Another week gone, another week of embarrasment for the NYM Extended Spring Training team... yes, they've been downgraded...  as they were dominated by the two worst teams in the NL West, the Diamondbacks and Padres... yes, the 18 games under .500 Padres... to the tune of 2-5.

As for the lowlights...

- Well, everything except Johan Santana's superb performance last night... on the flip side, Santana likes to call out his teammates after games when team's don't go well... like in his last outing against the D-backs... so we would like to in the spirit of openess say, 'Hey Johan, giving up 5 runs over 8 innings is not exactly 'doing your job' so lay off the bullpen...'

- K-Rod... ouch, back to back blown saves, and in dramatic fashion...

- The DL keeps expanding with the season ending addition of Jon Niese, and a spell of injuries for Luis Castillo and Gary Sheffield. Both should return to the field, and the DL, this week...

- On a sort-of-positive note, it was good to see Bobby Parnell returning to the starting rotation, even if due to an injury.  Yes, his performance was look warm, but he is one of the more talented NYM young pitchers and hopefully this will the first of many sucessful returns

The NYM-ESTT now finds itself 11 games behind in the NL East and 10 in the wildcard, their 9 games under .500 prior to last night's game their lowest point since 2004... and not much to add, as we said last month, the season has been over for a while and we are just going through the motion.  No anger, just frustration... Well, there is anger towards whomever has that voodoo doll that has ruined the season. If we ever find out who it is....

At least the NFL season is exactly a month away.

 An outstanding set of races is set for this weekend, including 6 Gr-I's and four tickets to the Breeders Cup from to 'Challenge races.

Kicking things off Saturday with what might be the race of the year, as the top three turf runners in the US, Gio Ponti (above), Einstein and Presious Passion will square off against stiff international competition in the Gr-IT Arlington Million (3yo+, 10f) with a slot in the BC Turf on the line.  Gio Ponti is coming on the heels of three straight Gr-IT wins, Presious Passion has won two in a row, including a record setting performance in the Gr-IT UN last out and Einstein is coming off a very troubled third in the dirt in the Gr-I Stephen Foster following a pair of Gr-I wins, one on the turf, the other synthetics.  If any of them win, they should be considered at the top of the division.... But it will definetely not be a three horse race, as Italy's dual Gr-I winner Cima de Triomphe and Brazil's Gloria de Campeao, second in the Dubai World Cup and winner of the Gr-I Singapore International Cup, fly in to take a shot at the US's best ..Will be a very tactical race, as 'Passion will sprint out to the lead, Einstein is typically stalking and Gio Ponti will come from way back.  Also will provide a good early gauge as to how the US horse will match against the Euro's come BC day...

French import Spirit One won this race last year in a upset.  That was his last win and has since been retired.

The Gr-I Whitney Handicap (3yo+, 9f) will in turn feature the top dirt horses with a slot in the BC Classic on the line.  Ageless Commentator (well, he is 8) is the pre-race favorite, based mostly I would say on his impressive workouts, as he has only raced in two ungraded stakes this year against less than stellar competition, and lost one of them.  Nevertheless if he is allowed to set his own pace in front, he will lead them all the way.  He won this race in 2005 and 2008, one of his 14 careers wins.  Should he place, he will go over $2M in earnings. But he will have to work hard to beat the much improved Macho Again, coming off the heels over his big win the in the Gr-I Foster... A win by him, and he takes the top spot in the Older Horse division... Also in the mix will be the UAE's Asiatic Boy, looking for his first win in the US after two seconds, including the Foster, and Smooth Air, coming if off two seconds after his win in the Gr-II Gulfstream Park 'Cap... top race that will define the division...

The ladies are up next in the Gr-IT Beverly D Stakes. (3yo+, 9.5f) with the winner earning a slot in the BC F&M Turf. Pure Clan and Black Mamba lead the US contingent, coming off sharp Gr-III and II wins respectably, and will face of against a trio of Euro invaders, Gr-III winners Alnadana, Mad About You and Denomination... wide open race that go to anyone.  Have a feeling about MAY though...

Mauralakana was the '08 winner, one of her five wins in '08.  She finished 6^th in the BC F&M Turf.

