No wonder you're a Former owner... YOu list 14 Trainers from a group of 3000.. Proven winner?? I can 40 trainers in NY i would rather ive my 1 horse too than those on your list..

um hello....where's the love for Hal Wiggins? I guess he's retiring though. Maybe I could convince him to just have one horse for me in his barn next year....:)

Jason, Baffert is too large for a one horse stable/owner. Mandella is tops, although he must be downsizing as he runs far fewer than ever before. Add Ron Ellis to that list, great horseman (only negative question is he spread too thin-TVG). G. Motion-tops in my one horse stable treats every owner large or small very well. KY-first choice is a no brainer David Carroll can train 2yo’s, three year olds and older, doesn’t matter short or long, male or female. He can do it all with very limited owner support. In the SW/SE agree with the Calhoun selection add Joel Marr (Sunland Park) he too can get the job done very very nicely.

Richard Mandella hands down!

Michael Matz!!!!

There is only 1 trainer in NY worth giving any horse too....Rick Dutrow Jr.

He can outtrain all the others, and out doctor them as well

Since I live on the West Coast, I wouldn't mind going to Bob Baffert. Guy has a great personality and a proven winner. Bruce Headley would most likely be a 1st Alternate. He takes a lot of time with his horses. Works them fast, and are usually very durable. 2nd Alternate, and this is just if I wanted a trainer to make a splash back into the Triple Crown series, maybe Jack Van Berg. He's reduced his stock by a lot, but with a quality horse, I wonder if he can get that spark back into them as he did before. Would make for a great story as well.

Okay, I win the lottery and head up to Lexington. At the Keeneland Sales I purchase my Kentucky Derby runner, whom I name "Capercaillie" (Gaelic, "horse of the woods").

I want Richard Mandella to train him, West Coast logistics notwithstanding.

If I were in New York, it would be K. McLaughlin. If in Kentucky/Arkansas, Larry Jones. If in Texas, then Bret Calhoun (we know about him here). However, I am most anxiously awaiting the trainees of Gary Stevens to make their first track appearances. If they look fit and do well, then any/all my horses would go to him. Fun question, Jason!

David Carroll is all class, also what about Ian Wilkes?

Out of your list I would chose Kiaran.

Though I think I'd go with one of the Dutrow brothers.

I live in Kentucky, so for me it would be either Maker or Tom Amoss. I would love to have Billy Mott train my turf horse though if that was the pdeigree and direction I went with. A few of my friends have a More than Ready 2 year old that Hal is training now, and we are in this very predicament of who do we have train our colt after the fall meet?? Ironic you write this blog.

Michael Matz, no doubt!

Being from the East Coast I have but one choice, Bill Turner. He has been there and done that. He continues on in the world of racing, overlooked and not appreciated for his talents and gifts. He is a true gentleman, a horse lover, a man who loves what he does.

I can say, I would be in a quandary if I would want the chance of a derby winner more for my part or for his. I would want it, but he deserves and has more then earned the chance for another.

So, even though I write in the land of a dream scenario, should some one in the reality read this, consider Mr. Turner. I don't think you would go wrong, and you could do a lot worse.  

Rockets,

Dutrow has nothing on Kurt Ziadie. Ziadie had 13 medication violations just this year. The result? "Warning Letter Issued" for each violation.  He was even allowed to run a horse at Calder while he was suspended in June! No wonder he's tied for leading trainer.

Jason,

I know you'll get many comments on the few 3,000 trainers you didn't name, lol, but you totally left the women trainers out of your selections. How about Helen Pitts or Linda Rice? Carla Gaines trained a little known mare by the name of Nashoba's Key, and Laura de Seroux had a nice mare named Azeri.

I have a race bred 2 y.o who I'd love to send into training, If i had an exorbinate amount of money, she'd go to Bob Baffert.

I'd say Michael Matz. I live very close to Fair Hill, never been there, but would love to visit. Plus i would want a good trainer who has doesn't care what the media says and will just do what he knows is best. Otherwise, he's fired, i wouldn't let any suspect ppl near my perfect dream horse.

Ron Ellis All the way!

Handsdown, John Sheriffs.  There's not a nicer guy out there, and success - well Zenyatta would not complain.

Where is Mr. D. Wayne Lucas. No love for the old man huh?

Trainer to GET to the Derby: T. Pletcher

Trainer to WIN the Derby: B. Baffert or N. Zito

Larry Jones & Ian Wilkes for Kentucky definately

Bye the way Mr. D. Wayne Lucas will be returning to the Kentucky Derby winner circle next year with "Dublin".  Yes, you heard it from me 1st.

That's Easy - Nick Zito! He's got another Ken. Derby ahead. If for some reason he's no longer training, then Todd Pletcher.

I would choose Michael Maker. He is a very good young trainer. If you watch and bet any racing at CD then you know who he is. IMO he will be a big name trainer in the very near future.

Reading all these names of wonderful trainers in the comments makes you realize what a hard choice this is. Yes, I totally agree with the comment about John Shirreffs. He's a great person. What about Jay Robbins? If I bought a Tiznow, I would pick Robbins. And I'd also like to see John Servis get another Kentucky Derby winner.

Well, the trainers I would have chosen are not on this list. I do have a good bit of respect for Mr. Jones, but he's not going to be here at the end of the year!

I would send my horse to Christophe Clement. He is as close to a water and oats trainer as you are going to get!

Barclay Tagg!  A true New York Horseman who knows how to get to the Derby (Funny Cide, Tale of Ekati, etc.)

Nick Zito hands down!!!

Hal Wiggins (if he was not retiring), and Roger Attfield would be guys I would consider, but I would go with Wayne Catalano.  Wayne is vastly underrated and a great horseman.

Soldier Course brought up a good point - how would the pedigree of the horse influence your choice? I agree with her about a Tiznow and Jay Robbins. If it was a gelding I wanted to be happy and run for many years, Graham Motion first, Nick Zito second. If I was West Coast, Jack Van Berg first, John Sherrifs second. But the one I would like over all of these if i could pick anyone I wanted (except maybe Jack Van Berg) would be Michael Dickinson.

why not doug oneill. all he does is win. did pretty well with stevie wonderboy and been down the derby trail. great guy too.

We have one and we sent to Steve A.

Give it to David J. Rose at Charles Town!!!! Should get more of a shot than he does. He trained for me, but like most of his other clients, I didn't have the horse or the money to let him shine. UNDERRATED!

Barclay Tagg.  As dedicated and hard working as they come.  

Since I am in TX and like you said, would want to be able to visit my horse in training, I'd go with Bret Calhoun also.  He's had some really nice horses here and is overlooked too often.  If my windfall was enough money for me to travel to where my horse was in another state, it would be Graham Motion at Fair Hills or David Carroll in KY.  There are so many trainers out there who are doing such a wonderful job with the horse talent they are given, they kind of get lost in the shuffle with all the big money stables.  The smaller barns have a lot more appeal to me.

Helen Pitts thank you very much!! (-:

Jones, Matz, Zito, McLaughlin - I'd take any one of them....

IT WOULD TO BE SOME SMART,HUNGEY,LESS THAN 30 years,WITH ALOT OF HORSE KNOWLEDGE.CAN be afirst year TRAINER

THE VETERAN TRAINER IS SET IN Their ways

DOESN"T have to be a yes man

DONT WANT A TRAINER WHO ONLY CARES ABOUT odds,

IF YOU NEED AVETERAN trainer i guess you take bob Baffert even if he runs horse into the ground.

YOU WOuld like back in one piece so he could make money as a sire

It would have to be either Michael Matz or Helen Pitts but basically it would depend on where I was living at the time.  Love Todd but he has so many horses my one would get lost in the shuffle.  A good smaller stable would surfice as far as I am concerned because I would know he or she was getting the attention they needed to progress.

Soldier Course,

My young horse would also be a Tiznow. I would consider Jay Robbins also, but my choice would be Ted H. West. He's young, has a small barn, he successfully trained Budroyale (Tiznow older full brother), does well with the limited quantity and quality of horses he gets and appears to be one of the nicest guys on the So. California circuit. Being a Tiznow, my horse would probably be a late bloomer and not make it to the Kentucky Derby, but I would not care one bit. The BC Classic is not too shabby either.

Jason,

Great subject for the blog...Oh! if only my fantasy would become reality...

Note to Self:

Do not accidentally shoot myself in the thigh at a Manhattan nightclub.

It would be in Philly, of course ;)

easy

tom albertrani

Really, is that entire story ridiculous or what?

Besides the 'breaking the law' part...

If dude is that concerned for his safety, get security team or just stay home and order out.

Maybe choose to not frequent clubs where you feel you need to carry.

Dope.

Well here's hoping you all get your dream horse, dream trainer and win your dream race.

Even if it's a cheap claimer in a one horse barn it's still an amazing feeling!

You described in perfect detail my dream--and our work group just bought lottery tickets!  Lexington, Here I Come!  Trainer would be either Jones, Carroll or Pitts; it would be Matz, but that's a bit too far.  The horse would be a filly, name her "Laliari" means "Sweetest Flower"--and Jones is, I think, great with the fillies!  He's a great guy.

Carl Nafzger

Christophe Clement

Bobby Frankel

Both have been my two favorite trainers to bet on for a while now.  Both take great care of their horses and know how to spot them well.  

Of course neither would be suited to making the KY Derby, but that would be fine with me.  

Michael Matz is my pick hands down.

My top choice would be R Mandella, he is great with older horses and my dream horse would race until he was 10 at least, lol.

      Since I live in Connecticut, My only two choices would have to Mr. Matz as top choice and Mr. Tagg as my second.  If the Jacksons trust their horses with these two, Then that is good enough for me.  Mr. Matz's barn is immaculate, He treats his staff with the utmost respect, And he is a class act through and through.  I am not saying other trainers don't have those same qualities, It is just that I know these to be facts about him.  He has a fairly small barn, So he could spend quality time with my horse(lol).

      His name is "Comanche" and we will see you in the 2011 Kentucky Derby.....Sorry, Got carried away!!!

I would without a doubt rather try a smaller barn so as you are not just another number but a partner with your trainer.My choice in the midwest is Lon Wiggins, Hal's son who has learned from his father and will always continue to.

No break for Burress.

Maybe he was going to kill someone that night.That must be the reason they were harsh on him.

I agree with Brian--Dublin for the Derby!!

East Coast: Tim Ritchey, Barclay Tagg or Larry Jones (and a personal favorite Nancy Heil)

West Coast: Doug O' Neil

    Off subject here, But, Jason, Do you know you can go on the Eagles website and get a team jersey for your dog with Vick's number on it?  Amazing...

Helen Pitts and Hal Wiggins, who both made the big horses Curlin and Rachel Alexandra what they were.  Then Michael Matz, who trained the greatest horse ever, Barbaro.

Anyone of those you are lucky enough to get.....they are all top class and will always do their best for you.....

how about linda rice, helen pitts or florid's kathleen o'connell.

I like Richard Mandella and Bobby Frankel. I would want my horse with a biger stable.

Mclaughlin hands down.  He lets young horses develop mentally and physically and he feeds them right.

D. Wayne Lucas

Bob Baffert

Todd Pletcher

IF YOU ONLY HAVE ONE HORSE AND WANT TO SEE HIM GET TO THE RACES, AND RACE MORE THAN A COUPLE OF TIMES, ITS NOT A GOOD IDEA TO GO TO ANY OF THE BIG OUTFIT TYPE TRAINERS ON YOUR LIST. YOU HAD BETTER SELECT A TRAINER WITH A SMALLER STABLE THAT HAS THE REPUTATION FOR PROVIDING INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION AND TAKING HIS TIME WITH HIS HORSES. ONE WHO HAS THE BEST INTEREST OF EVERY HORSE IN HIS STABLE AT HEART. TRAINERS LIKE MICHAEL DICKENSON (NOW SELLING RACE SURFACES), OR BARKLEY TAGG, COME TO MIND. THERE ARE MANY TRAINERS THAT WOULD MAKE BETTER CHOICES FOR A ONE HORSE OWNER THAN ANY ON YOUR LIST.

I would have to say, after watching racing for years on tv, Bob Baffert! I adored watching the pair of Point Given and Baffert! What a team they were

DOUG O'NEILL

Bobby Frankel. He'll do the right thing by the horse.

Helen Pitts

Greg Gilchrest

but since I'm here in New England, I guess New York is closest big tracks...so, Nick Zito.

You did forget to mention Michael Matz, who won the 2006 Kentucky Derby with Barbaro.  I see nothing wrong with the guy.  In fact, he's my favorite trainer.  I know he's not even been a thoroughbred trainer for a decade, but you have to cut him some slack.  He did let Barbaro take 8 weeks off before running in the Florida Derby.  The colt was fresh.  And then Barbaro took 5 weeks off, something that wasn't accomplished in over 50 years.  He won the Derby by the largest margain since Assault.  So Micahel didn't know what he was doing?  I scoff at that.

No question, i would give it to John Shirreffs.  He's won it before and if ANY trainer in CA or anywhere will win it again, it's him.  

Fun question!  And one I’ve often pondered in my day dreams.

Although he would not be on my short list due to location, for California it would be Ron McAnally because you can’t find anyone more reputable.  And he has handled his fair share of “big” horses.

On the east coast, I would look at anyone who uses the Fair Hill Training Center.  Every trainer says his/her main job is keeping the horse happy.  I can’t think of a better environment to do so.

I would also consider Nick Zito and Helen Pitts because their horses, from claimers to stakes caliber, are consistently some of the healthiest and best looking ones at any track.

And because I would hope to be blessed with a turf runner, Jonathan Sheppard and Bill Mott are the specialists.

Jason: Sorry I'm late here but I'll bet Plaxico Burress catches more balls locked up in prison than the Rams' WRs combined.

