Haskin's Preakness Report: A 'Walk' Through History

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: A 'Walk' Through History

Racingfan — Sat, 19 May 2012 01:49:04 GMT

Coldfacs - so glad to hear your praise of the amazing Native Dancer. Maybe from now on it could be called the Native Dancer sire line instead of the RAN line - give the credit where it's due.... He is my all time favorite horse! Thanks again Steve for recognizing him! I have never seen you write about him before so THANK YOU!

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: A 'Walk' Through History

EquiSight — Fri, 18 May 2012 21:55:40 GMT

Ever wonder what it's like to ride Preakness Stakes contender Tiger Walk? youtu.be/6mAjTKCQlhA

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: A 'Walk' Through History

Coldfacts — Fri, 18 May 2012 10:13:12 GMT

It isn’t easy being good!

Done Talking does not owe me. The Derby chest provided from his $27 first place dividend in the IL Derby has not been exhausted. I placed a token wager on the colt because he was good to me. He was not my primary pick for the Derby. I have advised you of this repeatedly. Clearly you are not familiar with the language use in my post regarding this issue. Who was your pick in the Derby? Did it finish ahead of Done Talking?

Many thank for the alert that he will be running on the Preakness under card. His connection had indicated prior to the Derby that they would try him on turf going forwards. His pedigree reflects a lot of turf influence and he should be competitive on the surface. You clearly have little regards for Done Talking. I wonder in what regard do you hold the G1 & Gll winners that he finished behind him in the Derby.

Be careful the Derby is only one race and should not be used as a means to ridicule. All the participants were 3YO and if they say healthy, those that were the vanquished will have opportunities to redeem themselves in some form. Jackson Bend, Discretely Mind, Court Vision to name a few were badly beaten in their respective Derbies and emerged to be good Gl performers. One race does not always equate to a career.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: A 'Walk' Through History

Giddyup — Thu, 17 May 2012 23:34:47 GMT

Always appreciate how you educate us with some historical information Steve. As far as the Preakness goes I think it's a shame Lava Man can't draw in as an also eligible because I'd be willing to bet he could outrace all of the new shooters.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: A 'Walk' Through History

monica — Thu, 17 May 2012 19:39:31 GMT

It's a small world in horse racing..... Matz will saddle a son of Bluegrass Cat- the horse who finished 6.5 lengths behind Barbaro in the Derby.

Sad that Union Rags got so beat up in the Derby. Has it been announced who will be in the irons if UR goes to the Belmont?

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: A 'Walk' Through History

deb — Thu, 17 May 2012 18:54:03 GMT

I remember going to Sagamore on a farm tour and was sadden to not see Native Dance but Northern Dancer. Little did I know as a little kid how great this horse would become! I have always had a soft spot for the grey horses, just something about them.

Thank you for the photos of the farm and Native Dancer, so glad someone wants to save this beautiful place.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: A 'Walk' Through History

Fran Loszynski — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:58:35 GMT

I love the way you write Steve. The segment of Native Dancer, gosh this was when racehorses were tested wasn't it! The good ole days when the muscles on racehorses resembled the pack horses. Great pic of Native Dancer. I miss him and I didn't even know him! I have a feeling you have been reincarnated from a reporter in Saratoga that covered Seabiscuit. I can just see your trench coat waving in the breeze as you fly down the rail trying to get a story. I truly believe the spirits of these great horses are there on these farms as they chomp down on the bluegrass in the early morning dew. Yes, they are there. My picks for the Preakness:

Cozzetti, Bodemeister, and I'll Have Another, although look who is riding Well Went The Day, it could for Johnny V. Good Luck everyone.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: A 'Walk' Through History

jackpotsteve — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:07:44 GMT

Thanks for the peek back in time at Sagamore and "The Grey Ghost" of that fabled Alfred Vanderbilt property! Native Dancer was one of my favorite horses of all time.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: A 'Walk' Through History

It aint easy being good! — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:31:48 GMT

Coldfacts triple crown analyis= zzzzzzzzzzzz. Hey Coldfacts your boy Done talking is running on the undercard at Pimilco are you going to burn more money when he takes his show on the turf?? Does Done talking have a turf pedigree he owes you!

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: A 'Walk' Through History

Carol Schwankl — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:57:08 GMT

I'd so love to see Sagamore Farm because Native Dancer was the horse that got me to be a racing fan. He and his owner had so much charisma I grew to love them both. Now I continue to see ND in the bloodlines of many really good horses. And, I can often track the gray color back to ND.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: A 'Walk' Through History

opsherr — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:54:45 GMT

Thank you, Mr. Haskin. Your story about Sagamore and it weaving into a story of Native Dancer made me smile. I've already written my story about the 1953 Derby but you brought so many memories back and I thank you again. There really aren't words to describe what he was or if there are, they are not sufficent. Then again, greatness is not be described, it is felt.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: A 'Walk' Through History

Coldfacts — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:19:13 GMT

Mr. Haskin,

It is fitting that you have provided us with a photo that reflects the majesty and class of great Native Dancer. This amazing thoroughbred like many before and after him was produce from an average race mare. It must have been a dark day when Dark Star denied him of what would have been an unbeaten racing career. Many great thoroughbreds do not live on through their sons and daughters. However, this is certainly not the case for the one referred to as the Grey Ghost.