Moving on, we have the Gr-IT Secretariat Stakes (3yo, 10f), which is the third leg of Arlington Parks's Mid-America Triple.  The top two choices are the winners of the first two legs, Giant Oak, who took the Arlington Classic, and Reb, who won the American Derby, as well as the second place finisher in the American, Oil Man... not the greatest group, but the 3yo turf group is not particularly stellar, especially compared to the older group.  Then again, Gio Point was doing these rounds last year so we should keep an eye for any late bloomers.

Irish invader Winchester was the big surprise winner last year, the only race in which he placed outside of a couple of ungraded stakes back in Ireland.

The speedsters then will take to the track in the Gr-I Bing Crosby Handicap, (3yo, 6f), where surging sprinter Zensational will be the heavy favorite, hot on the heels of his impressive win the Gr-I Triple Bend.  Up to challenge him again will be late closing Rush With Thunder, who finished second in the Triple Bend... A win here, and Zensational may move to the top of the division and become the early favorite for the BC Sprint.

Things conclude Saturday with the fillies in the Gr-I Test Stakes (3yo, 7f), where undefeated Cat Moves, who burst into the scene with her big win in the Gr-I Prioress in only her third career start, will tackle a deep group of graded winners, as she looks to slide up the F&M Sprint division.

Indian Blessing won this race last year, on of five, on her way to F&M Sprint champion honors.  She was also '07 Champion 2yo Filly.

Moving to Sunday, we have the Gr-II Clement L. Hirsch (3yo+, 8.5f), where champion and defending race winner Zenyatta will look to remain undefeated and make it 12 wins in a row.  She has been working out great and, all things even, she should roll again.  Up against her will likely be multiple graded stakes winner Lethal Heat and Life is Sweet... Tough foes, but Zenyatta is the class of the division, if not the country, and she should keep her streak alive... And hopefully a showdown with Rachel Alexandra is somewhere in the future...

Finally, we wrap things up in France and the Gr-I Prix Maurice de Gheest, which this year has been made part of the BC challenge, and the winner will earn a slot in the Turf Sprint.  The early favorites are King's Apostle, a Gr-II winner and in the top 3 in 12 of 17 starts, and African Rose, a Gr-I winner in England and second in this race last year.

Wrapping things up, we look back at yesterday's Cougar II Handicap, where Unusual Suspect (inside) next to last on the betting, outkicked Richard's Kid by a head for the big upset win and a spot in the BC Marathon...

yawn...

So have fun and see ya' at the races.

Some huge upsets and dominating performances this weekend, which kicked off Saturday in the Gr-III West Virginia Derby where Soul Warrior came with a late surge to outkick Kentucky Derby Champ Mine that Bird and Big Drama for the upset win.

It was the first graded win of SW's career and only 3rd in 7 lifetime starts... Odd race, as it first looked as if Big Drama was going to run off with the race, opening up a 10 length after a half mile, only to run out of gas heading home.  Then 'Bird made his move from last and appeared ready to take command as they turned for home, only to also peeter out, letting Soul Warrior find that extra gear and split between them for the big win.  Of not, MTB now heads to Saratoga to train for the Gr-I Travers... and we are getting the feeling he is turning into another Strike the Gold, the late-closing 1991 Derby winner who always seem to come with a huge rush late, but most of the times a bit too late.

Order was restored though in the Gr-I Diana, even if just barely, when F&M Turf Champ Forever Together (the gray) once more came from way off the pace to corral Irish import Carribean Sunset near the wire to win by a head. 

Steady-as-she-goes Rutherienne continues to be one of the best bets in racing, finishing third, making it 18 top 3 finishes in 20 career starts... It was closer than her connections would have liked, but a win is a win, and FT continues on track for another run at the F&M Turf champion honors.

Moving to Sunday and the most expected race of the weekend, which did not dissapoint as super filly Rachel Alexandra toyed with an accomplished group of colts on her way to a 6+ length romp in the Gr-I Haskell and her 8th straight win.

Her time of 1:47:21 was approx one fifth of the stakes record.  Belmont winner Summer Bird rallied for second... The performance of the weekend, again, as Rachel' swept past front-running Munnings and Summer Bird... what was he doing up so early?... with barely an effort, then drew away with ease.  With this performance, it is difficult to see a scenario in which she does not win Horse of the Year.  Her connections did not hint what her next race would be, but did not rule out the Travers at month's end.

