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G City Gal Looking Strong for Endine Stakes
30 Aug 2007
news.bloodhorse.com
The Blood-Horse Magazine
September 4, 2007 It looks to be G City Gal's time for victory as she tops a field of seven in the Sept. 8 Endine Stakes (gr. III) for fillies and mares at Delaware Park. Though she has yet to notch her first black-type score, the 4-year-old daughter of Elusive Quality has hit the board in eight stakes on the East Coast circuit the last two years. In her most recent effort, G City Gal, owned by Jeffrey Cooper and Johno Kabbendijan's Circle C Group Stables, ran third in the Honorable Miss Stakes (gr. II) at Saratoga Aug. 3. Under the care of Eclipse Award-winning trainer Todd Pletcher, the Kentucky-bred also ran third in the Princess Rooney Stakes (gr. I) at Calder Race Course July 7. G City Gal finished in the money in six stakes last year, including the Azalea Breeders' Cup Stakes at Calder, Victory Ride Stakes at Saratoga, Safely Kept Breeders' Cup Stakes at Laurel Park, and Adena Stallions' Miss Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course (all gr. III). The bay filly sports a career record of 3-4-4 from 12 starts, with earnings of $282,393. Sure to provide some competition for G City Gal are grade III victors Silmaril and Sheets. By far the most seasoned runner in the field with 32 starts under her girth, 6-year-old Silmaril won the 2005 Pimlico Breeders' Cup Distaff (gr. III), while Sheets took the July 7 Azalea Breeders' Cup Stakes at Calder. Christopher Grove trains Silmaril, while Thomas Smith will saddle Sheets for the Endine. Rounding out the field are stakes winners Sugar Swirl, Akronism, and Ticket to Seattle; and stakes-placed Cajun Mistress. Endine Handicap (gr. III), $200,000, Sept. 8, fillies and mares, 3-years-old and up, six furlongs, approx. post 3:54 p.m. EDT PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey, ML Odds
1. Sugar Swirl, 121, TBA, 5-2
2. Akronism, 117, Stewart Elliott, 6-1
3. Ticket to Seattle, 117, Kendrick Carmouche, 8-1
4. G City Gal, 117, Ramon Dominguez, 9-5
5. Cajun Mistress, 117, Carlos Marquez, Jr.
6. Silmaril, 121, Jeremy Rose, 8-1
7. Sheets, 119, Eddie Castro, 7-2
news.bloodhorse.com
The Blood-Horse Magazine
September 4, 2007 It looks to be G City Gal's time for victory as she tops a field of seven in the Sept. 8 Endine Stakes (gr. III) for fillies and mares at Delaware Park. Though she has yet to notch her first black-type score, the 4-year-old daughter of Elusive Quality has hit the board in eight stakes on the East Coast circuit the last two years. In her most recent effort, G City Gal, owned by Jeffrey Cooper and Johno Kabbendijan's Circle C Group Stables, ran third in the Honorable Miss Stakes (gr. II) at Saratoga Aug. 3. Under the care of Eclipse Award-winning trainer Todd Pletcher, the Kentucky-bred also ran third in the Princess Rooney Stakes (gr. I) at Calder Race Course July 7. G City Gal finished in the money in six stakes last year, including the Azalea Breeders' Cup Stakes at Calder, Victory Ride Stakes at Saratoga, Safely Kept Breeders' Cup Stakes at Laurel Park, and Adena Stallions' Miss Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course (all gr. III). The bay filly sports a career record of 3-4-4 from 12 starts, with earnings of $282,393. Sure to provide some competition for G City Gal are grade III victors Silmaril and Sheets. By far the most seasoned runner in the field with 32 starts under her girth, 6-year-old Silmaril won the 2005 Pimlico Breeders' Cup Distaff (gr. III), while Sheets took the July 7 Azalea Breeders' Cup Stakes at Calder. Christopher Grove trains Silmaril, while Thomas Smith will saddle Sheets for the Endine. Rounding out the field are stakes winners Sugar Swirl, Akronism, and Ticket to Seattle; and stakes-placed Cajun Mistress. Endine Handicap (gr. III), $200,000, Sept. 8, fillies and mares, 3-years-old and up, six furlongs, approx. post 3:54 p.m. EDT PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey, ML Odds
