Haskin's Preakness Recap: Shack and Awe

re: Haskin's Preakness Recap: Shack and Awe

lyricsdav — Mon, 30 May 2011 19:32:03 GMT

Congrats to the connection of that wonderful horse Shackleford.Despite him winning over my favoured Animal Kingdom the distance was ideal for him.In any sporting world one laps in concentration or one bad start or evena bad plan can cause you a position.For Animal Kingdom whom I still have as the King of his crop,its a pity that he handle the dirt differently this time as was explain by his jockey.However Nehro should only be the one to watch in the Belmont Mile and a half unless he is asked to early again by the jockey like he did in the Kentucky.Take nothing away from Shackleford he is courages as one can be but there is always an elastic limit to everything and the Belmont will be asking to much of him.He is talented enough to be enter in more big name races later in the year rather than follow the hype attached to a show down with the King.My stupid advise to his connection is to skip the Belmont and you will enjoy more of your colt in the rest of the year.

re: Haskin's Preakness Recap: Shack and Awe

Linda in Texas — Thu, 26 May 2011 17:33:54 GMT

Alex'sBigFan-don't give up, just read New York is attempting to create having a I Love NY Racing campaign. Read it on the home page over to the right on the lists of Most Popular Stories on Bloodhorse.com. Nice long article written by Tom Precious. Check it out.

So happy that you will be

attending The Belmont. Have a great time, lucky you!

re: Haskin's Preakness Recap: Shack and Awe

furlongs — Thu, 26 May 2011 16:56:44 GMT

DRAYNAY-

Once again you show how sorry you are as a handicaper. Nehro will run second like he always does! He is nothing but a maiden winner that circled a horrible field at Oaklawn after a bad trip as a favorite the time before. He has no heart and proved it in the Derby he had the best trip of all made the lead and was overtaken way to easy to think he is a serious racehorse. Couldnt pass Pants on Fire in LA couldnt overtake Archx3 in ARK and made the lead when your totally suppose to in the KY Derby and could not hold and was getting run down for 2nd place with 2 more jumps! A MAIDEN WINNER that it the only time he found the winners circle... so how many more times do you need to bet him and he come up short before you say "huh he just doesnt want to win" well dont worry there will be a 1x Allow down the road in the near future and best of all in that race he will be your price to, 1-5 so you can blog how he cant lose! lol how's those so called Pletcher 3year old monsters working out for you lately?? lol Save us the trouble and just get it over with... BET IT ALL IN THE BELMONT! I MEAN EVERY BIT OF IT! Heck I mean it doesn't cost much (even she charges you your so hard to put up with) to be living in your mom's basement so BET IT ALL!! Maybe then this blog can get a break from you. If only for a little while.

re: Haskin's Preakness Recap: Shack and Awe

Racingfan — Thu, 26 May 2011 01:52:32 GMT

Linda in Texas: I stopped reading Draynay's posts about a year ago cuz I just couldn't stand it anymore! Now I always look to see the name of the poster before reading! It works really well! (I did break down and read one post of his after the Derby where he was bragging about picking the second place horse! I saw nothing had changed!) LOL

re: Haskin's Preakness Recap: Shack and Awe

Alex'sBigFan — Thu, 26 May 2011 01:12:01 GMT

MikeM,

Good point. I noticed the same thing about the announcers stating

that Shackleford's prerace behavior would be detrimental, when Romans specifically stated afterwards that this was normal for Shackleford. Shouldn't the announcers have had all their homework in front of them and known

the behavior was normal for Shackleford and calmed the tv viewers? I think so. All in all NBC did a good job though, still needs some tweaking.

JayGo,

I too will be at the Belmont and I live for this time of year. NYRA now is left with quite a marketing challenge with no Triple Crown on the line. We'll maybe get 44,000 people, maybe. Sad. With a Triple Crown attempt that figure could reach 100,000 on track attendance. Just to see these magnificent creatures up close and not on tv is awesome for me, I can't wait!!!! Racing needs stars to promote and market so the public will come out and see them,

and especially with the economy still not right and gas prices way too high, NYRA has like I said quite a challenge. The year Big Brown ran Shaquille O'Neal brought the jockeys out, maybe they should get Shaq again to support Shack if Shackleford is confirmed to run. A TC winner would ignite the sport and catapoult it into the mainstream, and maybe put the Belmont back on the map. Hopefully we get the Derby winner, Preakness winner, Master of Hounds over again from Europe, Dialed In, etc. to thrill us again. NBC should kick in with commercials well in advance and especially once the field is confirmed. All I know is that it is such a pleasure and thrill to finally see the colts in person after following them on tv for all these months. They are something to behold and everyone should come out and support an equine athlete.

re: Haskin's Preakness Recap: Shack and Awe

Gin — Thu, 26 May 2011 01:00:00 GMT

Great article Steve.

