Gerry Carwood: Steeplechase Jockey

2003-06-05T16:11:00.000-07:00

The Meadow Brook Stakes (Grade 1), June 5, Results
Review to follow
1. Trebizond (IRE) (Tom Foley)
2. Blasphemous (Dianna Gillam)
3. Mr Perkolater (Michael Traurig)
4. Hotspur (Matt McCarron)
5. Coal Dust (Cyril Murphy)
6. Understood (Chip Miller)
7. Sham Aciss (Gus Brown)
Fighting Star (Robert Massey) DNF
Naughty Prince (Dave Bentley) DNF
Preemptive Strike (Robby Walsh) DNF
Senor Melchor (Jody Petty) DNF

2003-06-02T16:00:00.000-07:00

The Meadow Brook Stakes, Grade 1 Novice
Belmont Park, NY, Thursday, June 5

PP, Horse, Jockey, Trainer
1. Naughty Prince, Dave Bentley, Ricky Hendricks
He made his stakes debut a winner at Block House (me in the saddle), and then was second in the first leg of this series, the steeplechase triple crown (to Trebizond). He had his prep at Fair Hill on the flat for this race and was second to Imperial Gold. Dave Bentley is back in the saddle for this (Will Mann subbing at Fair Hill). He should be close at the finish, with a big weight allowance.

2. Sham Aciss, Gus Brown, Jack Fisher
Sham Aciss broke his maiden (sport of kings) at Radnor with Gus Brown. This is a big step up, may be another time.

3. Understood, Chip Miller, Richard Valentine
On his day, he is a seriously good horse, he was also a high performance flat horse. He won a stake at the Atlanta, GA, meet and then finished second at the Iroquois (behind Feeling So Pretty). He seems to run better with time between races, so this race should set up quite well.

4. Trebizond, Tom Foley, Kathy Nielson
He won the first leg of this series (under Rob Massey). He typically runs one big race a year, but lets see if he can make it two. When he is right, he is clearly dangerous. Coming off a Fair Hill flat race prep with Foley in the irons.

5. Preemptive Strike, Robby Walsh, Paul Rowland
He is coming off a nice allowance win at Radnor. He was unlucky in the first leg of this series, being hampered early by a faller (Major Hero). He is a supreme jumper, his win at Radnor creates some stable confidence and the horse looks in great form.

6. Senor Melchor, Jody Petty, Sanna Hendricks
This horse is three for three, a maiden and two allowance races. This is a step up, but he clearly looks ready for the task. He has an unusual style of running, and if there is a lot of early pace, look for this one to keep running at the finish. Petty returns to look for a four timer here.

7. Fighting Star, Robert Massey, Janet Elliot
He has done nothing wrong this year, winning an allowance at Atlantic City, beating decent horses. He finished a good third in the first leg of this series. Robert Massey is now in the irons, and he should be close.

8. Hotspur, Matt McCarron, Jonathan Sheppard
This was a nice horse last year, and formely from the Todd Pletcher stable on the flat. His form this year has been disappointing. If he returns top his old form, he may run close.

9. Mr. Perkolator, Michael Traurig, Kathy Nielson
He was second behind Preemptive Strike at Radnor. He looked like a nice horse last year, and he has done nothing wrong this year barring a fall in a stake at Atlanta. Surely a nice horse, but is he ready for this assignment ?

10. Coal Dust, Cyril Murphy, Tom Voss
A tough year for this team, is this horse ready to turn the tables ?

11. Blasphemous, Dianna Gillam, Jeremy Gillam
He won at Middleburg in the soft ground. This looks a tough step up for him.

The Meadow Brook will be the ninth race of the day on Thursday, and will be run at a distance of 2 1/2 miles over 12 fences.

Picks:
Understood, Fighting Star and Naughty Prince for the Box Trifecta.
The Carwood Longshot: Preemptive Strike

2003-05-29T16:19:00.000-07:00

Fair Hill, MD, May 26, Review
The first race, the Foxhunters Race, was won by Joe at Six, ridden by Michele Hunter, trained by Paddy Neilson. The field was well spread out at the end of the race, due to the race conditions (we seemed to have had rain the entire month of May). Second was Melting and our pick, Kebo Valley was a very tired third. The second race, the first training flat race on the card, was won by the Neil Morris trained Buckharo, with Matt McCarron aboard. Golden Marvel was a good second, coming off a long lay off, certainly a decent horse a couple of years ago. One Sea made up the trifecta.

The third race, possibly the best finish of the day, with Chuck Lawrence just getting the best of Will Mann, driving Imperial Gold to beat Naughty Prince by a head. These are two stake horses, laying it all out on the line. Zignal, finishing third, and only beaten a length, has to be one to watch in the future. This was his first race and he is trained by Neil Morris. We were close for the trifecta, as we picked the right horses and just got the exacta upside down.

The fourth race, a maiden claiming hurdle, went to Navesink View, a Holy Bull gelding who seemed to relish the soft conditions and destroyed this field for rider Jody Petty (with plenty of local support on hand). Local Treasure, our pick, under David Bentley, finished second, but could not trouble the winner. Running in Style, trained by Jack Fisher was third.

The fifth race went to Flying Contraption, Chip Miller's first of three winners on the card. Second was Peking Picnic for the Fisher Gus Brown combination, third going to The Bruce with Robert Massey in the irons. The sixth race, the Timber Race, was the second win on the day for Chip Miller with Mr. Rockeby. A masterful ride, with good patience, he came from behind to get up to beat Wild Choice and Tom Foley. Bobsintheblues, with Jeff Murphy, completed the trifecta.

