Good analysis Jason.  Here's my idea on a few of the races:

Looking for a "wow performance" from Uncle Mo in the Kelso.

Going for the upset with AU Miner in the JCGC.

Big Drama over Justin Phillips and Trappe Shot in the Vosburgh.

Royal Delta to upset Havre de Grace and Life At Ten in the Beldame.

Winchester to halt Cape Blanco's streak in the Turf Classic.

Stacelita is untouchable and so is Blind Luck in their respective races.

Acclamation can do no wrong these days and should be followed until his colours are lowered.

Happy hunting folks ...its a marvellous weekend of top class racing.

Havre de Grace in a romp

Flat out over Stay thirsty

4 horse for me in the vosburgh, Trappe Shot over Euroears and Apriority; WPS money on the paired entry.

I like your analysis of the Lady's Secret, my money will be on Zazu, but I will be rooting for Blind Luck.

4 horse for me in the vosburgh, Trappe Shot over Euroears and Apriority ; PS money on the paired entry.

Game on Dude over Coil and Awesome Gem.

Acclamation will likely be running in the turf stakes on Sunday.

I really like Love and Pride in the cotillion.

Stacelita and Cape Blanco in romps.

Malibu Pier over Dubawi Heights

The Shack over Wilburn

Oh ya... Uncle Mo over Jersey Town

Good Luck!

Elders is an understatement.  How about Awesome Gem over Game on Dude!  You got to love the 8 year old competing at this level.  IF Acclamation Goes don't look for him to get a clear lead over Game on Dude.  Baffert says he will have Game on Dude on the lead and I think he can take that "loaper."

If Stay Thirsty stays in New York he wins.

Zazu over Blind Luck is interesting.  Zazu does well at Santa Anita (Beating Turbulent Descent there?) and Blind Luck HATES Santa Anita.  

This is a "tune-up" for Hollendorfer.

Finally get to see ST and UM against older.I think there is more downside potential for ST because this gold cup is not very deep as of now for next race classic entrants.I think racing fans expect both to win against older,I dont have a strong opinion in these races, but I think racing against older will help me to confirm my opinion on these two 3yos if they race as an entry in the classic.

Dynaslew, Euroears, Havre, Flat Out, Golden Itiz.

Jason,

Judging on your picks this years crop of three year olds must be one for the ages. Justin Phillip? I was going to select him too, but as I look at who else is in the field I just feel he's in for a minor placing at best. Also while there will be a lot of great racing this weekend the Beldame, Kelso, and Cotillion are unbettable races. Good luck everyone!

Great weekend of racing.  With Big Drama scratched look for Euroears.  Royal Delta to beat the "older" gals.

Best bet of weekend:  Caleb's Posse in the Indiana Derby. I'm in Indiana this weekend, will not see the Derby but will see my grandson in Pop Warner football.

Good luck to all!

I agree most races are unbettable.  Was going with Euroears in Vosburgh until Big Drama scratched, now odds will be too low. Looks like a weekend to watch.    

jason

are you taking wilburn because you'll get a good price over caleb's posse? just asking

This Kelso race can unfold in a variety of ways, but its hard for me to believe that Jersey Town will concede to Mo' for the front. When Uncle Mo makes his move at the 3/8ths, he's not just going to blow by with ease over Jersey Town. This is a G1 winner of the Cigar Mile last fall. He's going to make him work for it. And with that, Jackson Bend will be waiting in the wings to pounce. I just think with the level that Uncle Mo has been running this year, 3/5 is way too short of a price to take. Of course he was ill with the liver thing, but the horses the other 2 have been running against lately are way better than what Mo' has faced. I'll let him beat me and get a little more value with Jackson Bend in the P4.

Great opportunity to crush some P3's at BEL tomorrow. Santa Anita was a little quirky today. Expects some bombs in the stakes races. Going against Blind Luck. Her two races in the winter/spring at SA were not what we've seen elsewhere. Going with Ultra Bend and Zazu to upset. Zazu's been getting involved in the races halfway through. Could get a good jump on the odds-on fave.

Bob from Boston needs to get excited about Breeders' Cup.  Hopefully this weekend will help me.

OFF TOPIC:

Secrets to a long happy marriage...

Ted from LA's wife was sipping on a glass of wine, while sitting on the patio with Ted from LA, and she says, "I love you so much, I don't know how I could ever live without you"... Ted from LA asks, "Is that you, or the wine talking?"... She replies, "It's me... talking to the wine."

Rim SHOT!

mz,

I never had you pegged as Cat Woman.  Yet, somehow, I am still impressed.  Good luck with the movie premiere.  Bet Uncle Mo to get second.

Uncle Mo

Stay Thirsty

Havre de Grace

Blind Luck

Cape Blanco

Here are my picks for the weekend.

Lets start with Belmont.

Flower Bowl: Stacelita looks tough in this spot, but I'm going to take a flyer and run with Deluxe. I also like Gitchee Goomie to put in a nice run.

Kelso: This looks like an easy race to hit the trifecta. I like Jersey Town on top with Uncle Mo for second followed by Jackson Bend.

Vosburgh: Euroears will have some company up front with Force Freeze, but still think he's too fast for that foe. He will be the one they have to catch to cash. I can see Trappe Shot running a big one just barely missing as well as Justin Phillip. This should be a very close race. And will serve as a nice tightener for the Breeders Cup Sprint.

Turf Classic: I'm hard pressed to find someone who can take it to Cape Blanco but I find Grassy as an intriguing ML play at 10-1. This horse is 6 for 6 in the money on the Belmont Turf. Not sure that Cape Blanco will be fully cranked up for this one and this might be the time, to take advantage of it.

Jockey Gold Cup: I'm not that high on Stay Thirsty but there's no one in this field who looks like they can take him. He's versatile, and in a field devoid of speed I can see him winning wire-to-wire. I also like A.U. Miner but I think this is just a tune-up for the BC Marathon. I'm sure the connections would be pleased with a top three finish.

Beldame: I have this down to a two horse race and I don't think it'll be much of one. As good as Royal Delta looks she'll have her hands full with HDG. In the end I think Havre will be too much for the winner of the Alabama.

Now off to Santa Anita.

Goodwood: This field looks very suspect, so I'm going to forgive Coil for his last race and pick him as the one to beat.

Lady's Secret: Look for Zazu to turn the tables on Ultra Blend, in which should be another exciting race. Blind Luck will be rolling late but will run out of real estate as they get to the wire.

Yellow Ribbon: I think Dubawi Heights prevails in this one. Look for Cambina to put in a big run along with Malibu Pier. Should be a very exciting race. Perhaps the best on the card.

Indian Derby: I'm sure Shackleford will be the overwhelming favorite but I'm going to play against him and select a lightly raced colt by the name of Windswept. This horse looks like he's improving, and could be primed for the upset.  

Muddy and yielding at Belmont today. Adjust handicapping to suit and take all results with a grain of salt. Like Belmont day, many odd results may occur.

I really liked Wilburn's form. Julien comes in to ride too.

