kentucky derby trail

Hangin' With Haskin posts tagged "kentucky derby trail"

Some Random Derby Thoughts as the Dozen Draws Near

The field of runners embarking on the 2018 Kentucky Derby trail, have gathered, like the massive throng on the Verrazano Bridge before the start of the New York Marathon, and they are now five days into their annual assault on Churchill Downs that will involve four months of blissful torture for owners and trainers who envision the blanket of roses draped over their horse's withers on the First Saturday in May, but are fearful of the many pitfalls that stand in their path. This is the time when every early morning phone call brings a feeling of dread.... Read More

Bolt d'Oro Taking the Right Path

As a historian and traditionalist, I have stated on several occasions that I am a firm believer, as were the trainers of the past, in starting a horse's 3-year-old campaign in a sprint to sharpen him up for the rigors of the Triple Crown trail, especially those with extensive 2-year-old campaigns competing at two turns at the highest level. ... Read More

Ky. Derby Trail: Cry Uncle

OK, so two weeks ago, someone tells you the April 9 Wood Memorial (gr. I), Santa Anita Derby (gr. I), and Illinois Derby (gr. III) are going to be won by Toby's Corner, Midnight Interlude, and Joe Vann, respectively, and that Arthur's Tale is going to finish second in the Wood. Which of the following would have been your reply: a) Huh? b) Who? c) What? d) All of the above.... Read More

Ky. Derby Trail: Mucho Gracias

Just when it looked as if form was about to do an about face and leave us with a core of 3-year-olds who like the past couple of years keep beating each other, up popped Much Macho Man, Santiva, and Rogue Romance to boost last year's form by finishing 1,2,3 in Saturday's Risen Star Stakes (gr. II). ... Read More

Ky. Derby Trail: Leave the Training to Trainers

  • 08 Feb 2011 8:45 AM

Over the past decade or so, racing has seen a new breed of owner enter the sport, many with a corporate philosophy. And like most corporations, there is the need for a manager, whether he or she goes by the title of GM or in this instance racing manager.... Read More

Ky. Derby Trail: A Challenge to the Derby Dozen

  • 01 Feb 2011 8:50 AM

The following is the Derby preview article that will appear in the Feb. 12 issue of the Blood-Horse. But before we get to that, let's try something different this year. Debuting this week is the Derby Dozen. But what are the chances even half of those horses listed will even make it to Churchill Downs? And what are the chances the Derby winner is among them? ... Read More

Ky. Derby Trail: A Ghost of a Chance

  • 24 Jan 2011 1:15 PM

Next week, Blood-Horse magazine officially kicks off its Kentucky Derby coverage with a Derby preview cover story, the Derby contenders' racing and pedigree profiles, and, of course, the Derby Dozen.... Read More

Kentucky Derby Trail: Memorable Moments

We're getting close to judgment day -- finding that single horse or betting angle or most attractive overlay possibilities. Until the horses can be observed in the flesh starting next week, here are some of the most memorable moments on this year's Derby trail in one person's opinion that will help in finding potential overlays.... Read More

Kentucky Derby Trail: It's Miller Time, Too

Like all quarters, General Quarters is a two-sided coin. So far, it's only come up heads, with the face of Tom McCarthy and his Cinderella story receiving all the press. But a flip of the coin to the tails side will reveal the faded and forgotten face of Mark Miller.... Read More

Kentucky Derby Trail: Old Fashioned Blunder

Starting from the first Derby Dozen, I had Old Fashioned ranked No. 1 for five consecutive weeks, despite many people insisting he hadn't beaten anyone and would not stay the mile and a quarter. Prior to the Rebel, my comment on Derby Dozen concluded with, Don't expect any fireworks until the Arkansas Derby.... Read More

Kentucky Derby Trail: Coast Clash Looms Big

It's not quite the Sunshine Millions, but this year's Kentucky Derby (gr. I) is looking like a regional battle between California- and Florida-based horses, who at this point appear on their way to occupying the top four favorite roles in the Run for the Roses.... Read More

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