Haskin's Belmont Report: How the Race Shapes Up

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: How the Race Shapes Up

Aleine — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 15:49:06 GMT

So now,....the B. Stakes is over..

BUT- is anyone else surprised there was no objection when Animal Kingdom had his spill just outside the starting gate? Jesus-AK's jockey- was interviewed and asked if he thought there was a bumping incident that occured. It was said that AK may have "clipped heels" as a result of horses or a horse, getting bumped into another horse-thus AK's clipped heels. I'm shocked that there was no objection thrown. Anyone else wondering why AK went down just outside the gate??? Sloppy track not withstanding. Hmmm....

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: How the Race Shapes Up

yeager055 — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 20:43:50 GMT

Hi Vince from Europe.always wanted to go there..What is up with the word SUSPECT ? LOL Geese this isn't criminal minds.....And giddyup..stamina had nothin to do with Nehro not going to the Preakness..Make no mistake Steve A knows what he is doing.Nehro needed more ground so the smart thing to do was lay him out of the shorter race and rest him up for the longer one....think of me when he crosses the finish line...Cris i'm with u on MMM i'm worried bout him to and God Bless him to come home safe......GOOD LUCK ALL...And Vince is right only takes a minute to sign up.....

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: How the Race Shapes Up

Karen in Texas — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 14:43:22 GMT

Alex'sBigFan---Yes, I saw the gate-schooling video. They should be ready to run! May they all stay safe...

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: How the Race Shapes Up

Fran Loszynski — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 13:57:20 GMT

A note to Edgar Prado:

Remembering how Edgar apologized to Smarty Jones' owners for winning with Birdstone: Edgar if you beat Animal Kingdom and Shackleford, hold on the apologies, you are a fabulous jockey and Prime Cut is just that-"Prime" Edgar Prado is such a gentle jockey but fierce. I hope the spirit of Laffitt Pincay rides with you!

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: How the Race Shapes Up

GoldenBroom — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 13:31:16 GMT

Here in Ohio we usually have New York's weather the day before...it's beautiful in the low 70s today! But a whopper of a line of thunder-showers headed here later this afternoon. Would rather see them run in mud than in the 90's.

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: How the Race Shapes Up

calico cat — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:55:55 GMT

Alex'sBigFan,

Have fun at Belmont!!! Hope the rain doesn't ruin your beautiful hat.

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: How the Race Shapes Up

Giddyup — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:37:06 GMT

MOH couldn't win in Dubai so what makes us think he can beat tougher competition here. If the stamina of Nehro wasn't suspect then why was he not in the Preakness? I would be pretty shocked not to see Animal Kingdom and Shack dueling it out once again.

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: How the Race Shapes Up

Alex'sBigFan — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 22:06:31 GMT

El Kabong, Sir Barton, & Horsebagger,

Thanks for the info on Soldat. Seems he is stabled at Belmont, whish I could catch a glimpse of him while there Saturday. I hope they consider the Haskell too since his owners are from N.J.

Karen in Texas,

I feel like you, want to see Animal Kingdom win but do not want to see Shack lose. Did you see Shack and AK in gate school on the BH video? How cute, they both are so beautiful. And Lenny said Shack was bucking so he's raring to go! Master of Hounds was over in quarantine at Aqueduct yesterday, probably at Belmont by now. Boy if he can pull a Belmont win off he's much the best. He will lead the post parade through the tunnel and be out first as he is in Post 1, such great athletes but when they come out in the parade it is too cute for words.

The temperature in my car in New Jersey this afternoon, Thursday, is reading 102 degrees! It's awful but a breeze is blowing so thunderstorms look like they're on their way in. It will be cooler for the horses on Saturday.

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: How the Race Shapes Up

Vince — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 21:26:07 GMT

blogger from europe here. just want to give a big thumbs up to all the connections of horses going for the belmont this time around. so often in the past the belmont has been a bit of a joke with so few runners. not this time around. it is a real race and they have all turned up. it is the decider. so well done all, the belmont is a race that deserves to stand on its own merits and not just as part of a triple crown bid. rant over.

as for the race, I can't see MOH doing it either. but ballydoyle started in the US, saw him run on in the KD, and thought oh the belmont.. perfect. but he could well stay. I hate front runners over 12 furlongs so no shackleford for me. boring but think animal kingdwom will win it.

finally, there seem to be lot fewer bloggers on here than there used to be. I took my time but signing up just takes 2 minutes, so if you are reading and think it's too much of a pain to sign up, it isn't. it's easy.

