/Maryland Jockey Club)

Joey P. Stables Baileys Beach and Javier Santiago winning the $25,000 Deputed Testamony starter handicap on the Preakness undercard on Saturday at Pimlico. (Jim McCue/Maryland Jockey Club)

Barry Butzow and Westrock Stables LLC’s Hamazing Destiny, Corey Nakatani up, winning the $100,000 Maryland Sprint Handicap Gr.3 on the Preakness undercard on Saturday at Pimlico. (Jim McCue/Maryland Jockey Club)

Roger Weiss’ Hudson Steele and Javier Castellano winning the $300,000 Dixie Stakes Gr. 2 on the Preakness undercard on Saturday at Pimlico. (Jim McCue/Maryland Jockey Club)

Bluegrass Hall LLC’s Skyring and Joel Rosario winning the $100,000 James W. Murphy Stales on the Preakness undercard on Saturday at Pimlico. (Jim McCue/Maryland Jockey Club)

Martin S. Schwartz’s Zagora with Javier Castellano up, winning the $150,000 Gallorette Handicap Gr.3 on the Preakness undercard on Saturday at Pimlico. (Jim McCue/Maryland Jockey Club)

PICTURES OF THE DAY

Kentucky Derby, and Preakness winner I'll Have Another is washed outside his barn at Belmont Park on May 21, 2012 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

French jockey Olivier Doleuze riding horse Chinchon crosses the finish line to win the Singapore Arilines International Cup horse race at the Singapore Turf Club in Singapore, Sunday May 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E)

In this photo provided by Benoit Photo, Halo Dolly and jockey Joseph Talamo ride to victory in the $70,000 Fran's Valentine Stakes horse race, Sunday, May 20, 2012, at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Benoit Photo)

This photo released by Benoit Photo shows Jay Em Ess Stable's Include Me Out and jockey Joseph Talamo winning the Grade II, $150,000 Marjorie L. Everett Handicap, Saturday, May 19, 2012 at Betfair at Hollywood Park, Inglewood Calif. (AP Photo/ Benoit Photo)

THE PREAKNESS FRAME BY FRAME

Nearly a perfect break in the 137rd running of the Preakness.

Bodemeister (large white blaze #7)  finds the lead relatively quickly down the lane the first time.  I"ll Have Another (#9) is  to his outside and 3/4 lengths behind.

Crossing the wire the first time, Bodemeister finds his lead uncontested while I'll Have Another stays near but begins to save ground.

Into the grandstand turn, Bodemeister leads while running two wide.  I'll Have Another  (purple cap) only a bit outside in running in 4th.

Another point of call set by Bodemeister who would run the first half mile in 47 & 3/5ths, much slower than the Kentucky Derby.

Mike Smith settles Bodemeister down up the backstretch while I'll Have Another contends for 4th on the outside.

Bodemeister finally gets some pressure by Creative Cause (#6) while I'll Have Another temporarily drops to 5th.

Well into the turn for home, it's still Bodemeister, while I'll Have Another moves into third clear of the front two. 

The top three draw clear of the field with Bodemeister still in the lead.  Mario Gutierrez aboard I'll Have Another has to decide whether to go inside or outside of Creative Cause.

Gutierrez decides outside.  Bodemeister pulls away from Creative Cause as the straighten up.

Past the 3/16th pole, Bodemeister leads Creative Cause by three.  I'll Have Another moves into second and takes off in his trademark style. 

At the eighth pole it's still Bodemeister but his lead is shrinking.

As the shadow of the last sixteenth approaches Bodemeister searched for the wire.

Less than 30 yards from the wire, I'll Have Another draws even Bodemeister, similar to the Kentucky Derby.

These two colts become perpetually linked together with only I'll Have Another moving on to Belmont, alive for the Triple Crown. (Photo: McCue)