Rainbow View is going to dust the American Girls. Not worried about the surface at all - she's a Dynaformer, so she'll run on anything and she'll go the distance.

Thanks for the writeup.  Isn't there a grey horse from Europe coming over for the Juvenile Turf...one that is hyped?  

What about Tiago, will he be 5-1, 8-1, 12-1?  Shirreffs could have a monster Breeder's Cup.

Kip Deville loves California and if he gets a decent trip I think he's the best at a mile.  I won't be betting any Euros in the Classic, I'll take my chances that the Americans have the best horses right now.

Thanks for the info on Lady Sprinter. I generally like South American horses, but I'd never heard of her. I'm curious when she'll be shipping over here and what the connections' plans are for working her on the ProRide.

I was under the impression that Rainbow View probably won't be crossing the pond.

I'm only going to say it once, Jason - Fatal Bullet in the Sprint to pull the upset.  

HI JASON:

GREAT READ AS USUAL. UNLIKE SOME OF YOUR READERS,I'VE BEEN ON THE ZENYATTA BANDWAGON FROM THE BEGINNING. IN FACT,IF YOU LOOK AT THE BLOG ON NTRA IN APRIL UNDER COMMENTS,YOU WILL FIND MY ENTRY TELLING ONE OF THE READERS THAT SHE WOULD BLOW BY GINGER PUNCH IN THE BLOSSOM, I KNOW YOU ONCE STATED FAVORITES ARE EASY TO SELECT,I'VE PICKED HER EVERY SINGLE TIME THIS YEAR. IT'S AMUSING THAT THE LAST COUPLE MONTHS THAT SOME PEOPLE ARE CLIMBING ON THE BANDWAGON WHEN I WAS THERE FROM THE START. SHE IS QUITE SIMPLY A HORSE THAT RESIDES ON HER OWN PLANET,SIMPLE AS THAT!

Rainbow View won't be coming. Word is that she's already getting her winter coat.

Rainbow View isn't coming. She's lost her coat, so they decided against sending her.

Great overview, all very notable competitors that have great chances. I still feel that some of the luster is off this years BC though as the surface, location (distance fot the EUROS) preclude a penultimate field. The Euros historically dont do well in the classic and i expect this year to be any different..We will see shortly if Casino Drives "workout" today creates excitement or an excuse for the connections.

I do look for Kip,Zenyatta, and Red Giant to be heard from.

All the best,

Watch out for the mare from

Argentina! When they go to the trouble to bring them to the States-look out!

Good article Jason.  I have to think Lewis Michael will be in the mix in either the dirt mile or sprint, but more than likely the dirt mile.  In the Juvenile, another one to watch out for is Forty Thieves.  This Read The Footnotes colt will be heard from in the BC.  In the turf another Euro to look out for is Ideal World.  Great breeding for the grass (Kingmambo/Banks Hill) and is improving.  Hope he runs in the Turf.  In the Filly Juvenile watch out for Oro Blanco.  I don't think she would have beaten Stardom Bound in the Oak Leaf, but she had a lot of trouble and still ran a good third.  Another step forward for her and she is in the mix.

Boy, just watched Casino Drive in his workout (Optional claimer). Victor got paid a ton for a workout and the colt is an awesome specimen. Makes things very interesting.

Mike Relva, usually agree with some of what you say but ANYBODY who lives in Cal has been on Zenyatta for a LONG time. Obviously, based on her odds. Most of us didn't start posting until the Belmont, not the horse in question then.

Steve, I lost my coat once and got punished, also went cold the whole winter.  (sorry couldn't resist)

The obvious choice in the BC Filly & Mare Sprint is INDIAN BLESSING, of course, and DEAREST TRICKSKI and INDYANNE look tough as well. But the race will be full of speed and that 7th furlong might be the speed horses' undoing, as INTANGAROO and TIZZY'S TUNE come flying at the end. INTANGAROO beat TIZZY'S TUNE by a neck in January, with TIZZY'S TUNE coming back from a year layoff, and then went on to win 3 Grade 1's. To me, these two are the ones to beat, and I'll give TIZZY'S TUNE the slight edge.

Turf Sprint - TRUE TO TRADITION, all the way!

Juvenile Filly Turf - C Karma

Juvenile Fillies - STARDOM BOUND, in a romp!

Filly & Mare Turf - VENTURA, barely, over WAIT A WHILE.

Mile - GOLDIKOVA

"Dirt" Mile - My first choice was SLEW'S TIZNOW until WELL ARMED became likely for this race.

Ladies Classic - ZENYATTA, of course. But I'm going to root for BEAR NOW, even though I recognize ZENYATTA for what she is: GREAT. I think ZENYATTA wins this in waltz!

Sprint - I think COST OF FREEDOM is peaking at the right time. STREET BOSS for second.

CLASSIC - WOW! This is a tough one! CURLIN, BIG BROWN, GO BETWEEN, COLONEL JOHN and CASINO DRIVE all loom very large in here, and I think this is going to be an epic battle. Yes, you guessed it, I'm picking COLONEL JOHN.  

The Marathon, The Turf, The Juvenile, and the Juvenile Turf are tough for me to handicap right now without knowing which Europeans are coming over...I gotta give those some thought. And I'll probably change my mind when the actually entries are announced.

Excellent prep race/workout for Casino Drive today at Santa Anita..he did it well within himself and it's onward and upward toward the Classic for him..No doubt he possesses Big Time Skills to go with that Champion pedigree of his..so Jason,do you and the other doubters still think Casino Drive is a "complete throw-out" ?

I've been saying for awhile now that he's something Special..plus he's fresh and NOW has a benefit of having a prep on the pro-ride surface!

FEAR HIM!!!

Watched Casino Drive on RaceReplays.com.  Never broke a sweat - couldn't have won easier.  Still an interesting question - with only three starts and just a Grade 2 to his credit, if the Classic oversubscribes will he even get in?

I hope so.  The colt is immensely talented.  I hope they leave him here for a four year old campaign.

I have to add Cocoa Beach to the Ladies Classic list. I would love to see Casino Drive take the Classic.

You missed Dearest Trickski in the filly and mare sprint!

I think WestSide Bernie could surprise everyone in the Juvenile.

Too bad Rainbow View isn't coming.

She is the only one who I think could have defeated Stardom Bound.

Lots of people are down on Big Brown right now but I hope to see him win the Classic.

I've got a few horses I like, but for now I'll just comment about Casino Drive's prep race today at Oak Tree. He's a lovely mover, this one is.

Casino Drive will make an already intriguing Breeders' Cup Classic even more so. He'll love the longer distance, and obviously doesn't mind the synthetic. He's classy, beautiful, professional, and he's got a shot.

Very suprised about Well Armed passing on The Classic---maybe a sign of supreme confidence in their other runner Colonel John? Also will throw in with Fatal Bullet, a very fast horse in a not-so- =very fast (sprint) division! Too bad those fillies are running on Friday! Bad bad move! Better to run the "gimmick" races on Friday--BUT NOT THE DISTAFF!!! Street Hero will be a nice price, maybe 7-1 in The Juvy---worth a small shot...but, yeah, the three year old Fatal Bullet...10-1 in The Sprint---I'll hit that!  

The Classic would have been a lot more intriguing if Commentator was in it. Curlin is heads above the rest, a proven winner...

I think Casino Drive needs to prove himself against good horses. He is getting too much respect after just 3 races. He shouldn't have broken a sweat against the allowance field he just beat...

It would have been great to see Evening Attire run one more time in the Marathon...

JSHANDLER stated in a previous post that "Casino Drive is a throw out in the Classic. He has no shot."

Still standing on that opinion JS?

It is a Sad day, the Curlin vs Big Brown confrontation will never happen. I feel like some one punch me in the stomach, gasping for air....Big Brown will just be known as regular Big Brown with a pedestrian limited amount of starts. Granted he is a good horse, but without a win in the classic his legacy wil be that of a good horse a everything else is in wonder. Hopefully he is okay, and maybe it was better( if that can be said) it happen during a workout and not in front of millions of viewers. Not taking anything away from Big Brown and his star atmosphere he brought to each race which has not been felt for a long time, my two year old will miss him as he calls him in spanish, "caballito Big Brown."(Big Brown horse). I will also miss Caballito Big Brown!!!! All  I can Say is, Curlin, go get them and give us a show!!!!!

