HE’S A CONNIVER’S CRASH AT THE SECOND FENCE

EMO Stables He's A Conniver who won the 2010 International Gold Cup last October was considered one of the favorites for Saturday's Gold Cup. Unfortunately, he crashed at the second fence causing More Fascination and Delta Park to both unseat their riders in the immediate aftermath.

Amazingly, nobody was hurt, but the incident took out half of the Gold Cup field.

Here is the incident as captured by Douglas Lees.

He's A Conniver and Jody Petty are on final approach and it's obvious they are already in big trouble.  More Facination and Paddy Young (blue and orange) and Delta Park and Xavier Aizpuru are just behind.

He's A Conniver is doing the classic crash landing roll which pitches Petty out the front door.

At this point, More Fascination looks to be concentrating on his own landing and he hasn't seen Petty or He's A Conniver.

Now he has...As He's A Conniver continues to roll and Petty hits the ground, More Fascination has just noticed the surprise road block. He will duck left to miss the fallen horse and rider and Young simply can't adjust to the quick change in direction.

He's A Conniver has almost finished his roll and More Fascination has made a big lateral move.  The change in momentum and direction leaves Young hanging in space.  Jody Petty is on the ground but on the lookout for oncoming traffic.

He's A Conniver has that classic "What happened?" look while Radio Flyer (green and white) and the eventual winner Bon Caddo have time to react to avoid further mishap.

Both He's A Conniver and Petty are now just looking to get out of the way.

Paddy Young and Xavier Aizpuru no worse for the wear after their very early exit from the Virginia Gold Cup.

PICTURES OF THE DAY

This VGC hat contest participant took the directive literally and added some KY Derby roses in for good measure.  (Photo by Edward Payne Photography)

Jockey John Velazquez, riding Animal Kingdom celebrates winning the 137th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 7, 2011 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

WE TOLD YOU SO!

Back on Thursday we ran a post called the Virginia Blog Cup Kentucky Derby Longshot where we picked Animal Kingdom to win the Kentucky Derby.

(Luke Sharrett/AFP)

We suggested that you not bet your house, but if you did you would be rather wealthy this morning as Animal Kingdom paid $43.80 for each $2 wagered.

We hope you believed us and backed him.

BON CADDO WINS GOLD CUP

By Joe Clancy/Steeplechase Times

Merriefield Farm's Bon Caddo sidestepped a calamity at the second fence on the way to victory in Saturday's Virginia Gold Cup timber stakes, taking over from Uppercut at the third-last and holding off a mild bid from Radio Flyer in the $75,000 timber stakes.

(Douglas Lees)

The race changed dramatically when He's A Conniver fell at the second of 23 fences. More Fascination and Delta Park reacted to the fall and lost their jockeys at the same fence – leaving just three competitors.

He's A Conniver about to crash land the 2nd fence. (Douglas Lees)

Uppercut assumed command, followed by Bon Caddo and Radio Flyer and the order remained basically unchanged until the final turn. With the others closing in, Uppercut pulled up with an injury and left the fight to Bon Caddo and Radio Flyer. Bon Caddo rolled home with his second win of 2011 for trainer Dawn Williams.

Bon Caddo (Douglas Lees)

The win capped a big day for Wyatt, a Maryland resident with long Virginia roots. Her father Randy won the Gold Cup in 1983 and her husband Todd trained maiden hurdle winner Raven's Choice to start the day. Bon Caddo matched Private Attack at the top of the timber division and erased a narrow runner-up effort to Bubble Economy last year.

FINAL CHECK: ARE YOU AT THE RIGHT GOLD CUP?

Yes.

No.

Have a great day.

Remember: Designated drivers and SUNSCREEN!