The seventh race, the Miles Valentine Stake, the highlight on the card, was also the highlight of our tipping, as we picked our first trifecta. Dynability, ridden by Gus Brown for Jack Fisher bested Najjm with Chip Miller riding for his father. Brinton Bridge, with last years champion, David Bentley in the irons, finshing third. This was a great race and a close one at the wire. Lets hope we see them running against each other at Colonial Downs.

The eighth race, Iron County Xmas continued our tipping success for rider trainer Chip Miller (Chip's third on the day). This was a decent race and the winner took it up coming off the turn and did not look back. The very consistent Greek Hero, with Matt McCarron up, followed him home a respectable distance, with Mr Fater third for the Tom Voss stable.

The ninth race, the second training flat race, went to the class horse of the field, and our tip, Trebizond for Tom Foley and Kathy Neilson. He took it up early and did not look back. This race was, however, not without excitement, as Pucci, a first time starter for the Entermann stable was flying at the finish under a rousing ride from Chris Wardman. Definitely a horse to follow over turf this summer. Third was Marine. The final race was a wonderful wire to wire performance of Tycho's Star under amateur rider Tina McDaniels. Second was Earmark, Will Mann's second second on the day. Third was Northern Leopard for Geoff Brutscher. This was an exacta for Ricky Hendricks. Our pick scratched from the race, so we are sitting a three race win streak, going into the Belmont stake a week today.

2003-05-27T05:09:00.000-07:00

Fair Hill, MD, May 26, Results
Provided by: 859 288 1066: NSA Hotline
Race: (1,2,3)
1st Race: Joe At Six, Melting, Kebo Valley*
2nd Race: Buckharo, Golden Marvel, One Sea
3rd Race: Imperial Gold, Naughty Prince*, Zignal
4th Race: Navesink View, Local Treasure*, Running In Style
5th Race: Flying Contraption, Peking Picnic, The Bruce
6th Race: Mr Rokeby, Wild Choice, Bobsintheblues
7th Race: Dynability*, Najjm*, Brinton Bridge
8th Race: Iron County Xmas*, Greek Hero, Mr Fater
9th Race: Trebizond*, Pucci, Marine
10th Race: Tycho's Star, Earmark, Northern Leopard
Review to Follow
*Picks for the day (Trifecta for Race 7)

2003-05-21T16:51:00.000-07:00

Fair Hill Races, MD, May 26 Preview
The first race, the Foxhunters Chase, looks destined for Kebo Valley from the Fisher combination of Jack and Sheila. Running Light may run close if he manages to complete the course. The second race, the Training Flat Race, looks like a race for Pantar. He was running down in Gulfstream this year and this simply looks like a soft assignment for the Bentley Hendricks combination. Catch Me First may make up the exacta with Cheyenne Wells not far away.

Naughty Prince looks the standout for the Amateur Jockeys Flat Race, the third on the card. A nice opportunity for Will Mann to show his style. We know his dad is flying in for the occasion! Imperial Gold, with the new amateur, Chuck Lawrence with the assignment, may make it close but not close enough. For the trifecta we suggest Zignal, from the Neil Morris stable.

For the fourth we look to David Bentley to continue his quest for a second championship with Local Treasure. Church Ghost may be a close for the place. The fifth, the Sport of Kings Maiden, should go to Cherokeeinthehills, who ran impressively first time at Atlantic City, for the Sheppard stable. Pressure King may be the one for the exacta, Flying Contraption should not be too far away for the third spot.

The sixth race looks a good spot for Father Krismas in his first attempt over timber. He won many chases in England (Paul Nichols) and recently won a flat race at Willowdale, showing he is sharp and ready to go. Natty Boh and Mr. Rockeby both look close for second, so it looks like a box exacta opportunity.

The seventh, the Miles Valentine Stake, has scratched down to a shorter field due to the pending racing conditions. We pick Najjm and Dynability for the exacta, you can choose who to put on top. They chased Tres Touche in the Iroquois stake last out. With soft ground we like Brinton Bridge to chase them to the wire for third spot.

The eighth, the Sport of Kings Unlimited Claiming Hurdle, Iron County Xmas, a very close second to the multiple stakes winner Al Skywalker, in his last start looks set for an easy win in this spot. Dynamite Vic, while not troubling the winner, may best the rest. For the trifecta Greek Hero should not disappoint.

The ninth, the Training Flat Race, looks like an easy assignment for Trebizond, fresh of his Grade I win in Kentucky. Niello looks set for the exacta. The last race, another Amateur Flat Race looks set for Catvantageous for the Doug Fout stable.

Naps of the day are Father Krismas and Naughty Prince.

2003-05-20T16:48:00.000-07:00

High Hope, KY, May 18, Review
The ground for the day was soft after heavy rain all week. The first race went to the Kathy Neilson trained Regal Again. This was his third in a row since he was claimed by the Neilson outfit, and managed to do it under top weight, and our tip! Snuggle continues to hit the board with a second here, and likely will win his races in the future. Third was Dancewel with the in-form Jack Fisher (two wins at Radnor the previous day) and ridden by Gus Brown.

The second went to Hark the Sound for Doug Fout and Robert Massey. Franc finshed a respectable second with Blair Waterman in the irons and Smoking Signal made up the exacta. For the third race, Free Admission, a horse we were very kean on coming into the race (hence our tip), broke his maiden in his first start. Bubble Economy finished second, another decent horse from the Jack Fisher stable, and Splendid Form, trained by X champion jockey Jonathan Smart, finshed third.

The final race of the day was won by the current champion jockey, Dave Bentley, on the first time starter over timber, The Knife Speaks. An impressive performance for sure for horse and rider, with Blair Waterman, who seems to have not have had luck on her side lately, not far behind on Maxi Tune. Tom Foley's attempt at claiming foul was quickly ruled out as he finshed third on Recanting.