As to trainers, interesting question. Of course, I might choose differently if I had the pedigree of the horse; I wouldn't give a sprinter-type to Frankel.

Basically, I would go off-menu: Bill Mott and Wesley Ward cover the Eastern third; Wayne Catalano and Tom Amoss have the middle (Larry Jones and Catalano if Jones returns);and Neil Drysdale or John Sadler out West. Any of my boys ever have problems with the labs? I mean, I think the best trainer without considering suspicions out West is Jeff Mullins, but as an owner, I couldn't take that pharmacological drama.

Dutrow? Are you serious. He trains with a needle as all the top trainers do. His violation record speaks for itself.

All of you really have it wrong. You need to BUY the right horse. I have yet to see a winner's photo without a horse in it. Rememeber "A good horse is like a loaded gun in a baby's hand. It can go off at anytime." Look at the Derby winning trainer. Up to the first Saturday in May he had only won 1 race.

A good horse makes a Owner, trainer and jockey. You have to be lucky. Look at the Arab's with all their experts and they have yet to win the Derby. The is really great!!!!!!

If I had horses to train. I would go with Larry Jones on the East Coast and Doug O'neill on the west coast.I like both trainers.

RD2 or Baffert...I'd want a trainer with charisma and proven results.

It would be Larry Jones. What is there not to like about this gentleman. After that, Michael Matz.

Gotta go with Greg Gilchrist

HI JASON:

Many great one's to select from. For myself,Matz and Tagg.

In this order:

Larry Jones

Michael Matz

Kiaran Mclaughlin

Hal Wiggins

Steve Asmussen

I give the vote to Ian Wilkes. Top horseman with first hand experience with Unbridled and Street Sense when he was assistant to Carl Nafzger.

I'm Irish, so maybe i'm biased but I would go for David Carroll or Eoin Harty, although I really respect Nick Zito, Bob Baffert and Michael Matz too. If only i was American... sigh. If I did have a  colt, he would be by Giant's Causeway or Henrythenavigator (I'm being biased towards Ireland again, i would want a stamina sire, although Henry is unproven) and his name would be Merchant's Quay. Maybe in another 15 or so years when i'm actually old enough to own a horse.

Great question by the way Jason! :)

1.  John Scanlon

2.  Gary Stevens

3.  Niall O'Callahan

Bobby Frankel

As mentioned earlier, I like all the trainers on this list.  I think that they all have unique qualities that would benefit any owner.

However, there is a trainer from the past that does not often get mentioned and has all the true qualities that any horseperson would like…..especially if you are the Little Guy and are in the claiming game and do not own top grade horses.

His name is Frank Merrill, not well known today, but a legend back in the day, especially on the OJC in Ontario as well as in Florida and Chicago.  Some of his accomplishments:

• He led all North American trainers with most wins three times; in 1955, when he had 154 wins; in 1958 with 171 wins; and 1960 with 143 wins.  Not Steve Asmussen or Scott Lake type numbers but a lot back then.

• He captured a record 19 Canadian training titles and 21 Ontario titles.

• Four times he was the leading trainer in Florida, earning top honors at Gulfstream Park and Hialeah.

• Twice he was leading trainer at Arlington Park in Chicago.

• His final win total……3,968 winners.

Among his clients were E. P. Taylor (the owner of Northern Dancer who was trained by Huratio Luro)…..Although he didn’t train the Dancer, oddly enough he did train horses for Luro’s wife.

He came up the hard way……galloping and grooming horses, assisting other trainers who were barely making ends meet, and working with veterinarians.

He saddled 70 different stakes winners, not a lot by today’s standards, but his greatest virtue was in taking cripples, mental cases and horses with bowed tendons and nursing them back to the races…..and he did it the right way without the stigma of drugs or abuse…..He learned the values of medicines and poultices by working with those same veterinarians

To say he was dedicated was an understatement.  In the 60’s he saddled a horse named Puss ‘N Boots in a turf stakes race at Fort Erie…..Half way down the stretch and with a huge lead, Puss ‘N Boots decided he didn’t want to race anymore and bolted, jumping the fence.  He headed straight for the infield pond, decided that maybe he didn’t want to go swimming after all, put on the brakes, but skidded into the water, which was over his head…..Merrill, showing his trued dedication even while wearing a $300 suit (a lot of money in those days), jumped in after him and led him back to dry land.  The story made all the major newspapers in North America and Ripley’s Believe It Or Not.

Puss N Boots was a good horse who was full of antics and also acted up at New York and Florida tracks…..Merrill was quoted once saying he was MY Wonder Horse, because I always wondered what he was going to do next.

It’s a cute story about a great trainer and I hope it gets posted.  The truth is, there are a lot of Frank Merrills around today.  Unfortunately they do not get the top clients or the recognition they so rightfully deserve, and some of them, when they do get good horses, lose them to the bigger names.

My first thought would be Michael Matz.  I like the way he handles his horses and is small enough to suit a 1 horse stable.  Larry Jones would be my second choice, he really seems to see what is special in each horse that he trains.  That is not to say that there are not tons of good/great trainers, these 2 really appeal to me.

Jason: Somewhat close to topic; Why is it that older Eclipse Award-winning trainers like Jack Van Berg and D. Wayne Lukas seem to have forgotten what brought them to the top of their profession?

I mean, why wouldn't someone like Van Berg be able to attract some nicer stakes-class stock, even if he has culled his stable?

Did D. Wayne forget how to walk the shedrow for the Keeneland Sale? I realize he only goes to Arkansas, Kentucky and New York these days, but back in the day, Woody Stephens or Laz Barrera had  their pick of racing stock, especially in their later years.

It saddens me to see Van Berg running cheap claimers out West, almost reverting back to his father Marion's bread and butter.

And who's a better horseman than D. Wayne? He does great with what he has (surprise!) but he doesn't attract the best bloodstock any more. If I were Darley, I would give D. Wayne 10 runners to point towards the 3-year-old classics.

  California Cool, Bob Baffert. I have liked him so much since Silver Charm. I think he's an excellent trainer, and also knows how to truly enjoy what he does. I imagine people love working for him. I think he simply made it more fun to be a fan, bringing his great personality and joking ways. I remember him dancing in a winner's circle with a trophy on his head-I love it:) I don't know all trainers but so far East coast, MMatz. I don't think anyone works harder, strives for perfection more, or takes better care of a horse.

frankel would work on the east coast. baffert on the west. and asmussen ALL over the country. all these trainers know thier bussiness. all win races and make $$$$$$ thats the name of the GAME making $$$$$. not living in a fantasy world

Nafzger - he's already won two

east t albertrani  midwest  tie t proctor & s margolis  west e harty

OT, but D'Funnybone by 10 lengths in 1:17 5/8's.. (Saratoga Special)

Tinywoods ran the 1st quarter in 21.4...hmmm, that time is good enough as it stands right now to qualify him for the All American Futurity! LOL.

Speaking of AAF, MTB's connections have the third fastest qualifier so far.

I would say Helen Pitts-Blasi,( I love what she's done for Einstein!) or Larry Jones. A great trainer- a great guy. I would trust my horse with him- very caring!

Steve Asmussen

Being in Chicago, my nod would go to Wayne Catalano. I think he is an underrated trainer that has proven he can win big races when given the right horse.

Baffert, Bob

Lucas, D.W.

Dollase, Craig

No question about it.........John Ward.

Cheers and safe trips to all.

I would choose the greatest trainer of my lifetime...the "Giant Killer"...was at the time of his induction the youngest trainer ever elected to th eracing Hall of Fame, the man every other NY trainer looks up to, the man they all call "The Chief"...the legendary Allen Jerkens. Mr. Jerkens is 80 now, but still training. And his son, Jimmy, is cut from the same mold.

If a filly, Larry Jones. If a colt, Michael Matz. I like Zito and Baffert too. That is of course if I raced my TB which I probably wouldn't because my nerves can't take it. It's a great dream though.

Eoin Harty on the west coast

Nick Zito on the east...  love how they pace their horses with care...

I WOULD WANT TO VISIT AND WATCH THE HORSE RACE, SO LOCAL IS IMPORTANT.  I WOULD PICK KELLY BREEN, HE HAD 2 HORSES IN THIS YEARS DERBY AND I THINK YOU WILL HEAR MORE FROM HIM IN THE FUTURE.  I KNOW HE IS PRIVATE TRAINER, BUT THIS IS A DREAM SENERIO, AND MY HORSE WOULD BE GOOD ENOUGH TO WARRANT GETTING INTO HIS BARN.

Since I live in the Northwest and would want to see my horse train, I would have to go with a trainer based at my track.  Doris Harwood seems like a very nice woman and has a great record at my track. If I went outsided of Washington, I would go with Larry Jones really like the guy.  And if Jones remained retired, then I will head over to talk to Bob Baffert.  Oh yeah, have not completely looked into what my horse's pedigree would be but I would name him Ironhyde.  I would like his damn to be the local horse Silver Screen Girl who has been retired to broodmare for awhile:)

While I very much understand your dream, you must realize that $100,000 spent at the Keeneland sale will only get you a top class horse by pure chance. (And don't forget that you will need to spend thousands more at the sale if you want a bloodstock advisor, to have a vet check each yearling that you look at, insurance for your new yearling and transport fees to send your yearling to its new home [not to mention hotel/travel costs for you yourself to go to Keeneland].) Everyone is looking for these horses, and their pockets are a lot deeper than your $100,000.  For that amount, you will have to sacrifice either pedigree or conformation.  (That's also assuming that you know enough about pedigree and conformation to be able to tell good from bad - a lot harder than you might think, particularly for yearlings.) Of course, there are lots of horses that outrun their expectations, but it is very hard to find them as yearlings.  Also, don't forget that it will cost you roughly $40,000 per year to keep that young horse in training.

As for picking a trainer, many of the top trainers won't even talk to you if all you can offer is one $100,000 yearling. You can certainly find a trainer to train your horse, but it is not likely to be a "name" trainer unless you knew that person beforehand or have an in somewhere. And if a "name" trainer does take you as a client, that trainer will almost certainly require you to sit on the sidelines while he/she makes all of the decisions. How do I know the above?  I have purchased 4 yearlings at Keeneland since 2001. I do have a good trainer (but hardly a "name") that I like and trust.  All of the "name" trainers were very polite but told me that they were not interested in training my horses.

Jason, there are indeed a number of $100K yearlings that go on to top careers.  But there are also many, many yearlings that cost that much or more that don't come close to breaking even (and some that never even race).  This is a game for dreamers.  But if someone does go down that road, they should be sure that they will survive if their horse isn't successful.  (And, while you may not own the horse its entire life, you should plan that you will and be prepared to support that horse for its entire life, even when it is no longer racing.)

I live in Minnesota near Canterbury Park.  I would hire the only trainer I have ever met Gary Scherer, and I would have bloodstock agent David Miller, Star of the North Bloodstock help me choose my horse at the sale.  My horse would race at Canterbury Park.  As Shandler said the fun is in watching your horse run live.  If it were my only chance, I wouldn't be quitting my day job.  I would hope to retire the horse sound and keep the horse after retirement.

Pat Byrne

TODD PLETCHER hands down!

David Carroll is a fine choice--Hard to knock Shirreffs over here...also like Tim Yakteen as my "invisible" good trainer....I'm looking for a guy who always puts the horse first---I loved Charlie.....respected Bobby....same for Woody....Think John Shirreffs is in that mold....

I don't know who I would pick.  Here are the trainers I would consider.

Helen Pitts

Jimmy Jerkens

Nick Zito

John Servis

David Carroll

If I wanted to stay home in Tampa, I'd consider the guy who made General Quarters a winner before McCarthy took him back and then gave the guy no credit.  Name escapes me though.

Also, if for some reason I had a synthetics horse that preferred California, Kristin Mulhall.

Living:  Larry Jones

From the past:  Laz Barrera

Bob Baffert

John Shirrefs

Helen Pitts

Hal Wiggins

Michael Matz

Love this topic Jason. I was going to mention the absence of Steve Asmussen but his name finally popped up a few posts from the end. I like him and I don't like him at the same time. Too many reasons to list that it could be a blog topic on a slow week. I would say my choice if I could only pick one trainer would be either Shug McGaughy or Barclay Tagg. Both seem to know how to pick the right spots for the right horse. Sometimes it's better to know how to read the Condition book than to actually train. Yet another topic for another rainy day.

Lee Ann:

Is Helen Pitts married to Scott Blasi, assistant to Steve Asmussen? Didn't she train Curlin before he went to Asmussen?

Helen Pitts is married to Mr.Blasi's brother, Greg Blasi.

GRAHAM MOTION no question about it

Yeah, Mark Miller.  Thanks Jason.

1. Tim Ritchie, what a great job with Afleet Alex

2.Helen Pitts, No brainer Einstien

3.Bobby Frankle, gets them to the right race at the right time.

4.Bob Baffert, you know there would be no shortage of fun.

5.Paulo Lobo, He makes the most of what he's got

Robin Graham

If your lucky enough to have a coast to coast stable here is the plan....McGaughey in the east.. Carroll in Kentucky...Mandella on the coast. Your horse will always come first.

I would train it.  I have conditioned winning quarter horses, and I could be the next chip wooley!!  I would be pysched to lead the All-American Futurity post parade with my Kentucky Derby winner!!

I'm not sure why everyone is so high on Mike Matz.  The guy has next to no history actually getting to the Derby.  He's as conservative as it gets, cautious as it gets, and neither of those fits well into a Derby equation.  Half of the guys listed here have never had a Derby starter, or have had 1 in a career.  What are the odds of them making a second horse into a Derby horse?  Slim/none.  What have Servis, Wiggins, Maker, Harty, Catalano, Contessa, etc. done that would indicate they can get a horse to the Derby?