Uncle Mo?????  They talked about retirement after he lost the Bishop.....Most overrated horse since ARAZI's 3 yr old year..After Jackson Bend beats him today..perhaps he WILL retire

COZI ROZIE WILL CRUSH THEM IN THE RIBBON TODAY

HEY PAULA...IF they win today, what are you going to do with your $6 profit???

potentially 4 of 5 losers to boot...terrible bets

Anyone who bets on Uncle Mo is a sucker. He's a guaranteed underlay. The smart money is on Jersey Town in an exacta with Jackson Bend. Uncle Mo would have to be the most overrated horse since Big Brown.

Jason, all things point to 'Mo to get it done...allthough short field, still think Zito runner will get it done.Has done nothin wrong since goin to sprints. If 'Mo does win it will be interesting to see next move, once results are in for the JCGC...why is 'Thirsty the next coming, and the runner that beat him on the square a "won hit wonder" by many?.Not sayin "Thirsty not better, but there isn't that much of a spread. Other thought is Apriority gives Trap Shot et al all they can handle. Good handicapping to all!

Black Who?

So You What?

Frank.....?

Cape Struggle?

I'll take Uncle Mo.

skua22, I didn't make a dime and I didn't lose a dime because I didn't bet. I save my pennies to make a donation to OLD FRIENDS, which I do every 2 weeks. However, when I do want to make a profit, I sell an antique/vintage purse for 2-3 times what I paid for it. Speaking of picks, mine don't look too bad so far and they haven't even run the Ladys Secret. How did you do? Looking like you lost some cash. On another note, I was so glad to see my Mo do well I was dancing a jig in the family room. As someone who has been in his corner every step of the way, it felt great  and it is wonderful to see Mike Repole's and Todd Pletcher's persistance pay off. They didn't give up on him. It should be noted Jason has been a big supporter of Uncle Mo too.  Thirsty is a little tired I think. Felt bad about his run. Havre de Grace was brilliant as usual. Ted from LA your wife is a very wise woman.  

I can't wait for the connections of Uncle Mo to enter in the Classic. Take all the money you can. As talented as he is, 10f's against this class of field is too much to ask at this point. Nice race today. Even though he got away on an uncontested lead. Damn Jersey Town.....

Blind Luck didn't show up at all today. What a shock that was. Something might be not be quite right with her I am guessing. Congrats to Ann and Jerry Moss and John Sadler. Zazu is coming into her own. Could she win the BCLC? I am thinking she could. I guess Blind Luck will definitely not be heading to the classic. As for Uncle Mo not getting 10f, we don't know that. Given a decent trip it's not impossible for him to win this. But clearly, HDG is going to be the one to beat.

good call  jason wilburn looked good today. i would have bet calebs posse. wilburn is the horse to watch next year.

Uncle Mo was sensational. Flat Out, Havre De Grace, Creative Cause were all very, very good. Zazu ran a great race. I wish Mo could run in the BC Dirt Mile and The Classic but he'll be in The Classic and I have no problem with that. Despite a less than ideal foundation, Mo is too talented to not give The Classic a shot, and he'll be one of the favorites. It's a strong Classic and the top four are Mo (4-1) Flat Out(3-1), Havre(3-1), and Tizway(5-1). Stay Thirsty is about 10-1 ML. Game On Dude is 8-1. To Honor and Serve 12-1. Shackleford 30-1(my odds). Uncle Mo has never backed down and a healthy Mo in The Classic will be fun. He won't be easy to beat. He'll never throw in the towel.

I believe Jason was 6 for 11 today, 54%. Not bad.

7-for-11 Dr. D.

ST clearly did not handle the track - and yet he obviously tried hard. When he dropped back, it didn't look good, but he came on and ran a good race. I still think he's done more than enough to be considered the leader of the 3 year old division. Flat Out is very good and it's no disgrace to be beaten by him. I think ST will give a very good account of himself in the BC Classic. He wants the distance, he tries hard and he's a versatile colt.

Keep an eye out also for Wilburn.......

Jason

  Wow, that's even better according to my calculations. What is that, 63%? Good job. I forgot Twirling Candy and probably a few others. I'd put TC at 7-1 although I think he'll be lower, that's what I think his odds are. 7-11. I owe you a Slurpy. You like Scotch Slurpies?

Jason,

Congrats on 7 for 11.

Here's a lock on the BC Marathon: Drosselmeyer

Stay Thirsty ran well - he just couldn't handle the track; that was obvious when he started to drop back. I love this horse- he tries so hard. I think he's going to run well in the Classic - and I will be pretty aggravated if Repole doesn't run him next year.

Wilburn ran very well.........

Another who made top selections on this blog was Josh.

Obviously Blind Luck needs to be retired.  The Delaware Handicap took too much out of her.  Hollendorfer, do right by her and send her to the pasture. Please do not tarnish her legacy AKA Life At Ten.  Havre was extremely impressive today and showed she is by far the best horse in training now.  She'll win the BC.  And come back a badass next year.  Mike Relva and LAZMANNICK I told you so  but you two never listen.

3 things we have learned.  There is no point in talking about Blind Luck anymore.  Havre is the 2nd best horse in the US and Uncle Mo is your 2011 Classic winner.  Secretariat/Belmont = Uncle Mo/Kelso

Uncle Mo was very impressive, but with a short field and no pace pressure I would expect an in form Uncle Mo to do what he did, especially in a 1 turn mile.  Laz may take him over Black Caviar, Frankel and So You Think, but I think he has a ways to go yet to get to them.  And where is the love for Stacelita, who won as she pleased after a wide trip the whole way?  She is all class.  I'm glad she is with Chad Brown.  And also, what horse in this country has gone through as much as three forays across the Atlantic and won all three?  Give Cape Blanco his due.

DANEDREAM!!!!  Great race by her and a great win for the German's as they had not won an Arc for 35 years or so.

Awesome job handicapping, Jason.

I was extremely impressed with Uncle Mo. It will be quite the race if Havre and he go in the Classic.  I am very concerned about Blind Luck.  Something had to be wrong.  Hope all stay healthy for the big weekend.

If Im not mistaken UM and ST will run as an entry and there is no way they will be 4-1,Dr D.They will take a lot of money in the win and place not to mention show pool.If they finish 4th or worse in a 12 horse field the payoffs will be very good.I have been confirmed in my opinion of those two in their attempt to win the classic.Its too bad for UM because he isnt going to beat older at a mile and a quarter with a mile prep in the slop on a speeed favoring track.The last time American based 3yos came in 1st and 2nd in the classic was 2007,and that was a great year for 3yos in the US.

Isn't Dean's Kitten our top hope in the BC Turf now? Tremendous race and improving by leaps and bounds, and now sporting Clark Kent blinkers will make his bid for truth, justice and the American win in the BC Turf.

Blind Luck is out of the Breeder's Cup.

BC Turf- Dean's Kitten and Acclamation.

Jason,

I wonder if our mutual friend Carlos in Cali will be shouting about To Honour And Serve as loudly for the Breeder's Cup Classic as he has been, after watching Uncle Mo and Havre de Grace romp on Super Saturday.  The filly has made a believer out of me:  she was absolutely awesome in winning the Beldame, and Flat Out paid her quite a compliment in trampling the JCGC opposition.

I'll wait to see how 'big horse' Tizway is doing leading up to the championship event before making my Classic selection.  I don't really like the fact that he missed his prep race but he does run very well off the long break and he's still the 'class horse' among the older horses.

