Seems as much of a toss-up and questions as last year. Lots of connections are agonizing (and irritated) about what to do.

I REALLY would be curious to see what will happen in the juvenile especially. Lots of angst, not just that race to worry about.

Jason: I'm surprised the key players in the Forego don't stretch to the one-turn  dirt mile. Much better for their stud resumes  if Pyro or Vineyard Haven or Capt. Candyman Can won a BC at a mile rather than the sprint. And I think all three could compete there.

Jason I'm gonna play against Zensational and Fab Strike--I think pro ride plays more for closers....like Music Note and Life Is Sweet in Ladies Classic....Think Zenyatta and Richard's Kid will challenge Gio Ponti and Einstein in Classic--yes, I think they'll try the Classic/hope Sea The Stars goes as well and THAT will make up for the fact that we're going on plastic again!...Goldikova--see-ya in mile but wonder why they don't try Vodka in the Cup (from Japan) as she's sensational...Forever Together looks tough on grass, like to see recent mdn winner Indian Firewater get into the 2yo  race....Not many West Coasters look too good to me--hoping to see Summer Bird, Mine That Bird, Quality Road and those tough fillies from New York--as I said, I think Zen's gonna try em on Sat....the next couple months, call it "After Rachel", we'll be looking across the pond as they dominated last year like no other....

What, no Pyro for the dirt mile? I know that Pyro is not fond of the pretend dirt but his stunning finish in the Forego merits at least a consideration.

And yes, I'm still a "Pyromaniac".

Jason

Goldikova looks the one to beat in the mile, But Deligator could be the one to beat her, Did you see the turn of foot he showed in his last race?

I also have the feeling Mastercraftsman might show up in the mile if Fame And Glory Comes.

Jason, thank you for not putting Zenyatta in the Classic division. Unless she loses between now and the Breeders Cup, she will NOT be facing the boys with her undefeated streak on the line. If her owners wanted to challenge their horse, they would have put her against the boys or back east with the Superfilly Rachel Alexandra. Easy alert says she runs in the Ladies Classic, and you can bet on that.

Looks spot on Jason.  Zensational...the horse just beat older carring 120.  Baffert has him cranked and ready.  You can add Looking at Lucky to the 2 year old division.  Zenyatta...second straight year of beating up all comers in her division.  Gio Ponti...what a monster!  Hope he has not peaked too soon. I would take Einstein at Santa Anita over Rail Trip.  The later...No one thought he would get the distance in the Gold Cup (9-1 or so).  I doubt he will get loose in the Classic.  And Col John...been there done that.

Jordan S,

While I have no idea what the chances are for Zenyatta going in the Classic vs the Distaff, I do think there are valid reasons beside "not wanting to challenge their horse" for them to have decided not to go east to meet RA (yet) or to run in the Pacific Classic against the boys or something.

For one, they did ship her east to run at Churchill but (I thought understandably) scratched when they thought the track would be bad. It was her first start off the looooong layoff, so why risk her on a wet track that she's never run upon. Disappointing, yeah, but I think they were just concerned for her safety, right or wrong. I think if it wasn't her first race back, they might not have been so conservative.

Second, given Del Mar's rather alarming summer meet in terms of injuries/fatalities, and the short stretch run that almost got Zenyatta beat last time out, I don't blame them for not wanting to run her again at Del Mar in the Pacific Classic. I think even if it was all fillies and mares, they still wouldn't have done it. Not worth it.

Third, they've been pointing all along for the Breeders Cup. It's clear they like to space out her races. And it makes little sense to prep for the BC on synthetics by going East to run on dirt the month before. Shipping is stressful for a lot of horses and takes it toll. If they are indeed leaving the Classic open as an option, then it doesn't surprise me that they would not want to do anything too ambitious right before the BC.

It's too bad that she got such a late start in the year, because it's really "short changed" what options she has for races before the BC. They're trying to make the most of the few races they have before The Big One. I think that accounts for a lot of the caution in her '09 campaign.

I do truly hope she does run against the boys some day before she retires. I think she would do just fine and she deserves the chance to prove herself. Would have been great if she ran in the Hollywood Gold Cup...oh well.

My favorite horse running, El Gato Malo, just won an allowance race in fast time over good horses, with me screaming for him to get up the whole stretch. I sure am happy for him, and I hope he can get into the Breeder's Cup Mile. I have loved him ever since the San Rafael. In the running of the San Rafael, I saw his name and loved it, and when he won, I got a favorite who I shall like forever. Go El Gato, I'll always root for you.

Bribon should be tested when he runs next weekend in the gr.1 Woodbine Mile. Ventura, 2nd to Gio Ponti in the gr.1 Kilroe at a mile, 2nd in the last year's Woodbine Mile, and winner of both the 1 mile gr.1 Just a Game and Breeders Cup Filly and Mare Sprint, should push Bribon to the limit.  Other contenders include Ferneley, the winner of the Del Mar Mile, and Rahy's Attorney, the defending Woodbine Mile champ and multiple graded stakes winner on Woodbine's EP Taylor turf course.

The nominess for the 12 furlong gr.1 Northern Dancer(to be run on the Woodbine Mile undercard) include a number of interesting group 1/2 Euros, Arlington Million runner-up Just as Well, the Sword Dancer winner Telling, and and Sword Dancer also rans Musketier and Quijano.  However, it's not known how many of these shippers will actually be entered. The locals include multiple gr.1 winner and defending Northern Dancer victor Champ Elyses, Marchfield, and Marsh Side.

JASON,

I saw that you named Stardom Bound on your list and I was just curious as to what she has been doing lately? I was thinking about that the other day and I miss her in the races!

Jason,

    You seem spot on regarding choices/fields, I still have ALOT to look at, But, As of now, Not bad.  I will go against the norm and say Zenyatta will go in the Classic, Just a gut feeling, I also think Zenyatta will run once more after the Breeders Cup.  I would move Pyro to the Dirt Mile.  I would think Mine That Bird will be top three choice in Classic.  My dark horse in the Sprint would be California Flag, To get in, Not win...

Matthew W.,

     Go against Zensational at your own peril, I wish you luck!  He is the only true lock, as of now, If it all pans out.

Lauren,

    Regarding Stardom Bound, She hasn't raced since the Ashland Stakes at Keeneland in April.  She has had 3 work-outs in the last month, The last coming on Sept 3, 3F's in 39.33.

The best filly in say fifty years will not be here.  Zenyatta, come out and meet her...  Please.  Belmont put up the money.  My idea is your beat, unable to catch her.

nonnonheinous,

You're excuses for Zenyatta not being challenged are spot on - the owner doesn't want a loss on her record.  The track at Churchill was safer in the slop than any day at Del Mar but they ran her there.  She could have easily run in the Hollywood Gold Cup.  It was good enough for her stablemate Life Is Sweet coming out of the same race.  If they want to challenge her then run in the Goodwood on Oct 10 instead of the Lady's Secret - same track, same distance, same spacing before the BC for a prep.  If the excuse to stay at home is true then it's time to step it up but Moss won't do it.  He won't do it in the real Classic either.  Why run 1 1/4 against boys which she has never done before when they can run 1 1/8 against the girls?  

Jason, I think you are right about the speculation of the no shows in the Classic.  Gio Ponti will be interested in the Turf if he doesn't get a solid 12F race in him at Belmont this Fall.  12F is the Classic distance for turf horses and he hasn't been there yet.  (The same argument usually made about Rachel at 10F).  We'll see in a couple of months.

I am hoping for the Americans to defend their turf...Gio Ponti in the Turf, Justenuffhumor in the Mile, and Forever Silver in the Filly & Mare Turf all will be very tough for the Euros to storm.  I can't wait for a Goldikova, Justenuffhumor match-up! Justen is the real deal.

The Breeder's Cup Plastic, on the other hand, will be a crap shoot and offers much less interest to me from a sporting or a handicapping perspective.

Where is Bob Black Jack? He would have been a huge contender for The Sprint.

