Haskin's Belmont Report: It's Macho That Worries Irwin, Not Shackleford

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: It's Macho That Worries Irwin, Not Shackleford

Oldie — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 03:49:14 GMT

Oh Dr. D., right on! I kept the newspaper clipping of Rags' win with a beautiful picture of her crossing the wire on my desk for more than a year :)

Tonight I caught the replay of Point Given's win - he made it look so easy I almost forgot to be impressed LOL. Dearly Beloved asked how a replay of a race I knew the outcome of could be interesting to watch, and compared it to watching a replay of a baseball game - guess who I thought of right away :)

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: It's Macho That Worries Irwin, Not Shackleford

stevve07 — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 21:02:29 GMT

you can say what you like about shackleford he do have 2 triple crown in his bloodlines the great big red and the count fleet,

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: It's Macho That Worries Irwin, Not Shackleford

Dr Drunkinbum — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 14:19:49 GMT

Oldie

I got goosebumps just thinking of you watching the race. As a kid I knew every baseball record by heart. Let's hope for a fierce stretch duel in this year's Belmont. Rags To Riches win has got to be one of the greatest races I've ever seen. I couldn't believe how she perservered and won. "She did it, she really did it." Really quite amazing to beat the great Curlin like that. It's got to be number two for me of all of the Belmont's.

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: It's Macho That Worries Irwin, Not Shackleford

Oldie — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 02:34:49 GMT

Dr. D., I figure the main things Baseball and Racing have in common are strategy and the ever-lurking potential to perform beyond presumed ability. I've never been good at remembering stats, but instead remember things that amaze me - like 1986 Keith Hernandez' ability to hit foul after foul, wearing down a pitcher until he finally slipped up and threw a hittable pitch. A few weeks ago the stretch run of Secretariat's Belmont was being replayed by whichever channel I had on, and I can't even tell you what I was doing, only that I stopped in my tracks and just as you described, felt those tears welling up instantly.

This Belmont is far more likely to be the competitive race to the wire we are blessed with when a well-matched field enters the gate, and I very much look forward to it! Blowouts are visually impressive, but a fight to the finish more likely to leave me breathless and ready for a rematch!

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: It's Macho That Worries Irwin, Not Shackleford

Linda in Texas — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:46:07 GMT

Rinzler - not to fear, don't give up on Shackleford, read Steve's new post and regain your composure, no funerals, please.

You tell'm Zookeeper, tell it like it is folks, this is serious stuff and no time to dilly dally around.

So good for Romans and Irwin.

Linda :+

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: It's Macho That Worries Irwin, Not Shackleford

Linda in Texas — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:41:19 GMT

Friends, if the predicted 50 percent chance of showers on Saturday at Belmont come to pass, will that make the track fast - deep and cuppy or just sloppy?

And Post Positions, 12 for Shack, 10 for MMM, 9 for Animal Kingdom. That will be interesting with those 3 all exiting the gates so close together. Could you give your scenario on that one and where might MOH in 1 and Brilliant Speed in 5 be in the mix?

All i have to say is Master of Hounds, bless him, i have some Advantage miles i could share with his owners!

And ABF - don't forget to give us the signal if you get close to a TV camera! Will your Chapeau have feathers? :) Enjoy every bit of your day at Pimlico And The Belmont,we will look forward to hearing all about your good times.

Steve, have a great time. I really don't care who wins, just want them all back safely. But - really down deep, i want Shackleford or Brilliant Speed! And MMM and Stay

Thirsty and Animal Kingdom and and - - -.

I wrote this way early today and was afraid it sounded like stupid questions. But i just read Steve's latest post and i wish i could transfer it there!

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: It's Macho That Worries Irwin, Not Shackleford

Ranagulzion — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 21:31:08 GMT

Shackleford is a beautiful chestnut colt and a tough campaigner but on pedigree he's out of his depth at 12 furlongs in this field; can't see him making the frame at all. Santiva is going to turn the race into a test of stamina by attacking Shackleford down that long Belmont backstretch and once he comandeers the lead it will take a brawler to peg him back. Master of Hounds and the Derby winner, Animal Kingdom are his main threat but expect big runs from Stay Thirsty and Nehro; this race looks like a thriller in the making. I cant remember a more competitive Belmont stakes line up. Can you, Steve?

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: It's Macho That Worries Irwin, Not Shackleford

Old Timer — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 20:21:25 GMT

I do not have any problem with Irwin's comment this time. However his comment about trainers lying to him did not seem to me to be very positive nor very diplomatic nor good for racing.

