Rhiannon's Kentucky Oaks Picks!

Alright! The Post Positions have been drawn it's time to take another look at those fillies!

Top pick: Unlimited Budget

http://www.kentuckyderby.com/oaks/contenders/unlimited-budget

My first choice is Unlimited Budget (# 4) I'm not going to lie, I'm a sucker for undefeated horses. And as noted in my earlier Leaderboard Post she's by a Derby winner who is quickly proving himself as a worthy sire and out of a stakes producing mare. Post position 4 isn't a bad position either.

Second Choice: Beholder

http://www.kentuckyderby.com/oaks/contenders/beholder

Beholder in the # 3 gate. She proved in the Santa Anita Oaks she's more than just a sprinter. And she's already beaten Dreaming of Julia (the favorite) once.

Third Choice: Rose to Gold

http://www.kentuckyderby.com/oaks/contenders/rose-gold

You always have to have at least one long shot in your picks! Rose to Gold will be coming out of the 9th position. She can go the distance, and she can handle the mud!

Opening Night At Churchill Downs!

Walk the Red Carpet? I think so!!!

Millionaire's Bathroom? Butt* Of Course!

Champions, champions all around!

His first Mint Julep! Not as bad as he thought it was going to be!

EIP 25th Anniversary Event held in the Aristides Room

Tips for success?

Ok y'all. It's finals time and you know what that means-- everyone is cracking the books, hitting the libraries and coffee shops, and expending every last bit of their end of the semester energy trying to retain new information unloaded onto them while recalling everything else that was taught earlier in the semester.

What is this Latin? Am I taking a class on italics?
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I've started to believe that the last two weeks of classes are kind of a joke amongst the teachers. "I know you have 20 minutes of this class left but I need to teach you this overly complex  concept that you will absolutely have to understand for the final." Anyhoosen there are a lot of good study tips out there to help you make the best of hell week. weeks. (I mean lets be real finals TWO WEEKS after classes end?! What are they trying to pull?) So Rhiannon gave you a list of some great finals week tips to get you through. Well I'm here to give you some tips of my own. 

First of all... I guess you should probably study... Like seriously studies have shown that studying for your tests is the best way to be successful. It's not necessarily my favorite method but it is the most effective.. Like those awful sticky tape mouse traps..

(I think I'm gonna skip finding a picture for that one so here's something a bit happier)

See? All better.
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Next is something that is completely obvious but, well you're going to do it anyway. STAY AWAY FROM PINTEREST AND FACEBOOK. These sites are essentially where procrastination is bred, carefully packed, and stored at homeostasis temperatures for preservation. Along with these are YouTube, Tumblr, Reddit.... Myspace if you're into that kind of thing (Really dude? Myspace? Really?) All these places were specifically created TO MAKE YOU FAIL COLLEGE.

Ok maybe not.
Or maybe yes.
That's for YOU to decide.

So if you've decided to ignore all of Rhiannon's amazing study advice and all my obvious study advice (You SAY it's obvious and YET you haven't done any of it!! hmmmm..) Here is my last piece of advice-- PRETEND.

Who cares if you have no idea what you're doing?! Just go in and pretend like you've learned all that stuff about a price taker and price maker market and don't psych yourself out. It can't be that bad right? I mean you've been going to all your classes at least. It's not like they're going to have something you've completely never heard of before.

Yeah good luck champ.
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It's The Apocalypse! No, Wait... It's Just Finals

Alright peeps you've been training for this for the last three months, it's time to show 'em what you got!

It's just like riding: keep your stress down and your pencils up!

Time to make your flashcards! When I was in high school my U.S. History told the class that he'd read that you really don't learn something until you've "learned" it 9 times. Nine is apparently a magic number. Right now you're thinking "I was already going to make flashcards, this is a waste of my time!"

Relax, relax, 9 is magic. I have taken a number of Art History classes. You have to memorize tons of names, dates, titles, and locations for those classes. Naturally I made flashcards. I then divided them into groups of 9 cards. I read each card 9 times, and when I finished a group, I tried to give all the information on the artwork that I could remember, then move on to the next set of 9 and repeat the information on them 9 times and so on. Usually after the second group of nine cards, I repeat all that I can from groups 1 and 2 before moving on to the next group. Sounds like a lot of work, but I did SO MUCH BETTER on my test studying that way. Just give the 9s a try!

