Haskin's Derby Trail: Thursday Potpourri

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Thursday Potpourri

Karen in Indiana — Fri, 04 May 2012 21:38:17 GMT

Oldie (but I'll be a goodie too LOL!), this is something I've put off for decades while I raised my children, so it is absolutely wonderful to have accomplished it finally. Enjoy your Derby time and good luck in the next stage of your life!

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Thursday Potpourri

Icaruskid76 — Fri, 04 May 2012 19:12:49 GMT

This is an amazing field. Best in Long time. I am looking for ALPHA to do what his sire (Bernardini) never had a chance to do, win the Derby. He was narrow loser to Gemologist, and is very live at 15-1. I also look for big things from Union Rags and Creative Cause who never runs bad but doesn't always win.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Thursday Potpourri

Icaruskid76 — Fri, 04 May 2012 19:10:24 GMT

Great talented field. Best in ages. I am ready for ALPHA to do what his daddy (the great Bernardini) never had a chance to do.. win the Derby.

I like a horse who has not yet peaked and is moving forward. If you like Gemologist at 6-1, you have to love ALPHA at 15-1! Throwing him with Union Rags and CC.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Thursday Potpourri

Oldie — Fri, 04 May 2012 16:05:42 GMT

Karen in Indiana, a kindred spirit! I, too, am graduating this June at age 52! What are the odds?! LOL

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Thursday Potpourri

Linda in Texas — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:57:24 GMT

Gemologist does look great, all of them do. Love your photos.

Yesterday in my post on post positions, i forgot to mention that

the total combination of this years number of Kentucky Derbys is 138 and added up equals 12 and the post position holder of that number is PROSPECTIVE. It is another of those karma things i think about, were i betting.

Hello to you Alex'sBigFan, are you at Churchill. I hope so. Hope things are well with you and yours.

Thank you Steve. A bunch of us are right with you in mind and spirit.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Thursday Potpourri

slee — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:10:18 GMT

Can't wait until the Oaks and the Derby! What a wonderful 2 days it will be. I have no idea who will win the Derby, but with this group, it'll be fun.

And Karen in Indiana - congratulations on graduating college as a "mature student"!!! I teach at the college level and I love having non-trads in my class. More power to you!

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Thursday Potpourri

Blind Luck — Fri, 04 May 2012 13:57:11 GMT

Gemologist is so beautiful. Love also Bodemeister and always have thought a great deal of Union Rags. Man, wish I could decide who to root for.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Thursday Potpourri

DanC — Fri, 04 May 2012 13:13:05 GMT

Take Charge Indy, please!

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Thursday Potpourri

robinm — Fri, 04 May 2012 06:38:16 GMT

As a group, one of the best I've seen in quite awhile. I think there are a few who have little or no chance of hitting the board, but I think they could all make a respectable showing. I think the winner will come, not from one of the "brilliant" horses, because I see a speed dual brewing; and not from a deep closer, because I think there are too many really good horses that will sit off of the speed; probably in 2 tiers. I'm looking for Union Rags, Gemologist, Creative Cause and maybe Alpha, if he is right. I would have included I'll Have Another, but I think he will have to be used too much early because of the outside post position. Dullahan? I think he is probably the best of the closers but I don't know what to make of him. Still not sure he is as good on dirt, and whoever wins, will have to be very good, and, let's not forget, lucky.

Love the photo of Union Rags galloping. He really looks like a happy horse.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Thursday Potpourri

datflippinrabbit — Fri, 04 May 2012 06:20:59 GMT

THE DRAW CC has to be on the board.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Thursday Potpourri

200 lb. Jockey — Fri, 04 May 2012 05:28:41 GMT

2 days before the derby and I still don't have my picks in order. I'm pulling for Dullahan, and think he could be a great closing winner. I also really like the guys from the stable. Good times at Gulfstream!

On the other hand, I think this is the year to forgo win bets and knock down the exotics. I'll be throwing down a few 4 wide triboxes and hope for the best. The weather report has dampened my spirits a bit, (pun intended) but I think it's great to have such a deep field this year. This should be one hell of a race. Good luck everyone!

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Thursday Potpourri

GunBow — Fri, 04 May 2012 05:04:18 GMT

Steve:

You had Creative Cause #1 on the first poll and the last. As someone that has seen him run in person 5 times, he's been #1 on my list.

