Haskin's Derby Trail: Harrington's Leap of Faith

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Harrington's Leap of Faith

Frank J. — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:56:48 GMT

Steve,

Nice article..I'm confused however, I really want CC to be "my" next horse to really get behind but every article I read about him it just seems like they have no confidence in him whatsoever whether it be the whip, or crowding or what have you. Can you describe Mr. Harrington's feelings regarding his chances on Saturday? Thank you.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Harrington's Leap of Faith

slewofdamascus1 — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:13:00 GMT

This beautiful colt should race without a whip or change riders to one who understands that he shies from the whip. Rosario continually pulls out the whip and it has cost this colt at least one victory. I can't understand how a rider cannot see what is plainly happening right in front of him? And why doesn't Harrington pull out the tape and show him what's happening? They keep going back and forth about the blinkers. Forget that nonsense and focus on the question of whip on/whip off. If it's whip off, watch out. I would encourage folks to watch this colt's races, and notice what happens every single time that bone-head goes to the whip. The colt stops running and focusing at the most critical junctures. If Creative Cause is ever ridden correctly, he will beat this kind. Unfortunately, I don't see that happening in the Derby since it hasn't happened at any point this season with the same rider. Good luck to a wonderful colt and wonderful connections. As a side note, I favor stringent whipping restrictions as an industry-wide proposition. The whip does have a safety function which is vital to both horse and rider, but there's no question that - for racing purposes in the stretch - it should be kept to a strict minimum of, perhaps, 3 strikes, if that, and preferably no strikes. Just my opinion, of course.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Harrington's Leap of Faith

Mary Zinke — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 07:33:01 GMT

My favorite Derby back story. Very nice to read after finding out about the hoof issue. Hoping that's nothing.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Harrington's Leap of Faith

Norcal — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 03:14:35 GMT

I trained horses for Mr. Steinmann in Northern California in the early 1990's. He's a gentleman's gentleman who loves the game. I'm SO happy he finally got a world class, classic-type horse. What a great story the purchase of this colt is. Both owner and trainer deserved a big shot at the big time and they now have it. The best of luck and you know who I'll be rooting for !!!!!!

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Harrington's Leap of Faith

Paula Higgins — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 02:05:22 GMT

Great story Steve. Along with Gemologist and I'll Have Another he is in my three picks for the Derby. Would love to see him pull it off for all of his connections.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Harrington's Leap of Faith

Bigtex — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:36:03 GMT

Love this stuff!

Thanks, Steve!

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Harrington's Leap of Faith

Freetex — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 21:33:47 GMT

Loved your story as always, Steve. How refreshing to read about a mutual respect between two horse people who demonstrate professional trust and integrity. Then it turns out so well. How rare is that.

All the commotion and boo-rah-hoo will probably be stressful for Mike Harrington if its not his style, especially the hype associated with the Kentucky Derby.

I wish Mike Harrington, Creative Cause, and his owner the best of luck. Hope they are able to draw a good post position.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Harrington's Leap of Faith

steve from st louis — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 20:15:34 GMT

Steve, you set us up expecting "yep" and "nope" answers but deliver with the kind of "hope" story that is the foundation of every breeder and owner in our industry. Can't believe someone would spend good money on a sight unseen 2-year-old in training, but this is the kind of story that fuels everyone trying to find that needle in a haystack. His dosage index and grey coat trace back to Caro, so he should have no trouble with the 10-furlong distance.

This story validates my belief that an exacta box with he, Bodemeister and Alpha will be a winning ticket come Saturday.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Harrington's Leap of Faith

KY VET — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 20:11:54 GMT

This horse(creative Cause) is misunderstood....by fans, maybe even his trainer....he isnt shying from whip. He actually IS pretty professional. look how many races hes had....He isnt ducking in and out because he's looking around either.....WHAT IT IS, IS HIS SRTIDE! His back end is really goofy....look at his break from the gate in santa A. derby...he is CROSSFIRING....(his front legs on right lead. hind on left lead) so... this leads to interfering.. he has done this in the stretch before too....most of his races, he changesleads too early coming into the stretch........WHAT TO DO? many times corrective shoeing can correct a stride slightly....also, a pat day/shoe patient ride where the jockey isnt going all over the place(rosario) might help the horse run more balanced in control more effectient stride....(look at the race CC won this year, big hold till end) NICE HORSE! BUT WEIRD!

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Harrington's Leap of Faith

Karen in Texas — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 19:05:40 GMT

Ms. Thomas describes Creative Cause as smart, professional, happy, and competitive. How could you ask for more in a racehorse? He has proven himself on the track so far, and I wish Team Creative Cause well as they go forward to the Derby. Thanks for another priceless backstory, Steve!

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Harrington's Leap of Faith

Rusty Weisner — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 17:00:04 GMT

Am I misremembering, or were there not a lot of 1:00, :59 works last year leading up to the Derby?

