Going to the Chapel, And We're.....

- Well, actually that's not exactly the case. The Head Chef and I were officially married at City Hall on Friday, which was a trip all in itself. Today's festivities will include a faux ceremony to mark and commemorate the occasion. And right around that time, Just Zip It is scheduled to go to the post as the heavy favorite in today's 7th race; she's the even money favorite in the morning line. It's a good thing to have a NY-bred who can run a little in March at the Big A. So good luck to the Castle Village partners this afternoon. I don't think I'm going to be able to make it.

Just some quick impressions on yesterday's races before I gotta go. The most startling sight of the day was that of Circular Quay not only being close up to the pace, but actually being wrangled back by Garrett Gomez. What the hell were in those blinkers anyway?? Grasshopper, and his trainer Dale Romans Neil Howard, must have been reminded of the Travers, in which he waged a similar losing battle from the inside. A fantastic race; Grasshopper battled back and I thought he was going to do it, but it was not to be. Whether it was the blinkers or a Fair Grounds track over which Circular Quay ran his last good race a year ago, we'll have to wait and see....but I doubt we'll see 6-1 on him anytime soon.

Daytona never seemed completely comfortable this time, despite setting a slower pace than he did in the Fair Grounds Handicap. He was never quite able to get away from Proudinsky and Buffalo Man. No real excuse here.

Regarding Indian Blessing, far be it from me to be telling Bob Baffert and Garrett Gomez what to do. But it seems to me that this filly's main asset is her brilliant speed. So perhaps she should just be allowed to do her own thing early rather than being restrained, thus allowing Proud Spell, a fantastic filly herself, to stay close enough to track her down in the stretch. Still, Gomez said: "If anything it was better than her last effort," and indeed, the race was faster than the Louisiana Derby which followed.

Pyro was a revelation in that race, like Circular Quay, displaying early tactical speed that we've never seen before. So much for the notion that being closer to a reasonable pace would dull his closing kick. He showed a lot of grit in bulling his way through a crowded stretch to get through and post a classy three length win; and that's invaluable experience for the 20 horse field of the Derby. Nuthin' doing for Tale of Ekati or Majestic Warrior, and I dunno, maybe this two-prep thing is not the ideal approach?

And finally for now, thanks to reader Nate for posting about the amazing story of Autism Awareness, a $1,000 yearling purchase who won the El Camino Real Derby at Bay Meadows at odds of 62-1. He was coming off his maiden graduation, in his 13th start! More on that story here and here. As for me, I gotta go. The Head Chef is giving me funny looks. Have a great day.