Countdown to the Cup: Beware Of Keeneland Kiddies

re: Countdown to the Cup: Beware Of Keeneland Kiddies

Cassandra.Says — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:44:51 GMT

Miss Netta? Not this year, way too green. In her first start she flew out of the gate like an arrow and when the field came to her on the turn into the stretch she cruised away from them with her rider as still as a lawn jocket tied to the saddle. It looked professional.

This was followed by a sloooow half-mile breeze, around 30 lengths slower than her race time, and I thought it was a good move to try to take her edge off: the 'bolt from the gate and wing it' style might not be as successful in a longer race against the best fillies.

In the Frizette, it appeared to me her rider, Rajiv Maragh, tried to keep her in hand at the break, to which she reacted by breaking dead sideways. The two of them then had a spirited argument about whether or not she was going to proceed in hand, during which she fought for the bit, throwing her head around, and looked on the edge of bucking, losing around 20 lengths while expending as much energy as if she'd taken the lead. When she settled and was allowed to run two-thirds of the race was over, but she closed 10 lengths in the last quarter.

I like her for the Oaks, maybe the Derby, maybe the Classic next year. She has wonderful action, great speed, a strong dominance drive, and appears to be just getting started after six furlongs, but at the moment she thinks "It's my way or no way" and that's got to change.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Beware Of Keeneland Kiddies

Linda in Texas — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 23:12:40 GMT

Dream Ahead, "beat Goldikova and

there is nothing left for him to do" so off to the Breeding Shed at the grand ol' age of 3. He is barely out of coltdom and now is in studdom.

I am a long fuse on a short fire cracker so i will burn slowly until one of the smart race savvy posters here can explain why to me and my disappointed heart.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Beware Of Keeneland Kiddies

predict — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 03:13:47 GMT

Bluehen,

since you asked:Anybody know how to pronounce Dullahan?

You begin by filling your oversized coffee mug with your favorite Scotch whiskey. After you down this you are prpeared to pronounce Dullahan. Start by facing the person you are talking to and approach them so that they are a breath wish away, curl your lips so that one side is higher than the other while closing your eye, the one above the down side of your lips and opening wide the other eye, stare the person you are talking to in the eye , turn your head away slowly as if to look over your shoulder and then turn back to the person's face and say

, with a strong guttural voice, while slurring your words, say DOOOOOLAHHHAN!

re: Countdown to the Cup: Beware Of Keeneland Kiddies

Linda in Texas — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 01:18:14 GMT

SLEW - Yep love the blacks but there are so few i would never get to hoot and holler so i like the grays also. To that end, how 'bout checking Santa Anita Race 1 i watched yesterday on the 16th and a beautiful black horse came in second, a black fella whom i adored and he was sharp and i loved his looks and his black shiny coat. I looked him up and sure enough TIME FOR ATONEMENT was by VINDICATION. And Time for Atonement came in second after Joe Carl and before Fog Alert a gray!. I say was and it chokes me up. Vindication was a beautiful foal of your Slew and thanks for letting me share the love and total respect of Seattle Slew the greatest horse i have ever ever loved beside my own and all the others!

Funny after all these years, Seattle Slew's progeny are still appearing.

Dr. Drunkinbum would have liked that race also, the No. 1 horse was named "Free Beer." He was third but faded and that is when Fog Alert came thru ridden by Chantal to show.

You were speaking of Jose Cuervo the other day. Some folks drink a shot of Jose Cuervo Tequila with lime along with their beer. That's big in Texas. Salt on your wrist and chugging beer and tequila from a shot glass.

Everything you posted is exactly how i feel about all horses. I look at everything about them as they are parading and prancing to the posts. My favorite part of racing almost next to the race.

$82 for $2, don'tcha just wish you could do that every time?

re: Countdown to the Cup: Beware Of Keeneland Kiddies

Slew — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 18:03:33 GMT

You're very sweet, Linda, but perhaps it's just that we really appreciate what these race horses do for us. And just maybe you have a soft spot for black horses too???

It was great to see Bold Chieftain go back to the winner's circle!

