Haskin's Derby Recap: Cookie Monster

re: Haskin's Derby Recap: Cookie Monster

zarvona — Sun, 20 May 2012 09:37:13 GMT

The Gr. I 1 $million

Pim -5/19/09 Race #12

137th Maryland PREAKNESS Stakes

DIRT

time: :23.79;:47.68;1:11.72;

1:36.69; 1:55.94;

[[1:57.50 rough time expected]];

winner: "I’ll Have Another":

3-1 (7- 5-1-0)

2nd "Bodemeister": (Va.):

+ a neck 2-1 (6- 2-4-0)

3rd "Creative Cause": + 8 ¾ 6-1 (10- 4-2-3)

4th "Zetterholm": +15 21-1 (6- 3-1-0)

5th "Teeth of the Dog";

+ 15 & a neck;

16-1 (5- 1-1-2)

also ran:

"Optimizer" 23-1 + 17 ¼ ;

"Cozzetti" 27-1 + 19 ½ ;

"Tiger Walk" 23-1; + 22 ¾ ;

"Daddy Nose Best" 11-1 + 26;

"Went the Day Well" 6-1 + 29 ¾ ;

&"Pretension" 34-1 11th & last;

late scratches: none;

Order of Finish:

9-7-6-4-2-10-11-1-8-5-3

WIN $8.40 $3.20 $2.80 #9

PLACE $3.20 $2.80 #7

SHOW $3.60 #6

$1 Exacta $9.30

$1 Trifecta $35.40

$1 Super $212.15

$1 High Five

$1,533.80

re: Haskin's Derby Recap: Cookie Monster

Slew — Thu, 10 May 2012 18:16:27 GMT

Frisky: I wasn't referring to your opinion of Leparoux, which many agree with; I was referring to a single word that insulted an entire country. It was uncalled for and distasteful.

Sweatman: Bode wasn't chasing Trinniberg. Bodemeister took the lead and Trinni was chasing him. In a post-race interview, Baffert said they planned to just let Bodemeister run his race, and they would not have tried to rate him since it's simply not his style.

For my own part, I wondered why Alpha's connections did not pick up Rosie as their jockey since she was free once Mark Valeski was scratched. I think she's one of the best jockeys today.

Union Rags had several different jockeys, and each time UR got himself into trouble during the course of the race. He's a strong and willful horse who doesn't want to run between other horses.

re: Haskin's Derby Recap: Cookie Monster

Union Buster — Thu, 10 May 2012 13:28:51 GMT

robinm,

"rags" crawled home in 26 flat. He was not "flying" home like some think.

re: Haskin's Derby Recap: Cookie Monster

trackjack — Thu, 10 May 2012 04:55:36 GMT

Thanks Steve for a fantastic wrap-up. As I read your story, I could picture your scenes like you were wearing a camera on your hat. It put me right into the story.

Thanks also for all your hard work with the training comments and pictures. Your analysis of I'll Have Another's pedigree is what helped me put him in. This was the hardest field for me to narrow down to five and you certainly helped. I hit the ex and the tri with my 5 boxed and that will cover our trip to the Belmont.

One more thing, if I get back for a Derby and you and Lenny do your "And They're Off", Kentucky Derby Edition from the paddock, I'll pay top dollar for a front row seat. That was hilarious and informative. You guys don't take yourselves seriously, you keep it fun, the way it should be.

Thanks again, Steve, for all you do for racing fans and the industry.

re: Haskin's Derby Recap: Cookie Monster

robinm — Thu, 10 May 2012 01:11:35 GMT

Can someone tell me how to calculate Union Rags' time from the quarter pole to the wire? I am curious to know how fast he ran his final quarter mile.

