4/4/2004

Wierd, Wacky and Wonderful

Castledale at 30/1, Azeiri and D.Wayne Lukas. It could only happen on some kind of reality/fantasy racing game!

But that's what took place on Saturday, and news of the latter American Dream Derby, per GSN (whoever they are?) makes the world of thoroughbred racing doubly confusing this cold Spring day, as the Kentucky Derby looms not a month ahead, with nobody really having any idea what lies in store.

As for Castledale, the diminutive Peintre Celebre Irish-bred colt who ran down (dashed) California's K.Y. Derby hopes in the Santa Anita Derby, he's obviously still sound and really gets this trip.....more than you can say for most of his American-based rivals. But, really, breaking your dirt maiden against the supposed cream of California, does not bode well for any of their chances on May 1st.

Meanwhile, Azeiri's return to the winner's circle makes fools out of all and sundry (including this corner, but definitely not team Lukas/Paulson.) What a great mare....and what a good training performance. Good on 'em!

Now, while the American Dream Derby sounds like the latest fool-hardy idea to be championed, it is encouraging that the NTRA's crusade to establish 'uniform medication rules' is heading in the right direction. Hopefully, though, Dr. Scott Waterman will be able to defuse the malevolent intentions of Marty Maline and other HBPA orgainistations that seem to have no interest in the long-term health of the thoroughbred breed and horse racing in North America.

Talking about the health and welfare of the horse, without whom there would not be a sport, one has has to wonder why Frank Stronach doesn't enter the fray? Because, when he first started buying racetracks, he said that his primary concern was for the safety of horses and riders. But then the Magna Fuhrer always seems to be moving the goal posts, and nowadays he seems to be more interested in slots and realising real estate values, than the sport of King's itself

Quel Dommage!