Switch it up! Study one thing for a little while and then study something else. Take breaks. Your brain gets bored and tired! If you can't focus just take a little break.

Pull up that song that always makes you feel better, watch that funny cat video, just remember to come back to studying in a timely manner. Have a little mini dance party, I do all the time.

Hey, it's finals, we'll forgive you your guilty pleasures... for now...

Food is also important (when is it not O.o) According to my Pilates teacher, sugar makes you tired. Protein, however, will keep you going. It gives you energy (not wings). Greek Yogurt ( I recommend Chobani), peanut butter, whole grain/ wheat, fruit all make good snacks that will keep you going.

One professor swears by studying out loud, I've only done that for a language class so, I'm not sure about that one. Can't hurt though, can it?

And for the love of horses people, get some sleep! Do you ride well with a tired body? Probably not as well as on a well rested body, why should you expect your brain to do any better?

Okay, you're break has been long enough, go do some more studying. Good Luck on all of your finals!

And the saga continues!!

Ohhhhhhhhhhh???


What's that?!

Did a U of L team just bring home ANOTHER championship title? No way! That's impossible! I mean surely there has to be a limit right? Certainly a school can't be allowed to have any other victories in one year ON TOP OF the sugar bowl, NCAA Men's championships and NCAA Women's championship qualifier. That has to have maxed out the legal limit on the number of awards a school can have before summer starts...


Right?

That's right! The University of Louisville Saddleseat team managed to bring another big shiny trophy home. This past weekend the ISSRA National Championship horse show was held at the Kentucky Horse Park with around seven schools competing in the years biggest and final show of the season. Before our horses even unloaded off the trailer we secured the biggest award of all, year end high point team, which comes with that big shiny trophy I was telling you about earlier. The perpetual trophy will even get our team name engraved on the front. 

I'm not sure what's shining more-- our coach or that snazzy trophy

Aside from winning year end high point team, we managed to collect a number more accolades throughout the night. Every one of our team members had fantastic rides and most in classes of 10-12 competitors. U of L won reserve high point team of the night, and not only had many riders with high placings, but had the overall highpoint rider of the night, our captain Kristin Smith (an alternate for the World Cup team I might add).

For me though probably the highlighting award of the night was that won by our coach Deveau of Zubrod Stables, who managed to win the coaches class, proving to all the other schools that we really are just tops (like they had any doubts.)

Oh I forgot to mention! I didn't do too bad myself... This was my first show coming back after having been thrown off last show and despite a few bumps I managed to pull myself together to get 6th place ribbons in my classes of 11 and 12.

I'm ok with looking so tired... I worked about 24 hours this weekend O_O

Needless to say it was an amazing weekend. And to any of you doubters out there? Any of you ho still believe they may challenge us on our athletic prowess? May I remind you that this picture exists.

Your point is invalid. 

Warmbloods: "The 'Real' Power of German Engineering" Mini Series

Since we seem to get a lot of views from Germany, Rose and I decided to showcase some of the wonderful warmbloods that call Germany home. Their big, their powerful, and their making their names in the show ring! This one's for you Germany!

The Bavarian Warmblood:

• Form Bavaria, Germany
• 15.2 - 16.2 hands
• Show Jumping and Dressage

Raffaello

A modern decent from Bavaria's Rottal horse, this is a fairly young breed with registries started in 1963. Designed as a sport horse, the Bavarian Warmblood is bred for their athletic ability and temperament. They should be enthusiastic but not unmanageable! They have long, low flat gaits, and scope. Horses with white patterns are not accepted (this doesn't mean they can't have any white)

Lord Sinclair, above, qualified four times for the German Federal Championships! He was a champion Dressage horse. He is approved for Oldenburg, Hanoverian, Rheinlander and Westphilian breeding.
More Info: Ashwood Equestrian Centre, Horse Breeds List

The Brandenburger

• From Ostprignitz-Rippin, Brandenburg, Germany
• 16 - 17.2 Hands 
•  Riding, Show, and Driving

The Brandenburger was first mentioned in the 15th century, but the modern version wasn't what it is today until the mid- 20th century. Trakehners, Hanoverians and English Thoroughbreds have played a roll bringing the Brandenburg to what it is today. Unlike the Bavarian above, these guys tend to be a little on the nervous side.