It would take first a loss, as there is no way she goes undefeated in '09 and not get the award, then for perhaps Gio Ponti or Einstein winning the Arlington Million and BC Turf or Classic, or perhaps Quality Road beating her in the Travers and also winning the BC Classic.  We'd say Zenyatta, but without going one on one, and running perhaps half the number of races as Rachel, it will be difficult.  Unless all the above suffer a number of losses and she finishes out her career undefeated.

Also on Sunday, Seventh Street didn't make it easy, running wide on both turns and giving up the lead in the early stretch, but still rallied to take home the Gr-I Go For Wand...

The win was her second Gr-I in '09 and keeps her in the running for Older Female Horse Champion honors. Would still need to beat Zenyatta first, but is being directed to a stretch of Gr-Is throughout the summer. 

Sunday concluded with the Gr-II San Diego Handicap, where Informed (left) punched a ticket to the BC Mile when he closed with a huge rush to just nip Mast Track at the wire.

Heavy favorite and Dubai World Cup winner Well Armed had nothing, as he did not show his customary speed, running back early then fading to last... Big surprise, as Informed only had a Gr-II win as his only graded triumph in 19 races, and even more so seeing Well Armed do nothing.  Now back in March, we pointed out that, so far, Curlin seems to be avoiding the 'Dubai World Cup Curse' but is Well Armed now showing signs of it?

Also of note, dual Gr-I winner Colonel John showed no rust from his long layoff, easily dispatching an overmatched field Friday in the ungraded Wickerr Stakes. No decision has been made for his next race.

Finally, over in Europe, BC Mile winner Goldikova (green) made it two Gr-I's in a row and 5th overall, taking over with two furlongs to go and easily disposing of the field of F&M over the mile course. 

French 1,000 Guineas winner Elusive Wave finished second... Although restricted to miles, continues to make a case as the top Older Female Horse in Europe.  Look for a return to the Breeders Cup as well.

And tune in later for a recap of the Gr-II Amsterdam and Quality Road's return later today.

(updated 8/4)

Quality Road served notice yesterday that he is back and ready to return to the top of the 3yo colts division with a convincing win in yesterday's Gr-II Amsterdam Stakes, breaking a bit slowly then settling in a close fourth before making a power move around the final turn, then drawing away with relative ease, setting a track and stakes record for the 6-1/2f in the process.

 Next up is most likely the Gr-I Travers at month end and a potential showdown with Rachel Alexandra.  If any 3yo can take her on, its him as in his last three races he has just smoked the field.  Hopefully everyone will show up.

But there is also relevant mid-week action coming up, as the ungraded Cougar II Handicap will be run tomorrow as part of the Breeders Cup Challenge, with the winner earning a slot in the BC Marathon.  Last year's winner Zappa returns to defend his crown, but he will have to improve drastically for the 1-1/2m test, as he has gone 1-11 since, including a 7th in the Marathon, and that was in an optional allowance claiming race.  Yet, the rest of the field is not awe inspiring either, but favoritism might come down to Church Service, although he has lost 7 in a row has been in the top 5 in all, or Big Booster, who has lost six in a row but has been in the top 5 against tougher company in five of those... weak race, but someone has to win it.

Some of racing's biggest names will take to the track this weekend, starting off Saturday in the Gr-III West Virginia Derby, where Kentucky Derby winner Mine that Bird (below) returns to the track after his third place finish in the Belmont Stakes last month.

MTB will be the first Triple Crown race winner to ever race in West Virginia's Mountaineer Racetrack.  But this will be no means be a cake walk, as he will face off against (disqualified) Gr-II Swale Stakes winner Big Drama, in his first race since finishing 5^th in the Preakness... MTB has been installed as the odds-on favorite, but if Big Drama gets off to an easy early lead, he will be very hard to catch. Granted, he's not yet won over two turns, but he has shown the talent to go all the way. Reminds me of the 2007 Kentucky Cup Classic, when Hard Spun took an early uncontested lead, then was able to hold of Derby Champ Street Sense down the stretch...

Next up is the first of three Gr-I's this weekend, the Gr-IT Diana Handicap.  Leading the charge is defending race winner and '08 F&M Turf champion Forever Together.  She is coming off a surprising second place finish in the Gr-IT Just a Game, will once more have to fend off fellow Gr-I winner Rutherienne, who she beat by a length in the Jenny Wiley back in April, but who bounced back to romp in the Gr-IIT Nassau Stakes in Canada... These two are the class of the field and the race should come down to them.  FT should take the lead down the stretch with Ruth' coming on strong.  Whoemever makes the first move might be the one to take it...

