Introduction to International Medical Corps (IMC) Well, here we are again for one of the most exciting days in the SIM! This year, the 3YO Filly Dirt Mile runs in the name of The International Medical Corps (IMC.) The IMC was established in 1984 by volunteer doctors and nurses and is a global, humanitarian, nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through health care training and relief and development programs. The IMC differs from other groups because it works to ensure that crisis-stricken communities are able to care for themselves long after programming has ended. By offering education and training to local populations and medical assistance to people at highest risk, and with the flexibility to respond rapidly to emergency situations, IMC rehabilitates devastated health care systems and helps bring them back to self-reliance. The International Medical Corps is certainly a worthy cause, and fits nicely within the 2008 Equinics theme.

3YO Filly Dirt Mile � A Race History

2000 -

In 2000, the inaugural running of this race, the field was open to older mares as well as three year olds. The winner of The Artemis Classic was Rack Park, who won in a time of 1:33 and 4, and earned a Speed Figure of 121! She�s the only favorite to win this race. This race was run in September and didn�t contain any of the spring classic winners. This was Rack Park�s only GI win (common theme alert.)

2002 -

In 2002, after a smashing success in 2000, the Equinics was expanded to include additional races, and the 3YO Filly Division was given their own dirt mile race. The Private Account Mile was run in February of 2002 and was won by Ms Slew in a time of 1:35 and earned her a Speed Figure of 109. This was Ms Slew�s sole GI win, and although the race was filled with a nice group of young 3YO fillies, none went on to win any of the spring classics.

2004 -

2004 may offer the best comparisons to the 2008 race as it was run in August and contained both the 2003 Breeder�s Bowl Juvenile winner, Du Drop Bai, as well as the 2004 Bluegrass Oaks Winner, Texas Tornado. The winner, though, was Eek A Cat who established Summer Equinics time and speed records for the 3YO Filly Division by running 1:34 flat and posting a monster 120 SF! Though Eek A Cat went on to run 3rd in the Breeder�s Bowl Distaff, the Puttin� On The St. Moritz was her only GI win and the highlight of her career.

2006 -

The Jerry Bailey was run during the next Winter Equinics, in early February 2006. Again, a quality field of up-and-coming 3YO Fillies were entered, and the winner was Biter Hollandia who came home in 1:35 and 4 and earned a 97 SF for her efforts. Although Biter Hollandia went on to run in the Bluegrass Oaks and other major races, the Jerry Bailey was her career highlight and sole GI win. Of the other runners, 3rd place finisher Northern Red went on to win the 2006 Chestnut Stakes.

2008 - The Medical Corps.

So, what does 2008 have in store for us? Well, 17 runners is a tie for the second largest field ever assembled for this race. Easily, the current version of this race is the most accomplished, sporting four Grade I winners and six Graded winners in the field. 2008 also boasts the best field ever entered for this race, with the top 3, and 6 of the top 30, ranked fillies from the Classic division, and the second ranked filly from the sprint division among those in attendance. Not that any of this information matters for the 3YO Dirt Mile for fillies! This race has become the �Career Highlight Maker� in that each previous winner has made this their one and only career GI win. Will 2008 continue this trend, or will one of the more accomplished runners finally step up and take charge? Let�s find out:

The Field:

PP1 � HOOSIER PROSPECTOR � 26/1

Afleet Alex x Raise A Native x Seattle Slew
Residency � Kentucky Horsemen
Owner/Trainer � Buzzfarm
Lifetime High SF � 102
High SF at 8F � 102

Notable Wins:

The Good � Hoosier Prospector enters this race off a career-best run, and two consecutive wins in rather easy fashion. Both were at 8 furlongs in easy allowance company, and she�s very lightly raced with 4 wins from 7 races. She likes to run close to the pace and has shown the ability to sit a little further back and still get the job done. HP has only missed the board once and is poised to run another career effort here.

The Bad � Even if she runs a career best, will it be good enough? That�s the real question. Hoosier Prospector hasn�t ever seen Stakes company, let alone accomplished, G1 fillies like she�ll see on Saturday. She�s likely going to be further back than she�s used to and will have to certainly prove she�s salty to get the job done.