Komet

Komet, founding stallion of the breed, was supposed to have been gelded when he didn't meet current standards. It's a good thing he escaped! His get has done very well in the Show Jumping World.
More Info: The Equinest, First Flight Farm


*Come back soon to check for the next installment of Warmbloods!

Sprinting Into History: Australia's Black Caviar

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Tomorrow Black Caviar will step out onto the Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney for the TJ Smith Stakes. The race could make the undefeated mare's 25th win. Tickets to the event are sold out! A win could mean several new record settings. (BBC).

http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2012/06/08/1226389/502737-black-caviar.jpg

In 2010, 2011, and 2013 she was named World Champion Sprinter, and has since been named one of the top Thoroughbred racehorses in the world. She was the Australian Racehorse of the Year in 2011 and 2012, European Sprinter Champion 2012, and the Australian Sprinter Champion in 2011 and 2012.

The six year old mare has also appeared on the cover of Vogue Australia.

Vogue

We Rose to the Occasion, We Won it for Ware, and We Brought it Back Home!!!

Original image from unknown Facebook user

^^^^ Yeah pretty much. Do I need to say more?!

WE WON! WE WON IT ALL!!! Rhiannon and I would like to give a HUGE congratulatory shout out to our outstanding basketball teams, both the men and women, for making it to the Championships, and to the men's team on their win in an outstanding and nail-biting National Championship!!!

I have to say it makes me proud to be a Cardinal after watching time and time again as this men's team came together to support one another and only used what seemed like bad scenarios to up their game. After Kevin Ware's horrifying injury, the team worked together as a family to win the game and continue on, and boy-- I cannot say ENOUGH about the amazing "Win for Ware" and "Ri5e to the Occasion" shirts. Talk about epic support!!

You know you almost/did cry. RIGHT in the feels. 

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Way to go guys!! You too ladies!! You did us proud and not a single exclamatory couch was burned (sorry that joke is lost on those of you not from these parts)!

Yep it's a good time to be a part of this outstanding school!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CRUNCH TIMES!!!!

So my baby Crunch Time turned 24 on the fifth and I couldn't be more excited!!!!!

D'awwww look at that face he's so cute  ahhbhfbgurghgisdhgufhf

So yeah I'm a little excited. For a horse like Crunchy, 24 is a very, very big deal because Crunch Man was not always living such a happy cushy life. Crunchy worked as an Amish cart horse until the time he turned 18 (the typical retirement age for Amish horses) when he was put up for auction and at risk of being picked up by a slaughterhouse bidder-- Not good!!!

Luckily though, the amazing folks at Saddlebred Rescue (SBR) were able to pick him up at auction and prepare him to find a new forever home, which would later turn out to be none-other than my home barn, the historical Rock Creek Riding Club.

Look at this sad face!!!!

After about six years of living with Rock Creek, and twenty of always dreaming of owning a horse, the opportunity came around for me to become Crunchy's owner. I instantly snatched it up! While Crunch Time will never show and isn't the snazziest horse on scene, he's always been my favorite for his amazing character and personality. Just look at him now!

If you're a devout Saddlebred person like me, or even an enthusiast of Horse Rescue, (who isn't?!) you should definitely take the time to consider checking out or donating to the SBR. A small and privately run organization, I can't say enough for how much these dedicated people do for the horses they rescue and the forever homes they place them in.

The following links take you to the SBR's various online locations where I really hope you'll check out their amazing horses up for adoption or possibly donate or buy some sweet SBR swag! (they sell Calenders... Did I mention Crunchy and I are January 2014?!)

Main Website

Facebook

A Change in Plans Where Animal Kingdom Stands!

Originally the 2011 Kentucky Derby Winner Animal Kingdom was set to stand stud in Australia at the end of his 2013 racing campaign. The majority rights were purchases by Arrowfield Stud owned by John Messara. Though plans included a return to the U.S. in the 2014 breeding season.

