Haskin's Preakness Report: Jack of All Trades

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Jack of All Trades

ksweatman9 — Tue, 15 May 2012 22:44:41 GMT

I'd also like to applaud Dr. Hansen for his decision to do the best thing for his colt. The Derby has become a crap shoot with 20 horses stampeding out of the gates. The best horse doesn't always win, and Hansen's 9th place finish does not reflect what kind of horse he is, so don't be too discouraged, doc. Hansen is a fine thoroughbred and I'm confident he'll find his comfort zone and once again be a champion. The Derby fiasco takes alot out of a horse, so the rest will be welcomed by your pony. Again, kudos to you, Dr. Hansen!

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Jack of All Trades

Criminal Type — Tue, 15 May 2012 22:24:10 GMT

Hank ? Stay Thirsty my friend. He won the Travers and Jim Dandy at Saratoga in 2011.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Jack of All Trades

hank — Tue, 15 May 2012 12:36:12 GMT

Well here we are second jewel in triple crown, east coast track, and three best california horses are here, all figure to have a big part of outcome, good chance for your pick all year Creative Cause to reedem himself, ,they come to race, not put tail between legs and go home,would be nice to see a trainer with a n absolutely clean rap sheet win it not like other trainers here.especially O'Neil,Disgusted with Union Rags, he hasn't done enough running to warrant missing this race,Save hin for fall classics, I can't tell you who won laast years Travers much less any other but I can tell u who won all the triple crown races in fact after belmont I lose interest, Great article mr Haskins.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Jack of All Trades

Greg R — Tue, 15 May 2012 05:17:02 GMT

If Mike Smith were "stupid," he would never have become the accomplished and respected jockey he has been for decades. So come on, debate his ride in the Derby, but please don't call Gentleman Mike Smith "stupid."

Meanwhile, congratulations to Sisterson along with the more celebrated members of the team. Has he reported any "shivers down the spine" gallops at Pimlico yet?

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Jack of All Trades

predict — Tue, 15 May 2012 04:46:20 GMT

Now in the West there was a man..

His name was Jack, Jack Sisterson..

Great story Steve!

Passion is an amazing floatation device. Jack's passion is undeniable. I hope it floats him and I'll Have Another right into the winner's circle at Pimlico.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Jack of All Trades

taxistan — Tue, 15 May 2012 04:22:38 GMT

I'm overjoyed!! More magic from Mr. Haskin.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Jack of All Trades

opsherr — Tue, 15 May 2012 00:50:40 GMT

I'e been waiting for a word on Hansen and my prayer was answered today. His connections made the right decision, absoutely! The thin, drawn up and washed out horse I saw in the Derby screaming to his people and finally someone noticed. Many victories to you beautiful boy.

Bodemeister, race on! You were the best conditioned horse in the Derby. My hat's off to you Mr. Baffert.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Jack of All Trades

zarvona — Mon, 14 May 2012 21:11:51 GMT

Preakness Weather Report.

Sunny low 80's.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Jack of All Trades

THEHOLZ — Mon, 14 May 2012 20:15:29 GMT

BODE WILL JOG ON THIS FIELD. WATCH OUT FOR WENT THE DAY WELL FOR 2ND. HE IS COMING ON. STILL CANT BELIEVE MIKE SMITH HAD TO GO 109:4 . SEATTLE SLEW WENT SLOWER IN GOING 110:4. IF BODE GOES A SECOND SLOWER HE WINS THE DERBY. I KNOW BAFFERT WANTED TO WIN THAT RACE MORE THEN ANY RACE IN HIS LIFE. HORSE NAMED AFTER HIS SON- YOU GOT TO BE KIDDING. WILL REDEEM HIMSELF IN THE PREAKNESS. SHAME THE STORY DIDN'T GO AS PLANNED BECAUSE OF STUPID MIKE SMITH.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Jack of All Trades

Dr Drunkinbum — Mon, 14 May 2012 17:24:45 GMT

Thank you Dr Hansen. That is such good news that Hansen will be running in the 7f Woody Stephens on June 9th instead. Just perfect. That race will be a joy. Can't wait.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Jack of All Trades

Coldfacts — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:40:21 GMT

There is another historic story about I’ll Have Another that many might consider insignificant. I have compiled a comprehensive set of records on the Raise A Native/Mr. Prospector sire line. I have often regarded this sire line as the greatest force in Triple Crown history much to the annoyance of others. I’ll Have Another hails from the aforementioned sire line. Mr. Prospector has been the most dominant extension of Raise A Native. Below is a summation of Triple Crown records of four generations of Mr. Prospector stallions:

Sons: Derby (3) Preakness (5) Belmont (5).

