Horse racing newsletter: Want a piece of Secretariat?

Hello, my name is John Cherwa and welcome back to our horse racing newsletter, as Rob Henie offers up a handicapping lesson.

Before we get to the good stuff, something came across my desk that was too interesting not to share with you folks.

Boston-based auction house RR Auction is offering “an unusually large example of ‘race-worn’ chestnut hair removed from the mane of legendary thoroughbred racehorse Secretariat.…”
First of all, if you have to explain that Big Red was a legendary thoroughbred, then that person probably couldn’t care less.

But, that’s not all. It gets better. Most hair samples offered in the past, according the news release, were removed from the horse long after the horse had retired to Claiborne Farm for stallion duty. But not this one.

The hair is said to have all the authentication that it’s real. Here’s part of the description.

“The circle of hair, which roughly measures 3½″ in diameter, was hand removed by Ray DeStefano of Murty Brothers Horse Transportation, after he loaded the horse onto a van bound for Belmont Park, Secretariat’s brief residency before retiring to Claiborne Farm in Paris, Kentucky. The hard plastic case the hair is presented in is original to its three-year-long exhibition at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame (NMRHOF), where it was displayed as part of the Ride On! exhibit from May 2006 until December 2009.”

The current bid is $1,331 although the auction site lists the estimated value at $15,000. There are a few days left if you want to bid.

So, let’s play this out. What would you do with this Secretariat hair other than making it look like something you pulled off the top of the shower drain and put in a plastic case?

I harken back to a great 2010 documentary “Tabloid” by the renowned filmmaker Errol Morris. (His stuff is always great.) The story is too complex and unbelievable to recount here, but it ends with the subject getting her dog cloned by a Korean scientist. Yes, it’s possible.

So, what if the winning bidder of the Secretariat hair were to extract the DNA and create a cloned Secretariat? First of all, the live cover requirement would preclude this new horse from ever running, but wouldn’t he make a great attraction at one of the breeding farms?

“Come one, come all, an exact living replica of the great Secretariat.”

OK, I’m guessing I’m too far off the rails.

The one thing I’m struggling with: Is this creepy or cool?

Weekly handicapping lesson

It’s time for our weekly handicapping lesson from Rob Henie of the WCHR (West Coast Handicapping Report) and the ECHR (East Coast Handicapping Report). Today’s analysis comes from the ninth race at Santa Anita and incorporates some handicapping angles into the mix. Rob, take it away.

“This is a maiden special weight at a mile on the turf, 3-year-olds. For the most part, we prefer to side with runners either debuting over this distance, which typically shows that they’re fit and well meant at first asking, or, the horse who was given a shorter assignment in the debut, and now is sent longer in the second try. So, debut or second try, if you compare it to those who’ve already had opportunities to run long such as AIRMAN, four chances going two turns on the turf, or ENOUGH NONSENSE, who’s also had multiple opportunities to run long to no avail as well as MAN FRIDAY. Yet, these types of runners who’ve failed going long will inevitably take play, as many handicappers like to back what they know and what they can see. It means a few decent efforts going long is simply good enough for many players to continue to back, but we rarely will condone that type of horse. Top selection would be NO FOOLERY HERE (#5). He comes off his debut, a good fourth, and what we really liked was his ability to take on another in what we call ‘mid-pack duel,’ while coming out victorious. Down the lane he eyeballed another, dueled with another, beat that one, then came after the leaders, just a head back from the third-place finisher. It proved he could challenge another horse and pass him, which is what he was trying to do with the third-place horse. He’s returned with four works, now given more ground, Flavien Prat returns, spotted to move forward off the debut experience. SPECIAL MISSION (#6) ran just fine in his debut going three-quarters, and never mind Umberto Rispoli moving to another, as Giovanni Franco has been riding well for Richard Baltas of late, and now with more ground and four works to his credit, he too is given more ground. The slight move up in class isn’t much, negated as well by the room he possesses to move forward with the added distance and experience. After all, he was in need of the race sprinting against $50,000 types, when he very well is a maiden special weight type of horse going long, as we see here Saturday.

“Hot / Cold Race Trends: none

“Win Contenders (order of preference): 5-6-2-7

“X Out Runners (eliminating on the win end): 1

“Negative Notes:

“7 Batukhan — Debut last August at Deauville was nice, and any horse showing ability on the Parisian circuit, arguably the toughest in the world, has to have at least a touch of ability.

“First Timers:

“2 Lalalandhellraiser — One of two for Gallagher in here, the other with Smith, but we prefer this one, a son of Flintshire with the typical slow drills for a turf route debut for Paddy.

“4 Granada Flavor — Here’s the other Gallagher first timer, with Smith riding, but remember, just because a higher-profile jock rides one of the two horses for a barn, it doesn’t necessarily mean this one is the more well meant horse, as oftentimes a trainer will ask the higher-profile jock to ride and teach, preparing for future outings.

“TOP PICK: NO FOOLERY HERE (#5 4-1 Prat)

“SECOND CHOICE: SPECIAL MISSION (#6 20-1 Franco)”

The West Coast Handicapping Report can be found at www.westcoasthorseracing.com. It has been endorsed by leading trainers, handicappers and industry sources.

