Haskin's Triple Crown Wrap-Up

re: Haskin's Triple Crown Wrap-Up

Slew — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 22:01:19 GMT

I do marvel at the feat Zenyatta has accomplished. Since 1764, when Eclipse was born, only 2 horses have ever closed in on his undefeated career of 19 wins, and they are both mares. 240 years of racing, and Zenyatta is the first grade 1 horse to come that close. Pepper's Pride already matched it but in lesser company. Wow. We are ever so blessed to watch these great race mares astound us with every hoof step. It took a lot of work to scrape my jaw off the floor this past weekend, and now I'm being thrilled by Royal Ascot and yet again another world champion mare, Goldikova. Wow!

re: Haskin's Triple Crown Wrap-Up

KatSan — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:55:33 GMT

Well I guess meanness and controversy sells. So does disrespect and hatefulness.

I'd much rather read Steve's feelgood stories that make me proud to be in racing. They aren't always sunshine and roses and they address some of the issues but in a kinder way.

Apparently just SOME of us upset the other guy. Saw someone who said he's an owner but also would never give his name, explain the figure 8 and break down races. Maybe because the initials are JAJ the blog guy thinks its someone important?

I wish you could find a publisher Steve. Imagine the story of the Ladies of the present and what a great read that would make!

re: Haskin's Triple Crown Wrap-Up

Slew — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 11:10:30 GMT

Thanks Dr. D. Saved again!

There has to be something to a collective consciousness. I was jumping up and down, and trying to help push her closer to the finish line. Maybe we all did. I feel as though we were all a part of Zen's win. But she shouldn't freak me out like that.

Zookeeper: don't give up on us; we love to hear what you have to say.

KatSan: You were treated unfairly on the other blog. Some folks are just rude...you're definitely not one of them....and I appreciate your point of view.

However, Gun Bow did present an excellent replay of Zen's race; he's interesting to read.

Can't wait for Steve's take on the Weekend. Ascot starts today.

re: Haskin's Triple Crown Wrap-Up

KatSan — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 21:09:53 GMT

Dr Drunkinbum, thank you for those kind words. I guess I'm not the only one who gets challenged, apparently just people who actually are in the industry. Be prepared Zookeeper.

I think I yelled louder for Zenyatta than I ever have any of ours and I yell pretty loud, well not too loud I'm very soft spoken and other than on a blog very reserved. That's why I don't give my identity. I can be bolder on here than I am in real life.

Yes we loved that little gelding. He had a heart of a lion and was smarter than the average human. It was a couple years ago and we still mourn and miss him. We've had a lot of them we kept until the day they passed, most very old when they finally left us.

Everyone I know was screaming and yelling for Zenyatta. I think she knows what she's doing to us and she probably stands there after the race and says "Silly people, I love toying with you. Now I'll stand here and let you admire me and just wish you could get to feed me peppermints."

re: Haskin's Triple Crown Wrap-Up

sherpa — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 20:11:16 GMT

Zk - I'm looking forward to LOTS of training/progress reports from you! You should feel free to talk about him any time in any blog because you'll be experiencing in real life what so many of us can only dream of. Share your great adventure with us!

re: Haskin's Triple Crown Wrap-Up

Dr Drunkinbum — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 20:04:51 GMT

Zookeeper

You were describing me watching the race. Did you cry like a baby or just have tears in your eyes and have to wipe the one that dropped down. Or did you have 17 tears drip down your face?

re: Haskin's Triple Crown Wrap-Up

Dr Drunkinbum — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 20:02:24 GMT

Slew

I like that defibrilator idea. Then we can watch Zenyatta race without worry. Careful with that nitro !!! "Slew, the race is over. Slew, Slew. Stand clear. Shock. She's OK now. She's getting stronger. Last time it took two shocks." Slew-"Am I in heaven?" EMT-"I think we all are. Where else are you going to watch an ol' mare win 17 in a row coming from Timbuktu everytime."

re: Haskin's Triple Crown Wrap-Up

Zookeeper — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 17:59:24 GMT

sherpa,

What a beautiful description of Mr. Haskin's writing. I hope he delights us with his take on this weekend's racing, particularly with Zenyatta's triumph in the Vanity.

