Countdown to the Cup: Second Life

re: Countdown to the Cup: Second Life

Zookeeper — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 03:22:19 GMT

Dr Drunkinbum,

Everybody should have a cheerleader like you in their corner. And you don't even need pompoms! You're amazing!

re: Countdown to the Cup: Second Life

Dr Drunkinbum — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 21:05:54 GMT

Zookeeper

Have you seen Steve Haskin lately? From Runflatout's pedigree he might be able to run on any surface. It will be interesting. Looks like he might be a sprinter but you never know. I hope he does try turf also. Really nice family he's got, including the human side. I just think it's wonderful of you to share this experience with us. I'm a big fan of Runflatout. He's one of my top two favorite horses.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Second Life

Barbara W — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 19:51:51 GMT

Thank you so much for this story. I was wondering about the name change. Also, I was wondering why so many thought she could win until I looked up her stellar pedigree.

She can be proud that she gave Rachel such a run for her money for most of the race.

Keep these stories coming! We horse lovers love to feed on the behind-the-scenes information!

re: Countdown to the Cup: Second Life

Linda in Texas — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 17:05:10 GMT

Thank you Steve,i am sure they all have stories, but you seem to be the only one i know who finds the real story. Bless Life at Ten and the thousands like her whose stories we will never know.

And i so agree with Ghost Town, Jay Jay, Mike Relva and Mary in VT.

As i write this, Rachel has lost to Persistently. And what a shame the whip was used 'persistently' on Rachel. My heart goes out to Rachel, what must she be thinking she did wrong to get so many lashes on a pretty Sunday afternoon in Saratoga.

She was ahead the entire race up until the last few feet. We have

to respect her for that and not give up on her.

Interesting story on Persistently winning in the same colors as a prior winner of The Personal Ensign for the Phipps Family. Very nice for them indeed.

I wish they all could win and though i, too, have my favorites i always admire the winner and never give up on those that didn't win. I don't call any of them losers and never will. But i will give the winner their just due.

Thanks Steve for the story of Life at Ten. I don't know how your heart fits in your shirts!!!!

re: Countdown to the Cup: Second Life

Dr Drunkinbum — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 21:36:04 GMT

Did you see The Fugitive episode where Tuesday Weld was blind? Speaking of The Fugitive, has anyone ever gotten in and out of more serious trouble than Dr. Richard Kimble in The Fugitve TV show?

re: Countdown to the Cup: Second Life

Old Timer — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 20:29:04 GMT

Nice story Steve. One thing for certain is that both Rachel & Life at Ten will have their biggest test of the year later today. It should be a great race.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Second Life

Zookeeper — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 16:24:14 GMT

Mr. Haskin,

Amazing story! Thank you for telling us not only how Life at Ten got her unusual name, but also the many bumps she encountered on the road to her current success on the track.

I knew that Todd Pletcher is an outstanding trainer, but I didn't know that he has the patience to give a talented horse the chance to get "right" and to shine the way LaT has done this year. A new facet of TP, previously unknown to me. (It's not like he's an open book.) lol!

It is going to be difficult to not root for her in the Personal Ensign. It will be equally hard to not root for Rachel Alexandra, who's own story has endeared her to me. What a dilemna!

I guess it's Go Rachel! Go Life at Ten! May the best horse win! And let them all come out of the race safe and sound!

P.S. Update on Runflatout will come later.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Second Life

Roe Rauch ( wife of Joseph Rauch ) Capt Candy Ma — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 12:38:52 GMT

Hi Steve,

At this time, a year after Capt Candy Man Can won the Kings Bishops 2009,I think of you and thank you for the wonderful article that you wrote about my husband Joe. He liked you very much and could barely contain his enthusiasm with Capt Candy Man Can. He is missed so much especially by his family and friends. He must be near in spirit.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Second Life

rolene — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 04:17:16 GMT

steve, thank,s for a wonderful story. we need more happy news.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Second Life

rolene — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 04:13:52 GMT

THIS was a heartfelt story. And,Todd Pletcher Thank-You for beliving in this filly.Ilove Life at Ten,s sire.(Malibu Moon) And I think it will be her day on Sunday.

AND, WE SHOULD HOPE FOR A SAFE AND GREAT RACE. I know it is a Business, but I just LOVE them.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Second Life

txhorsefan — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 03:42:22 GMT

Wonderful story, Steve! It makes me kind of sad to realize how few and far between the stories of owners with patience, willing to work through the horse's troubles and minor injuries are, but maybe we just need to search harder and have less emphasis on the harsher articles that are always out there. You definitely are the writer who does the groundwork to bring these details to us with such emotion that we feel a part of the horse's family, too. Thank you once again for your diligence in bringing the background of Life At Ten to light for us. I'm in total agreement with the comments of my fellow Steve Haskin fans, too - thanks to you all also.

Celeste

txhorsefan

re: Countdown to the Cup: Second Life

Mike Relva — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 20:38:49 GMT

DR. D.

Thanks for your comments. When I read your posts always very impressed knowing you are a "thinker".

re: Countdown to the Cup: Second Life

ruffianruns — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 14:34:39 GMT

GhostTown - Love your post and I'm rooting for the couch eating puppy too!