I remember a race at the NO Fairgrounds. No info on the horses or pp's but one looked mighty fine....and he was black and shiny...and he was the longest shot on the board. But he was my pick.

They started running, and as I watched him I thought in horror, "What the hell did I do?". Ansolutely nothing graceful about him...all 4 legs moved like egg beaters...I had to be crazy.

But...but...HE WON! $82 for $2...not bad...all because he was black, and shimmering in the sun.

Silly as it might be, I do win a bit that way.

But I really just enjoy them all, the way they move, the utter grace, the courageous heart, the excitement of seeing pure poetry in fluid motion. It's very special just to watch their own pride glow when they know they've done what they needed to do. It all shows in their eyes, and their stance. Special!

re: Countdown to the Cup: Beware Of Keeneland Kiddies

Linda in Texas — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 22:08:37 GMT

Slew, i don't mean to stalk you with words, but i watched Bold Chieftain and was so darn glad when he tore ahead. How great is that, 8 years old and still loving to race. And looking like a million bucks. How nice for him. Then i check back here and you have posted that he was going to race. I watched him before i read your post, so i am glad you got to see him. I love the older ones.

And you know i love your Seattle Slew above all and that is the truth. i still get teared up thinking about his painful end and how strong he was to put up with it so long. He was a brave soldier.

I think we just must think somewhat alike because i never disagree with anything you say.

I don't mean to be a copy cat. Just love them all.

Linda

re: Countdown to the Cup: Beware Of Keeneland Kiddies

Slew — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 21:00:04 GMT

Bold Chieftain won. I'm happy.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Beware Of Keeneland Kiddies

Karen in Texas — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 18:11:59 GMT

Thanks, Coldfacts, for elaborating on Hansen. He is an interesting colt, and his wins are certainly visually impressive. I realize that some Tapit offspring do well initially and then seem to develop problems. Judging the wins relative to the surface (Polytrack) adds to the difficulty of gauging Hansen's ability at this point. Of course, Vindication and Point Given won the same race before the surface was changed in 2005. As Deacon said above, today's technology/science should be able to create and maintain safe dirt surfaces in the U.S.!

re: Countdown to the Cup: Beware Of Keeneland Kiddies

Slew — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 17:38:00 GMT

Sometimes, you just get a special soft spot in your heart (sometimes your head) for a very special horse.

This is a heads-up for the West Coast fans. Bull Dog Stakes at Fresno fair today...veteran campaigner Bold Chieftain is running today. 8 years old, still a stallion, a gorgeous stud with an outstanding pedigree. Retirement did not suit him, (the farm he was at went bnkrpt)but it looks as though he might be bought again soon for stud duty. I just love this horse. Gotta go and watch.....

re: Countdown to the Cup: Beware Of Keeneland Kiddies

Coldfacts — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 14:45:51 GMT

Hansen,

He was no doubt very impressive in his two starts to date. Overmatched competition can give the wrong impression of ability. The projected time for the runner up in the Kentucky Cup Juvenile would be about 1:49. It’s difficult to evaluate his ability as the Kentucky Cup Juvenile was not on the racing calendar in 2009-2010. Prior to its reintroduction in 2011 it was contested in 2008 when West Side Bernie won the then Glll race in 1:44.22. His mile split was faster than that of Hansen. West Side Bernie did not figure in the TC series of race. Champions Vindication & Point Given are past winner of the Kentucky Cup Juvenile.

Hansen pedigree profile fits that of a possible champion. His sire Gl winner Tapit provides a lot of stamina as his grandsire is Belmont and BCC winner A P Indy. His dam hails from the Storm Cat broodmare line that has not been overly successful but was associated with Kentucky Derby runner-up Ice Box via Tabasco Cat. She was lightly raced which I consider a major plus. His sire Tapit is one that has a history of being over bred each year. He bred 174 mares in 2007 that produced his 2008 crop Tapizar and Joyful Victory were the stand outs from this crop and they both showed early brilliance and eventually developed physical issue and had to be taken out of training. He bred 117 mares in 2008 that produced his 2009 crop. The number of mares bred in 2008 represent a significant reduction form usual 170 plus. This might just be a positive for Hansen’s long term soundness. Interesting colt

re: Countdown to the Cup: Beware Of Keeneland Kiddies

Linda in Texas — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 01:55:18 GMT

Watching a re run of the races across the pond I heard mention no Frankel for the BC. His last race was today, no more til next year, thanks. So my question is answered.