Richard's Kid may be the horse to watch in the Classic. Bob Baffert showed us why he is in the Hall of Fame by running Richard's Kid in the 1 1/2 mile Cougar and then "shortening" him up to 1 1/4 for the Pacific Cassic. Mile and a quarter distance suits him to a tee.

I think the real drama for the Breeders' Cup Classic will be in who shows up for the race and not as much in the race itself! Who from the east will venture west - Macho Again or Bullsbay? Will Zenyatta take a chance? My guess is if she loses her last prep, they go for broke in the Classic, but if she wins her last prep, they want the undefeated record and stay in the Distaff. If Sea the Stars or Gio Ponti show up, what a race, but if they plus Zenyatta stay away, it will be anti-climactic.

Please tell me that next year they are going to get rid of the "Ladies Day" format. That has been a disaster along with the synthetic experiment.

If I were Breeders' Cup Czar, I'd split the races up into turf and dirt and hold them at different tracks. Then you can run every 15 mins, which is much better for a TV audience, and you can send the turf championships to places like Colonial Downs or Europe and the Dirt races to the best dirt tracks. Ah, if only.

Zippy Potato Chippy... no Bob Black Jack... no Georgie Boy... can I interest you in some Johnny Eves?  He's back in training.  

Lauren, about Stardom Bound, I think I read that Dutrow plans to train her up to the BC Distaff.  Hope she comes back strong next year.  We need all the stars we can get.

JUV FILLES

DOES ANYone KNOW IF ALLWAYS A PRINCESS IS TOP RANKED in CAL

IF NOT WHO IS BESTIN CAL AND TOP RANKED JUV FILLY IN NATION AND HOW MUCH BETTER IS SHE

Rip Van Winkle looks the most likely Classic contender for Ballydoyle. Mastercraftsman and Fame and Glory can't be ruled out, but more likely to go for the Mile and the Turf respectively.

If Zenyatta runs in "just" the Ladies and Classic and BC Distaff, and she wins both, I still believe she will be deserving of all the glory and accolades that will come her way.  Sure, the Goodwood and/or Classic would be tougher challenges, but the Distaff is going to be very competitive, and if Zenyatta can conclude her career 14 for 14 with 8 gr.1 wins, it would be an amazing and historic accomplishment no matter which way one looks at it.  

If Zenyatta does stay running against females the remainder of her career, she actually will be following the path of most top fillies and mares. The facts are that even the best female racehorses only occassionally challenge males, and it is even rarer for them to defeat top level males.  This year's female Hall of Fame inductee, Silverbulletday, ran against males only once in her career, running 6th in the 99' Belmont. Last year's Hall of Fame female, Inside Inofrmation, never faced males. Dance Smartly defeated males 5 times in her career, but 3 were as a 3 year old in races exclusively for Canadian bred 3 year olds, and one when she was 4 in a race restricted to Canadian bred older horses. The only time Dance Smartly defeated males in an open race, it was the gr.2 Molson Million versus 3 year old males.  The fact is, facing and defeating males, particularly older males, is the exception not the rule for great females.

Well, now that Rachel is likely done for the year, the stage is open for other horses to strut their stuff.  Will they rise to the occasion or disappoint?

The horses I am most excited to see on Breeders Cup day are Zenyatta(most likely in the Distaff), Sea the Stars(hopefully he comes although I think he runs in just the Arc), Goldikova, Conduit(Turf), Fame and Glory(not sure he is coming either with the Arc more likely, but if he does come it will likely be the Turf or Classic), Gio Ponti, Zensationaal, Rip Van Winkle(10 furlongs is his distance so the Classic sounds right), Mastercraftsman(either the Classic or Turf Mile), Careless Jewel(Distaff), Stardom Bound(Distaff), Icon Project(Distaff or Filly and Mare Turf), Forever Together(Filly and Mare Turf), and Mine That Bird, Summer Bird, Quality Road, Macho Again, Bullsbay, Einstein, Rail Trip(in the Classic).

Despite alot of folks rightfully upset about the Breeders Cup being run on synthetics, last year produced many special moments.  The great thing about the Breeders Cup being held at Santa Anita again this year is that a number of last year's BC champs will be returning again this year. Of note, Ventura, Forever Together, Goldikova, Conduit, Stardom Bound, and Zenyatta are all pointing for consecutive BC wins.  Eevn without Rachel, there's going to be alot of star power at the BC this year.  Personally, this eases the pain of having to miss the BC last year.  I'm just crossing my fingers all these horses remain healthy so that I can see them this year.

The first sentence of my first post should read:

If Zenyatta runs in just the Lady's Secret and BC Distaff, I still believe she will be deserving.....

Personally,I think Pyro should be pointed towards either the Turf Mile or Turf Sprint.With his turf breeding & turn of foot,he should enjoy it.He doesn't like synthetics,just look back at his races in both the Bluegrass & Dirt Mile last year.They were well below par for him.

I'll go with Rail Trip as an early-bird choice for the Classic.He would've won the Pacific Classic if he weren't so far back in the early stages of the race which isn't his normal tactics,the Jockey gave him way too much to do.And he only got beat by 1 1/2 lengths,watch for him to turn in a similar effort as the Hollywood GC.He'll be fresh and on his toes as he trains-up to the BCC.

For all you cry-babies lamenting about the synthetics,hope you're satisfied with the less than stellar fields next year @ Churchill and what will surely be a "dreadfully-soupy-sloppy" track.Good luck with that disaster.

Jason,

     Don't you think Mr. Moss meant that he was going to run Zenyatta in the Classic?, That is my guess...

Actually GunBow, Silverbulletday ran 7th in the Belmont and more than the males it was the distance that got her, IMHO. Distance was the key.

SBD came back to win the Monmouth Oaks and then decimated the females by 9 lengths in the Alabama at 1 1/4,

To me she just wasn't that  physically imposing.

It seems to me, RA and Zen are more comparable to Winning Colors and Sharp Cat in stature.

WC of course defeated the males in one of the toughest tests in racing, the charge of the light brigade in the Ky Derby as well as the Santa Anita Derby got mugged by Woody Stephens er Forty Niner, who unlike the situation with Genuine Risk which was NOT planned, made the announcement ahead of time that he may finish last but WC would finish next to last.

Then we have the other female winner of the Haskell, Serena's Song.

Who could forget that game filly who was small but mighty.  She also won the Jim Beam (now Lanes End) and beat older females at 3 in the Beldame and came close to winning the Whitney Handicap in 1996 (which Lady's Secret DID win in 1986) and who could ever forget that run against Flanders in the JF?

Bless her heart she gave it a great early run in the Derby and then turned around and confounded people by winning the Black Eyed Susan, when she was 'supposedly' exhausted. Ran 13 times as a 3 year old, 38 overall and retired healthy and happy.

Also, look at all the tracks she ran at, the variety of distances and remember again her stature.

Of course Euro tells us how frequently females run and beat the males in Europe.

Gunbow THANK-YOU for correcting yourself, and Helsbelles, Bless you, too.

I think Zen could run in the Classic, depending on who the Euros are...I think at a mile and quarter she'd have the running room to stretch out...if the Distaff, well that's OK, too. She'll go down as a remarkable filly in the Distaff division, nothing wrong with that.

I hope to see Stardom Bound rebound to her old form, that would be so great...and then have her be a fire-breathing dragon in the Distaff (because Zen's in the Classic) and they decide to run her at 4 and she takes on RA!

I am rooting for Einstein, I love that horse, sentimental for MTB, too.

Gio Ponti is a monster, love Forever Together, CCC, Fab Strike and I think Charitable Man is in a race good for him.

Carlos in Cali, we'll be VERY happy with any form of dirt, dry, soup or slop.

You mean Rachel in the Classic will be less than stellar?

Jason, Jerry Moss is honorable & soft spoken.Which means he will do something different w/Zenyatta.I think she'll be entered in the BCClassic and go for Gusto in her final appearance.If not,then it'll be in the Goodwood for sure.Don't look for her to go East with only a month before the BC,it'll be a detriment on her preparations.