After Animal Kingdom's winning performance in the Dubai World Cup, Sheikh Mohammed purchased a small interest in the Derby Winner. Therefore, the champ will stand at Jonabell Farm in Kentucky when in the U.S.

http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/921/953/113833743_display_image.jpg?1304813138

This boy's bound to be an international stud thanks to his excellent performances on a variety of surfaces!


Sources:  Animal Kingdom to Stand in Australia in 2013, Darley acquires interest in Animal Kingdom

Code West Moving on Up! Plus Who Else is Stepping it Up This Weekend

http://www.bloodhorse.com/images/content/CodeWestMaidenWin10262012BEN298.jpg

With Hear the Ghost off Derby Trial, Code West steps up into the top 20. Another runner for Bob Baffert, the Lemon Drop Kid ridgling could go the distance. His sire won the lengthy Belmont Stakes in 1999. His full brother, Charitable Man ran 4th in the Belmont and the Travers Stakes. Code West himself hasn't won since breaking his maiden in a Maiden Special Weight. He was second in the Risen Star Stakes (Gr. II) beating Oxbow and Mylute, and sixth in the Louisiana Derby (Gr. II) where he was defeated by Revolutionary, Mylute, and Departing. He's out of Charitabledonation, a Saint Ballado mare. More blood to get him the distance. (And yet, after the preps this weekend, he's out of the top 20)

This weekends preps...
Goldencents wins over Flashback in the Santa Anita Derby moving him from 15th to 3rd on the leader board. Flashback moves from 14th to 7th.

Undefeated Verrazano takes the Wood Memorial over previously undefeated Vyjack. Verrazano moves from 9th to 2nd in ranking. He's tied with Orb in points. Vyjack remains at 6th on the leader board.
Current Rankings:
#1 Orb
#2 Verrazano
#3 Goldencents
#4 Revolutionary
#5 Lines of Battle
#6 Vyjack
#7 Flashback
#8 Will Take Charge
#9 Itsmyluckyday
#10 Govenor Charlie
#11 Black Oynx
#12 Normandy Invasion (His place in the Wood brings him into the top 20)
#13 Mylute
#14 Oxbow
#15 Uncaptured
#16 Super Ninety Nine (His show in the Santa Anita Derby brings him into the top 20)
#17 Java's War
#18 Merit Man
#19 Den's Legacy
#20 Falling Sky

And for the Ladies...
Emollient takes the Ashland over Broken Spell, Spring Venture and Spring in the Air earning her 4th on the leader board (she was previously out of the top 20)

Close Hatches take the Gazelle.

And it's Beholder for the Santa Anita Oaks moving her up into the #1 slot over Unlimited Budget! Fiftyshadesofhay came in 3rd.
Current Rankings:
#1 Beholder
#2 Unlimited Budget
#3 Dreaming of Julia
#4 Emollient (Moved into the top 20 for her win in the Ashland)
#5 Close Hatches (Her win in the Gazelle puts her in the top 20)
#6 Live Lively
#7 Rose to Gold
#8 Flash Gray
#9 Princess of Sylmar (Her placing in the Gazelle gets her in the top 20)
#10 Fiftyshadesofhay
#11 Midnight Lucky
#12 Elghayoor
#13 Silsita
#14 Iotapa ( Her place in the Santa Anita Oaks puts her in the top 20)
#15 Seaneen Girl
#16 Promise Me More
#17 Pure Fun
#18 Walkwithapurpose (Her place in the Gazelle puts her in the top 20)
#19 Unusual Way
#20 Cue The Moon

Hot Spring Chicks: Fillies for the Lillies!

Well, well! I did a post on the top 20 leader board for the boys running for the roses (He's Going The Distance), but what about those ladies?! You wanna bet on them too right? Again I'm not a real handicapper, these are just my opinions. But this is the kind of stuff I look at when I'm placing a bet. So! Without further adieu here they are!


