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Travers News
August 16TH, 2008

The 2008 Travers field is taking shape, and it looks like there will be a field of around 11 or 12 horses this year. Its a welcome sight, as I have gotten a little tired of the smaller fields with one horse expected to win. I think this is a really great, deep field. pretty much any horse in the field can win this race. An update from ESPN had this to say of the expected field:

"...Entries will be made and post positions assigned for the Travers on Wednesday. As of Friday, the prospective 11-horse field, with riders, looks like Acai (Cornelio Velasquez), Cool Coal Man (Velazquez), Colonel John (Garrett Gomez), Da' Tara (Alan Garcia), Harlem Rocker (Eibar Coa), Macho Again (Julien Leparoux), Mambo in Seattle (Robby Albarado), Pyro (Shaun Bridgmohan), Tale of Ekati (Edgar Prado), Tres Borrachos (Tyler Baze), and You and I Forever (Kent Desormeaux)..."

Other possible entries include: Amped, Court Vision, Tiz Now Tiz Then, and the filly Music Note.

Travers News
August 7TH, 2008

While Harlem Rocker still hasn't OFFICIALLY declared he will race the Travers, all signs are starting to point that way. Who will his competition be? Well, Harlem Rocker's Half Brother, Macho Again, won the Jim Dandy on August 2nd, and is expected to race the Travers. So hopefully we'll at least see the two half Brothers Face Off in a battle of the gray 3 year olds. Others expected to race include Da'Tara, Pyro, Anak Nakal, and Colonel John. While the field lacks a big name like Big Brown (overrated), I think the field is actually one of the most diverse and strongest in years. Hopefully Harlem Rocker isn't too favored, as I'd like to make some money when he wins $$$$.

Here is an article from the Saratoga Times Union discussing the 2008 Travers.

"...Hayward said the Travers will still have a good field despite the lack of star power. He pointed to last year's race, when an unknown horse named Grasshopper battled Street Sense deep into the stretch before giving way...."

"...Trainer Dallas Stewart will saddle Jim Dandy winner Macho Again in the Travers. He said he wouldn't have minded running against the Big Brown he saw in the Haskell..."

"...His probable competition will include Jim Dandy runner-up Pyro, the Nick Zito-trained duo of Anak Nakal and Belmont Stakes winner Da' Tara, trainer Todd Pletcher's Harlem Rocker, and Santa Anita Derby winner Colonel John..."

Grasshopper, Finished 2nd in the 2007 Travers, and 4th in the 2008 Whitney

Harlem Rocker Headed for the Travers?
July 18TH, 2008

Grumblings are afoot on the NTRA and picked up by ESPN today that Harlem Rocker could be headed for the Travers at Saratoga this August. The $1 Million Mid Summer Derby is one of the biggest races of the summer. Quotes from Pletcher:

"Harlem Rocker, who remained undefeated on dirt with his victory in the Prince of Wales Stakes last Sunday, could make his next start in the $1 million Travers Stakes at Saratoga, trainer Todd Pletcher said Thursday. "I would say it's a possibility; I haven't had a chance to speak with the Stronachs yet, but the spacing is good," Pletcher said..."

Do dreams come true? Being a pessimist, I would usually say no. But I've been dreaming of seeing Harlem Rocker in the Travers since he won his Maiden Race. We've got our tickets already, and man, the Travers is one hell of a fun party each summer as it is. I can't imagine how awesome it would be if we had a horse running in it... and he won. Keeping all my fingers crossed...

Articles:

Pletcher eyes Travers for Harlem Rocker - From NTRA

Pletcher eyes Travers for Harlem Rocker - And some more Pletcher Horse Updates from ESPN

Racing Blog with Travers Rumors - Timesunion.com Blog

Thoughts on the Race
July 15TH, 2008

Harlem Rocker really looked ready to go for this race. Walking by to the paddock area he had his ears perked up and was ready to go. During the warm up, Eibar Coa did not use a track rider and Harlem Rocker bounced about playfully, he was ready to race. Coa gave HR a trot by on the way to the gate, and we were eager to see what he could do. As the track announcer had said, the speed was winning today, but that was only for shorter distances, we felt Harlem Rocker could run his race and beat this field.

It took a little for Harlem Rocker to get into the gate, which had me a bit worried. We would read latter that he's a feisty horse and usually takes a little effort to get in. Out of the gate Harlem Rocker settled into 5th with East End Tap beside him in 4th, and a trio of front runners sprinted to the front. Coming around the third turn, it seemed as though Harlem Rocker started to break a little early. We would read latter that Coa did this to get the jump on Not Bourbon, and prevent getting stuck on the inside.

Already starting his run, HR broke 3 wide onto the front straightaway and started towards the finish. I was a little worried as East End Tap appeared to close on him, but HR broke free again and won by 2-3 lengths. We were right on the front stretch rail to get the great photos you can see of the race in the gallery. We were overjoyed with his win, and we made some $$$ in the process.

From what we are told, next up is "a race in Saratoga". I'm hopping this means the Travers.

Prince of Wales Stakes Results - PDF File

Harlem Rocker Wins 2008 Prince of Wales Stakes
July 13TH, 2008

Today Tracy and I drove the short distance (1 hour) to Fort Erie Canada to witness the running of the Prince of Wales Stakes. Harlem Rocker, the horse we own a share of through Adena Racing Venture 2 and Horse Hats Racing Club was running in the $500,000 8th race. Morning Line Odds were 2-1 but he eventually went off as the 4-5 favorite. We made some bets and were highly confident of a win. Harlem Rocker did not disappoint, and won by a length over East End Tap. It was a great race, and a great day. View a bunch of the photos I took in our Harlem Rocker Prince of Wales Stakes Photo Gallery.