Parting Shot � Although she�s never run in a stakes race, her last showed she�s got

The Goods as she soundly beat a stakes winner and a graded winner. With the one-hit-wonder mojo that this race provides, she is one of a handful that may earn everlasting glory if the big 3 don�t show up.

PP2 � LUCKY�S TRIPLE XXX � 23/1

A.P. Indy x Unbridled x Mr. Prospector
Residency � Ohio Thoroughbred Racing
Owner/Trainer � Naracing9
Lifetime High SF - 102
High SF at 8F � 100

Notable Wins:
The Crowded Garr Handicap � 8.5F Open Stakes � 96 SF
The Your Prospector Stakes � 7.5F Opens Stakes � 102 SF

The Good � Impeccable pedigree and 7 of 9 in the money while routing on the dirt. 7 wins from 15 races proves she�s not afraid to finish first. She�s also working on a really nice short/long/middle race distance set-up, running 7.5F two back and 9F in her last. To me, dropping back to 8F spells Yahtzee, so she should be ready to give a top effort.

The Bad � Lightly raced in terms of stakes attempts, and her last was her first time testing the waters in graded company and that ended in disaster. Maybe the two-week turnaround had something to do with it, but she�ll have to run a career-best effort to earn a medal here.

Parting Shot � If you believe in the short/long/jackpot scheduling theory and are buying this race�s history of outsiders making the bettors lose whatever hair they have left, then she�s not without a shot.

PP3 � VHEISSU � 8/1

Speightstown x Saint Ballado x Round Table
Residency � EAAA Racing
Owner/Trainer � Astinator8
Lifetime High SF � 109
High SF at 8F � 106

Notable Wins:
The Painted Girl Stakes � 8F Open Stakes � 106 SF, beat Black Flag Flying
The Cevian Stakes � 7F GI � 109 SF, beat #1 ranked sprinter Miscalculation

The Good � Lots to like. Vheissu has never missed the board with 7 wins, 2 places, and 2 shows in 11 lifetime starts. She�s not afraid of anyone in this field, as she has beaten GI caliber fillies a few times already in her short career. In two starts at 8F, she�s got a really nice open stakes win and a GI third place finish. She is well rested and kicking down the stall doors this week.

The Bad � There isn�t much to knock here. Vheissu�s only got 1 win in three attempts routing while she�s won 6 of 8 sprinting, so she may be better sprinting long than routing? Tough to sell that one.

Parting Shot � Curses and race history aside, she�s one of a handful that has a legitimate shot here. Look for her to be absolutely flying late.

PP4 � CHAMPION FLOWER � 18/1

Flower Alley x Tough Knight x Bold Ruckus
Residency � Blazing Saddles
Owner/Trainer � Meguire2nd
Lifetime High SF � 102
High SF at 8F � 86

Notable Wins:
The Civil Cap Memorial � 7.5F Open Stakes � 85 SF

The Good � Champion Flower has been consistent in her career, hitting the board 11 of 13 lifetime. She�s also shown that she can run near the pace as well as a bit off the pace, and that versatility will certainly be necessary this week. Although she�s raced 13 times, she�s been given a pretty light schedule in 2008 and should not have any fatigue issues.

The Bad � She�s only routed once, in a mile G3 in December, and that one saw her run 7th in a rather slow time compared to her best efforts. Champion Flower hasn�t had her picture taken in 2008, posting only one win in the last 9 months. CF�s lone attempt at the GI level ended badly for her as she finished a career-worst 10th.

Parting Shot � Unfortunately, I don�t think this one will be LOL�ing her way to the bank this week. PP5 � LELU�S GREY GHOST � 26/1

Macho Uno x Unbridled�s Song x Capote
Residency � Alpine Turf Club
Owner/Trainer � Eddie08
Lifetime High SF � 102
High SF at 8F � 102

Notable Wins:

The Good � Lelu�s Grey Ghost is very lightly raced; Saturday will be only her 7th start. She�s shown the ability to win from off the pace and on the lead, so she�ll be able to adapt her game to whatever happens early in this race. She�s coming off of a nice race at 9.5F, so dropping back to 8F may have her primed for a big effort.

The Bad � Her lone stakes attempt was at a mile distance and it was far from great. In that one, she found herself up against a quality field, and was much further back than she�s used to. She was beaten by over 14 in that one, and that race alone scares me enough to question her class this early in her career.

