Travers Weekend Selections (And Prayers For Michael Straight)

re: Travers Weekend Selections (And Prayers For Michael Straight)

vikingblood — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:53:23 GMT

Wow, do you really read all of these blogs? Great job on your handicapping this past weekend. I just finished reading an autobiography by Bill Shoemaker, the greatest American jockey of all time. He truly was a marvelous, humble person and they way he dealt with his quadriplegia is phenomenal. He can only be compared to Lance Armstrong.

I love you Rene!

re: Travers Weekend Selections (And Prayers For Michael Straight)

LAZMANNICK — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 23:25:11 GMT

Saratoga:

I meant early in his career.....he was unraced at two remember and didn't start racing until this past March....The Haskell was run only a little more than four months into his career.....Don't get me wrong, she should be HOY and would get my votge, but there are a number of things to consider (e.g. no 1-1/4M race, if she loses the Woodward) that would sway voters another way.....anyway, hope she does well.

re: Travers Weekend Selections (And Prayers For Michael Straight)

Mike Relva — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 22:09:28 GMT

CARLOS IN CAL

Check your ego! If you were a fraction as bright as you think,then you would know Tim Ice has only had his license for a year. I think he's off to a good start. Guess you don't,right? lol

re: Travers Weekend Selections (And Prayers For Michael Straight)

Saratoga AJ — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 21:54:21 GMT

LAZ...OK...but August 2nd is not "early in the season". And she did beat him bad.

Her schedule, an the fact she is, after all, a 3yr. old filly...who even made August's Vogue Magazine..well if that's not HOTY I don't what is! :)

re: Travers Weekend Selections (And Prayers For Michael Straight)

Carlos in Cali — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 21:25:20 GMT

I predict RA will not run after the Woodward,which should be a cakewalk for her.The massive weight break & unimpressive older males will catapult her to victory.Too many good horses are peaking and improving now,don't expect to see her in either the JCGC with SB & QR at their prime best,or the Beldame with Icon Project,Music Note and Careless Jewel at their best racing form.If she's not going to the BC,then either one of these races should provide her w/the stiffest competition yet.Great Filly.

re: Travers Weekend Selections (And Prayers For Michael Straight)

LAZMANNICK — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:56:39 GMT

Saratoga:

If she loses......narrowly, she still has a chance for HOY, especially if she is charging and just misses at end as opposed to leading and being caught. However, If Summer Bird wins the JCGC and the BCC, that would be 3 wins at the classic 1-1/4 distance and one at 1-1/2M and three wins in $1M plus races. Awful hard to go against that. It could still be argued that RA beat SB, but that might have happened too early in the season as SB, provided he wins out, would be considered an improving horse.....Anyway you look at it, HOY is currently going through Rachel, but she could still lose out.

re: Travers Weekend Selections (And Prayers For Michael Straight)

Carlos in Cali — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:53:32 GMT

Relva: what spin? I said before the Travers that his claim to fame was SB's Belmont win.Ok,so he won the Travers too,good job.But 1 good horse doesn't make you a legendary trainer does it? Now can you answer my question.

re: Travers Weekend Selections (And Prayers For Michael Straight)

My Juliet — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:14:56 GMT

Rachel Alexandra is by far the most exciting horse in racing now, I will never be 'bored' by talk of her, surprised some think that way. I don't think a horse,esp a filly, like this can be talked about enough. Very disappointing ESPN not showing the race, very thankful to Bloodhorse and You Tube. I'm rooting for her, but preparing myself- as the Old Timers would say,"anything can happen in a horse race"-no sure thing. Here's hoping most of all, RA and all horses and riders come back safely from the race. I think Jess Jackson is good for this sport, this excitment is because he wasn't afraid to try this brilliant filly against colts.

re: Travers Weekend Selections (And Prayers For Michael Straight)

Mike Relva — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:12:46 GMT

CARLOS IN CA

I figured as much that you would attempt to put a spin on it. Face it,you looked foolish regarding your misplaced remark last week before the Travers. Why don't you simply admit it?

re: Travers Weekend Selections (And Prayers For Michael Straight)

Euro the Conqueror — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 19:48:49 GMT

Darynay,

why wait until next year, when the top horses will show up this year. Next year most will be retired. The connections to Sea the Stars and Fame and Glory have been pointing for the Breeders Cup for months now, god help they keep their form and health in good order, they will be there. Now Colonel John, why do you have to wait to commit on him until the Pacific Classic, he's a good horse just stick with him man, I saw him run last year, he finished right behind Curlin, He's not a bad horse.