Two picks on the day rounds out five winners for the weekend. Be sure to check our tips for the Fair Hill races, where you can really bet some cash!

2003-05-20T16:18:00.000-07:00

Radnor, PA, May 17, Review
The ground for the Radnor races was very good, despite all the rain, this set us up for a great day of racing. First race was won by Sham Aciss, trained by Jack Fisher and ridden by Gus Brown. Sham Aciss has good flat form and was the first of two winners for the Fisher stable on the day. Second was Salmo, and third, With a Star, is certainly one to watch out for. With a Star is a nice gelding by With Approval having his first start of the season. For the second race Upheld, with Matt McCarron jumped off to try to make all the running, but Preemptive Strike, with Robby Walsh in the irons, stole the lead at the third fence, and never looked back. He jumped the last ten lengths clear and confidently ridden to the wire, with Mr Perkolater closing fast. A great win for the Paul Rowland outfit. A tragic fall by How Goes sees Danielle Hodsdon on the sidelines for a while counting a broken collar bone among her injuries.

The front running master Al Skywalker, with Tom Foley up, was yet again a stakes winner, and yet again a winner of this race. This also happens to be our third pick on the day for a win! Iron County Xmas made it a good race in the closing stages but was beaten a head. The outsider, Vingt Sept came in third under champion jockey Dave Bentley. The fourth race went to Charlies Dewan, the horse that broke our "tipping streak". He was disappointing in the Virginia Gold Cup but returned to his previous form in this race, beating Wood Whistle (also second in the Maryland Hunt Cup and our tip for the race) with Bavario finishing third under Tiffany Mueller.

The fifth race went to Greek Hero, and having won at Iroquios, this makes it two wins in two weeks for the horse, trainer Alicia Murphy and Jockey Matt McCarron. Little Caveat, a good second, was coming off a long layoff, and Tropical Sun, with Tom Foley up was third. The final race on the day went to Doug Fout and Robert Massey with Way to Verify, by a head over Okie Dokie Smokie with Matt McCarron in the irons. This keeps Robert Massey in the drivers seat for the jockeys' championship, but it is very close at the top.

A good day for Jack Fisher, Paul Rowland and our selections!

2003-05-18T17:51:00.000-07:00

High Hope, KY, May 18, Results
Provided by: 859 288 1066: NSA Hotline
Race: (1,2,3)
1st Race: Regal Again*, Snuggle, Dancewel
2nd Race: Hark The Sound, Franc, Smoking Signal*
3rd Race: Free Admission*, Bubble Economy, Splendid Form
4th Race: The Knife Speaks, Maxi Tune, Recanting
Review to Follow
*Picks for the day.

2003-05-18T07:26:00.000-07:00

Radnor, PA, May 17, Results
Provided by: 859 288 1066: NSA Hotline
Race: (1,2,3)
1st Race: Sham Aciss* Salmo, With a Star
2nd Race: Preemptive Strike* Mr. Perkolater, Carson Beah
3rd Race: Al Skywalker* Iron County Xmas, Vingt Sept
4th Race: Charlies Dewan, Wood Whistle* Bavario
5th Race: Greek Hero, Little Caveat, Tropical Sun
6th Race: Way to Verify, Okie Dokie Smokie, Fleet Admiral
7th Race:
Review to Follow
*Picks for the day.

2003-05-14T16:45:00.000-07:00

High Hope, KY, May 18 Preview
First race the Starter Allowance, Regal Again has done nothing wrong, is very consistent and looks set to tote the heavy load of 158 to the winners circle, Big Brush, from the Tom Voss stable will run him close. In the second race, Smoking Signal, with apprentice jockey Tiffany Mueller in the irons, for hall of fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard, looks set for a comfortable victory.

The third race looks like a quick double for the Mueller Sheppard combination with Free Admission. For the exacta we like Marino Felix for Sanna Hendricks. The final race, the Maiden Timber Race is our nap selection, Chinese Whisper, trained by Neil Morris and ridden by Chris Read. Clearly the horse with the most experience in the race, and experience will certainly count here.

Nap of the day, Chinese Whisper.

2003-05-14T16:33:00.000-07:00

Radnor, PA, May 17 Preview
First race is very tricky today, but we will look for Sham Aciss for the Gus Brown Jack Fisher combination. For the exacta we'll look for the first time starter With a Star for Sanna Hendricks and her in form stable. For the second race we look for Preemptive Strike for Paul Rowland and Robby Walsh, he gets in with only 139 pounds, and if he repeats his Atlanta form there will be no looking back. Mulahen, with a change of jockey (champion Dave Bentley) could be close at the finish with a change of luck. How Goes, for trainer Janet Elliott should complete the trifecta.

The third, the big race of the day, The National Hunt Cup (Grade III) may go to Al Skywalker from wire to wire under the _very_ confident Tom Foley. This will not be an easy race however, Tom Voss has a double challenge with Quel Senor and Anofferyoucantrefuse, either could go close. The fourth, the Radnor Hunt Cup Timber Stake, Wood Whistle, second in the Maryland Hunt Cup in his most recent start, should be the one to beat, under Blair Waterman. For the exacta, we take Rosbrian with Charlies Dewan for the third spot.

The fifth, the Sport of Kings Claimer, looks a great spot for Ethical Actions and Greek Hero to battle it out. Will Dave Bentley have enough for the finish drive ? The closer for the day, the Maiden Claimer, looks like the third for Dave Bentley on the day with Master Rasper, who was second in his last start. Yorkin, with Matt McCarron may run him close at the finish.

Nap of the day Wood Whistle.

