Haskin's Preakness Report: Mucho Macho Becomes a Man

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Mucho Macho Becomes a Man

JamesRockford — Fri, 20 May 2011 21:13:12 GMT

5/18 post: "the REAL "Macho Man" Randy Savage needs to show up at the barn. That would be awesome seeing HIM in the winner's circle with MMM and Kathy. Hey, it's the Macho Man, yeahhhhhhhh..."

DAMN, I guess I laid some REALLY bad kharma on Randy Savage the Macho Man. Just heard he had a heart attack and died today. RIP Macho Man, maybe you can send some good kharma MMM's way tomorrow.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Mucho Macho Becomes a Man

KY VET — Thu, 19 May 2011 21:39:03 GMT

YEA....YOU REALLY WANT A HORSE ON ONE LEAD THE WHOLE RACE....REAL SMART PEOPLE.....WE ARE TALKING ABOUT HIGH PERFORMACE ANIMALS! THEY CHANGE LEADS NATURALLY! IF THEY DONT, ODDS ARE SOMETHING IS WRONG! HOW COME YOU PEOPLE DONT KNOW THIS? NAME ONE GREAT HORSE THAT DOESNT....ALYDAR? COME ON PEOPLE...YOU CANT BE THIS IGNORANT...

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Mucho Macho Becomes a Man

sceptre — Thu, 19 May 2011 18:03:41 GMT

Hi Steve,

This is completely off topic, and I note that you're rather busy at the moment...For over a month now, it's reported that Uncle Moe's showed an elevated enzyme level (re-his gastrointestinal infection). It continues to be reported that the cause of this (single) elevated enzyme remains a mystery to all concerned. I'm at a loss to understand why there is no mention of which enzyme this is. It almost appears as if they go out of their way to omit this information. Would appreciate your attempting to uncover the name of this enzyme.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Mucho Macho Becomes a Man

TerriZ — Thu, 19 May 2011 17:18:21 GMT

On the day of the Florida Derby two recently deceased owners' horses won races; one of them was owned by the late Ned Evans. Now Dance City owned by Mr. Evans is racing in the Preakness; he may very well hit the board.

Thanks for the wonderful story about Cathy Ritvo and Holy Bull's grandson, Mucho Macho Man. He's an awesome race horse and will only get better.

I hope that we have a chestnut triple crown winner this year aka Animal Kingdom. It would be great for racing as Motion never had a drug violation. And it would be even better for breeding as he would add strong European stock to breed in America. And thirdly, it would be wonderful to see the penultimate jockey and gentleman, Johnny V, win the triple crown.

If AK does win, he might have a hot date with a certain statuesque beautiful mare residing at Lane's End.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Mucho Macho Becomes a Man

Slew — Thu, 19 May 2011 13:44:07 GMT

Steve, you've taken us on another lovely journey, and I have to thank you for your insight. Mucho Macho Man is indeed a very special colt, and I'm looking forward to enjoying him more and more.

To those who wondered how many hands high AK is...I still don't know...but...the announcers did state that the largest colt in the Derby was MMM at 17 hands....and he's not even really 3 yet! Wow!

And Kathy Ritvo's story is nothing short of amazing. I so wish the best for her....she's overcome so much already.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Mucho Macho Becomes a Man

Zen's Auntie — Thu, 19 May 2011 13:41:16 GMT

I Musta lost my last post somehow...

ANYWAY, Steve could you also mention a little bit about the behind the scene story on Norman Asbjorkson's traner and his son Noah's courageous win over bone cancer.

NORMY is my long shot favorite and the whole story is another eye weller -- give us the scoop as only you can -- Please Mr Haskin?

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Mucho Macho Becomes a Man

Fran Loszynski — Thu, 19 May 2011 12:57:45 GMT

Great story Steve, MMM was born to run and hope he does well but I hope Sway Away takes the Preakness. If he can focus straight ahead, he has the kick to do it and the speed. I wish I was there to yell and point-

"It's THIS A WAY-"SWAY AWAY!"

PREAKNESS PICKS:

SWAY AWAY

MMM

DIALED IN

Sing it Afleet Alex fans: for ole times sake: GO ALEX, GO ALEX, GO ALEX

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Mucho Macho Becomes a Man

predict — Thu, 19 May 2011 04:05:21 GMT

What a great story, told like only you could tell it. Thankyou, Steve for this moment. We all tend to take our hearts for granted, never taking time to notice what is really meant to work without our attention being needed, but when it goes bad, we find out quickly just how all important it is to our ability to function. I can only suggest to others that they appreciate a healthy heart if they are so blessed, and to care for it like a special, cherished gift. Don't let life stress you out , for stress is the worst thing for your heart. Learn to laugh at those things we cannot control and just take life one day at a time. Try to make someone else feel good everyday, for nothing will make you feel good like helping someone who needs it. I believe we all have a connection to God in our heart, that if we react to how it makes us feel when we listen to it , that it is really all the religion we need. Do something good to feel good, do something bad to feel bad.