Nice sentimental moment on Dale assisting Graham down to the CD's winners circle. Glad everyone came out of the race safe and sound. I hope Mucho didnt suffer any stone bruises loosing a shoe again.

I really am sick and tired of people saying Shack's a Forestry so he cant get this distance or that distance.........duh he's got distance on both sides folks. Just sire didnt get it is all. He has plenty of distance pedigree.

Ouch to Shack hitting his head in the FOY!!!!!!!

AK ran great and proved his derby was not a fluke. Just like the Bird did 2 years ago.

re: Haskin's Preakness Recap: Shack and Awe

Oldie — Wed, 25 May 2011 18:27:54 GMT

Linda In Texas, gold stars to you! To your point, last year quite by accident we found rebroadcasting of races from Arapahoe Park near Denver - never even knew it existed - and the times for several of the races at this little track were right there with bigger races at bigger tracks. I have not visited yet (it's a busy life - this is the first time this week I've gotten enough of a lunch break to finish reading this remarkable article and the equally remarkable comments) but it appears to be populated with small money owners and trainers and various other workers who likely work every bit as hard as anyone else in the business. Maybe the difference is that there is absolutely no doubt they are doing it for the love of the sport.

A pretty famous person recently wrote about what she had learned about people over time: everyone we meet either is dealing, or has dealt with, crises, tough breaks, heartbreaks, and crushing disappointments; and here we all are, carrying on.

We in particular are loving the daylights out of these beautiful beasts and their people. There is not a thing wrong with that. It's among my favorite things to have in common with people.

re: Haskin's Preakness Recap: Shack and Awe

Rachel NH — Wed, 25 May 2011 18:00:53 GMT

Even though Forestry is not known for distance, Forestry's dam sire & grandsire are Derby winner Pleasant Colony and Dr. Fager!

When's the last time we had a classic horse inbred on the Doctor?

Forestry's sire's dam was the great Terilingua (sp?)a daughter of Secretariat...

Shack's got great classic distance influences (and NO Mr. Prospector)! I hope that he, AK (NO Mr.P) and MMM (Mr.P far back) run in the Belmont and all year, a great rivalry develops and they all do well and prosper and decide it all at the BC!

re: Haskin's Preakness Recap: Shack and Awe

Dr Drunkinbum — Wed, 25 May 2011 17:52:59 GMT

Linda in Texas

Your posts are super. Keep up the good work. All of the horses are heros, and most of the people working with them are also.

re: Haskin's Preakness Recap: Shack and Awe

The Deacon — Wed, 25 May 2011 17:44:54 GMT

Linda in Texas: Bravo, you said what most of us are thinking......

Dr. D: I agree with your assessment about Premier Pegasus, but he would be the only one from here out west who even remotely had a chance in my book.

Steve: I asked you an earlier question on a different blog, I was wondering if you thought that maybe Apapane or Buena Vista would come to Churchill Downs to take on Goldikova in the BC Turf Mile. Both look very formidable. What a race it could shape up to be.

Dr. D: no more predictions from me, this sport is too fragile to predict anything. I do believe however that if Uncle Mo gets right again, he will be very hard to beat. He has that much talent.

re: Haskin's Preakness Recap: Shack and Awe

Zen's Auntie — Wed, 25 May 2011 15:20:36 GMT

Nice job again Steve, thanks for being the magnificent writer you are.

Linda in TX - well put - at one time or another driven by the surging irritation (like gnats at sunset) we have all fallen to the level of bickering even to just cry BS!!

One more comment on the race here, I thought Julien Leparoux would have had Dialed in MUCH closer to the pace especially when they backed off. I understand its his style to be a dead closer but better positioning may not have won the race but would have allowed for a better accounting of himself. Again he made up a bunch of ground but a better trip was needed.

If he shows up, Alternation may be a presence in the Belmont. I hope that they do decide to run AK (if hes ready) in the Belmont. He should relish that long stretch and the deeper going with less clay kickback.

Safe trips for all!!

re: Haskin's Preakness Recap: Shack and Awe

Linda in Texas — Wed, 25 May 2011 15:12:35 GMT

i am glad so many of you agree with my thoughts. i can take a lot of 'stuff' from folks, but day in and day out negativity just does not set well with me for the following reason/reasons.

i failed to mention the most important reason i wrote what i did. i feel the owners, the trainers,the riders, the hot walkers, the grooms, the stable folks, the muckers and everyone who works so hard and diligently caring for these maestros of the racing world are being dissed and forgotten. Getting these giants to any racetrack takes time, effort and huge expenditures. They all deserve our respect and to disrespect one horse over another is simply deplorable and uncalled for because when you do you are taking everyone that is caring for that horse down with your comment and ultimately the sport itself.

