Countdown to the Cup: Golly Gio, the Classic?

re: Countdown to the Cup: Golly Gio, the Classic?

Monty — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 17:49:09 GMT

Gio Ponti is the real deal and is worthy of another try in the Classic.However, I think what a lot of people are not realizing is, "Zenyatta" will also be better on real dirt and even faster, with out a doubt, so don't forget about that. What worries me is the mud, cold and sloppy track, if weather ruins the Classic, it can also do in the "Queen" ! She is not use to either situation, I'll be very concerned, other than that she is by far the best horse out there !!!

re: Countdown to the Cup: Golly Gio, the Classic?

Christine C — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 20:07:03 GMT

I'm not so sure Gio just needed a "length" to beat Zenyatta. Zenyatta is a very smart horse. She knows where the finish line is. She has heart, amazing ability and smarts. Tough to beat that. It is said time and again that once Zenyatta knows she won the race, she's done. Mission accomplished. If Gio and Zenny had to battle further, I believe Zenny still would have prevailed.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Golly Gio, the Classic?

Bellwether — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 07:31:36 GMT

SUN E FARM...PONTI HOOK$ HER N THE CLA$$IC...THEN HE HOOK$ HER N THE SACK!!!...WE LOVE EM BOTH!!!...

re: Countdown to the Cup: Golly Gio, the Classic?

jhorse — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 22:10:07 GMT

The list of horses that have "only a length to make up on Zenyatta" is long.

The number of horses that have made up that length is ZERO.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Golly Gio, the Classic?

Slew — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 20:24:21 GMT

Dr D: I remember the RB for Dallas in the 60's was Don Perkins with Don Meredith as QB. I remember Too Tall Ed Jones, and DD Lewis, but Charlie Waters was fantastic. I wonder why they have Troy Aikman in the broadcast booth for Dallas games, when the "Moose" is so much better in broadcasting. What an awesome player he was. Witten is doing a pretty fair job in the same position. My daughter lives in New Orleans, but I (alas and alack) do not. Some day... Did almost go up to Saratoga this summer for the Travers but ran into some complications...(like getting in and out of my son's low slung sports car...geez louise...you've got to practically do the limbo to sit in it!) I do usually stay on top of the races and works at the Fairgrounds however, whenever I can. A friend of mine used to drive the bus for the Chi Bears, and said Walter Payton was always kind and always a gentleman. And what a player! And who could ever forget Sayers and Piccolo!

Ruffianruns...you know, to me it's more than the stats. It's the way a player moves with so much agility and grace. And watching Montana and Rice was like watching a ballet..even though I was booing them at every opportunity...

..especially that "Catch". But the early 60's, before there was ever a Super Bowl, Dallas could never get past Lombardi to the NFL Championship....then it was the Vikings...and finally it took us 10 years, but we got our first Super Bowl ring....and last year, I was overjoyed for the Saints...

(the city needed that)

because I knew Dallas could beat them (and apparently they picked up a few tricks from us during that game because they used the same strategy against the Colts).

re: Countdown to the Cup: Golly Gio, the Classic?

PICK6MAN — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 04:28:03 GMT

LOVE CHURCHILL DOWNS 4 DERBYS AND THIS WILL BE MY SECOND BREEDERS CUP. I SAY SPEND THE AND GET A GOOD SEAT YOU WONT REGRET IT. THEN YOU CAN SEE BLAME GET BLAMED FOR UPSETTING ZENYATTA.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Golly Gio, the Classic?

Old Yeller — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 03:50:37 GMT

STEVE ! When everyone of us is born we have a little crease on our upper lip. Our mother's would put their finger on it and say hush dear, we must not wake anyone.Never mind at 12 to 1 , or better! LOL. Leave it to you to not forget the superstar who is out of the limelight right now because he has been nipped the last few times out ! Gio Ponti is a very serious horse, I think he should be given another crack at the Classic regardless of the surface, he darn near had it last year and he got beat by the Queen, who isn't backing down because the big one is on dirt this year! Why should he! He's Gio Ponti, multible grade one winner, American throughbreed RACEHORSE ! Too quote a recent comment made on one of Steve's recent article's, CDNKOWBOY. His dad said, If you never stand up, you'll never have to worry about falling on your ass ! Don't think Gio Ponti would be worried about standing up AGAIN! He's a CHAMPION, he's been there !

re: Countdown to the Cup: Golly Gio, the Classic?

