History Puzzler 5.1

OK, we have hit our first bump, and it has to do with one of the pictured horses in the HP5 article. The picture at the top of that article showed a dappled gray. Zoe sent me an email explaining how she had been approaching the Puzzler, and she mentioned the stallion Unbridled's Song. Well, that sent me to do some checking, and here is what I learned: The image I used in the HP5 article is identified in various places on the internet in two ways, meaning as two different horses. One of the horses is Unbridled's Song. The other horse is NOT Unbridled's Song. Obviously one identification is incorrect.

I am not sure who the dappled gray is in the picture, but the important things for you to know are:

1. The "prominent sire" in the broodmare's sire line is NOT Unbridled's Song.

2. The "prominent sire" in the broodmare's sire line was similar in appearance to Unbridled's Song.

3. The "prominent sire" in the broodmare's sire line is pictured above (notice the similarities to the first picture) and below -- and this time I am sure both images represent "the prominent sire."

History Puzzler #5

Did you see that 2004 movie Hidalgo? It's about an American Pony Express rider and his Mustang who compete in a 3,000-mile race across Arabian deserts. The movie says the race was known as "Ocean of Fire" because that is what the competitiors had to run across. The trek takes about two months.

This final History Puzzler is going to be something like that "Ocean of Fire". It won't be so hot or thirsty, but it won't be over quickly, either. At least I hope not.

I have given up trying to be clever in these History Puzzlers, and the one trick pitch I threw didn't fool anybody anyway. So the final puzzler is straight pedigree knowledge and research. This time I state simple, straight-forward facts and ask just simple, straight-forward questions. It is up to you how much time you want to spend on this. You can even ask for additional clues (at a cost -- see below). So the outcome is in your hands.

The basis of this puzzler is simple. You must identify two horses and the connection between the two:

1. Who is the broodmare?
2. Who is the stallion?
3. How are they related

Obviously, if you identify both the mare and the stallion, you can earn many more points by connecting the intervening dots. In fact, you can earn almost as many points as you wish to. The more correct information you give me, the more points you will receive (see below).

Here are the facts:
In the following clues, I refer only to THE broodmare or THE stallion. Those two are your points of reference. All horses are real-life, flesh and blood unless specifically identified as PF only.

• The broodmare exists only in PF, which means she never drew a breath on earth.
• The stallion lived and breathed on planet earth, and won races in his native England.
• The broodmare is related to the stallion on both sides of her family.
• On the broodmare's paternal side, the stallion appears at least three times.
• The stallion landed in Kentucky, where he sired an exceptional real-life filly.
• On the broodmare's paternal side, just counting those horses on a direct blood line to the stallion, we find a Preakness Stakes winner.
• On the broodmare's maternal side, the stallion appears only once.
• The stallion reached the top of the sire list in the U.S. His son also topped the annual sire list.
• The broodmare is the result of one of the most fantastic breedings in PF history.
• The horse pictured at the top of this article was prominent on the broodmare's paternal side.
• The second horse pictured in this article (below) was also prominent on the broodmare's paternal side.

Here are the questions:
1. Who is the broodmare? - 5 points
2. Who is the stallion? - 5 points
3. As suggested in the clues above, the direct bloodline between the broodmare and the stallion splits three times on her paternal side. Name the foal, sire and dam at each splitting point. - 10 points each (30 points total)
4. Who is the horse pictured above "prominent on the broodmare's paternal side"? - 15 points
5. Who is the horse pictured at left who was "also prominent on the broodmare's paternal side"? - 15 points
6. Who is the Kentucky Oaks winner in the broodmare's direct bloodline to the stallion? - 10 points
7. Who are the Travers Stakes winners in the broodmare's direct bloodline to the stallion? - 10 points each
8. Who is the "exceptional filly" sired by the stallion in Kentucky? - 10 points
9. When and how did the broodmare's paternal grandsire die? - 23 points
10. In addition to the stallion, one other horse appears three times in the broodmare's paternal line. Who is that second stallion? - 13 points
11. One mare appears twice in the broodmare's paternal line. Who is that mare? - 11 points
13. Starting with the broodmare, name each blood relative between her and the stallion on both her maternal and paternal sides. Name only blood relatives. - 5 points each.