Harlem Rocker - 2008 Photographed: 07-13-08 Camera: Canon S700IS	Reaching for the Finish! Photographed: 07-13-08 Camera: Canon S700IS	Dusty and a Winner! Photographed: 07-13-08 Camera: Canon S700IS

Visit the Gallery for More Images!

Harlem Rocker to Race in Prince of Wales Stakes
July 9TH, 2008

Harlem Rocker is set to run Sunday, July 13th in the Prince of Wales Stakes at Fort Erie Racetrack. Located just over the Peace Bridge near Buffalo NY, this track hosts the second leg of the Canadian Triple Crown. The race is 1 3/16 mile on a dirt oval. The total purse is $500,000. 8 Horses will partake in this years running.

Harlem Rocker drew post 4, and has morning line odds of 2-1. The favorite, Queens Plate Winner Not Bourbon drew post 7 and odds of 7-5. I think harlem Rocker has had some good workouts lately, and will do well. Looks like Eibar Coa is back up top. I am planning on making the trip to the track, as I only live about a 1.5 hours away.

Harlem Rocker Update - Pointed Saratoga Way...
June 15TH, 2008

For those of keeping track, Harlem Rocker had a poor polytrack outing in his Queen's Plate trial. I was wondering how often he worked the track, and If they had an idea he may not like the polytrack or not. With such low odds 1-5, I did not make a bet on him in the trial, and he disappointed, finishing 4th. The plan was to continue training and work towards the $1,000,000 Queen's Plate on June 22nd (Is that in Canadian or American $$$$?).

Things were looking up I felt when Harlem Rocker turned in a bullet workout Saturday.

• Date: June 14, 2008
• Track: Woodbine
• Distance: Five Furlongs
• Time: 58:20
• Track Condition: Fast
• Surface: All Weather Track
• Rank: 1/70

I was eagerly looking forward to seeing him race next weekend, and had plans to make the trip up to Woodbine for a day of betting and racing. Then we got this update from Dave W:

"Although Harlem Rocker's workout yesterday at Woodine was fast, he still didn't like the track. He appeared uncomfortable on the surface and Adena feels that it will probably be in his best interest to skip the Queens Plate.

The plan now is for him to reunite with Pletcher at Belmont and start looking for a race at Saratoga."

Doh! Rats, I had hoped to see him this weekend. But even more disappointing, was that he had skipped the Preakness because it was felt his best route was the Queen's Plate. I think he could have given Big Brown (who I never liked anyway, and is obviously beatable) a run for his money.

BUT... I have said all along I'd love to see this horse race Saratoga, so maybe this is a blessing in disguise. The Jim Dandy is held at the end of July and the past 3 winners (Street Sense, Bernardini, and Flower Alley) have all gone on to race and win the Travers. I love Saratoga, and I would love to see Harlem Rocker win there... and take out Big Brown in August!

Harlem Rocker, Not So Hot...
June 2ND, 2008

Well, we all knew that Harlem Rocker was headed towards the Plate Trial on June 1st, but official confirmation never came until Forday afternoon. I was out of town this weekend, or else I would have made the trip up there, for what prmoised to be a easy race. I had hoped to make a heft y wager on this race, and make some nice scratch, but when I saw the past perfomrances the only horse in the same league as Harem Rocker was Not Bourbon. From what I saw, Harlem Rocker would go off at very poor (betting) odds. I was not surprised when morning line odds came out a 1/1 for Harlem Rocker. There was no money to be made here on what would obviously be a Harlem Rocker / Not Bourbon Exacta.

Queen's Plate Trial Past Performance - PDF File

After I saw the morning line odds, I decided not to bet. I figured he would go off around 1/5 for 1/3, and what is the point of wagering $100 to win maybe $25? When you could easily lose that $100, as anything can happen in horse racing. If Harlem Rocker had worked out on the Polytrack, I may have felt more confident in betting. How would he behave on the poly track? Well, the answer may have been poorly.

I never saw the race (link anyone?) but from Dave W. "Harlem Rocker ran 4th today in the Plate Trial at Woodbine. He seemed to struggle on the surface and this may be a case of a horse not liking polytrack. He looked to be "swimming" a bit around the final turn and failed to launch into his usual stretch run."

Queen's Plate Trial Results - PDF File

Race Audio File - 2.89MB MP3

More info from Dave W. about Harlem Rocker's Performance "I spoke with Adena today about Harlem Rocker and he seems to have come
out of the race OK. As of now, the plan is for HR to remain at Woodbine. They have not given up on the Queen's Plate as an immediate target and want HR to have a chance to train over the Woodbine surface before making a final decision about his ability to handle that kind of track.

Coa said this after the race: "He kind of made a move and realized it wasn't his game and he decided not to run. He never made me feel that he was handling it at the beginning of the race, I wasn't worried about it. But he never picked up the bit."

Coa told Adena that the distance was not the problem, and that HR was not really acting like himself prior to the race either. He did not load easily, and never really got into the bit at all during the race. I'm sure we will get some updates on his training over the next week or so and will let you know how he is doing."