Dr Drunkinbum — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 03:39:17 GMT

Slew

Gayle Sayers was my favorite running back. Staubach was great, you're best QB. I really liked Bob Hayes. I actually liked the entire 60's Cowboys team. Meredith etc. Emmit Smith was great, I didn't care for the rest of that team. I've been a 49er's fan since the 50's. Bummer when Barry Sanders retired. He was great. I really liked Earl Campbell. Walter Payton was super tough. I like Fred Bilitnekoff, and Raymond Berry. Still hoping Gio goes in The Classic. I guess he could win the mile, but it would shock me. His best hope is dirt. Do you go to the Fair Grounds much?

re: Countdown to the Cup: Golly Gio, the Classic?

Slew — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 16:30:52 GMT

DR D. Ray Guy reminded me of Baryshnikov or Nureyev...but he had his competition in form of the second best punter in the league back then...none other than the Dallas QB AND Punter, Danny White. I think Staubach was big D's best QB, (saw the Army-Navy game where he was spectacular) but my heart always belonged to #41, Charlie Waters...and Terence Newman has been doing that number proud the past few years. (Dallas never did retire #'s.) Now, for another year, Dallas..with the best players in the league...are simply not fulfilling their potential. I hope they bring it all together finally. As far as Receivers, Dallas had some great ones (Hayes, Hill, Pearson, Irvin), but Rice had magic hands. There was a young boy born in Dallas, raised in Dallas, schooled in Dallas, who wasn't picked up by the cowboys because they acquired E Smith. The kid was Barry Sanders. Imagine what he could have done if he had a real team to play for. RB's I liked Walter Payton, Emmitt Smith, Barry Sanders, and Tony Dorsett. (and the best dimples in the NFL belong to Demarcus Ware).

Back to horses...I really want to see Gio in the Classic again, because I want to see Goldikova pull a hat trick in the BC turf Mile to top off her career.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Golly Gio, the Classic?

ruffianruns — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 01:41:58 GMT

Slew - Just wanted to thank you for being such a good sport! Can't believe that Montana and Rice are your top ranked. Your Cowboys have also had some great players over the years. Even though I love Rice, Drew Pearson was another one of my favorite wide receivers - well after I stopped hating him! I can't count the number of game winning catches Mr. Clutch made!

re: Countdown to the Cup: Golly Gio, the Classic?

Dr Drunkinbum — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 01:14:18 GMT

Slew

I agree with Ray Guy and Joe Montana. Reciever is a tossup. Can you explain to me why the major game changer Ray Guy isn't in the Hall of Fame? They say Gio is probably going in the turf mile. What is wrong with a dirt prep so they can determine if he could run in The Classic. They could be missing a golden opportunity.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Golly Gio, the Classic?

LaurieK — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 21:19:50 GMT

Yes, Gio Ponti has a length to make up on Zenyatta. And when and if he accomplishes that, there will be several more where that came from. She was much the best in the Classic that day, and went by him like he was standing still. That said, he's got a better chance in the Classic (albeit slim to none) than he does in the Mile against Goldikova or the Turf against whatever monster the Euros ship over for some easy money this year.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Golly Gio, the Classic?

Lucy — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 20:02:12 GMT

I like Gio Ponti. He is such a hard-trying horse and I do think putting him in the Classic is a great idea.

I will be cheering for Zenyatta, who has stolen my heart from the favorite of my youth: Seattle Slew. Zenyatta is a formidable mare, and I do think she toys with her competition BUT, even Secretariat lost races, so there is no reason a good horse such as Gio Ponte could not get up to win. I will be unhappy if she is defeated...I am not sure I will even be able to watch the race!

re: Countdown to the Cup: Golly Gio, the Classic?

jayjay — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 00:57:09 GMT

Steve : If GP does win the Classic, how do you think the voting for HOTY will go between the 3 of them : Blame, QR and GP ?

It would make for an interesting voting.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Golly Gio, the Classic?

Slew — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 22:07:27 GMT

"The Catch" eh? A pox on all. Although I must say, when I gauge all athletes, I give points for grace, athleticism. skill, and raw courage (yes, Zen's ranks high for all). Being all Blue and Silver to the core, and a devoted Cowboy fan, my top ranking quarterback is still Joe Montana; receiver..