Santa Anita review

The feature Friday was an allowance/optional claimer for older horses going 6½ furlongs on the turf. Chasin Munny went to the front and never gave up the lead and won by three-quarters of a length.

“He’s a nice little horse,” trainer Mark Glatt told Mike Willman of Santa Anita. “I thought maybe they’d go a little faster, but whatever the case, it looked like he was doing it pretty easy. He ran a big race off the layoff (an allowance win) and he’s now run two really good races here. If there was a third condition allowance, we’d run in it, but I think he deserves a chance to run with stakes horses, the way he’s won these two races.”

Chasin Munny paid $8.80, $4.20 and $3.20. Thanks Mr. Eidson was second and Ghoul finished third, followed by Restiany, Commander and Sash. Juan Hernandez was the winning jockey.

Santa Anita preview

Saturday’s card is OK as far as things go, with one stakes race and one allowance/optional claimer. The interesting thing is how racing secretary Chris Merz is trying to offer as many racing opportunities as possible, especially for some groups that are having trouble filling races.

So, Merz went back to a race that hasn’t been run at Santa Anita for a few years. There are two races that are claimers for 4 and up, non-winners of two. Nothing unusual, but Merz has opened them up to 3-year-olds regardless of record. Filling 3-year-old races for horses that have won a race at this point of the year is difficult. So, this is a solution. Once again, Merz is showing why is he is one of the top young racing secretaries in the country.

OK, the feature is the Grade 3 $100,000 San Luis Rey Stakes for older horses going 1½ miles on the turf. It’s one of two races on the card that utilizes part of the old downhill turf course (the other is also 1½ miles.) The favorite, at 6-5, is United for trainer Richard Mandella and jockey Flavien Prat. He has won seven of 17 lifetime, including four of his last six. He’s probably best remembered by just getting beat by Bricks And Mortar in the Breeders’ Cup Turf in 2019 at Santa Anita.

There are two horses in the field of five at 5-2, Masteroffoxhounds (Richard Baltas, Umberto Rispoli) and Say The Word (Phil D’Amato, Mike Smith). Masteroffoxhounds is coming off a win in the Grade 2 San Marcos at 1¼ miles. Say The Word, winner of the Grade 1 Northern Dancer at Woodbine last year, finished a distant 11th in the Pegasus World Cup Turf this year. Post is around 3:55.

Here are the field sizes, in order: 8, 6, 7, 6, 8, 8, 5, 7, 12.

Ciaran Thornton’s SA pick of the day

SECOND RACE: No.3 Gabby Hayes (10-1)

Gabby Hayes is 10-1 off a head bob win last out under Jessica Pyfer for trainer Steve Miyadi. Risked again for a tag, Steve moves the horse up a level. I will take 10-1 here versus the 4-5 odds-on favorite, even though Prat and Peter Miller are teaming up. Gate-to-wire will be the strategy.

Friday’s result: Autisms World went to the lead early but couldn’t keep up with the winner and rallied to finished third.

Ciaran Thornton is the handicapper for Californiapick4.com, which offers daily full card picks, longshots of the day, best bets of the day.

Golden Gate preview

Matt Dinerman is back for another week of Golden Gate Fields racing. The genial race caller is the host for our weekly previews and other musings. So, take it away, Matt.

“We start off our weekly writeup with a friendly reminder that first post each live race day has been moved to 1:20 p.m. PDT.

“Saturday is a solid program with 70 horses entered in a nine-race card, which includes a trio of maiden special weight races, a featured allowance race, and Pick Six, Late Pick 5 and Late Pick 4 sequences with good-quality, competitive fields.

“The feature is the eighth, an allowance for filly and mare sprinters. The 5-year-old mare Dr. Wysong was last seen on Feb. 21 in the Spring Fever Stakes at Santa Anita, finishing a fast-closing third against California-bred stakes company. In against easier opponents Saturday, the Isidro Tamayo trainee is the likely favorite. Other main contenders in Saturday’s feature include speedy mare Ana Lisa, who won at this condition three weeks ago and, as a California-bred, can still win at this level once more. This Is The One, coming off a maiden win for white-hot trainer Steve Specht, faces winners for the first time and is a new shooter to the allowance conditions while Sheza Girly Girl possesses back-class and would be a major player if she can produce her best effort. Nine fillies and mares are entered.

“The ninth and final race is an intriguing betting affair for maiden special weight horses. Indianera comes off a solid runner-up finish last time out and merits respect. First-time starters Terry’s Boy and Lil Miracle Man sport a bullet workout in their respective work patterns and could run well at first asking. Square Root ships in from Southern California for trainer Leandro Mora, and Cowboy Kisses has run well at this level before and may be able to again. It’s a field of 10.

“The eighth of nine races Sunday is the feature, a first-level allowance for colts and geldings. Eel Point makes his first start off the claim for Doug O’Neill and enters the race coming off a runaway win in which he earned a career-high Beyer speed figure (85). Two starts ago, he finished behind Let’s Rejoyce, who also enters in this race for Golden Gate leading trainer Jonathan Wong. Both appear to be the horses to beat.

