Ralph Siraco's Blog

May 2009

Well, it took a day at home to work away enough time to figure out how to get into the Race Day Las Vegas blog. So, here I am.  As you may know--by listening to the shows--I have limits to my computer skills. Very limited. So, here is the first journey into the blog-o-sphere.

Just some thoughts about the two-thirds of the Triple Crown this year. It is evident by the Preakness Stakes that Rachael Alexandra and Mine That Bird are the two best sophomores running in the Triple Crown events to date. The others are no more than window dressing to the top pair. However, this year's attrition rate to the spring Classics was dotted with some pretty nice horseflesh that never got the chance to compete in Louisville and Baltimore. The new shooters assembling for the Belmont at 1 1/2 miles should pose more competition to the first two winners of the "Crown". Charitable Man, Dunkirk and others may create a competitive pool for the summer and fall for the filly and the gelding. They are RIGHT NOW the best of this generation of glamour runners. Take nothing away for Mine That Bird, which Mike Smith lauded in the paddock at Hollywood Park on Sunday. Smith says the "little guy" has big strides and covers some serious ground when "let loose". And, the filly--WOW. Rachael is REAL. However, her stiffest competition may come from her own gender when she ultimately meets Zenyatta....if not before, then the BREEDERS' CUP, if she's in quest of the H-O-Y trophy. Hey, right now the handicap division--for maybe Einstien--shouldn't scare either filly or mare.....Four-day race weeks at Churchill and Hollypark reflect the state of the industry right now...five days at Del Mar and the prospects of Santa Anita being sold, Del Mar Fairgrounds (where Del Mar sits) and the demise of Hollywood Park has got the Southern California racing industry drinking up all the "pink-in-a-bottle" drugs stores can stock. It is getting scary......BUT, silver lining could come with new blood guiding racing emporiums there....just like 'Vegas, times they are a changing......Have A Great Race Day....until next time.