Here are a few more articles on Harlem Rocker's Disappointing performance:

From Blood Horse: Harlem Rocker Empty in Plate Trial

From the Toronto Sun: Not So Hot...

Toronto Sun - Praise for Harlem Rocker (Before the Race)

Well, I don't know what to think now. It would be easy to say, well the horse didn;t like the poly, but how do we bet him at the Queen's Plate now? Which horse will show up? I plan on trying to make the trip our for the Queen's Plate this month. I can't wait to get some photos of this fine horse. I hope he can rebound.

Kind Words for Harlem Rocker
May 13TH, 2008

ESPN has a pretty good article with some quotes about Harlem Rocker not running the Preakness. Expect big things from him in the future!

"Harlem Rocker's defection may have made Big Brown's task a little easier. Harlem Rocker was coming off a victory in the Withers Stakes at Aqueduct, and worked sharply on Sunday morning on Belmont Park's training track. But Frank Stronach, who bred and owns Harlem Rocker - and whose Magna Entertainment owns Pimlico - decided not to run after conferring by telephone from his native Austria with Harlem Rocker's trainer, Todd Pletcher. "He felt like it's early in this horse's career, [and] it's a long year," Pletcher said in his Belmont Park barn office Monday morning. "He wants to play it conservative for now."

and from Pletcher...

"So, rather than run in the Preakness, Harlem Rocker's goal is now the Queen's Plate at Woodbine on June 22, a race that is restricted to Canadian-breds. Pletcher wanted to go to the Preakness, in which Big Brown will be racing on just two weeks' rest for the first time in his career. "The horse is doing well," Pletcher said. "He had a very good breeze. You could make the case now might be the right time to catch Big Brown. But there are a lot of important races down the road."

and from Dutrow...

"Richard Dutrow Jr., who trains Big Brown, had said last week that the Preakness rival he would fear most was Harlem Rocker. When informed on Monday that Harlem Rocker was passing the race, Dutrow said, "I'm happy he's out. How could I not be happy about it?" "Plus," Dutrow added, laughing, "I don't like beating Stronach in big races."

Harlem Rocker Not Preakness Bound
May 12TH, 2008

We got an update from Dave W. about the plans for Harlem Rocker.

"Mr. Stronach has decided not to send Harlem Rocker to the Preakness. He will continue to train for the Queen's Plate and that will be his immediate goal."

So that's it, he will not be headed to the Preakness. Harlem Rocker worked 5 furlongs in 1:00:10 Sunday morning, and an article at NTRA had this to say: "If Harlem Rocker runs in the Preakness, he would most likely be the second betting choice behind Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown. If Harlem Rocker doesn’t run, Behindatthebar could become the second choice."

From Pletcher: "That was the best I’ve ever seen the gray horse work," Pletcher said of Harlem Rocker. "He’s not traditionally a real willing horse, he was very willing this morning."

The latest from NTRA.com on Harlem Rocker passing on the Preakness:

"Big Brown’s task just got a little – or a lot – easier with the decision of Harlem Rocker’s owner Frank Stronach to bypass Saturday’s Preakness Stakes (gr. I) and await the $1-million Queen’s Plate at Woodbine June 22."

“We really believe the horse has a bright future, and (Mr. Stronach) decided to take a step back right now,” Adena Springs Farm managaer Dan Hall said. “Our next main objective will be the Queen’s Plate. Todd (Pletcher) is very high on the horse and wanted to run him in the Preakness, but we almost always take the conservative approach, so we’re going to be patient and stick to our program.”

I think Giant Moon has a good shot at the Preakness. But with an admittedly weak Kentucky Derby field, and no horses from that field challenging Big Brown, how strong could the Preakness field really be? I don't believe horse racing needs a triple crown winner like indy car needed Danica Patrick. Do we really want someone with as many drug suspensions as Dutrow to be the poster boy of thoroughbred racing?

I am really hoping that Harlem Rocker makes it to Saratoga this summer, for the Jim Dandy, or my favorite, The Travers in August.

Withers Photos and Preakness News
May 8TH, 2008

First off, here is a neat article about the Preakness with a great quote from Dutrow about Harlem Rocker:

"...and Dutrow already is sizing up the prospective opposition for the 1 3/16-mile race. He said "Pletcher's white horse" - Harlem Rocker, the Withers Stakes winner trained by Todd Pletcher - is the only one that concerns him, but otherwise, a horse to upset Big Brown "is going to have to be a really good one." "

Full Article From ESPN Here: Dutrow has it all figured out

I love that quote!

Also, here's the official Withers Photos. Here is the contact information for ordering:

Adam Coglianese
NYRA / Official Track Photographer
718-659-2292

As a side not of fun, here's a little indirect shout out from Jen' Thoroughbred's Blog:

"HARLEM ROCKER is 80% owned by Stronach Stables and 20% by Adena Racing Venture II, the 2nd of 3 syndicate packages of 6 horses offered by Adena Springs. According to Adena, there are no Canadian owners in the 20% but there sure a lot of fellow bloggers out there who have little pieces of the grey colt."

Her website offers an intersting look at what's going on in thoroughbred racing, and a wide variety of information on the Queensplate and other Canadian races.