1. Sugar Swirl, 121, TBA, 5-2
2. Akronism, 117, Stewart Elliott, 6-1
3. Ticket to Seattle, 117, Kendrick Carmouche, 8-1
4. G City Gal, 117, Ramon Dominguez, 9-5
5. Cajun Mistress, 117, Carlos Marquez, Jr.
6. Silmaril, 121, Jeremy Rose, 8-1
7. Sheets, 119, Eddie Castro, 7-2
Derby dreams come true
3 Sep 2006
Chad Morelli
Collinsville Herald
August 30, 2006 If this is the future of horse racing at Fairmount Park, Bryan Rey is already looking forward to next year. "It's an even bigger thrill than I had imagined," Rey said. "There's 10,000 people screaming their heads off so that a horse will run faster." For Rey, a 34-year-old Collinsville resident, Saturday's St. Louis Derby served as his first night at the racetrack. Though Fairmount Park announced the paid attendance at 7,848, many longtime patrons of the track estimated the crowd to be closer to 10,000 for the inaugural running of the derby. The race accomplished everything that track officials hoped it would. The impressive field of horses attracted new fans, raised the profile of Fairmount Park and gave local horse racing handicappers an incredible night of racing. The $250,000 purse was the biggest in the history of the track. In the end, it was 4-5 favorite Lawyer Ron running away with the race. He edged out second-place finisher Smokeyjonessutton, beating him by nearly a full length and claiming a $150,000 prize. Smokeyjonessutton picked up $50,000 and third-place finisher Lewis Michael claimed $25,000. The remainder of the purse was divvied up between the horses in fourth- through 12th place. Lawyer Ron, a horse that began the year with hopes of competing for the Triple Crown, ran a disastrous race at the Kentucky Derby in April and finished 12th in the nationally televised event. His trainers later found bone chips in his right hind ankle. Surgery followed, with the horse spending nearly three months in rehab before entering the St. Louis Derby. "It's weird -- no one likes lawyers, but we all seem to like (Lawyer Ron)," Rey said. "That story of having high expectations, then failing, then coming back; it's all pretty amazing." Lawyer Ron's story brought in thousands of fans at Fairmount. Many said they hope the horse will compete in the Breeder's Cup Classic at Churchill Downs in Kentucky on Nov. 4, one of the premier horse races in the nation. Winning at the St. Louis Derby was the first step on the path toward the Breeder's Cup. "A lot of us out here are pulling for him," Rey said. "He seems like a great horse." For Fairmount Park, the St. Louis Derby could be the first step on the path to a racing renaissance. Many of those in attendance said they enjoyed the bright lights and national attention the race brought to the track. In an era where riverboat casinos have caused Fairmount Park to lose weekly attendance and reduce purse sizes, the St. Louis Derby finally found a way to bring back the casual fans. "On a Saturday night, this is tough to beat," said Edwardsville resident Joseph Shores. "I'm not all that big on horse racing, but this is pretty exciting." Track officials hope the trend will continue. Derby organizers are already planning a similar event for next year, hoping to attract more sponsors and possibly even offer a bigger purse. The first running of the St. Louis Derby did come with a few flaws, at least according to many of the seasoned horse racing fans. Some complained of long lines at the concession stands and betting windows. Others said the facility should have done a better job with parking, as many fans were forced to park in remote areas half a mile from the track. Additionally, some fans said they were unable to get racing forms, after many of the booths at the track were sold out. It was a similar story with souvenir T-shirts. "This many people around, I'm sure they're scrambling to keep everyone happy," said Collinsville resident David Flocht. "But we've got beer and horse racing. Life is good."
Chad Morelli
Collinsville Herald
August 30, 2006 If this is the future of horse racing at Fairmount Park, Bryan Rey is already looking forward to next year. "It's an even bigger thrill than I had imagined," Rey said. "There's 10,000 people screaming their heads off so that a horse will run faster." For Rey, a 34-year-old Collinsville resident, Saturday's St. Louis Derby served as his first night at the racetrack. Though Fairmount Park announced the paid attendance at 7,848, many longtime patrons of the track estimated the crowd to be closer to 10,000 for the inaugural running of the derby. The race accomplished everything that track officials hoped it would. The impressive field of horses attracted new fans, raised the profile of Fairmount Park and gave local horse racing handicappers an incredible night of racing. The $250,000 purse was the biggest in the history of the track. In the end, it was 4-5 favorite Lawyer Ron running away with the race. He edged out second-place finisher Smokeyjonessutton, beating him by nearly a full length and claiming a $150,000 prize. Smokeyjonessutton picked up $50,000 and third-place finisher Lewis Michael claimed $25,000. The remainder of the purse was divvied up between the horses in fourth- through 12th place. Lawyer Ron, a horse that began the year with hopes of competing for the Triple Crown, ran a disastrous race at the Kentucky Derby in April and finished 12th in the nationally televised event. His trainers later found bone chips in his right hind ankle. Surgery followed, with the horse spending nearly three months in rehab before entering the St. Louis Derby. "It's weird -- no one likes lawyers, but we all seem to like (Lawyer Ron)," Rey said. "That story of having high expectations, then failing, then coming back; it's all pretty amazing." Lawyer Ron's story brought in thousands of fans at Fairmount. Many said they hope the horse will compete