2003-05-13T16:42:00.000-07:00

Willowdale, PA, May 11 Review
The first race, won by the in form jockey Tom Foley, on Wild Choice for trainer Bruce Miller. This was a 3 mile timber race, and Northern Thinking, our pick for the race was a decent second with Punchino and Richard Boucher making the trifecta. River Bed, who we had tipped the previous week, and past on for this race made a fool of us, and won under Michael Traurig for trainer Kathy Neilson. Local Treasure under David Bentley, was second, a nice improvement from his previous run. Third was Major Conquest with the jack Fisher Gus Brown combo getting close again.

Charlie Fenwick III took the Willowdale Steeplechase for amateur riders, his second win for the weekend, riding Secret Impression for Ann Stewart. Bavario, our pick was second with Red Panda third. The fourth was won by Storybook Ending, trained by Ricky Hendricks and ridden by Danielle Hodsdon. Tom Foley, continuing a strong weekend was second with Sail My Vessel and Heyday Halo was third for Jody Petty.

Fifth race, a Foxhunters Chase for amateur riders, was won by Joe Six for trainer Paddy Neilson. Second was our pick Holzmann for trainer Lileth Boucher and finishing third was Melting for trainer Elizabeth Korrell.

The final two races, both flat races for amateur riders, were won by Flying Contraption (S Strawbridge) and Father Krismas Charles Fenwick III). This makes for a great weekend Charles Fenwick III with his three winners.

Not much luck with the tips at Willowdale, but planning a swift return to form with Pimlico, Radnor and High Hope this weekend.

2003-05-13T15:52:00.000-07:00

Iroquois, TN May 10 Review
First race (claimer flat) was won by Bugster trained by Jimmy Day and ridden by apprentice jockey Jeff Murphy. Bugster won this flat race with top weight (160 pounds) by five lenths 2nd was Nite Prowler for Mike Berryman (Rob Massey in the irons) with Armsofanangel third for Bruse Miller, ridden by jockey Tom Foley.

The next race was the Marcellus Frost Hurdle Stake (grade -3). Tres Touche took the prize here for trainer Ricky Hendrick and jockey Dave Bentley. This horse is a multiple stakes winner. I think this horse is the most consistent horse in the country right now. Last year's champion jockey (Dave Bentley) has ridden Tres Touche for all his hurdles start. Second was Dynability trained by Jack Fisher and ridden by Gus Brown. Dynability won a stake earlier this year and is clearly a nice horse. Third was Najjm for trainer Bruce Miller and jockey Tom Foley.

The third race on the day (The Margaret Currey Henley Allowance (NW3)) Feeling so Pretty looked very pretty as she stormed home under jockey Michael Traurig. This mare blew them away beating stakes winner Understood (Gus brown) by five lenths for trainer F.Lee Mc Kinney. Third was Brinton Bridge trained by Kathy Neilson and ridden by jockey Dave Bentley.

The fourth race, The Sport of Kings Maiden Hurdle was won by Seafaring Man for hall of fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard and jockey Mark Griffiths. Second was Frecuente trained by Sanna Hendrick, ridden by Jody Petty and third was Peking Picnic for Jack Fisher and Gus Brown.

The fifth Greek Hero won this good claimer for trainer Alicia Murphy and jockey Matt McCarron. Second was Snuggle Sanna Hendricks and Jody Petty. Third was Ethical Action with Dave Bentley.

Sixth race, the Timber race, went to Askim trained by Ann Stewart and ridden by amateur jockey Charles Fenwick III. Second was my pick Sam Sullivan for trainer Tom Voss and jockey Chip Miller. Third was Nijinski's Pride for trainer John Bosley and jockey Matt McCarron.

The seventh and last race of the day was big one. The Iroquois Steeplechase Grade-1. Just four runners went to post, but a decent field for sure. Pelagos took the big prize for Bruce Miller (Trainer) and jockey (Tom Foley). Pelagos is an out and out stayer and proved it here beating multiple stakes winner Praise the Prince (Dave Bentley) with Storm Touch third under Michale Traurig.

Both naps second (Sam Sullivan and Praise The Prince) ... close, but not close enough!

2003-05-13T08:29:00.000-07:00

PIMILCO/ BALTIMORE, MD FRIDAY MAY 16;2003 POST TIME; 2:00 P.M T.V.G.
A VERY STRONG FIELD FOR THE JOE AITCHESON STAKES (GRADE 1-NOVICE). TREBIZON TRAINED BY KATHY NEILSON; WON THE FIRST LEG OF THE STEEPLECHASE TRIPLE CROWN AT CHURCHILL AND WILL BE LOOKING TO HOLD HIS TITLE HERE. TREBIZON IS IRISH BRED HORSE, BY SADLERS WELLS AND WILL LOVE THE RACETRACK.

BUT THIS IS NO EASY RACE. NAUGHTY PRINCE, TRAINED BY RICKY HENDRIKS AND JOCKEY DAVE BENTLEY LOOK VERY GOOD HERE. NAUGHTY PRINCE WILL GET IN WITH 141 ON HIS BACK AND WAS A GOOD 2ND AT CHURCHILL. HE SHOULD BE WELL RESPECTED.

JANET ELLIOTT (TRAINER) BRINGS FIGHTING STAR HERE AND THIS HORSE HAD DONE EVERYTHING RIGHT SO FAR WINNING AN ALLOWANCE RACE AT ATLANTIC CITY AND THEN RUNNING 3RD AT CHURCHILL. HE SHOULD BE CLOSE AT THE DEATH.

CRAFTY CELT, TRAINED BY RICHARD VALENTINE AND OWNED BY BARBARA GRAHAME, IS A NICE SORT OF HORSE BUT THIS IS A BIG STEP UP FOR HIM BUT I LIKE HIM AFTER WINNING HIS MAIDEN AT MIDDLEBURG AND HE HAS SOME VERY NICE FLAT FORM.