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: It's Macho That Worries Irwin, Not Shackleford

Karen in Texas — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 19:48:08 GMT

This is going to be an emotional Belmont for me. I want Animal Kingdom to win, but I don't want Shack to lose. (Doesn't make a lot of sense, I know.) I believe Barry Irwin is truly and rightfully concerned about MMM's chances as well. That they all come out of the race safely is my sincere hope.

Dr.D---My husband, who doesn't know or care very much about horseracing, always gets "shakey" when watching Secretariat enter the gate on a replay of the '73 Belmont. That race simply transcends the sport.

Alex'sBigFan---Don't forget to show us your hat! Yes, Belmont is lush and green and you can actually feel the history there!

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: It's Macho That Worries Irwin, Not Shackleford

Scott C — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 19:36:32 GMT

The stretch run sat. will mimic that of the Risen Star. Macho will gain the lead shortly after the final turn and no one will get by. This colt is still improving. Another late run by AK will garner second place honors again, and Brilliant Speed will just nip Nehro for third.

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: It's Macho That Worries Irwin, Not Shackleford

Dr Drunkinbum — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 19:24:02 GMT

Oldie

Thanks. I don't recall any time that my eyes weren't moist. I do remember one time that I was a blubbering fool and couldn't stop for awhile. I always get goosebumps, often just thinking about that race. And I'm not normally one to enjoy wipeouts. I like close, hard fought battles, and extreme closers, and any horse that shows gameness, but I consider Secretariat's Belmont to be one of the greatest feats in the history of life, a far greater achievement than the first man on the moon. The first one to stand atop Mt. Everest was pretty good, Lewis and Clark was pretty cool, as were many of the explorer's feats but nothing matches Secretariat's Belmont. I like DiMaggio's 56 game hitting streak too. Speaking of baseball, there are records far less likely to be broken than the 56 game hitting streak such as complete games in a season and lifetime by a pitcher.

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: It's Macho That Worries Irwin, Not Shackleford

Melissa P — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 19:02:02 GMT

This is going to be an exciting Belmont! Things could get really interesting if an off-track comes up.

Shackleford is a tank! The horse is amazing to look at. Reminds me more of the prototypical hunter.

I'm firmly on the Brilliant Speed bandwagon (especially on an off-track). The distance will definitely be a benefit for him and Ms. Weber is absolutely due a huge win in New York. Love the story behind MMM. Can't discount AK. Again, this could be a really exciting Belmont. Mostly hoping for a safe trip for all!

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: It's Macho That Worries Irwin, Not Shackleford

Rinzler — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 18:42:36 GMT

OMG... What a bad post for Shackleford. Well, I was there for the wedding, I might as well attend the funeral.

Skackleford now has only half the distance to the turn to get position. Oh well. At least the turns are sweeping and not sharp, so his loss of ground shouldn't be too bad if he gets caught wider than the 3 path.

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: It's Macho That Worries Irwin, Not Shackleford

edrul427 — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 18:06:34 GMT

Like i was taugh over 60 years ago,the only horse that can not win is the one that stays in the stall.However this race is coming up real good with some very nice horses on it.Still i thing that this is between Animaql Kingdon and Shakelford.Good luck to everyone and enjoy.

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: It's Macho That Worries Irwin, Not Shackleford

NASCAR PRO — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 17:48:40 GMT

Just a coment on the Secretariat Belmont.That was the best race ever run in the TC series(IMO) and his race that day was helped by the fact SHAM and Secretariat were the only horses in the race and in the Triple crown that year.Shams race in the Belmont brought out the best in Secretariat that day.He probably wins by 10 or more without Sham but not by 31 and with the time he ran.

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: It's Macho That Worries Irwin, Not Shackleford

Dovie — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 17:36:49 GMT

I would like to ask all of you to remember Zenyatta's 2010 Breeder's Cup race (and hold your hand over your heart) ..... Zenyatta was gaining on Blame with every stride and she passed him one second past the finish line; now.... in the Preakness, Animal Kingdom was closing in on Shackelford with every stride. Same story, second verse. I love Shackelford, but I really believe this race will be between Animal Kingdom, Nehro and MMM. The bottom line is a good trip. Thank you Steve for all your outstanding reports, don't know what I'd do without your great well-put thoughts. Dovie from Texas!

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: It's Macho That Worries Irwin, Not Shackleford

calico cat — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 17:08:30 GMT

"This sport needs people to say what they feel, and back it up, and not follow the same boring scripts that most follow."

Mr. Haskin, right on!!! Listening to connection's interviews is an exercise in frustration and boredom. They all say the same politically correct, insipid pap. One of the cliches I dislike the most is: "We'll let the horse tell us..." What a crock that is! Horses only "talk" during and/or after the race, not before. Yet how often do we hear this nonsense from trainers and owners who consistently run horses where they do not belong? Far too many times.