Glad you've got the "Huevos" to post my thoughts on here,unlike some of your colleagues who don't when others have different opinions or angles....thx.

Can you Smell that?...It's Smashmouth Football Season my man!!  FINALLY!!  I'll take the Steelers(can't stand 'em),but they have the longest opening game winning streak going @ 6,and you think they've forgotten what LenDale (not so bright) White did to the Terrible Towel last year. :{  Steelers by 14---what say you?

Carlos: Since when is racing at Churchill Downs ever "a disaster"?  

And many "cry babies lamenting about synthetics" are currently in the Hall of Fame. More than a few trainers and owners "in Cali" aren't happy with the state of racing there. Don't know if you noticed, but very few horsepeople have come out in favor of the "wax, tires and baloons" horses run over in California, and at Keeneland and Arlington and Presque Isle. Here's my prediction--Keeneland will be the first poly track to go back to good, ol' dirt.

Also, do you think Europeans aren't going to come to Kentucky to run in the Breeders Cup and perform  before Kentucky breeders because it might rain?

Sloppy tracks and soft turf are part of racing, have been for ever. No rain, no rainbows. I've always respected your posts so I'll give you a pass this time.

And if you have problems handicapping an off track, buy a 'sheet'.

Jason: OK, since you we're buddies, I'll give you my two best bets in the NFL. The first is Carolina against your Eagles. Panthers are favored by one and it looks too good to be true for your Eagles. The books are begging you to take Philly. Trap game.

Second, the line on the KC-Baltimore game opened at -8 1/2 and moved to -13 1/2. Always go against a big move by the public. The books know better. KC covers.

Carlos, stick to FB.

steve from SL is so right.

It's easier to handicap an off track than it is synthetic for MOST of us and the super at CD is a master at getting that track in shape. Don't believe me? Look at the under water picture and the fact that they were back in business in record time earlier this summer.

He's also right about WHO is griping about synthetics. Even those guys running on it aren't thrilled and those who don't normally run on it are trying to decide whether to avoid it.

These aren't chumps, are even some who RAN on it last year.

Especially with a 2 year old, do you want to risk the Cali syndrome if you are hoping for a Derby?

Jason hope you're right. I can't stand BR.

Hey did you see that Favre is back in the news, sheesh.

And Vick gets to travel to Carolina but can't play? What's he going to do, shop for dogs?

Don't forget Fatal Bullet in the Sprint! He loves the Pro Ride. I wouldn't hand it over to Zensational just yet. Love Fabulous Strike if it was dirt and Kodiak Cowbowy strictly 7 furlongs

da3hoss:  OK,if it comes up anything other than fast,don't look for any Top Euros to start in any of the Dirt races & some Turf races which will be a shame. Also,don't look for RA to run 1 1/4mile against top-class competition,let alone the BCClassic,just my opinion.

Steve:  It sure was a disaster @ the KY Derby this year.Awful conditions to say the least.I know off-tracks are a part of racing,but you know they produce "funny" results and the best horse almost never wins.I would hate to see any big name scratches because of it.

Trust me,I know all to well about the "state of racing in Cali" and it's not only concerning the synthetics.Trainers have been high-tailing it yrs. before the advent of such surfaces,with the mandatory sky high costs of insurance for backstretch workers and small fields which leads to lowered purse structures.

And frankly,I doubt if the Euros could care less where the BC is held.Their motivation is to Kick our A$$ and show-us-up,plain & simple.The "breeding" aspect is a non-issue I believe,they'll fly back with their "Champions" and keep 'em there to breed them themselves,like always.

One more thing,no disrespect,but I can do without your "free pass"...I hope they tear-out all of the synthetic tracks...NOW!

Tim G:  If you haven't figured out how to handicap synthetics races by now,then buy the "Form",or don't bet them at all..."Cali syndrome"?..you mean the one where Cali horses would've ran 1st & 3rd if it weren't for the fluke.

Please stay out of the Football fever.

No way Z goes in the Classic.  Rail Trip will get beat at Santa Anita.  Bob Baffert hates synthetics (and he's holding a pretty hot hand come BC day).  I think he is in the Hall of Fame and that's good enough for me.  I'll be screaming at Bo Derek to make some changes the next time I see her.

Jason.  What did you think of Lookin at Lucky in the Del Mar Futurity?  I like a young horse that can split rivals like that in deep stretch.

If Zen races well in the Lady's Secret (wins) and there are no soundness or health issues, I can see her being cross-entered in both the Classic and the Distaff with a real possibility that she might go in the Classic......It's intersting how many have suddenly dismissed her based on Rachel's accomplishments, but remember, it's not like she has raced and lost.....she just hasn't raced that's all.....There is still a chance that she is going to make many eat crow before this season is over.....If she did go in the Classic and won and was undefeated, that would be the most hurculean effort for a filly-mare of all time bar none because it is definitely something that has never been acomplished.

Greg J--No reason pro ride WON'T play to closers--it DID last year! I WILL play against Zensational, thank you very much! As for Zenyatta, I am almost certain she'll be in the Classic.....

I know all the reasons trainers were leaving Cal, I ran horses there, one of my trainers was based there for YEARS. Work comp, lack of support from the politicos you name it.

You are fooling yourself if you think handicappers don't hate trying to figure it all out on synthetics on a consistent basis.

I believe what the people who really KNOW say about it, up to and including a HOF trainer, rather than the word of well, you.

Some of your comments are, well, out in left field.

As for Rachel? Haven't you seen her run on an off track? That didn't stop her, the distance deal has been debated and only time will tell but the track being off?

Will Jess even risk running her at all, anywhere?

The Cal syndrome I was speaking of is the propensity for soft tissue injury like the runner up in the Derby suffered. YOU don't have a horse that you need to worry about it's future I'm sure.

Baffert, John S all of them plus others think it causes increased suspensory and foot injuries. The studies are starting to reveal that.

As far as football? I was complimenting you on your 'knowledge' of THAT sport.

In all reality, just because you try to talk like the guys who get off being 'funny guys' on ESPN, doesn't make you any more legitimate than the next guy. It's not funny there, it's not funny or cool here either.  Posturing and trash talking is juvenile at best.

If I'm not all in on the criminal/sleaze ball element what does it matter to you?

I think Ben has some issues, don't like him, that's my choice. Not now nor have I ever been a big Steelers fan.

I think many of us have agreed we think Brett is out there and Vick is well I won't say. Jason already did on another blog.

Householder, Paul Weitman, a co-owner of the colt is a really nice man, good guy.

"For all you cry-babies lamenting about the synthetics,hope you're satisfied with the less than stellar fields next year @ Churchill and what will surely be a "dreadfully-soupy-sloppy" track.Good luck with that disaster.

Carlos in Cali 10 Sep 2009 4:58 PM"

"One more thing,no disrespect,but I can do without your "free pass"...I hope they tear-out all of the synthetic tracks...NOW!

Carlos in Cali 10 Sep 2009 7:02 PM"

Are you the master of contradiction?

Maybe you need to calm down and look at what you just wrote.

You thanked Jason for letting you express yourself. We all thank him for that when he does.

Doesn't mean you have to throw every opinion out there, then disagree with yourself. You'll probably have other topics to post on.

Tim G Right on! I just saw the Pacific Classic, nice race, had the winner.....just another race....Big Cap???...just another race..... Hollywood Gold Cup?--just another race---when I get the form, (which is rare anymore as synthetics have just left me in the lurch) I go right to the grass races---They PROMISED more consistent tracks---they didn't deliver, did they!!??...Pretty amazing a horse can win every time on that stuff--it's like they're wearing "Nike Shoes" or something, stretching tendons--doesn't even "sound" like horses running by on that stuff---They lost the tradition/they lost their way in SoCal---I wantyed them to go East with Zenyatta--SCREW IT---It would have served them right, Californis AND Breedfedrs Cup, for defying tradition!!!