#1 Unlimited Budget
Street Sense x Unlimited Pleasure (Valid Appeal)
Trained by Todd Pletcher

http://0.tqn.com/d/horseracing/1/0/J/x/3/dem12-1a.jpg

This little lady is currently undefeated! She's taken down the Fair Grounds Oaks (Gr. II), the Rachel Alexandra Stakes (Gr. III) and the Demoiselle Stakes (Gr. II) defeating fellow leader board ladies Flashy Gray, Seaneen Girl, and Promise Me More (twice). By a Derby winner who is quickly proving himself as a worthy sire and out of a stakes producing mare. She should be one to watch!

#2 Dreaming of Julia
A.P. Indy x Dream Rush (Wild Rush)
Trained by Todd Pletcher

http://www.drf.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/article_main/photos/Dreaming%20of%20Julia22.10-6-12.BL_.jpg

She's coming off a win in the Gulfstream Oaks (Gr. II) over fellow top 20 Live Lively and Cue The Moon. This is her only 3 year old start so far. As a two year old, she was second in the Davona Dale Stakes (Gr II) behind Live Lively (perhaps she needed that extra distance to out run her in the Gulfstream). She was third in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (Gr I) behind Beholder but in front of Spring in the Air. She was first in the Frizette Stakes (Gr I). This girl's got amazing bloodlines! A.P. Indy is a top sire and she's out of a multiple graded stakes winning mare (although a sprinter).

#3 Live Lively
Medaglia d'Oro x Glacken's Girl (Smoke Glacken)
Trained by Mark Hennig

http://photos.bloodhorse.com/AtTheRaces-1/at-the-races-2013/i-93TCnwL/0/M/AC_LiveLivelyDavonaDale2013_7-M.jpg

She finished second to Dreaming of Julia in her most recent start, the Gulfstream Oaks (Gr II), but beat Cue The Moon. Prior to that, she came in first in the Davona Dale Stakes (Gr II) in which she topped Dreaming of Julia. Her sire finished 4th in the 2002 Kentucky Derby but has gone on to produce the likes of Rachel Alexandria and Plum Pretty (both Oaks winners!). She's out of an undefeated mare (only two starts). But Dreaming of Julia has already out ran her at a longer distance...

#4 Beholder
Henry Hughes  x Leslie's Lady (Tricky Creek)
Trained by Richard Mandella

http://a.espncdn.com/media/motion/2012/1102/com_121102_BC_Juvenile_Fillies/com_121102_BC_Juvenile_Fillies.jpg

Fresh off a Grade I win in the Las Virgenes Stakes over Fiftyshadesofhay and Scarlet Strike! She was 2nd in the Santa Ynez Stakes (Gr II), but 1st in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (Gr I) over Dreaming of Julia, Spring in the Air and Broken Spell. Her pedigree is full of sprinters, however.

#5 Rose to Gold
Friends Lake x Saucy (Tabasco Cat)
Trained by Sal Santoro

http://www.bloodhorse.com/images/content/RoseToGoldDeltaDownsPrincess2012_3CP298.jpg

This is another lady fresh from a graded stakes win in the Honeybee Stakes (Gr II) over Flashy Gray and Broken Spell. She was 2nd in the ungraded Martha Washington Stakes where she placed ahead of Broken Spell again. She was first in the Delta Downs Princess Stakes over Touch Magic. Her sire won the Florida Derby in an upset. She might be the one to make a name for her family. 

#6 Flashy Gray
Flashy Bull x Pleasure Cat (Cat's Career)
Trained by Bill Mott

http://0.tqn.com/d/horseracing/1/0/T/-/4/honey13-4a.jpg

Wipe your mouth off and stop drooling! UGH! Your poor computer. This aptly named filly has just two graded stakes starts. She ran second in both the Fair Grounds Oaks (Gr II) and the Honeybee Stakes (Gr III). She finished behind Unlimited Budget and Rose to Gold. She's run ahead of Seaneen Girl, Promise Me More and Broken Spell. Stakes winning sire, unraced dam. She's another one that could make a name for her family.

#7 Midnight Lucky
Midnight Lute x  Citiview (Citidancer)
Trained by Bob Baffert

http://www.drf.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/article_main/photos/Midnight%20Lucky02.2-16-13.SK_.jpg

Another gray! Good luck making your bets if you always bet the gray horse (assuming they run). She did not run as a two year old. Currently undefeated! She's only had two starts, only one stakes race. She won the Sunland Park Oaks defeating leader board member Unusual Way. Her sire was a sprinter but he currently has two colts, Mylute and Govenor Charlie trying to make a bid for the Derby. This sire is one to watch!