GHOST FEVER SHOULD LIKE THE TRACK. HE IS TRAINED BY DOUG FOUT, AND HIS JOCKEY ROB MASSEY IS ON A ROLL. TOM VOSS IS DUE A BIG WINNER SO WE WILL NOT RULE HIM OUT YET (MALAGASH) AND (MAJOR HERO) BUT IF IT WAS AS EASY AS THIS TO PICK WINNER I WOULD BE A VERY WEALTHY MAN. (CAPS LOCK WAS STUCK!)

(Caps lock now unstuck): For the picks for the race, we are planning a nice trifecta, but box them up. We take Naughty Prince, Fighting Star and Crafty Celt.

2003-05-11T18:03:00.000-07:00

Willowdale, PA, May 11, Results
Provided by: 859 288 1066: NSA Hotline
Race: (1,2,3)
1st Race:
2nd Race:
3rd Race:
4th Race:
5th Race:
6th Race:
7th Race:
Review to Follow

2003-05-11T06:15:00.000-07:00

Iroquois, TN, May 10, Results
Provided by: 859 288 1066: NSA Hotline
Race: (1,2,3)
1st Race: Bugster, Nite Prowler, Amrsofanangel
2nd Race: Tres Touche, Dynability, Najjm
3rd Race: Feeling So Pretty, Understood, Brinton Bridge
4th Race:
5th Race: Greek Hero, Snuggle, Ethical Action
6th Race: Askim, Sam Sullivan, Nijinski's Pride
7th Race: Pelagos, Praise The Prince, Storm Touch
Review to Follow

2003-05-08T16:33:00.000-07:00

Willowdale, PA, May 11, Preview
A nice afternoon's racing at our local track, Willowdale. The first race, the Landhope Timber race, we go for Northern Thinking, who was unlucky at Foxfield when his reins broke jumping the third. Assuming new tack, we like his chances! Punchino, from the Boucher stable will run him close. The second race, a Maiden Claiming Hurdle, we like Happy Hero, trained by ex-jump jockey Ross Pearce and ridden by Robbie Walsh. River Bed may run close as he seems to be getting his act together. The third, the Willowdale Steeplechase, Darn Tipalarm, fresh of his recent victory in the Steepleton last week on Virginia Gold Cup day looks set to repeat, but watch out for Bavario, one of our picks last week, he may yet be ready to win. The fourth, Ranahan, our nap of the day at Block House, looks like he will make a quick return to the winners circle moving up a condition under the stylish Dave Bentley. The fifth, the Foxhunters Chase we are picking Holzmann, we are not to sure about this, but he comes highly recommended. Sixth and the Seventh, the Amateur Flat races we pick Salaverry (Tina McDaniel in the irons) and Regal Again with Stuart Strawbridge.

Nap of the day is Ranahan to be our first double nap winner.

2003-05-08T16:20:00.000-07:00

Iroquois, TN, May 10, Preview
A great card for us today at Iroquois to pick and choose our winners. Starting off in the first race, the Maiden Claimer Flat race, with the scratch of River Bed we will have to select Armsofanangel, trained by Bruce Miller with Tom Foley in the irons. The second race, a Grade 3 Hurdle race, we look to see Tom Foley continue his fortune on Najim, with Tres Touche coming second, while Snowball Flannagan will finish with a flurry! The third, the Allowance Hurdle, Brinton Bridge and Dave Bentley look to be the pick, Understood will likely be close if he can repeat his Atlanta win. The fourth race, a Maiden Hurdle, looks wide open, Orfino, a good horse on the flat, may be able to come to form for his first win. The fifth, Snuggles, who looked to be going very well at Atlantic City when unseating his rider, looks set to make amends. Ethical Actions will surely not make it an easy race 'though and will be very close. He is a recent claim by Ricky Hendricks. The big Timber Stake, we still pick Sam Sullivan, a pick from last week who did not run. Not sure who the rider is, but sure Tom Voss has him ready. Secret Impression will make it an interesting race. The final race, the Grade 1 Iroqois, looks like a great spot for Praise The Prince with last year's champion jockey Dave Bentley in the irons! Pelegos may run close, but not quite close enough.

We take two naps on the card, Sam Sullivan and Praise The Prince.

2003-05-05T11:20:00.001-07:00

Brookhill Review, May 3.
Ranahan took the first, the Maiden Claimer, under Dave Bentley. This was our nap of the day and a great recovery after drawing a blank on the Virginia Gold Cup card! Trained and owned by Ricky Hendricks, Ranahan is on the market for anyone interested (a very consistent runner)! Barrington took the second race, under apprentice rider Danielle Hodsdon for Tom Voss. Chaco Primo took the third for Michael Traurig and Toby Edwards. Green Station took the Capital Cup, under Robby Walsh for Bruce Haines. Dave Bentley was second, beaten only a half length with Vingt Sept. A thrilling finish that had the crowd on the edge of their seats. First to cross the finish line in the flat race was Earmark, who lost the race in the stewards room to Fields of Omagh (Neil Morris' third winner of the day). Dave Bentley's horse was drifting over Danielle Hodsdon's hence the stewards tough decision.

This ends a busy weekend of racing, where we managed to tip one winner ... but will have better luck next weekend, as we preview Nashville and Willowdale. This will be available wednesday night at the latest, perhaps tuesday, depending on the my schedule and a doctor's appointment!