Jason,

My prediction came true, going back to just after the Belmont, something has not been right with this colt. Thought the Haskell would've been the last we saw of him if even that, but took a little longer. Honestly, if it hadn't been this 'injury' it would've been something else. I could say more but none of this has ever been the poor colts fault.

JSHANDLER: Espinoza stated that he "had plenty" of horse left. Also take note that he made a statement of "It was a slow pace and that's why I let him go at the three-eighths pole, so he could get something out of the race for the next race."

This horse is just getting started and people are not giving this horse any credit.  The fact that you said "no shot" tells me you dont even think he is a contender, which is so very untrue....

Jason,

Saw Casino Drive's work err race in person. It was no more than a work in company that he got paid for. Not saying he's going to win the BCC but I'm not dismissing him off the cuff like that and neither are a bunch of the horsemen. Depends on who shows.

Seems like a lot of the predictions were correct about BB. Seems like I remember Wanda, Atthebarn, myself and a few others saying he would have this INJURY or something pop up. The reason a lot of us believed he was staying at Aqueduct instead of shipping to Cal. Basically after the meltdown in the Belmont all they were running him for was to try and re-build his stud value (yes IMHO it was diminished by that debacle)and get some additional funds for their grand plan.

No foot no horse. They have been less than honest with the fans for months. I'm sorry for the horse but not the connections. I hope he can heal up without complications....

I agree with Atthebarn2--none of the problems have been Big Brown's fault. He has tried to tell his connections for a long time that his aspirations didn't match theirs. I not only thought that he wouldn't win the BC Classic, I was afraid that he could be terribly injured in the race. I pray that this hoof heals without complication.

Who was it in here that predicted BB would come up with a so called injury and never face Curlin? You predicted correctly. Poor Dray will have to find a new horse to boast about, sorry about that. No Well Armed, no BB, so lets see, I still like Curlin first, Tiago is scary in here so I'll take him second and for the tri, Casino or maybe a European.

Todays workout by Curlin! I hope it's as impressive as Casino Drives race yesterday! As far as BC goes, this is the "workout heard around the world"! Curlin Abides! I wanted to see them both but PLEASE! Curlin, step up--as you always have done, and let me see you for the first time out here! Steady, strong Curlin!

Danylson,

Even if BB would have gone to the Classic, there wouldn't have been a matchup with Curlin, because BB didn't match up any longer. Like I said way back, you can't nurse or baby a colt up to a big race like the Classic. Yes once it gets close you can bubble wrap them and try to protect them from harm but if they have issues like this colt, it's going to come out sooner or later. Close is like the week before not 3 months out. Better that he grabbed a quarter (whatever) in training than to have another possibly worse disaster in a race where he was hard pressed.

Guess it's up to Col John to show whether the 3 y.o. of this year were mediocre and BB was just a good horse in that crop or if they are/were actually better than we thought.

Cute with your 2 year old, my workers tell me that's about the same grasp I have on it, my Spanglish they call it. Now I can tell them I'm in good company.

Wanda,

It was either you or Monica who asked about the rumor of him grabbing a quarter, I think. Actually, nobody I know is surprised by this revelation or 'announcement'.

Casino Drive may not win the Classic, but he was pretty impressive from what I could see, just very limited in experience. But I have no idea how they train them in Japan just know their population is pretty regimented so if the colt is, that will serve him well.

I did not see Casino Drive's work I'm not going to say race cause the rest of the field was running for second money. They have taken a strange route to BC sort of like BB's was. He probably is a very talented colt but he will need more than talent to beat this field. However it still will be a very exciting race and I for one would like to see Curlin get HOY again. He deserves it period.

Karen, I think the colt will be just fine. A quarter is pretty easy to take care of. Like another trainer said, similar to going to the dentist for a filling. As long as no infection occurs. If any of you remember Unbridled's Song and his quarter crack, what did him in, in the Derby was the bar shoe, not the crack itself. The inroads into handling them have been amazing mostly due to Ian and his way that he handles them.

Also I said no longer matches up, not sure he ever did.

The guy who mentioned Draynay, well there was a core group of us that kept saying it. Some of us had a little bit more insight into how the whole thing works and also into the forces behind the horse.

Now the question becomes does Zenyatta need to break ranks to win HOY? If she wins Distaff/Curlin finishes close 2nd in Classic---who gets it? AND if both flounder doesn't Big Brown stand a chance for HOY? I'm gonna let Casino Drive beat me in Classic--those weren't the types he'll be facing on Oct 25---maybe it would've been better to run "straight off the plane" with Casino---otherwise go in The Goodwood---this 13-day out plan v alw foes....I'll pass, thank you! Thinjk Go Between, Col John, Tiago will be Curlin's stretch mates--good luck!

    It's a shame about Big Brown.  He was a truly talented horse, but look at the bright side here people, at least we are saying it's a shame because he had to be retired and won't get to run in the Classic and not because he was euthanized or anything along those lines!

    As for Big Brown, I don't think the fact that he didn't win the Classic will take away from his legacy.  There were other great 3 year olds who never won a Classic (i.e. Easy Goer, Point Given, Smarty Jones, Afleet Alex, etc.) who are still pretty high thought of and Big Brown fits into that group.  The colt won 4 races worth at least $1,000,000 and there is something to be said for that regardless of how weak people this 3 year old crop is or not.

    I'm still looking forward to the Classic and watching the Big Red machine do his thing.  Go Curlin!!!

    Now back to the blog topic, I'm telling you people, if Ideal World runs in the BC Turf, he will be a force to be reckoned with.  This improving 3 year old European colt has the talent, pedigree (Kingmambo/Banks Hill) and connections (Juddmonte Farms/Andre Fabre) to make his presence felt.  He'll be a very nice price as well.  Also, I'm liking Forty Thieves in the Juvenile more and more.  The Read The Footnotes colt will be going 2 turns for the 1st time, but he should handle it just fine.  He has a ton of talent.

How are you Atthebarn? I agree with you but they monkeyed so much with this horse's feet that he may have other problems. If it's just one foot okay but if it's both fronts you know what I mean. Horses don't grab a quarter for no reason. It sounds to me that he's not travelling right on the front end.

The comment about he who we don't name being sad is right on. He is one of many fans that were believers in this horse and could not see thru all the B.S. that was coming from the connections. That to me is very sad and it's bad for racing. I said this in June that they were not up front about his feet and I'm sad to think I was right. I hope they manage his future better than his racing career.

A sad day for racing and for all the fans.  Big Brown was a horse that gave joy to a lot of people. We saw that when we looked at the numbers that came out to see him in the Haskell in momouth. Breeders Cup will not be the same for me without Big Brown but i will be cheering on Kip Deville.Good Luck to Dutrow and all the connections and well done for all your success with Big Brown.

I posted on there once or twice before and i said 'big brown wont even make it to the classic' low & behold hes out. meaning if Curlin runs, he should have a solid trip. I'll put him with Casino Drive and Go Between. If he doesn't go i'll put Colonel John in the top three. Its too bad Zenyatta wont run with the boys because she'd eat them alive! she'll dominate the Ladies Classic and be followed by Ginger Punch and Hysterical Lady. But she'd proved that they're no competition already. I'm looking forward to seeing the Juvenile race as well b/c Midshipman looks to be training hard and should be able to place in the top three if not win. He should have a solid three year old campaign next year with Silver Charm's Bob Baffert behind him.

JUST TO POINT OUT THAT HORSE RACING IS STILL NEWS; ESPN,ESPN NEWS HAD SINCE ABOUT 10AM THE ALERT OF BIG BROWN'S INJURY AND RETIREMENT OVER TONY ROMO'S INJURY. RACING STILL MATTERS!!!!

I think it will be a battle between Curlin and Casino Drive in the Classic, with Curlin winning because he has more experience.

I have one question. Was BB wearing bandages and bell boots? They worked him that way in the past. Seems to me with something so important coming up they would have taken that precaution, with all the others they seemed to be taking. Crazy.

Just kind of got a wake up call watching TVG and Norberto Arroyo Jr lost his irons took a very hard fall. The tone of Durkins voice signaled something very bad. Pray for this guy, hope we hear soon and pray it's not as bad as Tom made it sound.