More goes into this kind of decision than "well I like Mike Matz" or "Mike Matz trained Barbaro" or "Hal Wiggins seems to be a great guy."  That's all well and good, but means nothing.  You need a trainer who is comfortable and proficient with juveniles.  You need a trainer that's willing to take chances - let's face it, the guys who want to climb through the allowance levels put themselves behind when you need about 100K in graded stakes earnings come May 1.  You need a guy who's comfortable shipping to other parts of the country/other tracks.  I pity somebody who picks John Shirreffs or Ron Ellis if it turns out the horse isn't a synthetic lover.  You'd never even make the race.  You probably want a trainer that you can push around a bit...he trains, you own, remember - you call the shots, not him/her.

If you want a Derby trainer that will put his/her owner's wishes first and get the horse to the Derby, won't be too conservative, and will accumulate you the graded earnings you need, plus who has a (more recent) history of getting horses there, youre looking at -

Pletcher

Asmussen

Jones

Baffert

Zito

Mott

McLaughlin

With these guys, you'll know whether or not your horse is good enough or not.  Asmussen starts something like a dozen different horses in 2yo/3yo graded stakes prior to the Derby, so they get their chance.  

Zito ran Nowhere to Hide in the race, so you know he's got no qualms taking chances.  The Pletcher barn gives you access to the best jockeys known to man (you're kidding yourself if you don't want Gomez on your horse as often as possible), and like Asmussen he takes chances.

Personally, I'd take McLaughlin.  He seems to know how to get the best out of his horses, pushes them, takes chances with them, and knows how to get them ready to run huge when they need to.    

The legendary Mr. Carl Nafzger.  A master in developing a horse to a great champion.  Just need to remember the great Unbridled and the recent champion Street Sense.

Art:

I would say that a man who survived a major commercial airplane crash, then went back into the burning plane to rescue three children, is "willing to take chances". Michael Matz.

Does anyone here agree that Carl Nafzger looks like Cary Grant? He's GORGEOUS! Silly me.

Since it is my fantasy, Larry Jones is not retiring and would be my trainer.  I would love to see my horse often but since I live near California and would not run on the synthetics, I would have to do a lot of traveling!  If they return to dirt however and Larry insists on retiring, then Bob Baffert.

Matz is right there, on my list! And Summer Bird is right there as my Ice Cold winner in Travers.....BIG....

Nafzger...Gary Grant???.....nada....Borel as Tom Joad???...of "The Grapes Of Wrath"???.....he'd probably get the lead on Broadway!

I am shocked at how many posts I read before seeing Todd Pletcher's name!  I'm also seeing no love for Bill Mott!

I prefer a smaller operation so I'd rather go to Tagg or Motion or David Carroll or Ian Wilkes.   If my horse managed to make it to the Derby prep races, I'd want to know that he was the "big man" in my trainer's campus.  The odds are that with some of the "big guns" chances are that my horse would be one of several on "the trail" and I'd be the smallest of the owners.  I don't want my horse handled by assistants etc because Mr. Fat Cat Owner wants Mr Trainer with HIS horse.  

If it looked like my horse would be the type to mature later Jonathan Sheppard is the man.  Graham Motion is the first alternate.

If I were in the mid-Atlantic I'd also consider Rodney Jenkins who may be the best all round horseman in the US right now.

. . .and even if i could, i wouldn't buy an unbridled's song for 100k.  Has that stallion had a big runner that has stayed sound?  i am having trouble thinking of one

Yo, what about a trainer who only had one horse worthy of the Kentucky Derby, but he got him there and he won.  It was the first time for both the horse and trainer.  That trainer was John Servis.  He almost had a second horse do the same, Rockport Harbor, only to have him forced out of the K Derby due to injury.   I'm in PA and I'd go with John if I had a horse of quality he could nurture. I also like Larry Jones and Michael Matz.

yea i think either servis or baffert..i know servis isnt a big name trainer like the aforementioned..he had his time in the limelight with smarty, but he sure knows how to handle race horses.

theres no way ide go with pletcher. hes what..1 for 194713947 in the triple crown?

kelly breen is a nice trainer too if your located in jersey. :)

Soldier Course, Nafzger looking like Cary Grant?  Hmmm.  Not quite, but maybe I can see it.  He just seems like such a nice guy, though and appears to truly care about the horses.  The reason I didn't mention him earlier to train for my dream horse is I think he's really working on being semi-retired and only handles the horses of certain owners, but I could be wrong.  Ian Wilkes being his protege/assistant would be a good choice also, and Larry Jones if he doesn't retire or comes back.  So many of you are making great suggestions and stating valid reasons, it's a pleasure to read.

Bob Baffert. No explanation necessary.

Though Larry Jones would make it tough to decide were he not retiring.

I have the simplest tastes. I am always satisfied with the best-PATRICK BIANCONE

a skilled horseman who trains with a global perspective

I have a question. Does anyone have stats on the percentage of horses injured trained by Michael Matz? It just seems to me that alot of his horses, particularly his top runners, suffer some sort of injury relatively early in their careers. I even read an article recently discussing the rash of injuries in the Matz barn, with the biggest casualties being Nicanor and Magical Affair.

Now, my perception simply could be the result that I am more aware of Matz's horses, given his history with Barbaro. Or, it could be the result of greater media attention given to Matz, particularly when it comes to injuries.

As a human, Matz seems almost perfect, and there is no question that he cares deeply about his horses and tries to provide them with the best. However, it does seem like I have read alot of articles about Matz's "bad luck" with injuries.

I am not stating anything as fact. I am just saying I have this perception, and want to know if others share this perception or have actual data on injuries.

Living in Ontario, I'd want a Woodbine trainer. I might go to Mark Casse or Roger Attfield. There are many good ones available up here to choose from.

In the US, probably Barclay Tagg or Chip Woolley. I like what Woolley has been doing with the Bird.

But since I'm not at the track, I really don't know who truly looks after their horses and puts the horse's well-being first. I would not want a trainer with horses all over the continent where most of the actual training is done by others. And NOT someone who regularly starts with dozens and dozens of 2-year-old future Derby horses in order to get 3 decent 3-year-olds (the rest all having broken down in training at 2!). No I won't name names....

There are some old-timers out there with small stables who do a great job who haven't had that "one good horse" yet. They would be on my list for sure. There are many good, decent horsemen who only race  claimers but care for their horses as if they were champions.

Of course, unless I win the lottery, it won't happen! I'd never buy a yearling, either. I would go for a 2-year-old or even a 3-year-old, either a gelding or a filly, bred to go a distance.

Frank Y. Whiteley, Jr

Best Regards,

Dave Johnson

Growing up in California, Mandella was my favorite trainer. I would put Frankel and Mott close behind. Also, I have not forgotten how Baffert built his name in thoroughbred racing. He did some fantastic things with old Cal-bred sprinters like Letthebighossroll, Gundaghia, Charmonier, and Fl. bred Thirty Slews. Contrary to the fate of some his better known 2 and 3 year old stars, Baffert kept these old warriors sound and successful for many a year.

Art is correct that to win big races, particularly Triple Crown races, a trainer cannot simply pamper a horse. There really is such a thing as being overly-conservative. And the irony is that if a horse does not have the proper foundation, whether through racing or training, it is more likely to suffer an injury when it does actually run. The great trainers are always trying to find the perfect balance, getting what they can from their horses without squeezing the lemon dry.

I'm afraid if I were an owner I would treat my horse like some(particularly on Steve's blog) want Rachel and Zenyatta to be handled; that is, keep the horse in his/her stall as much as possible to avoid injury, and then retire it early so it can make babies. Given how attached I have been to my pets, I don't know if I would have the nerve to follow the advice of a trainer that is more aggressive, even though I know that a racehorse will only get good with racing. In otherwords, I would suck as an owner. However, if I can advise some other owner, I would point them in the direction of a trainer that is not afraid to race, a trainer that will run a horse in a race if the horse is sharp rather than work the horse or give the horse a "preventive" break to avoid bouncing. Examples of such trainers are Lukas, Baffert, Asmussen, Bruce Headley, and Barry Abrahms.

On the east coast, I would go with Shug McGaughey, Nick Zito, or Tom Albertrani.

On the west coast, it would be Richard Mandela or John Sherriffs.

Being from the West Coast & having been lucky enough to be introduced to some trainers, I would have to go with Eoin Harty, John Sherriffs & Ron Ellis.  

John Sherriffs' horses seem to be happy horses & do well & he trains the Great  Zenyatta.  Eoin  Harty  trains 2 of my favorite horses, Colonel John & Well Armed.  Ron Ellis is a nice guy & is hands on with his horses.  They all know where & when to place their horses & do what is best for the horse.

On the East Coast Shug would be my choice.  He's been my favorite since Easy Goer.

Todd Pletcher will probably not win a Derby until he realizes he needs to bring his best horse to Churchill and focus on him (or her).  I've known a few trainers who have had a Derby horse and they say, to a person, that it is brutal to keep one horse on track to run the race.  They laugh and scoff at the thought of having several. I want him to win one, but I think he needs to focus on quality over quantity.  Gary Stevens will win the Derby within 5 years and I'll be betting every horse he enters until I get my payoff.

i´ll take the lucky hall of famer, also how about donald warren, is he geting hot after so many quiet years or is it that medication rule changes have made the old fashion horseman return

Well, Streak, Thorn Song comes to mind, along with Unbridled Sydney.  Don't diss The Song, it makes me terribly mad!  I would love to own one of his eyelashes! Have you ever seen him in person?  Be careful if you ever do, he will get you! teehee ....  

Also, Streak, watch out for Zensational ... Baffert knows what to do with him ....

sorry, I meant Unbridled Sidney

First off I would reverse the order of things happening in the original premise and pick my trainer before the horse.  I have my own opinions of what I'm looking for but I want my trainer to be the one to help pick out the horse I actually spend that kind of cash on.  Second, I'm in NY so I would narrow it down to McLaughlin or Zito.  Their stables aren't outrageously large and they are both proven horsemenwho are beyond reproach when it comes to the health of their horses.  Either would work for me and I would respect either of their opinions in the purchasing process.

I have actually thought about this quite a lot over the past few years. Derby trainers come and go but there are really only three men who have proven the ability to win on the first Saturday in May with regularity:

D. Wayne Lukas

Bob Baffert

Nick Zito

In a tight photo, I would pick Baffert, but maybe shares in the "Legends" would be a good thing?

DAVID CARROLL BY FAR!! He always has a plan with a horse.

I have been around and worked for many trainers, who just grab the condition book, and says "this horse hasn't ran in while, lets find a race."

Not DC. He picks a goal for a horse, and then decides how to get there. Very patient, and one heck of a memory. If you meet him one time, he will remember you.

The job he did with Fire Slam (my all time favorite) was awesome. Then Denis of Cork.

This guy can flat out train and knows his horses.

One horse?

You don't want a big-name trainer with a divisions around the country where you are just a number.  You want a trainer who values you and your horse and doesn't have another client/horse to fill your stall if he pushes too hard and breaks down your horse.

Getting to the Kentucky Derby is a numbers game--the big trainers who are there year after year go through a lot of quality youngsters to get their one entry.

For a one-horse barn, it is better to have a conservative trainer who will keep your horse sound, both mentally and physically, so you will have years of enjoyment watching him race.

D.Wayne my favorite since 1966,

simply the best horseman in the last fifty years,you keep nice, I'll take class, ability.

Since my "dream horse" is a horse I could race for a while and have fun with and not just point to the Derby, my $100,000 could have bought me any of one of these horses I like running right now (is Bear Now still running?): Gio Ponti, Mine That Bird, Capt Candyman Can, Bear Now, Gozzip Girl, Musketman, and Zensational....and ALMOST (and I would have got the extra 10G's somehow!!!) Quality Road...

Pat "Cobra Venom" Biancone... At least you know your horse won't be scratched Derby morning, numb him up, ready to run!

A topic I have often thought about.  Since I live in Louisiana and my boyfriend is a former jockey, I would have him, Mike Talarico, to train my horse. And as Mike works for Danny Whited, another former jockey, I would have my prized thoroughbred housed in Danny's barn.

If I had the money for a racehorse, just one, my ultimate goal probably wouldn't be the Derby.  I would want to be sure we took time with the horse and set a campaign that would be a long one, and hopefully a winning one.  It would be done on the horses time frame, not mine and not the trainer's.

The trainer I would choose would be Bill Mott.

Mott is patient and willing to wait on the horse. Most people would have given up on Cigar.

Bill Mott is classy, well respected and I would trust any horse with him.

Things change so much.  I've been following racing for over 40 years and I've seen so many trainers over the years.  I always thought Charlie Whittingham the best and he was a very nice gentleman but is now gone as well as Laz Barerra.

Wayne Lukas was the biggest and most successful trainer in the mid to late '80's.  I remember Eugene Klein was one of his biggest owners.  He sure won a lot of races and particularly BC races.

I think I would go to Jack Van Berg. He's a very astute horseman and a very nice man.  He's needs another Alysheba.  I would love my dream horse to go to him and be that caliber.  I remember when Jack won the Derby with Alysheba, he was so overjoyed he cried.  I really like that.  Apparently, Charlie had given him some tips while they were there at Churchill before the Derby and Charlie's horse got sick so he wasn't in the Derby.  When asked after he won the Derby how he was going to train Alysheba for the Preakness, Jack said "I'm going to do whatever Charlie says".  I've loved Jack Van Berg ever since.

WOW...what a dream! If you love this game like I have for over 40 years...if you love green grass ...green trees in the spring...golden brown leaves in the fall...Keeneland great meets...Delaware Park with it's trees...Del Mar and tradition...then give me my one shot at my love...TURF RACING! Give me the man who loves his horses and honors the sport...give me a man who we respect because of his class...give me a big 7 year old gelding turf warrior trained by the master himself...JONATHAN SHEPPARD...what a gentleman!

