Posts Tagged ‘Hansen’

A Look at Kentucky Derby Jinxes Past and Present

by Greg Melikov

posted on April 27, 2012 in Educational Articles, General Discussion, Horse Racing, Kentucky Derby | No Comments >>

There have been many jinxes connected with the Kentucky Derby over the decades. And some memorable curses have been snapped during the 21st Century. One of the most discussed whammies ended in 2007 when Street Sense became the first 2-year-old champion to capture the Derby since Spectacular Bid in ’79. The son of Street Cry […]

Greg Melikov’s Top 10 2012 Kentucky Derby Contenders – Final Edition

Here’s my updated ranking of the Top 10 Kentucky Derby contenders from bottom to top Dave Letterman’s style: Went the Day Well: The son of Proud Citizen will try to duplicate what his connections did last year with Animal Kingdom – duplicate victory in the Spiral in the Kentucky Derby, That’s a tall order since […]

Are You Thinking Derby?

I am getting in full-swing with looking over works, and listening to all of the connections as we head toward the first Saturday in May. Every year I have to dig up my list of handicapping nuggets that hopefully will allow me to gain any edge under the sun. This week will be important for […]

Free Keeneland/Oaklawn Selections – Saturday 4/14/12

The world of racing is focused on Arkansas and Kentucky. There are two prep races that have historically played a great role in sending players to the Derby. The weather is looking well for both ovals, and all that is left to do is let the horses do the talking.  One race looks like a […]

Hansen Takes on Talented Blue Grass Field

by Greg Melikov

posted on April 13, 2012 in Horse Racing, Kentucky Derby, News, Other Events | No Comments >>

Hansen and Street Sense have several things in common, including victory in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Churchill Downs. Street Sense did it five years ago while Hansen triumphed in 2011. Both horses boasted experience on synthetic surfaces. Street Sense finished third in Keeneland’s Breeders’ Futurity as a juvenile and was runner-up in the Blue […]

Greg Melikov’s Top 10 2012 Kentucky Derby Contenders – Fifth Edition

Here’s my updated ranking of the Top 10 Kentucky Derby contenders from bottom to top Dave Letterman’s style: Went The Day Well: The same connections won the 2012 and ’11 Spiral en route to Louisville. Animal Kingdom captured last year’s Kentucky Derby. This son of Proud Citizen didn’t run particular impressive closing fractions in this […]

Free Keeneland Selections – 2012 Blue Grass Stakes

The track at Keeneland has been tough to get a handle. Last Saturday, 6/8 winners went wire-to-wire, or were just off the pace. As late as Wednesday, 4/6 runners made their way into the winner’s circle by closing down the lane. The weather is supposed to be in the low 70’s, and the poly track […]

Two Top Stakes Feature Variety of Top Runners

by Greg Melikov

posted on April 4, 2012 in Horse Racing, Kentucky Derby, News, Other Events | No Comments >>

Two runners from the Gotham Stakes return to Aqueduct with their eye on Saturday’s $1 million Wood Memorial. The Grade 1 appears fairly wide open since Hansen opted for the Blue Grass at Keeneland on April 14. Gotham runner-up My Adonis, beaten three lengths, enters the 1 1/8-mile contest with only one off-the-board finish, while […]

Union Rags Aims for Victory in Rich Florida Derby

by Greg Melikov

posted on March 27, 2012 in Horse Racing, Kentucky Derby, News, Other Events | No Comments >>

Union Rags on Saturday attempts to become the sixth Fountain of Youth winner to take the Florida Derby since Fly So Free in 1991. The colt, with the only blemish on his record of four victories a neck loss to Hansen in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, breezed four furlongs in 49 seconds at the […]

Greg Melikov’s Top Ten 2012 Kentucky Derby Contenders – Fourth Edition

Here’s my updated ranking of the Top 10 Kentucky Derby contenders from bottom to top Dave Letterman’s style: My Adonis: One of the most experienced sophomores has hit the board seven of eight times. The son of Pleasantly Perfect was runner-up to Hansen in the Gotham at Aqueduct. He needs to step up because his […]