2003-05-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

Virginia Gold Cup Review, May 3
The first race was won by Sur La Tete, trained by Neil Morris for Kingross Farms. This horse has been particularly unlucky not to officially break his maiden up to this point. Iron Orebid made all the running in the Maiden Timber race for Jack Fisher and Blair Waterman, this turned out to be an easy victory parade. The Steeplethon scratched down to a short field, and was won easily by Darn Tipalarm, ridden by his trainer, Jack Fisher. Senor Melchor won the Allowance Race, this horse is now three for three this year having won at Strawberry Hill and Foxfield. Certainly looks to be one of the more promising horses of this season. The Eddie Graham trained Corruption was a good second in this race, just unlucky to have to meet Senor Melchor when in such good form. Richard Boucher picked up the ride on Dynamite Vick, and with a typically stylish ride, got up to beat Our Thunderbolt by a nose.

The Virginia Gold Cup was won by Lord Kenneth, Neil Morris and Matt McCarron. This is Neil Morris' first winner of the big race, and second winner on the card today. We celebrated the occasion at Magpies after the races. Maipo fell early in the race, Blair Waterman suffered a broken collar bone and will be on the sidelines (like me) for a little while. Tom Foley won the Maiden Claimer with Say the Word, trained by Bruce Miller, in nice fashion. The last race of the day was the two mile amateur flat race, there was some confusion as to the direction of the course, but Janet Elliot's How Goes won in the intelligent hands of Joe Hansen.

We drew a blank on the day with the tips, caused by a few scratches and just bad judgment.

2003-05-05T11:19:00.000-07:00

Churchill Downs, KY, Review, May 1 - 3
Hard Scuffle: Trebizond (IRE), under Robert Massey just got up to beat Naughty Prince with David Bentley in the saddle, third was Fighting Star. Trebizond is a horse by Saddlers Wells and seems to prefer the race track as he won at Saratoga last year. He seemed to come from nowhere, under a strong ride by the in-form Robert Massey. This takes nothing away from our selection, and recent stakes winner, Naughty Prince, who ran a superb race. Major Hero and Ceryl Murphy fell early in the race, which knocked Preemptive Strike a little, who was never going his usual self thereafter. We might well see a similar field in the novice stake at Pimlico, the thursday before the Preakness.

Later in the week, the Kentucky Derby was won by ex-steeplechase trainer and jockey, Barclay Tagg, with the gelding Funny Cide. This was a popular result for the jumping circuit, as well as those at Fair Hill, waiting for Barclay to ship into his new barn.

2003-04-30T18:08:00.000-07:00

Brookhill Steeplechase Preview, May 3
The first race, the Maiden Claimer, looks a great spot for Ranahan, a horse I have been second on in his last two starts. The capable Dave Bentley takes the reigns. River Bed will also be there abouts. The second race, the Maiden Hurdle, I like Yorkin, who I watched win at the Middleburg point to point. The third race looks a nice opportunity for Master Rasper with the Ricky Hendricks, Dave Thiel and Dave Bentley combo. The fourth race, the feature, my exacta is Call Me Casanova and Green Station. The final race, the flat race, looks like a race for Loverineveryport, this is a decent horse, coming off a long layoff, and one to watch through the summer.

Ranahan is the nap of the day.

2003-04-30T17:52:00.000-07:00

Virginia Gold Cup Preview, May 3
In the first race Pressure King can help reverse the Tom Voss slide and begin his quest for another championship! Fool Crazy is likely to run close under Rob Massey and Wedlock should not be far away either. In the second, Loughbeg Rambler, an x-irsh chaser now trained by Richard Valentine, who is a proven and upcoming timber horse will be tough, and Darn Tipalarm will make it a decent race for Jack Fisher.

The third race, the Steeplethon, for amateur riders, sets up well for Bavario, winner of the Alfred Hunt at Middleburg under an impressive ride from Tiffany Mueller. He should love this track and be a tough candidate. The fourth race, the Allowance Hurdle, is a decent race for sure. I pick Mullihan for Arch Kingsley and Kathy Neilson, who was second at Atlantic City and has good back class from France. Brinton Bridge could make it a Neilson one-two. Ididdidi may spoil the party! The Starter Allowance includes Our Thunderbolt, for Jill Waterman, who I am disappointed not to be riding due to my current condition! My picks for this race are: Ethical Actions (recently claimed by Ricky Hendricks) for the win, Swoop and Soar for the place (another horse I have ridden) and Our Thunderbolt to be a good third.

The big race of the day is the Virginia Gold Cup Stake. Ten of the best timber horses in America. Pick of the day is Sam Sullivan, ridden by Blair Waterman and continuing the great day for Tom Voss! Maipo won't be far away, and is a personal favourite of mine, Lord Kenneth will also go close. The Maiden Claimer is a tough race to pick, but look out for Local Treasure, third in his first career start. The Amateur Jockeys flat race sees Chuck Lawrence making his llloooonnngggggg awaited comeback on the Mickey Preger trained Double Team, this has to be one to watch!

Sam Sullivan is the nap of the day.