in the Breeder's Cup Classic at Churchill Downs in Kentucky on Nov. 4, one of the premier horse races in the nation. Winning at the St. Louis Derby was the first step on the path toward the Breeder's Cup. "A lot of us out here are pulling for him," Rey said. "He seems like a great horse." For Fairmount Park, the St. Louis Derby could be the first step on the path to a racing renaissance. Many of those in attendance said they enjoyed the bright lights and national attention the race brought to the track. In an era where riverboat casinos have caused Fairmount Park to lose weekly attendance and reduce purse sizes, the St. Louis Derby finally found a way to bring back the casual fans. "On a Saturday night, this is tough to beat," said Edwardsville resident Joseph Shores. "I'm not all that big on horse racing, but this is pretty exciting." Track officials hope the trend will continue. Derby organizers are already planning a similar event for next year, hoping to attract more sponsors and possibly even offer a bigger purse. The first running of the St. Louis Derby did come with a few flaws, at least according to many of the seasoned horse racing fans. Some complained of long lines at the concession stands and betting windows. Others said the facility should have done a better job with parking, as many fans were forced to park in remote areas half a mile from the track. Additionally, some fans said they were unable to get racing forms, after many of the booths at the track were sold out. It was a similar story with souvenir T-shirts. "This many people around, I'm sure they're scrambling to keep everyone happy," said Collinsville resident David Flocht. "But we've got beer and horse racing. Life is good."
St. Louis Derby puts Fairmount in winner's circle
30 Aug 2006
Bernie Miklasz
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
August 27, 2006
Long before Lawyer Ron swept magnificently through the stretch late Saturday
night to certify his betting favorite's status, the first St. Louis Derby
offered the biggest day or night of racing at Fairmount Park that anyone could
remember. Oh, there had been swell days before. The Collinsville track opened in 1926,
and on the first day of live racing the gents and the ladies arrived by trolley
and wore the finest clothes and sipped sweet summer drinks and gave the place
an aristocratic mien. But many decades later, the gambling boats and state lotteries came along to
provide instant-gratification thrills for those lacking the enthusiasm to study
the Daily Racing Form. Why challenge your brain to handicap a field of 10
horses when it's simpler to pull a lever on a slot machine? It's impossible to completely restore the glory days of Fairmount Park. But for
one night, anyway, Fairmount Park was back. The place to be. The best show in
town. The best party around. We saw, again, what horse racing can be if enough
people think of innovative ways to give the fans a reason to visit. By all accounts, and certainly by appearance, the inaugural St. Louis Derby was
a hit. Attorney Jeff Cooper of Circle C Stables, who put up most of the
$250,000 prize money to initiate this event, was ecstatic. "I've been coming to this track for so many years," said Cooper, 37. "And I've
never seen anything like this. Everyone is having such a good time. It's a huge
success." The parking lots filled up early, and overflow lots were set up on adjoining
properties. Some track patrons parked under the I-255 overpass and walked a
mile to the facility. The seats in the Black Stallion Room, the First Turn Cafe
and the Trackside Pavilion were sold out in advance. The grandstand was jammed. Along the rail, fans stood seven deep to get a look.
At times the 81-year-old facility was overwhelmed; there were long lines at the
betting windows, and nearly impossible lines at the concession stands. Racing
programs and forms sold out; the Fairmount Park print shop had to crank out
hundreds of additional copies. Fairmount Park gave an official turnstile count of 7,848 paid fans, which seems
awfully low to me. Surely there were at least 10,000 fans on the grounds. Cooper called it "an unbelievable home run" for Fairmount Park, and that's no
hype. Cooper hosted a party in the infield for about 350 friends and
associates. This makeshift setting had all the social amenities, plus mutuel
windows. Cooper considered it a trial run for future St. Louis Derbies. He
envisions an all-day infield festival, with bands, picnics, revelry and kids
running around. It would be the kind of frolicking scene that's associated with
Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day -- but on a lower scale, of course. And why not? It's refreshing to see Fairmount Park go big, and think big. One minus: The Derby didn't go off until 11:09 p.m., and Cooper agrees an earlier start would attract more families and serve to maximize media coverage. He'd like to have an earlier starting time next year, setting up the feature race for an 8 p.m. post time. Lawyer Ron was certainly ready for his late-night call to the post. Calm in the paddock, and even calmer in the opening half-mile, Lawyer Ron waited until the early speed began to tire. And when jockey John McKee asked the 4-5 favorite to make his move as the 10-horse field approached the final turn, the big boy responded, going from sixth place to second in about one furlong. With McKee wearing silks with yellow sleeves, Lawyer Ron looked like a big yellow taxi wooshing by Lewis Michael at the top of the stretch. Smokeyjonessutton closed gamely, but this Lawyer wasn't about to rest his case. McKee had plenty of horse left at the end, winning by three-quarters of a length. Lawyer Ron won a prestigious race. But the biggest winner was old Fairmount Park, which experienced a wonderful flashback to a more pleasant and prosperous moment in time.