re: Haskin's Derby Recap: Cookie Monster

predict — Wed, 09 May 2012 23:13:38 GMT

Nothing against Rosie, I believe her to be one of the best in the business, and I'm sure most would agree. Her ride in the Oaks was one of the best I have seen and she deserves her chance on any Derby horse, for I believe it would be the horse and not her that would be the reason for a loss, as she would give what ever it took to put a horse in the winner's circle. I don't know why Julien rode Rags the way he did, but I believe that there was no way Rags would have won that race no matter who rode him, he is a good grade III horse and that's about it, I doubt he will win a Grade I in the future if he faces any truly Grade I level horses. Rosie deserves better.

re: Haskin's Derby Recap: Cookie Monster

Alex'sBigFan — Wed, 09 May 2012 23:09:21 GMT

Brilliant article and analysis of the Derby Steve. Love the title, IHA definitely is the Cookie Monster. You did say he was the strongest galloper at Churchill. I did pretty good judging this field, I had Bode first and IHA second, fearing he would be too wide out of 19, and they came in reverse. I liked the California horses all along and this is another big plus for California racing. Although I love Hansen I did not think he could win and he looked awfully rank going into the clubhouse turn. I hope TCIndy is ok after his surgery.

Excited about the Preakness, bring it on! If IHA does this, then I stand at Belmont Park with a Triple on the line!!!!!!!!

re: Haskin's Derby Recap: Cookie Monster

El Kabong — Wed, 09 May 2012 21:13:58 GMT

Another Cookie!

This is the only place you would find such detailed reporting. The more popular version will remain the favored version for many concerning his name but not for your fans Steve. We'll know. Now, I'll still order my second Martini with that phrase and think of the 138th running of the Derby. That I can't help.

Reddam's remark about Mario and My Old Kentucky home was priceless. The twinkle in his eye was a nice touch. He is a very charismatic man and that was very funny because it was so true. I was impressed with Mr. Reddam and Mr. O'Neil for using and sticking with Mario. He deserved this break and showed his talent in the SA Derby. He has ice in his veins and doesn't get intimidated by anything-like Garcia. When Rosario hit the gas on CC and went past him in the turn for home, he stayed cool and didn't move IHA until he was ready. That was a pivotal point in my decision to play this horse seriously in my wagers as the best stalker in the race.

Great story. Thanks again.

re: Haskin's Derby Recap: Cookie Monster

Davids — Wed, 09 May 2012 20:55:22 GMT

Steve, as JR and Terry M have mentioned earlier, I wish to thank-you for breathing life into the Kentucky Derby through your writing. Over the past 30 years, at least in the USA, Romanticism in turf writing has, unfortunately, been replaced with a form of sterile empiricism.

Evidence the rise, and arguably fall, of the Dosage Profile/Index, then the rise of Beyer figures and Trackus data etc with reference to how the 'modern' scribes are influenced on how to report. There isn't a lot of beauty to be gained by mathematical figures/formulas and racing is the most beautiful of sports. By the way, I am not decrying that these 'theories' don't have their place either.

Anyway, thanks again Steve, and onward to the Preakness.

re: Haskin's Derby Recap: Cookie Monster

Matt Helm — Wed, 09 May 2012 18:13:49 GMT

Linda in Texas,Go to DRF .com,Matz said the only two minutes he couldn't control were a disaster.He told Juli be 3 or 4 out of the first turn.Rags was 18th.He will never get close to Rags again.

re: Haskin's Derby Recap: Cookie Monster

LucyWG — Wed, 09 May 2012 17:37:40 GMT

It was a great Derby but the best part for me was reading about my old favorite, Lava Man. It is gratifying to know how much he is appreciated and that he is having a happy life. I bet he bragged about his exploits to I'll Have Another, who is now going to tease Lava Man about having won OUTSIDE of California!

Poor Hansen. I don't think he needs to run in the Preakness, he needs a break. And when he returns, please, no dye jobs or show girls!

re: Haskin's Derby Recap: Cookie Monster

Rachel NH — Wed, 09 May 2012 17:15:48 GMT

Deepest and most talented fields in history? No way...!

I'll just go back 10 years...I'll use one measuring stick, the arguable "Beyer"...and one standard, the number of horses with Triple Beyer.