2:24

Sea The Stars is breaking records. He is the first horse since Nashwan to pull off the Guineas-Derby Double. Here in Europe there is disappointment in not going for the Triple Crown, but the colt has put on a great show so far, he is already being compared to the great champions of the past, but the year is not over, and like the Champion we know he is he will continue his quest in in becoming a legend, if he falters, he's still a great horse, Now fe is going to face his most formidable rival in Fame and Glory, who he defeated before, but Fame and Glory also has that quality everyone looks for in a top horse. In the Arc, Stacelita will be a huge challenge. She is already being regarded as this years Zarkava. She has been simply electrifying. Now, I dont prematurely call a horse legendary until his or her career is over. Zarkava last year could have been kept running against her own sex, and would still be called one of the all time great fillies, but the Aga Khan sent her in the Arc, risking what, her legacy was already cemented as a top filly even before the Arc, but her win in the Arc is what made her the living legend she is now. And what better example of her greatness than Goldikova's success. Goldikova is being called by her trainer as being better than the legendary Miesque, a filly he rode. And Zarkava toyed with Goldikova.

So why wait until next year, when you can make history this year.

re: Travers Weekend Selections (And Prayers For Michael Straight)

Householder — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 19:42:44 GMT

Draynay. Wait until ESPN starts its college football lineup. Right now it is easier to see a cricket match than to see a live horse race. Fox Sports West does the same thing. At 5:30 sharp it switches from The Del Mar Handicap loading into the gate to golf from Augusta. Could they not have waited 2 minutes until the race had been run?

re: Travers Weekend Selections (And Prayers For Michael Straight)

Tim G — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 19:36:07 GMT

steve, TAKE THE CAPS OFF.

READ. I said I don't publish my picks, don't tout anyone. What do you not understand about that?????

That is VERY common for real handicappers. Jason does it because he's a BLOGGER and turf writer.

re: Travers Weekend Selections (And Prayers For Michael Straight)

Carlos in Cali — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 19:00:16 GMT

Mike Relva: tell the truth,did you even know about Tim Ice before SB came along?...can you name any other horse in his barn?...I thought so.And BTW,fire your Horse racing tutor,it's not working. BAM!! lol

re: Travers Weekend Selections (And Prayers For Michael Straight)

steve s — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 18:49:50 GMT

DID TIM G HAVE A PICK FOR ANY RACE

re: Travers Weekend Selections (And Prayers For Michael Straight)

Mike Relva — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 18:35:28 GMT

GREG J

How are you? Regarding Tour Of The Cat,we will see him and his friends at the Old Friends farm on Sept 12.

re: Travers Weekend Selections (And Prayers For Michael Straight)

Mike Relva — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 18:32:51 GMT

CARLOS IN CA

Seems like you "say alot w/ saying anything". When are you gonna address how foolish you looked with your comment about Tim Ice before Summer Bird won last week? GET A REALITY CHECK!

re: Travers Weekend Selections (And Prayers For Michael Straight)

Carlos in Cali — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 18:19:17 GMT

I noticed the micro-managing owner,JJackson has held another one of his 'egotistical,breaking news conferences' in which he says alot about nothing,leaving the window wide-open,just in case.His 'schtick' is getting old real quick and by him putting himself in the limelight all the damn time,he's opened himself up to criticism by the fans and whomever. I don't recall any other Owner who constantly seeks the headlines as much as he has.

re: Travers Weekend Selections (And Prayers For Michael Straight)

Tim G — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:54:23 GMT

ps. however, I'm not going to say that I NEVER TRY to beat the dead favorite. If I see something that clicks, I'll certainly give it my best shot.

