So, What is Their Thinking?

re: So, What is Their Thinking?

SawItComing — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 18:36:40 GMT

So - here we are - RA has been retired.

I've tried to post my comments here *multiple* times this year that RA *was not* and *would not ever be* the same horse again.

But my comments never got approved and posted to this site. Why, I do not know. Maybe no one really wanted to hear it from someone on the backstretch every day at 5am.

I am hoping now, perhaps, this comment will go through.

Assmussen piggybacked off Wiggins' training to get those two wins over males, and once his own training started to take effect on the filly, she was doomed.

I just wish my earlier comments - ALL YEAR ABOUT THIS - had been posted. That she would never be as good as she was when Wiggins trained her.

Either way, everyone knows the truth now. See you in the receiving barn.

re: So, What is Their Thinking?

KB — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 12:43:24 GMT

I say give RA back to Hal Wiggins. Her impressive wins last year were off of his training. Is she the same horse as last year? No. She is now reflecting the outcome of the SA training team. I think they should have retired her last year. She had nothing to prove and I did not want to see her get hurt. As for Z, that is like a professional football team, winning the championship after playing all year at their home field, playing the same mediocre teams over again. I am not saying that Z is not a fun horse to watch, she just has not been tested to compete against the riggors of shipping across the country to meet new competion at different tracks. That proves a real champion horse, and they don't have to win every race.

re: So, What is Their Thinking?

txhorsefan — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 22:48:02 GMT

jayjay and Easy Goer Fan, thank you so much for your kind words. It means a lot and I appreciate it. I understand what you mean about still missing the ones who are gone even when we still have fuzzy friends around us. Thanks.

In total agreement about the heat and humidity, EGF, I worry about the horses as well. Here in TX, last weekend was the final week of racing and I felt it was way too hot to keep going. It's blistering hot here and I really feel for the horses having to work so hard. It drains me to have to get out and do errands - lol!

Thanks,

Celeste

txhorsefan

re: So, What is Their Thinking?

EasyGoerFan — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 11:51:44 GMT

Celeste, as far I'm concerned, losing a beloved pet is one of the hardest things to deal with in life. I have lost a few that I still cry over despite the fact that I have seven dogs and four cats to keep my busy. You can't get over the loss right away so give yourself time.

A few days ago, Mr. Haskin posted on Facebook that the forecast high for Monmouth on Saturday will be 97 degrees. I don't know the city to check for updates but I looked at Jersey City yesterday and the NWS had lowered the Saturday forecast to 93 degrees. However, as of this morning, the NWS has raised the high temp to be 101 degrees!!! If the same is true of Monmouth, they may have to cancel the card. In high humidity, that is simply too hot. Horses and jockeys would be in danger. :(

re: So, What is Their Thinking?

Tai5 — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 06:16:20 GMT

Why is it okay for team Zen to stay out in california, (with two exceptions)and to pick and choose their races. Even if she has already run in them in previous years. While team RA is critized for doing the same this year? Because last year RA did something no other three year old filly has never done and we are expecting her to top that. RTR couldn't even run two races against the colts. One spectatular race in the Belmont and she was done: she only had another race in her and she was a big,stout filly. It is pretty obvious nobody likes JJ. Who cares! "He plays games... What about "retiring" Zen (Hollywood Park had her retirement event. She was even paraded between races. Now she is racing this year 2010. Good. the Mosses changed their minds. Are they the only ones entitled to do that. I would love to see her race outside of California and face males. Or why not have run in the Dubai World Cup? Look at past performances. She has faced a lot of the same fillies over and over. When she ran at Oaklawn in 09 Gingerpunch was pretty much done. As in ovet the top. Bring Zen to the East coast. Show her brillance to the rest of us. Do it before the BC where it might be another sloppy track and her owners keep her safely in the barn---as is THEIR choice. Safe from what is the question? For her health. Does she not do well on an off track? Or her unblemished record safe? Let her run. Show us....

re: So, What is Their Thinking?

jayjay — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 21:27:37 GMT

Celeste : Just remember, she's now running around and probably having a great time with the great horses like Secretariat, Man O War and alot more. Chasin' them around a big perfect green grassy knolls with blue skies and lots of bacon strips (not sure if you let her have those but it's all I can think of lol). :)

re: So, What is Their Thinking?

txhorsefan — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 01:46:03 GMT

I don't know if this is appropriate or not, but I wanted to come back to this blog and say thank you to all of you who were so kind to send such sweet expressions of sympathy and understanding to me after the loss of my dog. It's taking time to get back up to speed because she was such a big part of my time with all her special needs of her old age. We are coping and coming to terms with it, but of course, still miss her. Thank you all so much.