Jerry Rice...punter...Ray Guy. Whatever...I believe in giving credit where credit is due (except to Pittsburgh...and don't tell me they have one more Super Bowl ring than Dallas. We'll get another ring this year).

I think Gio Ponti will easily handle the dirt...and he does set up an interesting challenge for the queen. I'm glad he's going into the Classic. Steve..I think you got Clement stirred up.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Golly Gio, the Classic?

ruffianruns — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 22:55:46 GMT

Dr D - LOL! When I watch the '73 Belmont, I cry over Count Fleet's broken record.

Dr D - Snark! "The Catch" is just a thing of pUrE bEaUtY. I can't believe your brother was THERE. Most Cowboy fans I meet, that's all I say, and they turn green, and then they try to hit me. I was surrounded by Dallas fans, and I was the only one rooting for the Niners. They had been ganging up on me all day. When Clark sailed through the air and caught it, I was jumping up and down, over and over. As my head approached the ceiling with each jump, I can remember looking down at the devastated Cowboy fans beneath me, laid flat, all staring at the replay. It's really a wonder that they didn't take me out right there. Leaving my reverie, I also lOvEd the Sox winning four straight. That was a miracle of miracles and one of the most stressfull experiences of my life! Kinda like watching each quarter of last year's Classic EVERY OTHER DAY! Zenyatta's Classic this year? Oh, I can't handle it!

John - I get you. I was hoping QR would blow everyone away in the Woodward in the most dominating performance ever. I still hope Blame will do that in the JCGC, with Rail Trip and Gio up close. Who knows. I still wouldn't call the Classic field uninspiring, cause I think QR will like that track much better. And Blame has won there. I'm looking forward to the Euros too. I think Rip and Twice Over are pointed to the Classic, but I'm not completely sure.

Meydan Rocks - Keyser Soze! I've got to watch that again. Thanks for the POTN story! Chills.

I hope you all can answer jayjay's question about three-year-olds going down. Sounds like kathleen o has some answers.

Go Nadal! Tomorrow!

re: Countdown to the Cup: Golly Gio, the Classic?

jayjay — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 22:37:49 GMT

ZooKeeper : That's probably the best news you can tell us other than he's entered in a race. I'm happy that they are taking care of the horse. Yes, it's an investment but I doubt very much if the owners and the trainers has not felt closeness to the colt specially after going through the roller coaster ride of entering and scratching. I'm very confident that this horse will get its all when the time comes and both you owners and the horse will have a great time. Thanks for the update and looking forward to seeing him runflatoutwithablowoutatridiculousodds in November. Give Carla a flying kiss from me, you don't have to tell her who it's from, all she needs to do is catch it. :)

re: Countdown to the Cup: Golly Gio, the Classic?

Vince — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 22:07:19 GMT

nice reply steve. didn't want to offend at all. girl's blouse is a really harmless phrase, just means, well, wimp or tart. not you but the idea that 3-y-olds can't go against the older horses. or that filies can't go against the colts. as for naming one horse that starts in may in europe and goes on to october, there are plenty. sea the stars, henrythenavigator, user friendly, there are loads of em. the idea you are advocating that horses need a mid-summer break or start late is very french. this haskin name, was it "asquin" originally then anglicised. french? now that is a proper insult.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Golly Gio, the Classic?

Dr Drunkinbum — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 21:32:19 GMT

Meydan Rocks!

Great story about Baffert and Pioneerof. Thanks for sharing that.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Golly Gio, the Classic?

Old Timer — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 20:26:59 GMT

Steve I agree that you raise a valid (and very interesting)question, i.e. Gio is not at his best for 1 1/2 miles. So the B. C. Turf seems wrong for him. He appears to be versatile on various surfaces. Plus, other than Zenyatta, it does not appear to be a strong race. Quality Road has some serious questions at 1 1/4 miles.

Why not the Classic. Plus, hello, it is MO' MONEY!

I hope that they go for it. If not, I see him better suited for the Mile than the 1 1/2 mile distance.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Golly Gio, the Classic?

Meydan Rocks! — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 20:12:47 GMT

Steve,

One of my favorite movie characters of all time is Keyser Soze.

You called it on Gio Ponti.

My question is…

Are you the hand behind the hand?

Dr D,

Thanks for pointing out the “original” Gio Ponti! I’m going to guess that he is the inspiration for the equine version. I think Steve hit it on the nail about the Gio scenario in the BCC.

