Haskin's Derby Trail: Gemologist a Chip Off the Old Block

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Gemologist a Chip Off the Old Block

predict — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 18:43:35 GMT

Thanks, Steve, for another enjoyable article, and so interesting to say the least. I can't help but be amazed that we have a horse like Gemologist this year, and he isn't even the favorite, simply amazing group of horses.

I am very interested to see how Trinniberg will affect the running of this year's Derby. We didn't have a ton of speed in others pointing to the Derby, and now we have a true burner in the group. The only thing is that Trinniberg doesn't have a route or two turns in his resume, but boy does he have a beautiful easy stride. I know very few give him any chance, but if he gets an easy lead he just might stroll right on into the winner's circle.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Gemologist a Chip Off the Old Block

Dawn in MN — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 18:02:08 GMT

P.S. I just watched the Wood Memorial again. Is it me, or did Gemologist look a little off on his off-side, right shoulder?

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Gemologist a Chip Off the Old Block

Dawn in MN — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 17:45:39 GMT

My interest in Thoroughbred racing has been hampered by demands on my time. As time goes on I develop stronger and stronger mixed feelings about the Industry as it continues to fail to address the care of the horse. I still won't miss a chance to watch those three-year-olds run. They are the most beautiful creatures on earth. A safe trip to all. Thanks for the insight Mr. Haskin, your writing is always a treat.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Gemologist a Chip Off the Old Block

El Kabong — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 19:35:05 GMT

Great read again Steve. My brother is a big fan of Alpha and I preferred Gemologist in the Wood. We really enjoyed that stretch run and I thought Alpha was going by him too, and then we saw it. We have a term for what happened in the stretch run in the Wood. Stink Eye. Gemologist caught that son of a Bernardini sneaking up on him, gave him some stink eye and pulled away. The last horse we said had that quality to his demeanor was Afleet Alex. Old stink eye himself.

Alysheba4ever,

Like your picks for the Derby. I don't play much in the Derby Futures, but I did have enough confidence in this guy and Dullahan and El Padrino to put the three of them in an exacta box back in pool 1 that pays very well and keyed Gemologist on top of Alpha and all others, which from that pool includes some very good late bloomers like Take charge Indy, Daddy Nose Best and Bodemeister. I hope we're right. I'm just thrilled right now that all those wagers are still alive and kicking. Knock on wood.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Gemologist a Chip Off the Old Block

Mike Monarchos — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:48:09 GMT

I think I'm going to use Gemologist as my key horse in most bets. I like Bodemeister alot too, but I'm getting worried that he might go too fast early with Trinniberg and Hansen. I'll still box him

With Gem and others in some exactas, and key him on top with Gem in some tris. That will depend on the dray though, because any colt that gets #1 is screwed!

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Gemologist a Chip Off the Old Block

gemologist — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:13:34 GMT

Gemologist will win Not only win The Derby, but also becomes racing's 2nd undefeated Triple Crown Winner

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Gemologist a Chip Off the Old Block

jaguar2626 — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:22:55 GMT

Tiznow needs to come home to CA...Well he probably doesn't give a shit since he is being waited hand and foot and is provided all the babes he wants. Something tells me he isn't going to be glued to the TV when his offspring Gemologist runs in the Derby. Nonetheless I'm rooting for his boy. Who can do something he was never afforded the chance to do. Shit when they put the roses around him. LOL

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Gemologist a Chip Off the Old Block

jaguar2626 — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 09:01:51 GMT

Well being from California its easy to root for the son of Tiznow. Let's not forget it was a CA bred that won the classic two years in a row. In my eyes he should be here in CA, but.... But how can you not root for the son of A.P. Indy trying to do what his dad wasn't able to attempt. While not as imposing as his dad he sure seems to have the heart and the staying power. This to me is shaping to be a great First Saturday in May. And for Godolphin and Coolmore...."Not in Our House"!!!LOL. But if they prevail they deserved it.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Gemologist a Chip Off the Old Block

Don from PA/DE — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:03:45 GMT

Hey KenfromRI, "SHHHHHHHH" let many not select "Gem" as the force,

if and when he wins, which I believe he will, better payout, and by the way, how often do "THEY" get it right anyway...as William James once wrote' The art of being wise, is the of knowing what to overlook"...believe what you choose to believe and enjoy it

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Gemologist a Chip Off the Old Block

Rachel NH — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:02:23 GMT

I didn't see "fight back" with Alpha, LOL, I saw, as he was gawking around with his ears pricked, "Oh, yeah, I'm supposed to be racing!" and then when past Alpha, back up came the ears...