Celeste

txhorsefan

re: So, What is Their Thinking?

jayjay — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 06:53:56 GMT

Ahh, my bad. Being the LS is pretty much a workout, that is interesting. I would love to see that. She can try and deal with 2 things in one, travel to Zenyatta and (try to) beat Zenyatta :)

It's been hot here in California and will be hotter come August I'm guessing so I really don't have that much confidence that Zenyatta will actually run in the Hirsch. I think the problem with the poly in Delmar is when it's hot (it's looser and I don't think JS likes to run on it in that condition.) I'm going to go out on a limb and predict that around the 24th of July, Zenyatta will actually travel to Saratoga to run in the Ruffian assuming of course that she travels well. It's a light field except for Unrivaled Belle but it will give them time to fly back and still have time to recover or stay in Belmont (I just read that Belmont has eliminated the detention barn) for the duration of the campaign and come back to face Rachel in the PE or Beldame before winning the Classic :) .

re: So, What is Their Thinking?

Joe Wa. — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 03:03:46 GMT

jayjay, thanks for the response it being my first posted comment. But I wasn't suggesting that RA forego the LS as it is reported to be contested on the 24th of this month and the CH the 7th of next. Therefore if RA were to park and come back without any red cell issues she may be blowing fire on the quick turnaround, (only fifteen days between Oaks and Preakness), giving her the best shot I think she'll ever get at defeating Z.

re: So, What is Their Thinking?

jayjay — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:44:29 GMT

Joe Wa : As much as I would love to see Rachel travel over the rockies and race in the Hirsch, I think JJ is pretty much stuck with the LS, Monmouth moved that race just for him so I don't think he can pull out of it. Also, he had the race moved I believe so that it fits his schedule for Rachel and hopefully, he'll put her in the Personal Ensign race after this public workout.

re: So, What is Their Thinking?

MonicaV — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:03:15 GMT

kathleen o,

Jackson said last year before the Preakness that he would point her to the Classic at Churchill.

re: So, What is Their Thinking?

Joe Wa. — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:50:06 GMT

Steve and racing fans, here's a possible line of logic concerning JJ and SA decision to sent RA to Long Branch for the Lady's Secret, albeit a long shot- but just the same would shake up the racing world, (something so desperately needed), and give us all what we've been waiting for.

When and where else this season would connections get a crack at Z at a preferable eight and a half furlong distance, in a Grade1? And what better way to have R sharp as a tack than a two week bounce off an afternoon drill, returning from five in between, (they could nearly walk her into the race),? Yes JJ has sworn he would never race over a synthetic surface, but considering Z's apparent dislike of the Dmr. strip last season, (something conditioner commented on and complained about), one might reconsider. Could this possibly be what they have up their sleeve? Sure hope so but probably wishful thinking.

re: So, What is Their Thinking?

LDP — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 22:28:28 GMT

jayjay,

Calvin said he was sending her in that race. A race he didn't send her and we saw RA actually sit was the MG. Yes only two other horses, but they were speed crazed and RA sat, what maybe 3 off of them. She sat in the Oaks. I agree she will never be far off the lead but that is because of her high cruising speed.

re: So, What is Their Thinking?

LAZMANNICK — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 15:51:35 GMT

Mike Relva

Hey bud. Does a leopard ever change its spots. Afleetalexforever was taking his ususal shot at Cali racing and we all know that Zen is the face of the sport on that TOUGH CIRCUIT.

re: So, What is Their Thinking?

kathleen o — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 15:08:44 GMT

cali, the only thing the team RA has said is that they're pointing to the BC. They've never said the Classic

re: So, What is Their Thinking?

Mike Relva — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 23:23:46 GMT

AFLEETALEXFOREVER

Wow! No usual swipe at Zenyatta?

re: So, What is Their Thinking?

Steve Haskin — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 21:35:03 GMT

Thank you, Woodswoman. They havent scheduled their stakes yet, because they only recently found out that there would be an Oak Tree at Santa Anita meeting this year. I imagine it will be either Oct. 2 or 3.

I didnt say I was removing the comments function on my blogs. I only said I would not write blogs anymore about Rachel or Zenyatta. Anything I write about them will be straight stories on the website, which are never open to comments. All my blogs, like my latest one on Awesome Gem, will be open to comments as usual.

re: So, What is Their Thinking?

Woodswoman — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 20:59:55 GMT

This is my first time posting although I've been reading the blogs here for a long time. I want to start with an enthusiastic thank you to you, Mr. Haskin. Your thoughtful, engaging posts are wonderful and informative. I always gain new insights and look forward to your posts.

One question--for the life of me I can't find out when the Zenyatta Stakes is being run this year. I've looked online everywhere I can think of but clearly I'm missing something. Can you share the 2010 date of the race?