#8 Elghayoor
Ghostzapper x Hazimah (Gone West)
Trained by Kiaran McLaughlin

http://25.media.tumblr.com/ebd7decf2dcf600b20757c0f7e288a58/tumblr_mjry64RTiz1r3diz4o1_1280.jpg

She's undefeated in her 3 yr old season and she's never been worse than second! She's coming off wins in the Cicada Stakes and Dearly Precious Stakes both at just six furlongs. Her sire was Horse of the Year, her dam ran overseas without success. The real question here is whether or not this little lady can stretch out.

#9 Silsita
Macho Uno x Naturally Wild (Wild Again)
Trained by Todd Pletcher

http://www.eclipsetbpartners.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/AW-Silsita_1339.jpg

Another gray; you're getting spoiled! Her only win this year is in the Fathead Bourbonette Oaks (Gr III). She defeated Pure Fun and Broken Spell (go figure?). By a champion out of a multiple stakes placed mare. She'll only have to stretch out a little bit!
 
#10 Seaneen Girl
Spring At Last x Afternoon Krystal (Afternoon Deelites)
Trained by Bernie Flint

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8502/8314331887_e6c91cbc4c_z.jpg

She ran 3rd in the only start of her 3 year old season, the Fair Grounds Oaks (Gr II) behind Unlimited Budget and Flashy Gray but ahead of Promise Me More. She finished her 2 year old season out with a win in the Golden Rod Stakes (Gr II). Broken Spell was among the field. Seaneen Girl has won at Churchill Downs. She shares her sire with two other Oaks hopefuls Spring in the Air and Spring Venture (listed at 21).
 
#11 Fiftyshadesofhay
Pulpit x Quiet Kim (Real Quiet)
Trained by Bob Baffert

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8370/8526081045_302cc48cf4_z.jpg

She was 2nd in the  Las Virgenes Stakes (Gr I) behind Beholder but ahead of Scarlet Strike. Prior to that she won the Santa Ysabel Stakes (Gr III), Scarlet Strike was 3rd. Her sire Pulpit was 4th in the 1997 Derby, Grandsire Real Quiet won the Derby. Quiet Kim finished 2nd in the 2006 Santa Anita Oaks and 9th in the Kentucky Oaks. Can she live up to her bloodlines?

#12 Promise Me More
More Than Ready x Aly's Vow (Broken Vow)
Trained by Wes Hawley

http://static.kentuckyderby.com/sites/kentuckyderby.com/files/imagecache/contender_card_2012/images/primary/promise-me-more_0.jpg

She's got a few more starts under her belt than a few of these other ladies. She was 4th in the Fair Grounds Oaks (Gr II) behind Unlimited Budget, Flashy Gray, and Seaneen Girl. She was 2nd behind Unlimited Budget in the Rachel Alexandra Stakes (Gr III). More Than Ready is the sire of champions in Australia. He was 4th in the 2000 Kentucky Derby. Her dam is also a stakes winner. Distance shouldn't be too much of a problem for her.

#13 Pure Fun
Pure Prize x Chelsea Green (Key to the Mint)
Trained by Kenny McPeek

http://cdn.bloodhorse.com/images/content/PureFunHollywoodStarlet2012_5BEN298.jpg

She was 3rd in the Fathead Bourbonette Oaks (Gr III), her only start in her 3 year old season, behind Silsita. She did place ahead of Broken Vow though. She did finish her 2 yr old season out with two wins, one of which was the Hollywood Starlet Stakes (Gr I) ahead of Scarlet Strike. She's been improving since switching from turf to dirt.