Harlem Rocker to the Preakness?
May 6TH, 2008

Well the word is floating around... Preakness. Will Harlem Rocker go there or not? Word from Dave W is that the Stronach family is deciding soon, with consultation with Pletcher as to what to do. The latest update from Dave W:

"Harlem Rocker is scheduled to workout this Saturday. Depending on how he comes out of the work, Pletcher will determine if he should go on to the Preakness or head to the Plate Trial. At this point Mr. Stronach has decided to aim for the Preakness, but only after getting the "A-OK" from Pletcher.We should know which way we are headed late this weekend or early next week."

Harlem Rocker has gotten some mentions in articles about to who will face Big Brown in the Preakness. Here are a couple articles:

From ESPN: Rivals want no part of Big Brown in Preakness

From Blood Horse: Dutrow After Derby: 'The Horse is Good'

I remember a race in April, where everyone thought the favorite would win, and very few horses entered. It was the G3 Withers, and J Be K was so favored he "scared" everyone away, and there was a field of 4. Well, Harlem Rocker won that race. So here we are, Big Brown, a big favorite heading into the Preakness, will Harlem Rocker be there to unseat him?

Some Withers Stats on Harlem Rocker
May 6TH, 2008

Dave W sent us some stats on the best Beyer numbers for 3 year olds this year. Harlem Rocker is in some good company with the 106 number he put up at the Withers. From Dave W: "Harlem Rocker earned a 106 Beyer number for his win yesterday in the Withers. That ties us with Big Brown from a Beyer standpoint....Here is a list of the best Beyer numbers by 3 year old colts this year:"

Also A Picture of Harlem Rocker after he passed J Be K in the stretch (Courtesy of Equisport Photos):

Harlem Rocker Still Pointed Towards Canada?
April 27TH, 2008

This article from the Daily Racing Form mentions that Harlem Rocker may still be pointed towards the Queen's Plate and the Queen's Plate Trial at the start of the month of June. There's also a shout out to the Adena Racing Venture, that we are a small part of. From DRF:

Harlem Rocker remains perfect in Withers
By DAVID GRENING
OZONE PARK, N.Y. - Todd Pletcher's recent assault on North America's 3-year-old graded stakes continued Saturday at Aqueduct when Harlem Rocker blew past odds-on favorite J Be K inside the eighth pole to win the Grade 3, $150,000 Withers Stakes by 2 1/2 lengths.

J Be K, who set all the early fractions under Garrett Gomez, finished second by 7 3/4 lengths over Double or Nothing. Face the Cat was last.

The victory was the third from as many starts for Harlem Rocker, a Canadian-bred son of Macho Uno owned and bred by Frank Stronach. Harlem Rocker is part of the Adena Springs Racing Venture, a package of six Stronach-bred colts that Stronach owns with other partners.

For Pletcher, the Withers victory comes two weeks after Monba and Cowboy Cal ran one-two in the Grade 1 Blue Grass at Keeneland and one week after Behindatthebar won the Grade 2 Lexington Stakes, also at Keeneland.

While the Withers did produce 2006 Preakness winner Bernardini, Harlem Rocker is most likely going to target the $150,000 Plate Trial Stakes at Woodbine on June 1 and then the $1 million Queen's Plate on June 22.

Under Eibar Coa, Harlem Rocker settled into fourth position while J Be K set fractions of 23.91 seconds, 46.41, and 1:09.53 being chased by Double or Nothing.

Harlem Rocker moved into third after a half-mile, came four wide into the stretch, went past J Be K inside the eighth pole, and drew clear while lugging in somewhat late. Harlem Rocker ($6.60) covered the mile in 1:34.50.

"I was a little bit concerned that he was a little bit too close today, but he took me there himself so I kind of let him be,'' said Coa, who has ridden Harlem Rocker in all three starts. "At the five-sixteenths pole I thought if Garrett and J Be K are just good enough they're going to draw off and beat me, but I knew he was going to finish. At the end he started playing around just because he's still green, but he showed he can compete against these horses.''

Harlem Rocker Wins GIII Withers
April 26TH, 2008

Going into the Grade 3 Withers 2008, there wasn't a lot of love for Harlem Rocker. The experts were going the way of J Be K, and so were many of the bettors. Harlem Rocker was getting some play, eventually going off at 2:1. Here's a selection of articles from various online
publications about the race:

No Love For Harlem Rocker at BetUs.com

Blood Horse Describes the Small Field for the 2008 Withers

Daily Racing Form Race 3 Analysis

There were 40 horses eligible for the 2008 Withers, but word on the street was that J Be K scared most of them away. Here's a list of
the eligible horses:

Withers 2008 Nominations - PDF File

So only 4 horses showed up for the race. Harlem Rocker, J Be K, Double or Nothing, and Face the Cat. I saw picks all over the board for this one, but most online analysts, and the bettors went with J Be K.

I was able to watch the race on TVG, and the analysts liked J Be K. "Simon" made him his sole pick in his Pick 4 for the day. I hoped Harlem Rocker would prove him wrong. Harlem Rocker was clean out of the gate, J Be K to the front, followed by Double or Nothing, HRock and Face the Cat. They stayed this way down the back stretch with J Be K taking the lead and Harlem Rocker hanging Back in third with the Cat. On the corner to the front stretch, Harlem Rocker made his move, and Face the Cat started to fade. Harlem Rocker powered down the stretch, passing J Be K who could not rally, and both of them left Double or Nothing in the dust. Here's the results:

Withers 2008 Results - PDF File

Wow, what a great win. I love the way this horse races. Coa has him hanging back, racing his race, not taking the urge to run up front.
Then he lets him loose to power down the stretch.

