This is the 13th in a series of notes and impressions about the new stallions in Kentucky for 2009. The horses will be reviewed alphabetically.

Lewis Michael (2003 bay by Rahy out of Justenuffheart, by Broad Brush)

Stands at Three Chimneys Farm for $12,500 live foal

Lewis Michael and his sister, champion Dreaming of Anna, are sterling examples of the uncertainties of genetic transmission. The horse is a bay, the mare a chestnut. He is a lengthy horse standing 16 hands, and she is petite and feminine.

Lewis Michael has more of his broodmare sire, Broad Brush, in his makeup, and Dreaming of Anna is a model Rahy.

The common denominator is that both were high-class racehorses. A stakes winner at 2 who became a graded winner at 4, Lewis Michael showed speed and toughness.

He is leggier than one might expect from a Rahy, therefore taller. With a very good hindquarter and shoulder, Lewis Michael had power and maneuverability.

Magna Graduate (2002 dark brown by Honor Grades out of Peacock Alley, by Fast Play)

Stands at Darby Dan Farm for $5,000 live foal

An admirable servant and consistent performer, Magna Graduate is a neatly made, medium-sized horse with good balance. He has good feet and sturdy limbs.

In type, he has much in common with broodmare sire Fast Play and is a tidy and well-balanced athlete.

Magna Graduate should be suitable to many mares, and mares of quality, more so than others, would do him good.

Although not a massive horse, nor one with towering height, Magna Graduate possesses a balance of qualities that made him an effective racehorse, and if mated carefully, he should be able to sire athletes with the potential to win for their owners and maintain his place at stud.

I’m back to offer a couple of observations on the opening day at Keeneland, which features the $500,000 Alcibiades S. (G1) for two-year-old fillies and the $400,000 First Lady S. (G1) for fillies and mares at one mile on the turf.

Mani Bhavan, the undefeated winner of the Spinaway S. (G1) and Adirondack S. (G2) at Saratoga, stands out over an unaccomplished field in the 1 1/16-mile Alcibiades. The Steve Klesaris pupil has worked well over the synthetic track at Fair Hill in preparation for her two-turn and synthetic track debut in the Alcibiades, but as the 7-5 morning line favorite, she will not offer much value.

Going forward, I believe Mani Bhavan will be a major player in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) at Santa Anita three weeks hence.

I have been in love with Dreaming of Anna ever since she began racing, and she is, without doubt, my top selection in the First Lady. This outstanding filly has exceptional speed and class, and she should put those qualities on display once again this afternoon.

My spot play on the opening-day card is Spring Honour, a $10,000 claimer in the 5TH race. The Michael Pino trainee brings good form into this event, and should offer attractive odds after drawing the far outside post in the 1 1/16-mile event. I plan on keying him in both the early Pick 4 and over all others in the Trifecta.

Tomorrow, I will offer my thoughts on the Champagne S. (G1) and Frizette S. (G1) at Belmont Park and the Breeders’ Futurity (G1) at Keeneland.

I was quite pleased with my Arlington Million Day selections.

In the first race, my third choice, Uno Mas, finished a good second at 11-1 to the impressive first-out winner His Greatness, who opened as the favorite and paid $7.80 to win after being listed at 20-1 on the morning line. Obviously, the word was out on the winner.

In the second, my top pick, Deville, finished second at 7-2. My third pick, Loves Handles, won and paid $8.40. Loh Collado, my second pick, finished third.

In the third, the favorite ($6.60) won a wide-open maiden race. I had no pick and suggested the all button for horizontal players.

In the fourth, I said I was going to try and beat the morning-line favorite with Fabulous Babe and Return to Paradise. The latter won and paid $12.00.

In the fifth, I liked the Steve Asmussen-trained Four Gifts, who dueled for the early lead and then held sway, returning $29.20, $17.80 and $10.60 across the board. I noted that the two-year-old first-time starter sold for a strong price (compared to her pedigree) and hailed from one of the best juvenile programs in the country. She triggered a $586.60 exacta and a $4,299.40 trifecta. It doesn’t get any better than that.

In the sixth, my top choice, Tight Precision, finished second at 9-2. I noted that the winner, Lucky Copy, can’t be dismissed and should be used in the vertical exotics.

In the seventh, my top pick, Sebastian County, finished fifth at 3-1, but my second choice, Amazing Results, won and paid $8.20. My Longshot Special, In Nike’s Honor, finished second at 20-1.

