JC / Railbird

To Honor and Serve

Panning the Plan

Steve Davidowitz on To Honor and Serve in the Fountain of Youth:

Now that To Honor And Serve has begun his scheduled two race-prep campaign with a performance that leaves need for major improvement –- it will be amazing if Mott can get ‘Honor’ back on track for his second and final Derby prep. In my judgment, the gameplan already has backfired….

At the bottom line, I will root to be wrong about my thoughts on this subject. There is much talent involved here — equine and human talent, but I am quite sure that Billy Mott is not really happy with what he saw on Saturday.

Few were, watching the big colt close in :13.42 for third. “I thought he ran very well,” said jockey John Velazquez, “[he] just didn’t have the closing kick he usually does.” Validation for one bettor: I’m not big on Remsen winners.”

Posted in Racing on February 28, 2011 / Tagged Derby Preps, Derby Prospects, Fountain of Youth Stakes, To Honor and Serve

Saturday Notes

Azeri’s second foal, a 3-year-old filly by Giant’s Causeway named Arienza, is readying for her debut at Oaklawn. “We are starting to raise our sights a little higher, but then again, you remember she hasn’t won anything yet.”

The Timely Writer is back on the table for Dialed In. “I’m not happy with the distance of the race since they changed it to a mile from a mile and one eighth…. But at the moment we don’t have that many options.”

Handicapping the Fountain of Youth: “You try to beat To Honor And Serve, and I’ll try to beat Soldat.” In the Davona Dale, try to beat Dancinginherdreams.

Posted in Racing on February 26, 2011 / Tagged Arienza, Azeri, Dancinginherdreams, Derby Preps, Derby Prospects, Dialed In, Gulfstream Park, Oaklawn Park, Oaks Prospects, Soldat, To Honor and Serve