A horse with an injured hoof not running in a race he probably wouldn't have run in anyway seems pretty trivial right now.

I keep thinkin' "Sherriffs and Smitty" with "Zen and Tiago"

...

Not sure if you've all seen the picture of the hoof, it looks pretty bad but I reiterate my question. Why didn't the colt have bell boots and bandages on? Or did he? Does anyone know? I know he worked with them before the Belmont. Dutrow said in his interview that he didn't know if he would have run his race the way he did before the Belmont but he worked well.

I feel particularly badly for all of Big Brown's fans and he has a huge following.  Draynay, of course, is his number one fan.  I am disappointed as well but I really didn't think BB would make it to the classic, I don't think they intended to send him.  He hasn't been the same since the Belmont.  Yes, he had two wins with less than stellar competition and he struggled to win but most impressive about this is how he fought and held on to win.  Great courage and heart there, I hope he passes that on to his progeny and not his bad feet.  I truly feel they should have retired him after the Belmont.  He hasn't been the same and they have had to do all sorts of things to hold him together.  Had he been 100%, I think they would have raced Curlin in NY but BB wasn't in any shape to do that.  At least we don't have to worry about a worse injury if he had come to the Classic.  Bless Big Brown's heart and may he stay healthy for a long, long time.

TO BRADGM:

REGARDING ZENYATTA,MINUTES BEFORE HER LAST RACE A COUPLE OF TVG INDIVIDUALS PICKED AGAINST HER W/ H.LADY. ISN'T TVG LOCATED IN CALIF?

I wish I would say I'm surprised and shocked, but I'm not. Never had a feeling that BB would go. THANK GOODNESS for Curlin. Thank you to his connections, and trying to continue to win prestigeous races, on all types of surfaces and above all, keeping him running. J, if not Curlin then, for HOY? How 'bout the filly?

I got a phone message from a friend today telling me about Big Brown's retirement. It hit me between the eyes, and I've been on my computer ever since, with TVG on as well.

I'm very saddened by the amount of hardship this incredible and talented colt has had to endure over his career. If it wasn't his foot maladies, it was the scrutiny that he (and his connections) have been under.

I wish Brownie all the best in his retirement. I hope he'll be successful at stud, and have a long, happy life.

The matchup between him and Curlin would have been great, and not to see it happen is indeed a disappointment for racing, a sport that badly needs these kinds of rivalries. But the well being of Big Brown is what's really important. And hopefully Curlin's work this afternoon will be positive and he'll continue to move forward toward the Breeders' Cup.  

Thanks Brownie, for all the thrills.

What a surprise....Big Brown out of the Classic. Yeah, right. LOL

With the reality of facing the champ Curlin finally sinking in, his connections did exactly what many in the racing  circles believed that they would do...scratch Big Brown with an "injury" rather than have his stud fees harmed by the trouncing he would have gotten by Curlin.

The best part is we won't have to listen to Draynay anymore!

Jordan I don't think he had bell boots on but he should have. Just read the quote from the spokesperson. He said it was a 3 inch hunk of his foot and that he cooled out sore. No kidding! If he's serious that's not at all good. That horse will be lucky to walk the shed tomorrow if that.

Saratoga AJ,

Big Brown tore off half his foot.

Big Brown is out, to be retired to stud so he can pass his crummy hooves on to the next generation, like his sire did. Whoopee!

Mike, TVG doesn't speak for California racing fans.

Yes the station is based in Calif. But that doesn't mean anything. Most of their analysts are from around the globe. Those of us who go to the races here all the time, follow it closely and happen to know the connections have been on her all along. She's been an odds on at the track, those guys are usually looking for a price and seem to be enamored with Bobby Frankel's runners. I'm talking about the handicappers and fans as a whole. Trust me Mike, even though you post in Caps doesn't make you her original fan and the rest of us bandwagoners. TVG sure doesn't speak for me, in fact we rarely agree. I agree with Wayne on this one, for the most part they are mute TV. A couple are pretty decent a few aren't my cup of tea and don't know much at all.

Wanda, don't know if you saw the picture but it wasn't "half" of his foot (hoof) like Iavarone said. It was the inside of the right, maybe 1/6th of the hoof if that, although it's hard to tell. Going to try to find out, or take the picture blow it up to lifesize and calibrate it, when I get home. It's bad enough but I also don't know why he didn't have bell boots on. Sure you can't run the race with them but everything they were going thru to 'protect' him why not?

The Curlin work, hmmm. He looks impressive in his physical appearance. Looks like he gets over the track okay, other than that it wasn't anything noteable IMHO.

Ten-Four Jason. I watched Curlin work on the SA web-cam and I think I saw Brad right by the blue and white umbrella this side of the wire(joking). Couldn't see it all that great but what the heck I'm just cooking the turkey so I had time.

I am really sold on Square Eddie. I was really impressed with his last start. He could be any kind of horse. The other horse I really like is Fatal Bullet. He's coming around at the right time. Of course the "girls" are pretty special too.

Jason, Any idea if Zenyatta will run in the Classic? I think Curlin's work was pretty decent, 59 easy. (I was clocking him best I could watching him on TV). He's a beauty, Casino Drive is a looker too just not as bulked up. Course it's not a beauty contest as we all know. When are the European contingent arriving and any guesses on who they'll be? Mine is The Duke, Soldier of Fortune and Henrythenavigator.

It's inevitable to talk about BB, that's all anyone is talking about right now. Since the pre-entries don't come out until 10/16 the whole deal is speculation right now and we may be guessing about horses that may or may not be running.

My input is just that horses grab themselves on occasion, some more than others, might mean something, might not. Just like some horses run down. Big Brown will heal in a few weeks, he'll be fine. Due to his thin hoofwall he'll probably face this most of his life.

Sorry typed 10/16 actually pre entries close tomorrow. So don't hire me as a typist or court reporter. The guy  might get 60 years instead of 6.

Jason, just heard that GoGo got the mount on Midshipman. Know he's not as dominant as he was last year but I think that helps Midshipman a bunch. Now if we can just get Zenyatta into the Classic that would be amazing. Stardombound on Friday, things are starting to shape up. Can't wait to see the pre-entries........

Curlin sure is a beautiful colt and Casino Drive is too but he is very leggy, seemed to me that way when we saw him yesterday.

While I believe that Zenyatta is a very gifted filly, unless she enters and wins the Classic, she will not get HOTY. If she wins the Distaff, it won't be enough even if Curlin is upset in the Classic.

And rightfully so....her two best Beyers, while very good (both 108) do not approach Curlin's best. In his 3 starts this year, he ran Beyers of 110, 112 and 111. And he's capable when pushed by the likes of Street Sense to get even much higher Beyers, as he did in last years Preakness and Classic (114, 119).

A horse like Curlin does not come along very often. He is one of the best. Hope he runs a few more races before hitting the shed.  

I don't see how Zenyatta can get beat, other than bad racing luck. You have to love what Indian Blessing has been doing lately. I will take Intangaroo in a photo.

Stardom Bound looks good but sometimes horses with that type of running style don't get up in time. I'm going to keep an eye on C.S. Silk and Sky Diva. C.S. Silk has good cruising speed and my be hard to catch. But, she's coming off a layoff?

Street Boss is formidable, but once again with his running style he may not get up in time. Cost of Freedom is coming into the race good. Fatal Bullet looks good but big jump up in class.

Look for Consequence to bounce back in the Juvenile Filly Turf, Bittle Road in the Juvenile Turf doesn't make many mistakes. Surely, Skipadate will have good odds and might be worth a stab. Well Armed in the Dirt Mile, Goldikova in the Mile Turf. The Marathon, Turf Classic and Turf Sprint all look tough. Curlin, of course looks tough. Don't take low odds in races like this.

I knew BB would never see California.  I'm saddened by the news of his injury.  With BB out Harty should re-evaluate his plans with Well Armed.  He may have the lead to himself.  He may not win but he's in the trifecta.  Zenyatta's camp did it right.  She, like Lady's Secret, can take HOY coming out of the Distaff (or whatever they are now calling it).   The pressure is now all on Curlin for HOY honors.  

