Turf champion Kitten’s Joy has been retired to stud (New York Post). “The cartilage has worn through in his left knee where he had surgery [last November to remove bone chips],” said owner Ken Ramsey. “Dr. [Larry] Bramlage said the knee might have been bothering him when ran he ran second in the Arlington Million [his last start]. But I’m not complaining. We had a great ride, a great run.” I give Ramsey credit for being so philosophical. Early in July, after Kitten’s Joy won his 2005 debut, the Firecracker, Ramsey outlined a big year for his star. He’d run in the Arlington Million, the Arc de Triomphe, the Breeders’ Cup, and the Japan Cup. “If he could win the Arc and that race in Tokyo, there would be nobody else they could compare him to as far as achievement goes,” Ramsey said then. How quickly disappointment came.
Posted by JC in Breeders' Cup, Horses on 09/26/2005 @ 1:00 pm / Follow @railbird on Twitter
This Saturday offers a preview of Breeders’ Cup day with five grade one stakes races scheduled at Belmont (New York Daily News). In addition to the Jockey Club Gold Cup, the Beldame, Vosburgh, Flower Bowl, and Joe Hirsch Turf Classic are on the card. Flower Alley, Ashado, and Sand Springs were among the expected starters in next weekend’s races putting in workouts on Sunday (NYRA).
Saturday is more than a preview — it’s a day to get big questions answered: Is Wonder Again ready for tougher competition? Are Flower Alley and Roman Ruler ready to take on their elders? And what about Ashado? (Daily Racing Form — sub. req.)
From across the pond: Despite Dettori’s ill-judged ride in last Saturday’s Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, beaten favorite Dubawi is still on track to run in the Breeders’ Cup Mile (Guardian).
Posted by JC in Breeders' Cup on 09/26/2005 @ 12:55 pm / Follow @railbird on Twitter
Trainer Reynaldo Abreu brought his career record to six wins on Saturday when Bird Charm easily overwhelmed his competition in race one, a maiden special weight. Since the former Nick Zito assistant took charge of Marylou Whitney’s stable in June, he’s earned five wins at Suffolk Downs. The stable is based in Saratoga. “It’s just as easy to go to Suffolk as Belmont,” Abreu explained last week after winning his fourth race at the Downs with another maiden, Bird Harbor. And the races are easier too (Daily Racing Form).
Posted by JC in Suffolk Downs on 09/25/2005 @ 6:00 pm / Follow @railbird on Twitter