2003- 12

2004 - 16

2005- 9

2006- 12

2007- 9

2008- 7

2009- 8

2010- 3

2011- 2

2012- 4

That makes it the deepest, talented field in three years. ;-)

re: Haskin's Derby Recap: Cookie Monster

The Deacon — Wed, 09 May 2012 16:21:08 GMT

I'll Have Another was 15-1, amazing I think he should have been 7-1 or 8-1. Why, two reasons, his jockey and he races on the west coast. Watching Mario Gutierrez masterful ride kind of brought back some memories. If any other jockey rides IHA then his odds are down. For those who remember no one thought Steve Cauthen should be on Affirmed, too inexperienced, he will surely cost the horse the Triple Crown. Then before that there was Jean Cruguet on Seattle Slew, who was a good jockey but throughout the racing world I read about writers and horseman saying the connections needed to upgrade with a better rider. In 1979 Ron Franklin rode Spectacular Bid to a Derby win, same thing occured. Later on Shoemaker would take over on the "Bid".

Super Mario proved to me that he can ride with the best of them. He is a great story and I hope he can get the Triple Crown. Maybe a star was born last Saturday........

re: Haskin's Derby Recap: Cookie Monster

Linda in Texas — Wed, 09 May 2012 13:48:57 GMT

predict, just a suggestion and i now am reading others calling for a different jockey also.

Matz held his tongue when interviewed. I can only imagine what he was wanting to say but was gentleman enough not to.

The ride was a disaster from the beginning and the jockey did not follow directions. He did it his way. I am not alone in my comments.

You got something against Rosie?

re: Haskin's Derby Recap: Cookie Monster

Tiz Herself — Wed, 09 May 2012 13:05:18 GMT

Preakness should set up to be a good one, too. As always there are fresh horses coming in and will be interesting to see how many come out of the Derby and go to the Preakness.

IHA of course will root for as hope to one day be able to witness a Triple Crown winner. Dullahan, Went the Day Well, Hansen (I hope he came out of the Derby okay, he looked like he went swimming before he loaded into the gate, Isn't He Clever, Teeth of The Dog (not sure what to think of this guy yet), Creative Cause, Bode of course, Tiger Walk, Paynter. Cozzetti's got so much promise in him, too.

re: Haskin's Derby Recap: Cookie Monster

Tiz Herself — Wed, 09 May 2012 12:59:20 GMT

My bad - was watching the 2005 Derby as I was writing that lol. Correcton on Funny Cide racing Sackatoga Stables and Jose Santos were the owners/jockey for Funny Cide. Was watching the other race at 2 am so didn't have thinking cap on lol.

Interesting enough is Funny Cide and I'll Have Another both have a common horse on their dam's pedigrees in Sea Bird within the first four/five. With I'll Have Another, through the dam Last Bird (4th Dam) and Danzig of course is broodmare sire for Arch, sire of Arch's Gal Edith. For Funny Cide, Sea Bird is the sire of Little Current, broodmare sire of Belle's Good Cide.

re: Haskin's Derby Recap: Cookie Monster

CHIEF PICAWINNA — Wed, 09 May 2012 12:25:45 GMT

Logical contenders in the super you had to step out of the box(the one that says this one cant win and and that one cant win)Foundation what is it,California horses toss yeah right.There are no rules no shortcuts they can come from anywhere and thats the way I like it the odds are generous.I know next year the foundation pundits will be back and the naysayers will diminish the chances of anything that they dont pick but I will cash again(which is my goal)just like I did this year.

re: Haskin's Derby Recap: Cookie Monster

predict — Wed, 09 May 2012 06:24:31 GMT

What a great race and what a great article recounting it and those involved in the win, thankyou, Steve, again for a wonderful read.

Linda in Texas,

Please stop it now, with the Rosie on Rags....

re: Haskin's Derby Recap: Cookie Monster

Greg R — Wed, 09 May 2012 03:58:44 GMT

Are there any Trackus data (or similar data) on number of feet run by each horse? Just wonder if these would show definitely that Dullahan would have finished second had he run the same distance as Bodemeister.