I bet some owners and trainers are breathing lighter with that news.

Slew, the mention of 'Jose' makes me want to go buy limes and if i lived on the left coast i would probably have a tree filled with them in my backyard. Ah for some fun in the sun at The Santa Anita Horse Park/Track in California. So i guess no 'Slew Gin Fizz' for Slew. My dad had a champion Chesapeake Bay Retriever named Sloe Gin Fizz, he came with that name but i had no idea what it meant when i was 10,i learned later. No thanks not my cup of tea.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Beware Of Keeneland Kiddies

Steve Haskin — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 00:25:43 GMT

Linda in Texas, it doesnt look like Frankel will be coming for the BC judging from Henry Cecil's quotes. It's a shame, but hopefully he'll look this special next year and they'll bring him for the Classic. They will be stretching him out to 1 1/4 miles next year.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Beware Of Keeneland Kiddies

Steve Haskin — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 00:21:21 GMT

Hansen certainly looks freaky on the Turfway Polytrack. If he's anywhere near that brilliant on dirt, we could be looking at something special. He's definitely bred to go long, so no questions there.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Beware Of Keeneland Kiddies

Racingfan — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 00:16:21 GMT

Thanks for the response Steve! Sorry for bugging you about it!! :-) Since you are such an amazing writer and have the ability to "take us there" when we didn't get to have the experience personally....I was just hopeful that you may reconsider at some point.....

re: Countdown to the Cup: Beware Of Keeneland Kiddies

Betty S — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 00:15:58 GMT

Zookeeper, Mike R, and Karen in Ind.--Thank you so much. I have felt so bad for this wonderful girl, she deserves SO much more. If she doesn't want to race again thats one thing but to toss her into an auction---there must be some nice happy horse farm here in America where she could be happy and hopefully have a family. But the highest bidder probably wouldn't be here. She gave all and is so loved by all but those who are in control. Thank you Steve for helping us sort things out and if you know of such a place for her, tell them and mayibe they will bid on her. She has been great, now she is apparently hurt or raced out and they don't want her anymore.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Beware Of Keeneland Kiddies

Kristen — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 23:32:20 GMT

Steve, I, like Karen in Texas want to know what you think of the Tapit colt Hansen? For me he is the most exciting 2 year old I've seen this year. I also am a huge fan of Caracortado. He tries hard every time. I also like Creative Cause the Giant's Causeway 2 year old.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Beware Of Keeneland Kiddies

Linda in Texas — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 21:04:58 GMT

Thought i was at the rodeo a minute ago for Calder Race 10 when the 1 horse Glacier sp? fired out of the rail slot and headed to the rail and 'bucked' his jockey who is okay. To the rescue came the super fast 'Outrider Man' to the rescue of the other horses and especially Glacier. Good tag Outrider Man whoever you are and thank you! You did it with no "pointy boots" either. :)

I am glad i derive delight from so many simple things.

I do like Dullahan Mr. Old Timer, said so earlier and same for Union Rags and when i looked up his bloodlines i really liked him. Oh heck there isn't a horse i don't like and I must sound like a broken record.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Beware Of Keeneland Kiddies

Old Timer — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 18:30:16 GMT

Steve,

No doubt that Dullahan is a horse with a future. Likewise Optimizer. I still think that they are all going to have a hard time beating Union Rags next month.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Beware Of Keeneland Kiddies

Slew — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 17:51:49 GMT

DR D: You're a sweetheart, but I really can't be anywhere near gin. Now, if you did a Singapore Slew Sling with vodka, it would be ok...but I'm leaning more towards my buddy Jose Cuervo.

Frankel won the QE II with ease.