I took a few days off because I needed some quiet time to make the very important decision of either jumping in or sitting on the sidelines for the rest of my days. Now that I've done it, I have no doubt that it was the right decision, no matter what happens. There's a lot of other things I could have done with the money... but I doubt any of them would make me as happy and hopeful as I feel now. Thank you for your words of congratulations. They mean a lot to me. :)

re: Haskin's Triple Crown Wrap-Up

sherpa — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:33:15 GMT

Whenever I read one of Steve Haskins' wrap-ups, I feel like I've watched a really good movie. All the threads of the horses and connections are woven together into a living, breathing tapestry that delights the eye and draws me further into the "plot" and pageantry of this glorious sport. What was clouded becomes clear, questions are answered, satisfaction is assured. And you can't beat the price of admission! LOL

Zookeeper, I was worried about you while you were away but you returned with the most exciting news! Congratulations on becoming an OWNER!!!

re: Haskin's Triple Crown Wrap-Up

Slew — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:44:06 GMT

Doctor Drinkinbum: Where were you when I needed you? Next time Zenyatta races, get over here and bring the defibrillator. Between the '09 Hirsch and this year's Vanity...??? Popping all that nitro gives me a headache. The EMTs don't want me to watch Zenyatta any more...but I'm addicted. Guess next time the old ticker stops, I'll have to call AAA for a jump start. Congratulations Zen, RA, Blame and Rail Trip. Great Weekend!

re: Haskin's Triple Crown Wrap-Up

Dr Drunkinbum — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 13:24:27 GMT

KatSan

I'm sorry about losing your old gelding. It's very difficult to go through. You don't have to give personal information on any blog. That's ridiculous. Don't do it !! As far as cosmetic surgery, you don't need it. It's obvious that you're beautiful. Why walk around with a tight face that makes it more difficult to smile? Yes, both Rachel and Zenyatta were great, as were Rail Trip and Blame. The stars were aligned. Zenyatta was nerve racking, then total joy. What a treat. She's a genius. She uses calculus and trigonometry to figure out exactly how far and how fast she needs to run after she's run a quarter mile, then does it with perfect timing. What a tease.

re: Haskin's Triple Crown Wrap-Up

Fran Loszynski — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 11:53:11 GMT

Lorraine,

I want to see Uptowncharlybrown, Backtalk and Dublin race together. Why? because there is alot of heart behind these horses and great stories and when we start analyzing win, place, and show-we need feel good stories and racehorses with legacies. I'm so glad you love your horse the way you do- I'm sure he tries to win for all 59 of you! Good Luck and hope to see you and Uptowncharlybrown at the Haskell, Travers, or Breeder's Cup. Go Dublin-Go Uptowncharlybrown-Go Backtalk for Smarty J.

re: Haskin's Triple Crown Wrap-Up

Zookeeper — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 03:19:39 GMT

KatSan,

Please don't let somebody push you out of any blog. You certainly ARE entitled to your opinion and besides, I can't think of anything you wrote that was offensive. If the good ones leave, we are left with the likes of "you know who". We need you on both blogs. You're one of the best.

Dr Drunkinbum,

I think I'm getting too old to watch Zenyatta race. For a few seconds, I thought her goose was cooked. I started yelling like a banshee. Go Zen! Go! PLEASE GO! When she finally passed St Trinians I was shaking like a leaf. What an incredible mare! St Trinians gave it all she had. Both were very impressive today. It was a heck of a race! I still can't wrap my head around the fact that Zen is still undefeated. Amazing!

re: Haskin's Triple Crown Wrap-Up

Karen2 — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:39:47 GMT

Steve....your glass is always half full......anytime horses step on the track, it's exciting. You are a genuine true blue horse racing fan. Although the hype of the triple crown is fun......and ads extra flavor, the true spirit of horseracing is far more than the star power.....thanks for always saying what needs to be said.

re: Haskin's Triple Crown Wrap-Up

KatSan — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:25:33 GMT

I'm sure you won't see my post over there Footlick. But have I ever mispoken to you? Is a horseman not entitled an opinion?

Do you know many of us who run at Zia, Ruidoso and Sunland?

Everyone else is entitled anonymity but race trackers? When we give an opinion it is usually colored by the fact that we own or train horses. Not much respect is given to ANY of us by some people.

Linda, my hubby had an old gelding that we tried to save, we finally had to put him down. You ever see two old cowboys, him and his friend, bawl their eyes out? Sad day.

re: Haskin's Triple Crown Wrap-Up

KatSan — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:06:25 GMT

Zookeeper, I bought a complete set of the paperbacks for my grandnephew when they were on sale for $5 a week or so ago. My favorites are the ones Steve wrote.

re: Haskin's Triple Crown Wrap-Up

Dr Drunkinbum — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:06:09 GMT

Sweet Seventeen

OMG. What are they trying to do, give me a heart attack. I didn't think she was going to get there. I think I've gone through that before. A great record for a come out of the clouds every time horse. When I finally let my breath out I realized I hadn't been breathing. I think it's nice that she set the record at her home track.

re: Haskin's Triple Crown Wrap-Up

KatSan — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:01:10 GMT

Thank you Dr Drunkinbum. I'm sure you read the disrespect given to me by a certain blogger because I won't disclose my name. I figure he just wants to call me out like he does all the others in racing who even give their names.

I was so happy to get to see Zenyatta run today, i even bailed out on the evening chores. The pay is lousy anyway, free family labor. I was happy to see Rachel Alexandra win yesterday. Good things which happen in racing give me hope.