Around every corner is a new star waiting to be polished and shined into a magnificent running machine.

Too much space is given to some horses at the total exclusion of others who miss out on their own limelight and that is the shame of touting 1 single horse for 6 months thus forgetting all of the others.

Look to the claiming races, there are some wonderful 'could be winner' horses running there. And look to the west coast and other tracks as you never know where a talented horse might appear.

I watched Caracortado running and winning on a smaller track a couple of times and thought to myself, there's a winner. And now he is well known. You just never know so always keep an open mind.

Sorry to get on a soap box once in a while, but it is not in my fiber to keep quiet about things that are important to me.

re: Haskin's Preakness Recap: Shack and Awe

PomDeTerre — Wed, 25 May 2011 14:53:56 GMT

To KY VET: Guess you feel the "lemon has been squeezed" since you didn't have your "professional gambler" money on Shack. Stop being a sourpuss.

re: Haskin's Preakness Recap: Shack and Awe

JayGo — Wed, 25 May 2011 13:56:02 GMT

Hi. Love reading Steve and the comments that follow. Looking forward to the Belmont (I live in the New York area and will be there)but I don't think anybody else gives a hoot. The general public is finished with the Triple Crown, and even the horse set seems underwhelmed with the racing. To us regulars, the Derby and Preakness has been a continuation of racing trends in general - - - short fields, short prices OR long fields, long prices with very little in between - - - and forget about the "sport." This is a precription for circling the drain. Yes, some tracks get it right but most are nothing but gambling vehicles pining for slots. How do we get this back on track? Do we need a national governing body to regulate racing? Been with this sport for over 30 years, love it, but do really believe there are too many races diluting cards and purses to feed the TV/Internet/Simulcast monster. The Preakness has become just another stakes race. Help!!!!

Oh, by the way, love Shack but don't think he'll get the mile and a half in NY. Love Animal Kingdom but don't think lightly raced non-dirt horse can go three times in seven weeks and win at Big Sandy. Maybe Nehro, let's see who else is entered. Yipes, better horses may point to Haskell . . .

re: Haskin's Preakness Recap: Shack and Awe

Matt Helm — Wed, 25 May 2011 12:51:12 GMT

Good Morning Zookeeper you just made my point .Maybe Premier Pegasus and Jaycito weren't that good after all considering the poor showing of horses that finished behind them out west might as well throw in The Factor too.Have a great day.

re: Haskin's Preakness Recap: Shack and Awe

Slew — Wed, 25 May 2011 12:13:42 GMT

Linda in Texas...You go, Girl! Amen to your thoughts spanking the useless and trivial.

Apapane...I happen to think we have a very good 3 year old crop, which is why it's been so difficult to choose a front runner. The constant injury reports speak more to the training than the colts themselves. (Why was QR run in the BC Classic when he's such a brilliant miler? Wasn't the trainer aware?)

It seems KY Vet may have changed his name to Charlie Cigar...either way...it's all horse doo-doo to me.

NBC showed the '09 Preakness...did anyone else notice the stride on the little MTB was longer than the stride on RA. He was great for the TC run, but his surgery just may have been his undoing. He simply was not the same horse after the WV race.

re: Haskin's Preakness Recap: Shack and Awe

Steve Haskin — Wed, 25 May 2011 06:17:28 GMT

Thanks everyone for your comments.

re: Haskin's Preakness Recap: Shack and Awe

Dr Drunkinbum — Wed, 25 May 2011 04:15:40 GMT

The Deacon

I do remember you saying that about west coast runners and you were correct but Premier Pegasus might have an impact. You based your Triple Crown prediction on talent, not circumstances so with him not having the chance to run you were neither right nor wrong. Maybe in the parallel world Mo was healthy and a few weeks from pulling it off. You have to be closer in The Preakness. I did not like the ride either. A gallant effort but no cigar, but this wasn't for a Swisher Sweet this was a Triple Crown. It looked like it could be the year. Shackleford has been underestimated for awhile and continues to be underestimated. He is a warrior. I love Shackleford and the way he won but not having a run at a TC in The Belmont with a horse as talented as AK is disappointing. I think with a less tiring surface at CD that day, or if it was slop we could be looking at a run for the TC with Shackleford. It's going to be real interesting to see how he comes out of The Preakness. This is an extremely well conditioned animal so you never know. I for one would love to a see a son of Forestry win The Belmont but there are a few other Belmont possibles I like better at this point.

re: Haskin's Preakness Recap: Shack and Awe

calico cat — Wed, 25 May 2011 03:19:52 GMT

Playfriskyforme,

Maybe you haven't heard but the top California prospects were injured.I think Mr. Commons will do much better on turf. The other 2 have some growing up to do or maybe they're not that good but I don't think you've heard the last from the West Coast this year. I'm sure all horses from other parts of the country ran tremendous races in the Derby and the Preakness. Right? Ha!