Also of note on Friday is the ungraded Wickerr Handicap, at one mile on the turf, where last year's Santa Anita Derby and Travers winner Colonel John makes his return to the races after a 7 month layoff following an injury sustained last December after his fourth place finish in the Malibu Stakes... The Colonel' was a very underrated race last year, and will use this race as a much needed prep for the major stakes coming up in the late summer and fall.

Moving on to Sunday, we have the most anticipated race of the weekend, the Gr-I Haskell.  Here, super filly and Preakness winner Rachel Alexandra will square off against Belmont Derby winner Summer Bird, as well as Arkansas Derby winner Papa Clem. With only 6 horses expected to start, and no true front-runner, this will be a very tactical race.  Expect Rachel' and Papa' to be at the head of the pack with 'Bird laying far back waiting to see how those two go at it.  Should come down to the finish... Rachel has already sown up the 3yo filly crown, and a win here would solidify her spot at the top of the Horse of the Year race, while a win by Summer Bird would catapult him to the top of the 3yo colt division.

This race was won in 2008 by Big Brown, one of his four Gr-I's, on his way to the 3yo Champion crown.

The Gr-I Go for Wand will also be run Saturday, with Gr-I Apple Blossom winner Seventh Street ... first or second in her last six, the likely favorite alongside multiple Gr-II Miss Isella, coming off wins in the Fleur de Lis and Louisville Handicaps... No household names, but two quality fillies facing off.  Neither is in the class of division leader Zenyatta, but a win by either would put them close to $0.75M in career earnings.

Ginger Punch won this race both in 2008 and 2007.  She was retired after the Breeders Cup last year, following an outstanding career that had her the Older Female Horse champion in 2007, and a winner of 12 of 22 races, and in the top 3 20 times, and over $3M.

Also on Sunday will be the Gr-II San Diego Handicap, which is part of the Breeders Cup Challenge, the winner earning a spot in the BC Mile. The headliner is the returning Dubai World Cup winner Well Armed, in his first race since demolishing a tough international field in that race back in March.  He also won this race back in '08.  His main challenger figures to be the filly Life is Sweet, last out a very game third against older males in the Gr-I Hollywood Gold Cup, coming ahead of some of the other entries here...  If all goes well, Well Armed should wire the field without much difficulty.  But nothing is ever certain, and it has been over 4 months since he last raced, so endurance might be a factor.

Finally, we close out with the Gr-II Amsterdam on Monday, where we will see another long awaited return, this time that of Gr-I Florida Derby winner Quality Road, at one point one of the pre-race favorites for the Kentucky Derby, but out with quarter cracks within a week of the big race.  Yet, it will not be easy, as he will be taking on multiple graded winner Capt. Candyman Can, whom he beat in the Fountain of Youth, but who has looked sharp in his two wins afterwards... According to plan, this should be a prep on his way to the Gr-I Travers at the end of August. 

So have a fun and see ya' at the races!

Major racing action kicks off early this week over in England with the running of the Gr-I Sussex Stakes, for horses 3yo+ over one mile, and featuring three Gr-I winners in '09. 

The most interesting entry is the filly Ghanaati, coming of wins in the Gr-I's English 1000 Guineas and Coronation Stakes (above), but who will be facing colts and older horses for the first time.  Her main rivals will be Lord Shanakill, coming off a win in the Gr-I Prix Jean Prat, and Paco Boy, the Gr-I Queen Anne Stakes winner and recent late running third in the Golden Jubilee... It will be a very tall task, but if the filly can win, she will establish herself as the favorite in the Euro 3yo Division plus put herself into Horse of the Year discussions...

Last year, this race was won by Henrythenavigator in what was his fourth Gr-I of the year before closing the year with a game second in the Gr-I Breeders Cup Classic.

Tune in within a day or to for the weekend preview.

(updated Wednesday, 11:00 am)

After falling short in four straight Gr-I tries, 3yo Irish colt Rip Van Winkle powered to the lead at the top of the stretch and drew away for a solid victory over a tough group of more accomplished racers to win the Gr-I Sussex Stakes this afternoon. 

Paco Boy came on late for second, while filly Ghanaati was a non-threatening third.. Up until now, Rip' had been all promise and no delivery, but he finally stepped up impressively over a top notch group.  Is he this year's Raven's Pass, promising yet falling short early in the year then turning it on in the second half of the year?