More Points!!
In addition to these points, you can earn -- and spend -- points in the following ways:

• Each additional true statement (meaning a factual sentence about progeny, racing records, or siblings) about the broodmare or the stallion or any horse on the direct bloodline between the two, you will earn 3 points IF you provide a citation or URL with the fact (so I can check) - 3 points each. (Hint: my use of the word "citation" was not a clue)
• Each error you find in my facts listed above - 10 points each
• I stated that the broodmare and the stallion are directly connected 4 ways. If you can find that they are related on a direct blood line a fifth way, or more - 25 points
• Briefly tell me how you correctly identified the broodmare and the stallion. Explain what clues helped, etc. - 10 points
• You may "purchase" additional clues at a cost of 15 points per clue. Just send me an email stating your current point total and how many clues you would like to "buy." It works kind of like the Daily Double in TV Jeopardy or like buying vowels in Wheel of Fortune, I will deduct the points from your total then send you clues by email. I have 10 extra clues ready, and everybody will be "buying" the same clues in the same order.

If you have questions about clues and points and other matters of general interest, please post a comment to this article so I can reply to the general benefit.

The deadline for answers will be set by Laurie. This contest closes exactly 72 hours before the Auction opens. I do not know when she will announce the dates of the Auction.

Finally, for the record, here are the current standings. EC was awarded additional points after HP #4 because he correctly pointed out that I made an error in adding the total winnings of Chatterbox and Beamington.

Zoe, Elite Thoroughbreds - 166
Karen, Oak Tree - 166
DJ, Under the Weeping Moon - 149
EC, Rainbow - 102
Jamie, Sunset Ranch - 101
Chris, Watch This Space- 92
Crista, Rivendell - 40
Chris, Smokey's Stable - 34
Amanda, Bally Doyle - 19
Chelsey, Hopeful Farm - 19

Let's have fun with this. I have enjoyed playing with you and am glad to give stuff away, but only if we are all in the same spirit. I just like the fun of the challenge. This last Puzzler is big and ambitious, and if I've made a mistake somewhere, you know I will make amends. Let's play! Good luck.

Revenge Repeats Remsen Reign

Stonewall homebred colt Antagonist broke maiden in the G2 Remsen Stakes for 2yos at Aqueduct (5826). Antagonist is the third son of Revenge to win the 9-furlong race in the last three years.

Antagonist, by Revenge out of Impressive, entered the race with a record of 3-0-0-2. In his previous start he posted a PSR of 95 and ran third at 8.5 furlongs, behind eventual Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner Big N' Tough.

"We try not to rush our runners," explained Stonewall owner Bill Miller. "We will wait, which is why 'Tag' only started four times at this year. But he was clearly rounding and ready for the distance. Revenge colts always seem ready for the Remsen."

The Remsen Stakes is one of the "pioneer" PF races that has been run every season since 2002.

Last year's Remsen went to Priceless Revenge (Revenge out of Priceless), who had never started before winning his debut. Now, 11 starts later, is 12-4-0-3 and on the verge of earning $1 million.

The 2008 winner was Machete (Revenge out of Bint Marscay), a superb 2YO who had already won 7 of 8 starts, including the Breeder's Cup Juvenile, when he went to post in the 2008 Remsen. He prevailed by more than 8 lengths in a field of 19.

Revenge did not race as a juvenile so never ran in the Remsen. His first crop reached the tracks in 2007, but none of his get ran in the Remsen that year, when Beamington won what was a match race. Since then, Revenge has been sweet at the Remsen.