In the eighth, I said I was going to try and beat Tizdejavu, the 6-5 morning line favorite in the Secretariat S. (G1) with the two Europeans — Plan and Winchester. The latter ran off in the lane like a good thing and paid $17.00 to win.

In the ninth, I took a stand against Dreaming of Anna, one of my all-time favorite fillies, in the Beverly D. S. (G1), and my second choice, Mauralakana, won, returning $6.80. My Longshot Special, Communique, finished second at nearly 13-1 and completed a $65.40 exacta.

In the tenth, the Arlington Million (G1), I really didn’t have any strong feelings. My Longshot Special, Stream Cat, was well backed but was unplaced at 5-1.

In retrospect, if I had paid more attention to the race, maybe I would have noticed the trip notes on the winner, Spirit One, who led gate to wire and paid $29.40. They read: Led to 120 yards; Led, clear halfway; Led to 70 yards; Prompted pace; Tracked in third; Tracked leader; Tracked leader to 1 1/2 furlongs out; Led to 200 yards; Led to over one furlong out.

As it turns out, a case could have been made that he was going to be the controlling speed regardless of what happened to Einstein. Also, it should be noted that two horses — Archipenko and Stream Cat — were locked-in a pocket with no where to go for most of the race. In this year’s Million, there was some serious race riding going on.

*****

In Saratoga Springs, it was 75 degrees with a dew point of 60 at 11:45 a.m. (EDT). However, storms are on the way and there is a good possibility that the four turf races, including the featured Yaddo H. and West Point H. for New York-breds, could be taken off the turf and be contested on an off main track.

*****

The sixth race, a maiden special for two-year-old fillies, looks much stronger than the second race, a maiden special for the boys. Some notes on some of the fillies in the sixth: Sara Louise, who sold for $550,000 at Calder, worked in :10 2/5; Officer Flirt, who sold for $125,000 at OBS March, worked in :10 1/5; Kays and Jays, who sold for $120,000 at Barretts March, worked in a bullet :10; Tasha’s Star, a half-sister to Grade 3 winner Tasha’s Miracle, sold for $300,000 at Barretts March, worked in :10 3/5 and then :10 2/5; and White Lamb, who sold for $550,000 at OBS March, worked in :10.

*****

In the tenth, all eyes will be on the Stan Hough-trained Discreet Treasure, who could not have been more impressive when breaking his maiden by 12 1/4 lengths in his debut on July 5 at Belmont Park. This colt could be something special and is worth a play at anything near his morning line odds of 5-2.

Below are my selections for Arlington Million Day.

First Race: Hard to separate BIG AL CORDES and BEARPATH, but we’ll give the nod to the former. Divito trainee pressed along the inside, dueled around the turn and in the stretch, then finished well clear in second to Darley winner last out. Two five-furlong bullets since and goes under hot apprentice Karlsson. Bearpath broke a little slow, moved up between, advanced three wide around the turn, lugged in a bit in upper stretch, then finished evenly in debut. Adds first-time Lasix and Albarado. The Steve Asmussen-trained UNO MAS, a $150,000 Macho Uno yearling, has been training well over this surface for unveiling. Longshot: MIDNIGHT BREAK (15-1) has been working well at Keeneland.

Second Race: Loh Collado has been running against the best allowance company, but DEVILLE rates the top choice off his explosive five-length victory in his return. Pessin trainee settled nicely while attending the pace along the inside, angled out deftly turning for home, then drew off in the lane. Right back on the rise and return to turf. LOH COLLADO (who wore a martingale last out), stalked three wide on both turns then finished a close fourth against similar at Churchill last out. Pletcher trainee rates a threat under Velazquez. Stakes winner LOVE HANDLES likes to finish in the money. Longshot: SUMMER COURTSHIP (15-1) figures in the early mix and gets reunited with Douglas, who knows this course well.

Third Race: Super tough wide-open maiden race for fillies and mares. For horizontal players, use the all button. For others, pick one or two based on attractive odds, appearance, etc. and wheel it on top in the exacta.