    First of all, if I spent $100K on a horse, I'd be training him myself because I would have no money left over to pay for the training fee.  But since this is hypothetical, I would go with Wesley Ward.  He's a great young trainer, he's shown he's not afraid to take good horses overseas if they warrant such and I dare to say that no trainer in the game has as much success with the 2 year olds except for maybe Asmussen.  Ronnie Werner also always had success with the babies, but it doesn't seem that way much any more.  Anyway, I'd make sure the breeding on my young colt pointed towards a win early pedigree.  We'd have tremendous success with him at an early age, have a great time while doing so, then sell him off to one of the sheikhs or a big time owner like Jess Jackson for a crapload of money 2 months before the Derby.  I'd take the money, buy a few more horses by my favorite sire(s) and then blow the rest on God knows what.

    Now if I was being serious, I would either choose Michael Matz or Bill Mott.  What I like about both is the fact that they seem to be genuine individuals and as far as on the track is concerned, they both are equally good at getting horses to run on turf as they are getting them to run on dirt.  I would feel like my options as an owner would be wide open.  I would lean more towards Bill Mott, but wouldn't be disappointed if I was lucky enough to get the services of either one.

West Coast - Laura de Seroux (I loved how she loved Azeri!)John Sheriffs

Anywhere else - Michael Matz, Graham Motion or Larry Jones

Larry Jones of course! Too bad Frank Whiteley is no longer around...he'd have gotten all my horses! Great horseman.

I changed my mind.  Since he knows everything there is to know about horseracing, I'd have Dray train him.

    For all those mentioning Michael Matz (and I'm one of them), I have a little story to share about what a genuine, charismatic individual he truly is.  In 2006, when the BC was at Churchill, I was in attendance.  Now, I'm far from a high roller.  I'm the guy who simply loves horse racing and has to buy tickets in the not-so-desirable, Bob Euchre cheap seats.  I was with 4 of my buddies and we had seats in the 1st turn.  We had our admission bracelets on and wanted to see just where we were able to have access around the facility.  None of the attendants were checking what color the bracelets were on the 3rd floor, they were just simply looking to see if you had one on.  So my friends & I had the fortune of watching the last 4 races on the card from section 317 right up against the glass at the back part of the section.  For those who aren't familiar with Churchill, section 317 is right at the finish and obviously on the 3rd level which is a pretty decent place to watch a race.

    I had been telling my buddies for over 2 weeks before the BC that Round Pond was going to freak and she was my best bet of the day if she was entered, which obviously she was.  They were telling me I was crazy.  I put $100 on her to win and had her wheeled in a $1 Pick 3, all-all-Round Pond.  We were walking up the aisle towards the glass just before the BC Distaff.  The horses were already on the track for the post parade.  As I'm walking, I looked up and right there in front of me was Michael Matz decked out in his suit while I'm wearing jeans and a polo.  I went over to him and simply said, "good luck Mr. Matz, if you win, I win and I think you're going to win."  Instead of brushing me off like he easily could have, he took a few minutes to chat with me.  Seriously, what trainer would do such a thing; to take the time to talk with an everyday guy who obviously was out of place judging by my attire.  All that and just minutes before your 1st ever BC starter is ready to compete in a $2,000,000 race!  After our brief conversation I walked one more row up in front of the glass and watched the race.  My heart was pumping like you wouldn't believe when I saw Prado bring RP up the rail and burst out to a 5 length lead.  I was screaming my head.  Needless to say that $1 Pick 3 ticket returned almost $5K and my $100 win ticket returned almost $1,500.  To date that remains one of the 2 biggest scores I've ever had by far.

    But here's where I was truly amazed by Michael Matz.  His horse just won the BC Distaff, he was being congratulated by all the people around him and just before he walked down to the winner's circle, he turned around, walked a few steps up towards me and said "looks like we won, congratulations".  I'll never forget that and that's why I'll always be a fan of Michael Matz.

    That's just one of the reasons why I love horse racing.  It's not just the horses, although they are a huge part, it's the people that you meet.  An everyday guy like me can carry on a conversation with a high profile individual in the industry and it's not uncommon.  Even if you're not on the backside, you can still run into these people and they'll take time to speak with you and not think twice about it.  In what other sport does that happen?  I've had the priviledge of sitting in a box next to Bob Baffert in 2005 at the Derby Trial, sitting in a box next to Wayne Lukas on an average Wednesday and carrying on a conversation with Steve Asmussen while we were standing in line at the betting window.  All were gracious enough to carry on a conversation with me without hesitation.  I mean that's 2 trainers in the HOF and 1 that's surely to be there someday.  That simply doesn't happen in other sports unless you're connected in some way.  Horse racing is a sport my Dad shared with me when I was younger and it's a sport I hope to share with my son when he gets older and these experiences are the big reason why.  Sorry for rambling.  Damn, I think I just topped Gun Bow's longest post ever.  Now back to who people would want as a trainer.

I agree with Ted from LA's remarks about Gary Stevens' potential training abilities. As I said in my 8/20 11:58 A.M. post, I suspect Gary will be very effective in his training venture. I hope he can actually have a Derby winner within 5 years, but regardless of the time frame, it will happen. Gary is smart, competitive, and has a lengthy, solid background within the industry.

Bob Baffert, Shug McGaughy or Michael Matz would be my  pick 3. I would have to narrow it down AFTER I won the lottery which would enable me to spend the money at the sales!

Fun topic, Jason.  I'm a wee bit baffled at how seriously some are taking it- but fun nonetheless.

I'm going to play both coasts here for my 'dream team'-

Mandella

Harty

Tagg

Albertrani

Matz

Bob Baffert hands down.  Then Zito or Hollendorfer.

Michael Matz all hte way. He just seems so good with horses and the Jacksons trust him with their horses. I'd pick him!

Great question, as this is a dream scenario I've played in my head many times.

Like others, I would prefer a small barn and an old school, hay-oats-and-water kind of trainer, and I don't care if he's good with the press or has nice hair.  No slam on the Pletchers of the world, but a financial windfall would be getting me out of Corporate America as fast as you can say "grab the personal photos out of the cubicle and run," and I wouldn't want to get back into Corporate Racing.  So give me a Tim Ritchey, Barclay Tagg, John Servis or Larry Jones.

But I also kind of agree with the previous poster who said they'd skip the Derby and hope for a solid runner who could come back year after year.  A Derby win would be mind-blowing, but a b-i-i-g gamble for that single 100K purchase. I'd think long and hard about instead trying for a long, consistently satisfying run with the likes of a Tin Man, Better Talk Now or Evening Attire.  

Either way, upon leaving the track the old guy would live out his days with me at my fabulous estate.  (Would an elderly horse like Fiji?)

Curlin,

     Thanks for the great story about Mr. Matz.  He is a class act, Through and Through...

Speaking of Mr. Matz,

     Today at Saratoga, He has a horse running in race #7, His name is "Ice Road", I have been following this colt from day one, He used to work out with Nicanor,  He has been training perfectly, He is stunning, and, He is my lock of the day and weekend.  I still can't believe he is the Morning line favorite, I was hoping no one would notice him, I guess I was wrong!  He has only raced three times, One win, One third.  He was off the track for awhile due to a minor injury.  Mr. Matz has been having a tough time at the Spa this year plus he has had some very unfortunate injuries, But I think today will be a turnaround for him and "Ice Road"...

Bob Baffert i'm from Arizona. I also find him very likeable. After him it would be Micheal Matz. He has a true passion and love for the horses

And how come we don't hardly ever hear of any female trainers? There has to be some

I laughed when I saw this blog. Just 2 days ago, I was discussing the very same thing with my good friend, Faye, as I drove to work. I had visions of winning the 200 million MegaMillions Lotto that night. If I had that kind of money, it wouldn't matter where in the country my horse was stabled. I could hop on a plane any day of the week. So, my pick for a trainer would be Chip Woolley. Nobody becomes one of the top trainers without be given a chance. He deserves that chance. He has done nothing wrong since coming on the scene with Mine That Bird & he is very hands on with his horses. He also takes his job very seriously & it is ALWAYS about the horse. Who wouldn't love for your horse's trainer to spend hours watching your horse's past races to come up with a plan to bring out the best in the horse... he trained Mine That Bird into the Kentucky Derby winner.

Since I am in a partnership with a nice 2 yr old Colt, who looks promising,& did not cost 100K,I would choose our Trainer, Joan S. Scott, who is based @ Keeneland, from April to November, before leaving for Florida, for the Winter. Why, did you say why? I'll tell you why, since returning to Keeneland in April, Joan has had 26 Starters, with 8 Wins, 8 2nd's & 5 3rd's. She know's which races to place her horses. She has a Graded Stakes placed Filly & a Stakes placed Filly & several Allowance Winners.

It starts with the best, IMHO, bloodstock agent, "Marette Farrell", who purchases many of Joan's Colt's/Filly's @ 2 yr old Sales @ Keeneland & OBS, etc., & Marette & Joan sell shares to  limited Partnership's, & Joan Trains them. Most win @ the MSW level & go on to be good Allowance winners, & Joan has won several Stake Races since 2005. This year, Joan Scott has 7/8 promising 2 yr old Colt's/Fillies, including our colt, who will run later in the year or January, 2010, if everything goes well. We have our figures crossed for our #-1 Choice, Joan Scott Racing...

MY TRIANER OF CHOICE WOULD BE MICHAEL MATZ. THERE IS NO DOUBT HE CARES FOR EACH AND EVERY HORSE HE TRAINS AND HE PUTS THE INTEREST OF THE HORSE FIRST. I ALSO LIKE THE TEAM OF MATZ AND BRETTE TOGETHER. THEY ARE TRULY SPECIAL.

Thanks for the heads-up, Greg. Ice Road, $150 to win and $6 backwheel second. You're responsible.Any lock of the weekend can't lose! Please Dray, seal the deal and tell us he has no chance.

With only one you want one who can give the attention you will desire.  Hands down, Jimmy Baker at Churchill.  Check the record, nobody does more with less.  He trained with Shug and his ethics and attention to detail are impeccable!

FOR ICE ROAD FAN

HE HAS BAD POST

Its time for Nowherwe to HIDE to win

Well first of all I wouldnt spend 100k on a yearling, I would wait til the 2 year olds in training and have Rick Violette go pick it out for me. He gets good bang for the buck at those sales. It would win first out, win a stakes, then head to the Breeder's Cup.

What is the matter with Alan Seewald ! There are a lot of v.g. trainers out there. When your too big , your horse doesn't get the personal love and attention. Your horse is just another one. If he bows a tendon ,it's next!Another horse for retirement! Some trainers dont get the break they need. Alan has just been steadily accelerating , now has Fantasy lane Stable , an up and comming power house stable with good financial backers. It's a very good marriage. Alan knows every horse. They all get individual attention. The love all of them show for their horses , even after their racing days are over! A man who is well respected. My choice the little guy! Go Alan

Michael Matz........

John Sheriffs!  We are going to sneak the horse into the Derby at odds of 50-1 and laugh all the way to the bank until tax time.  

Steve S.,

     OK, You take "Nowhere to Hide", I will stick with "Ice Road", The 9 post doesn't bother me in a 1 1/8 Race.  What does bother me is the Muddy Track!!!, I am still sticking with him, but just not putting as much on him due to my reservations on the track.  Good Luck...

Ashlee.  Kathy Walsh has over 1,500 wins.  She would be my second choice to sneak a winner in at odds of 50-1.  Thought we were on track with Georgie Boy.

"Art:

I would say that a man who survived a major commercial airplane crash, then went back into the burning plane to rescue three children, is "willing to take chances". Michael Matz."

Yet he's only been to the Derby ONCE in many years of training.  I'm not debating that he's a "good guy," but that's pretty irrelevant here.  You want a trainer that can get a horse to the Derby, and the stats say that a guy who has been even remotely close just once in over a decade of training doesn't have a great track record of getting there.  On the other hand, you've got guys who are starting at least one horse in the race every year.  If you want to get there, you want to follow the statistics, not your heart.  If you're looking for a trainer who has a nice story and is nice to talk to, by all means, go for Matz.  If you're looking to be starting on the First Saturday in May, don't.  

Neil Drysdale is an excellent trainer...

Although I like most the the selections, I would add Michael Dickinson to the top of the list when he was training. A young Dickinson lookalike, Michael Leahy, in Kentucky, is a top horseman. Many of the trainers are not. At the top of the list of active trainers---- Baffert can make a good horse a great horse.

If you have the horse there are a lot of good trainers. It begins and ends with the quality of the horse.

My money would be on Barclay Tagg, quiet but impressive

How about Ron McAnally?  Attention Harty fans.  Saturday's 6th at Del Mar features the return of Mr. Hot Stuff in an Allowance non-winners of 2 event.  Any Del Mar Oaks discussion?

     Ugh!!!, I shouldn't say this, But, I cannot stand Kent Desourmeaux! No matter what, He also seems to break me.  "Ice Road" came in a gallant second by half a length to "Brother Nick".  I still did alright but not bad for first time on mud and a tough gate.  He also didn't want to load into gate, I was wrong on my lock, but I will still take second, Sorry Steve from St. Louis......

I notice a couple people finally mentioned Chip Wooley.  I think if I had ONE horse, I'd go with him.  He has obviously done wonders with his one horse.  He is careful and caring but gets the most out of the horse that he can, he's not afraid to take chances and runs his horse against any competition.  I also like the way he studies everything about the horse to find the best racing style and training methods for that one horse.  I think he's been a class act with little prep for all the hoopla - he stays calm and focused.

There are others I do have to mention as favorites though - Larry Jones, Michael Matz, Carl Nafzger and Barclay Tagg.

Connected to this discussion - I just finished reading a great book about a new owner's experience. Jane Smiley's A Year at the Races.  It was fun to live the experience through her eyes.

Michael Matz or Richard Mandella - they always put their horses first. I also have a soft spot for John Shireffs, who is very patient when developing new talent.