Bernie Miklasz
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
August 27, 2006
Long before Lawyer Ron swept magnificently through the stretch late Saturday
night to certify his betting favorite's status, the first St. Louis Derby
offered the biggest day or night of racing at Fairmount Park that anyone could
remember. Oh, there had been swell days before. The Collinsville track opened in 1926,
and on the first day of live racing the gents and the ladies arrived by trolley
and wore the finest clothes and sipped sweet summer drinks and gave the place
an aristocratic mien. But many decades later, the gambling boats and state lotteries came along to
provide instant-gratification thrills for those lacking the enthusiasm to study
the Daily Racing Form. Why challenge your brain to handicap a field of 10
horses when it's simpler to pull a lever on a slot machine? It's impossible to completely restore the glory days of Fairmount Park. But for
one night, anyway, Fairmount Park was back. The place to be. The best show in
town. The best party around. We saw, again, what horse racing can be if enough
people think of innovative ways to give the fans a reason to visit. By all accounts, and certainly by appearance, the inaugural St. Louis Derby was
a hit. Attorney Jeff Cooper of Circle C Stables, who put up most of the
$250,000 prize money to initiate this event, was ecstatic. "I've been coming to this track for so many years," said Cooper, 37. "And I've
never seen anything like this. Everyone is having such a good time. It's a huge
success." The parking lots filled up early, and overflow lots were set up on adjoining
properties. Some track patrons parked under the I-255 overpass and walked a
mile to the facility. The seats in the Black Stallion Room, the First Turn Cafe
and the Trackside Pavilion were sold out in advance. The grandstand was jammed. Along the rail, fans stood seven deep to get a look.
At times the 81-year-old facility was overwhelmed; there were long lines at the
betting windows, and nearly impossible lines at the concession stands. Racing
programs and forms sold out; the Fairmount Park print shop had to crank out
hundreds of additional copies. Fairmount Park gave an official turnstile count of 7,848 paid fans, which seems
awfully low to me. Surely there were at least 10,000 fans on the grounds. Cooper called it "an unbelievable home run" for Fairmount Park, and that's no
hype. Cooper hosted a party in the infield for about 350 friends and
associates. This makeshift setting had all the social amenities, plus mutuel
windows. Cooper considered it a trial run for future St. Louis Derbies. He
envisions an all-day infield festival, with bands, picnics, revelry and kids
running around. It would be the kind of frolicking scene that's associated with
Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day -- but on a lower scale, of course. And why not? It's refreshing to see Fairmount Park go big, and think big. One minus: The Derby didn't go off until 11:09 p.m., and Cooper agrees an earlier start would attract more families and serve to maximize media coverage. He'd like to have an earlier starting time next year, setting up the feature race for an 8 p.m. post time. Lawyer Ron was certainly ready for his late-night call to the post. Calm in the paddock, and even calmer in the opening half-mile, Lawyer Ron waited until the early speed began to tire. And when jockey John McKee asked the 4-5 favorite to make his move as the 10-horse field approached the final turn, the big boy responded, going from sixth place to second in about one furlong. With McKee wearing silks with yellow sleeves, Lawyer Ron looked like a big yellow taxi wooshing by Lewis Michael at the top of the stretch. Smokeyjonessutton closed gamely, but this Lawyer wasn't about to rest his case. McKee had plenty of horse left at the end, winning by three-quarters of a length. Lawyer Ron won a prestigious race. But the biggest winner was old Fairmount Park, which experienced a wonderful flashback to a more pleasant and prosperous moment in time.
'Regular guy' has become a big player in local sports
25 Aug 2006
Bernie Miklasz
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
August 24, 2006
Life is good for Jeff Cooper. He's 37. He's worth a lot of money -- well, a fortune -- thanks to an extremely successful law practice. And Cooper is emerging as a serious player on the St. Louis sports scene. He's worth watching, now, and in the future, because he will make things happen. So what is Cooper doing with his cash and his love of sports? Not knowing the guy, you probably would think, "Mark Cuban," or another big-ego personality who craves attention. A jerk who flaunts his wealth, demands preferential treatment, and travels with an obnoxious entourage.