You know how I love Tiznow, so I'll wait a couple of more battles before I bestow "battle sonship" on Gemologist ;-)

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Gemologist a Chip Off the Old Block

KenfromRI — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:59:51 GMT

It still seems to me that Gemologist is not quite getting a fair shake. Many more people pick Union Rags, Creative Cause, Bodemeister, I'll Have Another, Dullahan as their top picks over an undefeated horse. History is always changing, true, but of the last 4 undefeated horses to run in the Derby, only one has fallen short, Curlin, and he only had 3 races before the Derby. Will Gemo join the undefeated ranks of Smarty Jones, Barbaro and Big Brown to take the Derby? Only time will tell. But I think that many fans are selling the undefeated angle short.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Gemologist a Chip Off the Old Block

Dr Drunkinbum — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:57:34 GMT

200 lb. Jockey

Is ksweatman9 your Uncle? If he is I think you're going to have a tough time getting that painting. If he isn't you might try wining and dining your sweet Aunt.

ksweatman9

Great post. Yes, we do owe them that. All of them deserve a great retirement.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Gemologist a Chip Off the Old Block

Matthew W — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:06:27 GMT

Pedigree Ann Effervescing! One of Wayne Lukas's first Thoroughbreds! He won Met Mile/American Hcp at Holly five days later (not sure the races/know it was two Gr1's on opposite coasts in five days), thought he was a Secretariat, he was the first horse I ever saw that had "it"....head-turning beauty....and, yes, I know about Swaps, and Morvich in early 20's...but so many Cal-breds couldn't get that tenth furlong, eventually Best Pal came along but Tiznow is the standard-bearer for 1 1/4 stamina in this country, by Cee's Tizzy out of Cee's Song, by Seattle Song....he's right up there with Man O War and Seattle Slew in beauty, and I never thought a horse like that would come outta Cali, He has the Big Red lineage, he has that unusual nick, he had that amazing heart, the power and strength, and he had the look, still does, that amazing look!

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Gemologist a Chip Off the Old Block

ksweatman9 — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 09:12:04 GMT

I never get tired of looking at Man O' War, a large painting of him hangs above my fireplace. In fact, I never get tired of looking at horses. From Alydar to Zenyatta, they're all beautiful. There's something about the presence of a horse that calms the soul. We should view these horses with more compassion and respect, and we should focus more on caring for thoroughbreds who can no longer run. The sport owes them that much.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Gemologist a Chip Off the Old Block

200 lb. Jockey — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 05:27:21 GMT

My Grandfather had a painting of Man O War that got passed down to my Aunt, and I have considered begging for it. It was hung above his seat at the dinner table, so when you looked at him, you were also looking at Man O War. He gave up training racehorses after the attack on Pearl Harbor and ended up being a career military man, but I always knew he missed it. Different times and men indeed.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Gemologist a Chip Off the Old Block

200 lb. Jockey — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 05:19:36 GMT

Gem is a tough horse, no doubt. I just can't single a winner out this year. I really think almost half of the field has a legitimate shot to win depending on how the race sets up. I'm thinking of boxing 4 for the trifecta since odds should be juicy. Gemologist, Dullahan, Union Rags, and Bodiemeister. But I could see a few horses ruining that ticket. I hope to get lucky.

I'm foregoing a trip back to the Derby this year for a trip to Royal Ascot to see Black Caviar run her first race outside of Australia. Too bad the showdown with Frankel didn't materialize. That would have been one for the ages...

Go Dullahan!

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Gemologist a Chip Off the Old Block

KG1 — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 03:06:46 GMT

Hi Steve,

Though a wonderful bit of inbreeding the Man O War line was kept alive. Kudos to Mrs. Frances Genter for breeding In Reality.

Many may remember her from another Derby. A gem of a moment that's stuck in my head forever.

A wee bitty 92 year old lady who couldn't see very well, being hugged by Carl Nafzgar...as a horse came down the stretch..."he's winning! he's gonna win!". That was her horse...Unbridled.

I was trackside for The Wood. There has been quite a bit of talk about Gemologist loafing toward the finish. That's not what I saw. I saw a horse that as you said, looked the other one in the eye, and put him away. Gem knew it and relaxed. There was plenty left in the tank. If Alpha had kept coming there is no doubt in my mind that Gem would have kept about his business.