Neil Drysdale....excellent horseman.

Jason,what's more outrageous:

Burress' 2yr sentence or Stallworth's 30days for killing a man while legally drunk-driving?(even though it wasn't his fault).

What a fun concept today!  I am in a partnership of an up and coming (hopefully) 2 year old. He is with Craig Dollase, who is wonderful.  He doesn't rush babies.  His dad, Wally, trained another of my investments, and I think the family, including Aimee, is remarkably talented and dedicated.  If I owned 100% of a horse, and being a Left Coaster, I would stick with Craig, or Carla Gaines.  As mentionned earlier, there are just too many good trainers out there to narrow it down to a short list. It's a dreamer's game, but the adrenaline rush watching a stretch drive is worth every penny.......even if you lose the photo.

Starlarks had a pretty good stretch run against Strawberry Tart at a mile but I know Carlsbad set some pretty fast fractions. I like her, but of course Well Monied on top.  Should not have any traffic issues in this small field.

Nick Zito  or

Larry Jones, if its a filly or

Bobby Frankel

but, if wishful thinking were pennies, I would be one heck of

some kind of horse owner - instead

of a breeder.

Michael Matz

Barclay Tagg

Neil Drysdale

Gotta go East Coast - dirt tracks.  I was galloping horses while Nick was an assistant to Sid Waters, when Bill had Firestone and while the great Elliot Burch was still walking his sets up to the gap, not saying a word to anyone with his hands buried deep into the pockets of a once respectable tweed jacket.  Turner put you up on your first horse, first set  with "are you ready to ride?" love him.  Old man Vietch was arnery as hell and Fit to Fight supported me one summer at Saratoga.  I'm old.  

If I had a 2 year old from Keenland or a $25,000 claimer, I'd have given him to Tommy Pascuma.  God rest his soul, he was the best all round, hands on horseman I've ever seen.

Eddie Plesa? give me a break whatabout O'connell, fawkes and bill white

Since Montana has a dearth of trainers(sigh)no close contact with horse/trainer for me.  So..

Gilchrist

Matz

Tagg

just a side note:  thinking up different ways to kill a dog that insures suffering, shows a major character flaw that no amount of public repenting

can cure.  It's a great day for role models ummmm..!

Tough decision but would have to go with trainer who I felt would give my horse the attention they need.

Michael Matz- very patient with horses,

John Servis-Smarty Jones need I say more?

Bob Baffert-if I wanted one on the west coast

Trying again, crash I guess.

Ted, DWL has brought several horses several times and won with one of them 3 times.

steve from SL well said. There is still some life left in those (us) old guys. Some can still run circles around the young bucks.

JVB and DWL both had a lot of owners pass away, especially DWL.

He's back at the sales now, spending money other than his and a couple of his older clients, with the new wealthier owners in the game, all in.

He's interesting to talk to, very good to his owners and still can train a horse.

JVB as he testified, finds it hard to compete on a level field (drug issues)but is a wonderful horseman.

I just prefer a proven guy to take me to the Derby. It blows some of these younger guys minds. Chip is so laid back and may have had a bit of advantage (in pain probably made him less driven) and he was happy if he just finished on the board. Need someone who doesn't change it all up once they get there and a tried and true usually won't.

By the way steve, what do you think about the addition of Smoltz?

Think it'll help SL make the wild card, my thought anyway.

John Sherriffs....No matter how much you care about your horse, he cares more. A great trainer who can train & condition your horse to reach its maximum potential. When he sends a horse to the track for a race, you know that the horse is sound and prepared to run. He is also one of the best at pointing for and training a horse up to a specific race (for maximum performance).

Curlin:

Loved your post about meeting Michael Matz. You are so right about the high-profile people in the sport being generous with their time for the fans. I don't think this is so true for other sports.

Everyone:

Well, we've read a lot of hopes here about winning the lottery. and guess what's happened! There's been one $260 million Powerball lottery ticket sold in Columbia, South Carolina in the last couple of days. It's still unclaimed. Hope one of you is lucky!

Richard Mandella is a great horseman and nothing but class, he is a no brainer.  Owners can know that the horse is first with this gentleman.

My choice would be Neil Drysdale. He carefully and skillfully guided  A.P. Indy's championship year in 1992. His patience and attention to detail is legendary.  My other choice would be Richard Mandella. He genuinely loves horses and I know he would, despite all the pressure, put the horse's welfare first.

I would go to a trainer that hasn`t been around for a while Art Costello he trained my horse back in 1980 and he did wonders with this horse

From bloodhorse.com: Trainer Richard Mulhall is recovering from extensive spinal surgery in Pasadena, CA. His daughter, trainer Kristin Mulhall, said that her father had sustained back injuries in an accident. She says they hope he will be back to normal in time for the Breeders' Cup. I remember Kristin from 2004, when she trained Imperialism for his run in the Triple Crown races. Remember, Imperialism lost a shoe at the start of the post parade in the Preakness.

Maybe I would train him myself

Greg J,

    Your not the only one who dislikes KD. After last year i can't stand him.

AEM:

What a great testament to John Shirreffs ... "No matter how much you care about your horse, he cares more."

His marketing people should hear about that one, but something tells me that John Shirreffs doesn't fool with "marketing people".

Since I am licensed in only one state and our purses are sad, I am going with Barclay Tagg for my big horse.  He isn't exactly Mr. Sunshine, but he seems to have the best interest of the horse in mind.  I also have the feeling he would tell me if my $100K horse was slow so I wouldn't waste my day money!  

I may have missed something along the way, but I don't seem to remember him taking a "vacation" because of a bad test or two or three or....Sorry, got no time for that crap.  Finding it hard to believe so many people are so ready to send their horses to trainers that cheat and then go on to win Trainer of the Year.  Plus, I want a trainer that can walk down the shedrow and name each horse.  Not just name them, but tell you their quirks.  I bet Tagg can do that!

Kristin Mulhall did something wonderful a few years back. She claimed Blues the Standard to retire him. He was a sprinter who had won quite a few races, some of them stakes, and had tumbled down the claiming ranks (I think to the 10K level). Some of us feared that he would eventually break down on the track. Last I heard, he was living in her backyard and, in spite having the reputation of being a difficult horse, she said he had become an absolute sweetheart. Now THAT is a caring trainer!

Soldier Course,

I remember Imperialism well. He was blind in one eye and wore a patch over it. He was a late runner and he was always very exciting to watch. He's at stud in Florida now. She did a great job with him. I believe she was in her early 20s at the time. Remarkable young lady!

I'd choose one of the trainers who regularly gallop their own horses.  Tim Ritchey did a fabulous job with Afleet Alex.  Larry Jones (sure hope he comes back) and Michael Matz come to mind.  I don't know if the next two gallop their horses but they are great horseman, namely Barclay Tagg and Bill Mott.  These guys also seem like great human beings.  I also love Laura DeSeroux (sorry, I don't know how to spell her name).  She did an outstanding joy with Azeri.

Zookeeper:

There was a nice feature about Kristin Mulhall during NBC's Kentucky Derby coverage in 2004. I think Kristin was about 24 that year. Her father did not want her to become a trainer, but she persisted and then found herself at the Derby. Kristin has a lot of self-possession. I recall her saying she had no time for the typical twenty-something pursuits like boozing and chasing guys. Imperialism came in third at the Derby. She was so proud of him. I remember how calm she was when he lost his shoe right before the Preakness, and she got right to work getting it changed.

Damon Dilodovico is a good trainer just need the stock that the

big outfits have.

Tim G,

Good point, but I'd be curious to see how many horses he had in the race the 3 times he won.  I'll bet he didn't have more than 2 in any of them, but I could definitely be wrong.

Dreamer's Mom:

I agree with you about Barclay Tagg. I have greatly admired him since Funny Cide came on the scene in 2003. Like many other hardworking men of good character, he doesn't call attention to himself. He inspires confidence with his quiet, straightforward manner. You would enjoy reading about Barclay Tagg's life in the book about Funny Cide that was published in 2004. He's had his share of struggles, that's for sure.

I also admire his assistant trainer, Robin Smullen. Your horse will get the best of care and training in their hands. Robin really loves Funny Cide. I remember how emotional she was when he won the Jockey Club Gold Cup in 2004. I was so glad when Funny Cide became Barclay's pony for awhile after he retired from racing. And I thought about Robin last fall when Funny Cide moved to the Kentucky Horse Park. I know she misses him, but what a perfect opportunity for him.      

Am taking Strawberry Tart in the Oaks, boxing with well Monied/Lexienos.....Race %---Sticky Candy is probably 6-5 winner but will hope Melvin F Stute, 3 winners on the year, gets the $$$!!! He BELONGS in the Hall Of Fame, he'll probably settle for the Del Mar Winners Circle--here's hoping #10 Gilligan wins race five for the little buddy!!

As soon as I saw the article, and hadn't even started reading it, my choice would be, is Bob Baffort.  I have followed his career, read his biography and I think he is tops.  Being an Arizona girl, I am also proud he is from Arizona and as a former Quarter Horse man, could recognize there are other breeds worth attention.

I would pick Shawn Talbot as my trainer.  Not very well known and is having a troubled year but He is very good with ypuong horses, knows how to keep a horse physically and mentially healthy and never would run a sore horse.

This probably sounds stupid, but it was my dream for a very long time to become a racehorse trainer and I would love any opportunity I would get to do so. However, considering the precocity of said dream horse, I would without a doubt send it to Michael Matz. Outstanding guy, and a great trainer. He knows what he's doing and does it very well.

Ted, Actually Wayne has won it 4 times.

I believe with his first win he had Winning Colors only.(I'm pretty sure but it's really late not too clear headed, so I'll ask manana).

1995 he had THREE: Timber Country, Serena's Song and Thunder Gulch, won with TG.

1996 he had FIVE, won with Grindstone for WT.  In 1999 he had Cat Thief and Charismatic (a nifty colt and one of my favorites) and of course won with Charismatic.

Similar scenarios in the other two legs of the TC.

So he definitely was able to manage multiples. Todd can as well, just not quite as well.

Well first you better study the horses pedegree,sprinter turf,distances are deciding factor where the horse is pointed then figure out what surface you hope the horse races on, dirt or artifical when you get past all that what coast or area do you want the horse tobed down at,once you get through all that figure the cost per day for training and all the cost surounding owning a horse(sometimes more then there worth for sure)now you look for a trainer you can get along wif some will take your money each mounth and you'll never know what there doing wif your horse,the more horsesin the barnthe less that Hi value trainer is going to see of them (asst.trainers are cheap)So you got a noble colt or filly for a hundred grand( lets hope you had it vetted and an escape clause in the sale papers other wise you can be up  the creek if your horse is a less of nobale breeding, well then your in the middle claiming rank if a sprinter ,filly east coast Linda Rice is your lady of choice if you have a dirt horse of middle standing John Servis is your man grass runners at a distance "Sweet William" Mott is your man, or Bob Holtus,me Id stay the hell away from the big big boys there really only looking for high Dollar higly bred Grade 1 and 2 horses to train if I bought a no name horse say 10 to 20 grand find a trainer on a smller track look over ther operation on "shed row" how do there other horses look but what ever you do TAKE YOUR TIME trainers are not Gods so don't look at them like they are for sure this is how I look at thing after 50 years fooling wif runners

I think I would choose the trainer first and let him/her help choose the horse.  Depending on the type of horse - Sprinter - Miler: John Salzman (I know he's semi-retired, but I believe he still works with his son, Tim.  John found Xtra Heat ($5000) who went on to win well over 2 million.

Bruce Headley - seems to like to "go in" with his owners, has a tremendous eye and is just a special talent.  His horses "hang around" for a long time with his care, and they seem to develop a special bond with him (Kona Gold).

Helen Pitts - WOW!  What an incredible start she gave to Curlin, and Einstein speaks for himself!

Ron McAnally - anyone who can get along with John Henry and turn him into a winning machine, gets my vote.

Larry Jones - I believe after he has a couple of years to do something else and get past his beloved Eight Belles (I don't imagine that he and Cindy will ever get over her) he'll be back.

Zookeeper:

Thanks for the story on Bluesthestandard. He was a multiple graded stakes winner and ran 2nd in the 2003 Breeders Cup Sprint. I believe he was with Ted West during this stretch(but am not positive). I remember hearing how he had fallen down through the claiming ranks and then someone claimed him just to retire him. Major props to Kristin Mulhall for this amazing act of kindness. I visit California over the holdiays every year and attend the first couple weeks of Santa Anita's meet. In that period right when she had Imperialism, Kristin was absolutely on fire, displaying great horsemanship. Unfortunately, and really inexplicably, her career hasnt taken off like I thought it would. Still, I would have no problem sending a horse her way.

I would also like to second those mentioning Neil Drysdale. He's great at keeping horses sound for long careers, and he has also had success in the Triple Crown(AP Indy, Fusaichi Pegasus). It's worth noting that the "big" 3 year olds he has trained(AP Indy, FuPeg, War Chant), all 3 of which were retired after the end of their 3 year old seasons, retired sound. The retirement decisions for all 3 was simply a matter of economics. A final point about these 3 horses is that while each made a start in a Triple Crown race, Drysdale was able to keep them healthy all the way to the Breeders Cup, with 2 of them winning a BC race(AP Indy the 92' Classic and War Chant the 00' Mile).

will use Strawberry Tart, Starlarks, Well Monied (Exacta Box).

What an interesting blog. I think regional bias plays a large part here. I admit to having an east coast bias so my trainer selection will reflect that.

1- William Mott

2-Jeff Runco

3-Graham Motion

After watching last night's episode of 'Jockeys', I like Kristin Mulhall even more than I already did!  Nice story about her and Blues the Standard, Zookeeper.

WOW This has been a dream of mine forever.  I most certainly want Barclay Tagg

Jason Shandler, you have hit on a great blog topic!  