Race Audio MP3 File

What's next for Harlem Rocker? Well, Stronach sure has been pushing his Adena Racing Venture 3 in the Daily Racing Form each week. What better way to promote the newest venture than by making a superstar out of your horses from Venture 2. Promote this horse, keep him in the USA. I'd love to see this horse follow Bernardini's path of success. On to the Preakness and then a variety of Summer dates taking him to Saratoga for the Jim Dandy and, my Favorite, The Travers (which I already have hotel reservations for this summer). Out of Ontario, this Horse is eligible for the Canadian Triple Crown starting at Woodbine this summer. But who really hears that much about the Queens Plate? I'd love to see him race the Preakness.

At the same time, this horse seems well suited to the mile races. What can he do at longer distances? He seems to be coming out of his races in good shape, so he may be capable of more. This fan is voting PREAKNESS!

Results Publications:

Thoroughbred Times - A Convincing Win

Blood Horse - A Comfortable Win - With Race Video

Powerful Storm Race Update
April 6TH, 2008

Powerful Storm was entered to run the 4th race at Keeneland on Saturday April 5th. It looked like a good field, and he would have his work cut out for him. One of the track handicappers had him picked to finish 3rd. He went off at 6-1 with Jockey Kent Desourmeux on top. I was able to watch the race on TVG so here's my analysis.

Powerful Storm settled into the middle of the pack, staying on the rail. He seemed to be bidding his time, not really moving up, but just hanging in there around 6th place. As the race went on he seemed to be slidding backwards from the leaders ever so slightly. As they came onto the home stretch, there was no life from Powerful Storm as he seemed content just to run along. He hung out for a while, got the whip a couple times too late (when there was pretty much no hope of a rally) and finished 10th of 12 racers. In one word it was "uninspiring". I am not sure what the intent of this race was, as the jockey never pushed him hard. Seemed like they were just looking to see what he would do at this distance, and it wasn't much. Hopefully there will be more action in his next start.

Powerful Storm Past Performance - PDF File

Harlem Rocker Path Forward
April 6TH, 2008

Got an email from Dave W with this to say about Harlem Rocker:

"Todd Pletcher spoke with Mr. Stronach and they have decided to map out a campaign for Harlem Rocker with the Queens Plate as the focus. He will be pointed towards the Withers S. (G3) at Aqueduct on April 26th. Assuming he does well there he will then go on to the Plate Trial at Woodbine on June 1, then the Queens Plate at Woodbine on June 22nd. This is of course subject to change but that is the working plan.

The Queen's Plate is the obvious target for Harlem Rocker as he is an Ontario bred horse and the Stronach's have a residence in Canada. They won the Queen's Plate with Awesome Again in 1997 and he turned out to be quite a racehorse and sire."

I am not surprised, as Dave W says Adena springs is based in Canada, so this was the more obvious path. Hopefully Harlem Rocker will keep winning, otherwise this is just idle speculation.

Harlem Rocker Projections
April 6TH, 2008

With Harlem Rocker's second win, now its time to look ahead at where he may go next. As I speculated earlier, the Queens Plate at Woodbine June 22nd is an option. We heard from Dave W, who has contact with the decision makers. He said there are two potential options:

"The plan for Harlem Rocker is to run in the Queens' Plate, which is the first jewel in Canada’s Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing and the longest continuously run stakes race in North America. It is a 1 1/4 mile race for 3 year olds foaled in Canada and is run at Woodbine and will be held on June 22nd this year.

...Mr. Stronach is also considering the possibility of running in the Preakness. He would have to obtain some graded earnings prior to that and the races being discussed are the Lexington Stakes at Keeneland, The Derby Trial at Churchill, and the Withers at Aqueduct. There has been no decision made yet as to which way he will go but I imagine we will hear something within a week or two."

I looked up some of these races on the internet to check their past fields. In 2006, The Withers was won by Bernardini, who then went on to win the preakness. Bernardini won the Jim Dandy, Travers, Jockey Club Gold, and finished second to Invasor at the Breeders Cup. If you ask me, that's the path I'd like to see Harlem Rocker take. :)

Winning Photo:

Harlem Rocker Wins Again!
March 31ST, 2008

Well it had been a little quiet on the Adena Racing Venture 2 horse ownership stage lately. A few workouts here or there, but not much going on. Harlem Rocker's been putting in some great workouts, and word from Dave W was that Pletcher was pointing him towards an allowance race at the end of the month.

Last 3 Workouts:

• 03/24/2008-PALM BEACH DOWNS-Five Furlongs-Dirt Good-1.00:20 Breezing
• 03/16/2008-PALM BEACH DOWNS-Five Furlongs-Dirt Good-1.01:00 Breezing
• 03/09/2008-PALM BEACH DOWNS-Five Furlongs-Dirt Good-1.00:00 Breezing

Then word came out on the 28th of March that Harlem Rocker would run this Sunday at Gulfstream Park again. A $42,500 Allowance race, where he would be coupled with Barreling Home, another Adena Horse. Harlem Rocker would be ridden once again by Eibar Coa. Morning line odds were 4-5 meaning most handicappers had already caught on to Harlem Rockers value. There was little point in racing out to bet at such low odds, so we decided to settle back and watch the race on TVG (Unfortunately TVG does not broadcast Gulfstream races).

