Ky. Derby Trail: Macho Man Was Born to Run

re: Ky. Derby Trail: Macho Man Was Born to Run

Curlin — Mon, 02 May 2011 01:01:49 GMT

Coldfacts,

I always enjoy your posts, but I'm a little confused. Maybe I'm misunderstanding you, but you state no grandson of Mr. Prospector has ever been associated with a TC winner. What about 2007 when Street Sense won the Derby. His sire, Street Cry is a grandson of Mr. Prospector, is he not? What about 2004 when Smarty Jones won the Derby. His sire, Elusive Quality, is a grandson of Mr. Prospector as well, correct? Let's go back the year before with Funny Cide. His sire, Distorted Humor is also a grandson of Mr. Prospector. Did you mean on the dam's side?

As for no BC Juvenile winner ever siring a Derby winner, well that is true, but how much weight can you put into that? It wasn't until 2007 that no BC Juvenile winner had ever won the Derby.

I guess my ultimate point is that sometimes facts and statistics really carry too much weight. Every year in the Derby you could list reasons for why all 20 of the Derby contenders can't win the race. And ultimately, you would be right 95% of the time since 19 of the horses indeed don't win. A 95% strike rate is impressive, is it not?

We've seen most recently how the "Derby rules" have been broken numerous times. Funny Cide a gelding, Smarty Jones a PA bred who was bred to be more of a miler, Street Sense a BC Juvenile winner, Big Brown with only 3 starts, etc. And then of course Giacomo, who had a lot stacked against him.

Maybe MMM's late foaling date will affect him, but since this horse was running well last year as a 2YO in graded company, I'm more willing to look past that. He's a runner, battle tested and seems to be a pretty tough little colt. I give him a big chance come Saturday as I do the top 3 finishers coming out of the LA Derby this year. I don't know, but I have a feeling it's going to be the key prep this year. It's been laughed at as insignificant in recent years, but I think this year is different. Just Saturday we saw Machen come off a 5th place finish in the LA Derby to take the Derby Trial. Your thoughts?

re: Ky. Derby Trail: Macho Man Was Born to Run

Onechaser — Sun, 01 May 2011 00:35:24 GMT

Great story! Good luck in the Derby, I will be cheering Mucho Macho Man on. I think he is reaching his peak and this is his time to shine!

Onechaser

re: Ky. Derby Trail: Macho Man Was Born to Run

Coldfacts — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 23:38:14 GMT

Oldie,

Many thanks for your kind words cited in another Blog. You should be careful when commenting on the stuff I submit as I am regarded as pedigree crazy and you might just be enjoying misinformation skillfully written. In all seriousness, I appreciate the compliments. I try to mix some humor into the cold facts so as not to be boring.

If I owned MMM I would not run him in the derby. He is too young to be sitting level with older horses going 10F. He is a very big colt that has ability but I fear he will get hurt in the derby. The competition in the derby will be far better than the slow Santiva he defeated in the Risen Star. I am not convinced he has the speed to attain the 2:02 and a bit that will be required to win the 2011 Derby. His pedigree is very ordinary and is similar to his speed figures. What exactly has he done to set himself apart from the others? There are a number of colts that have some exceptional performances that his record does not match. His story makes for nice reading but the derby field will be mean and fast.

If Master Of Hounds takes to the dirt he will win the derby. He might not have the best PP going in but he certainly has the most positives. His last race indicated to me that he is exceptional. He ran his last 2YO race on Nov. 6th 2010 and returned to the races on March 26, 2011. That’s about 4 ½ months between races. He was shipped from Ireland to Dubai to contest a 9 1/2F race on an unfamiliar surface. No American trainers would ship a colt with classic potential to another country off a 4 ½ months break to contest a race on an unfamiliar surface over 9 1/2F and for good reasons. There are many negatives associated with such adecision. Here are a few: (a) Effects of long travel (b) Potentials dislike for the new surface (c) Level of fitness for the distance (a) Advantage of home based competitors.