And you would be wrong. Just try to get the publicity-shy Cooper on the phone or get him to brag about his money or status. Cooper completely shatters any preconceived notions about him.
"He's just a regular guy, a wonderful, low-key fellow," said Jay Randolph Sr., the respected St. Louis sportscaster who has come to know Cooper through a mutual fondness for horse racing. "He grew up in Granite City, and money hasn't changed him. He still hangs out with the guys he grew up with. He's happy to hang out at the race track, just being with his pals."
That track would be Fairmount Park in Collinsville, which has seen better days and, hopefully, better days are ahead. No, Fairmount Park isn't Santa Anita, or Arlington Park. But it's our track, and as a horse racing fan, I love it and want to see it thrive.
In that context, I give major props to Cooper for what he's doing. With all of his millions, Cooper isn't trying to buy the Rams or the Cardinals. He isn't trying to bring an NBA team to St. Louis. There are no grandstand moves in his playbook.
Sheesh, Cooper's even leading the effort to bring a Major League Soccer expansion franchise to St. Louis and hopes to soon finalize a stadium deal to make it possible. Cooper laughs and acknowledges that investing in pro soccer and horse racing makes him something of a "Don Quixote figure." Those sports aren't exactly on the nation's cultural hot list.
But Cooper is following his heart. He played soccer at Granite City High and DePaul University and believes in the sport's future. He has a sentimental attachment to Fairmount Park and deems it worthy of support.
Cooper worries about the people who make their living at the track, or in related businesses that depend on the facility. And he wanted to do something about it.
So Cooper put up most of the $250,000 purse for Saturday's inaugural St. Louis Derby, a prestigious race for 3-year-olds that has attracted top horses -- including Lawyer Ron and Lewis Michael -- trainers and jockeys. It's a terrific event for local horse racing enthusiasts.
Cooper gave Fairmount Park this gift as an appreciation for all of the pleasant days he has had at the track as a fan, a bettor, and also as a thoroughbred owner through his Circle C Stables. And this isn't a one-year splash; Cooper plans to fund the St. Louis Derby each year to turn the race into an annual "institution" on the St. Louis sports calendar.
"It's just our way to say thanks to the track and the fans," Cooper said. "As a teenager, I used to hitchhike to Fairmount Park with my buddies. At 18, I started betting $2 a race. It's been a part of my life. Just being around the track so many years, I've seen so many fantastic people who work their tails off every day. It's not easy to make a living. You have to be really dedicated.
"So, hopefully, this will bring some income to the track. And it will raise Fairmount Park's profile. We can show what it's possible to do at Fairmount Park if we have the purse money. We want the (Illinois) politicians to take notice and realize Fairmount Park can be special if enough people give it a chance."
Cynics would suggest that it's a losing proposition, to take a chance on horse racing and pro soccer. But I'll wager on Cooper. He's a winner.
Bernie Miklasz
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
August 24, 2006
Life is good for Jeff Cooper. He's 37. He's worth a lot of money -- well, a fortune -- thanks to an extremely successful law practice. And Cooper is emerging as a serious player on the St. Louis sports scene. He's worth watching, now, and in the future, because he will make things happen. So what is Cooper doing with his cash and his love of sports? Not knowing the guy, you probably would think, "Mark Cuban," or another big-ego personality who craves attention. A jerk who flaunts his wealth, demands preferential treatment, and travels with an obnoxious entourage.
And you would be wrong. Just try to get the publicity-shy Cooper on the phone or get him to brag about his money or status. Cooper completely shatters any preconceived notions about him.
"He's just a regular guy, a wonderful, low-key fellow," said Jay Randolph Sr., the respected St. Louis sportscaster who has come to know Cooper through a mutual fondness for horse racing. "He grew up in Granite City, and money hasn't changed him. He still hangs out with the guys he grew up with. He's happy to hang out at the race track, just being with his pals."
That track would be Fairmount Park in Collinsville, which has seen better days and, hopefully, better days are ahead. No, Fairmount Park isn't Santa Anita, or Arlington Park. But it's our track, and as a horse racing fan, I love it and want to see it thrive.
In that context, I give major props to Cooper for what he's doing. With all of his millions, Cooper isn't trying to buy the Rams or the Cardinals. He isn't trying to bring an NBA team to St. Louis. There are no grandstand moves in his playbook.
Sheesh, Cooper's even leading the effort to bring a Major League Soccer expansion franchise to St. Louis and hopes to soon finalize a stadium deal to make it possible. Cooper laughs and acknowledges that investing in pro soccer and horse racing makes him something of a "Don Quixote figure." Those sports aren't exactly on the nation's cultural hot list.