As Rick Dutrow proved, there IS NO SUCH THING as a SURE THING.

That's what gamblers do, try to beat the odds.

re: Travers Weekend Selections (And Prayers For Michael Straight)

Tim G — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:51:45 GMT

It ain't Good.

Not sure you understand what I'm saying or what Greg is saying. We don't bet EVERY longshot, we don't even bet EVERY race. We are gamblers and handicappers and I at least own some. It isn't like I bet $2 on every single race on a longshot or even a favorite. I have certain horses that I'm going to bet and I assure you I won't even waste my time to go bet a dead favorite. I'll just sit and watch the race and enjoy it.

I'll use a horse with short odds in an exotic or bet one of mine or a friends if they're the favorite. I just don't bet if I don't have something that I'm interested in after I work the form.

You speak like someone who thinks we trot up to the window and buy a ticket every single race????????

re: Travers Weekend Selections (And Prayers For Michael Straight)

Greg J. — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:45:24 GMT

The Rock,

I agree! While I want to see history made and see Rachel win, I will bet agaist her, not crazy amounts, But, It won't take alot to make alot. Right around your $60, I really like Bullsbay, The odds are very slim she won't win, But, Got nothing to lose(OK, Maybe $60, lol)...

re: Travers Weekend Selections (And Prayers For Michael Straight)

Saratoga AJ — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:35:57 GMT

Rachel drew pp 3.

I’m amazed she opened at 1-2 with second choice all the way up to 6-1. Amazing respect…this is a 3 YR OLD FILLY racing against seasoned G-1 GRADE OLDER MALES. I have never seen a scenario like this before in my 48 years going to the track. I wasn’t born the last time a 3 yr old filly pulled this off (1945).

re: Travers Weekend Selections (And Prayers For Michael Straight)

Saratoga AJ — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:23:25 GMT

LAZMANNICK:

Not sure I agree with you...even if she's beaten, as long as it's close, she already has HOTY won. Only way she could lose is to have Zen beat her. Even if Zen runs the table, including the BC Distaff, it won't come close to RA's campaign and accomplishments for 2009. If Zen should win the BC classic, maybe she could eke it out, but Moss won't chance it so she can retire undefeated, (for whatever good that does to a legacy of one state, two tracks of questionable surfaces, and most importantly inferior competition this year, and victories that are not nearly as impressive as last year with only 5 starts).

re: Travers Weekend Selections (And Prayers For Michael Straight)

The Rock — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 16:59:05 GMT

If Rachel Alexandra wins the Woodward, I'd tip my cap to her. I'd applaud her on her way back to the winner's circle. It would be an amazing feat. Now as a handicapper, its a step up. Its something that hasn't been done in the Modern Era. Given the very little value with her, I'd rather key on 2 horses on top in a Trifecta with the rest of the field and hope she runs off the board, or at least 3rd. Imagine the value if she runs OTB. I'd risk $60 to see history not happen. But I wouldn't lose my mind if I had to rip the ticket as well. Your guys' thougts?

re: Travers Weekend Selections (And Prayers For Michael Straight)

the_wiz — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 16:17:48 GMT

Jason, kicking a round ball into a net? My 3 year old granddaughter can do that.

Draynay 01 Sep 2009 1:08 PM

Well draynay my 3 yr old granddaughter can pick the derby winner better than you!! She's the one who chose MTB to win this years edition. The point I'm making is that if you believe soccer is so easy because a 3 yr old can kick a ball in a net then in comparison my 3 yr old grandaughter is a better handicapper than you since she out handicapped you in this years derby. Get real, my 11 month old grandson can throw a football. Does that make football a lesser sport?

re: Travers Weekend Selections (And Prayers For Michael Straight)

It aint easy being good! — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 16:04:23 GMT

Tim favorites win about 30% of the time that means you have 70% to find a winner other than the favorite meaning that most of the time you will lose taking a longshot to win. Talking the chalk is a smart bet when its a lock unlike the travers this weekend. I will go out on a limb and say RA will win on saturday but go ahead and bet on someone else and see what happens!