MOH ran the best race of his career when faced with overwhelming negatives. This is the sign of an exceptional thoroughbred. How many of the American contender could have done so. Sweet Ducky who was second to Dialed In in the Holy Bull was in the race and he was MIA. The European trainers are the best getting horses fit for long distance races. They train them on obstacle courses while the American horses are trained mostly on flat surfaces. There are those that are justifiably skeptical about his overwhelming turf pedigree and I likewise share their skepticism. However, I take confidence in the fact that his sire Kingmambo was sire of Belmont winner Lemon Drop Kid. His dam sire the recently deceased Salders Well was the dam sire of Sahkee who was runner up to Tiznow in the BCC in his first attempt on dirt. Sahkee was also 3r in the Dubai World Scup on dirt.

MMM might have been born to run but MOH was bred to win classics.

re: Ky. Derby Trail: Macho Man Was Born to Run

TerriV — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 20:47:24 GMT

What a fun story!! I love hearing all this kind of stuff but it does make it harder to stay with any one horse. Macho is in my top 3 - what can I say, I'm a Holy Bull fan and this story just re-enforces my interest in him.

re: Ky. Derby Trail: Macho Man Was Born to Run

dannynonnan — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 16:44:11 GMT

I respect Mr. Haskins writing ability, and have enjoyed many articles (and books) over the years. It would be great if we could get basic Triple Crown information like:

1) A running list with dates of who's in and who has defected.

2) a graded earnings list (where did it go ?)

Basic stuff. Ahh, but that's the world we live in. Screw the facts, let's write about who's coat looks good this week.

re: Ky. Derby Trail: Macho Man Was Born to Run

Slew — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 12:26:52 GMT

What a tender and touching story. It makes me want to cheer even louder for MMM. He's overcome so much. And his dam sounds very special herself.

re: Ky. Derby Trail: Macho Man Was Born to Run

Agnes — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 03:10:07 GMT

I love Steve's stories about horses. Now Macho Man is very real to me, not just a name.

re: Ky. Derby Trail: Macho Man Was Born to Run

ImagineThat — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 00:29:27 GMT

LOVE LOVE LOVE this article! What an awesome story! I think I laughed out loud at the part about him popping right up on his feet and running off! LOL

Job well done, as always, Steve :0)

re: Ky. Derby Trail: Macho Man Was Born to Run

Linda in Texas — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 21:37:04 GMT

trackjack - that is a great story on Macho Uno. I love it when they whinney and talk, stops me in my tracks every time.

Hope you and Mrs. 'trackjack' have a wonderful time during Derby Week.

I think that is wonderful you won the contest and will reap the benefits in a few days. Very nice.

For many of us not so lucky to be going,we will have to rely upon Mr. Haskin and perhaps other regular bloggers who can fill us in. Have a safe trip.

Linda

re: Ky. Derby Trail: Macho Man Was Born to Run

calico cat — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 18:59:51 GMT

trackjack,

Congratulations on winning the Road to the Roses contest. Have a great week in Louisville. That's going to be awesome!!! Hope the weather is kind to you and also all the horses in this year's Derby. Stay dry and have fun!!!

re: Ky. Derby Trail: Macho Man Was Born to Run

trackjack — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 17:50:15 GMT

Steve,

Thanks for another well done article.

You bring the racing fan right into the foaling and raising experience.

Some of MMM's "flair" may have come from his sire Macho Uno. Before his win in the 2000 BC Juvenile, Macho Uno was a handful in the paddock, "whinneying" to anyone who would listen and acting like he was the "prince of the paddock". Studdish is another word that comes to mind. He went on to the track and ran like a true champion.

Macho Uno came to our home track, Thistledown, for the Ohio Derby in 2001. My wife and I went to see if he was still a handful and we were not disappointed. One could hear him coming long before you saw him on the walkover and when he entered the paddock he was "talking" to any other horse there that he was the boss. What an animal. Unfortunately he finished third that day.