Uncle Mo demonstrated beyond a shadow of a doubt that all the other 'top' 3YOs including stablemate Stay Thirsty were a bunch of pretenders during his time of convalescence: Mo is head honcho among his age group and I believe he has an outside shot at HOTY if he can win the Breeder's Cup Classic and a post Breeder's Cup Feature like the Clarke Handicap or Cigar Mile.

It would appear that with Blind Luck training off and withdrawn from the BC distaff, the connections of Havre de Grace might change their HOTY strategy and duck the BCC for a romp in the distaff (Ladies Classic), hoping that either Uncle Mo does them a favout by defeating Tizway and coming up short on resume for the HOTY award, or that Tizway's resume, even with a win in the BCC is viewed as too scanty because he missed the JCGC. However like Uncle Mo, Tizway could run again after the Breeder's Cup if necessary to put the HOTY issue beyong doubt therefore HDG's connection should be careful.  Interesting days are ahead.

 Wow.  If Havre de Grace is not the best horse in the country I don't know who is.  Is it my imagination or is this filly getting better by the day?  Uncle Mo sure ran big as well.  Still not sold on him going beyond one turn against good horses though.

Thank you oso7; nice to get some acknowledgement.

Yeah, why would you think Uncle Mo could go 2 turns against good horses ?  Oh, I remember didn't he win the 2 year old championship going 2 turns at CHURCHILL ? All the Mo haters are eating their words and I love it.  A 118 Beyer ?  What's next a 130 Beyer ?  Go Mo

Just when you think the classic was going to be boring we are going to have true start power this classic with, mo, tizway, HDG & Flat out. You heard it here first the winner of the classic will be wilburn he is getting better and better and loves the distance he waxed calebs posse and shack.......Dont sleep on wilburn!

Jason, now hearing about Cape Blanco and a slab injury, glad you picked him to win, you were correct and he did and i am glad.

Footlick, absolutely give Cape Blanco his due, i watched that race live and several times afterwards, it was close. Cape Blanco prevailed. Now he takes one last trip across the pond and we will not see his likes again. At least racing we won't. Thanks big fella, he has one beautiful set of shoulders, i noticed in the photo how strong he is. Jeff Siegel talked about how long his neck was and how he stretched for the wire.

If he injured himself on the turf during the race, i cannot detect where, except in a couple of instances coming around the first turn and then the last turn i noticed a slight mis step. Coming back to the winner's circle, perhaps a bit of a favoring of his left front leg but i am no orthopedic surgeon, i also noticed a blip at the first with his right hind leg/foot from the rear photo.

Whenever the injury occurred he did not stop. Knowing it now, i sort of think the whip was a little offensive but then maybe the jockey didn't know.

Draynay, Mo won, don't shove it down people's throats, else they will just dislike him and Mike Reple more. I admire them both and I cannot dislike any horse or any human for that matter, sometimes a little iffy on the human but never on the horse.

Paula got 3 out of 5, not bad Paula. And skuaa22 - Paula, Josh, Laz, Ranagulzion and even Jason would probably all be happy to give you betting lessons anytime, you might could learn something from them. Just read their posts. And re: Uncle Mo, tell Uncle Mo to his face what you said skuaa22 with Repole standing right there, and see how long you remain standing, verbally that is!

Does 'You talkin' ta me' sound familiar from the great state of New York?

Jason 7 out of 11 not bad at all.

I have more fun reading these bets after the races than before. So today is my after the races reading. Brightens up a Monday. :)

But sorry to hear about Banned and Fleet Indian. May they arrive at the green pastures place together with fond memories and know they were appreciated.  

A Scotch Slushy???? That's a new one.

Thanks Jason.

You're right. Josh's analysis was awesome.

Draynay, whoever said Uncle Mo couldn't win a grade 2 race at 1 mile against 3 other horses? He already did that in the Timely Writer.

2004 Ghostzapper Classic = 2011 Uncle Mo Classic

Ranagulzion,

I'm still going with To Honor and Serve in the Classic.

The filly HDG looked good,but you have to admit the field she beat was nothing special.LAT is now retired because she can't compete anymore and Royal Delta is a plodder.

I'll take Flat Out over Tizway & HDG in a full field with realistic splits @ 10f anytime,which is what will happen in the BCC.

Uncle Mo will not be on my tickets if he goes in the Classic.

Getting back to To Honor and Serve: He's never gone 10f,but in his 8 lifetime starts 5 have been @ 9f.. he has plenty of bottom to him I would guess.Plus,I haven't witnessed any horse pointing towards the Classic who has been on or near a hot pace and still kick-home like THAS has in his last 2 races,both @ 9f in fast final times.A healthy and more mature THAS with room for improvement is very dangerous my friend,don't take him lightly.

BTW: did you read/hear where Flat Out's trainer said he's not worried about HDG or Uncle Mo in the Classic? Saying Flat Out will defeat UM like he defeated Stay Thirsty... gotta' love it!  

Sylvester

How do you figure that the Delaware Handicap took something out of Blind Luck?  I could see if she had the crap beat out of her for the entire stretch like Rachel in the Woodward, but she wasn’t touched by the whip.  She ran the race on her own.  At any point where she would have decided it was too much for her she would have tried to slow down and then the jock would have had to use the whip.  That didn’t happen.  The final quarter was fast, but not blazing fast.  I’ve had a feeling that something was wrong with her for some time now, but I don’t think is was that race.  Maybe it could be something like traveling 35,000 miles and 9 or 10 trips across the country.  Her mental approach to racing just might have suddenly disappeared, or perhaps, ala Uncle Mo, they might do some tests and find something physical.

Has any other Classic contender besides Uncle Mo run a 118 Beyer this year??  If he can get the Mile and a quarter (and that's a big if), It's last years BC Juvy all over again.

2011 Uncle Mo Classic=2010 Quality Road Classic

That's my boy, Mo!!!  With him through thick and thin pre-Derby to now.  Dray, he did it!!!!!!!!!

Havre did as I expected, no surprise there.  So unfortunate about Blind Luck, all this rivalry between her and Havre and now this.  Hope she is ok.  It could be anything or nothing.

Absolutely sick over Fleet Indian, I had just been mentioning her as one of Indian Charlie's stellar female offspring.  How many of our beloved thoroughbreds still have to fall to colic related complications?

If Mo can keep it up he will prove what Mike Repole has said all along, that Mo was 6 lengths or so better than all of 'em.  GO MO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Kudos to Stay Thirsty and Awesome Gem, they tried hard.  Flat Out very impressive and Game On Dude and Chantal sure have their game on!  Great weekend of racing, very astute picks Jason and Josh.

Dray - honestly with every keystroke you show your ignorance even more!  Uncle Mo was good but NOT even close to equalling Secretariat's Belmont!

So we know Mo has won exactly 1 race beyond a mile (almost a year ago) and that Awesome Gem has beat both Flat Out and Game on Dude, and now Stay Thirsty can't even win IN New York.

It's going to be a great betting race.  