But aargh...my trifecta of SYT, Snow Fairy and Nathaniel came in 2-3 and 4 as CIRRUS DES AIGLES (who??) got a half length on SYT at the line. SYT had a different jockey (Ryan Moore) but looked a bit tired in the final 100 yrds.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Beware Of Keeneland Kiddies

Linda in Texas — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 17:36:01 GMT

Steve, do you think the Prince will bring Frankel to the Breeder's Cup Races? I bet Bobby Frankel is so pleased that his namesake is carrying on with such class. I think it is wonderful.

What a handsome guy Frankel is.

And i say to Rapid Redux, atta boy,

1 more to even it up with Pepper's Pride and Zenyatta and 2 more to make it 20. Love to watch him and

thought he had nothing left but from someplace he lurched ahead.

What a treat he is. Thanks for sharing him with us Mr. Cole, David Wells and his great jockey,

J.D. Acosta.

And thanks Steve. Just firing up my HRTV as i write this for an afternoon of keeping records on who wins.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Beware Of Keeneland Kiddies

Coldfacts — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 15:57:01 GMT

Dullahan

Big nice colt but it is unlikely that he will have a bright future on dirt. He probably will be good on turf but not excellent. I am no expert but he does not appear to level out when closing. This could mean he is compensating for some physical issue. I hope I am wrong as he is imposing.

Optimizer

Nice colt that does not appear fast enough to trouble the top colt heading to the BCJ. He should definitely be confined to the turf. There must be some concern that his trainer is high on him he is known to push on them when they show signs of ability. How can his excitement over Dublin be forgotten? I hope he exercises the requisite patience with his young gladiators.

Take Charge Indy

He is a product of the breeding the best to the best and hoping for the best philosophy. Will he be one of the rare ones that validate this policy? His performances to date have been encouraging but not spectacular. His dam Take Charge Lady was a multiple G1 winner and history suggests she will not produce a champion. These types’ broodmares are rarely associated with the exceptional ones. His three races to date have been on synthetics tracks and might not be his preferred surface. If is best performance will be on dirt and he runs to his pedigree he could create a major upset in the BCJ. This remains a remote possibility because of his pedigree profile.

MISS NETTA

Broke very badly and immediately entered a fight with her rider. The fact that she finished third from so far back along with her antics is amazing. I certainly concur that she will be a live long shot if her trainer can sort the reason why both his charges ( Alpha/Miss Netta) ran indifferent race on the same day.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Beware Of Keeneland Kiddies

Steve Haskin — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 15:42:54 GMT

Racingfan, that book has nothing to do with a Zenyatta book. In fact, Rachel and Zenyatta are the only two new chapters in that book. The others have already appeared in a book called Women of the Year. They just recycled that book and added the two new chapters. I dont have the means or the outlet to write a book about Zenyatta. I'm sure one will be written. I'm just the not the right person to do it.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Beware Of Keeneland Kiddies

Racingfan — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 15:07:27 GMT

Figured this would be a safe place to post this: ***FYI to ZENYATTA AND RACHEL fans --- a book called "Horse Racing Divas" just came out that is about them and 10 other famous females. It's available thru Exclusively Equine...I already ordered mine.

P.S. Is that why you have been declining to write a Zenyatta book Steve? If so, you can still do it. A whole book about her and written by you would be the BEST!

re: Countdown to the Cup: Beware Of Keeneland Kiddies

The Deacon — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 07:03:02 GMT

Steve: I watched the video "And There Off" with you and Lenny. I listened intently to the comments about Keeneland and the polytrack, and the lack of respect the Juddmont Spinster Stakes gets. I remember the glory days as well when this once prestigious race was one of the highlights of the fall season. I am beginning to think that Keeneland, much like Hollywood Park and Del Mar has lost it's identity and credibility. Santa Anita was going down that path but wised up and rid themselves of that synthetic surface. I only wish all American tracks would do the same. I would think in today's technology the brain trust of American racing can make all dirt surfaces safer.

Even the Blue Grass Stakes, a major Derby prep has lost its luster...........great article Steve, thanks for sharing.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Beware Of Keeneland Kiddies

Steve Haskin — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 04:39:24 GMT

Zookeeper, Hollendorfer said he'll address the situation in a few days. He has to if they want to sell her. I dont understand the lack of information, unless they dont know anything. Jerry is not your average person and you never know what youre going to get from him.