I hope the trainers are reading this.  It could be the basis of a book on how to please owners, and impress the public.  

Look at how many people would love the fantasy opportunity you propose.  The passion and excitement the topic brings out is really amazing.  It also has not generated much of the bickering you sometimes find on blogs.  In this dream everyone is for the most part cordial.  

Thanks for making public my greatest lottery fantasy.  You can't win if you don't play.  The lottery is the cheapest fantasy of all.  Your piece, and $1.00, twice a week allows us to dream, and dreaming is good.

Tim G: that's what we in Boston thought, too..;-)seriously, hope he does well for SL, he's a class act.

Soldier Course,

I have read the book, as all things racing related live at my house!  I too admire Robin.  She is probably the real reason I would choose Tagg as my trainer!

1.Michael Matz

1. Steve Asmussen

3. Me!

Michael Matz.  He takes things slow and does what's best for the horse.

John Shirreffs and Michael Matz are true hard boot horsemen.  Of course, my wife would opt for the excellent work of Jenine Sahadi.

But, Shirreffs made me change my first opinion of him.  I was at DM, when Naify and Nahem brought Bertrando back from the breeding shed to run in the Pacific Classic.  Frankel refused to take him back.  They needed a trainer of record, so they picked the young John Shirreffs.  However, what I did not know, one of the owners decided he was the "trainer" and called the shots.  When Bertrando went out in one o-eight for the mile and a quarter, I, wrongfully, thought John S was a misplaced quarter horse trainer.  However, after leaving Nahem, he blossomed into a marvelous hands on trainer, who cares deeply for his runners.  This is what separates both Matz and him from so many others.  Their devotion and care for the runner first. This is not meant to disparage so many others who train with the same purpose, but, Matz and Shirreffs stand apart.

Yes, She who must be obeyed, Ms Sahadi is a fine trainer, as well.  Now, will you let me get back out to Portland Meadows so I can decide whether to plunge on the three, or is it the four at DM, today?

Ditto on Barclay Tagg, he'd be my choice in a heartbeat...I'd rather my trainer be in the barn tending to the horses, than being a media/social climber type.

Thanks Tim G.  Seeing that list I realize just how much money I've lost on D. Wayne on various Derby Days.  I forgot all about him entering that many horses.  

Baffert he knows a how to get a good one ready and to make the most money with it.

Atthebarn2 cause he's a old time horseman.

Art,

Slight correction--Michael Matz has run a horse in the Kentucky Derby twice, not once.

Barbaro was the first, famously, and then in 2008 he was back with Visionaire.

GunBow,

Yes, Ted H. West was the trainer for Bluesthestandard (thank you for reminding me of the correct spelling of the horse's name) during that period when he was so successful. Jeffrey Sengara owned him at the time. I was  disappointed that Mr. Sengara did not claim Blue back when he tumbled down the claiming ranks. He had also owned Budroyale and retired him to a farm in British Columbia (his home province). Not knowing the financial situation of Mr. Sengara, I reserved judgment on his dropping the ball in regard to Blue...Thank goodness for Kristin. She sure stepped up to the plate. Like you, I often wonder about her lack of recent success. With the sad state of affairs in California, there are fewer and fewer horses & owners and the smaller barns are taking the brunt of it. Hopefully, things will improve but I'm not holding my breath.

how come steve assmussen is not on your list? he is leading trainer last year and will probly be agian this year and he has rachel alexandra and curlin and kensei and he won the haskell the west vrigina derby and the jim dandy in one week

Rainy and muddy in Saratoga again, hope you all have your mudders for the pick 6. (remember Be Fair in the Alabama and her run in the slop in the Lake George when the track WAS a lake) although the track looks like it's drying out some.

da3hoss, I'm not even sure how they're using John??? Maybe a closer, comment was something about a save or something.

Just know he's in SL now and the comment was about how the Cubs are croaking and SL is moving up.

Ted yes, I've either won a fortune or lost a fortune on Wayne in the last several decades I've known him and been betting on the runners. QH and TB.

For those of you who are more interested in a turf horse, not a Derby horse, Linda Rice has been KILLING them at Saratoga her dad Clyde was/is a superb horseman. Bill Mott, as long as you're okay with Kent they're a dynamic duo on the turf.

Wow, if I didnt train it myself, I guess since Im in CA, I'd have a great number of capable trainers to choose from: Neil Drysdale, Papa Mandella, Bruce Headley, Jack VanBerg, Eoin Harty, Paddy Gallagher, Ray Bell, Or Kathy Walsh.

My short list would most likely be cut down to Kathy Walsh. She is an incredible horsewomen, KNOWS what she's doing and has lasted a long time and succeeded in an industry that didn't open embrace women trainers and she's not that I have ever seen, a pharmacutical trainer, it's seems to be a"hay and oats and water approach"in her barn and when the horse needs time off, she gives it to them rather then take the chance, IE Georgie Boy!

Just saw a PBS NATURE special on horses and their relationships with humans. It was wonderful. What a gift these animals are to mankind. I envy all of you who have them in your lives.

So, some unknown rich person dies and leaves all their money to me. I head off to KY and pick a horse. I'd probably get a gelding, preferably with Secretariat lines. If the horse wasn't already named, I'd call him "First Love."

The trainer I'd pick would be Michel Matz. Not all of his horses are top class, but I like him a lot. He doesn't   push his horses too far too soon and waits on them to develop. I'd like for him to not only train my horse to race, but also start him under saddle.

watch out for Milwaukee Appeal.  Raced well against the boys and a lot more horse than many think.

Zookeeper, thanks for mentioning the great Budroyale - Did you ever read about his racing career?  Google and you will run across the story - For those who love the old geldings running on and who enjoy the claimers who end up reaching for the stars, read his bio.  Gelded at two, started in a MdCl 32 and was, immediately claimed by Dan Hendricks.  Then, it was up the claiming ranks, until bought by the Kirkwoods of Washington.  Under their ownership and the training of a young Washington State trainer, he was up and down the ranks.  Do you know, he beat Grindstone in a mile allowance, three months before Grindstone won the Derby?  When, the Kirkwoods thought his career had tailed, he was dropped to 40 where Nick Canani claimed him.  He upped him to 50 and Ted West claimed him for Senegra who wanted to win the Longacres Mile.  From that time forward, he became a solid stakes horse.  That Relaunch side and his bottom of Northern Dancer and a Pia Star mare made him tough as he matured.  Read about the touching story of when he was nominated for the BC, Cee's Tizzy owner was able to attend and meet Senegra.  Yeah, Tiz Now came later, but, Budroyale put Cee's Tizzy on the map.

jmewill, I'll always remember seeing Jack Van Berg walking through the tunnel at SA with his arm wrapped around the shoulders of Kathy Walsh, as he said, "Why, Kathy, you know you can use my jockeys, anytime".  Yes, she can train - From Longacres, to Canterbury, to Emerald and then south to So Cal.  She was well financed by Budget Stable.  She is another hard boot.  One last thought about her - I, also, remember her walking down the track after a race at Longacres.  She had not won with either of her horses and had a very stern look on her face, as Doocy, frantically, kept waving his arms while trying to explain his ride.  She was not amused.

Excellent performance by Careless Jewel in the Alabama. The final time of 2:03 and 1 and final quarter of 26 are nothing special, but the two turn races on the card seemed especially slow, so I think that the Beyer will be at least the 104 she earned in the Delaware Oaks.

Speaking of Beyers, Careless Jewel was really a standout, and I am surprised she was only 2nd choice and 3-1. Surprisingly, the "other" Canadian in the field, Milwaukee Appeal, was made the favorite, even though the Queen's Plate and Prince of Wales Stakes were very ordinary races; perhaps folks put too much weight on the fact she was running against males in those races, even though it appears the Canadian-bred males are not a particularly fast group. The 3rd choice in the race, Funny Moon, won the Coaching Club American Oaks in her last start, but her Beyer was a lowly 86.

Likely the first reaction of many after the Alabama is that Rachel may finally have a challenger in her division. However, it is questionable whether Careless Jewel and Rachel will meet this year, unless Josie Carroll and her connections want to chase Rachel into the Woodward or Jockey Club Gold Cup. The only real chances of Rachel and Careless Jewel meeting is if NYRA pulls off a Rachel-Zenyatta matchup, in which case Careless Jewel would be an interesting 3rd wheel.

More likely than a meeting with Rachel is Careless Jewel running vs. Zenyatta. Given Careless Jewel's familiarity with Woodbine's synthetic, there is every reason to expect she would be pointed for the Breeders Cup Ladies Classic(unless she is not nominated), and a meeting with Zenyatta. Careless Jewel is a fast horse with experience on synthetics, and, of course, she will hold a pace advantage vis-a-vis Zenyatta. Whether or not that will be good enough to beat the great one remains to be seen.

Ha i saw someone put down DEAD DUCK DARNELL ! that was funny to see . John Sherriffs would be my pick , seems like a good horsemen and does right by the horse as much as he can .

Dawn:

Good point about buying those lottery tickets. You never know. I used to live near Garners Ferry Road in Columbia, South Carolina, the street where the $260 million Powerball lottery ticket was sold this week. Only one winning ticket was sold. Still unclaimed. I hope the winner's a horse lover!

Gunbow:

I think you will hear more from Milwaukee Appeal.  Since about mid June she has run:

• 1-1/8M (Woodbine Oaks...won)

• 1-1/4M (Queen's Plate-males...beaten at the wire after a hard drive)

• 1-3/16M (Prince of Wales-males...beaten at the wire after another hard drive)

• 1-1/4M (Alabama)

Four long distance races in about 8 weeks, hard for a 3 Y-O filly….. She was easily the best of the rest, but lacked her usual finishing kick at the end, possibly a little worn down…..She could also end up in the BC Distaff as she is versatile (dirt-synthetics).

Careless Jewel. WOW. Don't you wonder what would have happened if Rachel Alexandra had been there? Did you notice how Careless Jewel was looking at the grandstand almost all the way to the first turn?

GunBow:

Think you're right about the BC Ladies' Classic and Careless Jewel. This intriguing possibility may diffuse some of the clamor about Rachel v. Zenyatta.

Careless Jewel is an impressive filly and she ran a big race today.  If somehow NYRA can lure Zenyatta to the Beldame, Careless Jewel would not only add some class to the field, but also some pace competition for Rachel.  Interesting ... This is the topic for my blog tomorrow on Zipse at the Track.

It would have actually been a competition today.  Good move Mr. Sportsmen, your 10 million dollar filly lost none of her luster today, you are still the master of the HOTY campaign.  All her minions can talk about is Zenyatta, so frightened are they.

Ray H.

Indian Charlie has been calling him that for years, even when he was still at the top of the game. IC might not appreciate you 'lifting' the name. He also has a derogatory name for every trainer mentioned on this board.

The question was, who do you want as your trainer to get you to the Derby.

You might not want him but no need to bring sarcasm into it others might want/have him as their trainer.

As Jason says, make your picks but no need to be negative.

That run by Careless Jewel was even more impressive than you can imagine. She was pitching a fit terribly (not SO bad in the paddock though) in the post parade and in the early part of the race she was super rank. I figured she left her race with her antics but she just blew them away after checking VERY hard in the first turn, getting her head up and generally acting like a witch.

But she won for FUN. I've seen her and RA both. If this filly gets her head in the game I don't think even RA could beat her.

Careless Jewel rules OK!  I adore her and have since I first saw her when she won her last start!

My choice of trainer would be the "most famous Texan no one has ever heard of" and everyone's forgotten about.  The best horseman I have ever seen and a truly pleasant man with a lovely wife and family who all know tons about horses. That is CASH ASMUSSEN!!!!!!!  He does not medicate his horses - he can't and would not anyway as he trains in Texas where there is zero tolerance and he was my favourite jockey from 1982!  He has been a good friend since 1989!  Cash, Cheryl, Catherine, Christine and Carolyn would look after the horse, put the horse first and few ride as well as Cash does!

Incidentally Cash is actually originally from South Dakota like my second choice William (Bill) Mott!

Bill Mott is also brilliant!  And worked for The Asmussens!  So he will remember CASH!!!!!

Honestly you lot have such short memories!  He was champion Apprentice before doing brilliantly in Europe and being the first ever non French jockey to be Champion jockey in France and the first to ride 200 winners in France; plus numerous winners in the UK! He was far kinder to me than Steve Cauthen and in my view could ride him to sleep if he so chose!  Cash did not have alcohol related problems either!

Suspect the reason Cash is not popular is he is soo intelligent, talented and good looking as indeed his family are and people are jealous!

Anyway I have not forgotten Cash and as I said many, many years ago "I am cashing in on Asmussen!"  He never let me down in any way!  Watching him ride horses properly was always a delight and he and his family have proved to be good friends!  So really it is a no brainer as to who would get to train my Pride and Joy isn't it?

Now don't forget the name folks - CASH ASMUSSEN!

You aint seen nothin yet!  But you will!!!!!!!!

God Bless

Best wishes

Abbie

Laz:

I didnt mean to trash Milwaukee Appeal. When I said the Queens Plate and Prince of Wales were slow, I was placing it in relation to US based 3 year old males; there is a good 13-20 point Beyer difference (7-13 lengths) between US 3 year old males like Quality Road, Kensei, Summer Bird and Mine That Bird and the top Canadian bred 3 year old males Eye of the Leopard and Gallant. However, for a 3 year old filly, Milwaukee Appeal ran solid races in the Queen's Plate and Prince of Wales, performances that were on par with top US based 3 year old fillies  like Just Jenda, Four Gifts, Gabby's Golden Gil, Don't Forget Gil, Justwhistledixie, and Funny Moon.