__________ your Breeder's Cup Classic winner of 2011!

DO YOU PEOPLE KNOW WHAT YOU SAW IN THE KELSO? 118 BEYER!! 133 CHANGE! THOSE OF YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND THE TALENT THIS HORSE HAS....WHAT MAKES HIM SPECIAL, IS HIS HUGE STRIDE..HE ISNT EVEN BIG! THE DERBY CROP WAS SO WEAK, ONLY 1 HORSE RAN OVER 100 BEYER FOR A ROUTE,  YET SO MANY PEOPLE ...BLAH BLAH BLAH...CANT GO A ROUTE!! DIDNT MATURE!!  YOU PEOPLE CAN'T SEE GREATNESS...THIS HORSE ISNT A HIGH TURN OF FOOT SPRINTER...HIS STRIDE IS SO LONG, IT CANT TURN OVER FAST..HE HAS RUN FASTER THAN ANY HORSE IN LAST 2 YEARS AT A MILE OR LONGER...108 AS 2 YR OLD(ONE OF THE TOP BEYER EVER FOR 2)  118 THIS YEAR.....HE COULD FINISH IN 28 FOR ANOTHER QUARTER ANS HIT 201CHANGE! ARE YOU PEOPLE THINKING HE WOULD GO 28?.......AND ....THIS WHOLE BLOG, NO ONE MENTIONED JACKSON BEND?  HE RAN FASTER THAN HDG AND FLAT OUT!! YET NOT A PEEP.....CAN ANYONE UNDERSTAND STAY THIRSTY(THE TOP YROLD) WASNT/ISNT EVEN CLOSE TO MO? THE OWNER KNOWS IT...THE TRAINER KNOWS IT......YET YOU PEOPLE CANT FIGURE THIS OUT?  118!!! HE CAME HOME AS FAST AS THE SPRINT TIME..109CHANGE!!!!

LAZMANNICK

Open your eyes.  The race was in mid July and she didn't post one workout for 5 weeks.  Hollendorfer claimed she didn't like the Del Mar surface which was bogus.  It was obvious there was something wrong her.  She didn't even try in the LS.  At least LAT would try for a mile this year.  That was very likely her last race.  She's done.  Even Ray Charles can see that.  

Now you and Mike Relva can just sit back and enjoy the wonder that is known as Havre De Grace.

Thank you Linda in Texas! This was a great weekend of racing. Really enjoyed it. If all is right with the world, Uncle Mo will win the BCC. Would love to see that happen for him, Mike and Todd. What a vindication that would be. ST can come in a nose behind. This is one year where my heart is not totally with the girls. HDG is simply amazing, and I agree, she is getting better. But Mo is even more special imo.

Carlos you won't have Mo on your ticket ?  A horse that has run back to back Beyers over 105 and is now coming into the race 3rd off a layoff ?  You Mo haters need to get real.  Do you really believe Flat Out can come within 10 lengths of Uncle Mo ?  It's a 2 horse race between Havre and Uncle Mo.  Can she catch him ? I say no.

I'm not sure if the Belmont races deserved Beyers that strong, but even so, a huge Beyer for Mo is absolutely warranted.  Belmont was relatively slow Saturday; the stakes races on the main track before the Kelso were fairly slow and those after were also slow(Havre winning in 149 and change, Flat Out 203 and change).  Mo's 133 totally stood out.

Mo would have the BC Mile(main track) at his mercy, but I understand why Repole feels he has to go to the Classic.  I think 10 furlongs, at Churchill, against the very best competition off an abreviated campaign is asking alot of Mo.  Clearly he's a special horse, but I wouldn't take him at a short price.

Sylvester:

It's clear to me what has happened.  Hollendorfer put Blind Luck through a very demanding 3 year campaign in which she has run in the biggest races for females regardless of location.  Blind Luck has WON races in the following states: California, Florida, New York, Kentucky, Delaware, and Arkansas.  Horses are not machines, and one cannot underestimate how draining multiple cross-country trips can be.  

The Del Cap, by itself, probably didn't knock Blind Luck out, but it could have been a tipping point, the last part of a cumulative effect.

On the other side, with the exception of the Woodward, Havre has been given far softer campaigns the last 2 years.  While Havre has run in some big races, she has had the luxury of getting to meet Blind Luck repeatedly at locations closer to her home base; it wasn't like Havre was being sent out to California to track down Blind Luck when Blind Luck did not journey East.  

I doubt it's coincidence that the horse that was given the far more demanding schedule is the first one to go off form.  Havre, pushed less than Blind Luck in the past, is at the peak of her health, and is now in a position to accomplish some big things.

Again, it's easy to see similarities with Rachel and Zenyatta.  Rachel was given one of the most demanding schedules ever for a 3 year old filly.  And it'a hard not to think that the demands of the 09' campaign were directly related to the subpar Rachel we saw in 2010.  On the other hand, Zenyatta was placed in a protective box, but it was Zenyatta, and not Rachel, that was present in the starting gate of the 10' BC Classic.

Except for Blind Luck running last, it was a formful weekend at Belmont and Santa Anita.  Belmont prroduced heavy winning favorites in Stacelita, Cape Blanco, Havre de Grace, Uncle Mo as well as Flat Out.  At Santa Anita, Game on Dude, Dubawi Heights, Acclamation, and Weemissfrankie all won as favorites while Creative Cause and Zazu were 2nd choices.

Timeform with a 129 has Uncle Mo listed as the top horse in North America.  I knew it all along.  Congrats to Uncle Mo and his team.

Let's see......Flat Out takes the JCGC, but HDG beat Flat Out in the Woodward....very interesting.  So which is the tops in the handicap division now?  

About UM, Tom Durkin said it best..."He's baaack!"  But I still think his pedigree and youth will work against him if he goes in the Classic.  And Jackson Bend really tried hard, and I still have a soft spot for him.

As to the Arc...SYT is a front runner, not a closer.  So why, why, why, did his jockey keep him so far back for over a mile before leaving him too much to do?  I thought Snow Fairy would be his biggest competition.  Who heard of Danedream before Sunday?  Disappointed for SYT and Goldie.  Everyone wanted her to win her final race in France.  Hope she turns it around for the BC.

I think Mo, Havre de Grace, Twirling Candy, and To Honour and Serve are at the top of the list.  After Mo's mile, I dont see how the Jockey Club produced a contender, with Flat Out crossing the line at 2:03 and change (not sure how his Beyer was so high).  Even though Havre de Grace and Twirling Candy havent won at the distance, they've run close in two of the best classic distance races this year (Pacific Classic and Delaware Handicap). And Im with KA Vet; though I know its hard to compare the two different races, I think Mo would have to have fallen asleep at the quarter pole to get caught by Flat Out.  Tizway has too much to do off a long layoff.  The only way Flat Out has a chance is if the pace falls apart (if Game on Dude or another runs them into the ground) but even then, a ratable Twirling Candy has a better shot to my mind.  And then, So You Think....

GunBow please stop.  I am tired of hearing how California horses have to ride 3 hours in a plane to run out East.  The Euro horses fly 10 to 12 hours with NO PROBLEMS and win again and again.  The Factor and Zenyatta didn't come East because they knew they would get whipped plain and simple.  They run in California against average competition and pretend they are the best.  When they FINALLY do come East they lose.  The Factor will lose when meeting tough competition.  He has won 1 race since March and he faced Smiling Tiger.  Big Deal.

Draynay

We heard the same thing last year about your QR's beyers and timeform ratings.What happened in the Classic?.

