Noted: March 15
– A record number of American horses are heading to the March 25 Dubai World Cup, including the unlikely Wilko and Donn winner Brass Hat, aka Cinderella. You can follow all the World Cup news on the Dubai Racing Carnival blog.
– Rockport Harbor’s career could be over. The four-year-old reinjured the foot that caused so many problems last year in Saturday’s Razorback Stakes, in which he finished fifth. Trainer John Servis said a small split appeared in the old wound’s scar and that the site would be patched, but no decision would be made about Rockport’s future until the extent of the damage was known. Retirement does seem like a strong possibility, however. “I want to be honest with you,” owner Rick Porter wrote on Rockport’s web site, “If he cannot become 100% better, I am going to retire him.”
– Whitney winner Commentator, out with a shin injury since last year’s Woodward, is ready to resume training, said trainer Nick Zito. “He’ll be ready for his first breeze in about two weeks.”
– Kentucky Derby rabbit Spanish Chestnut made his first start since that race on Friday, scoring a two-length win at Golden Gate.
– Paul Daley would like to know why Mom’s Command isn’t on this year’s Hall of Fame ballot. “Mom has been overlooked for 21 years now. Pardon me for my cynicism, but I have to wonder if her exclusion has anything to do with … owner Peter Fuller.”
– Friends of Bay Meadows isn’t ready to give up the fight to save the northern California track from development: “The heart of it is that old track is a beloved part of this community.”
– Sherry Ross explains why the unraced two-year-old Forestry colt newly named The Green Monkey sold for $16 million: “In a word: ego.” It could also be that the global rich are feeling particularly well-to-do lately.