Linda from Texas,

I didn't think you had it in you because you're always so pleasant. Well said!!!

Mr. Haskin,

In spite of my disappointment re: AK not winning the Preakness, I couldn't help but admire the courage and determination of Shackelford and your article made me appreciate him and his connections even more. Shackelford earned this victory. He fought hard in most of his races and finally prevailed. If someone was to defeat AK in the Preakness, I'm glad it was a horse who also competed in the Derby and not some "fresh horse" who had skipped the first and toughest test. Plus, it's hard to resist a gorgeous, fast and determined chestnut with the heart to match his great big blaze. :)

P.S. Shack Attack indeed!

re: Haskin's Preakness Recap: Shack and Awe

Bill in Atlanta — Wed, 25 May 2011 02:28:39 GMT

Linda in Texas.....way to go girl! You wrote what I have been thinking for weeks!

re: Haskin's Preakness Recap: Shack and Awe

Paula Higgins — Wed, 25 May 2011 02:06:48 GMT

Not by me, good Dr Drunkinbum! I was a Mine That Bird fan all the way. I never thought he was a fluke. I don't believe in the concept of a "fluke" anyway. There is no such thing. If you beat the best horses the country has to offer during one of the Triple Crown races, it means you were the best horse that day. A fluke means that they won by sheer luck or happenstance. I don't buy that. The word "fluke" is not in my lexicon LOL.

re: Haskin's Preakness Recap: Shack and Awe

Racingfan — Wed, 25 May 2011 02:05:38 GMT

Nice article Steve! I always look forward to reading what you write. The behind the scenes info makes those of us who can't be there be able to get a feel for things. Your writing takes us there and you manage to do it without negativity and without knocking anyone - unlike a fellow blog writer who shall remain nameless. Reading the comments is also nice as the posters on your blog are much more pleasant - not constantly bickering and putting others down. It is refreshing!!!! I was pleasantly surprised at how tough Shackleford was in the Preakness - he really wanted it! Too bad for Animal Kingdom and Dialed In being so far back and trying to catch up. Again it goes to show how difficult it is for a horse to close like that and win, especially without a fast pace throughout! Only a superstar like Zenyatta is going to be able to make it happen all the time. I am thinking the Belmont would be good for Dialed In's late run and not so good for Shackleford who faded near the end of the Derby. Any thoughts?

re: Haskin's Preakness Recap: Shack and Awe

CharlieCigar — Wed, 25 May 2011 01:53:06 GMT

PEOPLE!!! LISTEN TO ME WHEN I SAY THAT SHACKLEFORD NEEDS TO BE IN THE STARTING LINE UP FOR THE BELMONT!! MARK MY WORDS HE WILL GIVE THE FIELD THE SLIP GOING INTO THE FAR TURN LIKE BET TWICE AND BE LONG GONE WHEN THEY TURN FOR HOME. I WILL STAKE MY REPUTATION AS A PRO ON THIS ONE!!!! CANT WAIT TO HEAR THE HYPE ABOUT HOW GOOD DIALED IN IS THE REST OF THE YEAR LEADING UP TO THE SUMMER CLASSICS AND THEN THE BREEDERS CUP!!! THIS HORSE COULD TRULY BE SOMETHING SPECIAL!!! AHH OKAY NICK TIME FOR A REALITY CHECK!!

re: Haskin's Preakness Recap: Shack and Awe

Matt Helm — Wed, 25 May 2011 01:39:22 GMT

Agree that Johnny V didn't give AK the best chance to win.He should have broke sharper and put that horse in the race.Besides Shack there was a lot of cheap speed up front that didn't last a mile.Af the end of the day I think AK ends up on turf where he should be.PS worst bunch of west coast yr olds ever.MI,Mr Comm,and Sway Away come on California.

re: Haskin's Preakness Recap: Shack and Awe

Old Timer — Wed, 25 May 2011 01:39:05 GMT

Nice story, Steve. You always exude class, but this year have also had some great picks, so far. First you and George Costanza gave us the Derby exacta at $300 + and now you gave us the Preakness exacta as well. I am looking forward to hearing your words of wisdom on the Belmont. My early pick is Alternation. He was quite tenacious in the Peter Pan and that Jerome is looking like a very key race with Astrology giving a good account of himself and Adios Charlie also.

Interesting that you can't always go by breeding. Shackelford being by Forestry who would think he'd get 1 3/16 miles? But his dam side is quite impressive. On to Belmont!