Fourth Race: The first division of the Hatoof has less quality than the second. I’m going to try and beat morning-line favorite Nijinsky Ballet, primarily with FABULOUS BABE, who has yet to finish worse than second on any surface and gets Douglas, and the Pletcher-trained, last-out winner RETURN TO PARADISE, a stakes-placed juvenile. Longshots: PADDY WAK WAKIE (15-1) looks like she might be a decent sort. LA POLI (15-1) is three-for-three since being switched to the turf and brings her rider from Lone Star Park.

Fifth Race: Nice straight maiden for two-year-old fillies. I’m intrigued by the Steve Asmussen-trained FOUR GIFTS, who is 8-1 on the morning line. The daughter of freshman sire Even the Score sold for a strong $125,000 as a yearling and has been working right along for her debut. This outfit arguably has the best two-year-old program in the country. WITCH PRINCESS, trained by Helen Pitts, settled nicely well off the pace, advanced and waited along the inside near the quarter-mile pole, then was steadied out of a tight spot on the fence before finishing fifth in her debut over this surface. She adds first-time Lasix and should improve. GREER LYNN is by the hot freshman sire Speightstown and goes forth under Douglas. Longshot: Also-eligible CHARY (6-1) has a nice work pattern for her debut.

Sixth Race: TIGHT PRECISION, who will be making her first start on turf, rates the top choice in the second division of the Hatoof. The dark bay filly stalked Storm Mesa and Rasierra before finishing a game fourth on the rail in the Iowa Oaks (G3) last out. She is tactically drawn on the outside and should offer attractive odds. Morning-line favorite CHEROKEE QUEEN finished a non-threatening sixth at 3-1 in the Virginia Oaks (G3) in her last start. She obviously has talent but could be overbet in this spot. SEEMINGLY is a consistent closer who could garner a minor award. Early pace player LUCK COPY can’t be totally dismissed and must be used in the vertical exotics.

Seventh Race: SEBASTIAN COUNTY returns to Arlington’s Polytrack where he won his first two races before finishing a good third in the Arlington-Washington Futurity (G3) last year. The Don Von Hemel trainee raced forwardly along the rail and then had to steady when in tight turning for home before finishing with interest in the Iowa Derby last out. He has posted three straight bullets since and turns back in distance. Illinois-bred AMAZING RESULTS, a multiple stakes winner on turf, waited patiently along the inside, then responded nicely in the drive to win the restricted Springfield S. in his first start over this surface last out. He picks up the services of Rafael Bejarano. The Dallas Stewart-trained PAPA comes off two straight victories over this surface and has some upset potential. Longshot: IN NIKE’S HONOR (20-1) appears to be an improving sort and has done little wrong in four career starts.

Eighth Race (Secretariat S. [G1]): I’m going to try and beat the 6-5 morning line favorite Tizdejavu, who could be vulnerable at this distance under top weight of 126 pounds. Both of the European invaders — PLAN and WINCHESTER — are top threats. The former represents the formidable duo of Aidan O’Brien and John Murtagh. Plan exits a Group 3 win at the Curragh and projects and stalk-and-pounce trip. Winchester ships in for Dermot Weld and lures leading rider Douglas astride. PRIME REALESTATE, who is trained by Wayne Catalano, probably didn’t like the soft going in the American Derby (G2) and has a license to rebound with a solid late run. Longshot: YOUR ROUND (8-1) has been finishing on the fringes against the best in the division and could improve under Velazquez.

Ninth Race (Beverly D. S. [G1]): With the presence of quality speed to her immediate outside, Dreaming of Anna (one of my favorites) could be vulnerable at this distance. Therefore, I’m going to give a slight edge to PRECIOUS KITTEN, who is without question one of the best of her division. The Bobby Frankel trainee probably was compromised by a slow pace and wide trip in the Jenny Wiley S. (G2) in her seasonal debut. She returned to run lights out with a powerful 2 ¼-length victory in the Gamely S. (G1) in her most recent outing and is a deserving morning-line favorite. MAURALAKANA has won four of her last five starts and comes off back-to-back Grade 2 victories at Belmont Park. She fits like a glove at this distance. DREAMING OF ANNA is a terrific filly who loves to run fast but I am concerned that she could get involved in an early speed duel with Rosinka. Longshot: COMMUNIQUE (12-1) was a good-looking winner of the Modesty H. (G3) at this track and trip last out and retains Douglas.