The Daily Racing Form has Harlem Rocker chosen to win. DRF - PDF File

Track Handicapper Ron Nicoletti picks Harlem Rocker to win. Nicoletti's Picks - PDF File

No love from Pronosticos! Pronosticos Text File (in spanish)

Free Past Performances From Todd Pletcher - Past Performances - PDF File

Long story short, Harlem Rocker broke well, settled back, then raced hard around the final turn to win convincingly and be pulled up at the finish. Lots of energy to spare there. He didn't pay much $3.80 on $2 bet. The exacta and trifecta were light too.

Its exciting to have another win and to think what may come next.

Sporting News had this to say of the race:

"In the second race of his career, the 3-year-old son of Macho Uno showed explosive punch in the stretch to catch front-runner Samba Rooster and capture the 8th race Sunday afternoon at Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino."

Read the full article here: Sporting News, Harlem Rocker.

Jen Morrison's Thorough-blog had this to say:

"TROTTIN' TO A WIN: HARLEM ROCKER (photo at right from the Adena Racing Venture website) romped in his 2nd career start yesterday at Gulfstream (even with jockey Eibar Coa seemingly pulling him up before the wire) and earned a lofty 95 BEYER FIGURE. The Canadian-bred 3yo can now be considered a strong contender for the QUEEN'S PLATE along with COOL GATOR, who finished 5th in the Florida Derby on Saturday. Harlem Rocker is owned by Stronach Stables/Adena Racing Venture and trained by Todd Pletcher. The grey is by Macho Uno and out of Freedom Come, Lit de Justice, a very fast mare who raced mostly at 6 furlongs."

Read all her thoughts here: Thorough Blog.

What's next? I don't know. A quick search of google.com on Harlem Rocker shows he is nominated for the Queens Plate at Woodbine in Toronto June 22nd. It's Canada's version of the Triple Crown.

Harlem Rocker - Photo from Adena Springs

Holy Knight Surgery
March 26TH, 2008

Got word from Adena that Holy Knight underwent surgery to remove bone chips on two knees. Reports are good for a return to racing after some rest and relaxation.

Holy Knight Vet Report - PDF File

Race Audio Added
February 23RD, 2008

I added MP3 Audio for Harlem Rocker's win at Gulfstream on February 14th and Powerful Storm's come from behind second place finish at Turfway on February 16th.

• Audio From 02-14-2008 Harlem Rocker finishes 1st at Gulfstream 2.3MB MP3
• Audio From 02- 16-2008 Powerful Storm Finishes 2nd at Turfway 2.6MB MP3

Holy Knight Finishes 11TH In Debut Race
February 18TH, 2008

I didn't watch this race either, but it sounds like Holy Knight didn't have a fantastic debut. Race recap says he started poorly and didn't have much go in him. Update from Dave W: As you all know by now Holy Knight ran 11th in his debut race on Sunday. He didn't have the best break, and coming from the 13 hole he was going to need to get away cleanly to have any shot. He never showed much interest in the race and probably would not have finished much better with a clean break and better starting position. Lynch (trainer) said that he is the type of horse that will need a race or two to figure things out and we should be able to look forward to better efforts down the road.

Not a bad few days with the Adena horses, a first, second, and an 11th.

We still have 3 more bullets to fire (Gazumba, Golden Dynasty, Hot Bullet). I don't know when they will debut, but if there is one thing Adena has, its patience.

Powerful Storm Finishes 2ND
February 16TH, 2008

I didn't head out to watch this race as it was a 6pm race and we were out eating dinner, but Powerful Storm finished second today. He was a bit of a longshot (8/1 morning line odds) and was around 6th favorite of the 12 horses entered. Its good that he did so well after a little disappointing 7th last race.

From Dave W: Powerful Storm ran 2nd tonight at Turfway. He showed great improvement from his first race and looks like he will like a bit more distance. He made a nice rally in the stretch but was not going to catch the winner...

Not a bad weekend so far, let's keep our fingers crossed for Holy Knight tomorrow at Gulfstream. He is in a tough race, but if he has the heart of his half brother, he will be all right. By the way, his other half brother (LION LORD, by Mr. Greely) made his racing debut today at the age of 4 - he was a winner...

• Audio From 02-16-2008 Powerful Storm Finishes 2nd at Turfway 2.6MB MP3

Holy Knight Entered
February 14TH, 2008

We also have 2 other runners to look forward to this weekend. Powerful Storm at Turfway on Saturday, and the debut of Holy Knight (half brother to GHOSTZAPPER) on Sunday at Gulfstream in a 1 1/16 mile MSW turf race.

Local track handicapper Ron Nicoletti has Holy Knight mentioned to finish 4th.

• Nicolettis Picks PDF File
• Holy Knight Past Performance PDF File

Harlem Rocker Wins!!!
February 14TH, 2008

I managed to make it out to OTB to watch Harlem Rocker race today. I liked his workouts and his Jockey (Eibar Coa) and Trainer (Todd Pletcher) had really good results at the track. I placed a $5 Win and a $5 Show bet on him. His Morning Line Odds were at 8/1 which would have been a great payday, but his pedigree and buzz about him made sure he only went off at 7-2.

It was a great race. Harlem Rocker had a terrible start and dropped into the trialing pack. Back by over 7 lengths at one point. On the turn he started making up ground, and by the final corner he went three wide and made for the lead. He seemed to race down the stretch with little effort and won by 1 3/4 lengths.