But I'm not hearing a lot of positives about his training at Churchill this week. The drf clocker is raising some red flags. He had the shoe issue on the flight over, wasn't seen for 2 days on the track after his work, was a no-show to school today, and appeared "stiff" to some in his exercise today.

Straight up, is this just a case of folks making something out of nothing, or is there "cause" for alarm?

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Thursday Potpourri

Ribot — Fri, 04 May 2012 04:12:33 GMT

I have to admire your steadfastness you just won't let go of Sabercat. Sorry but I just can't see him hitting the board. I do love Alpha though so i'm glad to hear he's looking good. I plan on following up on my bets from the first future pool where I have Union Rags and I'll Have Another add Alpha to the mix and hope for the best. Thanks for all your insight.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Thursday Potpourri

Alex'sBigFan — Fri, 04 May 2012 02:58:37 GMT

More great pics from Steve! ESPN is showing Charismatic's Derby and video of Steve is in it! I watched it last night.

Even though the Derby is over in 2 days I think of this as just the beginning of the spring/summer meet. The Preakness, Belmont, Haskell, Travers are all to be run yet and hopefully I get to see most of these runners in the flesh come June through August in NY and NJ!!! And that is soooo exciting, so this is just the beginning.

I hope TVG has the Profile show or whatever it is on when I finally get home from my office tonight. It is definitely a horse week for all of us, enjoy and good luck.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Thursday Potpourri

greengirl — Fri, 04 May 2012 02:38:28 GMT

I'm loving the combo of under-the-radar Take Charge Indy and Calvin Borel. Seriously!

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Thursday Potpourri

Don from PA/DE — Fri, 04 May 2012 02:18:23 GMT

Could detect that extra sparkle in "Gem's" eye, when he looked at you Steve, as if to say, "I know you liked my Daddy, now I am going to show you what I can do too" and I believe and predict he will! Enjoy

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Thursday Potpourri

fuzzbert — Fri, 04 May 2012 01:54:11 GMT

Great pics all around. Gemologist looks like he's ready, Sabercat is as cool as a cucumber, and Daddy Nose Best-great conformation shot. I'm really hyped up on all this pre-Derby stuff. In less than 48hrs it will all be over and than we'll speak briefly of TC. What I do know is that come Sat. I'll be sitting in front of my TV sipping my Mint Julep and watching the best 2 minutes in ALL of sports!!!!

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Thursday Potpourri

ksweatman9 — Fri, 04 May 2012 01:46:46 GMT

Funny thing about Optimizer, I always go for at least one long shot, and this pony just got into the race by the skin on his teeth. Lucas is a legend, but he hasn't made any noise in a very long time. He's getting older, and maybe, just maybe, he'll get one more Derby win before he hangs it up. I mean, this horse is such a long shot that people would be shocked if he even hit the board. Don't forget little Mine that Bird. We couldn't even see him for most of the race. Well, the more impossible it seems, the more I think I've found the long shot I'm going for.

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Thursday Potpourri

Karen in Indiana — Fri, 04 May 2012 01:43:44 GMT

Love the updates, Steve. It has been very busy for me this year (graduating college at 52!) so your columns, blogs and videos have helped me keep up. That is a beautiful head shot photo of Daddy Nose Best - what a picture of pleasant confidence! This has been an excellent group this year, hope you've had fun following all of them. Thanks!

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Thursday Potpourri

El Kabong — Fri, 04 May 2012 01:33:58 GMT

Please tell me it's not a lock that an extra 100G will be on my horse? Ok, last time it didn't turn out too bad when the toupee kid ruined my odds on super saver, but, you can see where my attitude is being pressed. Steve, please, talk to Joel and let him know of Draynay's greatness when it comes to Derby picks. Please! I'm begging, please, Steve!!! Help!!

re: Haskin's Derby Trail: Thursday Potpourri

Rolling Thundar — Fri, 04 May 2012 00:21:59 GMT

How could anyone NOT like this entire field of horses. Like you said Steve, I don't think anyone will be surprised by the Winner from this group, no matter if it's a favorite, mid-shot, or long-shot.

All of these horses are deserving to be in the gate. Thanks for all the Time and effort, You and Lenny have put in this year, on bringing US fans, all the information, Videos, and pictures. Good Luck at the Windows.