A Superstar, a Star in the Making, and a Star Losing His Light

re: A Superstar, a Star in the Making, and a Star Losing His Light

Draynay — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 03:19:22 GMT

Rachel goes to the Woodward and Beldame and she is done. 9 for 9 finishing one of the greatest 3 year old seasons by any horse ever. There will be talk Saratoga AJ of getting the girls together for the Clark but Moss is not going to face Rachel. The only way he would consider it is if she loses the Distaff. With 4 weeks rest no horse has come close to catching Rachel and everyone knows it.

re: A Superstar, a Star in the Making, and a Star Losing His Light

Saratoga AJ — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 23:33:58 GMT

Draynay..

I still predict it will be the Travers for QR as long as he's fit. Then it will be the JCGC, and BC Classic if he holds up with no more qtr. cracks. That's how I see it..lets see how it plays out. QR will race against Rachel only if Jackson decides to send her in the JCGC (assuming she wins the Woodward). The feeling here is if she wins the Woodward, it will be the Beldame and then a well deserved rest. And a 4yr old campaign before that date with Curlin. Just pray she stays healthy...one like this only comes around every 25+ years or so...if not 50.

And here's another thought for her next year....the Dubai World Cup? Just don't know much about that new surface they are installing.

re: A Superstar, a Star in the Making, and a Star Losing His Light

Draynay — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 22:27:42 GMT

Saratoga AJ there is no doubt who the best 3 year old in the country is the question Kensei and Quality Road will answer if they meet in the Travers is who is the second best 3 year old in the country.

re: A Superstar, a Star in the Making, and a Star Losing His Light

Draynay — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 22:16:38 GMT

If Quality Road is not ready to take on Rachel in the Woodward he is going to have problems with Kensei in the Travers. Does the owner of Quality Road need the money? If he has the horse why not go after Rachel ? 1 1/8th makes more sense and does more for him than the Travers. I am still not buying it.

re: A Superstar, a Star in the Making, and a Star Losing His Light

Saratoga AJ — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 04:47:04 GMT

Draynay:

It's not up to Pletcher...Evans wants him in the Travers and that's where he will go. Plus you're talking twice the purse in the Travers...an extra half million $.

6 1/2 to 9 furlongs isn't a whole lot different than 6 1/2 to 10 anyway. Either way he stretches. The feeling here is he will win the Travers because he's the best 3 yr old colt in the country and always has been. If not for the two quarter cracks what might have been.........

re: A Superstar, a Star in the Making, and a Star Losing His Light

Draynay — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 00:37:09 GMT

I know Pletcher is still saying Quality Road is going to the Travers but I am not buying it until the gate opens. He will follow Rachel to the Woodward. Who takes a horse from 6 1/2 to 1 1/4 ?

re: A Superstar, a Star in the Making, and a Star Losing His Light

Pro-Ride — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 00:22:59 GMT

I see alot of "numbers" people in these posts.

People don't realize how much slower synthetic racing is when it comes to speed figures.

Numbers on dirt are always "much" higher than synthetic racing. This will always be a "fact".

This year Jess Jackson has shown the public that he has learned from the past.

Jess Jackson is ducking the Breeders Cup because he learned from Curlin's mishap (last year). All those speed figures and the best horse in the world faltered at the 1/8th pole, Curlin was absolutely winded. When Curlin, returned to his groom he was exausted (blowing "extremely" hard).

This mare will make the filly look like an absolute fool if she shows up at Santa Anita this year. In fact, the filly will have a hard time placing in the money. Speed or "tactical" speed is not what you want on this track. This Pro Ride surface is nothing like Keeneland, Turfway and many of the other synthetic tracks in California. It will suck the life right out of you.

re: A Superstar, a Star in the Making, and a Star Losing His Light

LAZMANNICK — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 21:12:31 GMT

Big Will

Maybe you hit the nail on the head regarding the BC....at SA 2 years in a row.

A lot of horsement did pass itlas year. Maybe the committee is trying to jam it down their throats...do it our way or else.

Just a thought......

re: A Superstar, a Star in the Making, and a Star Losing His Light

BigWill — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 17:06:43 GMT

Just some facts:

-Rachel Alexandra is a monster and probably won't lose another race this year. Where will she run next? Who knows? But wherever she runs the result will be the same as the last seven times.