Unfortunately for Milwaukee Appeal, in Careless Jewel she was meeting a filly that was coming off a performance in the Delaware Oaks(104 Beyer) that was far superior to that of any horse in the Queen's Plate(92 Beyer) and Prince of Wales(86 Beyer).  The Delaware Oaks had been a breakthrough performance for Careless Jewel, one that separated her from every 3 year old filly save Rachel Alexandra. In the Alabama, Careless Jewel ran back to her Delaware Oaks(Careless Jewel received a 103 Beyer for the Alabama) while Milwaukee Appeal simply duplicated her Prince of Wales performance(her Beyer for the Alabama should be around 86, the same fig she ran in her last race, the Prince of Wales).  

Soldier Course:

What would have happened had Rachel been in the Alabama? Well, it is impossible to know for sure, but my best guess would be that Rachel, after a tussle on the final turn, would have put Careless Jewel away and won by 3-5 lengths.

As good as Careless Jewel ran in the Alabama, does anyone really think she could beat Quality Road, Summer Bird, Kensei, and Mine That Bird in the Travers?  A critical evaluation of the Alabama must note that Careless Jewel was able to open up on the grandstand turn even though her 4th quarter was run in only 25 and 1, and was able to extend her lead through a tepid 26  final quarter. Quality Road, Summer Bird and the other 3 year old males would not have fallen by the wayside during a 51 and 1 closing half.

Careless Jewel was awarded a 103 Beyer for the Alabama, an impressive encore after a 104 Beyer in the Delaware Oaks. These two performances make Careless Jewel the clear 2nd best 3 year old filly behind Rachel. However, any comparisons to Rachel would be far too premature at this point. Not only has Rachel won 4 more graded stakes and 3 more grade 1 races this year, Rachel's Beyers for her last 4 races are 2.5-7 lengths better than Careless Jewel's Alabama + Del Oaks.  Even if we assume that Rachel would have been less effective at the 10 furlongs of the Alabama than she was in the 9 furlong Haskell, a repeat of her Preakness performance(108 Beyer) would have produced a  3 length victory over Careless Jewel. Had Rachel run back to her Haskell, she would have won the Alabama over Careless Jewel by 7. Of course, Rachel would have been running in the Alabama on just 3 weeks rest, so given the way Careless Jewel ran, maybe it was for the best that Rachel missed what would have been a solid challenge(even if she would have won by 3) and is able to get an extra week or two of recuperation.

Imagine had Rachel run in the Alabama but Careless Jewel hadn't? Well, it would have been another 15-18 length win.  

While Careless Jewel ran a huge race in the Alabama, it is unlikely that she ran as well as the males will run in the Travers or Woodward. Should Mine That Bird run back to his Derby(105 Beyer) or Preakness(106 Beyer) or Summer Bird run back to his Haskell(106 Beyer) in the Travers, both would represent faster challenges than what Carleless would have offered had Rachel run in the Alabama. And for as much criticism as has been thrown on the older male division, and rightfully so, the last race Beyers of Bullsbay(107) and Cool Coal Man(107) are superior to anything Careless Jewel has ever run. Even today(well actually yesterday), the Beyer earned by the older male Chirac in the Iselin, a 107, was superior to Carelss Jewel's Alabama.  

This is certainly normal. In most years, even the best 3 year old filly is about 7-12 lengths inferior to the top older males. This is why, traditionally, a top 3 year old filly will be compared to other three year old filles running the same year or from the past, while a top older male will be compared with his peers or older males from the past. Thus, Careless Jewel running a 103 in the Alabama as a 3 year old filly is considered(at least by me) more impressive than Bullsbay running a 107 in the Whitney, even though Bullsbay technically ran faster. A 103 for a 3 year old filly compares favorably to even past 3 year old filly champions(last year's 3 year old filly champ Proud Spell ran a career best 101 in last year's Alabama), while a 107 for a Whitney is 2-5 lengths below par.

The fact that Rachel would be a heavy favorite were she to run in the Woodward is proof of just how much she has turned things upsidedown. It would be similar to if the top 2 year old was running fast enough to beat his elders(Grand Canyon's 89' Hollywood Futurity and Easy Goer's 88' Champagne would have made them competitive against good older horses those years. In comparison, 97' Horse of the Year, the 2 year old Favorite Trick, had a top Beyer of 101 that would have left him abaout 12 lengths behind the 120 Beyers of Skip Away, Gentlemen, Formal Gold, Siphon, and Will's Way).

I don't know which trainer I'd pick but I know the kind of trainer I'd go with.

In recent years the Triple Crown races have largely been dominated by small to medium sized trainers known locally but not nationally.  Many of these guys come from other disciplines e.g. Michael Matz & John Servis show jumping, Barclay Tagg steeplechasing, Chip Wooley, rodeo.  You get the picture.

I want someone who'll take the time to figure my horse out and will think outside the box to get the best out of him.  As a horse lover first last and always I also want someone who'll have my horse's best interest at heart.  I want my horse to have a long and happy life either at stud or if he's a gelding as my personal riding horse once his racing career is over.

I'd go with an experienced, well rounded, local trainer who takes good hands on care of his/her horses, will tell me what I need to know and if my horse has ability, will take him anywhere he can go.  All of these guys I mentioned above would be great but now that they've had their "Big Horse" are probably way beyond what I could afford.

I would want a trainer with a very small stable, to ensure that the horse is given the proper amount of attention. Being a Chicagoan, it'd be better to have someone within the area, although for east coast Barclay Tagg sticks out. For the west, Peter Miller. For more local trainers, Dale Bennett, Mac Robertson, James McMullen, Wayne Catalano, or Ian Wilkes.

Soldier Course you wonder what would happen had Rachel been in the Alabama?  Well let me tell you.  She would have run a 110, 134 and the last 1/8th in 25 for a 159 or about a 15 or 20 length win.

Speaking of figuring a horse out, Mr. Hot Stuff ran again yesterday & came in third. Here's what I've figured out about him - he hates running in the pack, maybe affected from being in the muddy bumper car Derby. If he's down near the rail, he goes with the flow and won't bust out. When Aaron Gryder got him outside of the other horses yesterday, he took off. But he was stuck in traffic until too late.

One other thing I noticed about him yesterday that was way different - he was calm. No rearing up, no looking around, no sweating. Interesting, quite unlike what I've seen before from him.

sorry but if that happened to me then i wouldn't send my horse to any of those trainers. i'd send it to my riding teacher since she knows her way around the racetrack and she was a jockey back from the late 60s to early 90s. albeit on mainly quarter horses. but she has sold several high dollar horses that was either half andalusions or pre andalusions two went for a combined $37,500. since one was sold for 21,000 plus 2 in training fees so really 23,000 and the other was sold for 14,500. which she got half of that money because the horse's owner never paid training fees.

Summer Bird will run down Quality Road and all others in the Travers....Heard this am on Roger Stein Show....more debate on whether Zen should go East---Why?....Retiring undefeated in the Classic would be great....Rachel gets the kool aid votes but history will always know they didn't go...they didn;t go get her/take away her unbeaten record!---I recal Easy Goer, 1:32 Gotham mile....unbelievable---until he met another tough guy Sunday Silence---THAT'S why you run them---THAT is why Zenyatta is the white elephant in Rachel's stall---if they pass on this chance to face off with her, they'll lose the chance to end all doubt, and since it was team Rachel thet no showed, there will be doubt.....

Jason:

Check out the comment of PRIME EQUINE under this week's "Final Turn: Death of a Champion" blog page. This person has done so much for the Thoroughbred retiree called "Harvey". Would love to see this person's full story about Harvey as a Blood-Horse feature.

Careless Jewel was very impressive but I think Rachel would have won any race the two of them were in. Rachel is all business. But I would love to see the two of them in the same race. It would be a doozy.

Hey Gunbow

I wasn't trying to imply that you were trying to trash Milwaukee Appeal.  One thing I know about you is that you call it as you see it and unlike some people (even me at times) you try to give a fair and unbiased opinion, which excludes trash talking.....That being said, I still think we'll be hearing from Milwaukee at some point.  There's something about that filly that I like, especially the way she looked the colts in the eye and didn't really back down.

After I purchase my $100K PA bred horse I would attempt to secure Barclay Tagg, Mike Matz or John Servis to take us to the derby.Jeremy Rose will be the pilot in command. It will be a great win and a great day for Penn. racing.

Careless Jewell’s race was actually a lot more impressive than some might give her credit for.

• Her final quarter was 26 seconds.  However the track was only rated as good and times beyond 5-1/2F were average.  This was still without being pushed.

• In the only 2-turn race on the dirt to compare to, 25K claimers ran their final 1/8th in 14.3 which projects to a final 1/4 of 29.1 if stretched out another 1/8th.

• She had to be steadied fairly sharply in the club house turn possibly losing a couple of steps.  She eagerly gained them back before she was out of the turn.

• She ran willingly to the stretch, was whipped three or four times to keep her mind on her business.

• If Milwaukee Appeal wasn’t in the race she wins emphatically by 14-3/4L with the other fillies going all out for third.

• She might not be ready for Rachel yet, but who knows, maybe with another race of two she might be.  Her Beyers put her at Rachel’s Fairground Oaks level with improvement expected to come (still lightly raced).

• She can now say that she has run 1-1/4M and won.  How many other 3 y-o fillies can say that?

• She was still a little green the way she was looking around at times.  It will be interesting to see what she does under a strong challenge.

As an aside, how about that 9th race for excitement……5 noses separating the first 6 horses.

TURF CLUB HONEY

You must be joking! That trainer shouldn't be allowed to even train,he should suffer a lifetime ban,simple as that!

While I found CJ to be an impressive winner, the time nor the splits were that impressive.  In fact, every quarter of the race was run slower than the last.  She did look incredibly green though, so who knows what will happen if she can learn to settle down and harness her speed?

Does anyone know the mile split of the Haskell?  I was trying to compare splits (yes, I know it's 1/8 shorter).  I wish I could find the split for the last quarter mile just for comparisons sake.

Hey Mike Relva

He could alway be a snake charmer.

Hold Me Back will win the Travers.  I've been down this dusty road too many times.

Laz:

I know you weren't suggesting I was "trashing" Milwaukee Appeal. Poor choice of a word on my part. I like Milwaukee Appeal too. I don't think she can compete with the top females at this time(Rachel, Big Z, Careless Jewel), but she has proven that she can place in grade 1s and win grade 2s.

I was most impressed with her score in the Woodbine Oaks, and her Beyers since then reflect that she has regressed. I wonder if, at this time in her career, she wouldn't do better with a cutback in distance to 9 or 8.5 furlongs; her last 3 races have been at 10, 9.5, and 10 furlongs, and the kick she demonstrated in the Woodbine Oaks has been weaker at these distances. Perhaps by next year she could be ready to handle the continent's elite, and run more effectiveky beyond 9 furlongs(in the Delaware Oaks + Personal Ensign, EP Taylor).

After her win in the Woodbine Oaks, the filly I started to compare Milwaukee Brew with was Sealy Hill. I saw Sealy Hill win the 2007 Woodbine Oaks in person, and followed her career as she swept the Canadian Triple Tiara. I saw her in person again later in the year on turf in the $300k Canadian Stakes on the Woodbine Mile undercard, and she ran a strong 2nd, beaten by a nose on the wire. Sealy Hill repeated that performance in the gr.1 EP Taylor, but again dropped a tough decision. Ultimately, she was voted Canada's Horse of the Year. Sealy Hill came back at 4 and at first was extremely disappointing, but she eventually turned things around and ran a HUGE 2nd to Forever Together in last year's Breeders Cup Filly and Mare Turf. I think Milwaukee Appeal has the potential to be close to Sealy Hill, and that's saying alot.

And what a year it has been for Canadian based 3 year old fillies. First, there is Careless Jewel, who almost everyone now acknowledges is the 2nd best 3 year old filly on the continent. Second, is Milwaukee Appeal, the Alabama runner-up and Woodbine Oaks winner who ran her heart out in narrow defeats to males(although Canadian bred males) in the Queen's Plate and Prince of Wales. Third, is Tasty Temptation. Tasty Temptation may have been best in the Woodbine Oaks when 2nd to Milwaukee Appeal and then, like Milwaukee Appeal, tried the males in the Queen's Plate where she was a credible 4th. In her last start, Tasty Temptation won the Wonder Where, the last leg of the Canadian Triple Tiara, run on grass. She's a filly with a future too.

Dray:

I am a huge Rachel fan, but she would not have beaten Careless Jewel by 15 lengths in the Alabama. 2.5-7 lengths, probably, but to have defeated Careless Jewel by 15 Rachel would have needed to run a 126 Beyer, a figure no 3 year old filly has approached, including Rachel. Also, Rachel would not have been able to run 1:59 on that Saratoga track Saturday; it was a deep and tiring track. That's not to excuse Careless Jewel's 51 and 1 final half because I do believe Rachel would have run faster, but that track wasnt going to produce a 1:59 time by any horse.

I'd take Carl Nafzger as my trainer. Here's a guy who wouldn't blow smoke up your rear and would only go forward with a legitimate Derby horse. A class act all the way and he's got a pretty good success ratio when he runs.

  I for one will be 'saving' this one,there is more info on a large section of trainers in every corner of the US than I

would find anywhere else and it could happen,that dream.

  A brilliant idea for a forum on "what if"!

  Can anyone tell me what is

the deal with "The Pamplemo-

usse"?  Is his career over? If there was news I missed it.

Greg J: What are you apologizing for? You gave me Ice Road and I said I would bet $150 to win and a $6 backwheel in the exacta. Actually, I only bet $120 to win and the $6 backwheel cost me $42 more. Ice Road hung on for second and my $162 investment returned $490.50 when the exacta paid $163.50. Thank you, more for the adventure than the profit, which was spent that night. Thank you again. I owe you one (or two).