Barry Irwin and Dale Romans spoke their minds before the race. The horses will prove them right or wrong on the track, without saying a single word. Ha!

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: It's Macho That Worries Irwin, Not Shackleford

Oldie — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 17:03:28 GMT

Steve - many heartfelt thanks for keeping us all in the loop. I completely agree with your belief that Mr. Irwin is great for the sport.

Dr. D. - I have the exact same reaction to that replay - and often fail. There are few things in history so purely beautiful.

My heart remains with Mucho Macho Man. There is something so genuine and appealing about him.

Alex'sBigFan, I envy you - have a great time!

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: It's Macho That Worries Irwin, Not Shackleford

Giddyup — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 17:00:56 GMT

I'm beginning to like Barry Irwin. Let's face it, in the wake of ZENMANIA things have been a bit dull and a little controversy is not the worse thing for an industry desperately trying to extend its reach. Barry has now effectively created a rivalry between his horse and Dale Romans so what could be wrong with that.

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: It's Macho That Worries Irwin, Not Shackleford

smarie — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 16:03:55 GMT

Good for Irwin and Romans! Enough of the "politically correct" tiptoeing around. You can't even get people to denounce cheating by trainers with drugs anymore; no one wants to say their real opinions. Mr. Irwin isn't afraid to and neither, it seems, is Mr. Romans. It should be a great Belmont. BTW Mr Haskins, when watching a rerun of Thunder Gulch's Belmont last night, I saw a man standing behind D. Wayne Lukas who looked a lot like you! Were my eyes deceiving me or were you behind him in the stands during the race?

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: It's Macho That Worries Irwin, Not Shackleford

PomDeTerre — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 16:01:02 GMT

Seems to me that Romans is a tad overly sensitive. In Shack's favor, he has heart, but that distance is gonna be a killer for him. I'll play him in my super, tho not on top. MMM, AK and Nehro are simply too threatening to overlook. And a question for anyone - why on earth did O'Brien wait til yesterday to ship in MOH? Seems to me that doesn't leave alot of time to overcome the jet lag. While I believe he'll excel at this distance, this insane shipping arrangement practically forces me to toss him out.

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: It's Macho That Worries Irwin, Not Shackleford

Abigail Anderson — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 15:35:19 GMT

I follow the focus of Pedigree Ann's post regarding Shackleford since this is the "take" on the Storm Cats, most of whom picked up the influence of Terlingua & her dam, brilliant sprinter Crimson Saint. I would really like to see AK deliver a mind-boggling performance, but also like the chances of Nehro. Either way, I expect AK and Nehro to figure in the top 3.

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: It's Macho That Worries Irwin, Not Shackleford

Dr Drunkinbum — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 14:59:43 GMT

Wrensflight

I think that Shackleford very well could have won The Derby with a different track surface like sloppy or fast-firm rather than fast-deep and cuppy.

TerriZ

I do believe we're going to see a great show also, but a competitive one. I doubt if we'll ever see an exhibition again like Secretariat put on but maybe we'll see a Curlin-Rags, or Affirmed- Alydar type show. Nothing I have ever seen compares to the awe inspiring performance of Secretariat's Belmont. I still have to fight hard to keep from bawling just from watching the replay.

Pedigree Ann

I agree. There are others much better suited pedigreewise for this race. That is one reason it would be so exciting if Shackleford won it. His talent, gameness and conditioning gives me some hope that he could pull it off, and a son of Forestry winning it would just be very special. I would also agree that his true odds are higher than what you would be getting to bet on him in this race. I won't be keying him like I did in the Derby and Preakness but I will put him in a box. Every horse in here at 10f will be saying, "The race isn't over, you've got to be kidding !!!"

Alex'sBigFan

Have fun !!!!!!

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: It's Macho That Worries Irwin, Not Shackleford

steve from st louis — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 14:29:39 GMT

Master of Hounds represents the latest product of the Mr. Prospector sire line crossed with Northern Dancer line mares which has accounted for Belmont winners Hansel, Thunder Gulch,Victory Gallop, Jazil, Birdstone, Empire Maker, Summer Bird and Drosselmeyer. Any questions?

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: It's Macho That Worries Irwin, Not Shackleford

Deltalady — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 14:27:18 GMT

P.S. Irwin and Romans theatre reminds me of the scene in the movie Seabiscuit, where Howard and Riddle are each being quoted, both leading up to and then just prior to the upcoming match race. Their comments just fueled the interest in the race and made it more exciting and fun. As you say, what the sport needs is more "sponteneity"!! Bring it on!!