TO BRADGM:

SAY WHAT YOU WILL BUT I'LL BET YOU IF YOU LOOK UP NTRA FOR THE WEEK OF THE APPLE BLOSSOM,I POSTED A COMMENT TELLING A "SELF IMPOSED EXPERT" WHO THOUGHT ZENYATTA DIDN'T HAVE A SHOT,THAT SHE WOULD BLOW BY GINGER PUNCH. YOU CAN'T TRY TO CONVINCE ME EVERY FAN IN CALIF. WAS WITH HER FROM THE BEGINNING,THAT DOESN'T FLY!!!!!!!!!!

Curlin is the best race horse in the entire world. step back and review his record. unlike Big Brown

he is sound as a dollar bill or maybe I shoudn't make that comparison, well you know what I mean. In the Juvenile fillies keep your eye on Dream Empress brought to you by the same connections that purchased Curlin at the Keeneland yearling sales.

Two horses I love that haven't seen mentioned much are Fatal Bullet in the Sprint and Jukebox Jury in the Juvy Turf.  Anyone else like these two?

I thought Go Between did a nice job in trying to chase down Heat Seeker in the Big Cap this year.  However, he has not been seen since his Aug. 24th Pacific Classic score.  Is Mott trying to bring this horse to the Classic on just works?  This horse is DANGEROUS on all So Cal synthetics and most likely will be the second choice favorite after Curlin.  

RE: betting Hystericalady in Ladys Secret v Zenyatta---The amazing thing is Hystericalady was 4-5! I guess they didn't see Clement Hirsch at DMR---Zenyatta is a horse who makes up huge ground in the stretch--like none I've seen! I mean huge ground in very few strides--explosion! 1 1/4 v Curlin is another story, but how can anyone say.....as for The Great Curlin! OMG he likes it/Mikey he likes it! Too bad Zenyatta will race on Friday--vs Ginger Punch/Hystericalady/Godolphin 3yo---the best race in BC is on Friday!! Nice!! And absolutely you gotta give her a shot at HOY---that's a HOY year--thats one of the all-time greats----that's right, lost in all the Big Brown/Curlin talk---one of the all-time fillies is racing! But Curlin, today, wow! WOW! There's only one Curlin, racing as a 4yo'Bid--tough! Affirmed--tough! He looks the part---Who's gonna beat him? Curlin, 1 1/4 mi pro-ride, Oct 25---Who's gonna beat him? Go Between? Col John? Casino Drive?.....I'll say: put Curlin--ON TOP/over: Tiago, Go Between, Col John---and leave out the pretty Casino Drive! He hasn't been battle-tested! BUT--OH--does he benefit from no Big Brown, as Casino Drive likely will stalk very near the lead in BCC--he'll get 1st jump on Curlin but he'll be no match for Curlin in the stretch! The talent's there but I'd be suprised if he places--I just think Curlin/Go Between/Tiago are too tough for him and Col John's also battle tested--these guys can get distance but as far as beating Curlin--after what I saw today in his workout--how he handled track/effortlessly ran by stablemate/finished out!--From what I saw they're running for 2nd, CURLIN, saves the day once again on a controversial track--he wins big/bails out Racing for another year!

A few angles on Tiago: 1) he likes dirt better than synthetics but this track plays like a dirt track and he ran well in Goodwood/changed course in stretch and kept coming (into a slow pace)...2) He was nose behind Heatseeker at Oaklawn/Heatseeker would be 2nd choice in Classic...Sherriffs/Smith are in a zone/Tiago is an underated horse/he'll get the distance!

The closest thing to Big Brown was Candy Ride--in that both were spectacular if not battle tested, Curlin's place in history is well earned--Big Brown's Derby was one of the greatest all-time! His gear changing moves reminded me of Spectacular Bid--Big Brown was, I believe, the best since Bid...Thank The Lord for Curlin, to take away the pain! Thanks for Curlin! Great Old Curlin! Help take away the sadness of losing a great one...

Curlin looked effortless in his:59...like the good ones do.

I just got to see Casino Drive's race at Santa Anita (thanks to YouTube, yay)...if he runs well in the BC against his competition...what a heart he'll have...it's one thing to bring only 3 races to the Kentucky Derby against your peer group...but to come to the end of your 3 year-old year and run against the big boys...he runs like a race horse, though.

Surprised that no one hear thinks it's strange that they worked BB with no front shoes. They used to work him in bell boots and bandages and know they don't even shoe him for a work? At first glance the picture of his injury looks terrible, but when you look closely it seems that most of what he pulled off was equilux from a previous patch job.

Dotus-

Can understand how Adena Springs' Fatal Bullet (Red Bullet o/o Sararegal, an unraced to my recollection but very nicely bred mare), caught your eye and sure looks the part: back in July posted a NTR for 6.5 furlongs at Woodbine, and then set a NTR two months later at Turfway at 6 f. So, the artifical surfaces seem to be no problem, to say the least.

Jason, I didn't realize that Curlin's work was that fast. He sure was going easy. Can't wait for the announcement of the pre entries. Whatamidoing you had it right. From my understanding the first part of the money has to be paid today and the announcement will be made on the 16th. Is that right Jason?

Mike,

I don't want to argue with you. You are citing individuals and their choices. I'm talking about what the odds showed. That is what tells you how many and how much confidence is in the horse. Trust me, anybody who goes to the track in California has known about Zenyatta for a long time. If it makes you feel better to think you are the first guy on her and her #1 fan then go for it.

Thanks Jason for giving her a chance at HOY, now if the rest of the voters see it like you. However, I'm not sure about Curlin getting beat. Need to see the rest of the entries.

Also, just like last time here come the wildfires and the Santa Ana's.

Has anyone heard if C.S. Silk is going to California? I read she wad passing up the Albiciades to train up to the Breeders Cup. She wad amazing in her last race at Arlinton. I'm hoping to see her at Oak Tree.

 JUST READ IT'S OFFICIAL, CURLIN IS RUNNING IN THE CLASSIC!!!!! PER JESS JACKSON. WHAT A RACE IT SHOULD BE. NEVER THOUGHT BIG BROWN WOULD EVER MAKE IT, THAT'S WHY HIS CONNECTIONS DID'NT WANT TO SHIP HIM TO CALIFORNIA. GO CURLIN!!

Cold Pick 3 on Friday guys. 1. Stardom Bound/Mauralakana/Zenyatta. I was at Oak Tree for Super Saturday and I gotta say, as impressive as Zenyatta was, Stardom Bound stole the show. @ the 3/8th's, I thought she had too much to do. No way of saving ground and having to go 8 wide.. I'd thought she'd lose her stretch kick. And man Mike Smith still had tons of horse left. I'd put her in the same league as Halfbridled & Sweet Catomine. I think Mauralakana will be a decent price on bc day. Dynaforce was loose on the lead and Kent D. had to make a premature move on her in order to have a shot. She's been the best in America this year. And the overseas fillies coming this year don't look overwhelming. And Zenyatta... well, need I say more. And lastly, how about Ventura in the F&M Sprint? I will unload on her if Bobby F. places her there. I think she will run a replay of her Kee win earlier in the year with all the speed signed up. First run on Intagaroo and possible at 6-1 or up!

Donna. As far as I've heard on Pursuit of the Cup, she's coming b/c Laffit Pincay III has been raving about her for the longest time. At least since the latest episode on Oct. 10

Rock,

We've been so hyped on Star that a few blogs back one of my handicapping crew proclaimed her, his new love (hoping his wife wouldn't read it) the other is saving money, trying to win the lottery to buy her when she comes up for sale in November.

Too bad she's relegated to Friday when a few million less will see her.

Zenyatta, what can we say.

Hey what do we all think about Indian Blessing? Does Bobby B really have Midnight Lute back? He's named for Lute Olson who just got engaged at 74 to a 47 year old so maybe they're both on the comeback trail.

Thought Zenyatta was a victim of the "East Coast" bias for some time.  Remember the Apple Blossom was only her 4th start and she was kind of dismissed against Ginger Punch.  She's turned into a monster since then while Ginger Punch seems to be folding on the lead after 1:12 and change.  The DANGEROUS thing about her is that depending on the pace she can run from 12 off or 3/4 of a length off.  They can put her anywhere and she still has the monster Silky Sullivan closing 1/8th.  Sheriffs is often over looked but one of the best.  MATTHEW W...Giacomo's 1/2 brother all the way!  I would not dismiss this horse and it could be a great day for the Moss/Sherriffs/Smith connections.  