People,the BCC is not a 1-turn mile w/a 4 horse field.. now forget what I just said and hopefully all of the UM fans hammer him at the windows in the Classic.I'll be betting against the horse with only 1 lifetime race @ 9f(faded),2 lifetime 2-turn races,has a 7f & 8f race leading up to his fist attempt @ 10f and is by Indian Charlie.Plain and simple.He's not Ghostzapper and Pletcher is no Bobby Frankel.

Flat out takes the JCGC, but HDG beats Flat Out in the Woodward and Awesome Gem also beat Flat Out so HDG and Awesome Gem would be co-handicap division leaders.

Plus Awesome Gem has had a much better 8 year old year than Secretariat!  

Carlos in Cali,

When it comes to the big races you've not been doing very well (picking winners) for a long time my friend and that's because your handicapping tools need a makeover. THAS and Flat Out are good horses but its going to take a "special one" to win the Breeder's Cup Classic.  Please tell me when was the last time AP Indy or any of his sons threw a "special one" and how many times?. Think good and hard: Mineshaft and Bernardini should come to mind. The connections of the former ducked the Breeder's Cup to avoid risking HOTY honours and the latter was spanked, good and proper, by a "special one" named Invasor. This year the only "special ones" in the field are Uncle Mo (no doubt), Havre de Grace (somewhat debateable) and Tizway(debatable until he scores in the BCC).  Think on these things and refrain from bashing Uncle Mo (he'll make you eat crow again after your pre-Kelso remarks).

Carlos, Quality Road was a tired horse who caught a tiring track that favored closers.  Speed failed all day to hold.  Quality Road peaked early in the year and faded late.  Uncle Mo is a superstar horse who is peaking at the right time.  How many wins at 1 1/4 does Havre or Flat Out have ?  The fastest horse on dirt in the world going a mile is Uncle Mo.  If you want to bet someone catching him in the last 400 yards I say good luck to you.  Please let us know who you will be betting in the Classic so we can poke fun at your choice when Mo whips him or her.

 Householder.  Secretariat covered I'm betting anywhere from 50 to 80 mares as an eight year old.  In my book that says he had a MUCH better year as an 8 year old than Awesome Gem. :)

Ranagulzion

Take a look at the first post here,then let me know who needs a handicapping overhaul my friend.I disagree with your view that it's going to take a "special horse" to win the Classic this year.IMO,it's pretty much wide open,but I know which horses I won't be playing.. you mentioned 3 of them as being "special".

A full field going 10f with realistic splits is a whole new ballgame.I thought you,the pedigree guru knew better than to pin your hopes on an Indian Charlie offspring who has so far shown to be a very good miler.We'll see..

How many wins at 1 1/4 does Havre or Flat Out have ?

Draynay 04 Oct 2011 4:12 PM.

To answer your question,

Havre de Grace (none).

Flat Out (one).

Draynay

HDG has 2 narrow losses and Flat Out just won @ 10f.Uncle Mo's longest race was @ 9f.. once and he faded badly,what's your point?

If UM goes in the Dirt Mile I'm singling him,if he goes in the Classic he won't be in my tickets.

Did Plum Pretty comes east enough for you?  It's Tricky=It's done.  

Blind Luck logged 36,000 miles while HDG has spent 3/4 of her races at the same track getting beat when Blind Luck came to town!

I think Game on Dude is 3-3 routing at Santa Anita this year.

Take a look at Zazu's run at Churchill.  She's never been back by 14 at the second call.  She still rallied to get show money. Kind of like her now in the L- Classic.  

Saw her up close.  She was up on her toes heading out to the walking ring.  What she run a 1:41 or so?

Draynay, Uncle Mo isn't even the best miler in the country. Tizway is.

Draynay your a big advocate for splits and times. Tell me that Game on Dude wont wear out uncle mo in the front end. Game on dude is a older horse with splits that are comparable to mo's. This is what will happen Mo and Game on dude will battle until the turn mo will fade game on dude will fade and some super sleeper will take it home! Look for a midpack or deep closer to take the classic just like last year!

Havre De Grace and Flat Out look like the best horses. If uncle Mo can win at more than a mile why haven't they put him in longer rac es? Never heard of prepping a horse for the Classic in sprints and miles. Nothing against the horse, just saying..

Slew- Danedream was my pick.  An up and coming German filly who just won their biggest 12 furlong race by open lengths over older males.  She was coming in hand at the right time and loved the distance. I kept waiting for her odds to drop, but they never did.

Slew: So You Think was drawn so far out that they thought his shot was already gone before the race started.  I think he did pretty good finishing 4th.

But I agree with Footlick.  You watch that race and you can see that no one was ever going to catch her.

(I picked a 3YO filly too, Footlick, but the wrong one -- Galikova finshed 8th or something.  I'm still trying to find out if she was bodychecked during the running -- the French commentators seem to mention that at one point.  You know anything more?)

everyone is acting like mo can't rate and has to go to the lead. That is not the case at all. He can sit behind and just click off 12's, and if need be, run a 22 second 1/4 in the middle to gain a tactical advantage. he will be fine in the classic. G.O.D can't win outside of Cali...

Ally you're right.  After suffering a bad liver problem why not rush the horse into running 1 1/4 ? Why put him in 7 furlongs and a mile to get his legs under him. There are plenty of horses around that can post a 118 Beyer this year right ?  I mean how is he suppose to run against Tizway who ran at Churchill last year and couldn't hit the board.  Or how is he to face Havre who has NEVER won at the distance ?  Looking at the mile times Uncle Mo would have had a 18 length lead Saturday.  If you think Mo is giving up 18 lengths in a 1/4 mile good luck.  Rookie.

The only question in the Classic is how much will Uncle Mo win by.

KY VET made a good point. Lost in the excitement over Uncle Mo's victory was Jackson Bend's remarkable performance. By finishing three lengths behind Uncle Mo, Jackson Bend earned himself a Beyer of 112. He looks like a solid favorite for the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile.

Also lost among all of the grade I race results were the results of the Maryland Million Turf Sprint Handicap, where 1-2 favorite Ben's Cat earned his third straight turf sprint stakes victory by wearing down Steady Warrior -- whom he was conceding nine pounds -- to win the race by a length. He'll have to be supplemented to the Breeders' Cup, but at this time I don't think there are any turf sprinters in the country with better credentials.

-Keelerman

Draynay

keep posting nonsense,they say laughing is good for the soul.

1) When was the last time a horse had an 18 length lead after a mile in a 10f+ race and won?..

2) Trust me,if UM runs a 1:33 mile in the Classic he'll finish at least 18 lengths behind the winner.Cooked.Fried.

He's not Secreteriat.

Smoking Baby.  Considering Awesome Gem has no parts I would conceed that win to Secretariat!

It Aint Easy Being Good.  I checked into it.

22.30, 45.28, 109.03, 134.30 finishing up in 147.36

Baffert puts GOD on Uncle Moe's throat and lets the chips fall where they may.

Draynay, isn't that what you said about the Wood Memorial?

Awesome Feather looked good today. Sanchez was on her at the 3/8 pole to get her interested, but she turned for home and leveled off nice and won in 122.6 or so, not bad for an 11 month break. She was about 1 3/4 clear on the wire. looking forward to her running next year. Chad Brown is a hell of a trainer

Draynay - I certainly think Mo is a live shot but I think your absolute confidence is misplaced.  In this Classic, I would give Havre de Grace, Flat Out, Tizway, Stay Thirsty, Uncle Mo, Twirling Candy, Game on Dude, and anything running from Europe a shot.  10 furlongs in America nowadays is just no picnic for anyone.