The local track guy, Ron Nicoletti picked Harlem Rocker to finish 1st, and the sanish dude had him to place.

• Nicoletti Picks PDF

Images:

• Results PDF File
• Audio From 02-14-2008 Harlem Rocker finishes 1st at Gulfstream 2.3MB MP3

From Dave W: Harlem Rocker won his debut race today at Gulfstream despite a poor start. It was an impressive race and Harlem Rocker has a real easy way of moving and the race seemed almost effortless for him.

His easy going style might be part of the reason that Pletcher did not have high hopes for him in this race. In his workouts he has not
overly impressed Pletcher, but given the quality and quantity of horses Pletcher has been around, that is understandable. Harlem Rocker might be the kind of horse that only shows up on game day, and doesn't waste his time and efforts in the mornings.

Its too early to get overly excited about his future, but he certainly did beat a very good group of maidens today. Assuming he comes out of the race in good order he will probably run in an allowance race next time out. Adena horses are not rushed, and he will not be put on a fast track schedule in order to make any big springtime races.

Powerful Storm Entered
February 13TH, 2008

Powerful Storm is entered in Race #12 at Turfway Park on 2/16/2008. Things are getting fast and furious now!

Harlem Rocker DRF Comments
February 13TH, 2008

Here are the comments from the Thursday edition of the Daily Racing Form regarding Harlem Rocker:

Harlem Rocker:
Will get plenty of support at the windows because of the connections involved; the grey's sire won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile and 1.85 million; offspring of Macho Uno have won 3 of 31 debuts; the dam was 4 of 9, 218K earner and this is her only foal to start.

Eighth Race

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Excess Capital 2. A Diehl 3. Harlem Rocker
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EXCESS CAPITAL, a son of Distorted Humor, showed vast improvement in his second start, finishing second in a very fast maiden race, narrowly edging A DIEHL for the place. The latter was outfinished by the top choice, but had a right to get a bit tired given that he had not raced since a fourth-place at Saratoga in September. HARLEM ROCKER earned his way into the Pletcher barn, despite being one of the better-bred Stronach colts in training. Works further suggest that this Macho Uno colt is runner and a threat at first asking.

From Dave W: I am still hearing from Adena that Harlem Rocker might need a race or two to before he starts winning, so take that into consideration before heading to the windows....

Harlem Rocker Entered
February 10TH, 2008

We got a notice that Harlem Rocker is set to make his long anticipated debut on February 14th, 8th race at Gulfstream Park going 7F. Coa will be riding for Pletcher. It appears as if they waited to find the toughest possible spot for him to run in! At least 5 of the horses in the race look to be super tough, but after this race we should know just how good Harlem Rocker might be. He doesn't have to win this, and in fact Pletcher has said that he might need a race or two, but a good showing would be excellent news.

As you all know he has had a very steady work tab leading up to this and he should be very fit. When Adena inquired about the many workouts Pletcher told them that he felt Harlem Rocker had a little "baby fat" that he wanted to work off... I guess this means that the baby fat is gone and he is ready to rock!

• Past Performance PDF File

Pictures and a General Update
January 31ST, 2008

We got a couple horse photos of Holy Knight (half brother to Ghostzapper) and Golden Dynasty (3/4 brother to Awesome Again and 1/2 brother to Macho Uno). Both pictures were taken yesterday at Palm Meadows in Florida.

Both of the MSW races at Gulfstream on Feb 1 filled and Harlem Rocker did not get in. They will more than likely enter him in the next
available race. Giant Gizmo, a horse from the 1st Adena Racing venture will be running in the G2 Strub stakes this weekend at Santa Anita. We have NO ownership Giant Gizmo, the info as a matter of interest, and to give us some hope that maybe one day a horse from our venture (2) will make it to a Graded Stakes race.

Pictures from Adena Springs Racing Venture Web Site:

Powerful Storm Scratched
January 28TH, 2008

Got an update about why Powerful Storm did not race. Dale Romans scratched Powerful Storm on Saturday because he did not
like the condition of the track. Although it is an "all weather" surface, he felt the track was bad and probably a bit unsafe.

The horses in the Adena venture will be more cautiously managed than most, the trainers know that there is no pressure to run, and that the best interests of the horses come before a need to earn purse money.

Powerful Storm Entered Again
January 23RD, 2008

Powerful Storm is entered again in a makeup race. Here's the info:

Race Canceled
January 19TH, 2008

Due to extreme temperatures, the last race was canceled at Turfway.

Another Powerful Storm Entry and Harlem Rocker Update
January 17TH, 2008

We got an update on Powerful Storm and Harlem Rocker. Powerful Storm will make his second start in a 1 1/16 mile MSW at
Turfway Park on Saturday, Jan. 19th. The extra distance should be to his advantage and Dale Romans has expressed a bit more confidence in him than he did in his prior race. The race will be at about 6:00 pm, and the forecast is calling for snow early and freezing temperatures later in the day.

I heard yesterday that Harlem Rocker is getting close to his much anticipated debut. They are looking at a 7f MSW race for him on Feb. 1 at Gulfstream. He is also a horse that will appreciate a route of ground, so they are looking at this race as a stepping stone for the next one. They want him to have one under his belt before he is asked to for his best effort.