Tenth Race (Arlington Million [G1]): ARCHIPENKO came to hand earlier this year for conditioner Michael De Kock, finishing a close third in the Dubai Duty Free (UAE-G1) prior to winning the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Cup (HK-G1) at Sha Tin. He comes off a good Group 2 score at Royal Ascot and is the one to beat. MOUNT NELSON rallied to capture the Eclipse S. (Eng-G1) in his last start and goes forth for O’Brien/Murtagh. He must be respected. Multiple Grade 1 winner EINSTEIN is a dangerous contender and may try to take this field gate to wire. Longshot: STREAM CAT (8-1) could not have looked any better winning the Arlington H. (G3) at this track and trip last out and has upset potential under Leparoux. (Sudan was scratched on Friday)

Please note that I do not have any strong opinions on any of the Grade 1 events. All three could unfold any number of ways and I plan to enjoy the show and look for a little value. ESPN will provide live coverage from 4:30 until 6:00 p.m. (EDT).

Good luck to one and all.

*****

Saratoga canceled after the second race yesterday when powerful storm rolled through the area and unleashed a torrential downpour that washed out the track between the five-sixteenths and quarter-mile pole. Racing is expected to resume today with a quartet of $100,000 stakes events, but my attention will be focused on the Arlington Million card.

The Saturday racing card at Churchill Downs marks the 2008 U.S. debut of defending Horse of the Year winner Curlin in the Grade 1 Stephen Foster Handicap.  The last time Curlin raced at Churchill downs he was a green 3-year-old that battled through a horrific trip to finish 3rd in the Kentucky Derby.  The son of Smart Strike used that effort, where jockey Robby Albarado said he “became a man” in the stretch, to move forward in what became his coming out party during the Preakness two weeks later.  The rest, as they say, is history as the colt has gone on to prove his dominance as the top U.S. dirt horse, as well as a force to be reckoned with on the international circuit with his resounding 7 length win in the prestigious Dubai World Cup in March.

A very strong undercard features 5 additional stakes races in what features to be an excellent day of thoroughbred racing. Let’s take a look at the stakes races, beginning with the Grade 2 Fleur De Lis Handicap in race 6, and running all the way through the Grade 3 Mint Julep in race 11. No doubt bettors will be focusing their action on these races in the pick 4 and pick 6 wagering. 

Race 6:  The Fleur De Lis Handicap (G2) – 1 1/8 miles.

• #5 Hystericalady (4/5*)
• #2 Peach Flambe (3/1)
• #1 Aspiring (12/1)

#5 Hystericalady headlines the field and for good reason. She’s a grade 1 winner and has battled with the likes of Ginger Punch and Nashoba’s Key.  I think there’s enough speed in here today that she could sit a comfortable race just off the early pace and look to make her move in the stretch – where she should prove the best horse.  It’s going to take the best race of someone else’s life to get past her. #2 Peach Flambe would appear to be a contender based on speed figures alone.  I’m just not sure she’s good enough to seriously threaten Hystericalady.  She did run 2nd to Ginger Punch in the Sunshine Millions Distaff, but she was beaten handily by over 6 lengths. Hystericalady, on the other hand, gave Ginger Punch all she could handle in the Breeder’s Cup Distaff last fall.  #1 Aspiring is a horse I’ve got to use based on name alone, but besides that there’s really not much to like. 

Race 7: The Regret (G3) – 1 1/8 miles (turf)

• #4 Pure Clan (7/5*)
• #6 Magical Theater (10/1)
• #3 Zee Zee (3/1)

#4 Pure Clan is 4 for 7 lifetime, with a pair of respectable losses to the late Eight Belles and another solid effort against Proud Spell last out.  She won’t find anyone of that caliber here today. The pace won’t exactly be ideal, but she should be able to sit a comfortable trip and make her move in the stretch to prevail. #6 Magical Theater exits back to back victories and although she’s only raced at the maiden and conditional allowance levels and steps up into stakes company today, she has beaten some return winners.  The daughter of Smart Strike has every reason to move forward today.  #3 Zee Zee has solid turf form and cannot be totally dismissed here. She’s had trouble classing up in the past, but has the ever useful third start off a layoff angle going for her as well.