I have always been a huge fan of the Hastings/Man O War line. There is more that a bit of orneriness and fire in it. Hardtack and In Reality were proof of that.

In my heart I hope Gem gives the line it's first Derby since War Admiral. But Gem should keep his eye out for the late running Dullahan. I don't buy that poly/grass bias. Nor do I think he left his best race on the track in Lexington.

My third horse is one no one talks about much but he has made no mis-steps. That's cauze Daddy Nose Best.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Gemologist a Chip Off the Old Block

yani — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 01:31:10 GMT

adding Gemologist to my list of 4. How can one not add a son of Tiznow.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Gemologist a Chip Off the Old Block

Tiz Herself — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 22:54:22 GMT

Opsherr, I envy you. When I saw Tiznow at WinStar in 2010, he was in a stallion mood for sure and wasn't approachable that way to touch him.

I'll never forget from that trip how it felt to be able to touch Cigar for one. The power, presence that horse had even being 20 then and the same went with Rock Hard Ten (oodles of horse power in that animal as well), Curlin, and A.P. Indy... I can only imagine how it would feel to touch a horse like Zenyatta or Rachel Alexandra. Cross my fingers, maybe will happen one day!

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Gemologist a Chip Off the Old Block

Slew — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 22:51:21 GMT

Steve, as a Tiznow fan, I found your write-up to be superb...doing what only you do so well.... Capturing the emotions of those around the horse. I hope Gemologist carries that banner well, but I still feel that he has not been truly tested yet. While he staved off Alpha's challenge in the Wood, it was a wounded Alpha he bested. But we just might be in store for a very special Derby this year.

But Steve, you said, "he has the development through the gaskin that Tiznow has ..". So I sat here scratching my head. Surely a "gaskin" was not a misprint of a "Haskin". And I'm certain horses don't have gaskets. (although horse-power does.) So I had to google horse anatomy to eventually discover that a gaskin is a thigh muscle. That takes care of a new thing learned today, but Steve, really...I was feeling a bit lazy today, and although I should thank you for the impetus...

I remain too lazy to do it.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Gemologist a Chip Off the Old Block

Dr Drunkinbum — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 20:54:15 GMT

Opsherr

Magical story. Thanks. I really enjoyed the contrast of time periods and of personal choices. There's something about adventures by train in the good old days, and of meeting our heroes in any age that is special.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Gemologist a Chip Off the Old Block

Matt Helm — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 20:00:48 GMT

Gemologist in my mind has the best pedigree for the Derby.Tiznow a horse that won at a 11/4 mile,and has sired a 11/4 mile winner.Mr.P on the the bottom side always a positive.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Gemologist a Chip Off the Old Block

Steve Haskin — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 18:36:48 GMT

Opsherr, thank you for sharing both those stories. you cant put enough importance on moments like that. I'm glad you were able experience it and relive it years later.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Gemologist a Chip Off the Old Block

opsherr — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:39:59 GMT

This is truly an inspired piece, Mr. Haskin. It reminded me of another written by someone else many years ago. A man had long dreamed of visiting the great Man O War. He finally took the plunge and traveled a long distance by train and the whole way imagined what it would be like to touch that burnished coat of living silk. When the great one was presented to the man, all he could manage was total awe and then he knew. He knew he shouldn't touch him; it wouldn't be right to put his hands upon him and left without realizing his dream. However, he knew in his heart it was the right thing to do. That was his moment and here is mine.

A few years ago, I, too wanted to realize my dream. My family was visiting me in Kentucky and we made an appointment to visit Tiznow. When the stud manager brought him out, after we had viewed his Classic wins with much emotion, I could not contain myself. I slowly moved toward him and his gaze was fixed upon me. At the last moment, I remembered myself and asked permission and it was granted. I stood close to his shoulder and very lightly touched him. It was a moment in time, truly magical for me. Was it right, yes, I believe so.

To some this might seem like a load of you-know-what. Don't judge until you've been there.

Tiznow, indeed!

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Gemologist a Chip Off the Old Block

Pedigree Ann — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:26:03 GMT

Matthew W. -

None of the Effervescents in the Stud Book are by Secretariat. Were you perhaps thinking of Effervescing? He was a Man o' War S. winner by the absolutely gorgeous French horse Le Fabuleux, who was also at Claiborne. Le Fabuleux was well named ('the fabulous one'), as he had size and presence to go with his racing talent.