Parting Shot � She�s on the outside looking in, even with the career-highlight-maker history of this race. Tough to like for the win, but stranger things have happened. PP6 � NEHI ORANGE � 6/1

Unbridled�s Song x A.P. Indy x Alleged
Residency � Pastures of Green
Owner/Trainer � Hillhouse
Lifetime High SF � 107
High SF at 8F � 103

Notable Wins:
Mother Story Handicap � 8F GI � 98 SF
Vermont Is For Lovers � 8.5F GI � 105 SF, beat Black Flag Flying
First State Oaks � 8.5F GII � 107 SF, beat #1 ranked Sabbath Point

The Good � When you�re ranked #2 in the division and are coming off a win over #1, things are very good. Nehi Orange has been good since the beginning of her career, earning a Breeder�s Bowl Juvy entry spot last fall where she finished 5th. Her career really took off late last year where she put together back to back GI wins in dominating, front-running fashion. The spring didn�t go so hot, but her last two hint at rejuvenation. Her last was most impressive as she beat Sabbath Point and proved that there isn�t anyone she can�t beat if she runs her race.

The Bad � Not much to say here. When she doesn�t get an easy lead she�s not as likely to run well, and this field has some definite, albeit unproven speed.

Parting Shot � Although she�s in great form and coming off a career effort, I don�t see her shaking loose with an uncontested lead. If I�m wrong, it�s over. PP7 � FLAPPAGE � 37/1

Vindication x Fappiano x Hoist The Flag
Residency � East-West Connection
Owner/Trainer � Zipchippy
Lifetime High SF � 99
High SF at 8F � N/A

Notable Wins:

The Good � Flappage is the lightest raced of all entrants in this one, running only four times prior to Saturday. Her speed figures have gotten faster all four starts, and have gotten faster as she�s been asked to run further and as she�s been asked to take on stakes company. Her pedigree screams mile or better, so the jump in distance shouldn�t be a problem.

The Bad � More issues with seasoning than anything else here. Flappage has never routed and has never seen anything close to the talent she�ll see here. Both stakes attempts were good, but neither were wins. Two week turnaround doesn�t help either.

Parting Shot � Don�t see this gal having an impact on the outcome of this race, although she has a bright future ahead of her. Tall, tall order on Saturday. PP8 � SABBATH POINT � 6/1

Seeking The Gold x Seattle Slew x Damascus
Residency � DelPenn National
Owner/Trainer � Malekfarms
Lifetime High SF � 108
High SF at 8F � 97

Notable Wins:

Fantasia Handicap � 8.5F GII � 101 SF
Fantasy Stakes � 8.5F GII � 108 SF
Bluegrass Oaks � 9F GI � 107 SF
Black Middle Flower Stakes � 9F GI � 108 SF

The Good � Number 1 ranked - everything is just peachy here. She�s beaten the best many, many times this year, and done it in smashing fashion. Sabbath Point has been good since day one, earning a spot in the inaugural World Cup off of her debut win. She�s shown endless amounts of moxie at the highest level possible and an ability to race well off almost no rest whatsoever. She gets a chance to stamp the Classic division her personal playground, and at the same time, put Nehi Orange and Black Flag Flying on the outside looking in for end of year awards.

The Bad � Her trainer. Just kidding. AFC has done a wonderful job with this gal. The only knock is the heavy schedule she�s been asked to complete. This will be her 10th race in 2008, and the wear and tear factor has got to kick in sometime, doesn�t it?

Parting Shot � Barn has three, yes I said three, Equinics entries this Saturday. Either DelPenn is really thin, or Malekfarms is clicking on all cylinders. I�ll go with the latter as this trainer is on the short list for Trainer of the Year. The Pick.

PP9 � GOLD FOR THE GRAVE � 12/1

Dynaformer x Pine Bluff x Mr. Prospector
Residency � The CR Racers
Owner/Trainer � Cougar
Lifetime High SF � 106
High SF at 8F � 106

Notable Wins:

Leopard Stakes � 8F GIII � 106 SF

The Good � One of the more intriguing runners in the field, Gold For The Grave has been almost perfect since switching to the dirt three races back. After smoking a mile allowance in her first dirt start, GFTG romped in the GIII Leopard Stakes and then finished a hard-charging second in the Smackdown GI at a mile. She�s hit the board 9 of 11 routing and is a stakes winner on turf at a mile as well. Very dangerous.