Grandsons: Derby (5) Preakness (6) Belmont (6)

Great Grandsons: Derby (0) Preakness (0) Belmont (1)

Great, Great Grandsons: Derby (2) Preakness (0) Belmont (1)

Obviously the above information can be manipulated to suite any desired conclusion. How does this relate to I’ll Have Another? How did it relate to Bodemeister? Well, let’s start with the Bodster. He was sire by a Great Grandsons of Mr. Prospector. The above summation reflects this category to be the least productive generation for the great stallion with only one victory out of 34. In spite of Bodemeister brilliance he could not hold on for the second victory for this category. I’ll Have Another was sired Great, Great Grandsons of Mr. Prospector and this category similar to the one that precedes it is without a Preakness winner. Mine That Bird came close but the RA was better.

So what do we have? A representative from the most dominant force in Triple Crown history will be trying to make a breakthrough for the 4th generation stallion category. The ultra talented Bodemeister was denied a Derby breakthrough for the least productive 3rd generation; why shouldn’t I’ll Have Another suffer a similar faith? It’s quite possible. The last four horses from the Mr. Prospector sire line that won the first two legs of the TC i.e., Real Quiet, War Emblem, Funny Cide and Smarty Jones were sired by stallion falling into categories one and two. (Son/Grandsons) Can I’ll Have Another clear this historic hurdle? He has all the credentials but history usually finds a way to make certain occurrences far more difficult than is recognized. Ask Bodemeister about his Apollo equaling attempt.

Why does the categories containing the sons and grandsons of Mr. Prospector more dominant that the other? I have some ideas that are not worth mentioning.

Fellow contributor Slew is very critical of these conclusion supported with tailored facts and rightfully so. Just because something has not occurred it does not mean it will not. How can one rebut that? The above is not suggesting that certain results cannot be achieved but the likelihood is either remote or highly unlikely in most cases. I’ll Have Another will be facing some same cast from the Derby and fresh talented horses as well. All Derby the participants are returning to the races in 14 days and this is unknown territory for them. Some will perform other will not. The Empire Maker sired PoineerOf A Nile was a fighting second in the Derby and worked 47 leading up to the Preakness and never hit the board. However, the easy Derby winner Mine That Bird flew home for second to the even easier Oak winner RA. Both Oaks and Derby winners had easy victories. How much did the Derby take out of IHA? No one would conclude his victory was easy.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Jack of All Trades

TBDancer — Mon, 14 May 2012 12:25:35 GMT

I love your "back stories," Steve, and this is no different. My feeling about IHA is that this horse does have the ability to "cover the ground" and we may be looking at a "come from behind" Triple Crown winner--at least one with a very good chance. He has a very workmanlike and talented jockey, as well. Have always loved Flower Alley, too.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Jack of All Trades

The Deacon — Mon, 14 May 2012 06:21:11 GMT

The Preakness is I'll Have Another's to lose. Many defections from the Derby, the Belmont will be stacked though.

Very nice story Mr. Haskin..........

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Jack of All Trades

Lexington Bloodstock — Mon, 14 May 2012 02:50:27 GMT

Great story. This horse is surrounded by good stories. It's a shame the national press is only focusing on the negative.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Jack of All Trades

Katherine — Mon, 14 May 2012 02:23:42 GMT

I have been busy lurking on your blog..and haven't commented but I can't hold myself back anymore..your writing is just too wonderful. I put Union Rags and I'll Have Another in my virtual stable. I love both of these horses. This may be THE year. I'll Have Another reminds me of Secretariat, I hope he can fulfill the promise. Keep up the great work and I'll keep pounding the refresh button on my computer!

PS..Zookeeper, are you out there?

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Jack of All Trades

txhorsefan — Mon, 14 May 2012 00:12:08 GMT

Wow. That is just so cool to learn, Steve. Thank you for telling us another part of the story on our Kentucky Derby champion and his connections. You are able to capture the enthusiasm shown by this young man and apparently it shows up for the horse also. Thank you! It is such a treat to be able to have more of your writing during this triple crown trail!!