I know you don't want this to turn into a Big Brown blog but I don't know any other place to reach Steve Haskin and thank him for his beautiful, moving article.  Finally someone who knows is saying all that I feel and saying it perfectly.  I am just devastated for this remarkable horse - I wanted him to go out in a blaze of glory that would stop all the unfounded criticism he has attracted.  I am so grateful to Big Brown and the truly exciting, emotional racing season he gave me. I saw as many of his races in person as I possibly could, driving many places I have never been, just because of this horse.  Monmouth Park has won my heart for the enthusiastic cheers they gave to him for his super efforts.  Racing needed him and thank you, Steve for writing all you did about him.

Terri,

Try posting on his blog about Invasor, he'll give you his email address. Also he's posted it on past blogs you can find it there

Hey BHF,

Indian Blessing is an obvious factor, and looks to take a lot of money. That would be the only reason I would try to beat her. I'll use her of course, but look for Ventura shortening up, turf/synthetic and ran second to the boys in a Grade 1 mile beating Kip Deville in which I would admit that he was too keen in the early part of that race. I really think that F&M sprint is loaded with stars and it's hard to seperate. But for value (which I hope I'm not killing by these comments) I believe will be with Ventura. Don't forget, she beat Forever Together @ Belmont and look what she's done. Also, Householder, you know what race got me sold on Zenyatta? Her second start @ Hollywood. I tried to beat her in that race (Heavy fave, first time @ a route vs winners for the first time). She got absolutely left and fell far behind that I was counting my money around the first turn until the 5/16's and when my jaw dropped in awe on what she just had done, in hand, IN HAND! lol(Tom Durkin). Try to youtube that race and you'll see what I'm talkin' about. I believe it was the same day as Country Star broke the TR on Hollywood Starlet day.

If you haven't seen Curlin's work over the ProRide:

www.youtube.com/watch

I think HOY will come down to being between Zenyatta & Curlin.  Unfortunately, I think with Big Brown out of the BC  and racing in general, I don't think he'll get HOY but he should get 3yo of the year.  I never expected that BB would compete in the Classic, but I never wanted him to go out like this.  It wasn't that I didn't like BB, I was a fan of his from  the first race I saw him in, but I got tired of his connections and their constant bragging.  I still look forward to the BC series this year and I think the Classic will be great with Casino Drive, Colonel John & Curlin.  Does anyone know if Pyro is running?  He was my second favorite 3yo this year, of the colts.  

My heart goes out to all the connections of BB.  No matter what I thought of them, any injury like this is devestating to all of them.

People,

Besides the Classic (which itself suffered a huge hit), is there another on Saturday that anyone is looking forward to? Isn't it a shame that other Joe Six Packs like myself are going to be at work and have to sneak in a video stream while the boss isn't looking in order to watch these great match-ups on Friday! (minus the juvenile fillies turf? I'm a gambler and a fan and I guess betting wise Saturday is intriguing but I'm just not as pumped about Saturday as I am for Fridays races. I guess if Henrythenavigator & Raven's Pass both head to the mile then I'll be somewhat excited. But with Big Brown out of the Classic, it really did take the excitement out of the day. Maybe I'm spoiled, who knows.... :&

Rock, I feel you. Never been off Zen, tried but couldn't do it.

Don't think you'll tout anybody, don't think there are too many big time gamblers on here. Some say they are but my bet is maybe a few actually bet enough to make a difference and most don't even bet or are so opinionated they'd never take a tout.

Bummer about the work dude. Just don't let the boss catch you. Hey you don't work for me do you? Nah, I'd let you off to go to the track.

I'm intrigued with the Classic if only to see what Casino Drive does. May not be a factor but still want to watch it.

Baby Zenyatta on Friday is my race, favorite or not.

You know though one of the best times I had on BC day was when I was out of town and went to a track where we watched it from the jockey club. Sat there all day watched the works in the morning at the track and the BC which was in the ET zone, all day long. Bet the live races at the track when they started. It was one of the best times, even better than the live insanity.

THERE'S absolutely NO REASON WHY: They can't change The Distaff to Sat--just throw out a non-BC race! THAT'S WHAT THEY NEED TO DO NOW!! For Racing to not show Zenyatta/promote Zenyatta on SATURDAY will be an opertunity lost! They blew it---they even need to bring back the Juvy Fillies on Sat---Stardom Bound ran the same last 3/8 at DMR and SA--she's for real---as is that Medaglia'D'Oro filly (CS Silk??)--keep it big on Sat---put the gimick races on Fri!!

Zenyatta closes like a turf horse--that can be attributed to synthetics except her Oaklawn race was the same: slow start/lagging/far back at 1/2 mi pole/once straight she closes gap in matter of strides--EXPLOSIVE STRIDES, the likes of which I've seen on no other filly/or mare! If she goes in Classic, I wouldn't bet her as there's no telling if she gets the 1 1/4....but I also wouldn't bet on Curlin to out kick her if she does! The thing is, horses that close that fast in the last 1/4 don't necessarily get that extra 1/8...but, c'mon, it sure LOOKS like she gets it! We lost Big Brown, but we still have a great Cup! Curlin in The Classic! Zenyatta/Ginger Punch/3yo Godolfin filly/Hystericalady.....and a huge 2yo filly race! Lots of nice ones incl Stardom Bound and CS Silk--the closer and the frontrunner---both real nice fillies! The Euros can come and take the mile/Turf Classic but don't mess with the big boys in The Classic! I think the Classic came up tough this year--Curlin, Go Between, Casino Drive, Tiago, Colonel John, Well Armed---all good 1 1/4 horses! I think Casino Drive INSURES a good price for Go Between, Tiago, Col John---all will be 10-1 at least! Curlin will be 6-5/Casino Drive will be bet down to 3-1....and I'll be laughing all the way to the window! Curlin/over Tiago, Col John, Go Between, Well Armed---I'll try to beat the alowance horse!

Tiago hasn't had his "Giacomo Moment"...how fitting! Tiago is a much better horse than Giacomo, he looked good in Goodwood but he looked GOOD at Oaklawn earlier this year v Heatseeker in Oaklawn Hcp! I thought that was a key race this year--one of the strongest older horse races of the year...Heatseeker came back to Hollywood Park and looked real good---easily the #2 older horse at 1 1/4---and Tiago ran eyeball to eyeball with him---a Curlin-Tiago exacta looks real live to me this year....

Matthew,

Been saying that for months, since this blog started. The Juvenile Filly race is usually as good, as fast and just as entertaining, if not more so than the Juvenile.

Don't even move the gimmick races back to Friday. JUST MOVE all the NON GRADED BC races back to Friday. Why are we having non graded BC races on Saturday when they don't even count non graded STAKES as part of the qualifying process ???????? This isn't the horsemen. This is the ruling faction deciding this. Sounding like a broken record I know, sorry for being repetitious but these decisions are being made by the ruling powers, the SAME ruling body that everybody wants as overseers of the industry. This would just be the start if these guys get in total control. It will all become about the bottom line.

Right after the Travers, Harty said he'd likely train Col John up to the Classic---two months plus--I imediately realized it was Winstar's decision to race in The Travers, probably to showcase his class on dirt in the second biggest race for 3yolds in US.....Col John had a tough Travers, he crossed his rear legs and lost his action at head of stretch yet still rallied the length of Saratoga Dirt Stretch! I got the feeling Harty would've rather gone Goodwood to Classic---I got this other feeling that he's live...The Col....gets the dist/battles....he'll be fresh and near the lead/ala Casino Drive...I think he will be up close...he'll soften Casino/try to withstand Go Between, Tiago/CURLIN! Good luck!

Jordan A: Fine! Let it be about the bottom line! Bottom line is: Zenyatta/Sherriffs and Ginger Punch/Frankel and Hystericalady/Hollendorfer should be on stage 1---not some side show! Bottom line is major championships should be decided on SAT, on same track...ok, run the "specials" on Fri as a warm up...but PLEASE! FIX YOUR MESS--UP!! Thats the bottom line....