Winners of the Remsen Stakes

Year	Race #	Horse	Time
2010	5826	Antagonist	1:48.48
2009	4694	Priceless Revenge	1:46.98
2008	3717	Machete	1: 47.61
2007	2878	Beamington	1:47.19
2006	2034	Midnite Glitz	1: 48.15
2005	1367	Bombed Out	1: 48.61
2004	825	Kid Lemon	1:51
2003	421	Thunder Arctic	1:46.80
2002	48	Wekiva Bay	1:49.40

Penultimate Puzzler Results

Now, you see, this is what I have been talking about. You guys are a very, very sharp bunch, and it is mighty hard to throw a pitch past you. As I said last time, if I throw you straight fastballs, I hurt my neck turning to watch them fly out of the park. So here we are again this time. I asked you 11 questions. Six people responded. I received 65 correct answers! Here they are:

1. The name of this mare is? Sunline - 5 points
2. Her native country is? New Zealand - 5 points
3. The name of this mare's first real-life foal is? Sunstrike - 5 points
4. The sex of this mare's first real-life foal is? filly - 5 points
5. The name of this mare's second real-life foal is? Sun Ruler - 5 points
6. The sex of this mare's second real-life foal is? colt - 5 points
7. The sex of this mare's fourth real-life foal is? filly - 5 points
8. In real life, this mare has been covered by three stallions as of December 2007. Their names are: Rock Of Gibraltar (twice), Zabeel, and Hussonet - 5 points each, 15 points total
9. The name of this mare's first PF foal is? Chatterbox - 10 points
10. The name of this mare's top-earning PF offspring is? Chatterbox - 10 points
11. G1 races won by this mare's top-earning offspring:
The Metropolitan Handicap, Victoria Derby, Coaching Club American Oaks, Breeders Stakes, Turf Classic Stakes, Breeders Cup Turf, Hong Kong Vase, Dubai Sheema Classic, Sword Dancer Handicap, Turf Classic Stakes, Breeders Cup Turf - 2 points each, 22 points total.

I first learned of Sunline five years ago when I was doing research for the PF Auction and targetted her only foal up for sale. Sunline was my kind of runner. I like those that run and run for four, five, six years, especially mares and most especially mares that have no fear of the boys. I wish I'd been able to watch her run. That is her pictured up above with Sunstrike.

So, once again, you guys were unpuzzled by my puzzler. Just wondering here, but can you understand why you are making me a little ornery? I am already planning History Puzzler #5. I am planning it so that anybody in the top 4 has a chance to win. I am not sure if I can do that. The hard part for me will be making every question "gettable" without giving too much away in the clues. I am glad you guys are sticking in there, but please, please do not expect an easy time of it in Puzzler #5. I will throw curves, sliders, knuckleballs, sinkers, forkballs, splitters and maybe a spitter or two. This contest is very close, and I want the winner to have earned it.

The current standings are below. I must explain that I awarded 4 points each to Karen and DJ because both made me see that question 11 was phrased vaguely. I did not specify whether I was asking about a real-life foal or a PF foal. So here is how we stand:

Zoe, Elite Thoroughbreds - 166
Karen, Oak Tree - 166
DJ, Under the Weeping Moon - 149
Jamie, Sunset Ranch - 101
EC, Rainbow - 92
Chris, Watch This Space- 92
Crista, Rivendell - 40
Chris, Smokey's Stable - 34
Amanda, Bally Doyle - 19
Chelsey, Hopeful Farm - 19

Three Stars + Three Races = 1 Rivalry?

We are in the midst of a two-month stretch on the calendar where three major turf races will be run on three different continents within 57 days. The early season is dominated by the great turf contests in Australia, but late in the season the focus is on the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in October, the Breeders' Cup Turf in November and the Hong Kong Vase in December. This year, we have been treated to perhaps the best races we have ever seen in the Arc and the BC Turf. Both races produced blanket finishes in which three sensational horses fought tooth and nail to the wire. I am referring, of course, to Color of Fame, Jenny's My Gal and Malvern Hill. In watching the two races again, and in looking back at the performances of these three stars, I find myself moving forward toward the edge of my seat. I can't say for sure, but I am thinking that maybe, for racing fans, the best is yet to come from these three.

For trainers and breeders of turf stayers, Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is one of the jewels of the international racing calendar. "The Arc" is run at Hippodrome de Longchamp near Paris, and is the most prestigious of France's classic races.

In 2005 Colombian superstar Thunder Arctic clocked a 2:25.46 and outran rival Memcay (2:26.54) on a firm course to take the first PF running of The Arc (1315).

Smart Money took the 2006 edition (1945), and his 2:25.35 on a firm surface set a new race record.