“The seventh race on Sunday also caught my eye. Gallant Guy has hit the board in five of his first six career starts but is finishing behind good horses. It’s just a matter of time before he breaks his maiden. Exceed Speed Limit, a second-time starter, finished a quarter of a length behind Gallant Guy for second last time out and could improve with a race under his belt. Andy Mathis starts Minehunter and Tribal Nation and both should be respected. Minehunter moves north from Southern California and makes his first start for Mathis. Tribal Nation cuts back from a route to a sprint (my favorite handicapping angle; horses are really fit when they make this move) and is out of a broodmare who has produced a couple of stakes-caliber sprinters. Mystic Traveler makes his second start for trainer Specht, who posts strong numbers with maiden second-time starters, and firsters Governor Arthur and Messiah The Great are new shooters to this maiden special weight condition. It’s a good betting race.”

Big races preview

A look at thoroughbred graded stakes or races worth $100,000 or more on Saturday. All times PDT.

9:20 Fair Grounds (1): $100,000 Crescent City Oaks, La.-bred fillies 3-years-old, 1 mile and 70 yards. Favorite: Australasia (2-5)

11:20 Aqueduct (3): $100,000 Cicada Stakes, fillies 3-years-old, 6 furlongs. Favorite: Save (6-5)

12:42 Fair Grounds (8): $100,000 Costa Rising Stakes, La-breds 3 and up, 5 ½ furlongs on turf. Favorite: No Parole (8-5)

1:12 Fair Grounds (9) $100,000 Crescent City Derby, La-breds 3-years-olds, 1 1/16 miles. Favorite: Who Took The Money (5-2)

1:42 Fair Grounds (10): $150,000 Tom Benson Memorial Stakes, fillies and mares 4 and up, 1 1/16 miles on turf. Favorite: Dailika (3-1)

1:48 Gulfstream (10): Grade 3 $100,000 Hurricane Bertie Stakes, fillies and mares 4 and up, 6 ½ furlongs. Favorite: Pacific Gale (2-1)

2:12 Fair Grounds (11): Grade 2 $400,000 New Orleans Classic, 4 and up, 1 1/8 miles. Favorite: Owendale (9-5)

2:43 Fair Grounds (12): Grade 2 $300,000 Muniz Memorial Classic, 4 and up, 1 1/8 miles on turf. Favorite: Colonel Liam (3-1)

3:14 Fair Grounds (13): Grade 2 $400,000 Fair Grounds Oaks, fillies 3-years-old, 1 1/16 miles. Favorite: Clairiere (2-1)

3:44 Fair Grounds (14): Grade 2 $1-million Louisiana Derby, 3-year-olds, 1 3/16 miles. Favorite: Golani Brigade (5-2)

3:52 Oaklawn (10): $150,000 Gazebo Stakes, 3-year-olds, 6 furlongs. Favorite: Cazadero (9-5)

4:25 Santa Anita (7): Grade 3 $100,000 San Luis Rey Stakes, 4 and up, 1 ½ miles on turf. Favorite: United (6-5)

5:25 Sam Houston (4): $100,000 Spirit of Texas Stakes, Tex-breds 4 and up, 6 furlongs. Favorite: Good Judgment (2-1)

5:55 Sam Houston (5): $100,000 Star of Texas Stakes, Tex-breds 4 and up, 1 mile. Favorite: Direct Dial (4-5)

6:25 Sam Houston (6): $100,000 Groovy Stakes, Tex-breds 3-year-olds, 6 furlongs. Favorite: Bobby Brinkley (5-2)

6:55 Sam Houston (7): $100,000 Richard King Turf Stakes, Tex-breds 4 and up, 1 1/8 miles on turf. Favorite: Sunlit Song (6-5)

7:25 Sam Houston (8): $100,000 Bara Lass Stakes, Tex-bred fillies 3-years-old, 6 furlongs. Favorite: Happy Sailor (9-5)

7:55 Sam Houston (9): $100,000 San Jacinto Turf Stakes, Tex-bred fillies and mares 4 and up, 1 1/16 miles on turf. Favorite:

8:25 Sam Houston (10): $100,000 Yellow Rose Stakes, Tex-bred fillies and mares 4 and up, 6 furlongs. Favorite: Ima Discreet Lady (8-5)

Chris Wade’s LA pick of the day

SECOND RACE: No. 6 Favorite Fly (8-1)

He has a competitive figure for Saturday’s endeavor from all three career efforts with everything factored in (trouble @ track variant). He finished a solid fourth when facing a strong group for the level 21 nights ago. In that event, this runner got slightly fractious before bobbling inward at the gate opening to lose almost a length of ground and his early racing momentum. With a less-than-stellar journey to overcome, this gelding did finish fairly well on his own to light the superfecta placing followed by a solid gallop out through the turn. He’ll need to break with his rivals with the hope that his strong finishing kick clicks in and shines.

And now the star of the show, Friday’s results and Saturday’s entries.