Col John was boxed in Travers...if he gets out/goes three wide--he leads by four at the 1/16 pole---instead he waits for opening/get run up on/still rallies on...I think Go Go blew it....

Ok people. Here's my take. Obviously without post positions assigned yet it makes it tough but here we go

Friday, Oct. 24 races

Filly and Mare Sprint:

1. Ventura –

2. Indian Blessing –

3. Intangaroo –

Watch out for: Lady Sprinter – ????? Well if Arcangues & Wilko can do it.........

Juvenile Filly Turf: Without Rainbow View, just pass the race. I would've loved it if she were in the Juvenile Fillies though. Although I've been on racingpost.co.uk and haven't seen her declared from the race. Anybody know where that info came from?

Juvenile Fillies: Addition of European star would add a lot of intrigue.

1. Stardom Bound – Debutante and Oak Leaf wins were awesome.

2. Sky Diva – Looks like the best on East Coast.

Just box it. Take the money and run with more on SB on top!

Filly and Mare Turf:

1. Mauralakana –

2. Forver together – (Distance limitations....eeekkk!!).

3. Halfway to Heaven –

Watch out for: Dynaforce – Depends on Wait a While if she presses like crazy.

Ladies Classic:

1. Zenyatta – Even money or higher...take it!

2. Music Note – Sons of Slew love the synthetics...(Ap Indy)

3. Carriage Trail – What was her Beyer in that Kee race?

3A. Ginger Punch – hmmmm....

Watch out for: Cocoa Beach– Only loss was against the boys in Dubai. Very intriguing for the spoiles. Hence, the win bet on Zenyatta. Don't get greedy unless 1/2.

Saturday, Oct. 25 races

Marathon: Who knows. Who Cares! Pass!

Turf Sprint: I like sprint races but man... No intrigue... Pass...

Dirt Mile:

1. Well Armed – The Class

2. Surf Cat – They should do with him what they did with Arson Squad. Send him east where there's dirt!!!!! Should like the cut back, but would look for 7-1 or above

3. Albertus Maximus – Really turning the corner...

Mile:

1. Ravens Pass –

1A. Henrythenavigator – Between these two, who ever is infront of the other down the backside should win. Although Henry loves to here his feet and he'll get it on this turf course.

3. Kip Deville – By default. Loves the Sa course

Watch out for: Goldikova – Might get overbet.

Juvenile: You have to assume that Vineyard Haven is not going. With Charitable Man out and Run Away and Hide a likely defection, things seem wide-open. (So sad.)

1. Believe In Hope – Wise guy horse. If below 7-1, won't touch.

2. Street Hero – Had as much trouble as the top one in last.

3. Midshipman – Good jock switch to Go Go.

Watch Out for: Everyone. Might be bombs away on this one.

Juvenile Turf: Bittel Road until I see the form.

Sprint: Injuries to Benny the Bull, Abraaj and Bustin Stones have opened the division up.

1. Street Boss - If he gets off the rail, he wins.

2. Fabulous Strike – A freak!

3. Cost of Freedom – Sharp Sharp.

Watch out for: Midnight Lute – Dead Money! Fatal Bullet - Big Beyer. Reraise did it in 98'

Turf:  

1. Duke Of Marmalade -

2. Red Giant –

3. Grand

Classic:

1. Curlin -

2. Casino Drive –

3. Go Between –

Watch out for: Tiago- Is going to get way overbet in a paceless race with much better closers in there that will have position on him.

BB is out,but it's still a solid group of horses lined-up for the Classic,not including any Foreigners whom I feel have no chance at all except Casino Drive..

I just think CD is waiting to be unleashed.Class is Class and he oozes it..to his doubters who think he's a toss-out:do so at your own risk,but he WILL show-up,trust me!..his prep was just what he needed.He could have easily won-off by 5+ lengths if asked,but they'll wait for his best when it matters most..Beware!!

If and where Pyro runs,they need to replace his 2nd tier level Jockey,who I believe has cost Pyro at least 3 wins this year by ALWAYS getting him stuck in traffic.It worked in Feb/March,but come on,enough already Shaun!..Pyro should fit well in either the Dirt/Turf Mile races..Tiago and Well Armed? Not against this bunch,maybe for the exotics placings,but they'll be far behind at the end.

Stardom Bound is an absolute stand-out in the Filly Juvenile.She romps by open lengths.

The Ladies Classic is shaping up to be pretty tough,not a cakewalk for Zenyatta like some might think.Musical Note is Top Class.

Can't wait for the entries to see who's running where...

I'm looking forward to the Ladies Classic, as well as the Turf & Mile races.  I'm actually quite disappointed that BB won't be there, but that's part of racing. With him out, I'm even more convinced that the Classic will be Curlin's race to lose, I don't see any horse in there who is good enough to beat him.  Casino Drive might have been in a year, but with only 3 starts to his credit, I just can't see it.  I think Tiago & Colonel John will give him a run for his money, but I don't think they'll beat him.

Well there you have it. A reported injury and the Big ole Browneye is retired. If it's true, i'm sorry for him. My take is that once Curlin was going to run in the Classic the Connections of brownie knew their chance at HOY was over. No way he could beat Curlin. Duck Duck Dutrow and his cronies played the year out the best they could to give the Big Ole Browneye a shot at HOY. Face nobody but weak 3 yr olds all year except for one ungraded race that was written perfectly for brownie and where no top G1 horse could be pointed to. Asmussen and Co. called their bluff and presto Brownie disappeared. Curlin may not win the Classic, there is still good competition and but he surely would have whipped the Big Ole Browneye just like the allowance horse, the maiden, and others did in the Belmont.

Matthew, Dude cool your jets man. I was agreeing with you.

Here's where credibility goes out the door.

The only point I made was about the ruling powers making the decisions for everyone, us, the horsemen etc. MY MESS, calm down. I'm a gambler who wants the premier races on Saturday. Are you so desperate for an argument that you're disagreeing with a like opinion?

Ok... Draynot I will address your comments since Jason found them to be worth posting. Big Brown won every race with 4 good shoes on his feet.  His Kentucky Derby win was the most impressive in the history of the race. No horse will ever win out of post 20 again going 4 wide all the way around the track. He was a brilliant turf horse that was pushed to dirt because of his amazing talent.  His one flaw was not his speed, talent or his ability it was his feet.  The fact that they were able to patch his feet to race as many times as he did was a minor miracle. You can run your mouth all you want on Big Brown but with each negative and foul word that comes out of your mouth comes the echo of stupidity.

Like it or not, one of God's beautiful creatures gave me and many others the pleasure of seeing him run and run with heart and grit. I find it interesting that at a time when a great champion is taken from our sport you find it an opportune time to run his name into the dirt.  No one wants to hear you spew  hatred towards an injured champion that gave many of us nothing but pleasure and joy.

TIZNOW and WinStar Farm are going to have a great Breeders Cup. I think COLONEL JOHN, WELL ARMED, SLEW'S TIZNOW and TIZZY'S TUNE all have a great shot at winning, and that BEAR NOW has a great shot at finishing second (how can I pick against ZENYATTA?). Yes, TIZNOW is my favorite, but I'm also picking these horses because they all have a legitimate shot! I'm expecting big things! I can hardly wait!

Draynay,

I don't approve of knocking the horse when he's down either. It's uncalled for now, it's history and none of us know how the story would have playe out for certain, we just all have our opinions. We knew they were holding the colt together and the experienced horsemen on here knew you couldn't do that for long with a horse at this level.

But, unless you have ESP you cannot make the other statements as emphatically as you did. None of us know what the future will bring or what any of these future horses will accomplish. If you'd just admit to that you'd get a lot more respect. Because, believe it or not there are a lot of people who loved Big Brown THE HORSE.

Whereas we had our differences I never disrespected the horse or your affection for it. I didn't respect the way you talked to people. Do you think you're any better than draynot for commmenting on him "running his mouth"?

I'm sure you'll dispute this but you did more than your fair share of spewing hatred towards your fellow posters. Why demean this champion that you so admire and one which HAS indeed brought pleasure to so many.

Your complimentary comments would have sufficed and made you the bigger man in the discussion. Just like all of the people who didn't agree with you on some of the past blogs have said the horse was never at fault in any of the negativity. It became personal because of the humans involved.

draynay

I am in total agreement with Draynot in that Big Brown faced nobody his entire career and I'll add that hardly anyone will remember any of those in a few years.