But Cooper is following his heart. He played soccer at Granite City High and DePaul University and believes in the sport's future. He has a sentimental attachment to Fairmount Park and deems it worthy of support.
Cooper worries about the people who make their living at the track, or in related businesses that depend on the facility. And he wanted to do something about it.
So Cooper put up most of the $250,000 purse for Saturday's inaugural St. Louis Derby, a prestigious race for 3-year-olds that has attracted top horses -- including Lawyer Ron and Lewis Michael -- trainers and jockeys. It's a terrific event for local horse racing enthusiasts.
Cooper gave Fairmount Park this gift as an appreciation for all of the pleasant days he has had at the track as a fan, a bettor, and also as a thoroughbred owner through his Circle C Stables. And this isn't a one-year splash; Cooper plans to fund the St. Louis Derby each year to turn the race into an annual "institution" on the St. Louis sports calendar.
"It's just our way to say thanks to the track and the fans," Cooper said. "As a teenager, I used to hitchhike to Fairmount Park with my buddies. At 18, I started betting $2 a race. It's been a part of my life. Just being around the track so many years, I've seen so many fantastic people who work their tails off every day. It's not easy to make a living. You have to be really dedicated.
"So, hopefully, this will bring some income to the track. And it will raise Fairmount Park's profile. We can show what it's possible to do at Fairmount Park if we have the purse money. We want the (Illinois) politicians to take notice and realize Fairmount Park can be special if enough people give it a chance."
Cynics would suggest that it's a losing proposition, to take a chance on horse racing and pro soccer. But I'll wager on Cooper. He's a winner.
Ex Caelis Featured at Kentuckyoaks.com
1 May 2006
Ex Caelis Takes Fourth by a Nose
Ex Caelis Takes Fourth by a Nose
30 Oct 2005
NEW YORK – Ex Caelis was just six horse lengths short of heaven Saturday.
2-year-old filly, Ex Caelis, ran in the 22nd Annual Breeders Cup Alberto VO5 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies race for a $1 million purse. Ex Caelis ran a strong race but finished fourth, just six lengths behind winner Folklore.
"We almost got third," owner Jeff Cooper said in at Belmont Park shortly after the race. "She ran really well."
Cooper and his partner, Jean Kabbendjian, formed Circle C Stables, based in East Alton, a little more than two years ago. The lifelong friends bought the daughter of 2000 Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus for $460,000 at a yearling sale in Kentucky last year. They named her Ex Caelis (pronounced Ex Kay-liss), which is Latin for "from the heavens."
The Breeders' Cup race was only the fifth start of Ex Caelis' career. She had finished in the money in each of her first four starts, including one win, two places and a show.
Ex Caelis very nearly cracked the top three in the Juvenile Fillies race, which covered 1 1/16 miles. The official chart of the race described her performance: "Ex Caelis in tight at the start, moved up from the outside, raced between horses for a half, angled out on the turn, advanced five wide into the stretch, made a run to threaten in upper stretch but couldn’t sustain her bid."
The chart also noted that Ex Caelis, ridden by Rafael Bejarano, was "bumped after start," finishing six lengths behind the winner and just a head behind the third-place finisher, Original Spin. Wild Fit was the runner-up.
"She got bumped at the start, then she ran a longer race than everybody else and got caught wide," Cooper said. "It's a tough thing to swallow.
"She's a better horse than Original Spin, who stuck her nose down ahead of us to get third," he said. "As we get further into this thing, we’ll see Original Spin next year, and she’ll see our behind next year instead of us seeing her behind."
Ex Caelis was trained for the race by Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, who also trained Folklore, which won as the favorite to earn the winner’s share of $551,200.
"We’re very happy for (Lukas)," Cooper said. "Folklore and Ex Caelis have been training together for quite a while. We knew that Folklore was going to be the main competition. She’s a fantastic horse. We're very happy for Wayne and for Folklore’s owners."
Although slightly disappointed, Cooper said the race was one that Ex Caelis could build on for the future.
"Like Wayne said after the race, she ran a fantastic race, and she's going to be a better 3-year-old," Cooper said. "He pointed back at the winner's circle and said, "She'll be right there next year."
"Finishing six lengths back in a Grade 1 stakes race, we look at that as a huge step for her."
Cooper said the partners now plan to give Ex Caelis, who earned $60,420 for her fourth-place finish,
NEW YORK – Ex Caelis was just six horse lengths short of heaven Saturday.
2-year-old filly, Ex Caelis, ran in the 22nd Annual Breeders Cup Alberto VO5 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies race for a $1 million purse. Ex Caelis ran a strong race but finished fourth, just six lengths behind winner Folklore.