Steve, why does the Churchill track have to be a virtual asphalt dragstrip on Derby day? I don't get it. Doesn't this lead to aberrant results? Results that wouldn't have happened on any other day on the "normal" Ch. track?

Thanks for blow-byblow synopsis.

Best of luck to I'll Have Another and company. As a cookie addict, I identify with Reddam and as a racehorse admirer, I've been captivated by his horse's extraordinary, elastic stride. If I believed in "Derby gods," I would ask, "So what would it hurt to allow a Triple Crown, already?"

re: Haskin's Derby Recap: Cookie Monster

sehgator — Wed, 09 May 2012 03:49:06 GMT

Wow! Fantastic article, Steve! Your words bring so much life to the stories you cover. There is so much I didn't know about IHA and his connections. Paul Reddam sounds like a guy I'd like to meet and hang out with sometime.

@Tiz Herself - Interesting perspective on Empire Maker/Funny Cide and Bode/IHA! A quick correction, though, Sackatoga Stables and Jose Santos were the owners/jockey for Funny Cide. Cash Is King and Jeremy Rose were owners/jockey of Afleet Alex.

@Susan in VA - Lava Man did indeed run on the East Coast in the JCGC, and also at Churchill for the BC Classic. He also raced in Japan for the Japan Dirt Cup, and in Dubai for the Dubai Duty Free Stakes. Unfortunately, all were losing efforts.

re: Haskin's Derby Recap: Cookie Monster

Paula Higgins — Wed, 09 May 2012 02:26:20 GMT

Well Steve, there isn't much more I can say about your writing that hasn't already been said except to say this is hands down the best writing about the 2012 Derby on the internet. A gem. I had IHA in my tri along with Gemologist and Creative Cause (won $100.00 from my husband lol). Didn't know which one would win, but felt that each one was solid and consistent enought to pull it off. I was very surprised that more people didn't like IHA. Maybe because he was from California, which is a really stupid reason in my opinion. I was disappointed Gemologist didn't do better. It was very kind of Mr. ONeill to have the little girl from the Make A Wish Foundation come, sit on the horse and join in the celebration. A truly nice thing to do when you have alot on your mind. Reminds me of the folks around Zenyatta. I was not surprised about Union Rags. I felt like the distance was too much. I was very surprised about Bodemeister. I didn't think he would do as well as he did. He is a seriously good horse. I thought Mr. Zayat and Bob Baffert were class personified in the way they talked to Mike Smith and the reporters after the race. No recriminations just niceness all

around. It was so good to see Bob Baffert looking well.

re: Haskin's Derby Recap: Cookie Monster

CharlieCigar — Wed, 09 May 2012 02:05:59 GMT

I was in line waiting to cash my 19-5 exacta box @ midstretch once Dully got clear and came running. Still can't believe Bode held second after the torrid fractions.

re: Haskin's Derby Recap: Cookie Monster

Steve Haskin — Tue, 08 May 2012 21:37:57 GMT

JR and Terry M, I thank you for those beautiful words. They mean a great deal.

And thanks again to everyone for your comments today and all spring and for making the Derby trail all the more interesting.

re: Haskin's Derby Recap: Cookie Monster

JR — Tue, 08 May 2012 21:15:37 GMT

Hi Steve,

Even though I was not physically at Churchill this past week, you gave me the opportunity to experience it all thru your wonderful photograph's,commentary, the stories like Chris and his grandfather,the trainer, and the owners,all the things that make the derby so special and so coveted.

You have a unique perspective that only someone of your caliber can portray.

Steve, you gave me laughs, brought tears to my eyes, and the feeling that I was there.

With Kind Regards,

re: Haskin's Derby Recap: Cookie Monster

Terry M. — Tue, 08 May 2012 20:50:16 GMT

If there is a better turf writer out there than Steve Haskin, I'll eat my shirt. Steve, you are a credit to the Blood-Horse's long tradition of great turf coverage. You always get to the essence of every story and write it in such a beautiful manner. Well done again.