Looking forward to your updates. We'll be in Louisville on Monday for Derby week. I won last year's roadtotheroses.com contest and the time has finally come for our dream come true trip.

re: Ky. Derby Trail: Macho Man Was Born to Run

KY VET — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 17:43:35 GMT

IS IT ME? OR DO THE "FACTS" POSTED BY THE ABOVE POSTER,LACK COMMON SENSE? FIRST OF ALL..PICKING A RACE USING STATISTICS IS THE SUREST, QUICKEST WAY TO THE POOR HOUSE..THIS POSTER, GOES ON BREEDING ALOT..WHICH IS FINE, IF THATS YOUR THING, BUT FOR 3 YEARS, IV'E SEEN HIM GO WITH HORSES THAT DON'T EVEN HAVE THE BEST BREEDING! THATS FINE...BUT THEN WE HAVE TO HEAR THINGS LIKE...THIS HORSE , OR THAT HORSE HAS BAD BREEDING, WHEN THE HORSE WON A GRADE 1! REALLY? DIALED IN CANT GO LONG? WINS GRADE 1 ALREADY IN 4TH START! OR MO CAN'T GO LONG? HE PASSED THE TEST IN THE RICHEST LONGEST GRADE 1 AT 2!!!! MMM CAN'T GO LONG? HE HAS AS MANY LONG RACES AS ANYONE....THIS IS FAULTY LOGIC! TO USE STATS OVER THE INDIVIDUAL...THE FACTOR WON EASY GOING LONG....HE IS A SPRINTER...THE HORSE WAS JUST GOOD! YOUR OPINIONS ABOUT THE MANY HORSES THAT YOU CRITICIZE, JUST MEANS YOU WOULD HAVE NOT WON ON ANY OF THEM IN THOSE PREPS...YOU WOULD HAVE GONE ON BREEDING AND LOST AGAINST THEM RIGHT!!!!? PLEASE TRY TO LEARN THE GAME!!! THE MOST IMPORTANT THING...THE INDIVIDUAL HORSE!!!!

re: Ky. Derby Trail: Macho Man Was Born to Run

Oldie — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 14:49:16 GMT

Coldfacts, I laughed out loud at your final comment about MMM - seems to me his name should have been Mr Green Jeans :) - or maybe Macho June Oh.

All the history stacked against him makes him a more interesting prospect to me, but then I've never been known as someone who would go along to get along.

re: Ky. Derby Trail: Macho Man Was Born to Run

Coldfacts — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 05:07:44 GMT

Nice story but was MMM born to run away with Derby 137? I have been matching this colt to the derby winner’s chart for some time and he just does not fit in. As I have stated before, the Derby Winner’s Chart read like the MEMBERS register of an exclusive club. MMM would not get in even if he was recommended by a foundation member. The derby chart does reflect two winners who can be considered imposters. That’s exactly how MMM would be viewed with a victory Ironically one is Giacomo sire by MMM grandsire Holy Bull and the other is Goto Del Sol. In all seriousness, this colt does not have a derby winner’s pedigree and too many associated negatives.

(a) A Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner has never sired a derby winner. Only Unbridled as BC winner has sired a derby winner and he is the best extension of Mr. prospector as he also sired a Preakness & Belmont winner. Can it occur? Yes, but not with a June 15th foal.

(b) Dam sire a grandson of Mr. Prospector. No grandson of the great stallion has ever been associated with the winner of a Triple Crown race.

(d) June 15th foal with average ability will not defeat older stronger colt with more ability in a truly run race. Northern Dancer (May 27)was probably the last colt that young to win the derby. He unlike MMM was impeccably bred being by Nearctic out of a Native Dancer broodmare. He set a new stakes record of 2:00 in his derby victory that was subsequently broken by the great Secretariat.