2003-04-30T17:41:00.000-07:00

Churchill Downs Preview, May 1
Hard Scuffle S. - Grade: 1
We have eight runners in the in the only steeplechase on the Churchill Downs card, getting ready for the Kentucky Derby this saturday. This is the top novice stake so far this year. Fighting Star is a nice horse and cannot be overlooked. He is trained by Janet Elliot and bred by Mike Freeman of Aiken. He broke his maiden at the Colonial Cup meet and won last week, an allowance race at Atlantic City. Naughty Prince, my first stakes winner, will be capably handled by my good friend David Bentley (last years champion jockey). While I am sad to miss this ride, this is not due to my current condition :) I do make him my pick 'though. Niello, a horse I was second on in a maiden at Camden, and who has since won, should be close at the death. Preemptive Strike, trained by the young Paul Rowland, is clearly an improving sort, finishing second to the good horse Understood in the Atlanta Novice Stake. This horse is certainly one to watch. Post time is 5:17 on TVG.
Prediction:
1. Naughty Prince
2. Niello
3. Preemptive Strike

2003-04-30T17:24:00.000-07:00

Update on Jockey Health and Reporting Situation, April 30
As I mentioned last time, I hurt my right hand (makes typing very tricky) ... in fact, after getting it checked out, it appears I have broken my thumb and fractured my wrist (but learning to type left handed). This is going to put me on the sidelines for about six weeks, so I am now hoping to get back for Colonial Downs and Saratoga over the summer. So, while my career is on hold for a while, I have decided to maintain the Steeplechase Report and will be providing updates and results, twice a week.

Update 1: making good progress, and hope to get my pins out May 21 and back in the saddle a couple of weeks after that. Should be available to ride again around June 15, Colonial Downs, so e-mail me if you want me to ride your horse!

Update 2: continue to make good progress. Had the pins removed from the hand May 28. Doing a course of physiotherapy and still plan to be back riding at Colonial Downs.

2003-04-27T08:42:00.000-07:00

Foxfield, VA April 26
Had five rides altogether, picking a spare one up from Hall of Famer, Jonathan Sheppard. My first ride was Double Foreigner. We sat third, he jumped well and finished a good fourth. In the second race, a flat race, I rode Bull Halsey, and this was the spare ride I picked up. There was no early pace, so I put him on the lead where he settled well. With an eighth of a mile to go we all bunched up to a blanket finish. He finished fourth, we were only beaten a half length. This was my first ride for Jonathan, lets hope it was not my last! My third ride was Diablo's Crown, who refused at the start. This was disappointing for both myself and Ricky Hendricks, but hopefully we will have better luck next time. I rode Swoop and Soar in the feature, the Daniel Van Clief Memorial Allowance Hurdle. He ran very keen, while sitting third, and his jumping was not at its best, but we finished third to two decent horses (Baksheesh was second). I Rode Robin Shower's in the Maiden Claimer. He got really tired, he made a bad mistake at the second last, and unseated me. This was the end of not my best day of racing, and as I type, my right hand has some pain, so I am going to get it checked out.

The first race was won by the Richard Valentine trained Mauritania, ridden by the very capable amateur ride, Greg Ryan. Robbie Walsh won the flat race for trainer Bruce Miller. Donny Yovanovich won the apprentice race with Tiffany Mueller, a very good lady rider who has also won many timber races and the big race at Middleburg last week. The timber race was won by Red Panda, for trainer Neil Morris. Jody Petty and Sanna Neilson teamed up to win the allowance race with Senor Melchor. The maiden claimer was won by Upheld, trained by Alicia Murphy and ridden by Matt McCarron.

A great day of racing for the spectators, as the in field was packed with students enjoying the frills of the steeplechase sport!

2003-04-25T18:11:00.000-07:00

Foxfield and Middleburg Preview, April 26
Saturday Foxfield: Riding Double Foreigner in the Maiden Hurdle for Court Marzullo. Blinkers on first time, we expect this should make a difference and hope for a big run. I am riding Diablo's Crown for Ricky Hendricks in the apprentice race. He won his last start. He is a front runner and I am confident of his capabilities but this is clearly a step up in company. I am riding a nice allowance horse called Swoop And Soar for trainer Kathy Neilson. There is one horse in the race, Baksheesh, who ran second at Stoneybrook in a stake, will be tough to beat. I ride Robin Shower's in the Maiden Claimer for Ricky Hendricks. We are planning to drop him in behind this time, and hope this will improve his performance.

Sunday Middleburg: Riding a horse who has just arrived from New Zealand for Tom K. Its a Maiden Hurdle race, and I am really not too sure what to expect!

2003-04-25T17:42:00.000-07:00

Tryon, NC, April 19
I had five rides for the day, one in each race. To get here I flew down to Camden on the friday, left there saturday morning to drive up to Tryon because I was struggling to make the weight and had the rubber suite on in the car! The first ride was Our Thunderbolt (trained by Jill Waterman), who I had previously won a claimer on, but this was a step up to allowance company. He finished second, while not handling the track too well. I rode him close to the pace and we had a good trip and were very happy with the result. In the Maiden Hurdle I rode Euripedes for Karen Gray. He jumped very well, and perhaps needs a little longer trip and finished fourth. Looking forward to getting another ride on him.

The next race was the big race, the Century BMW Block House Stake. This was on Naughty Prince, a very talented gelding who has his idiosyncracies. He won well previously (Dave Bentley in the Sport of Kings Maiden at the Everglades) so this was an exciting opportunity for me in my first stake, but he is still a novice running a stake. There was no pace in the race, I sat behind coming into the first fence, but a bold jump put him in front so I left him there and rode him like an experienced campaigner on the front end and never looked back. We won impressively by three lengths, trained by Ricky Hendricks who is currently tied for leading trainer.

My fourth ride was on Philip's Ferrari, who I pulled up in the Maiden Claimer. Ranahan, who I rode in the point to point previously was my final ride. We put blinker on him, he jumped awesome and was a good second in the second division of the Maiden Claimer.

A win in a stake a two seconds was certainly a good day for me. Robby Walsh also rode two winners for Bruce Haines in impressive style with Chef Bear and Green Station. Run In The Park was an easy winner in the first division of the Maiden Claimer for apprentice Danielle Hodsdon.