"The best horse almost never wins (in the slop)"--Carlos.

Boy, where to start. Who determines who the "best" horse is? Your horse? the favorite? Actually, off the top of my head, very formful races were the rule rather than the exception during the last four  major racing cards run on sloppy tracks--Monmouth's Breeders Cup run in  2007, this year's Derby, Haskell and Travers.

Maybe, just maybe, this year's Derby winner was more due to the 10-panel distance and a ground-saving ride by Borel, than due to the sloppy track.

Otherwise, it seems to me the best horses won that Breeders' Cup at Monmouth, slop or not, the same during Derby day at Churchill (other than maybe the Derby itself),  and Haskell and Travers Day.

Over the test of time, the "best" horse wins 33% of the time--whether it's in the slop, over the turf, through the synthetics, over dirt, down the hill on the turf, over fast track or in the parking lot. And if you're dissing a wet Kentucky Derby, you're missing the point. I guess you won't bet those Smarty Jones offspring in the slop.

Carlos, you gave me so much to chew on. Europeans are used to running in any condition; it's not like they take the (what is it, the Eveready) Epsom Derby off the turf after a rain shower. They run in the Breeders Cup to showcase their talent, prove their bloodlines against the best and go home to the breeding shed. Kinda, just like we do. No different. It's not a "fraternity food fight", it's a billion dollar game.

Just an aside.  European trainers have never shied away from running at Churchill and Belmont.  The wider turns help the Europeans run better.  I'm sort of getting tired of all the bashing that a mare the caliber of Zenyatta is getting.  And her trainer has always been known to take care of his horse first, and not bend to other peoples wants whether it is the columnists or the fans.  He doesn't seem to have made many mistakes with her so far.  As for the field that RA beat in the Woodward, it wasn't a field that should make a legend.  I actually preferred the PC field, and I'll probably get alot of flak for that.  And since I'm commenting, why hasn't anyone, when talking about the greats, mentioned Buckpasser, who I would not bet against no matter who was running.  

I grew up in SoCal, and for the last 10 years have visited regularly, making sure to attend the races as much as possible.  I know a bunch of folk who handicap out there, and no doubt the installation of the synthetics has thrown them a curve. This might not be universal, but most I know I have been frustrated by the transition, but are still trying and their love of the game has kept them going to the track.

I wonder if alot of the frustration with the synthetics in California is that these new surfaces are such a 180 from the old dirt tracks.  When Cali was natural dirt, it was speed, speed, and more speed.  Per class level, I believe California had the fastest of the fast, and usually those Californians that had success outside the state were those with either blazing early speed and/or tactical speed. Now, since synthetics can be tough on early speed, we see many races in Cali in which the early pace is very slow, but the come-home fractions are fast; this is almost the complete opposite to how races in the state used to be run(fast early, slow late).  Typically, those horses having most success in Cali these days are stalkers or closers, not the horses than can put up :22 quarters or :44 and change halves (Zensational a key exception).

The one track where the transition to synthetics has appreared to smoothest is Woodbine. Maybe it is because Woodbine's polytrack plays more like conventional dirt, or because Woodbine's old dirt track was deeper and less speed favoring than the old dirt tracks at Santa Anita, Hollywood Park, Del Mar(I remember it being less speed biased than Hollywood), Keeneland, or Turfway.

For those used to handicapping at Arlington, how has that transition been?  I have heard less complaints about Arlington, but that could simply be the result of the fact there are more horseplayers that attend/play the Cali tracks.

Tim G:

My point was that females defeating males has been the exception not that it has never happened. This is particularly true on dirt, and beyond 7 furlongs.  

Sure, there have been exceptions like Rags to Riches(won a gr.1 vs. males), Serena's Song(won a gr.1 and a gr.2 vs males), and stretching it a bit further Dance Smartly(won a gr.2 vs. open males as well as important races restricted to Canadian breds), Surfside(won the gr.2 Clark), and Dreaming of Anna(won the gr.3 Summer Stakes on turf as a juvenile).  In the 80s, there was Winning Colors(2 gr.1s), Genuine Risk(a gr.1), Personal Ensign(a gr.1), Lady's Secret(a gr.1), Christmas Past( a gr.1), Glorious Song(a gr.2 and 2 gr.3s), and Relaxing(won 2 gr.2s).  In the 70s: Shuvee(2 gr.1s), Chou Croute(the then ungraded Fayette Cap), and La Prevoyante(3 races restricted to Canadian breds).

However, the rule was the even the champion females on the dirt did not defeat males.  The following is a list of champion females from 1970 to the present that never beat males in a stakes race, with many never even attempting it: Cascapedia, Chris Evert, Davona Dale, Dearly Precious, Desert Vixen, Forward Gal, It's in the Air, Numbered Account, Revidere, Ruffian, Susan's Girl, Turkish Trousers, Bold n' Determined, Heavenly Cause, Life's Magic, Mom's Command, Open Mind, Princess Rooney, Sacahuista, Ajina, Banshee Breeze, Bayakoa, Beautiful Pleasure, Escena, Go For Wand, Heavenly Prize, Hidden Lake, Hollywood Wildcat, Inside Information, Jewel Princess, Meadow Star, Paseana, Silverbulletday, Sky Beauty, Yank's Music, Riboletta,Gourmet Girl, Storm Flag Flying, Farda Amiga, Azeri, Bird Town, Ashado, Smuggler, Fleet Indian, Ginger Punch, Indian Blessing, Proud Spell, and, to now, Zenyatta.    

Zenyatta running in the Lady's Secret and BC Distaff does not equal doing something different in any possible way.  C'mon Mr. Moss, think outside the box, we want to see Z do something special!!!

Jason,

Regarding the Sprint, I must agree.

On synthetic, has to be Zensational.

You know how big I am on Fabulous Strike.

He is my absolute fave.

Zensational was a monster on Sunday.

Any chance, with a win in the BC Sprint, that Zensational would be in consideration for 3YO Male Eclipse honors, in addition to Sprint honors?

Man, he just keeps adding Grade 1's like its no big deal.

Truly gifted.

Do you really think Todd will send FS?

Peace

Del Mar had 11 breakdowns in the morning and I think 3 during actual live racing (the card did not start until after 2:00 which is late by west coast times).  It has once again left everyone scratching their heads.  Is it the sun, salt water air, moisture on the surface.  I've seen the stuff up close, it is the consistency of multch or something you would throw in your flower bed.

Citation-  Thanks for the update on El Gato Malo,  one of my favorites as well.  

Anyone know about the status of Monterey Jazz?  He's been more down than up this year, but when he is on,  he is electric.  The hard part is finding the right race, his best distance is 1 1/8.  

Jason: Those knockout pools are ALWAYS won by some older woman in the front office, never a football guru. Hang in there, but mark my words.

Gunbow, the comment started out just specifically regarding Silverbulletday and her 7th place finish in the Belmont. Got to thinking about all the fillies/mares I have seen take on the boys and older females with a great deal of success. A lot, and just kind of started writing those thoughts down.

As for the gambling on synthetics?

Think Baffert said it well when he said about the synthetics

"They change all the time,"

So many things seem to influence the surface and they may not even be visible or tangible elements. The moisture from the ocean seems to cause some of Del Mar's problems, but who knows if it's temperature or maybe even the smog? The fires they have out there almost every fall and the atmospheric changes and conditions.

I'm not sure anyone who deals with it day to day really has it fully figured out, let alone those betting on horses running on it.

Of course Wayne fanned the flames when he said they would cure gamblers and the gamblers anonymous hot line could be shut down.

When we have a dirt surface we can SEE the condition of the track. Humans are pretty visual and it seems like evidence to us. As far as the synthetics? Can we really SEE any change in the surface or what might be potentially affecting it?

Because, like Bob says it does change all the time. Then add to that the different TYPES of synthetics and their various 'ingredients' and how hard is it to figure THAT into the mix as well.