"We almost got third," owner Jeff Cooper said in at Belmont Park shortly after the race. "She ran really well."
Cooper and his partner, Jean Kabbendjian, formed Circle C Stables, based in East Alton, a little more than two years ago. The lifelong friends bought the daughter of 2000 Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus for $460,000 at a yearling sale in Kentucky last year. They named her Ex Caelis (pronounced Ex Kay-liss), which is Latin for "from the heavens."
The Breeders' Cup race was only the fifth start of Ex Caelis' career. She had finished in the money in each of her first four starts, including one win, two places and a show.
Ex Caelis very nearly cracked the top three in the Juvenile Fillies race, which covered 1 1/16 miles. The official chart of the race described her performance: "Ex Caelis in tight at the start, moved up from the outside, raced between horses for a half, angled out on the turn, advanced five wide into the stretch, made a run to threaten in upper stretch but couldn’t sustain her bid."
The chart also noted that Ex Caelis, ridden by Rafael Bejarano, was "bumped after start," finishing six lengths behind the winner and just a head behind the third-place finisher, Original Spin. Wild Fit was the runner-up.
"She got bumped at the start, then she ran a longer race than everybody else and got caught wide," Cooper said. "It's a tough thing to swallow.
"She's a better horse than Original Spin, who stuck her nose down ahead of us to get third," he said. "As we get further into this thing, we’ll see Original Spin next year, and she’ll see our behind next year instead of us seeing her behind."
Ex Caelis was trained for the race by Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, who also trained Folklore, which won as the favorite to earn the winner’s share of $551,200.
"We’re very happy for (Lukas)," Cooper said. "Folklore and Ex Caelis have been training together for quite a while. We knew that Folklore was going to be the main competition. She’s a fantastic horse. We're very happy for Wayne and for Folklore’s owners."
Although slightly disappointed, Cooper said the race was one that Ex Caelis could build on for the future.
"Like Wayne said after the race, she ran a fantastic race, and she's going to be a better 3-year-old," Cooper said. "He pointed back at the winner's circle and said, "She'll be right there next year."
"Finishing six lengths back in a Grade 1 stakes race, we look at that as a huge step for her."
Cooper said the partners now plan to give Ex Caelis, who earned $60,420 for her fourth-place finish,
Ex Caelis races in Cirlce C's Breeders Cup Debut
24 Oct 2005
So Close...
26 May 2005
Ray's Treasure came within a nose of another victory on Thursday night at Fairmount Park. The photo finish can be seen here.
Ray's Treasure came within a nose of another victory on Thursday night at Fairmount Park. The photo finish can be seen here.
Circle C Stables owners Jeffrey Cooper and Jean Kabbendjian Make Headlines
31 Jul 2004
Jeffrey Cooper and Jean Kabbendjian, principals of Circle C Stables, made headlines this month after purchasing a yearling filly out of Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus at the Fasig-Tipton Select Yearling Sale.
Cooper and Kabbendjian were featured in the July 31 editions of The Bloodhorse and Thoroughbred Times, both highly respect publications for industry news.
Jeffrey Cooper and Jean Kabbendjian, principals of Circle C Stables, made headlines this month after purchasing a yearling filly out of Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus at the Fasig-Tipton Select Yearling Sale.
Cooper and Kabbendjian were featured in the July 31 editions of The Bloodhorse and Thoroughbred Times, both highly respect publications for industry news.
Four New Fillies From Fasig-Tipton
21 Jul 2004
Circle C Stables added four new fillies to its stable at the July Fasig-Tipton Yearling Sale held in Lexington, KY.
Among the new additions are:
Ex Caelis, by Fusaichi Pegasus, out of La Barberina
Holy Sunset, by Holy Bull, out of Westabout
G City Gal, by Elusive Quality, out of Credenza
And finally, a yet unnamed filly by Forest Wildcat, out of Close At Hand.
Circle C Stables added four new fillies to its stable at the July Fasig-Tipton Yearling Sale held in Lexington, KY.
Among the new additions are:
Ex Caelis, by Fusaichi Pegasus, out of La Barberina
Holy Sunset, by Holy Bull, out of Westabout
G City Gal, by Elusive Quality, out of Credenza
And finally, a yet unnamed filly by Forest Wildcat, out of Close At Hand.
Medlin Road Goes to Winner’s Circle at Fairmount Park
5 Jun 2004
Medlin Road came behind from 5th to win $9,600 by 3/4 of a length in a 6-furlong allowance race at Fairmount Park on Saturday. Jockey Victor Flores rode him past the finish line, This was Road’s 2nd race with the Stables.
Medlin Road came behind from 5th to win $9,600 by 3/4 of a length in a 6-furlong allowance race at Fairmount Park on Saturday. Jockey Victor Flores rode him past the finish line, This was Road’s 2nd race with the Stables.