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: How the Race Shapes Up

Cris — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 21:15:14 GMT

Animal Kingdom and Shackleford are the real deal so I will expect to see them fighting for the lead at the end. There will be an honest pace. My worry is Mucho Macho Man, they have given this young horse so much to do, and the pressure is on to come up with a triple crown win, but his feet don't lie. If he has to run in this thing I just want him to come home ok. I hope he then will get a well earned break. Good luck to all.

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: How the Race Shapes Up

Sam Santschi — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 20:28:17 GMT

I guess rain would be fitting for this strange year. Is it me but I just don't get MOH. One 7 furlong win...all the travel...The last race O'Brien won in the states other than the silly BC Marathon was what, the Shadwell Turf Mile in 2006? He sure will take alot of money with the one hole winning at a 26% clip. I just don't see him winning this. I'm trying to make a case for others but AK looks very tough here. JV will ride him better this time.

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: How the Race Shapes Up

yeager055 — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 20:00:32 GMT

yes Toppick it would prob be Nehro. his lil legs look like they hardley spread apart lol

But HE DOES NOT LIKE THE SLOP !

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: How the Race Shapes Up

yeager055 — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 19:58:22 GMT

Good Luck to all on your picks and may all horses and jockeys be safe.I have to say that a sloppy track will make a diff. Nehro does not like the wet at all..I really don't think post p really matters in here. Shack had pp 14 MMM 13 Nehro 19 in KD ok back em up one cause of Mo's scratch. I have been keeping a very close eye on MMM and Nehro, we hve not seen their best race yet and at this distance with good trips and patients from the Jocks we may see a 1-2 finish.Don't forget Nehro 2con n MMM 3rd in derby if AK didn't come out of nowhere Nehro wld hve won and both these colts needed more ground to cover.I just hope they glue M man's shoe's on lol...yea Shack has run his heart out n i wouldn't mind if he wins at all. Don't count out Brilliant Speed cause his day is also coming and he is a half Brother to Barbaro who in my opinion wld hve been a tripple crown winner if not for his misfortune....OH and don't forget M has a new jock...anyway it's anyones race it will be the jocks that loose this one...Just hope for safe trip for all cause my boy ARCH should be in here...

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: How the Race Shapes Up

Fuzzy Corgi — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 18:27:08 GMT

I think the heat will have a larger impact on the horses than their post position.

Wishing safe trips to all.

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: How the Race Shapes Up

toppick — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 17:45:35 GMT

Excellent tip about the strides for Mucho Macho Man. However, would like to know the horse with the shortest legs or shortest strides in case of sloppy/muddy track. Does any one know who that might be?

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: How the Race Shapes Up

Old Timer — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 16:12:25 GMT

While it wouldn't shock me to see Shackelford win, I cannot bet him for this reason. In the Derby he had complete control of the pace and still could not last 1 1/4 miles. In the Preakness he pretty much controlled the pace and, in a shorter race, barely won. Now he has to go 5/16 mile further than that. Stranger things have happenned and maybe they'll let him dawdle along six furlongs in 1:15, but somehow I have my doubts. AK is a good value at 2-1 IMO.

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: How the Race Shapes Up

Horsebagger — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 15:44:04 GMT

Soldat is going to Virginia next weekend.

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: How the Race Shapes Up

Dawn in MN — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 15:06:49 GMT

Mr. Haskin,

I love to read your race analysis. The problem with me reading knowledgeable commentary is that it clouds my thinking, I end up changing my bets and losing money. That's o.k. I always win the excitement of watching the sport of kings.

I am pretty sure Master of Hounds is here for a reason, that Nehro is sitting on a big race, and I still like Mucho Macho Man. Unfortunately, I am of the opinion that frequent flier miles are a disadvantage, and Mucho Macho Man reminds me a little of Looking At Lucky-unlucky. I will bet Shackleford because I want him to win, and Animal Kingdom because he is so pretty. Hey, at least I can admit it. It isn't science, and I tell my friends that handicapping is like crossword puzzles, sometimes a word that fits isn't the correct answer.

