Horse Racing Update: Whitney Handicap 2010
Whitney Handicap, also sometimes referred to as Whitney Stakes, is an American Grade 1 handicap race for Thoroughbred racehorses. It is open for racehorses of age 3 and above, who run at a distance of 1 1/8 miles. A “Win and You’re In” qualification format was introduced in 2007 by the Breeder’s Cup Limited, which meant that the winner of the Whitney Handicap will qualify for the fall running of the Breeder’s Cup Classic without any further proceedings.
The race is named after the prominently participating and supporting family of Thoroughbred horse racing. It is held annually in late July/ early August at the famous Saratoga Race Course near Saratoga Springs, New York. Kelso, one of the greatest horses in American racing history, has formerly won the Whitney Stakes thrice at the age of eight. It is scheduled on the 7th of August this year.
Trainers and Jockeys are all ready to kick off the Grade l Whitney Handicap 2010 event, which is worth $750,000. Saratoga will offer a field to some of the best running and trained colts, providing a great combination of older horses this year. The winner of the 2009 Kentucky Derby, Mine That Bird, will be competing against the speedy Quality Road and stretch-running Blame. With Calvin Borel aboard, the four-year-old gelding covered the mile in 1:40 over the fast dirt at the Oklahoma Training Track.
Lukas, who had sent out Mine That Bird to finish eighth in the July 4 Firecracker H. Grade II at Churchill Downs in his 2010 debut, thought he needed a little more at the event and so worked him a mile. Mine That Bird, owned by Double Eagle Ranch and Buena Suerete Equine, is looking forward to its first victory after the Derby, as a 50-1 long shot. The colt has previously gotten hold of the second position in the Preakness Stakes Grade I and the third in the Belmont Stakes Grade I. Mine That Bird was third in the West Virginia Derby Grade II, sixth in the Goodwood Stakes Grade I and ninth in the Breeder’s Cup Classic Grade I, in 2009.
Quality Road, carrying 126 pounds will provide a tough competition to Blame, weighing 121 pounds, and Mine That Bird both. The racehorse's three victories in three starts of 2010 include Gulfstream's Grade I Donn at 11/8 miles by 12¾ lengths in 1 minute and approximately 47 seconds, and Belmont's May 31st Metropolitan Mile in 1 minute and 33 seconds, which was his last race. In his first start for Pletcher, Quality Road set a Saratoga record in winning the 6 ½ furlong Amsterdam in 1:13:74. He won the Florida Derby for his trainer, Jimmy Jerkens, but some foot issue knocked him out of the Triple Crown. He was third in the Travers and second in the Jockey Club Gold Cup.
Trainer Al Stall Jr. thinks it’s time to catch the best horse in the country when they’re at the top of the game, referring to his fellow 4 year colt, Blame. This racehorse is considered an up-coming star by Pletcher, the famous trainer, for his abilities and talents. Pletcher was really pleased with the way Blame is preparing for a great yield in the Whitney S. this year. Having won six of his past seven, Blame is 2 for 2 this time. His victories include Grade II Clark Handicap at Churchill, site of the November Breeder’s Cup last fall.
Met Mile is considered a target race because of the horse’s prestige with breeders. Experts and trainers have not been able to categorize Lookin at Lucky for his mixed performance in the Triple Crown races and a four-length win in the Grade One Haskell Invitational Stakes at Monmouth Park on Sunday.
The high powered couple, the Palins were expected to attend the event, but the latest update regarding their participation as spectators of the race, reveals that they would be able to make it since Governor Palin is still filming her television series about Alaska. The management plans to invite them again to attend the Travers Stakes, if the racehorse First Dude qualifies for the race. This development has had a counter effect on the fans and as a result is withdrawing their presence at the Whitney Stakes. However, some people perceive it as a positive thing.
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