The Bad � Not many negatives here as this gal has been handled beautifully. She may not be able to make up the ground if she finds herself back more than 10 lengths, a distinct possibility with the speed in here.

Parting Shot � If this race isn�t won by one of the big three, look no further than here for your winner. Hello World.

PP10 � BLACK FLAG FLYING � 5/1 Favorite

A.P. Indy x Forty Niner x Blushing Groom
Residency � GRSimsters
Owner/Trainer � Simsters1
Lifetime High SF � 107
High SF at 8F � 105

Notable Wins:

Movieland Starlet � 8.5F GI � 99 SF
Santa Jezebel Stakes � 8.5F GIII � 99 SF
Smackdown � 9F Restricted Stakes � 107 SF

The Good � Black Flag Flying enters this race off a career-high SF and a win over #1 Sabbath Point. She�s been consistent her entire career, hitting the board in 11 of 12 career races. She�s proven she can win against the best of competition and should get a great pace to try and run down in this one.

The Bad � Her Trainer. Not kidding. She�s been consistent, but seems to really hate getting her picture taken on big race days.

Parting Shot � Black Flag Flying should be in a position to earn a minor medal for the Defending Champion GRSimsters, but winning the gold would be a stretch for her on Saturday.

PP11 � BELLISSIMA G � 8/1

Dixie Union x Storm Cat x Buckpasser
Residency � Rash
Owner/Trainer � Buxpasser
Lifetime High SF � 107
High SF at 8F � 103

Notable Wins:

The Ghoul�s Gold Challenge � 8F Open Stakes � 103 SF
The Stormy Project Stakes � 8F Open Stakes � 97 SF

The Good � Bellissima G has won 7 of 18 lifetime and has a few mile stakes wins under her belt. She likes to sit right behind the speed and should have ample speed to chase on Saturday. The last time she went from a sprint to a mile, she jogged home for an easy win. Six of nine in the money while routing on dirt says she certainly can get a piece on her best day.

The Bad � She�s making her 11th start this year. Yikes. She�s had a few nice races in Graded company, but when she�s faced Grade I competition, some of which are running in this race, she�s been outclassed every time.

Parting Shot � Bellissima G will find herself a little too far off the pace than she requires to run well, and I have my doubts that she�ll be the one to continue this race�s sole-GI win history.

PP12 � KORNSNAKE � 12/1

Sadler�s Wells x Mill Reef x Secretariat
Residency � Northwest Racing Circuit
Owner/Trainer � Korn
Lifetime High SF � 106
High SF at 8F � 100

Notable Wins:

The Vengeful Storm Challenge � 9.5F Open Stakes � 106 SF

The Good � Impeccable pedigree. All four wins have been wire-to-wire, so if she�s leading after the break you can expect good things. Her last, a 5th in the Smackdown GI at a mile, wasn�t a bad race and if she can build on that experience, she could be in the mix late on Saturday.

The Bad � Although she has proven quite capable when she gets the lead, Kornsnake is a different animal when she gets beat out of the box. Her three attempts at Graded company have yet to yield a board hit.

Parting Shot - There is other speed in here, mainly Nehi Orange, and I have a feeling Kornsnake is going to have to win from off the pace to get the job done here. Doubtful, but with her pedigree, I would certainly look for Kornsnake on the grass in the near future.

PP13 � WONDERGIRL GITTE � 13/1

Mountain Cat x Polar Falcon x Nodouble
Residency � Benelux
Owner/Trainer � Karlch
Lifetime High SF � 107
High SF at 8F � 100

Notable Wins:

The East A La Slew Memorial � 8F Open Stakes � 86 SF
The Ms. Prospector Challenge � 8F Open Stakes � 98 SF

The Good � Four of this gal�s first five attempts at 8F on the dirt yielded career-high speed figures. She�s won a few stakes at a mile, and enters this race off of her fastest two career races. Two back, she finished less than two lengths behind Vheissu in a Grade I at 7.5F.

The Bad � Wondergirl Gitte, although certainly competitive at times, has only crossed the wire first once in the past nine months. She has two wins in seven lifetime route starts, and has missed the board those other five attempts.

Parting Shot � WG looks like she is better sprinting than routing and may even like the grass better if given the chance. Longshot at best.