(e) This has no significance but he was given a horrible name based on the story above. What about names like: Delayed Reaction; Come Forth; Death Defied; Tears of Joy; Collective Relief

re: Ky. Derby Trail: Macho Man Was Born to Run

Jean in Chicago — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:45:46 GMT

Dear Steve,

Thanks again for another facinating 'back story'. The only problem is that I get emotionally involved and start rooting for each one.

At this rate, I'm quickly getting to the point where my final selection may be based on which horse my cat shows the most interest in when I watch the race replays on my computer. (She was pawing the screen for ArchX3 and Nehro.)

re: Ky. Derby Trail: Macho Man Was Born to Run

Rita — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:25:57 GMT

Thanks for the story on MMM Steve.It's good to know all about him as I wrote to you when I first heard of him because the Reeves are from Georgia just like me. There was a big write up about him in a county paper. They live about 25 miles from me. I've been following him ever since then.I've had this feeling about him to going to the Derby. It would be great if he wins since Georgia is considering bringing throughbred racing here. It has passed the house and they have appointed a committee to start studying about all things involved. If Mucho won that might help alot to bring it here.He sure has a cool past maybe he will be the human interst story this year especially with the trainer he has and her story. Enjoyed your writing as usuall Steve waiting for the next one.

re: Ky. Derby Trail: Macho Man Was Born to Run

Don'tForgetZen — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:08:39 GMT

What an amazing story. Always knew there was somethin' special bout that colt. Maybe the Racing Gods will turn him into a champion. He's my numero uno Derby pick since Jan.

re: Ky. Derby Trail: Macho Man Was Born to Run

Love 'em all — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:08:07 GMT

Mr. Haskin, I've thoroughly enjoyed this story! What a hoot.

Would've been tempted to name him 'Playing Possum', but that name's been taken x 3. He was definitely in good hands with those folks.

Keep these stories coming, please!

re: Ky. Derby Trail: Macho Man Was Born to Run

Paula Higgins — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:04:05 GMT

A great story Steve. He is in my top three.

re: Ky. Derby Trail: Macho Man Was Born to Run

Sam Santschi — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 18:26:44 GMT

Love this colt Steve and the connections' story. Threw a little bit down on him in the #2 KDFW. I am somewhat afraid he is not quite fast enough though. Trip not a problem imho. Starting to remind me of American Lion a bit.

re: Ky. Derby Trail: Macho Man Was Born to Run

Linda in Texas — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 18:22:26 GMT

I forgot to mention that i feel Mucho Macho Man had such an easy time being foaled, that the little thing probably thought he was still in utero. So i will term him a "Sleeper" indeed for the Kentucky Derby. Once he realized where he was, he flew! Just like he could do on May 7.

I love all these little things you find out and share with us, Steve. They add so much more to the lives of the horses and right up my alley of interest.

re: Ky. Derby Trail: Macho Man Was Born to Run

Gardner — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 18:12:28 GMT

Sorry but I'm fixating on the fact that Carole had never heard of Mr. Green Jeans. I feel old, very old, now.

re: Ky. Derby Trail: Macho Man Was Born to Run

The Deacon — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 18:01:24 GMT

Good story Steve, I am not as high on this horse as others are. I am not convinced 10 furlongs is his best distance. His last race was not very impressive, but that can be said for many of these Derby hopefuls. I think its very nice that you are writing blogs on most or all of the Derby contenders. It lets the fans know a little more about the horses........

re: Ky. Derby Trail: Macho Man Was Born to Run

MyBigRed — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 17:22:28 GMT

Mucho Macho Man, he's gonna win the Kentucky Derby!! and who knows...maybe the Triple Crown too ?? Best of Luck :)

re: Ky. Derby Trail: Macho Man Was Born to Run

Dutch — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 17:22:08 GMT

Good article, Steve. Tough horses do well in the scrum known as the Kentucky Derby, and Mucho Macho Man certainly fits the profile of a tough horse.