2003-04-25T17:34:00.000-07:00

Strawberry Hill, Colonial Downs, VA: April 12
Three rides for the day. First ride was Robin Showers, trained by Ricky Hendricks. He was a little disappointing in running finishing fifth, we are now back to the drawing board with this horse. Second ride was a pick up ride on the day, for trainer Court Marzullo, Double Foreigner. This was my first time on the horse, he finished fourth and it was a decent experience as we got to know each other a little. Looking forward to riding him again. Previously was riding the favorite for the apprentice but the horse was a late scratch. My final ride on the day was Agitator for Doug Fout. He finished fourth with a very pleasing run, behind a couple of decent horses including Praise The Prince, a multiple stakes winner for Sanna Neilson and George Strawbridge.

The feature race was won by Richard Valentine and Chip Miller for Whitewood Farms, Michelle Marieschi. This was a very impressive winner. Richard Boucher won the Maiden Hurdle with Wataman Sam in impressive style. Richard was on a role for the day winning the two flat races for Sanna Neilson (Praise The Prince and Mcdynamo). Left the races, drove to Middleburg (got lost) to ride at Oaklands Point to Point the next day for Ricky Hendricks. First timer, Ranahan, ran green but finished second. We were very pleased with his performance and looking forward to a return ride.

2003-04-25T17:18:00.000-07:00

Stoneybrook, NC, April 5
Had four rides today. The first ride was my third on Mozo Allegre in the Maiden Hurdle for Jill Waterman. He made the running early, the second time on the backside he missed a fence very badly leaving his hindend in the fence, and really could not recover and get back in the race. He did manage to stay on and finish fourth, picking up a check. The next ride was Our Thunderbolt, Maiden Claimer, we were very confident going into the race, from a previous work on the cup course at Camden. We sat third and he jumped awesome, the third last from home I put him on the lead, kicked four clear going round the final bend, winged the last and won by five easy lengths. He was trained by superbly for the day by Jill Waterman. My next ride was Negative Love, in the Conditional Hurdle. Hed did not handle the track too well (he prefers a left handed race track) and we were never travelling so I gave him an easy race and we finished near the back. My final ride was in the flat race, a horse called Sherman's Drum for Winky Cocks. This horse is a bit of a character and he refused to start, trailed the field and I got a good work out trying to keep him going.

Jahamour was an impressive winner of the Maiden Hurdle for Doug Fout and Robert Massey. Dynability won the stake in the capable hands of Matt McCarron for Jack Fisher. Unavailable Ride won the Conditional Claimer for owner-trainer-rider Arch Kingsley. Returned to Camden that evening for a couple of quiet drinks in the Foxes Den.

2003-04-25T17:01:00.000-07:00

Camden, SC, March 29
Had three rides today. The first ride was the Winky Cocks trained Niello in the Camden Plate. This was a first time starter. There was an awefully slow early pace, which left me on the lead. He was a little green in running, while we were only beaten two lengths, I probably should have won if I had used the inside a little more. I kept him to the middle of the track so he could get a good look at the fences. The second ride was on a maiden claimer, Karen Gray trained Phillip's Ferrari, another first timer over hurdles. We had a nice education and was in second place jumping the second last, he got a little tired, and stayed on to be fifth. My final ride was on Mozo Allegre, who I rode at Aiken, on the flat. He finished fourth, beaten a lenth and a half, and the winner was Hotspur, a very nice horse of Hall of Fame trainer Jonathon Sheppard. Al Skywalker, a front running masterpiece in the hands of Tom Foley, destroyed the field in the Carolina Cup. This was his second Cup win (same horse, trainer and rider) and second stakes win of the year, having won the Everglades in Florida. Ethical Action won the Sport of Kings Unlimited Claimer for the Arch Kingsley and Jack Fisher combination. Timber race of the day was won by Natty Boh, with the husband and wife team of Kathy Neilson and Michael Taurig. There was much after race celebrations and a few well known race personalities were a little ...

2003-04-25T16:45:00.000-07:00

Aiken, NC, March 22
Had three rides. The first in a training flat race, Jill Waterman trained Mozo Allegre. He was fourth, his first run in a year and ran pretty well. Rode Preoccupied in the Maiden Claiming Hurdle, and he finished third to a nice horse of Ricky Hendricks (Yokazona). Rode Negative Love in the conditional claiming race and won, which was my first winner this year! He won by four lengths, and it was the second time this horse has won at this track, and trainer Linda Klein's first winner in three years. Snowball Flanigan with Robert Massey aboard, trained by eclipse award trainer Janet Elliot, won the feature race, the Imperial Cup, very impressively. Richard Valentine won the Budweiser Cup with Michele Marieschi, confidently ridden by Gus Brown.

2003-04-25T16:32:00.000-07:00

Moore County Point to Point March 20
Had two rides, Negative Love in the Open hurdle, trained by Linda K. and Preoccupied in the Maiden hurdle trained by Dave Washer. Negative Love was third, got a little tired but he had not run in two years, so not a bad performance. Preoccupied was starting for the first time. He jumped consistently and finished a good second, beaten three lengths. Drove down with Dave Bentley and Mark Griffiths whose day was no better than mine. Tom Foley won three races, all for Kevin Pallister. One of those, Pal's Pride was 3yo champion hurdler of 2002. It was raining, the ground was soft but there was still a good turn out of spectators. Drove home with Jill Waterman in Janet Elliot's truck!

2003-04-25T16:22:00.000-07:00

2003 Race Record
As of April 25:
19 Rides
3 Wins (Negative Love, Our Thunderbolt, Naughty Prince (Stake))
3 Seconds
1 Third
$43,850

2003-04-25T16:19:00.000-07:00

About this Blog
This blog will cover the steeplechase story of Gerry Carwood, riding in the USA. He will post entries twice a week, covering the upcoming weekend racing schedule and reviewing the previous weekend.