PP14 � VIRTUALLY INSANE � 29/1

Bernardini x Forty Niner x Storm Cat
Residency � Great Plains
Owner/Trainer � Redturkey
Lifetime High SF � 98
High SF at 8F � 98

Notable Wins:

The Good � VI has hit the board in 11 of 14 lifetime and is 1-for-1 routing. She�s been brought along slowly, with only one career stakes attempt, and is at that point in a horse�s career when it�s time to break out. She likes to be on the lead, but has proven that she can win from off the pace and that might be necessary this weekend. She�s out of the mare Equinsanity, and that�s gotta be good karma.

The Bad � She�s never earned a triple digit speed figure, and she�s never seen anything like the competition that she�s up against in this one. Although she�s come from off the pace to win, when she�s put further than a few back she�s not finished well.

Parting Shot � Although she certainly can outrun her long odds, she�s still being asked an awful lot and is doubtful to help Great Plains medal here.

PP15 � LURSA � 6/1

Cat Thief x Northern Dancer x Miswaki
Residency � Minnesota Downs
Owner/Trainer � Wenlock
Lifetime High SF � 107
High SF at 8F � 102

Notable Wins:

I Said Be Quiet Classic � 7F GIII � 104 SF
Priority Princess Stakes � 7F GIII � 106 SF

The Good � Lursa offers many positives as she enters this race. After switching to dirt five races back, she has yet to run under a 100 speed figure and is currently riding a three race win streak. She�s hit the board 8 of 10 lifetime and is averaging more than $100,000 in earnings per dirt start.

The Bad � Although she�s been ultra-fast, she�s run much better sprinting than routing since switching to the dirt. Lursa has proven she can handle Graded company, but this race will truly test just how salty she is. She might find herself a little further back than she�s used to as well.

Parting Shot � Of the up-and-comers in this race, I like Gold For The Grave a bit more at a mile. Lursa certainly has the speed to make me eat my words and has a shot to medal if that happens.

PP16 � CARISMATICA � 61/1

Powerscourt x Sky Classic x Sunday Silence
Residency � Hispano Parlante
Owner/Trainer � Zampateste
Lifetime High SF � 94
High SF at 8F � 94

Notable Wins:

The Good � At 61/1, it�s pretty thin in

The Good column. Carismatica has hit the board in 5 of 7 on the dirt and her last was a career-best effort at Saturday�s distance. She�s lightly raced and has only tested the stakes waters once, so life after the Equinics could prove successful.

The Bad � She isn�t a bad filly, but just doesn�t have the resume to realistically compete in this race. Carismatica�s lone stakes attempt was at 12F, but it wasn�t pretty. She finished 7th, beaten by 21.

Parting Shot � This gal has a 100% in-the-money rate while sprinting, and that�s where she might move forward in her career. It won�t be in this race.

PP17 � WOOMERA � 21/1

Arazi x Deputy Minister x A.P. Indy
Residency � Queensland Racecourse
Owner/Trainer � Stickup
Lifetime High SF � 104
High SF at 8F � 99

Notable Wins:

The Jeremey�s Nijinsky Memorial � 8F Open Stakes � 99 SF

The Good � Woomera has been managed quite nicely, hitting the board in 11 of 12 lifetime and 6 of 6 while running on dirt. She�s got a nice stakes win at Saturday�s distance, and her lone attempt at the Graded level on dirt produced a career-high speed figure.

The Bad � The way Woomera has been closing in her dirt races, I actually think a mile is too short for her to give her best effort. She is going to easily see the toughest competition she has ever faced, and is probably a few races away from being truly ready for Graded races.

Parting Shot � Probably going to end up off the board, but wouldn�t be a total shock if this race�s history rears its ugly head.

Final Analysis:

The Equinics have certainly grown over the past eight years. Initially treated with warm fanfare, but lacking in history, these races have grown into the ultimate for all who are fortunate enough to participate. The 3YO Filly Dirt Mile, sponsored by International Medical Corps, has drawn a very deep and proven field including the top three fillies in the division. I think a hot pace will be established, pushing the front-runners too much too early, and the stalkers and closers will end up taking over when it counts. Sabbath Point will take the gold, with Gold For The Grave earning silver and Vheissu closing late and winning the bronze. Good Luck to all!