I long for a horse who can get all of the classic distances and run 10 furlongs on dirt brilliantly.  We see very few of those nowadays and I don't think anyone in the above-mentioned group merits "brilliant" on dirt at 10 furlongs.  Brilliant at 10 furlongs and without distance limitations, to me, would only apply to a few horses in the past 10 years (e.g. Point Given, Ghostzapper, Afleet Alex, Barbaro) (sorry, Big Brown, Smarty Jones, and Rachel were all brilliant but had distance limitations and Zenyatta only raced once on dirt at 10 furlongs and lost).

Sorry, I forgot Invasor as brilliant at 10 furlongs without distance limitations.

BILLY'S EMPIRE

Think one of your many lame comments is "I need to get a life".

FYI this is the FIRST post I've attempted here in nearly three weeks. How many have you made here in that time frame? Hypocrite.

mz- I hadn't heard that.  I will see if I can find anything in print.  I couldn't see Galikova finishing ahead of Snow Fairy or Sarafina because she really doesn't have that electric turn of foot yet, and the course was fast for French standards.  But Danedream really came into her own in her race prior to the Arc.  For some reason four year old fillies do not have a great record in the Arc.  I love Sarafina but didn't like how she was being ridden this year.  They seemed to always give her alot to do.  Snow Fairy's race prior to the Arc should have been people's wake up call that she was finally coming into form. She is off to the Far East to run in Japan and Hong Kong again.  Danedream may go run in Japan, as a half interest was bought by her before the Arc.

Billy- I hope he has the conditioning needed.  His natural speed may not like sitting behind slower fractions.  But we will see.

DRAYNAY

Noticed your earlier discussion about Quality Road. Noticed you left out picking him to prevail in the Classic last yr. Wasn't it something like "take him to the bank"? Am I close?

I love how Game on Dude=GOD...lol I agree GOD will be on uncle mo's throat for the whole race.... Houselholder thanks for the facts! So we just found out that GOD can run just as fast splits as MO has run further than MO and is older than Mo and has a red hot trainer and will be about 10-1.... by post time.....Yes Please!

Mo's Kelso was gorgeous. A sight to behold, a streak of controlled explosive power on a mud pie to die for with whipped cream on top on a Saturday in the park with the birds chirping and the band playing a tune of See Ya Later Alligators with a large Repole crowd going nuts in the stands with hot dogs and beers flying through the air for our conquering hero has returned from the battle of his life with an insidious disease that attempted to steal the greatness from Mo and the dreams of another Secretariat from us, but alas our Uncle Mo has returned bearing gifts beyond our wildest dreams, and now on to The Breeder's Cup Classic to see if he can squash the rants of Mo's detractors who cannot see the 10f gazelle in the forest through the trees.

Now class, pay attention because  you will be tested on this later. The greatest race ever run was Secretariat's Belmont. How much further did he run in that race than he had ever run before? Answer: A quarter of a mile. Now how much further does the Great Uncle Mo have to run in The BC Classic than he has ever run before? Amswer: Only an eighth of a mile. Carlos, I'm telling you for the last time- spit that gum out !!!!!!

Drynay-

Once again you show how little you know about the Breeder's Cup as well as horseracing in general! Uncle Mo has NO CHANCE at winning the Classic just as Quality Road had no chance last year. I would tell you exactly why, but then you would be as smart as me and we know horseracing is a game that you count on horses that have no shot to win to take money so by all means LOAD UP and bet it all!! I know this is a waste of time and you will continue to hype up Mo hoping to somehow make yourself feel better and somehow drag some others that read these posts to bet him as well, but trust me not only will he not win but you an better believe he will not be in the exacta. MARK IT DOWN to all those who read this post UNCLE MO WILL NOT BE IN THE EXACTA IN THE BREEDER'S CUP CLASSIC...

Good Luck at the Windows everyone!

Billy- I agree about Chad Brown.  And Stacelita looked great in the Flower Bowl winning as she pleased after a wide trip.  He has done a great job getting her to adapt to American training and racing.

Chill out Uncle Mo fanatics. Repole and Pletcher have said they don't even know if their horse can go the distance. Horses who run really fast times in shorter distance races often can't. Rachel and Quality Road couldn't and they ran big numbers in 9 furlong races, something Uncle Mo hasn't done. He'll be taking a big step up in class and distance. If he does win it certainly won't be by 18 lenghts lol

Relva, did you not get hugged enough as a kid? Give it a rest man. Just b/c you have not posted here (thanks for that by the way) means nothing. You post on so many other blogs and write meaningless non-horse related garbage it is comical. Your attempt to gain knowledge in horse racing is not going to succeed by going to retired horse farms. You could learn a lot from your peers if you just shut up and read what people had to say instead of always attacking, being defensive, and acting like a 3rd grader. As I digress... You fit in well at NTRA , the non-censored site where you can show the world how much of a dope you can be. Keep Shining MIKE! You make us all proud

I know many of you have read the articles by now on the First Lady and the Shadwell Turf at Keeneland as I have, but I just want to reiterate how loaded those fields are. We have a mix of International Flavor, US Based stars, BC Juvenile runners of yesteryear,  and B.C type fillies and colts, and this weekend should be much better than last from a betting standpoint. I mean, even Jason picked 7 winners last week.

:-p. If he does it this week, it will be ultra impressive. Will Wise Dan, Get Stormy, or Sidney win from the front. Dance to Dance finally get out of trouble. Is Gio the same horse at Keeneland as last year where he won in hand? What about Never Retreat, CS Silk, Theskyns Theory, Absinthe Minded, Daveron. The list goes on and on. This is just 2 races out of several loaded with stars!! Can't wait.

Footlick, I won a ton of money betting Chad Brown at the Spa on turf this summer. He was firing at the Spa. I think he is 13% so far at Belmont, as opposed to 25% at the Spa, but I think his turf% was in the 30% range this summer.

 Householder.  Hope you know that no disprespect was intended.  I was just messing with you and yes....I know....It was a poor attempt at humor.  Have a GREAT day.

I, for one, am glad Mo is back.  We need an exciting horse like him and he's so fun to watch.  I've seen the posts by Draynay and his foretelling of 18 lengths in the classic that Mo will win by and then the others who don't feel he can get the distance.  I don't think anyone can really say what will haoppen.  If Mo is the horse his connections think he is, then surely he will win the classic but it isn't a given.  The horse has had a horrible time of it but seems to be well again.  No, he has not gone further than 9 furlongs and that was while he was ill.  It is also not a given that he can't get the distance.  We won't know that until he tries it.  Either way, it's going to be a hell of a race to watch him.  I just hope they all come back sound from every BC race.

I really don't think Smarty had distance limitations.  He ran the 10 furlongs brilliantly and was beaten at 12 furlongs by a horse who skipped the Preakness.  Also, I think Smarty had been given a poor ride.  I know it's been 7 years but I think he was the best to come along since Secretariat.  Not as great as Big Red but very, very special.  He is one of my all-time favorites so I am biased but he was one hell of an exciting horse to watch and had a great story too.