PICTURES OF THE DAY

Runners and riders race pass the 'Silver Ring' during the Layla Hotel Earl Grosvenor Handicap Stakes at Chester racecourse on May 06, 2011 in Chester, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

Runners kick up the loose grass at Chester racecourse on May 06, 2011 in Chester, England.  (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

The horses break from the gate at the start of the 137th Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs on May 6, 2011 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Jockey Martin Garcia rides atop filly Plum Pretty with winning owner John Fort after winning the 137th running of the Kentucky Oaks on the eve of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky on May 6, 2011. (Photo by Luke Sharrett/AFP/Getty Images)

WHAT (NOT) TO WEAR, PART III OR IV OR V (WE ARE NO LONGER SURE)

Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen.

We say this every year and so many of  you ingnore us. 

Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen.

You’ve been warned.

Now about the floral print dresses.  

Don’t, don’t, don’t.

At least not these two. They look like the fabric on your grandmother's couch.

And remember…

Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen.

STEEPLECHASE TIMES COVERAGE OF THE GOLD CUP

By Joe Clancy

Blair Wyatt lifted her arm over her head and smiled.

“It’s good. It really started feeling better a few days afterward. I’m ready,” she said – looking plenty prepared to ride a racehorse if not quite ready to throw a batting practice session.

(Douglas Lees photo)

Two-and-a-half weeks ago, Wyatt broke her collarbone in a fall while schooling a hurdle horse for her husband, trainer Todd Wyatt. Three days before that, she won the My Lady’s Manor timber stakes aboard Bon Caddo. Such is the life as a steeplechase jockey, even one who does it part-time. Wyatt juggles a family (she and Todd have two young children) with a reputation as a go-to amateur in key timber races.

Saturday, Wyatt and Bon Caddo take on six rivals in the $75,000 Virginia Gold Cup timber stakes at Great Meadow Race Course in The Plains, Va. The 4-mile test always presents timber drama and this year should be no different.

To read the rest of Steeplechase Times Gold Cup coverage, click here. 

UNCLE MO SCRATCHED FROM KENTUCKY DERBY

Uncle Mo will not run in Saturday's Kentucky Derby.

Uncle Mo (Garry Jones/AP Photo)

Uncle Mo galloped Friday morning at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., without his Derby saddle towel. The announcement was later made at the track.

Uncle Mo's owner, Mike Repole, was not present during the morning workout.

Uncle Mo has been recovering from a stomach ailment but had looked good galloping this week.

Last year's juvenile champion, Uncle Mo had been the 9-2 second choice behind 4-1 early favorite Dialed In.

On Thursday, Repole was awaiting results from the latest vet exam.

"If he's not what we deem to be 100 percent tomorrow, he's not going to be 100 percent on Saturday," he said.

WHAT NOT TO WEAR, CHAPTER 4

Barring a major deluge – and that’s NOT happening – we don’t recommend these rubber boots known as Wellingtons.

That said, as Wellys go, these are pretty happenin’.  You wouldn’t have to worry about losing track of your feet…

These particular feet belong to a racehorse trainer at Churchill Downs.

(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

GOLD CUP AND KENTUCKY DERBY UPDATES

As of yesterday, the field for the 86^th running of the Livingsocial Virginia Gold Cup remains intact.  There have been no “scratches” from the field of seven horses.

(Isabel J. Kurek)

The Kentucky Derby picture is a little cloudier. 

As of 4:45 a.m., Uncle Mo's connections still weren't saying whether the talented colt will run in Saturday's first leg of the Triple Crown.

Last year’s two-year-old champion is recovering from a stomach ailment, but looked good as he galloped over the Churchill Downs track on Thursday.   

He is the 9-2 second choice behind 4-1 early favorite Dialed In.

Uncle Mo Thursday morning.

Owner Mike Repole anxiously awaited results from the latest vet exam, and promised to end the drama by announcing a decision sometime today.

"If he's not what we deem to be 100 percent tomorrow, he's not going to be 100 percent on Saturday," he said.

Repole said he won't sacrifice Uncle Mo's health to satisfy his 30-year dream of having a horse in America's greatest race. Either way, he won't be shut out. He has Stay Thirsty in the full field of 20 horses.

Still, the fast-talking Queens native, who got rich selling his Vitaminwater company to Coca-Cola, doesn't want to leave his best horse in the barn.

"It's tough," he said. "Racing needs superstars and if he's 100 percent, Uncle Mo could be that superstar."