Sure he won the Derby from the 20 hole but he beat the weakest group of contenders in that race I have ever seen. 20 hole and 4 wide means nothing when you beat nothing. As I recall Gary Stevens once pointing out, draw a straight line from the 1 hole to the first turn and from the 20 hole to the first turn at CD and there is only a couple of feet difference. Big Brown was clear of any interfeence that others met. The 20 hole was a blessing and that's why his connections chose it. In this years renewal the 20 hole meant little or nothing because of the weak entries. He had a cakewalk the entire race and was facing nobody of consequence at that time. This wasn't Alysheba almost going down in the stretch and overcoming that to win, Big Browns win in the Derby was in mediocre time and he showed us all what happened when he faced trouble (which he was at fault for)in the Belmont.

Great Turf Horse?  Big Brown never ran in a Graded Turf Race. He won a Maiden Race and one written specifically for him. Those who showed up came for the purse and were not pointed to the race like Big Brown. They had their schedules altered to make it there and that put them all at a big disadvantage and some still almost beat Brownie.

Just like Draynot I'm sorry to hear he was retired reportedly because of an injury (although I have my doubts). I would have loved to see him get whipped in the Classic by Curlin and others.

HEY DRAYNOT:

MANY TIMES I HAVEN'T ALWAYS BEEN ON THE SAME PAGE AS DRAYNAY,BUT THIS TIME I TEND TO BE. UNLIKE YOURSELF,I'M A BB FAN AND CAN APPRECIATE WHAT HE'S ENDURED FROM THE WRONG CONNECTIONS TO THE UNSOUND FEET. IT SHOWS YOU DON'T HAVE A CLUE TO EVEN SUGGEST THE CONNECTIONS WERE DUCKING CURLIN. I OWN RACEHORSES AND SEE ON A FIRST HAND LEVEL WHAT CAN CHANGE IN AN INSTANT. THIS HORSE APPEARED ON STAGES THAT MANY NEVER DREAM OF! YOU OBVIOUSLY ARE IN A LONG LINE THAT BLAMES THE CONNECTIONS FOR THEIR LACK OF CLASS AND ARE WILLING TO TAKE IT OUT ON THE HORSE. AS FAR AS DRAYNAY GOES,ONE THING YOU CAN SAY ABOUT HIM IS HE IS LOYAL TO BB.

draynay,

My opinion is my opinion and I am entitled to it regardless of what you think. There was no hatred included in my last post nor did I in anyway "run his name into the ground" (that kind of attempt seems to be reserved for the political campaigns in desperation). It was all my opinion and nothing else. You need to grow up and realize not everyone will agree with you all the time and if they don't it doesn't make them wrong.

FYI I too enjoyed the Big Ole Browneyes races particularaly the one he got whipped by all the others. His races were good for my pocketbook. I was so looking forward to cashing in another nice payoff in the Classic when the Big Ole Browneye ran up the track. That doesn't mean I don't like him, it means I don't believe he's ever been that good. Beyers that never reached 110 don't lie. Even in his best race he couldn't break a mark that so many have in the past and so many more will in the future. A likely 3 yr old champ but from the weakest group i've ever seen.

I did not read one "foul" word in Draynot's comments. You sir have commented more than once about how stupid and uneducated most of the people on here are. You have said also that his feet were a miner issue earlier on in the year and shot done comments from people who know more about it than you.

Now saying all that I'm sorry that you believed all the stuff his connections were saying. I'm sorry the horse won't get the chance he deserves to run against the best. I appreciate that you were and still are his biggest fan on here. Look forward to his babies running.

Last but not least do not use the word "brilliant" to discribe a horse who broke his maiden and a non-graded stakes on turf.The recently retired Arc winner is "brilliant" as a Grade 1 winner many times over. Zarkava beat the boys in the greatest turf race in the world. That my friend is brilliant.

IF YOU ARE GONNA QUOTE GRAY STEVENS,THEN PERHAPS IT WOULD BE WISE TO ALSO ADD HIS COMMENTS REGARDING THAT HE'S NEVER WITNESSED THE SPEED BB HAD IN HIS 28 YRS OF RACING! GUESS YOU FORGOT TO INCLUDE THAT,RIGHT?

I didn't think Big Brown could win the classic because he has not been the same since the Belmont.  His feet were so bad they trained on grass.  That animal suffered with those feet and should have been retired.  No horse should be sacrificed no matter what.  No horse should suffer to run a race.

It's just not right.

Big Brown was a good horse period. How good, no one really knows other than he was "MUCH BETTER" than a weak group of US based 3 yr olds-where that puts him???? I agree enough of him, he is not racing.

Now the real pity-I would love to see Zenyatta go in the Classic-Battle of the Sexes US version---Zarkava won the first batle in Europe-she has only won by enough as she had to. I believe there is a lot more in the tank. Could she win? I don't know, but I think there is a strong possibility-She is "that good" in my opinion.

I am in total agreement with schabelli. Big Brown did not face any type of spectacular competition in his carrer. His most promising competition was Eight Bells and we all know how that ended. Its sad that his injury forced his retirement, but in all honesty, i think that his connections played a larger part then his injury. He would have been embarrased by Curlin.

Jess Jackson is really the only horseman out there concerned with his colts well being along with the sport as a whole. Zenyatta's connections have a one in a million and should race her in the classic b/c she could give Curlin a reason to hit a 111, 112, or 113 speed figure again. She really is the female Forego and its sad that whoever is in charge of scheduling screwed alot of fans who will be at work from seeing her run.

Maybe Casino Drive can live up to his hype and his pedigree and turn what is shaping up to be a walkover for Curlin into a race worth watching. Even is he kicks it up, he isn't in the same class as Curlin.

Matthew W...Your completely right.  I would say Heatseeker is a very good judge of the quality of a race, and since he put away Go Between in the Santa Anita Big Cap, in my mind the best horse out west until being injured.  I have been very high on Well Armed.  Well Armed finished in front of Heatseeker 2x.  Well Armed sets the track record at Del Mar for 1 1/16 in the San Diego.  Zenyatta bests this record two weeks later.  These are very good horses, Giacomo's 1/2 brother included.  They are not going to lay down for Curlin on their home track.  It's going to be great.

Normally, I would give the Euro's no shot in the Classic. However, with the defection of Big Brown, Well Armed and Mast Track I see very little pace.

As is often said pace makes race and that sets up for the Euro's and their 3/8ths sprint for the wire.  If this field gets bunched like it is setting up for it will turn into a traditional turf race.  With Pro Ride being the surface there is a chance the Euro's like the Duke, Henry, Ravens Pass and a couple others may choose the Classic for this reason.

In a traditional Dirt race Curlin would win for fun against this crew, but, that isn's the case.  

This Classic is wide open if Mast Track and/or Well Armed connections don't change up at the last minute.  I still favor Curlin, but, the pace setup makes this race a much tougher call, imo.

I remember the great Bayakoa.  I think Zenyatta is about ready to start her own 16 months of terror.  These filly/mares can get real consistent.  I'll certainly take even money on her.  Take a look at Hysterical Lady's record.  She is a very good horse and Ginger Punch is no slouch either (although they got to do something about her stopping after slow fractions).  She (Zenyatta) toyed with them like rag dolls. Perhaps the race will come up quicker for her (Ginger Punch) and she's back off the lead.  Don't see her moving forward off her most recent.  

Draynot, it would be too easy to prove if Big Brown wasn't injured.  I think if they would've ducked the race saying it was a quarter crack, then I would've doubted it (remember I never believed BB would run the Classic).  But the injury being what it is and as severe as it is, I honestly believe it is real.  They could've claimed in a week that he got a new quarter crack & was scratched then, that would've made more sense than to lie about him tearing off the bulb of his hoof & part of the hoof itself.  That would be too easy to disprove if it wasn't real.

I agree with Draynay that BB was an incredible horse.  It wasn't BB's fault that the crop of 3yos this season wasn't as good as they have been in recent years (think Curlin, Lawyer Ron, Barbaro, Bernardini, Street Sense, etc.)  I just don't agree with him that BB would've won the Classic or HOY.  That will be between Zenyatta or Curlin, both of whom are extremely deserving.  I don't think BB was ever a contender for HOY.