Race 8: The Northern Dancer (G3) – 1 1/16 miles

• #1 Recapturetheglory (3/1)
• #2 Pyro (7/5*)
• #6 Visionaire (5/1)

We’ve got plenty of familiar names to those who followed the 3-year-old campaign this year leading up to the 2008 Kentucky Derby.  All 3 of the runners exiting the Derby wound up in my selections today.  #1 Recapturetheglory will be on the lead from the 1 hole and look to wire this field.  There doesn’t appear to be any serious pace pressure here unless #5 My Pal Charlie decides to go after him, which may well happen since ‘Charlie’s best bet to hit the board is to be as forwardly placed as possible early on.  #2 Pyro was my top ranked 3-year-old until Big Brown arrived on the scene.  Since then things have gone wrong, and he must look to prove that the synthetic try in the Blue Grass and the bad start to the Derby warrant drawing lines through them.  If the colt that ran in the Louisiana Derby and the Risen Star shows up – he should be coming late to threaten for the score.  #6 Visionaire was progressing nicely until the same combo of races that Pyro ran into.  I’m thinking he’ll be in a nice stalking position turning for home here and if anyone can get to Recapturetheglory and My Pal Charlie, he should have a good shot.  Obviously I feel that #5 My Pal Charlie was hard to leave off as his name keeps popping up in this analysis.  #7 Texas WIldcatter also warrants consideration underneath.

Race 9:  The Jefferson Cup (G2) – 1 1/8 miles (turf)

• #4 Tizdejavu (3/1*)
• #7 Bobby Blue Eyes (6/1)
• #3 Wicked Style (5/1)

Arguably the most difficult of the stakes races on the card to handicap. #4 Tizdejavu has yet to run a bad race in his career.  He prevailed by a nose at the G3 level last out and has been working beautifully in the interim.  He’s also a Tiznow colt, andI tend to have a fondness for them.  #7 Bobby Blue Eyes absolutely freaked last time out when hitting the grass for the first time to break his maiden by 10 lengths.  The competition gets deeper, and you always have to worry about a bounce off such a performance, but perhaps this one just really is that much better on the grass?  I’ll take my chances at decent odds.  #3 Wicked Style was a G1 winner before having a rough time in the Breeder’s Cup Juvenile.  I’m willing to think he needed that last race on 5/21 after a long layoff and will look for a better effort here.  I think another number you’ve got to consider in the multi-race wagers is #8 Go West Bert.  True, his freak move last out was in an off-the-turf race in the slop, but his form was solid on the grass prior to that.

Race 10: The Stephen Foster Handicap (G1) – 1 1/8 miles

• #1 Curlin (3/5*)
• #9 Barcola (20/1)
• #4 Einstein (5/1)

The feature race of the day – and Curlin’s 2008 U.S. debut.  It’s been a long time since we last saw Curlin thrashing the world’s finest in the World Cup.  Even longer since we saw him romp in the slop at Monmouth in the Breeder’s Cup Classic.  If the horse we all know and love shows up – fahgetaboutit.  If he happens to have some Dubai rust on him, or is a bit too eager off the layoff and gets used up early and tires – then perhaps #9 Barcola has a shot to wire the field in a fashion similar to what Da’ Tara did last weekend (I know, I know – enough with the references to the Belmont). #4 Einstein looks playable to me, but you’ve got to hope he can be something close to what he usually is on grass. #5 Grasshopper could also be in the mix here today, andwill likely find a way into the money – but unless he brings his best I don’t see him hitting the wire in front.  Get ‘em Curlin – win this one and you’re within reach of Cigar’s all-time earnings.

Race 11: The Early Times Mint Julep (G3) – 1 1/16 miles (turf)

• #3 Dreaming of Anna (1/1*)
• #8 Kiss With a Twist (15/1)
• #11 Ciao (6/1)

#1 Dreaming of Anna is the class of the field and has a legitimate shot to take them gate-to-wire in the closer. If she can prevail she’ll boost her lifetime earnings closer to the $2 million mark.  Her workout tab sure looks like she’s on her A-game. #8 Kiss With a Twist may be a surprise to hit the board.  Note a couple of things.  She’s a 4 year old daughter of Lemon Drop Kid and she seems to love the Churchill grass. She could surprise and move forward today. #11 Ciao also does some of her best running at Churchill on the grass and while thrashed by Dreaming of Anna in the Pucker Up (G3), she has matched class with Bit of Whimsy in the Mrs. Revere.  I’d also think of using #6 Street Sounds here as on her best she can hit the board. 

Best of luck to all, and as always be sure to check for late changes/scratches. 

Good luck Curlin – make us proud!