Arlington, may be since some have compared syns to turf they have a lot of turf races there it's working out? Or since CDI doesn't release figures, maybe the place is empty.

Also the pedigree for Synthetics isn't developed yet, like mudders or turf runners.

Think our own resident handicapper extraordinaire, Jason, has predicted they'll be removed down the road. I think so too, think they haven't proven safer, just shifted the injuries.

The argument FOR, people on TVG talking about how Monmouth cancelled due to the rain and muddy surface and that wouldn't happen in Cal? Well turns out it's the high winds that caused the cancellation more than anything.

Just like the smoke has out there in SoCal.

Lots of whining about synthetic surfaces, two years of BC at Oak Tree, etc.  There is probably NO racing surface that is completely safe.  Watching George Washington break down at Monmouth in the slop was not exactly inspiring.  Personally I wonder if Del Mar was built on some sacred burial ground.  They have always had significantly high fatality numbers.  I don't think the CHRB was trying to foil anyone's handicapping ability when they mandated synthetic tracks be installed. I think the decision was in the best interest of the horses' welfare.

Zensational looks almost unbeatable. Zenyatta is the reigning BC queen (certainly of the Distaff).  Sea the Stars, if he comes will be a monster. I like Magical Fantasy in the F&M Turf, and look forward to a showdown between Goldikova and Battle of Hastings. I mean, c'mon, it's the Breeder's Cup.  they don't get there by being sub par, now do they?

Virgil Fox.  Zayat/Baffert sure had the hot 3 year olds out west.  First Pioneer of the Nile and now Zensational.  The horse loves the rail, runs a sub 44 half, and beats older horses at high weight. With 2 months to go who's going to beat him on home track synthetics?

Gunbow.  Yes I remember McAnally bowing to owner pressure to run Bayakoa in the Santa Anita Handicap.  He publically stated that no female can ever win against the males at 1 1/4 unless they get an easy lead.  She finished up the track at 4/5 to Rhulmann a very fast miler in his own right (I think he held the track record at one point) and Criminal Type.

Tim:  What contradiction?...I've said all along that I'm not a fan of synthetic tracks,but crying over the fact that they're part of the scene and the BC is being held @ SA again won't change anything,it is what it is.As for myself and some people in the "KNOW",(as you redundantly love saying)are not to happy when the BC is held back East on an off-track which is almost always the case.That's why they should hold the BC in a neutral site,like beautiful Lone Star Park where the weather is perfect and there's no 'home field advantage' per say, regarding the West/East Coast horses.

Just because RA and others have no problem w/off-tracks doesn't mean all the other horses will follow suit.It's the same with synthetics or grass,some like it,some don't.

Posturing and trash talking is all YOU do..read your posts.Maybe you should get down your 'make believe' horses and stand on solid ground.You're not fooling anyone here,and like Draynay said,you say a whole lotta' nothing.

Steve:  hope I got your belly full.

One more comment, and not to be a downer, but that p#%@k Bin Laudin first interfered with my life overseas in '98.  As much as horseracing is a part of my life, and yours, perhaps we could take just one second to reflect on the day. Say a prayer if that's your deal, light a candle, curse that bastard's name (more my style), it won't take more than one second.....

Virgil Fox, Re: Zensational, you'd have to think so, unless Summer Bird can pull off the JCGC and/or Classic...then he's got it sewn up and if he wins both maybe even challenges RA for HOY, especially if he runs after the BC & wins again....

Please Mr. Moss, run Z in the Classic. Her career of running on cheese and crackers against the same old mares doesn't distinguish her to be mentioned in the same breath as the greats. Take the bubble wrap off her and lets see how she stacks up against horses who can lift their feet. The Lady's Secret will be the same old field she has beaten over and over again. And if she beats Music Note in the Ladies Classic on her home court ... that doesn't prove too much more.

Gunbow, you forgot my favorite filly, Xtra Heat, probably because she was a sprinter (she's on fire!) She beat the boys in the Keeneland’s Grade III Phoenix Breeders’ Cup, and all but one of the boys in the BC Sprint (;-)) and all but 2 in the Dubai Golden Shaheen on her way to winning 25 stakes!

Anyone who thinks Monmouth cancelled for mere rain obviously didn't watch Curlin swim home in the '07 BC!;-)

...and another filly I loved and miss very much, Honey Ryder, was second only to English Channel (but beat Better Talk Now) in the United Nations at her favorite distance of 11 panels...yes, yes, she didn't win, but she tried...a great filly.

BC board is getting rediculous. The purse hike is, in my opinion insulting. If they really want JJ to run RA have the Cup moved to Churchill, or even better Belmont, for this season where it will be run on dirt. JJ i think has proven that he doesn't always care about the money, if he did he would've retired Curlin as a three year old and wouldn't have spent 10 mil on this Rachel. He is taking a stand against synthetics, and to try and bribe him with money is flat out insulting.

Goldie: Most would argue, correctly, I believe, that George Washington, a turf specialist, had no business running on dirt or mud for the first time in that Breeders Cup. Was it a coincidence his was the only injury to come out of that day of racing, fatal as it was?

In the Juvinille, I really like D'funnybone.  He is going to be tough.  If he falters, then my second pick would be Make Music For Me. What do you think of these picks Jason?

Tim G:

Yeah, wasnt sure if you were just extrapolating from Silverbulletday or making a point. I see it was the former. You mean I wrote all that for nothing? Lol.

Good points on the synths.

Zevida:

I really like your idea of having the BC dirt and BC turf races held at different tracks. I assume you would have all races run on the same day. There seem to be a lot of advantages to this format:

It would be a more attractive program to national television stations because the day of racing would be shorter, as you pointed out. The quicker pace would be more energizing, especially for casual fans. (I could be wrong, but I get a sense that BC/ESPN is on life support, because ESPN is televising so little racing now.)  

Attendance would be up. Two tracks, more people. Not necessarily twice as many, but more at any rate. This would be especially true if the tracks were in different parts of the country.  

There are drawbacks, too. Owners and trainers having BC runners on both dirt and turf would have to make decisions about their presence at two locales.

Something to ponder.

For the horses, there would be more options, less to quibble about.

More tracks would have an opportunity to host the BC.

Hi All!

Jason,

I think you're pretty much spot on but I do beleive that Zen will go in the Classic.  It's kind of like flipping a coin with her. There is one horse that hasn't been mentioned that I think we need to keep an eye on and that's Dublin for the BC Juv.  His win in the Hopeful was pretty darn nice (just like his daddy) and I think he's crying for more distance.  What is your opinion of him and of him going into the BC?

Greg J.,

Hey there, buddy! What do you think of Dublin?  Seems to run like his daddy (Afleet Alex) but, damn, if this colt hasn't got some size to him! He'll be bigger than his daddy that's for sure.  

By the way, do you have a link to Grazen's last race. I like this guy and sure would like to see his race this past weekend.  He beat Chocolate Candy didn't he? I missed the race but heard them mention it on TVG.  Thanks!!

LDP:

Wrong.  Jess is very interested in money.  In this case he won't take it because of his anti-synthetic "principles,"  but he was only too happy to accept the extra purse money in the Woodward, and if I'm not wrong he "suggested" a purse enhancement would be in order for the Haskell.  So the Breeders' Cup effort is in no way insulting.  

Now in fairness, I know some of the money is going to the breast cancer charity.  But trust me, rich people are rarely insulted by money.

I read somewhere that Jackson, believing he has the best "dirt" horse in the world, is frustrated that the two richest dirt races in the world, the BC Classic and the World Cup, will both have their next runnings on the hated synthetics.  (And obviously, the Breeders' Cup is not going to move one race to a different venue.)  Even with all his money and power, the best he can do is say he will run Rachel at the 2010 BC.  Given the fragility and fleeting shelf life of virtually all elite Thoroughbreds, I wonder if he is aware how silly that sounds.

Sorry, LDP, I re-read your post and I mean to say, they will not move the ENTIRE Breeders' Cup to another venue.  