-Zenyatta and Rachel will never meet each other and thats unfortunate. Zenyatta rules in California and has the luxury of the BC being run on her home turf for the 2nd consecutive year. There is no need to leave the state of California to try and win HOY. But she definitely needs to win the BC Classic and retire undefeated to be given that honor. Rachel can skip the BC and still be HOY because of her complete annihilation of every single horse she's run against this year(which if you want to be technical includes: Mine That Bird, Summer Bird, Big Drama, Munnings, Papa Clem, Pioneer of the Nile, and virtually every 3yo filly. I'm sorry if I can't name any that are relevant to racing right now but I'm sure you can't either.) I'm sure she'd probably win the Distaff or Classic no matter what surface it's run on; but I think that its good that she's not going. What genius decided to have the BC at Santa Anita 2 years in a row? Last year, numerous horsemen passed on the BC and that will be likely this year as well. The Breeders Cup has to realize when choosing a venue it has to be acceptable or else they'll keep losing out on horses like Rachel Alexandra and Commentator.

-On to the 3yo males. Mine that Bird isn't losing his luster. He just keeps losing races. Don't count the Preakness because that was a moral victory. tough loss in the Belmont where he moved to early and in the WV derby he moved to early. He'll probably be better in the BC Marathon rather than the classic. The 2 Best 3yo males in my opinion won't be seen until they are 4. DUNKIRK and I WANT REVENGE. Quality Road is great but the TRAVERS is going to be a tall order, especially with Kensei starting to come around and Summer Bird(who after watching him run in the Haskell is a serious BC classic contender). Also...can't wait for the Kings Bishop stakes. Munnings vs. Big Drama! Munnings will win simply because he's better but it will still be a good race. By the way...just because Munnings has only won sprint stakes and he's by a sprint champion doesn't mean he's just a sprinter. You'll take note of that next year.

-And one last thing...watch out from Stardom Bound in the ladies classic this year.

re: A Superstar, a Star in the Making, and a Star Losing His Light

LDP — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 22:28:47 GMT

Hey Mike,

Well to be honest ever since July it has absoultely sucked. I got back off my injury, ready to go to work and my boss says nope sorry can't have you. This is after the doctor gave me the ok to work again. So now i'm trying to figure out what the heck i'm going to do the rest of my summer. Normally my horse is a good listener, but i'm sure by now he's getting annoyed at me coming out constantly in a bad mood. Now right now all i have to do is him and watch racing. I never thought i'd say this, but i can't wait for school. Senior year better be fun, lol. Sorry for my rant. I hope you relize i wasn't trying to be mean or start an argument in my post to you just pointing out Dray's stupidity. It's a shame that man brings out the worst in me on that subject, cause i do like BB, and i did just write something on him, just for fun, basicly saying he should get more respect. But it's kinda hard to make a case when you have someone who seems to be on Dutrow's payroll driving you up the wall. Anywho, i hope you've had a good summer, and hope your horses are doing well at the track. I can't wait for this weekend, personally i'm rooting for PP to pull that front running victory again. I like Zensational, too. The Hirsh should be a good race with Zen and LIS. If your betting i wish you luck, hopefully you win big, every penny counts today.

re: A Superstar, a Star in the Making, and a Star Losing His Light

MonicaV — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 21:44:29 GMT

Penn Derby is a Million bucks. Why not? Easy money.

re: A Superstar, a Star in the Making, and a Star Losing His Light

ABZ — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 21:42:56 GMT

Strong post Zippy!

re: A Superstar, a Star in the Making, and a Star Losing His Light

LAZMANNICK — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 20:14:34 GMT

Zippy and the Sheik

Now there's a potent combination

re: A Superstar, a Star in the Making, and a Star Losing His Light

Mike Relva — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 19:38:38 GMT

HELLO LDP

How's your summer? I agree with Curlin being a "superhorse". I can't argue that point cause he truly was.

re: A Superstar, a Star in the Making, and a Star Losing His Light

ABZ — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 19:20:12 GMT

I assume this is a case of covering all the bases, but Rachel Alexandra is being nominated to the Alabama, Travers, Personal Ensign, Woodward, and Pennsylvania Derby. Are they really considering the Alabama, Personal Ensign or Penn Derby?

re: A Superstar, a Star in the Making, and a Star Losing His Light

Zippy Potato Chippy — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 19:14:45 GMT

Guys, don't make fun of Big Brown. He ran a great Belmont - it took the entire field to beat him.

______________________________

Okay, seriously though. It comes down to accomplishments since Curlin and Big Brown never have and never will race against each other.

And the FACTS between the two...

One of them has accomplished:

- 7 G1 wins

- 2007 Eclipse Champion 3YO Male

- 2007 Horse Of The Year

- 2008 Eclipse Champion Older Male

- 2008 Horse Of The Year

- Set a new North American earnings record on September 27, 2008.

And the other:

- 4 G1 wins

- 2008 Eclipse Champion 3YO Male

So, since the names were not given as to be objective, who has accomplished more?