Do you know if anyone has studied Gio Ponti’s pedigree and whether they will be a good match, breeding wise?

NOTE: A tad of topic without incurring any wrath…

Re: Zenyatta. I know some sort of history is being made but I can’t quite put it in perspective. It’s a little weird for me.

I was definitely fortunate to see her race in the BCC. I was actually apprehensive because I just knew there was NO WAY she would make up all those lengths. I think I walked out to the paddock in the back and came back again wondering why I just did that!

And a little further of topic….

Yes, General Challenge is still going strong. He has a small knee issue I am told but boy does he charge around that paddock of his. He’s still skittish and the whites of his eyes don’t flash as much these days. He is right next to Dramatic Gold who still thinks he’s a working racehorse. Talk about slashing and dashing up and down his fence and then whipping around and charging diagonally across again. General shadows Dramatic from his side of the fence and makes sure to follow his moves. Interesting herd behavior I thought. I tried to get Dramatic to sniff my hand but he turned his back on me. General was nice and stood still for a bunch of photos with me.

Last year, during the run up to the Kentucky Derby, I was at Santa Anita to see Z race. I like to hang out in the paddock between races. You never know who you’ll meet hanging back there.

On this particular day, General Challenge’s former groom (I think his last name is Luna) escorted a strikingly handsome dark bay horse from the saddling area towards the walking ring. Boy that colt’s coat glistened and glinted in the California sun as he pranced and rippled with muscles! I wondered which horse that was,… and then I saw Bob Baffert walk out from the saddling area.

I’m used to seeing Bob looking casual and ready to smile and wave. This time, his eyes were focused on the horse like I had never seen before. His hands were tucked deep in his jeans pockets and his eyes were zeroed in on the horse as Luna walked it around the ring once. I figured this had been a schooling session for the young colt.

Something also told me that this was a rare moment where a world-class thoroughbred trainer was at work. I have never seen Bob Baffert look so focused. To my eye, the horse obviously looked healthy was prancing in anticipation. The sounds ands smells of race day must have been familiar to the colt.

As I stood watching Bob studying the colt, I knew for sure there were cues that he was reading like a book. I would have paid good money to read his thoughts and listen to what he was assessing from the horse flesh (so to speak)! He never took his eyes of the horse and followed them towards the barn area. The ring area was deserted and so I wasn’t able to immediately find out which colt that was.

I normally would have said “hi” to Bob, but this time I shut my mouth and just watched. And then it clicked. That was Pioneer of the Nile. Some local race trackers who happened to be passing through later confirmed this fact.

There is something about that whole sequence fascinates me. That was the “other” Bob I had just witnessed.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Golly Gio, the Classic?

John — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 17:06:00 GMT

ruffianruns,

..."uninspiring..." - just my take on things as they now stand because of how the year has panned out thus far.

I just got a feeling, that unless Blame has one heck of a JCGC, that all eyes and interests will be on Zenyatta only in the Classic which might comprise, as of now, a dull field.

Most of racing's talent might be in the Turf Mile or Turf (Classic) such as Workforce, Canford Cliffs, Cape Blanco, Goldikova, Makfi, Paco Boy in addition to Twice Over and Rip Van Winkle thus making these races alot more competitive and exciting.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Golly Gio, the Classic?

Dr Drunkinbum — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 16:54:31 GMT

ruffianruns

I used to watch "The Catch" over, and over, and over, and never believed it. Slew's only seen it once. The 90's got her over it though, I think. My brother was at the game, invited by a friend. I was so mad I didn't get to go. I think the Red Sox winning four straight to beat the Yankees was about as satisfying as it gets, but nothing would beat this year's Classic. Nothing. And I mean nothing.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Golly Gio, the Classic?

Dr Drunkinbum — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 16:47:50 GMT

ruffianruns

I concur. Glad you get to laugh so much !!! What about when you watch the 73 Belmont, what happens? "And The Oscar for best original comedy goes to ......."

re: Countdown to the Cup: Golly Gio, the Classic?

kathleen o — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 16:30:06 GMT

Thank you Rachel O for the link to Zen's yearling auction. Brought to mind the song....There was no telling what was to be, the day they sold hip # 703....

Sorry Steve, didn't mean to stray. I really like Gio, but I would be surprised if his connections try the Classic again with Zen and Blame both in the race.