I am sure everyone remembers Dean Joan Hendricks of Penn Vet, from Barbaro's hospitalization at its New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, PA.

Dean Hendricks has recently penned a thoughtful article about the "neglected story" in the Michael Vick controversy. Short, but insightful. She has perfect pitch.

Link:

http://tinyurl.com/lqf8e7

Carlos, get real. Read my posts then compare them to yours. I don't trash talk, don't posture in every single post like 'some'. Like I tried to post, you're a poor imitation of Dray. He at least has some of the facts available to him. Although it obviously irks him when someone who is actually in the game challenges him, you apparently have an issue with that too.

When I say in the 'know'? It may be redundant only because some people seem to think they have more at stake or an up close and personal opinion on things when that isn't the case and the term refers to people who deal with it every day.

Do you own horses? Do you communicate with trainers etc on a daily basis? Have you ever trained a race horse?

Frankly those people don't hesitate to make their opinions WIDELY known. Read some if you don't talk to people in the game.

Cal racing is quickly becoming irrelevant. Their politicians are making it that way. Why do you think so many of us who USED to run there are now running on the East Coast and Midwest almost exclusively?

Maybe you should look up the definition of contradiction. You are trashing the 'sloppy' East Coast tracks (by the way Kentucky is in the ET zone but is NOT an East Coast track.) saying none of the Euros will show up there and the BEST horses never win those races in one breath and a mild tear out the synthetics after you're called on that erroneous information. Check the historical facts like steve from SL said to do.

Stop listening to Mute TV and their constant hyping of the synthetics (when Cal racing goes belly up, they all either lose their jobs or will have to relocate to NY etc).

What do you think they're going to do tear up the synthetics and replace them with dirt then attract all the 'big' races because of their beutiful weather?

When the government is BROKE in Cal? The Gov is trying to reclaim Del Mar, Hollywood is going to become a pile of rubble like Bay Meadows and Santa Anita's future is in the hands of a bankruptcy court? There's much more to this than just synthetics. But face it the stronghold of racing, many who are running on it don't like it and it has HURT the Breeders Cup.

Gunbow, actually my post started out to clarify her finish.

Then I got to thinking about why Bob said the filly didn't do better. That made me think of all the fillies (which I only listed a few) and their success against males and elders and their similar physical stature.

So my counterpoint was precipitated by your initial statement.

As far as why you write all you do?

Your call on that.

Good point LDP, DO move it to CD. Bet you'd get a LOT of these horses that people don't want to run on the Synthetics.

What I HATE about it is some feel they're being forced to do things they don't want to do or just walk away from a chance at a big purse.

That's arm twisting of a LOT of people. Some who don't necessarily have the funds Jess has.

Steve, I'm sure you already remembered this, but for others who maybe forgot... George Washington did run on dirt once before his fatal race at Monmouth in 2007.  In the previous years BC Classic at Churchill, despite a somewhat bad trip, he did very well (finished fifth I think).  What I remember about the Monmouth track was that people were losing their shoes when they walked across it.  Maybe it was lucky that there was only one bad situation that day.

There is nothing incorrect with what Carlos is saying about fewer Euros showing up to a BC run on dirt.  Simply ask John Gosden.  The entire reason they came in force last year was the synthetic track, and that will be repeated this year.  In fact, someone on these blogs hypothesized that the real reason synthetics were installed in the first place was to "internationalize" horseracing... which doesn't sound far-fetched to me.  And no, I have never owned a racehorse... but maybe one day I will, or more likely I'll own a retired racehorse that has outlived its usefulness on the track.  And yes, Cali racing is losing it's stature, but owners will always flock to great trainers like Baffert, Harty, Frankel(?), Shirreffs, etc.

About Santa Anita:  there was that small window of opportunity where Stronach had the choice to find X thousand tons of "quality dirt" or go with Pro-Ride.  How much money was sunk on these two different synthetic tracks installed at SA, which will probably be replaced by dirt?  Synthetic tracks were billed as being maintenance-free... which they are anything but.  They are dependent on the maintenance schedule and the water content (how much and when it is watered), just like dirt tracks are.  Who will ever forget Big Brown's Belmont where the water trucks weren't working on a miserably hot day, resulting in a bone-dry Big Sandy that taxed the poor horses to the maximum.  Or, the opposite effect that is created at Gulfstream to make the surface resemble a paved parking lot.  But what is most shocking to me is that the people with the power to make these decisions installed these different synthetic surfaces without having prior knowledge of proper maintenance, or even of the health effects on horses and humans.  It's basically a trial and error learning experience.  Obviously no one is at the helm of this sport making intelligent decisions.  On the positive side though, there was not one injury to an equine athlete in last years BC at Santa Anita.  A feat I hope can be duplicated this year, but they better get to work now,  from what people are saying about the current state of the surface.

Yes, Grazen won again.  He beat Chocolate Candy, and is Cal-Bred of the week.  Hooray! for Grazen and Nick Alexander... Nick can't say no.

Move the Breeders' Cup to CD -- this year?  Do you all seriously mean that?

Hellsbelles, huh?

Baffert has repeatedly said he doesn't like it, in published reports. John S has ALSO said he doesn't like it even WITH Zenyatta as his main shooter. Bobby runs all over the country (thinking of you Bobby)and has said publicly that he feels horses have more hoof injurie and obviously runs the ones who don't like it, on the dirt in NY.

Harty a 'great' trainer? He's had a few very good horses but still is relatively young and new as a head trainer.

Zayat took all of his horses away from Baffert last year, he was THAT frustrated with Del Mar.

As far as the 'dirt' that Stronach could have hauled in???

"CHRB. The rule states that effective January 1, 2008, “No racing association that operates four weeks of

continuous Thoroughbred racing in a calendar year shall be licensed to conduct a horse racing meeting

at a facility that has not installed a polymer synthetic type racing surface." So basically that leaves out ALL but the Fair Circuit. Hollywood Park was sold to developers and the city has voted to allow development there. Bay Meadows same, yet it's still a pile of rubble. Santa Anita? Can it survive Magna's debacle and Arnie wants that ocean front property to develop as well. Guess all the foreclosures, plant closings and exodus of the population isn't happening???

www.chrb.ca.gov/.../2006_05_25_press_release.pdf

Of course we have Richard Shapiro to thank for the impetus, we see how he was fooled by Bernie and what he did to Jerry's car. Who knows what perpetuated the whole surface issue.

I guess you're saying you'd rather have the Euro's here in America than to have the American horses?

Okay..........

Pam, we sure were hoping for it. There was some doubt earlier and who knows with the withdrawal of the sale?

Also Hellsbelles, I think we dodged a bullet at the BC, witness what happened immediately following.

Pam S,

    I don't believe i said JJ was never intrested in money, but to think money will change his opinion and belief of synthetics, and that he may put it ahead of what he thinks is best for RA's welfare, is insulting. I know he has hinted towards purse increases, and accepted them, but so did every other horse that ran in the Woodward. There is nobody alive, not interested in money, but when they know that he dislikes synthetics, and yet try and entice him with money, thinking he may put aside RA's welfare is insulting.

Pam S,

    Yes i do mean move the BC, why because if they did move it to a dirt track, then, and only then would they validate their claim of doing everything possible to get Zen and RA to run in the Classic, otherwise they are just trying to cover their a** and save face for the mistake they made by running the BC two years at the same venue on a unproven track.