_______________________________

"The BC Championship will be decided on Poly. A true champion can run on any surface."

draynay 05 Aug 2008 10:49 PM

"Champions show up on Championship days"

draynay 06 Aug 2008 12:00 PM

Remember that? Curlin did not win the 2008 BC Classic but he did show up. You can't argue with that or the accomplishments that were stated above. Woulda, coulda, shoulda doesn't win races. Never has and never will.

End of Curlin v. Big Brown discussion.

re: A Superstar, a Star in the Making, and a Star Losing His Light

LDP — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 19:09:06 GMT

Dray,

Facts do support that at the time BB faced those horses that they were weak. Maybe Jason needs to hold another bet and this time when you loose he can make it that you stay off for an entire year. That might put you in your place.

re: A Superstar, a Star in the Making, and a Star Losing His Light

Draynay — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:26:06 GMT

LDP you and Saratoga AJ can call last years group weak but the FACTS do not support that. Stick with FACTS.

re: A Superstar, a Star in the Making, and a Star Losing His Light

Saratoga AJ — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:53:05 GMT

Draynay,

I may agree with you on Rachel, and QR, (surprisingly)....but when will you ever give up on Big Brown vs. Curlin?

Curlin will go down in history as the superior of the two no matter how much you hate to admit it. Two time HOTY's are never forgotten. Big Brown will be remembered for a very good three yr old campaign in a weak crop, period.

To compare BB's lifetime competition to Curlin's is an absolute joke. To compare their lifetime achievements is an absolute joke.

To compare their durability is no contest. BB will breed fragility sort of like Unbridled's Song, Curlin will breed strength.

To compare their best Beyers is not even close.

Who do you think will get into the Racing Hall of Fame first? LOL

In fact, it may take BB 20 years to get in...if he gets in.

And how you going to like it when the horse you love to hate gets to mate with your love, Princess Rachel? LOL

So Please..when it comes to BB vs. Curlin...it's time to give up and move on.

re: A Superstar, a Star in the Making, and a Star Losing His Light

Dave Johnson — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 06:53:37 GMT

Jason,

I'm too old and have ate too much humble pie in this sport.

No bet for me.

I just enjoy watching these two equine athletes.

Best Regards,

Dave Johnson

re: A Superstar, a Star in the Making, and a Star Losing His Light

LDP — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 04:08:07 GMT

Dray,

I did address it when i said it is not his fault the competition was scared to face him. BB raced against a weak group of 3yr olds at the time in every race but his last. Even in his last, though he showed heart, Proudinsky and Shakis though very honest horses were not that good. Curlin raced in open company grade ones all year it is not his fault the competition didn't show up when he did. They had the choice to find better with BB but never did. O by the way how did BB do in HOTY voting, or the Belmont, or the Classic? Oh wait he hardly received any votes in HOTY, wonder why that was, not. He didn't even finish the Belmont because he unproffesionally spooked and ran into a maiden and got his own shoe dislodged, so that was his fault he lost. O and in the Classic he didn't make cause why, what have i been preaching, o you say his feet finally gave out. That means he's not sound or durable. By the way i'd love to see BB run in the 07 Haskell, he would've lost. You just can't stand to loose.

re: A Superstar, a Star in the Making, and a Star Losing His Light

LAZMANNICK — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 03:23:08 GMT

Dray:

Go to bed and get some sleep. You need to nurture that big brain of yours. Tomorrow we're going to teach you to count to two.

re: A Superstar, a Star in the Making, and a Star Losing His Light

Draynay — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 03:18:01 GMT

LDP it's not your fault. I blame Jason for letting your last post on this page. Honestly, it may be the worst post I have ever seen. He danced every dance ? You call Big Browns competition weak yet you don't address the losers Curlin beat last year. I could go on but I am going to ask you to try again and this time think about what you want to say because things like, "BB in his last couple of races ducked competition." How does showing up in the Haskell prove he was ducking competition? By the way how did Curlin do in the Haskell ?

re: A Superstar, a Star in the Making, and a Star Losing His Light

LDP — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 02:42:06 GMT

And dray who did BB actually beat? O yeah that would be about nobody. He matured quicker than all in his generation, and if he were to race them today he would have his hands full. Also Curlin went in open company grade ones all year, aint his fault nobody wanted to run against him. BB in his last couple of races ducked competition. Curlin, ducked nobody, he danced every dance that is what duability is, and that is why BB couldn't ever race with him HS or SS. RP was no miler, he loved the added distance of 1 1/4, which is why he did so well. You are w/o a doubt a sore looser, at least i admitt my mistakes when proven wrong. If there is anyone on this entire blog that need to learn to grow up the most it is you.

re: A Superstar, a Star in the Making, and a Star Losing His Light

Draynay — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 02:35:46 GMT

Finally ! You admit it ! I'm number 1, I'm number 1 !!!