The great Aussie from FDL Lodge, Braveheart, won in 2007 (2773) on a firm-to-good track, stopping the clock at 2:25.02 to set yet another race record.

Then came the return of Rainbow: Perfect Bell romped in the 2008 Arc (3626) clocking a 2:25.20 on turf rated firm-to-good and defeating the awesome Port Pirie colt A Bus.

And last year, 3YO Jenny's My Gal labored over the mushiest track in the short history of the race to defeat defending champ Perfect Bell with a time of 2:26.02 (4599).

In the 2010 edition, Under the Weeping Moon's 3YO colt Malvern Hill had the advantage of a firm track, but he had some of the stiffest competition in the history of the race, and that is undoubtedly what pushed him to do what no other horse had done. He ran the race in under 2:25. The previous record holder, Braveheart, had come close, but A Bus hadn't done it, nor Smart Money, nor Thunder Arctic, nor Malvern Hill's sire, Memcay.

But here is the important part: Malvern Hill was not alone in the 2010 Arc in setting a new race record. Each of the top three finishers broke the 2:25.02 race record set by Braveheart three years earlier.

Malvern Hill won in 2:24.41.

Color of Fame finished second in 2:24.52.

Jenny's My Gal finished third in 2:24.59.

Obviously, these are three outstanding horses, and while Malvern Hill was the best of the three in Paris, he is clearly not the best of the three everywhere.

The BC Turf was an important race in clarifying what looks like a developing story for PF racing fans. With Color of Fame's victory in the BC Turf, each of these three horses has now beaten each of the other two. Jenny's My Gal had beaten Color of Fame in each of their three meetings, but the Chicknsmack colt was, for the first time, the better horse when they met in the BC. Malvern Hill had bested JMG in their only previous meeting -- the Arc -- but Foxie's horse was better at Churchill Downs. Color of Fame and Malvern Hill have met 6 times, and the record stands at 3-3 for each.

So, racing fans, it appears we might have a rivalry among three elite turfers. Jenny's My Gal is arguably the most dominant horse in PF history. He was downright unbeatable for almost a year and a half and won 16 consecutive starts. He stands 5th on the all-time earnings list, and throughout the season the talk was that he was a shoe-in to earn the $6 million or so he needed to pass A Bus as the all-time top earner. He could still very well do it, and he probably will, but if these two colts -- Color of Fame and Malvern Hill -- continue to run at four as they have at three, the undeniably great Jenny's My Gal will have to work harder at five than he did at three and four to reach the top of the pyramid.

I don't know about you, but I can hardly wait to see who lines up in the Hong Kong Vase.

Regal Son Reigns in 2010 Classic

Fourteen runners, the largest field in race history, went to post in the 2010 Breeders Cup Classic at Churchill Downs in Kentucky. The very strong field of 14 included defending champion 4YO Hold That Train and Preakness champ Razer Boomslang, both running for Pointgiven Stables, Kentucky Derby winner New Tower from Goforwand Stable, Jockey Club Gold Cup winner Mystic River, Belmont Stakes and Haskell Invitational winner Cajun Flash and the white hot 3YO colt Regal Son, who had won two races in a row and four of his last five, all G1s, including the Visa Travers and the Super Derby. Bonai Farms's colt Cajun Flash was the favorite at 3:1 with Regal Son, bred and owned by Snowbank Farm (Majestic Son out of Demoness), second favorite at 9:2.

The track was fast as Regal Son broke first while the favorite, Cajun Flash quickly found himself deep in the pack and 7 wide. Regal Son set the pace, just ahead of Venezia and Hold That Train. Through the first turn, New Tower moved up to pressure the leader and the two put almost 5 lenths between them and the pack. As New Tower faltered in the backstretch, Cajun Flash moved hard on the outhside and took the lead at the 6-furlong mark (1:09.60). Cajun Flash held the lead through the turn and clocked a 1:33.83 mile. He led by one length over Regal Son and five over Mystic River, but the Bonai colt had run hard in closing the gap, and Regal Son was ready to respond. He moved swiftly to the outside, shifted gears and in 12 strides went from a length behind to a length ahead.