Tim G when I see your name at the bottom of the post--I know I'll be reading something rellevant--I under Carlos is standing up for Cali Horses cuz he's a fan of the game/he's a true believer--BUT when you take a step back you realize there is NO tradition--NONE, behind Cali Racing anymore--just like the California Dream, when I was a kid, BEST schools/HIGHEST achievers---Now I haveta buy toilet paper and donate it to my son's PUBLIC Schools--and when I open up the Form I go straight to the turf races.....and flush the rest!

m happy with my "live ones" tom: three at Fairplex, one at Los Alamitos (quarter horse) and one at Belmont--gonna try Expansion in The Bowling Green, LOVED his latest at Saratoga, think he's dead fit and a real pro, a tryer, kinda like Richards Kid the other day at Del Mar, I like this guy/ he's going up in class but "not really", as this field isn't all that--Expansion will sit the trip and stay the distance.....Maragh jumped ship so he'll be a good price---I'm expecting two out of five winners at least tom...probably three/maybe four and Expansion makes five!! HaHa like Hank said got'em all figured out/gonna sleep good tonight/dream good dreams!

LDP I agree with you but that's what we're stuck with--we need the Eastern barns at the Cup or else the Euros are gonna clean house.....

If anyone thinks that Breeders' Cup 2008 was safe due purely to chance, they are fooling themselves.  Sorry to be that blunt.

You know where a true bullet was dodged?  Answer:  Monmouth-mud Breeders' Cup 2007.  Only one two-time champion lost his life.  Who would have thought that a track with the consistency of quicksand would get less scrutiny than a "plastic" track on the West Coast.  The East Coast bias is so ridiculous and laughable, and really needs to be stomped out.  Oh, but wait... I've never owned a racehorse.

helsbelles, you're right about "trial and error"...I was just reading that the Delmar officials admitted as much and are still trying to "work it out" for the next meet...

KD did a good job keeping GG up.

Pam S., on "fragility"...maybe we need more top tier thoroughbreds like Swift Temper...and obviously the lowest claiming levels, who still run 50, 60, 100 races in their life aren't fragile...

Maybe we need less calcium leaching "race day" meds...keep those bones strong...

PS I have a question...why is there a vet to make sure horses are sound going to post when you can give them bute to mask pain???

IMPORTANT:

Heard on my local Capital OTB channel (Albany/Saratoga area)"Down the Stretch" show with local handicappers/turf writers Mark Cusano and Mike Veitch that they spoke with Jess Jackson this week and he has tempered his remarks concerning Rachel Alexandra's future.

IT IS NO LONGER ETCHED IN STONE THAT SHE WILL RUN AS A 4 YR OLD. It is NOT certain. Reason? Jess is 79 and if you remember his first reason for buying Rachel in May was to "breed her to Curlin". Now he wants to be around to see their offspring on the track. One more year of of her racing pushes that back another year. Even if she were bred to Curlin this year, their foal would not run until 2012...when Jackson is 82.

As much as most of us all want to see her run as a bigger, stronger and dare I say faster 4 yr old mare, I can also understand his reasoning.

STAY TUNED.

Matt, thanks, guess you see what my real point is. It PAINS me to see all that's happening out there because it is so hard to forget the glory days. I LOVED Cal back in the day, the racing, the vibrancy, the pure excitement and fun.

LOL, hey, send the non turf part of the form to school to USE as  toilet paper.

Those of you with this talk of 'splitting' the Breeders Cup? Just my opinion but I think that would be disastrous to the event.

The two day deal was embraced by some because it gave more opportunities to shoot at more purses but really, the all girl day was taken as an insult by MANY.

Splitting up at opposite ends of the country? When have you seen a trainer who wasn't ill or something, not wanting to be AT the race when his charge was running in a big one? Think some would feel they would have to make a choice which to enter and it would just water down the event especially if you had it on the same day at different tracks. Kind of like when one kid is in HS playing ball and the other one is in College playing ball. Mom goes to one and Dad goes to the other? Same dilemma for owners and trainers with multiple types of horses. Spit up to different days? Then it becomes like racing 'festivals' or 'stakes days' that go on many times per year.

Going to one of these should be a real experience and an opportunity to see the BEST horses competing. Seems like all this tweaking being done or suggested is totally counterproductive to that end.

Helsbells,

    If you actually would look at the whole picture instead of just on the supposed east coast bias you'd actually understand why Cali and synthetics are under watch. Those tracks were said to save horse racing, that there would be a dramatic decrease in breakdowns, they were dirt, only safer, well guess what all that was a lie. Otherwise why last year was there a span of five days where five horses broke down, three left DEAD. Why did Turfway have that very same problem with a sudden spurt of breakdowns and fatalities. Why is it that Del Mar is having a year worse than ANY year they had on dirt, in terms of breakdowns a fatalities. Why is it proven that dirt horses have a higher risk of injury when switching from dirt to synthetics when these tracks were told to be only a safer version of dirt? These ppl lied to us, get that, they lied, and that is why they get so much press and attention, because when synthetics first came out they were made out to be the savior of racing, and now are being exposed. Dirt is not perfect, but at least we all know that. Another thing we know is that a well maintained dirt track, Saratoga for instance is safer than a synthetic. Saratoga had no breakdowns last year and only one this year. The answer is not synthetics, far from it, it is well maintained tracks, stricter drug policies, and better breeding. Racing will always ALWAYS have breakdowns, and there are ways to reduce them, but synthetics aren't one of them

GO 49ers! They once were the BESTEST! (just like Csli Itself) Also TWO OSU's lost yesterday---Ohio St/Oklahoma St--only the Beavs, of Oregon St came away winners--Go Beavers! Go #1 Jaquizz Rogers, best player in College Football!

Well the rise in fatalities the first few days of the SA meet scared a lot of people. Add to that what happened at Del Mar and it's very unsettling. Many people were expressing the same sigh of relief that it didn't happen on BC days. The first thoughts were, 'thank god this didn't happen on national tv on BC Fri or Saturday'.

These are tracks that are supposedly SAFER, that's what everyone was preaching. How terrible the dirt tracks are and how bad the mud affects some horses yet comparitively?

DM can't even compare with what HASN'T happened at Saratoga the last two years. EVEN IN the slop.

The strange thing about it is the people who have openly expressed the most concern either train there NOW or were there for many years. Whatever the reason California seemed to have more fatalities on dirt too(some say the hard surface).

Read what the guy who installed the synthetics said. He said it was denser than it had been for the Oaks meet, the cold and moisture adversely affected it and the large number of horses 'pounding' it also played into it. He said they'd have to do serious maintenance on it daily. Aren't some of these the same problems dirt has?

Monmouth Breeders Cup, really was a debacle from the outset.

Like I said before, Kentucky isn't on the East Coast. No one there considers themselves an Easterner.

Hellsbelles, you can say whatever you want that's great and believe it or not we in racing DO listen to a variety of opinions. The only thing is, you can't know the same feelings and thoughts that a horse owner goes through. Like someone said, that's like a non-parent giving advice about your kids or telling you they understand what you might be going through with a problem child. The perspective just ISN'T the same.

So Jason, what's your big tip of the day on FB? You almost got it done with GB the other night, so I'm really interested about your pick.

AJ, you probably know that was the big rumor up at Saratoga.

I think it was predicted on here by quite a few.

Da3hoss, I have never been sure why so many horses have to be retired early.  I guess it's not always that they're fragile, but "short shelf life" probably covers it all.  

I know that breeding considerations result in many a top racehorse being retired when they COULD stay on the track for a while and build a fan following.  

And now Saratoga AJ tells us it no longer sounds so certain that Rachel will race in 2010.  He gives a plausible reason why -- the owner's age.

Also, I think they kind of shot their w** (not sure about the acceptability of this particular expression) on Rachel's 3yo season.  What else would really add to her legend except a Breeders' Cup victory, and the one that she could run in is so far in the future.

Personally, I would rather have seen Rachel maybe "parceled out" over a longer period of time, but that's just me.  No matter how you look at it, her 2009 campaign was one for the ages.   And if we never see her compete again, that's cool.  We should all be used to it.

I like Swift Temper too. It seems she took a while to find herself, but now is showing lots of heart and stamina.  My question is, having won two Win and You're In events, does she get a double-wide stall in the gate on BC day??