I am on the Pacific coast for my son's college graduation. I will be visiting Emerald Downs Saturday. I'm taking my mom and son to the races. Neither has ever seen a live race. It is my fervent hope that all the horses we watch finish safely, and for the sake of the sport I hope every single Belmont contender finishes in good order.

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: How the Race Shapes Up

Fran Loszynski — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 14:54:36 GMT

Alex's Big Fan Thank you it was nice remembering Tom Durkin's call for Afleet Alex. That night we waved goodnight to Alex and stood in front of the Secretariat Statue looking out at the vast park our second trip around Long Island "lost". Geeesh! That's what I love about your column Steve we get to share some great memories. One note, boy two heavy-hitting jockeys Edgar Prado and Johnnie V are in side by side post positions. Love to watch these guys race-the pros I call them.

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: How the Race Shapes Up

Linda in Texas — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 14:50:19 GMT

Just checking the weather update for Saturday in Elmont, NY still showing showers for Saturday, high of 72 degrees, Low 65, chance of rain 60%, winds out of ENE at 14 mph, humidity 67%.

Thunderstorms also expected on Friday. This will affect the track. Won't be dust in the faces of the competitors on Saturday,it will be the heavier stuff! That will concern me for some regardless of Post Position. At least the heat won't be a problem.

Fran-thanks,i feel if i have to ask questions, i couldn't be too smart!! But that is the only way to go for me.

And i hope Mucho Macho Man does not lose a shoe this trip and makes it to the wire with all 4 still on his hooves and not on the track.

Safe journey's horse and humans alike.

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: How the Race Shapes Up

Abigail Anderson — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 14:44:15 GMT

A bit off topic (but only a bit): Steve -- I just loved "And They're Off" this week! The Belmont tour was SPECTACULAR and I loved the spot you picked to end the tour. Bittersweet but so fitting. And the analysis of the contenders with the inclusion of Steve Byk was a great listen. Thanks so much!

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: How the Race Shapes Up

bill daly — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 14:38:17 GMT

Interesting that some people feel that Shackleford's chances could be compromised by the pace, distance, pedigree, etc. I think this horse showed in the Preakness that he can rate on the lead [as Romans mentioned in recent comments] and speed horses who can relax on the lead or right off it are the most dangerous commodities in racing. As far as distance and pedigrees go there are a lot of horses who outrun their pedigree every day. I would much rather wager on a horse like Shackleford who has demonstrated his heart and tenacity rather than a horse bred to run all day who never lives up to his pedigree.

and/or the d

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: How the Race Shapes Up

MikeM — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 14:32:31 GMT

Animal Kingdom looks a little light to me. Maybe it was the angle but I could see quite a few ribs. On the other hand Shackelford looked great and seemed to be carrying good flesh. Shack can rate on the lead and I think with no other speed in the race he will be able to slow it down enough to go the distance.

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: How the Race Shapes Up

NASCAR PRO — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 13:07:20 GMT

I would be surprised if at least one horse didnt challenge shack for the lead going into the first turn,the field is inside of him.I would say all the horses coming back from a TC race have high cruising speed,and Shackleford dosent have brilliant speed that holds for 9 or 10 furlongs.I think one of the new shooters will probably HAVE to be assertive early in the race to have a chance to win,remember zitos horse wired the Belmont in 08,and didnt win again I think.The big track helps to lull the riders to relax too long.I think there will be a slow pace and a horse that saves ground and gets the jump on the field after the final turn wins,and the rest will be running for second.

re: Haskin's Belmont Report: How the Race Shapes Up

Fran Loszynski — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 12:35:38 GMT

I think Shackleford deserves to win. This horse has run his heart out. When you watch him run it's almost like he is saying "I'm going to do it!" "I'm going to get this one!" Heart, courage, and J. Cast.his jockey has the same heart- hope he takes home the Belmont --but- will add in there Nehro. He's itching for a big win and if the Shack tires-there he'll be. Animal Kingdom is Mr. Personality he shines and Mucho Macho Man has the fight, Kathy R. has worked so hard with him. Master of Hounds wouldn't be here is right if he wasn't awesome. You wish they could all win, but the best horse will win.

Schackleford

Nehro

Animal Kingdom

The longshot winner my longtime favorite jockey Edgar Prado

Prime Cut

Good Luck everyone, safe trip and "Welcome Back Frank, New York New York!" and----Linda from Texas, your questions have taught me alot, keep asking them. You know alot.