With 220 yards to the wire, he had a three-length lead. He cut the throttle and he and his jock were content to watch what was happening behind them. Mystic River and Hold That Train were closing hard, but the grandson of Secretariat had the race well in hand. He went home a winner by 2 1/2 lengths over the 5YO mare Mystic River.

Notes: Regal Son carried 122 lbs, one less than Mystic River and 4 fewer than Hold That Train...Hold That Train broke from gate one and never budged from the rail. He held his position beuatifully through the final turn and found a clear route along the fence all the way down the stretch. Hold That Train was seeking to become only the second repeat winner of the race. Thunder Arctic is the only two-time winner and the only older horse to win the Classic...Favorite Cajun Flash finished 9th...Razer Boomslang was running fifth in the stretch but never fired; he came in with an ESN of 1339... The entry of Hold That Train and Razer Boomslang finished 3rd and 4th and earned $600,000 for Pointgiven Stables. Razer Boomslang was winless since the Preakness Stakes despite posting high speed figures. Regal Son's speed on dirt is exceptional. Earlier this summer he set a world record for 11 furlongs (2:12.01) in the Prince of Wales Stakes at Fort Erie...Last Finisher: Ottoman Empire 3yo Colt Spartan Racing Stables.

Two More Puzzlers to Go

I have to apologize to you regular players because I have failed to make this contest unimpeachably fair. I have received some complaints, and that means I have screwed up. I am sorry.

I do not want to be unfair and I do want to give everybody the chance to win. I have thrown a curveball now and again, but if some of you handle the curve then I know it was not unhittable or unfair. To be honest, when I throw nothing but fastballs down the middle, you guys have hit everything out of the park. Not much of a contest. So I have tried some less-than-straightforward questions. Remember, it's not like I am charging you to play.

Also, I have been vague about prizes. I have mentioned free breedings and a free foal or yearling. I have asked for suggestions, but have received no replies. So here are the three prizes I will offer:

1. Free breedings to Stonewall Stallions (one slot reserved to Memcay)
2. Choice of one of my yearlings or foals (select list was published earlier)
3. $250,000 in cash.

Who wins? If you finish with the most points in the contest, you get first pick of the above prizes. If you finish with the second-most points, you get second pick, etc.
So, here are the standings:

Zoe, Elite Thoroughbreds - 74
Karen, Oak Tree - 70
DJ, Under the Weeping Moon - 51
Crista, Rivendell - 40
Chris, Smokey's Stable - 34
Jamie, Sunset Ranch - 24
Amanda, Bally Doyle - 19
Chelsey, Hopeful Farm - 19

In past puzzlers, I have asked just a few questions, with some of them worth big points. As we approach the end of the contest, I am doing things a little differently. I will ask more questions which will be worth fewer points with just one question worth big points. This might help some players catch up, and it will eliminate small leads. It will also favor the researchers who are hard workers. Remember that every correct answer gives you points. Wrong answers and non answers do not cost you. So guess.

History Puzzler #4
This real-life bay mare was one of the great female runners in racing history. She won G1 races in all three countries in which she raced, defeating males in elite open-division races. In all, she won 13 G1 contests at distances of 6, 7, 7.5, 8, and 10+ furlongs. She is a broodmare in the country of her birth. She earned her greatest fame in a neighboring country. In real life, this mare has produced 4 foals. In Photo Finish, this list mare has produced 10 foals, the best two of which have a combined record of 57-24-20-5 $11,717,750 as of April 18, 2008, winning on dirt and turf.

Questions:
The name of this mare is? (5 points)
Her native country is? (5 points)

The name of this mare's first real-life foal is? (5 points)
The sex of this mare's first real-life foal is? (5 points)

The name of this mare's second real-life foal is? (5 points)
The sex of this mare's second real-life foal is? (5 points)

The sex of this mare's fourth real-life foal is? (5 points)

In real life, this mare has been covered by three stallions as of December 2007? Their names are: (5 points each)

The name of this mare's first PF foal is? (10 points)

The name of this mare's top-earning PF offspring is? (10 points)

G1 races won by this mare's top-earning offspring. (2 points each)

Have fun. Emails will be accepted until 12 noon, April 26, game time.