Outwardly, Uncle Mo looks as healthy as, well, a horse. Internally, no one's sure exactly what's going on. That's the quandary.

Uncle Mo could be fine. Or Repole and trainer Todd Pletcher could be risking a repeat of his dull third place finish in his last race, the Wood Memorial in New York.

"If he runs and he runs seventh, Todd and I will look at each other and guess he wasn't 100 percent," Repole said. "If he runs and he wins by seven lengths, we can look at each other and say `Wow, we're geniuses.'"

PICTURE OF THE MORNING

A horse is bathed in preparation for the 137th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 5, 2011 in Louisville, Kentucky.  Coincidentally, the Derby is the same day as the 86th running of the Livingsocial Virginia Gold Cup (the most exciting "seven" minutes in sports!), are you ready?  (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images North America)

THAT’S WHAT YOU GET FOR WAKING UP IN VEGAS

Were you to fall asleep in Las Vegas, and (just sayin’) you woke up there, the question is could you find a sports book and place a legal bet on the 86th Livingsocial Virginia Gold Cup?

Assuming, of course, that you had some money left and you weren't eaten by the tiger that mysteriously showed up in your room.  Hopefully Ol’ Stripes eats the chicken that also somehow found its way to the 11th floor of the Bellagio…

Were all of that to happen, here’s how the odds makers see the race:

Uppercut. 2001 dk. b. or br. g., Dynaformer--Lovelorn Lady, by Fit to Fight. Owner: Gum Tree Stable LLC. Trainer: Larry Ensor. Jockey: Darren Nagle. 2010 record: No starts. 15-1 odds. Maiden refused a fence in the 2011 Grand National, his first start since 2009 International Gold Cup, in which he finished second but was disqualified for going off course. Will be tested severely against this group.

Yin Yang. 2002 ch. g., Not for Love--Say It's Cold, by Oh Say. Owner: NoGo Stable. Trainer: William Meister. Jockey: Willie Dowling. 2010 record: No starts. 12-1 odds. Won maiden victory in John Rush Streett at My Lady's Manor but will need to prove he belongs here.

Radio Flyer. 2001 dk. b. or br. g., High Roller--Executive Seat, by Executive Perk. Owner: Augustin Stables. Trainer: Richard Valentine. Jockey: Robbie Walsh. 2010 record: 1-0-1-0, $13,500. 10-1 odds. Making only fourth career sanctioned start. Set pace in 2010 Mason Houghland Memorial but could not hold off champion Bubble Economy and easily won lst month at Fairfax Point-to-Point. Has talent but will need to step up his game.

More Fascination. 2003 b. g., Dynaformer--Desiray, by Deputy Minister. Owner: Rosbrian Farm. Trainer: Tara Elmore. Jockey: Paddy Young. 2010 record: No starts. 8-1 odds. Finished a good second in My Lady's Manor in first sanctioned start since winning Winterthur allowance race in 2009. Picks up top jockey.

Delta Park. 2004 b. g., Johannesburg--Excedius, by Seattle Dancer. Owner: Arcadia Stable. Trainer: Jack Fisher. Jockey: K. Fritz Boniface. 2010 record: 4-1-1-0, $18,700. 4-1 odds. Won the Middleburg Hunt Cup by 2 1/2 lengths after tightening with a fourth in My Lady's Manor. Won last fall's Ski Roundtop Cup.

He's a Conniver. 2002 ch. g., Crafty Friend--Better to Be Lucky, by Roberto. Owner: EMO Stabled. Trainer: Dale L. Jackson. Jockey: Jody Petty. 2010 record: 4-2-0-0, $51,000. 5-1 odds. Won International Gold Cup over Great Meadow course last fall. Faded in 2011 debut to finish second in the Middleburg Hunt Cup on April 23 but should be tighter. Knows the course, can he get the extra half-mile?