I have had a feeling all year that MMM was going to be heard from before this year is over, but I don't think it is going to be this weekend. Animal Kingdom is my choice for the Preakness.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Mucho Macho Becomes a Man

SUNNY FARM — Thu, 19 May 2011 03:19:43 GMT

LINDA HAUCK :

I agree with what you wrote about lead changes and thier urgency. To switch leads or not on the straight. When I am riding any horse of of any breed at TOP speed, the last thing I do is try to force a lead change. I trust the horse knows best where his feet are..besides...it is such a blur anyway & sure seems dangerous to me to make a horse change a lead ~ It is a cause of break -downs just as you have said , also slows the forward momentum to a small degree while in the moment of suspension... I have always thought the horse knows best what is right for him and when, with exceptions of on the tight turns of course when he needs the help of the rider to make the turn, & the fore-thought.

Good luck with your horses Linda !

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Mucho Macho Becomes a Man

SUNNY FARM — Thu, 19 May 2011 02:57:50 GMT

MUCHO MACHO MAN has a Jolly Ball AND a "Jimmy's Hangin ball " ? SWEEET !!!

I wish he and Cathy Ritvo all the best, he was such a joy to watch in the KY. Derby ~ (Loved his song too !)Cathy's whole story is amazing and it is so great to see women trainers at the top of the game ! Thank-you Mr. Haskins for writing another wonderful story. BEST OF LUCK CATHY & MUCHO MACHO MAN !

We thought you both did great in the Derby !!!

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Mucho Macho Becomes a Man

Bill in Atlanta — Thu, 19 May 2011 02:50:28 GMT

Another great write by you Steve, and I just watched your Preakness picks video, so now that you have written the article on MMM and picked him with AK to take the Preakness, there goes my 10-1 odds on MMM!! But that's ok, I'm still doing my trifectas with AK and MMM on top with Shack, Dialed In, and Dance City underneath them. And I like the middle post that MMM drew. It will let Dance City and Flashpoint jump out to lead the expected faster pace, and let MMM and AK (post 11) settle in the middle.

Also, to add to the MMM story, the owners, Dean and Patti Reeves are living a fun dream with MMM too. And they have been great ambassadors for us in Georgia as we are attempting to get horse racing started in Georgia. And so far, everybody in the business (including the management of Churchill Downs, Keeneland et al) have all been extremely supportive and helpful in our efforts.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Mucho Macho Becomes a Man

Alex'sBigFan — Thu, 19 May 2011 02:08:55 GMT

What a moving and touching story, Steve. How can you not love Kathy and Mucho Macho Man? She is amazing and I love her training style, seems like she knows exactly how to make an ironhorse.

Oh my goodness, this is difficult, but I hope MMM comes in second as well. I want and we need a Triple Crown winner. We have to prove to the world we can produce a horse that can do this again. This 33 year dry spell is way too long. I'm behind Animal Kingdom all the way in this 2nd jewel on his journey in quest of the elusive Triple Crown. The racing world needs to witness a coronation of a superstar; I never saw the last coronation I was only a young kid then when Affirmed won. I did not even know who Affirmed was at that time.

Remember what MZ told us months ago, we are in the time of two back to back year female HOY winners and the last time that happened a TC winner followed. Maybe, just maybe history will repeat, that is my hope but I wish Kathy and MMM a great future as well.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Mucho Macho Becomes a Man

Steve Haskin — Thu, 19 May 2011 01:49:40 GMT

Thanks everyone.I'd love to addres some ofyour questons,but I just came online today for a few minutes. I'll try to get to hem shortly. Pretty hectic right now

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Mucho Macho Becomes a Man

Deltalady — Thu, 19 May 2011 01:24:33 GMT

You are just amazing as always, Steve. Thanks for causing me to have to reach for the tissue box one more time! Sniff, sniff!

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Mucho Macho Becomes a Man

Stellar Jayne — Thu, 19 May 2011 00:38:24 GMT

Steve - A great article featuring one terrific woman - Kathy Ritvo, and one fabulous young colt - Mucho Macho Man. It is so heartwarming to read such wonderful stories. Kathy is truly a 'good' human being. MMM ran really well in the final furlongs of the Derby. It doesn't matter to me who wins the Preakness, as they are all worthy and I hope they all come home sound and healthy. May the force be with KR and MMM on Preakness Day.

Like Zen's Auntie, I'd like to know how ArchArchArch, Comma To The Top and Uncle Mo are doing. I'm wondering why Repole didn't take Uncle Mo to New Bolton for a thorough exam. Any ideas?