#14 Unusual Way
Unusual Heat x Way Up (Great Above)
Trained by Jeff Bonde

http://www.unusualheat.com/images/UnusualWay-BCJFSP1.jpg

This little lady has a lot of stakes experience. She has yet to win at 3yrs. She placed in both the Sunland Park Oaks (behind Midnight Lucky) and the California Breeders Champion Stakes. In her 2yr old year she was 2nd in the Soviet Problem Stakes, 1st in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Filly Sprint Preview Stakes, and 1st in the Wine Country Debutante Stakes. Way Up is stakes placed herself. She has a stakes placed half-sister.

#15 Cue The Moon
Malibu Moon x Red Hot Bertie (Tabasco Cat)
Trained by Jim Bond

http://ntra.com/media/resized/413792_640x360.jpg

She hasn't won since breaking her maiden. Her only 2013 start was in the Gulfstream Oaks (Gr II) in which she ran 3rd behind Dreaming of Julia and Live Lively. She shares the same sire as Derby hopeful Orb! But will she fall short?

#16 Highestmaintenance
Macho Uno x Half Heaven (Regal Classic)
Trained by Todd Pletcher

http://www.kentuckyderby.com/sites/kentuckyderby.com/files/media/highestmaintenance12-20lesliemartin2.jpg

This beautiful horse hasn't won  since breaking her maiden. In her last start, the Cicada Stakes, she came in second to Elghayoor. Her dam is a five time stakes winner, and an eight time stakes placed runner. She's a half sister to Sweet Vendetta, Love Cove and Doll Baby.

#17 Scarlet Strike
Smart Strike x Scarlet Tango (French Deputy)
Trained by Jerry Hollendorfer

http://0.tqn.com/d/horseracing/1/0/q/t/3/chand12-7.jpg

She's a little more experience that some of the other hopefuls although she hasn't won since breaking her maiden. She's never been worse than third as of this time. She was 3rd in the Las Virgenes Stakes (Gr I) behind Beholder and Fiftyshadesofhay, 3 rd in the Santa Ysabel Stakes (Gr III) again behind Fiftyshadesofhay. She ran 2nd in the Blue Norther Stakes, Fiftyshadesofhay also ran. She was 3rd in the Hollywood Starlet Stakes (Gr I) won by Pure Fun. Third in the Sharp Cat Stakes and 2nd in the Chandelier Stakes (Gr I). Shares her sire with Curlin and Looking At Lucky. She's a half sibling to Visionaire. If nothing else, this girl's got pedigree. I'd like to see her do well.

#18 Touch Magic
Lion Heart x Unifier (Deputy Minister)
Trained by Patrick Devereux Jr.

http://0.tqn.com/d/horseracing/1/0/j/y/3/sbd13-1.jpg

She started her 3yr old season off with a win in the Silverbulletday Stakes. She was 2nd in the Delta Downs Princess Stakes (Gr III) to Rose to Gold and 2nd in the Cassidy Stakes. Her sire ran 2nd in the 2004 Derby. Let's see how her 3yr old season continues!

#19 Broken Spell
Broken Vow x Rich Find (Exploit)
Trained by D. Wayne Lukas

http://www.breederscup.com/sites/default/files/styles/contender_full/public/horses/BrokenSpell.jpg

Has anyone in this line up not beaten her? Really man! She was 4th in the Fathead Bourbonette Oaks (Gr III) behind Silsita and Pure Fun. She was 6th in the Honeybee Stakes (Gr III) behind Rose to Gold and Flashy Gray. She ran 3rd in the Martha Washington Stakes also behind Rose to Gold. She has not won since breaking her maiden. She now moving to longer distances, perhaps more ground will allow her to find her stride? Dam's side brings in stamina.

#20 Spring in the Air
Spring At Last x Unbridled Run (Unbridled)
Trained by Mark Casse

http://0.tqn.com/d/horseracing/1/0/E/s/3/natalma12-4a.jpg

She came in 2nd in the OBS Championship (Filly Division) Stakes, her only 3 yr old start so far behind Spring Venture (21 on the leader board). She was 5th in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (Gr. I) behind Beholder and Dreaming of Julia. She won the Darley Alcibiades Stakes (Gr I) over Broken Spell. She was 2nd in the Natalma Stakes (Gr II) again behind Spring Venture. Beware! Spring Venture may move up into the top 20 by the end of the weekend! Someone say rivals? How will she handle the dirt track? Some believe it could improve her performances!