Dr Drunkinbum

Bad analogy.Secreteriat had already been 9f and won the first 2-legs of the Triple Crown rather easily before romping in the Belmont.He was proven @ the Classic distances.Uncle Mo ran 9f way back in April and finished a fading 3rd(3wks b4 they discovered that "rare" illness).He is not proven @ 9f let alone 10f, now he'll attempt it for the first time in the Classic vs. older and mature horses.2 totally different scenarios.

You are in danger of having your license suspended and a board hearing is in the works!

Jason,if UM loses do you think Repole will bring him back next year?..

Or is it contingent on how he loses?

Usually when they sell an interest in a horse to a farm it's a tell-tale sign of imminent retirement.

I think there is a scenario where Mike would bring Mo back. Maybe if he runs a close second or something like that. But most likely I think the BC may be it for him. Just my opinion there :)

Quality Road was probably the best looking horse I have ever seen (outside of Alysheba).  If you got up close you could tell he was all muscle.  

His 3 races before the 12th in the Breeder's Cup were the Donn (Dry Martini) Whitney (Blame) and Woodward (Mythical Power).  I believe all were at 1 1/8th.  

I would think this would have provided a fantastic "training up to" the Classic.  

I think he just got off the wide sweeping turns he was used to and freaked over the Churchill Downs oval.  That horse had a good record outside of Churchill Downs.  And a 12th place finish is really unexplainable unless he was injured.  

Unlike Quality Road, Uncle Mo at least has a trip over the track.  

Smoking Baby.  It's all good.  We're all here to have fun.

Anyone have any comments about ACCLAMATION.

BILLY'S EMPIRE

This is the second instance where you've chided me regarding retired horse farms. Guess your motto is after their done racing the hell with it. Right? First,It's not your money and time and I'll visit ANY farm I want. Second, as for a dope look who's talking. lol Pretend as you want,but posting under an alias on NTRA you aren't fooling anyone. Would be impossible to learn anything from you cause since you know little other than trying to cash a two dollar ticket. Kep living in your fantasy world, Billy. Btw don't you have something to do like washing your SmartCar?

Carlos in Cali

   It might not be the greatest analogy but really talented horses sometimes defy traditional preparation. Mo is a very talented horse. We will see soon what he will do in the Classic. He sure has peaked the interest in the race. It will be fun. I read something really interesting last night. Affirmed had a 9f workout prior to a big race and Bold Forbes had a 12f workout(2:43.80) before a big race. I'd kind of like to see Mo get a long workout. I don't know who will win The Classic but I give Mo a good shot at it along with Havre, Flat Out, and Tizway. I'm putting Game On, To Honor, and Thirsty just a notch below the first tier. I never give Game On enough credit. Maybe he'll surprise me again. I think TC should be in the dirt mile to battle Jackson. I don't even think Jackson's Bend handled the track very well in the Kelso. He will be a force to be reackoned with in the dirt mile. Looking forward to The Factor on Saturday who along with Mo have the most beautiful, effortless strides. With Mo's pedigree stamina on the bottom combined with his will to win, and great stride, he has a chance to win.

I have to say that although I never post, I enjoy the heck out of reading the comments on these blogs. I can't say that I belong to Team Mo or Team No-Mo but please keep this up. We have a month to go and I need some entertainment between now and November.

Furlongs, I guess Quality Road couldn't get 1 1/4 on dirt just like the Restricted California Poly Champion couldn't get 1 1/4 on dirt.  Tizway and Flat Out have already proven they can't run a lick at Churchill and Havre runs a 136.5 mile when going 1 1/8th.  Uncle Mo will go 8 to 10 lengths faster than that.  What will she have left ?  I'll take the colt who just posted a 118 Beyer.  Betting against a horse that just posted a 118 is just plain dumb.

QHpony

   Don't hesitate to be a part of Jason and the Argunuts. There are monsters out there and we need help.

Draynay, Uncle Mo isn't even the best miler in the country. Tizway is.

Stevebiscuit 04 Oct 2011 6:56 PM

And yet it appears that "the two best milers in the country" may very well run in the classic. Hmmmmm...

Monica V I totally agree with you about Smarty Jones. He was an amazing horse. He slips off everyone's radar when they talk about great horses, but he was a great horse. You are not biased, just right in your opinion. Mike Relva, I think it is great you go to horse farms for retired horses. Nice to know that they are not just a winning ticket to some people. I think in the BCC you have 3 contenders: Uncle Mo, Tizway, and HDG. Alot will depend on the ride/trip. I think Mo can get the distance no problem. I woul love to see him race another year if he is healthy enough. If he wins, I predict he brings him back a la Zenyatta.

Billy- having a horse like Stacelita in his barn sure doesn't hurt.  But he was a Frankel disciple and uses his techniques in getting horses to adapt.  Stacelita was top class in Europe, but you never know if they will take to American racing.  Jolypha and Lady in Silver were two who never really adapted.  Brown said Stacelita had alot of class and is very smart.

DRAYNAY

Did your QR finish ahead of the mare in the Classic? Right.

What are you gonna say Dray when he loses? Will you suddenly go into exile, or some good ole spin control?

DRAYNAY-

Your comment about betting the 118 beyer on Uncle Mo's last race is EXACTLY what I am talking about. Once again you show how little you can read a racing form outside of finding the biggest beyer and bragging how much money you made betting 4/5! I could talk until I am blue in the face and yet you spend year after year and you simply just do not get it. Bet Uncle Mo until you run out of money for all I care. But mark my words UNCLE MO will NOT be part of the Exacta in the Breeders Cup Classic. Now please do us all a favor and post your picks for the Breeders Cup card BEFORE the races are run this year. I am sure I will not be the only one on this blog who is dying to know who to throw out on Breeders Cup Day! Off to Keeneland in the morning for a great weekend of racing... Good luck everyone at the windows!

Draynay-

Whats up with the Zenyatta comment when your talking about Quality Road and getting the distance?? I have to ask why you are so against Zenyatta? I mean what did she ever do to you anyway? You talk about her as if you truely hated her. She was a wonderful horse and great for the sport of horseracing. I mean I would never say she was the greatest horse to ever live but what she did for horseracing and the Breeders Cup the last 2 years was a wonderful thing and if its one thing this sport is lacking is horses such as Zenyatta. A horse that can bring the national spotlight is what this sport needs on a yearly basis. You come on these blogs and people just assume you love the sport of horseracing. But I am questioning your love for the sport. I mean the only horse in the race that looked like could beat Zenyatta was Blame simple as that and that is in fact what happened on that day. But for you to still talk about it... did you really lose that much money on that race? For anyone to act as if she was not a great racehorse is just crazy. She did it on the track 19-19 times. When it came time on Dirt in KY against the best of the best male or female she was a nose short at the wire. She ran her race and was a little short for the first time, but you know what I promiss you this it will be a long time before you see another like her. That is the real shame in all of it. The sport of horseracing that most of us love so much needs more like her simple as that. 2010 Breeders Cup Classic was the only time that I can recall I felt bad while cashing wininng tickets (EX and TRI) and it is because I realized at that point how much I truely wanted Zenyatta to have won and go undefeated. Why not because I wanted to say "see I told you" such as you seem to like to do when you do cash on your 6/5 horses that Pletcher trains, but because she did what so many horses can not do in the sport and that is bring her "A" game everytime she stepped in the gate, and that is rare. That is why so many think of her as great. I don't blame anyone for feeling that when they saw Zenyatta run they saw greatness... Stop being so hateful its all over you lost, you would think by now you would be use to it. Uncle Mo could not and will never do what Zenyatta did for this sport. And while I know he has no shot at running in the exacta in the Classic I would never say he is not a very nice horse. Thats the difference between you and I. Oh and one more thing I will not tell you I told you so as well after the Classic thats another thing we differ on. Good luck at the windows everyone!

