Thank you Bobby

I am aware of the past performance lines from Bobby Frankel's early days in New York that may cloud his memory for some, but I must pause a moment to acknowledge the passing of one of the greatest Thoroughbred trainers whose work we had the good fortune to witness. When Frankel shifted his focus from claiming stock and began his ascent to the highest levels of the game, my friends and I were all on board in parimutuel fellowship with the man, who we would toast while enjoying some post race libations after every triumph. My personal favorite may have been Starine, who captured the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf carrying Frankel's own colors.

A private man, his love for his pets, his horses and the people in his employ will be the things for which he will be remembered along with a record of training successes that very few can match.

DMM
PS: Bill Christine penned a column about Frankel that you can read at this link.

Why the debate doesn't matter

If it appears I am amused at the dismay and hand wringing the current debate over Horse of the Year is creating, it is because I am, particularly when the concept of fairness in measuring racing performances is discussed.

A few years back, a strapping 3-year old colt won the Derby in impressive style, then lost his form in an arduous Triple Crown campaign, only to return in triumph later that season when he captured the Breeders' Cup Classic. His trainer, who would prove himself one of the masters of his trade in the years that followed, wasn't above taking a swipe or two at the Fourth Estate and his rough handling of the media that covered Thoroughbred racing revisited him when ballots were counted for Horse of the Year at season's end.

No matter who is named Horse of the Year this season, the loser won't have suffered the injustice Unbridled and his connections endured following the racing season of 1990.

Although I have called charts at 14 different venues for more than a dozen years while also submitting contributions to Daily Racing Form during that same time span, I have never been given an opportunity to submit an Eclipse ballot.

And I am not looking for one now.

Because, just like in 1990, I won't need some committee to dictate to me which performer was best.

Whichever side of the debate you are on after this amazing season of racing, neither should you.

DMM

Cby - Still Home of the Big Horse

When the season began at Canterbury Park, it would have been hard to envision a scenario where a runner who lost in his lone visit to Shakopee would go on to win a Breeders' Cup event, but that unlikely turn of events came to fruition when Ken and Sarah Ramsey's Furthest Land prevailed in the Breeders' Cup main track Mile.

Furthest Land was favored in the Claiming Crown Classic that was contested in July but finished fourth in a dull effort. Following a short freshening, the 4-year old Smart Strike gelding returned to prevail in the Kentucky Cup Classic last month before his memorable upset last weekend at Santa Anita.

Furthest Land joins Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner Success Express, Breeders' Cup Distaff winner Bayakoa, Breeders' Cup Sprint winner Smile and Breeders' Cup Classic winner Unbridled as the fifth runner who competed at Canterbury and then went on to earn a place in the Breeders' Cup record books.

Congratulations to the Ramseys, trainer Mike Maker and jockey Julien Leparoux.

DMM
PS: Congratulations are also extended to jockey Mike Smith, a member of the Canterbury Park Hall of Fame, for his memorable ride aboard Zenyatta in the Breeders' Cup Classic.

Keeneland November

If you are thinking this might be the time to bolster your broodmare band, please give me a call: 877-866-4468

As always, matings planning is offered free of charge for clients who retain Star of the North Bloodstock as agent in auction purchases.

DMM

She did it

Video by Ernie Munick for the Breeders' Cup

"She's going down as one of the greatest horses of all time, believe me."

~ Mike Smith, rider of Zenyatta, 2009 Breeders' Cup Classic winner

We believe you Mike.

DMM

The Breeders' Cup Pedigree Analysis

What: Breeders' Cup Pedigree Analysis Video
(Friday & Saturday editions, each approx. 10 minutes)

When: Posted Thursday November 5 & Friday November 6

Where: Send e-mail to StaroftheNorth1 (at) gmail.com and I will send link to video

Yes, I am hacking away at it presently.

DMM

Rumble

Activity type Entry
Activity date 10-31-2009
Track Hawthorne
Surface Dirt
Distance 6 Furlongs
Race number 5
Purse $100,000
Race type Stakes


Activity type Entry
Activity date 10-31-2009
Track Hawthorne
Surface Dirt
Distance 1 1/16 Miles
Race number 7
Purse $100,000
Race type Stakes


Activity type Entry
Activity date 10-31-2009
Track Hawthorne
Surface Dirt
Distance 6 Furlongs
Race number 9
Purse $100,000
Race type Stakes

Every owner-breeder who participates in a state bred program has a certain date blocked out in the back of their mind; That day when they run against the guys they skirmish with all year at their home track, but this time it's with their best horse and for the big money.

Star of the North salutes all the connections who are trying to take home a trophy in the weeks to come and offers best wishes for good racing luck.

DMM