Bon Caddo (Douglas Lees)

Bon Caddo. 2001 b. g., Bon Point (GB)--Tactical Info, by Tactical Advantage. Owner: Merriefield Farm. Trainer: Dawn Williams. Jockey: Blair Wyatt. 2010 record: 5-0-3-1, $32,300. 3-1 odds. Last year's Virginia Gold Cup and International Gold Cup runner-up set all the pace to win the My Lady's Manor and skipped rest of Maryland timber series. Will be forwardly placed if not on the lead early.

Now go place your bet and get on a plane, Gold Cup day gets underway in less than 48 hours!

FULL FIELD DRAWS POSTS FOR 137TH KENTUCKY DERBY

A twenty-horse field will break from the starting gate at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY on Saturday afternoon for the $2 million Kentucky Derby.  Probable favorites Dialed In and Uncle Mo drew the #8 and #18 starting gate positions.

Dialed In and trainer Nick Zito (Garry Jones/AP)

Dialed In, with Julien Leparoux to ride, has won three of four career starts and will try to become the third Derby winner for trainer Nick Zito, who won in 1991 with Strike the Gold and in 1994 with Go for Gin. Dialed In won the Florida Derby in his last start.

Uncle Mo, the reigning divisional champion, was pegged as the close 5-1 second choice after being assigned post 18 for the 1 1/4-mile race. John Velazquez has the mount for trainer Todd Pletcher, who sent out the 2010 winner, Super Saver.

Archarcharch drew the dreaded one hole.

Uncle Mo (Garry Jones/AP)

1. Archarcharch, J. Court, 10-1

2. Brilliant Speed, J. Rosario, 30-1

3. Twice the Appeal, C. Borel, 30-1

4. Stay Thirsty, R. Dominguez, 30-1

5. Decisive Moment, K. Clark, 50-1

6. Comma To The Top, P. Valenzuela, 30-1

7. Pants On Fire, R. Napravnik, 30-1

8. Dialed In, J. Leparoux, 4-1

9. Derby Kitten, J. Castellano, 30-1

10. Twinspired, M. Smith, 30-1

11. Master of Hounds, G. Gomez, 20-1

12. Santiva, S. Bridgmohan, 30-1

13. Mucho Macho Man, R. Maragh, 12-1

14. Shackleford, J. Castanon, 20-1

15. Midnight Interlude, V. Espinoza, 12-1

16. Animal Kingdom, R. Albarado, 20-1

17. Soldat, A. Garcia, 20-1

18. Uncle Mo, J. Velazquez, 5-1

19. Nehro, C. Nakatani, 6-1

20. Watch Me Go, R. Bejarano, 50-1

Odds by Mike Watchmaker of the Daily Racing Form

Post time: 6:24 p.m. Eastern

TV: NBC

All carry 126 pounds

THE VIRGINIA BLOG CUP KY DERBY LONGSHOT

Animal Kingdom (Reuters)

Don’t bet your house, but Graham Motion doesn’t enter a race unless he thinks he can win. 

He is one of the best young trainers in the country and eventually he will find his way to the winner’s circle on at Churchill on the first Saturday in May.  Maybe not this Saturday, but some Derby Saturday.   Motion won a Breeders Cup race at the famous Louisville track last November.

THE WEATHER GENIUSES HAVE SPOKEN

…and they have said all the right stuff.

Look this isn’t a coincidence.  The folks at the Gold Cup and the Kentucky Derby figured out many years ago that the optimal weather for a horse race and outdoor party occurs on the first Saturday in May.  Years later, meteorological research proves their instincts were right.  The first weekend of May consistently produces max sunshine, minimal rain and pleasant average temperatures.  Viola.  

Now get out there and buy your tickets if you haven’t already, they are selling out fast!

THE GOLD CUP-KENTUCKY DERBY CONNECTION

Rosie (Reuters)

Besides occurring on the same day and generating arguments about which is more fun, the Livingsocial Virginia Gold Cup and the Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brands have more in common than horses, jockeys, hats, bourbon and commercial sponsors.

Jockey Rose Navpravnik will ride Pants On Fire in the Kentucky Derby while sister Jazz trains Flying Horse Farm’s Monstaleur who is entered to run in the sixth, and final, race on Saturday’s Virginia Gold Cup card.