One advantage Game and Dude and even Twirling Candy(who I think has no shot at 10 furlongs on dirt) have is that they've been running 10 furlong races all year long.  The California handicap schedule is great because it offers 3 major maintrack races at 10 furlongs.  I can't understand why there is only 1 gr.1 race at 10 furlongs on the maintrack for older males back East.

Game on Dude might not be flashy or have alot of upside, but he is very consistent and a legitimate 10 furlong dirt horse.  Game on Dude has excellent tactical speed, and when allowed to go slower than 1:09, he can carry that speed all of 10 furlongs.  

Game on Dude is a dirty nose from having won 3 gr.1 races this year, including two at 10 furlongs.  Throw out his Pacific Classic 4th(another dirty nose from 3rd) because he's not a true synth horse, and he hasn't tun a poor race all year.  He even ran decently in his 2 races outside Cali; in the $1million Charles Town Classic he ran 2nd ahead of horses like Tizway, Rule, and Acclamation, and while his 3rd in the Lone Star Cap' was disappointing at the time, he was losing to Awesome Gem and Flat Out.  And Game on Dude shipped well last year to win the Lone Star Derby and run a close 4th in the Belmont.

While I respect the rally Awesome Gem made in the Goodwood, Game on Dude really was much the best.  On a track that was playing fair, Game on Dude sat up on blazing fractions, and while he tired some in the stretch, he kept it together well enough.  Again, he's going to get a slower pace in the BC Classic, which will allow him to just grind away.  If you think Mo and HDG are vulnerable, Game on Dude will offer value.

Householder:

I thought the Clement Hirsch was an excellent race for both Acclamation and Champ Pegasus.  

In the first meeting of the two best turf horses in Cali, Acclamation emerged from the Hirsch with his winning streak intact, a streak consisting of 3 gr.1s and 2 gr.2s.  Giving weight, Acclamation was able to turn back the rally of a horse proven at the highest level(Champ was 2nd in BC Turf), and was able to drive yet another stake in the claim that he is a Hollywood horse for course.  During the 5 race win streak, Acclamation has won over 4 different surfaces(Hollywood turf, Del Mar turf, Del Mar Poly, Santa Anita turf) from distances of 9-12 furlongs.  The only questions about Acclamation are whether he can ship and whether he could handle a heavy turf course.  Although Acclamation would need help(favorites lose the BC Classic), but he has put himself in a spot that with a win in the BC Turf he could be a very serious candidate for HoY.

As for Champ Pegasus, the Hirsch was a perfect tightener.  Champ was only making his 2nd start after being injured in Dubai, and by no means did Acclamation embarrass him.  Champ went with Acclamation the entire stretch, and though Acclamation won under a hand ride, it's hard to believe that Champ was fully cranked for the race.  With this strong race in him and 5 more weeks of training, Champ should be a legit contender in the BC Turf.  Unlike Acclamation, we know Champ can ship and handle the Churchill turf, even if there is some give to it.

Come on Dray your better than that bet on a 118 beyer? I bet on lawyer ron he was running 120 and alot of good that did me in the classic. Mo has a couple of things working for him he is a fresh horse, loves churchill and will get a weight break which should help him out. I think a euro invader my come in a steal this even though they have a horrible track record in the classic on dirt. Actually has any Euro won a classic on dirt or a filly??

It aint easy being good

Arcangues in  '93 in a similar type year.  

GunBow Game on Dude offers no value at all.  He is no where NEAR as good as Harve or Uncle Mo he won a race in California get over it.

Furlongs let me tell you the DAMAGE done by your RESTRICTED STATE POLY CHAMPION.  We have a race at the end of the year called the Classic to determine who is the best and often who is HOY.  Last year Blame won and because he did it on the track he deserved all the rewards but they were stolen from him.  It was given to a horse who didn't win a single race on dirt against the boys in her entire career.  She didn't even race in the biggest races on Poly she chose to run in restricted races in California.  Ali is the greatest for a reason and not Rocky Marciano.  Rocky has the perfect record but Ali is still the greatest.  You claim to love the sport yet you think it is all right to rip awards from Blame that he EARNED. Put up 2010 side by side for each horse and tell me who REALLY was HOY.  Who cares how many wins you have on a poly track ?  It's like being the best High School football team in Wyoming.   Who cares.  Most horses don't run on the stuff and SA doesn't even have it anymore they run on DIRT now.  To be the best you have to race the best and for more than 100 years a filly and mare have been judged by beating the colts on dirt.  That California poly horse never won on dirt vs males and Rachel did it 3 times as a 3 year old.  Havre did it this year.  She took on the best and won a true test of a real champion.  That poly horse you love so much was a restricted state poly champion and nothing more.

DRAYNAY

I would've paid alot of $ to watched your expression when the mare won HOTY. lmao

Draynay

Yeah, the whole Zenyatta slam you posted last comes from an individual who back in Jan. swore Mo was winning the Triple Crown and was a better horse than Secretariat.

Looking for Gio P. to win today.

Mo is the best 2 year old I have ever seen.  Secretariat was good too but Mo was better.

DRAYNAY-

First off the like I stated before the ONLY horse that looked like could beat Zenyatta in the Classic was Blame and the payoffs with the exacta 10  mins to post justified a cold $20 Blame/Zenyatta Exacta as well as a $5 Part wheel Tri Blame/Zenyatta/All and a saver Tri $2 Zenyatta/Blame/All. So it has nothing to do with me liking Zenyatta or not. I think she was a wonderful horse and did wonderful things for the sport. She as well as Blame deserved HOY and either that received it would been justified. As always when you done running your mouth about and the dust settles you will be talking about how much you won at Breeders Cup. But in the end you will bet your $1.00 4 horse Ex Box in each race and will not break even on the day. I have been going to he race track a long time and see guys like you all the time. Mr. Perfect is what I call them. They never lose but after therace you never see them cashing tickets. Run your mouth so much people just listen to you and roll there eyes. Lucky for all us on here this is what we do to your post. You have NO creditablity on these posts. Your nothing more then a chalk better that thinks the fastest horse speed rating wise wins every race. Anytime you want to post your picks BEFORE the races please do so.... oh thats right you dont do that anymore after this past long winter and spring of posting nothing but LOSERS in the Ky Derby preps! LOL give it up man

Furlongs she didn't deserve anything.  Put her campaign for 2010 next to Blames and tell me who was HOY.  She had to be given the award because she couldn't earn it on the track.  Very sad.  As far as my handicapping is concerned ask Jason who knows hundreds of handicappers if he can count on one hand  how many are better than me.  I will match 1099 with you from the track any day and trust me you don't want to try and match me this year.  I have already hit the pick 6 at Belmont 3 times in the last 2 weeks.

Draynay-

That comment even makes me believe even more your full of crap! What do you do for a living by the way? Used Car Saleman maybe??