STEVE S:

I was on vacation earlier and didn't have the chance to answer to one of your really stupid comments you made regarding Calvin. You stated he should be fired or either RA should be retired. Do you realize how dumb that sounds? What did he do wrong? He's won EVERY RACE this year with her. You must be nuts! Maybe you should call Jess Jackson and give him your advice. He probably needs a good laugh!

I doubt Mr. Moss will run Zenyatta in the Classic.  His goal is for an undefeated horse, not to show he's got the best one.

Sea of Stars is more likely to run in the Classic if he ships to Cali. While he's run well at 12 furlongs, he's better at 10, and synthetics aren't such a big difference to turf horses.

Even in the Distaff, I think Zenyatta will get all she can handle.  Careless Jewel and Icon Project will be tough customers.

WOW,

    Didn't anyone see how "Dar Re Mi" got ROBBED over in France in the running of the Prix Vermeille?  Talk about a complete and utter disgrace, She did NOTHING to Stacelita, Who was leading until the very end when Dar Re Mi passed her by a neck, BUT got DQ'ED to fifth for causing interference to the German filly Soberania?  A complete farce...

Here is the replay, Check out the end, Where Stacelita was ahead then got passed fair and square...

www.youtube.com/watch

Jason,

    Ouch!, The 49'ers look like they will win/cover in the only one of underdog picks, Stick to the Horses :)

Da3hoss, when Del Mar says it's about maintenance, I don't buy it.  That track is a disaster.  The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don't know.  This sport is all about secrecy.  For goodness sakes, last year we knew that the Yankees were sharing a G-string underware... I am not making this up!  Seriously, horseracing needs to come clean and stop all the secrecy.  People are too savvy these days to be played.

Jason:

here's the Vegas odds (as of 9-8)on

your top 3 choices in the divisions

you mentioned.

classic #1,10-1 #2,18-1 #3,12-1

ladies classic #1,2/3 #2,12-1 #3,8-1

turf #1,5-1 #2,4-1 #3,18-1

filly&mare #1,7/2 #2,8-1 #3,7-1

mile #1,even #2,6-1 #3,30-1

dirt mile #1,22-1 #2,25-1 #3,25-1

sprint #1,8/5 #2,5-1, #3,15-1

OOPS, meant Steelers. A relative telling me on the phone they hope GB gets beat. A Denver fan, bitter.

Greg J., I'm having trouble finding the big bad bump of Dar Re Mi that cost the German filly the race. She totally was robbed. And where's Euro-what's-his-name to tell us how unbeatable Stacelita is?

Jason: Believe me, when it's time to hang up my NFL handicapping visor, I'll go quietly, not like Brett who hangs on more than Tito, former dictator of Yugoslavia, who was on his death bed for nearly nine months.

My two best bets both lost, lending credance to opening day being the toughest day on which to handicap, like a full field of first-time starters.

Now we all know what Jake Delhomme knows--that his surgically repaired elbow isn't. His four interceptions led his team into the abyss single-handidly vs. the Eagles, who always were a good road team.

Then, K.C. is tied with four minutes left in the game, getting 13 1/2. I know you were slightly nervous. But a chain of events including a  total meltdown on both sides of the ball, enabled the Ravens to quickly post 14 points to cover in the last minute. Reminded me of a basketball bet I lost back in the day in LaSalle vs. Notre Dame. I covered by one point at the buzzer, game over. But a LaSalle player (a la Chris Weber) tried to call a timeout when they had none. The game was over, no time left on the clock, but the technical foul gave Notre Dame two meaningless free throws which became meaningful when the shooter (I forgot who, I was so angry) sank both to submarine my bet. I haven't bet a basketball game since.

They say when you play poker and you don't know who the sucker at the table is, then you're the sucker. Yesterday, I was the sucker. Glad your knockout bet survived.

Tiznowbaby,

      Even Stacelita's jockey said we all know who won fair and square!  I bet even Euro would admit Stacelita didn't deserve the win, But, Then again, Maybe he wouldn't say that....

Steve from St.Louis,

      If you want to make your money back, Bet the house on the Patriots winning big tonight, The eleven points is nothing, They don't lose to the Bills, and, Brady is going to have a field day, Final 31-10, Take it to the bank.....The Chargers will also cover the seven, But, I won't touch that game, I always stay away the first week of the season, But, I will make a big exception with my Patriots tonight...

mike relva,

sounds like you need a vacation. lighten up.

Taxpayer money  being wasted on low quality slow state -bred races.NEW YORK PROGRAM is the worst

BO DEREK Doing great job saving Hollywood park.

great job saving bay meadows

Churchill trainers are dominating at Delaware park, so that is a nice angle if you want to win some money.

Jason, yeah, 1-3 is not too good, but the Niner's were a good call. I parlayed Tenn, Philly and Seattle and won big this weekend.

Where are the Euro's now talking about Stacelita? She lost, and got moved up. Dar re Mi is a beast. Going to the sale this week. See you there J...

Lauren, Stardom Bound is back in training and they are aiming her at the Breeders Cup Ladies Classic.  They do not feel they need a prep race for her.  She should be back by the fall races.

Right Jason, I realized you had Tenn. I just made it about as clear as mud.

Figured you covered the spread.

Saw that you had those 2 bets.

steve s.

Bo can fix whatever she wants as far as I'm concerned!

Taxpayer money? You mean the takeout that goes to the state, or the tax when you win 'too' much?

hellsbelles, the people in the game aren't THAT secretive. At leas not some of us.

Some are just very quiet, private people. Now the people that RUN the tracks? THAT is a different story. They keep secrets from us, LOL.

The sale flew by today, some lookers and man I liked that Storm Cat-Serena's Song if just for nostalgia.

What's with the term "Ladies Classic?"  Are human women running?  If so, it should be interesting, but I can assure you I have NO IDEA how to handicap them.  If not, the title of the race is ludicrous.

Probably atteneded my last Michigan home football game(at least for a while).  What a way to go out. That was a GREAT game vs. Notre Dame and a great finish with the Wolverines winning in the last seconds. The day was topped off when USC went into Columbus and sunk the Buckeyes again.  Just about a perfect day of college fottball for me.

I just have to take a moment to say that I love you guys!

The only blog besides B-H Blog Stable that I post to regularly is a knitting blog. OMG, it's so PRISSY! The posters get upset if you don't use correct grammar, or if you get off-topic, or if you make a blunt remark. I'd like to send our Draynay over there for a day!

OK, Time to eat crow!  Man, Did I take a beating on my Patriots last night!, OUCH...

A win is a win, though, I will say that Mr. Tom Brady is the BEST to ever play the game, End of story!

The Jets game is looking tougher and tougher...

Careless Jewel - what's next.  Anybody know?

(Also, although you haven't brought up 2YOs yet because it's still early, I just wanna say that my boy Ghost Fleet just got back on track at Woodbine on Sunday.  Looks like he really hates grass.)

TO:LDP

How are you? Last weekend,visited Shadwell to see Invasor and Jazil. Spent the nite at Old Friends and on Sunday visited with my fav. all time horse,Cigar. He still looks great.

Hey Mike,

    I'm doing good, just had my birthday yesterday. We celebrated it early, by going to the track, where i saw Bold Union. I also go to see a filly name Cuvee Uncorked, who is owned by the farm i used to work at. She is a monster, is unbeaten in two starts, has guts, and ran 1.10.1 in slop when i saw her. She'll be one to watch.

Citation & Ace

El Gato Malo is being pointed to the Mile.  Guess who owns the Santa Anita Track Record for the mile.........Yup, El Gato Malo

Ace: You're welcome, El Gato Malo is awesome.

Kiss: Yes, I remember him setting that record in the San Rafael. It was a great performance, and I think it means he can compete with the Breeders' Cup horses at his best. I saw the article on Macho Again and Awesome Gem going to the classic, and I saw them mention El Gato Malo's destination. I will be wearing my El Gato Malo hat come Breeders' Cup, and cheering madly if he comes flying down the stretch.

Add Ventura to this list (Filly/Mare Sprint or Turf Mile) after beating the boys rather handily.