Circle C Adds Two New Trainers to Roster
1 Jun 2004
Circle C Stables has started using two new trainers. Michael Baird is now training
Missing Jackie and La Grange at Mountaineer Park in West Virginia. In Miami,
Richard Cairdullo is training Almost Holy at Calder Race Course.
Circle C Stables has started using two new trainers. Michael Baird is now training
Missing Jackie and La Grange at Mountaineer Park in West Virginia. In Miami,
Richard Cairdullo is training Almost Holy at Calder Race Course.
Two New Two Year Olds Purchased at Timonium Sale
19 May 2004
Circle C Stables has added two new horses to the roster.
The Midlantic Two-year-Olds in Training Fasig-Tipton Sale was held in Lexington,
KY on May 18 and 19. A 2-year-old filly by El Prado, out of My Cherie, and
a 2-year-old colt by Thunder Gulch, out of Tuzia were purchased, making a total
of four two-year-olds in the stable.
The El Prado filly, who seems to fake a shin injury from time to time, has
been named Shin Feign. The Thunder Gulch colt has been named Shorty Knudtson after stable owner Jeff Cooper’s grandfather. Both horses will train
with John Kimmel in New York this summer.
Circle C Stables has added two new horses to the roster.
The Midlantic Two-year-Olds in Training Fasig-Tipton Sale was held in Lexington,
KY on May 18 and 19. A 2-year-old filly by El Prado, out of My Cherie, and
a 2-year-old colt by Thunder Gulch, out of Tuzia were purchased, making a total
of four two-year-olds in the stable.
The El Prado filly, who seems to fake a shin injury from time to time, has
been named Shin Feign. The Thunder Gulch colt has been named Shorty Knudtson after stable owner Jeff Cooper’s grandfather. Both horses will train
with John Kimmel in New York this summer.
King Knocker is ‘Ghost’ buster at Churchill
31 Oct 2003
Thoroughbred Times
The ghostly gray streaking across the finish line of the fourth race at Churchill Downs on Friday was no apparition. Indeed, the connections of King Knocker’s nine rivals might have wished they were seeing things as the son of Holy Bull put 81/2 lengths between himself and 1.30-to-1 favorite and runner-up Artistic Design in “The Gray Ghost,” a one-mile starter allowance restricted to gray or roan horses as part of the Louisville track’s Halloween festivities.
Trained by Thomas Trione for a partnership that includes Jean Kabbendjian’s Circle C Stables, King Knocker rated in sixth before taking command and leading by one length after six furlongs in 1:11.14. With Jon Court riding hands and heels, King Knocker flicked off his competitors and drew away, stopping the teletimer in 1:36.70 on a fast track. Leapshin galloped home in third, 31/2 lengths back.
King Knocker, who was bred in Kentucky by Adena Springs, has won five races and placed five times in 14 career starts in two seasons, including his runner-up finish in the Forego Handicap at Fairmount Park on September 6. The $16,120 winner’s share of the $26,000 purse on Friday raised his lifetime bankroll to $77,090.
Louie Roussel III purchased King Knocker for $37,000 from consignor Pegasus Stud, agent, at the 2000 Keeneland September yearling sale and trained and campaigned him until he was claimed this summer at Arlington Park.
Thoroughbred Times
The ghostly gray streaking across the finish line of the fourth race at Churchill Downs on Friday was no apparition. Indeed, the connections of King Knocker’s nine rivals might have wished they were seeing things as the son of Holy Bull put 81/2 lengths between himself and 1.30-to-1 favorite and runner-up Artistic Design in “The Gray Ghost,” a one-mile starter allowance restricted to gray or roan horses as part of the Louisville track’s Halloween festivities.
Trained by Thomas Trione for a partnership that includes Jean Kabbendjian’s Circle C Stables, King Knocker rated in sixth before taking command and leading by one length after six furlongs in 1:11.14. With Jon Court riding hands and heels, King Knocker flicked off his competitors and drew away, stopping the teletimer in 1:36.70 on a fast track. Leapshin galloped home in third, 31/2 lengths back.
King Knocker, who was bred in Kentucky by Adena Springs, has won five races and placed five times in 14 career starts in two seasons, including his runner-up finish in the Forego Handicap at Fairmount Park on September 6. The $16,120 winner’s share of the $26,000 purse on Friday raised his lifetime bankroll to $77,090.
Louie Roussel III purchased King Knocker for $37,000 from consignor Pegasus Stud, agent, at the 2000 Keeneland September yearling sale and trained and campaigned him until he was claimed this summer at Arlington Park.
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