I forgot to mention Smoltz. When he came here last week, he had a bullpen session Friday with Dave Duncan, who noticed Smoltz was tipping pitches (he would turn his glove sideways when throwing a breaking ball, not with the fastball). They corrected that and yesterday he was fantastic, striking out seven Padres in a row at one point, giving up three hits and no walks in five innings. Granted, the Padres aren't the Yankees, but I have a feeling it could be 1964 all over again with the Cards and Yankees in the World Series. And if ever a coach belonged in the Hall of Fame, it's Dave Duncan who has had three different pitchers win the Cy Young under his care. Amazing.

As far as tipping pitches, or stealing signs, some coaches are amazing.

I remember a Washington Redskins coach who told me that they knew old Dallas Cowboy RB Robert Newhouse was always tipping plays years ago. When the Cowboys were running a pass play, Newhouse would not buckle his chin strap, but when a run was called, he would buckle it. The Redskins took advantage of that for a couple years, before ther Cowboys found out.

Zia,

    The Pamplemousse remains far from returning to the races. Owner Alex Solis II indicated that the three-year-old may not come back until next summer.

    "We were thinking he might be able to make the Strub series (during Santa Anita's winter-spring meeting), but I want to make sure he's in perfect shape when we bring him back," said Solis...

Does anyone know a list of possibles for the Woodward?  I noticed Bullsbay might be pointing toward the Pacific Classic, so who is left?!

michael matz=]

GunBow I think you better look at the Haskell soup she ran in and the splits and then tell me she couldn't have run a 159 or 200.  Even a 200 would have had her beating the winner by 15.  I am glad she is going to the Woodward to do what no filly has ever done.  There should be a number of older G1 winning horses that have no chance.

  1. Alaazo

  2. Alcomo (BRZ)

  3. Asiatic Boy (ARG)

  4. Bribon (FR)

  5. Bullsbay

  6. Coal Play

  7. Colonel John

  8. Cool Coal Man

  9. Cowboy Cal

 10. Da' Tara

 11. Dr. D.F.C.

 12. Formidable

 13. Hold Me Back

 14. It's a Bird

 15. Jonesboro

 16. Kensei

 17. Le Grand Cru

 18. Lowther Street

 19. Macho Again

 20. Munnings

 21. Nite Light

 22. Past the Point

 23. Quality Road

 24. Rachel Alexandra

 25. Ready's Echo

 26. Researcher

 27. Smooth Air

 28. Take the Points

 29. Timber Reserve

 30. Tizway

Who is left ?  Is that enough G1 and G2 winners for you ?  Question is who will show up now that she is in the race ?  Few will have the guts.

LAZMANNICK

You have a point! lol BTW I enjoy your posts,nice touch.

Thanks Greg

I can always count on you to

provide good answers.  Lately I

have had my Derby picks fall by

the wayside.  All the handicap-

ping in the world can't predict

injuries.  I sure hope that The

Pamplemousse runs again.

My first choice would be Michael Matz,second choice Larry Jones.They both care about their horses well being which is refreshing.

What kind of weight allowance will RA get for Woodward, some for her age and then 5 lbs more for her sex? How does that "weight for age" thing work?

You know, Tapit left me cold, but I sure am starting to warm up to his babies...Careless Jewel, great job at a mile and quarter (106 Beyer for Alabama) on a "good" track.

RA, as much as I love her, will never see 1 1/4, at least this year...

PS we could have bought CJ for only $40,000 with our $100,000!

Rachel A. (for real)

With one horse and big dreams i'd go with a trainer who's very down to earth and looks after the best interest of my horse, no matter what. Regardless of how big or small his stable is, if the horse is useful, wouldn't he be under the watchful eye of a trainer conditioning his 'army'?

As for trainers I like: Bill Mott, T. Pletcher, E. Harty, R. Man O Man Della (lol), thats to name a few, I have the utmost respect for Aiden O'Brian and my fellow countryman Sir Micheal Stoute.

nice scenario Jason, only if...

Draynay

You forgot one

# 31....the kitchen sink

da3Hoss

We could have bought 10 Mine That Birds and still have 5 G's left over for our initial trainer's fees.

Da3hoss,

   I know Rachel will carry eight pounds less then her rival older foes, I think it is five pounds for her sex, and three pounds because she is three...

    Could "Bullsbay" be Rachel's "Onion"?, Just a crazy thought...

My first choice of trainer would be definitely DWL.  ESPECIALLY if the horse was a filly...you cannot question his record with fillies.  My 2nd choice would definitely be Michael Matz...I think the guy is a very awesome trainer as well.

If I was in Europe..NO question asked my pick would have to be Aidan O'Brien!

Draynay,

    Question for you, If and when, Mine that Bird wins the Travers, Will you give him his just due?(I highly doubt it!)  Or, Will you come up with excuses? I know Saturday is a long way off, But, They are saying 50 percent chance of rain...

Demak:

"Man-O-Mandella, what a day!"

Will you ever forget Tom Durkin's race call when Pleasantly Perfect crossed the wire in the 2003 Breeders' Cup Classic, giving Richard Mandella his fourth win of the day? I just loved it. Thanks for this memory.

Hold Me Back will win the Travers.  It's a lock.

Joel Marr based in New Mexico - what a true horseman!!

Looks like the horses most likely to vie for 2nd choice in the Woodward are:

Bullsbay

Asiatic Boy

Macho Again

Cool Coal Man

Geez..I almost forgot how weak the older main-track horses were out East.Thx. Let us know when RA faces a top-class horse(s),time's running out.

I'd choose Michael Matz, because he's not too far from Virginia, where I live, or Helen Pitts, because she is patient and takes care of her horses.  Not to say that Michael doesn't do that, too.

Greg, thanks for the info.

LAZMANNICK, yup, picking out of my "A" list i could have had a tidy return on my 100,000 investment!

RA, what a horse...and we're here to watch her!

MTB doesn't have to win another race this year...he's already One Classic & a bunch of wins ahead of where John Henry was at this point in time...or even Forego...flukes that they were as 3 year olds...LOL!!! We can only hope he goes on to bring as much fun to racing as those guys, or even a Better Talk Now, With Anticipation, Evening Attire, Brass Hat, Commentator, The Tinman, etc..

If I bought a yearling for that price I would let my Unlce Rick Hiles train it! He does a great job with the horses he gets and none of them are stakes type horses. The one good one he's had in the last 10 years he took to the Florida Derby only for it (Midway Cat) to drop dead of a heart-attack in mid stretch and was sitting a strong 3rd to Empire Maker and Funny Cide. He would have been special! So I think Rick Hiles would be my choice!

If Zen and RA ever meet up i think the distance should be 1 3/16. This way RA does not have to go a totally new distance, and Zen still has an extra 1/16 of a mile to run her down. So in addition to the purse in the Beldame being bumped up, why not increase the distance by that extra 1/16, to make the race a little more interesting.

Greg J,

    MTB may not even make the Travers, from what his connections are said after his latest work. This is not even to me a big surprise, seeing that if MTB were my horse i wouldn't race him 11 day after a surgery, no matter how minor it may be. In the race i actually am going to pick Our Edge. I loved his last win, and the fact that his trainer, Zito, is a master at pulling upsets. So my picks are Our Edge, SB, and QR.

no one's mentioned vladimir cerin

my top choice, and would think about ron ellis,jeff mullins,g.stevens.....

Nick Zito

LDP:

Sounds like the decision about Mine That Bird and the Travers has probably already been made. I agree with you about the time period from his surgery. I'd be cautious, too.

LDP,

    I agree, I would hold MTB back for another day, BUT, If he goes I think he will pull it off along with Summer Bird coming in second.  "Our Edge" is an interesting pick, He looked great at DP in the Barbaro, And, It looked like he had alot left after the 1 1/16.  Like you said, Mr. Zito is a master at pulling upsets...

Gary G:

My heart skipped a beat when I read your post about your Uncle Rick Hiles and Midway Cat.

I remember watching the 2003 Florida Derby on TV and seeing poor Midway Cat go down. My mother and I sent a donation to the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation in memory of Midway Cat. A few days later we received a most gracious letter of thanks from four gentlemen who were Midway Cat's connection. One of these men was your uncle, Rick Hiles.  

I still have that letter.

Greg J,

    That is why i like him, he just spurted away from the field and won it easily. He's improving, His trainer is born to pull upsets, and his last race looked real good. I could be wrong, but i think he's got a shot and could suprise some ppl.

I'd go local if I could - Ferris Allen, he's a top Mid-Atlantic guy, a Virginian, a good horsemen and and old friend. If I had to go with a national guy, I'd take either Zito (known the longest), Graham Motion or Michael Matz.

I just can't believe all the lesser trainers that are named before Todd Pletcher!  Wow, he's made me mucho bucks!

What do these top trainers charge per day like bob baffert?  I have a mare that is due next year and would like to move up to the high ranks and get a good trainer instead of just doing the local stuff. I am in Nevada.

I like Bob Baffert but my horse will not run on synthetic tracks in California or anywhere else.I like Michael Matz-he is a real horseman and Larry Jones-but he is retiring. I just don't see how trainers can pay attention to every horse as they should when they have a huge stable of horses-even with assistants. I have been working with horses all my life and my dream is my own-I would train my own horse and we would win!

Someone mentioned female trainers. How about Josie Carroll and Catherine Day Phillips? They are both very successful trainers.

Well, this sure inspired comment. I think that was predictable.

He isn't on the list, nor would I expect for him to be. But I'd send the horse to Phil Schoenthal in Maryland, hands down.

I've met him a couple of times, communicated with him considerably, and he's never told me only what I wanted to hear but rather what I needed to hear (and I don't even have a horse with him).

You must find good horsemanship in a trainer, but that goes without saying and there's horsemanship all over the place in the training ranks.

With horsemanship must come communication and trust.

When I send a horse to the track, if I'm still living anywhere east of Lexington, it will be with Phil Schoenthal.

Larry Jones. Yeah, I know he's retiring but apparently Cindy isn't, so I suspect it'll be a collaborative thing ... Larry puts the horse first and foremost, has one the best records on drug positives (1 in 25 years) and has proven that he can get horses to the Derby. If I had the horse, he'd get him where he had the ability to go. Plus - he prefers a small stable where he can be, "hands on," and I firmly believe he's right. I would feel most comfortable having a "Jones" horse.

Alternatively - Richard Mandella. His track record is proven and he does with a horse what the horse needs done - including layups as required. The Tin Man tells me this man has the horse at the top of his list of priorities. How else did that grand old man keep coming back and back as the champ he was?

Third choice would be Kiaran McLaughlin, whose abilities are also well proven. If he's good enough for Shadwell, I think that says enough - and he has lots of other clients whose horses state his abilities quite clearly.

There are some others too (if I couldn't get any of these) but stable size, medications record and dedication to all horses and their owners, even the little guys, would weigh heavily in my choice.

As a first time owner there are too many question--and all you can find out is Win% ITM% or drug violations!

There do you go to find out who the interval trainers are?--Who known's who Tom Ivers is?-- Who gives there horses a progressive loaded workout program and who actually spends time listening to the owners concerns--who pulls out a weight tape and can tell you the idea racing weight of there horses The Blood-Horse is a poor source for this type of information--and any other information that would benefit a owner or handicapper looking for the best trainer on a given track--Any information about Joel Marr's training methods would be greatly appreciated.

                        RF

brian, the tip top? $75-100 a day per horse and think the 'average' is $82 per day per horse. Add to that variable costs like veterinary bills, shoeing, transportation, dental, etc.,

plus nomination and starters fees.

A good book on the Exclusively Equine site here, New Owners handbook breaks down the cost and the TOC (Thoroughbred Owners of California) also gives average costs of the variables.

www.toconline.com/.../trainerscost_win06.pdf

Good luck with your soon to be baby!!!

LOL - by then, I'd be certified, and I'd train my own little firecracker! :D

Frankel Robert OR Violette, Jr. R A

IS WHO I WOULD USE.....

GO BABY GO !!!!!!

Gary G:

After our posts yesterday I went back and read about Midway Cat.

In the 2003 Florida Derby, Midway Cat stumbled into the rail at the far turn, then fell, throwing jockey Jorge Chavez. Midway Cat broke his foreleg and was euthanized. From what you have said, Midway Cat must have suffered the heart attack near the far turn, which set the subsequent events in motion. I don't think the first responders at the track realized that Midway Cat had had a heart attack before he fell.

Two months before the Florida Derby, Midway Cat had a good start to his 3YO campaign with a win in an allowance race at Gulfstream Park.    

Please give my regards to your uncle, Rick Hiles.

The last trainer I would ever send a horse to is Ferris Allen.  He's anything but a horseman.  Have seen him ruin too many nice horses.  All he cares about is wins.

  Jonathan Sheppard, Graham Motion, Micheal Matz, Tommy Voss, Barclay Tagg and Bill Mott would be at the top of my list.  Also Mike Trombatta and Hamilton Smith as well as Larry Jones if he came back to training.

  John Shirreffs, Van Berg and Carl Nafzger are right up there too.

So many good ones--not enough time to choose but I really like Carl Nafzger, Bob Baffert, and John Shirreffs.  Carla Gaines seems like a pretty cool customer too.

I would choose Hall of Famer Neil Drysdale. He won with Fusaichi Pegasus and would have won with A.P. Indy except for a minor physical hiccup on the eve of the Derby. He's a gentleman and a great trainer who doesn't run horses in to the ground.

Nick Zito.

Terry:

Catherine Day Phillips seems like an honest, upbeat person. I remember her from Jambalaya's win in the 2007 Arlington Million. But I so wanted The Tin Man to win that day!

John Sadler or Graham Motion.

My trainer pick would be Bruce Alexander at Monmouth.  Excellent horseman, good results, very under-rated.

Eduardo Caramori is the best horseman in Kentucky. He spends the winter at GP, and never has the caliber of babies the rest of the guys mentioned here get. His best leave to go to Frankel. Wins 25% all the time and has multiple stakes horses every year with no big purchases!!!