One last thing--I haven't posted before for the very reason you have mentioned: the unfortunate tendency that some people stray from horse racing topics and into comments about the character of other people posting. I'm all for debating my-horse-is-better-than-your-horse, but I confess I'm mystified by the widespread pattern on the web of personal attacks. So I just want to applaud you for your decision to remove the comments function in your future articles about Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta.

Thank you again for your positivity and all the great stories you share. Cheers.

re: So, What is Their Thinking?

caliboy28 — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 19:39:12 GMT

OMG, I can't believe I actually sat here and read half of the nonsense responses posted here...

First of all, anyone clamoring for RA's retirement is out of their gourd! Even the two races she LOST this year would have been considered pretty good efforts if run by any other horse NOT named Rachel Alexandra. By all accounts (including independent ones), she continues to train superbly and she did win her last race in a time that was even faster than the one put in by Blame in the Foster (in spite of all her "problems" which Steve pointed to in that race) - so what exactly is it that indicates she needs to be sent to the breeding shed? Secondly, I think that Team Rachel have been very clear about the BCC being the ultimate goal for her and that they'd like to keep her on roughly an every 5 week schedule - so why is everyone pretending that everything is such a mystery? I've seen it quoted over and over again, so I understand how the "ungraded" Lady's Secret simply fits better into the schedule they currently have her on. I guess all I'm saying is that the horse racing community could do with a few less Madame Cleo's... you'd think half of you were there every day watching her train, eat and sleep when all you've REALLY seen is what 99% of the rest of have seen - two decent races (albeit, 2nd place finishes) and one really good win.

Peace out and good luck to Team Rachel! I am looking forward to the rest of the year!

re: So, What is Their Thinking?

jayjay — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 19:21:47 GMT

I'm not a vegetarian but I try not to eat cows. I stick with McDonalds.

Steve : I agree that owners should give full control to the trainers as far as how the horse gets to the race and what race they go to. One thing though, with the likes of Todd Pletcher and Steve Asmussen and Bob Baffert who have hundreds of horses and I don't see them slowing down, do you think that contributes to how owners now act as far as wanting to get more involved. I take it that in the past, trainers probably have less then 50 horses in their stable and they can put more attention to each horses.

LDP : I just think Rachel is one dimensional when it comes to her running style. Even with the Woodward last year, with Da Tara there to set the pace, Rachel still went for the lead. I don't think they can get her to rate and be just off the pace. She'll always be on or very near the lead. She wouldn't know what to do if she has to come off the pace specially against the likes of QR and RT. It's too late in the game to change her style if they want her to go to the Classic. The races after this public workout will have to be top level if they are going to get her in the Classic, not a race to experiment if she can rate or not.

re: So, What is Their Thinking?

Ted from LA — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 10:25:39 GMT

Dr., If God wanted us to be vegetarians, she would not have made cows taste so good.

re: So, What is Their Thinking?

Zookeeper — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 01:18:52 GMT

Dr Drunkinbum,

I saw him gallop but not work. I tried to feed him but all he wanted was more and more petting. I guess he knows an animal lover when he sees one.

re: So, What is Their Thinking?

Dr Drunkinbum — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 23:45:44 GMT

Ted from LA

Medium rare but I'm afraid the medium rare would actually be a rare or a raw so I say medium rare toward the medium side. I'd like to be a vegetarian like Steve but my body revolts against it and I feel like milk toast. Stick around. I don't know what took you so long. We'll have some fun.

Zookeeper

Did you feed him yet? Did you watch him work?

re: So, What is Their Thinking?

Dr Drunkinbum — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 23:31:43 GMT

Woohoo !!!! Ted from LA is here. Ted from LA is here. That's what I like to see. Now we're talking. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

re: So, What is Their Thinking?

Jim C. — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 21:52:20 GMT

To afleetalexforever:

You say: "Not so much for the rest of the owners in Cali who have buried and hid their proverbial heads in the synthetic surface."

Really? Don't let the facts get in the way of your parochial invective. Seems to me there have been plenty of SoCal shippers who have done just fine this year on the dirt.

What about Zardana, who went to the Fair Grounds in March and defeated the Horse of the Year?

What about Zenyatta, who showed up at Oaklawn for the Apple Blossom (where the Horse of the Year was nowhere to be found)?

What about Lookin at Lucky, who won the Rebel and the Preakness?

What about American Lion, who won the Illinois Derby?

What about Line of David, who won the Arkansas Derby?

What about Game on Dude, who won the Lone Star Derby?

Other than Forever Together (a turf horse, who lost to Tuscan Evening), I cannot think of any top Eastern horses that have shipped West so far this year.