• Racing Form PDF File

Holy Knight Gets Mentioned
January 4TH, 2008

There is an article today on the DRF website about Brian Lynch (trainer) and his prospects for Gulfstream. In the article he mentions Holy Knight:

"We've gotten off to a good start down here, and I have another fresh batch ready to go during the early part of the Gulfstream meet - including a half-brother to Ghostzapper named Holy Knight who is just about ready to run," said Lynch. "He looks like he's going to be a very exciting horse, and I'm really looking forward to getting him to the races."

Powerful Storm Finishes 7TH
December 31ST, 2007

Powerful Storm finished 7th in his debut race at Turfway park.

Racing Venture Update
December 31ST, 2007

We got an this update on the racing venture today:

(Dave) spoke with Adena this morning about Powerful Storm who is running later today at Turfway. The racing mgr. is not very optimistic about the horse at this point, and thinks that the best thing we have going for us is the relatively soft field we will be facing. Dale Romans has told Adena that he is a "heavy" horse (too much weight on him) and that he is a bit of a plodder in his works. They hope that he "wakes up" in the race and shows them a little more speed than he has in the morning.

All of the trainers that work for Adena are told only to run when the horse is ready - there is no pressure to run early or to point to anything specific, truly an ideal situation for any trainer. Adena believes in giving all of their horses as much time as they need to develop which is evident in the fact that this is the first horse from the group of 6 to make a start as a 2 year old.

Harlem Rocker is progressing well and should start at Gulfstream soon, and Holy Knight is training steadily. Frank Stronach is a big fan of Holy Knight (He loves his intelligence and believes that he will be a very useful horse). Golden Dynasty is also training forwardly and has some believers as well. Hot Bullet is a horse that will benefit from longer distances and is being given some time at Adena South (still training) before heading back to the racetrack.

Powerful Storm Entered
December 28TH, 2007

We got an update on Powerful Storm, who is entered to run as a 2 year old December 31st at Turfway Park. In the last race of the year at Turfway Park, Powerful Storm will make his debut for the Adena Racing Venture. He will be in a MSW going 6f for trainer Dale Romans. Dean Sarvis will be the jockey.

• Racing Form PDF File

Harlem Rocker Update
November 12TH, 2007

We got an update on Harlem Rocker, who worked 4F in 48.11 at Belmont yesterday, galloping out in :59 and change. Pletcher was pleased with the work and will breeze him again on Saturday and then look for a race the following week. He feels that Harlem Rocker will be best suited to a route of ground, but may enter him in a 6F or 7F race for his first start. The Adena crew in Ocala that broke Harlem Rocker think very highly of him and are convinced that he is a very talented horse.

Racing Update
November 8TH, 2007

Dave says that the horse that is closest to making a start is HARLEM ROCKER, who is with Todd Pletcher. He will probably start within the
next few weeks, but you never know. Adena is extremely careful with their horses and they are in no rush to get them to the track. It's
hard to argue with their philosophy as they are currently leading owner and breeder, and have been for several years.

Harlem Rocker Shipped Out
September 4TH, 2007

We got an update that on August 31st Harlem Rocker shipped from Adena Springs South to Todd Pletcher in NY. He is probably 30-45 days from a race if all goes according to plan. Pletcher will most likely have a string of horses at Belmont and Keeneland during that time frame, so he may make his first start at either place.

Golden Dynasty Getting Examined
June 28TH, 2007

We heard that Golden Dynasty has been removed from training to have a chip removed. The impact is minor. He should resume training in about 6 weeks.

• Vet Report PDF File

Holy Knight Getting Examined
June 12TH, 2007

We heard that Holy Knight has been returned to Adena (In Canada) to be checked out. The trainer (Bobby Frankel in Belmont) noticed some heat in the right front leg and wanted to get him checked out. The attached is the vet report which finds a slight enlargement of the flexor tendon related to growth. They recommend 60-90 days of rest before resuming training.

Dave says that this is not a serious set back, just means he will race later than the rest of the group.

• Vet Report PDF File

The Horses Get Shipped Out
May 30TH, 2007

We heard from Adena that some of the horses have been assigned to trainers and are shipping out to their respective tracks.

• Gazumba - Still with Graham Bell at Adena Farm training center in Canada will most likely go to Brian Lynch at Woodbine.
• Golden Dynasty - with Bobby Frankel at Belmont
• Harlem Rocker - still in Ocala
• Holy Knight - with Bobby Frankel at Belmont
• Hot Bullet - with Kiaran McLaughlin at Belmont
• Powerful Storm - with Dale Romans at Churchill

The club has sold out! Here is a PDF file presentation on the six horses we have bought into.

•   Adena Racing Venture 2 PDF (1.4 MB)

Welcome To Horse Hats Racing Club VI
May 9TH, 2007

Today we just joined Horse Hats Racing Club VI. Horse Hats is probably the best web site for buying horse racing hats. In addition to the hats, on occasion the site owner will purchase shares in a horse and then offer pieces of his share to anyone willing to pay (and who can get in in time). The shares usually sell out quickly. Our friend Mark got shares in Club V, and we bought shares in Club VI.

In this club we paid a little more money, but we also got a small share in six horses instead of one. The six horses are all out of the Adena Springs racing stable. Their names are Gazumba, Golden Dynasty, Harlem Rocker, Holy Knight, Hot Bullet, and Powerful Storm. This web page will be your source, and my source for keeping track of all the information I get regarding these horses. Will we ever see a profit? Doubtful, but its more of a fun ride for us.

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