Rosie  began race riding at 16 in steeplechase meets. By 17 she had her jockey's license. In 2006 she was runner-up to Julien Leparoux for the Eclipse Award as outstanding apprentice jockey.  She has earned top honors at Pimlico and Laurel in Maryland and the Fair Grounds in New Orleans.

Jazz graduated from the Pony Club and the performance horse word and went onto learn the training ropes from top Mid-Atlantic trainers including Jack Fisher, Catherine Robinson, Ann Merryman and Bruce Miller.

Jazz (right) (Pensy Small/Steeplechase Times)

The girls’ father is a farrier (blacksmith) and their mom is a professional horsewoman in their home state of New Jersey.

To read more, click here.

PICTURES OF THE DAY

Argaum ridden by Paul Moloney jumps the last during the Congratulations Prince William and Princess Catherine Novices' hurdles race run at Fakenham Racecourse on May 3, 2011 in Fakenham, England. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images Europe)

Horses and jockeys jump the last during the At The Races novices' steeple chase hurdles race run at Fakenham Racecourse on May 3, 2011. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images Europe)

Exercise rider Carlos Correa takes Kentucky Derby entrant Dialed In for a workout at Churchill Downs Thursday, May 5, 2011, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo)

Mut'ab ridden by Alan Creighton wins the Greshams Prep School Racing to School Selling hurdles race run at Fakenham Racecourse on May 3, 2011. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images Europe)

Hardwick Wood ridden by Andrew Thornton wins the totepool handicap steeple chase hurdles race run at Fakenham.  (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images Europe)

FULL FIELD ENTERED IN 137th KENTUCKY DERBY

A total of 22 horses have been entered for Saturday's Kentucky Derby, two more than the maximum allowed field of 20.

The entry box closed Wednesday morning, with the draw to determine post positions set for later in the afternoon. The field is limited to the top 20 horses based on earnings in graded stakes races.

The brilliantly named Pants On Fire. (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Leading the way is Uncle Mo, who is being treated for a gastrointestinal infection. Owner Mike Repole has said if the colt isn't sufficiently recovered, then he won't run in the 1¼-mile Derby.

Uncle Mo galloped Wednesday and later stood in the starting gate to familiarize himself with the surroundings.

Other entries for the 137th Derby are Florida Derby winner Dialed In, Arkansas Derby winner Archarcharch and Comma to the Top, runner-up in the Santa Anita Derby.

Other horses entered are Louisiana Derby winner Pants on Fire, Santa Anita Derby winner Midnight Interlude, Soldat, Brilliant Speed, Irish import Master of Hounds, Twice the Appeal, Nehro and Mucho Macho Man.

The rest of the entries are Decisive Moment, Animal Kingdom, Stay Thirsty, Santiva, Watch Me Go, Shackleford, Twinspired, Derby Kitten, Sway Away and Ruler on Ice.

THE GAGA GOLD CUP

The Virginia Gold Cup according to Lady Ga Ga:  First off don’t arrive in an egg, as tempting as that might be.  Which begs the question: Where would one get such an egg?  www.TransportationEggs.com? Or maybe www.MakeAGrandButRidiculousEntrance.com?

Lady Gaga in concert. (Mathew Cavanaugh/Getty Images)

BAD ROMANCE: We can’t do much about a bad date or a bad relationship, but here’s what we do know.  If you are not in a good place, go to the Gold Cup together.  It will put you in a better place.  If it’s an early date or (yikes!) a first date, and you don’t have fun.  Run.  If you can’t have fun with someone at the Gold Cup, it’s doomed. Run away.  As fast as you can.   Otherwise, bring your favorite person and enjoy a wonderful day in the country.  Get dressed up.  Be romantic.  Have fun.