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Harrington's Leap of Faith

Rusty Weisner — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 15:36:51 GMT

Steve,

Did you talk with Harrington at all about his equipment decision for the Derby and was there any talk about his whip-shy weaving in the stretch the past two?

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Harrington's Leap of Faith

Tairaterces — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 15:21:49 GMT

Great article Steve, as per usual.

When I saw that CC's dam was Dream of Summer who is one of my favorites (hit the board 17 times from 20 starts, $1.1MM+ earnings, 2005 Apple Blossom winner). I knew I found my Derby horse!!!

Good luck and safe trips for all!!!

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Harrington's Leap of Faith

Stellar Jayne — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 15:15:36 GMT

Beautiful article about the trust between two people. I especially enjoyed the comments about CC's rodeo and feel good behavior - it brought back memories of Casino Drive and how happy and good he felt in the Belmont paddock prior to winning the Peter Pan. May Creative Cause experience that feel good behavior in the stampede on Derby Day and come home a winner and sound.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Harrington's Leap of Faith

tanq — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 15:06:30 GMT

We wish Mike and Patty all the best with their wonderful colt.....from two North westerners, Joyce & Billy

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Harrington's Leap of Faith

Shelby's Best Pal — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 14:52:50 GMT

I like this story and I like Creative Cause. What a beautiful horse!

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Harrington's Leap of Faith

Linda in Texas — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 13:40:36 GMT

"Thomas took a picture of him with her phone to send to Harrington so he would know what his horse looked like coming off the van." Priceless.

Mr. Steinman, 11 children, 36 grandchildren. My goodness, can you imagine what fun their Thanksgiving Dinners are? How nice.

I hope Creative Cause is at his top on Derby Day and that his path opens wide right to the wire! Right beside Hansen and Dullahan and Union Rags.:) i just cannot chose one over the other, love all 20.

It is Sunday morning as i read your article Steve, what a nice one again. And by this time next week we will all be writing about our takes on The Kentucky Derby.

Kudos to the management at Churchill Downs for the super reaction to the blunderous thunderous sudden hail and wind storm that hit just before Race 5. No one was injured. And a super 4 year old handsome grey, Cache Me by Congrats won it.

Hope you are at Churchill Steve, have a wonderful time. Those of us too far away can always count on you to make us feel as though we are right there. Thanks so much.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Harrington's Leap of Faith

Sophiekea — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 13:09:09 GMT

Becky Thomas is an amazing woman and I wouldn't bet against her judgement any day. Thanks for the nice article, good luck to all of those involved with this horse.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Harrington's Leap of Faith

Onthebridle — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 03:33:18 GMT

Thanks for this very interesting and informative article Mr. Haskin. Great to see a trainer that has beaten as many sunrises as Mike Harrington finally rewarded with such a special horse as Creative Cause. To have come about under such unconventional circumstances reveals to me there is more than luck at play here and perhaps next Saturday the other shoe may just drop. Also points out the tremendous trust and confidence that is oftentimes found in our industry, although there can't be many horses bought sight unseen at this price point. Hopefully they draw a favorable post position and CC settles into a nice stalking position around the clubhouse turn because if he has a chance to make a run at the quarter pole he'll be tough. Beginning to look like he and Rags could fight it out down the stretch.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Harrington's Leap of Faith

Deltalady — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 03:06:46 GMT

My favorite kind of Steve Haskin story...the backstory! You always put the "heart" in the sport, Steve. You nearly have me convinced to believe more in this horse than I have. You've been on his bandwagon all season long, never wavering, and that kind of loyalty and faith coming from someone with your experience and knowledge makes it worth taking a second look.

A couple of questions:

1. Being that this year's crop is so talented, do you think it will be harder or easier for a long shot to steal the race?

and,

2. Will it be harder or easier for a TC winner to emerge from such a talented group of sophomores?

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Harrington's Leap of Faith

Oldie — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 02:10:18 GMT

"they're always happy to go to the track and do everything right."

Steve, I have followed every Dozen you've posted even when I have no time to comment, and unless you see something you don't like this week, I must include Creative Cause in my picks. I think the statement above says a lot. Happy to go to the track is a horse who loves his ... not just job, but reason to live. One of them anyway, and the main one for now.

This is one of the things I have always loved about Mucho Macho Man - that to me he has always been a horse who lives to run, and until the day he learns there are other occupations for him, it is all he does.

Those who do what is asked have much to recommend them, but those who give their all to be first to the finish line regardless are in a different class.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Harrington's Leap of Faith

GoldenBroom — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 01:50:06 GMT

Love the back stories on these critters....very well written. Thank you!!!

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Harrington's Leap of Faith

Dave R. — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 23:52:15 GMT

Great article Steve. I really liked CCs acceleratiobn on the rail at the top of the SA Derby.

That was a good sign foir me. Good luck to Mike Harrington, Mr Steinmann,and Becky Thomas.