By the way do you do cosmetic surgery? A tuck here a lift there? I could use a little help.

re: Haskin's Triple Crown Wrap-Up

Dr Drunkinbum — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 22:03:02 GMT

Zookeeper

Yes, if as safe as humanly possible. There is nothing worse than catastrophic breakdowns, and that is the primary consideration but I'm not convinced that a dirt track can't be made safe, and maintained- geared toward safety. When they maintain the track so that they can get faster times rather than be concerned that it is safe is where there is a problem. I don't like the injuries that are popping up on some synthetics. Maybe there is a synthetic that would work for SA. The ones they've tried haven't worked. Will just have to hope for the best, and trust that they will make the right decision this time and choose and maintain a safe track that can handle the rain and last. Did you read Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand?

re: Haskin's Triple Crown Wrap-Up

Linda in Texas — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 20:04:27 GMT

Oh my goodness, Steve, i just read about Kip Deville, he had been on my mind for a week. I am so sorry, i just asked about him in the comment i just submitted. I had not read anything but your article. Laminitis is such a cruel way for any horse to lose his life.

I am heartbroken. It truly is another sad gray day, now. May he Rest Peacefully. He was such a brave and patient fella and i was so pulling for him to overcome this awful disease.

re: Haskin's Triple Crown Wrap-Up

Linda in Texas — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 19:55:38 GMT

Steve, thanks for mentioning Lookin at Lucky,Uptowncharleybrown and Eightyfiveinafifty, Jackson Bend and my newest pick to go places, First Dude. Going to mention this right up front, because that is where i have been all along with all of them. Never gave up on Lucky. And what a heart First Dude showed in The Belmont and Jackson Bend was a heck of a trooper in hid own right.

I feel we will see all of these horses in winners circles as the year goes along.

I am just now able to spend some time reading your wrap up and have glanced over it lightly, but since it is hopefully "Sunday Silence Day" no one will ring my doorbell, call on the phone to chat, or call because they need a place to stay because their battery went dead on their 'doolie' in the middle of nowhere while pulling the horses home from the local rodeo our town just had for 3 nights. Now that one i would stop and help.

So now i will go back and reread your article. Read all the comments and then move on to the next quarter of the year regards racing.

Also reading that Rachel won her race. I am very happy about that, but was not familiar with the horses she raced. But that's okay. Rachel looked over at a horse coming up on her right and seemed irked that 'how dare they'. That's attitude. Good for her! She will get her spirit back.

And speaking of spirit, cannot help but think about Mrs. Hine and her Skip Away and hope that time will be gentle with her and that the chunk of her heart that Skip Away took with him will begin to cope as time goes by. I know the feeling as i lost my son Edward last March. You never forget something you loved that was a part of your everyday, whether it be human or animal,but somehow you begin to accept it with each passing day and the hurt begins to subside somewhat.

Was wondering what do the owners and manager/trainer have in store for Paddy O'Prado in the racing department, and how is Kip Deville doing?

Skip, Kip and Paddy, still loving those grays!

Steve, hope the summer is good to you and your special ladies,Joan and Mandy.

And thanks again. I love your horse sense! Or better yet, your sense of all horses!! And your respect for all of them cannot be discounted.

re: Haskin's Triple Crown Wrap-Up

Zookeeper — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 18:47:33 GMT

Dr Drunkinbum,

Well done on Caminadora!

I do better with turf races at SA also, but I don't know why.

As far as the main track, it looks very iffy to me. From what I've read, Frank Stronach is looking at all kinds of synthetics and it would not surprise me one bit if he went with one of those.

I don't have a real strong opinion on the subject. I think that synthetics haven't been around long enough for the statistics to be truly meaningful. All I know is that there have been less catastrophic injuries on race day since they have been in place here in California and that means a lot to me.

I know it would make a lot of people very happy if SA returned to dirt. If it does, I hope with all my heart that it is as safe as humanly possible.

re: Haskin's Triple Crown Wrap-Up

Citation — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 17:42:32 GMT

I meant Coronation Stakes.

re: Haskin's Triple Crown Wrap-Up

Dr Drunkinbum — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 15:27:43 GMT

Zookeeper

Yes I did but not much. The three Triple Crown races threw me off course so I didn't bet what I normally would have and I could have gotten the 10k Tri too so I'm a little disappointed. Caminadora was All Systems Go so I was very confident. Third off a layoff and looking fabulous pre-race for Pletcher, a great turf pedigree, especially on the bottom, against an even field and great odds. But at least I'm back on track. Personally I think it would be great if SA went back to dirt. Then I can play it seriously again. I had success still with their turf races but not as much with the pro ride.

re: Haskin's Triple Crown Wrap-Up

Dr Drunkinbum — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 03:33:45 GMT

KatSan

I hope this gets posted and I hope you read it. I love your posts. You've given a lot of great insight.