Take G. Steven's comment about BB's speed being "the best he's seen" with a grain of salt.  That's a very subjective point of view coming from the senior advisor for racing and bloodstock services for IEAH - oh yeah, IEAH owns Big Brown - the comment seems a little biased now, doesn't it!

As I predicted, BB would not make it to the Classic. Good luck to you BB with your new job.

As for the Classic, I am going out on a limb and pick Go Between.  He has only been off the board once in his past ten starts.  If he doesn't do it, I hope Curlin does.

Jordan how much money have you got? Let's go in together and buy that 20% of Curlin. Anybody else want in?

ANYBODY HAVE ANY SLEEPERS IN THE JUVENILE TURF RACES? ANY HORSES THEY KNOW OF THAT HAD TROUBLE FOR VALUE?

Wanda, Not nearly enough, besides, I don't want him. I want the filly Stardom Bound. Gotta win the lottery.

Matter of Opinion, Love it. Course he was talking about Gray Stevens, you remember him don't you.

RELVA, KILL THE CAPS DUDE.

Isn't Gray Stevens Gary Stevens uncle?

Only if he has more hair than Gary, otherwise he's not gray at all.

Man the BC needs to get here pronto.

Rock, Don't really know for sure who's in yet, saw a couple but will wait to see if they're in.

I think it's funny to hear people say that CD is not in the same catagory as Curlin and cannot be compared. Let's remember that were comparing a 3 year old to a 4 year old. Also, I think it's fair to say that everyone is going to keep their eyes on CD as being a potential threat to Curlin in the Classic which makes me think to myself that if he is a threat to Curlin now at 3, what do you think he is going to be like as a 4 year old? My answer is: SUPERIOR

Wanda

I'd go for a piece of Curlin in a minute!  The only problem is, we'd probably have to get 500 others to join in!  I cannot imagine how much 20% would cost!

Mmmmm.  It always fascinates me when someone is so adamant about a horse to the point of picking fights about it. I don't understand that, it's as though no one can have an opinion that differs from theirs.

Draynay,

I do have to say something to you.  I know how much you love Big Brown, everybody does.  You don't like anyone saying anything about BB but you have had one hell of a field day slamming Curlin.  But that's okay, right?  After all, Curlin is a lousey horse, a one trick dirt pony as you put it, who never beat anyone.  This is all documented on these blogs.  Why is that okay?  Why is it okay for you to say all those hateful things about Curlin but it's not okay for anyone to say anything in the negative about Big Brown?  I have been attacked by you and one other about that yet you and the other have never run to the defense of Curlin when  people attack him, of course, you being the biggest attacker.  Now, to be realistic, anything you have said about Curlin has not made one IOTA of difference in his world.  He is very happy at Santa Anita and well cared for.  He is rated the NUMBER ONE horse in the world and nothing, absolutely nothing you can say can change what he has accomplished and how great he is.  Same goes for Big Brown.  Anyone saying what they feel changes nothing the horse has accomplished.  Nothing.  BB is not standing in his stall reading this blog crying over what has been written.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion but I just don't get it when a zealot thinks that should not be alowed.  It's okay for you to bash but no one else.

I'm sorry for BB, I truly am and I am not at all happy about it.  I think it sucks that his connections didn't retire him sooner.  I am also sorry for you to have lost your favorite horse, I know how that is.

Okay Wanda, what did you do in Kentucky? Saw they got word of your plan to recruit Jordan to buy 20% of Curlin and the courts in Kentucky have a motion to block the sale.

Jason, I think we have some undercover posters on here. Always thought Wanda was a mysterious lady. (of course you know I'm kidding Wanda, although not so much about Jordy) Have to say that your blog, Steve's, Dan's and Scot's are the blogs of choice.

So as soon as the pre-entries are announced you'll be firing the starters pistol I assume? Can't wait!

Jordan A: SORRY! I was pounding those keys--venting at the powers that be--thru my comments to you! I KNOW/knew you were agreeing with me! They're putting the fillies on Friday so as to emulate the Ky Oaks tradition of day before Derby....the thing is, THAT makes sense, but the Breeders Cup is supposed to be America's Championship Day---and they mess it up! Very good fillies are going to run--Friday! Champions are going to be annointed--Friday!

Householder, you've got me wrong a bit---I DO like Tiago, Col John, Go Between in Classic---to vie for 2-4 positions behind--and behind enough to SEE--Curlin's behind!

Looks like Aiden O'Brien will enter both Henrythenavigator and Duke of Marmalade in the Classic. These two are among the top horses in Europe. Both have won a bunch of Group One (Grade One here) races this year in Europe. They may end up being the toughest challengers for Curlin.  

If Pyro goes in DIRT MILE - BET HIM

Pyro if he goes in the "dirt mile" Saratoga 007? Did they move the venue and forget to tell us?

MIKE: Gray Stevens who ever he is must have been hanging out with Pat Valenzuela too much to make a statement like that.

Regardless the point I was making since you had a tough time understanding is that the distance Big Brown travelled to the first turn was insignifigantly longer and it was done with no trouble. In simpler words for you, he had no disadvantage from that post on that day, it actually benefited him to start there.

Matthew, It's all good. Just think how they could hype the two girls and get everybody dying to watch them. Course that would drive up the price of Baby Zenyatta and ruin my plans to buy her.

Wizard,

The Duke didn't look so great in the Arc. Henry got beat but he looked pretty good, can he go that distance? Of course that's WHY they still run these races, never know what's going to happen.

Joan,

Every horse in the classic is a threat to Curlin.  No race is a given, anything can happen.  Casino Drive does look wonderful as he travels and he looks tremendous.  He is only 3 and he has only 3 races that's a bit of of hindrance but if he gets a good trip watch out!  One thing I will say about Curlin while watching his last workout is he is as smooth as silk in his gate, you could almost balance a cup of tea on his saddle while he runs and watching his entire body while he runs, that horse has power he has never even used.  If Curlin ever really goes full out we'll all see something we've never seen before.

Monica, What did you think about the way he had his head cocked in the early going? I was trying to go back and look at other works and see if he did that. Wonder if it signals that he might get too eager? That was the only thing that wasn't perfect.

Jordan,

He's does get too eager when he runs.  Robby said he was too keen in the Jaguar Cup and kept him on the far outside.  This horse wants to run when he's feeling really good.  Most of the time he rates but for some reason in Dubai he just wanted to take off and it looks to me as though he really wants to run at Santa Anita.  There's no doubt that he feels terrific and the heat doesn't seem to bother him.  If he remains that way I look for a fantastic effort from him.  He loves the fall.

Jordan,

It appears to me that Curlin really loves this Pro-Ride just by the way he jogs and gallops.  He appears to be ready to go.  A great sign! I really wonder if the European horses will love it that much.  Curlin prefers dirt and he's loving it at SA!

Matthew W.  Your probably right, but watching a Culin romp is not any fun.  Let us at least pretend we can somehow beat him.  

draynay is still hangin out here bashing anyone who looked objectively at the kind of racehorse Big Brown WAS?

The lasting memory I will have of Brownie will not be that he ran with grit but that he spit the bit in the biggest race of his life when the going got tough. He never proved that he could overcome adversity against REAL top class competition since he never faced any. Nuff said, let's move on to bigger and better animals than Big Brown.

Curlin while the likely favorite in the Classic will have his hands full. If he pulls this one off on a "fake surface" that is totally foreign to him he will go down as one of the greats. If he's beaten it won't diminish what he's done elsewhere. Good luck to him.

The rest of the card is wide open and I am expecting something a bit different than last year where a number of favorites won. I'll be playing the gimmicks since that's where the big money will be. I love the big race day's where the pools are overflowing with the novice players money.

To the pure race fans, feast your eyes on Curlin and the rest and enjoy the day. It only comes along once a year.

Jordan,

The head cocked on Curlin has been a habit that has been going on for some time.  Assmussen, has mentioned it several times.... but, still there.

Sam, It seemed worse to me than normal. Some horsemen said the same. Also recorded TVG and the ex trainers on there seemed a little put off by that. Of course the rest of the work was easy peasy. Casino Drive seems to have a similar running style and well, I just hope for an exciting race, don't want to see a runaway.