(Youhoojuju via Flickr)

POKER FACE:  You will only need your poker face if you and your fellow party goers decide to place a friendly wager and you have managed to acquire some inside information about who may or may not win a particular race.  If you have been paying attention all these years, you will note the names of the famous jockeys and trainers.  They are famous, (and they return year after year as well) because they win year after year…

(Henry Stern via Flickr)

PAPARAZZI:  Everybody with a camera a the Gold Cup is a paparazzi  and everybody being photographed is a star.  There are some prime targets such as the Jack Russell Races, the Tailgate Contest and the Hat Contest.  Then there are all of your good looking friends and your tailgate or party tent neighbors.  Don’t be shy, look for the perfect photo op.  Who knows, it could turn up on the Virginia Blog Cup.

ALEJANDRO:  Alejandro says, and we quote: “Nunca he estado aquí antes ni me tengo nunca estado cualquier cosa absolutamente como esto. No tenemos carreras de caballos y partidos al aire libre como esto de donde vengo. Donde estoy de nosotros tenga fútbol. El fútbol no es tanta diversión como esto. Este mucho está muy claro. Aquí, los caballos son hermosos y las mujeres son hermosas también. A la gente agradable me rodeo que tiene un buen rato que planeo tan en volver a la Taza del Oro de Virginia el próximo año y a cada otro año para el resto de mi vida.”

(MattDailey via Flickr)

TELEPHONE: You can take it with you to Great Meadow on Saturday, May 7, but, really, why would you? All your friends – all your important friends, that is – should be with you or somewhere else on the grounds.  So you may need your phone to find your homies.  Otherwise, you have to carry it around all day and in all the jocularity we wager a phone or two has been lost annually.  Oh, yeah, and phone service there is spotty at best.

JUST DANCE:  Feel free to dance all you want.  The further away from Members Hill and the further away from the actual horses you are the more prevalent boom boxes seem to be.  Some folks just can’t have a proper tailgate without cranking some tunes.  So feel free…just dance.  Just don’t dance on a car or in a Port-o-Potty or any other place that will lead to lengthy explanations to authority figures.

STARSTRUCK: It’s possible that a big star will turn up and it’s possible that you might bump into him/her. It has happened before.  Some local stars will be there as well, but the real STARS are the horses and riders.  Some of you remember Saluter – he won the Gold Cup six times.  Now that’s star power.  Every year the biggest equine stars come out for the races and they are not to be missed.

Here’s how this goes. Everybody has said, “I went to the Gold Cup and I never saw a horse.” Har-Har.  It’s an old joke. Let it go.

(D Clow – Maryland via Flickr)

There are wide cross sections of groups at the Gold Cup with various levels of interest. There is the "horsey" set that actually cares what happens. Usually because they know somebody involved with one of the horses or, better yet, they know one of the horses.

Then there’s the “non-horsey” set who simply finds the racing action fascinating.

Then there is the “interested to be polite” group. They pay attention to the races so as not to offend their host or hostess.

(Bankbryan via Flickr)

After that you have the “modestly interested” set who will watch a race if they happen to be looking in the right direction when the race starts. And, finally, there is the “don’t care” group.

Fact is there are five races with purses of $165,000. The Gold Cup is now run for a purse of $75,000. That’s real money.

People spend a large part of their lives looking for the “right horse” that can jump 23 big immovable obstacles while running four miles. The horses can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $500,000. Trainers spend years and years honing their skills to condition these horses properly, and the jockeys basically risk life and limb.

(Aaron Webb via Flickr)

So go ahead, be starstruck.  They deserve it.

BEAUTIFUL, DIRTY, RICH:  Well it is the Virginia Gold Cup and there will be some beautiful people there.  There will also be some rich people there as well as some not-so-rich people.  All of you will be having a great time regardless of your socio-economic demographic. 

Now, about the “dirty” part.  You really shouldn’t be dirty unless it rains and you have worn the wrong shoes and find yourself having difficulty remaining upright due to unscheduled gravity storms or what-have-you.  At the moment, the weather forecast look great as it typically does the first Saturday in May so don’t sweat the Dirty.  Just be beautiful.  Feel free to act rich.

(Becky’s Fund via Flickr)

BOYS, BOYS, BOYS: And also girls, girls, girls.  What’s not to like?