Mr. Haskin - I just love your in depth reporting on these horses! This article makes it really, really hard to root against this amazing girl, but I have to go with my first love Rachel Alexandra.

Besides loving Rachel for surviving her remarkable season last year, I just can't get over the fact that Rachel was rejected as a baby by her mama. That and being sold and transferred, and her less than stellar season this year, and people knocking her, and... I could go on. She's an amazing horse, and I will always love her.

That said, if Life at Ten pulls it off, I can't knock her. She's certainly very deserving, and I love the patience that her connections have shown with her. That's heartwarming.

And jayjay, Mike Relva, and Dr D - sure you can root for whoever you want, but just so you know: I have NEVER rooted against your favorite!

Safe trips for all and GO RACHEL!

re: Countdown to the Cup: Second Life

Dr Drunkinbum — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 00:08:00 GMT

Mike Relva

Thank you very much. I've always loved your honest and emotional style. I'm always saying "yes!!!!" to your posts.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Second Life

racingheart — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 22:35:08 GMT

Sherpa~

Yes! I totally agree! Steve's stories carry me on such emotional journeys that I can see the people standing in front of the horses with arms crossed, shaking their heads. I can smell the shed rows & hear the horses breathing & snorting as they pass by on the track. My sister & I think that Steve should compile a book about Overachieving Underrated Heroes. It would speak volumes for the blue collar kings & queens of horse racing!

Thank you again, Steve for a lovely read. You're just as much a hero as the horses in these stories for capturing their lives!

re: Countdown to the Cup: Second Life

Mike Relva — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 21:03:25 GMT

DR DRUNKINBUM

I enjoy your posts very much. Thanks.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Second Life

Dr Drunkinbum — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:05:23 GMT

GhostTown

Wonderful post. Glad you're here. You have a beautiful style.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Second Life

Dr Drunkinbum — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:03:45 GMT

jayjay and Mike Relva

Astute observations. I'll be rooting for Life At Ten even more now. Rachel will be tough to beat but it is 1 1/4. Haskin writes and they win. I'd like to see the Awesome Gem tradition continue. You like to see the rags to riches stories anyway. The child that no one wanted rises to fame and fortune. The only writer that ever compared to Steve Haskin was Jim Murray but Steve is still the best racing writer in history. I bet that we don't know how hard he works to get information to be able to write these beautiful stories, many of which are worthy of a Pulitzer Prize. I want you to know Steve that your hard work is greatly appreciated. We look at this sight daily, sometimes many times daily hoping a story like this will be there waiting for us to be entralled and make our day, and often our week.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Second Life

Mike Relva — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 14:35:10 GMT

STEVE

One of the many qualities I've admired is you show great respect and caring for these animals.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Second Life

Mike Relva — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 14:31:51 GMT

JAYJAY

I couldn't agree with you more.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Second Life

jayjay — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 05:28:46 GMT

This is what separate you from the other writer from BH. You're the only I think that understands horses, the rest are there to just gamble. It's a nice contrast from those types of writers. You have passion, intelligence and you are definitely fair with your articles. It shows your love for these animals, and I truly appreciate that. They should create an Eclipse award for writing (if there isn't one already), I've no doubt you'll win it.

Thanks again for a great story, these kinds of behind the curtain stories are great to read, it allows us fans to peak into that part of the horse racing world.

I was already going to root for LaT, but this will make me want her to win more now. GO LaT!

re: Countdown to the Cup: Second Life

Mike Relva — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 03:56:09 GMT

HELLO STEVE

Just wanted to express my appreciation for your great and interesting stories. Always look forward to reading your work when I'm on Bloodhorse. Thanks for your insight and sharing your knowledge. Your writing is tour de force! BTW,like last year will be visiting Invasor next month.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Second Life

GhostTown — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 02:34:10 GMT

Unfortunately in this country we have a throw-away mentality whether it's the big screen TV we bought last year that now isn't big enough, the 8-month-old puppy that ate the couch or the horse that lost...again. I realize that racing is a business but stories like this re-affirm my belief (or fantasy) that there are some people in this business who are not just about the business. It's wonderful to hear that there are people willing to hold on to something, give it time and be patient for that reward which to me in the end would be that much sweeter. I hope that couch eating puppy finds a home like "Life At Ten" did. Mr. Haskin, your stories truly bring a ray of sunshine into my life, thank you. Best wishes to all this weekend.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Second Life

Emily27 — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 02:24:49 GMT

I seriously watched her debut race!!! I remember making a note and i put her in my equibase virtual stable! I was so excited when she started showing up and winning this year. Sometimes it takes a while, but she definitely showed promise! So proud

re: Countdown to the Cup: Second Life

Robin from Maryland — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 02:23:47 GMT

Great story!! It's nice to find out alittle more history on these mares. Here's hoping that Life At Ten becomes "Life at the TOP" after Sunday by beating RA. Not that RA won't give her a run for the money, I think her best days might be behind her. Yes, you guessed it - My heart belongs to Queen Z. Whatever the outcome on Sunday is, may the best horse win and may all come home safe!