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Mucho Macho Becomes a Man

weekend surprise — Wed, 18 May 2011 22:28:33 GMT

I was so elated when MMM came in 3rd in the KY Derby. For what Miss Kathy has endured, this was well deserved. God bless her and the horse! I think MMM will be a major factor in the Preakness. AK's Derby win was excellent and his pedigree is exceptional. His sire is a turf specialists, I realize this. And his Dam,a German bred by Acatenango spells pure stamina. This horse could run 2 the moon and back with this pedigree. I certainly hope when his career is over, he does not end up overseas for his stallion career. The U.S. breeding industry needs fresh blood. Anminal Kingdom is it!

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Mucho Macho Becomes a Man

Ida Lee — Wed, 18 May 2011 22:13:12 GMT

Well, I'm back. I tried to stay away from racing but I could not stay away once I took a look at Uncle Moe and the beautiful and talented Mucho Macho Man. He is physically stunning with those long legs and slim and trim compact body. And so talented. I just love to see him run and know he's going to grow into that incredible body and become a racing monster. I just loved reading about him and his connections and nobody does it better than you Sir. Thanks. Wow, I'm such a sucker for those Machos..PS. the 4-legged kind of course

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Mucho Macho Becomes a Man

BN — Wed, 18 May 2011 22:04:35 GMT

Awww! This almost makes me hope we don't have a triple this year, and that they win! Love the part where she was in Target - that's when you know you've made it! Glad they're both doing okay!

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Mucho Macho Becomes a Man

Rita — Wed, 18 May 2011 21:18:12 GMT

I am in love with this horse. It started when I first read about him in the local Gwinnett County news paper and learned his owners only live about 30 miles from me in Georgia. I was so suprised that we would have a Georgia owned thoroughbred going to the Derby and possibly all the Triple Crown races.I thought after Zenyatta it would be hard to fall right away for another horse but MMM has taken my heart. I wish him and his connections all the luck in the world. I really think MMM has a good chance in his next two races. We will see soon. After all him and his trainer have both come back from the brink of death. I believe that God is watching over them and you can't argue with that. Thanks Steve for this very nice piece on him awesome as usual.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Mucho Macho Becomes a Man

JamesRockford — Wed, 18 May 2011 20:45:36 GMT

"MMM will be an absolute MONSTER in his 4 and 5 year old season."

And the chances of a really good colt still running at 4 and 5 is about 10% and 0%.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Mucho Macho Becomes a Man

Ranagulzion — Wed, 18 May 2011 20:36:57 GMT

Very touching story. "Macho Man" will be a sentimental choice for many fans in the Preakness, and he's got a great shot with Rajiv Maragh on board. He's my third choice behind Dialed In and Flashpoint. However I do respect the chances of the Derby winner Animal Kingdom. Best of luck to all.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Mucho Macho Becomes a Man

El Kabong — Wed, 18 May 2011 20:04:21 GMT

Steve,

Scratch that last request. I missed your 5/11 article on the "proverbial copper penny." My bad.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Mucho Macho Becomes a Man

El Kabong — Wed, 18 May 2011 19:57:45 GMT

Thanks for article and the picture Steve. The details were so perfect I had to get a hot cup of coffee and warm up after reading it(and it's sunny over here) It's great having you back track side and in the barns getting us these insights all wrapped up in these human interest stories that can well a person up!

The article on AK(in good company) was good but not like this one. Most importantly, yours mentions his coat, his stamina after the work, his building aggressive demeanor, and Ritvo's strategy. All great info on MMM-I hope you're headed to Fair Hill as we speak. I'd love to know more about how AK is really looking, acting, etc and I wouldn't mind another great read on the magic of GMotion and his terrific team.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Mucho Macho Becomes a Man

Sam Santschi — Wed, 18 May 2011 15:52:07 GMT

Steve, great post. Sounds strange to say b/c I had him to win, but it was sort of amusing/ funny watching him try to figure out what to do in the last stages. I think he did learn alot and continues to mature. Prior to the Derby, I thought he might be a tad too slow and his final quarter was something like fifth fastest but, when you factor in the late lead change and his altering course...who knows what we have here. Love the horse and will be betting and rooting for him from home. Had he caught Nehro though, I would have had the Exacta. As Dave Feldman used to say, shoulda, woulda, coulda. If you can, tell us how is weight is. Filling out more? Thanks.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Mucho Macho Becomes a Man

GoldenBroom — Wed, 18 May 2011 15:47:42 GMT

Nice story...hope he runs second. Have to root for a Triple Crown. Thankfully Animal Kingdom was also coming off a 6 week rest and should be fresh enough to hold this monster off again.