In addition to Native Dancer’s two Derby winners, five generations of his stallions have accounted for 18 Derby winners. I’ll Have Another’s Derby victory represented the 50th in Triple Crown races for Native Dancer line stallions. The line also has a combined 37 second and third places finishers in TC races.

Native Dancer was the dam sire of the geat Northern Dancer whose broodmare line has provided 6 Derby and winners of 14 other Triple Crown races.

I jokingly posted once that because Native Dancer’s only loss came in the Derby, he has been haunting Churchill Downs since. He was in fact regarded as the Grey Ghost. With 18 Derbies and counting from five generations of his stallions, it appears my conclusion might just be justified.

While Sagamore Farms the place that was once home to the great Native Dancer went into decline, its most recognizable legacy has become stronger with each passing year. Sagamore Farms is now being restored and it is hoped that it will be preserved in the honor of the foundation member of the GREATEST FORCE IN TRIPLE CROWN HISTORY.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: A 'Walk' Through History

Coldfacts — Thu, 17 May 2012 11:20:17 GMT

Johnny,

Why are you fixated on Done Talking? I made several posts leading up to the Derby. Done Talking was mentioned regularly after his win in the IL Derby where he provided me with a handsome return on investment. It was suggested that the colt would only finish ahead of the emergency medical vehicle as he was ultra slow. I defended the little colt against this ridicule and cited he finished a NK behind El Padrino in the Remsen. El Padrino was ranked in the top ten.You and other have somehow ignored all the other horses I posted comments about. Let me reiterate, Alpha became my pick for the Derby after Out of Bounds on whom I also made a handsome return on investment got injured. It’s time for you to unglue yourself from the Done Talking issue. A number of colts did not run up to expectation in the Derby including my pick Alpha. Done Talking finished in 14th position. Who finished behind him? The winners of the Wood, Tama Bay Derby, FL Derby, UAE Derby and Delta Jackpot.

Even if Done Talking had finished last, your continuous reminders of my support for the colt can only be justified if you are also reminding those whose selections finished behind him. Done Talking will win his fair share of races as he is well bred and honest. Horse have emerged from being badly beaten in the Derby to be champions. Be careful the Derby is only one race and should not be used a tool for ridicule.

One Love!

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: A 'Walk' Through History

Susan W. — Thu, 17 May 2012 10:49:20 GMT

The story of Sagamore Farm and its restoration is wonderful. Best wishes to Mr. Plank --- horse racing lovers everywhere owe him!

By the way, Discovery was the broodmare sire of Native Dancer and the "Gray Ghost" owed much of his class & ability to Discovery (a grandson of Fair Play).

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: A 'Walk' Through History

willie1 — Thu, 17 May 2012 09:50:52 GMT

Nice to see some old photo's of Native Dancer he is my all time favourite racehorse brings me back to when I was a kid along time ago now. I was devastated when the Dancer lost the Kentucky Derby I still say he should have won it. You just never know in the Derby as the best horse dosn't always win. Thanks for the memories Steve.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: A 'Walk' Through History

Cassandra.Says — Thu, 17 May 2012 04:54:43 GMT

Looking at Went the Day Well's "body of work" I'm impressed at how fast this colt learns -- he's improved dramatically in each start. Now Steve says he's looking good, and we know Steve's got an Eye.

The race doesn't set up particularly well for him, but another move forward should be the ticket, as it were.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: A 'Walk' Through History

taxistan — Thu, 17 May 2012 04:49:31 GMT

Dr. Drunkinbum.

YES MR HASKIN HAS GOTTEN BETTER!

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: A 'Walk' Through History

Johnny — Thu, 17 May 2012 03:33:42 GMT

Coldfacts:

You write these very nice blurbs and then they run the race and Done Talking finishes 14th.

Those are the Coldfacts..

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: A 'Walk' Through History

Alex'sBigFan — Thu, 17 May 2012 02:38:22 GMT

Nothing better than having Steve on location with great stories and photos for us to enjoy. IHA looks great as well as WTDWell. I like the doggie going for a ride in the golf cart too. The farms look lush and inviting wish I was there taking a walk.

I'm still going with IHA, then Bodemeister, then Joe Bravo on Teeth of the Dog getting up again for third, or WTDWell. Interesting that IHA is going to be saddled inside instead of out in the open, I like O'Neill's thinking outside of the box. I hope IHA gets the win. I think Belmont Park with a triple on the line is more exciting than the Derby itself. From what I am reading it is kaos at NYRA, will they have their act together by June 9th and regain public trust?

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: A 'Walk' Through History

Coldfacts — Thu, 17 May 2012 01:25:11 GMT

It does not appear that any of the new shooters are capable of threatening the big four i.e., I’ll Have Another, Bodemeister, Went The Way Well and Creative Cause for a place on the board. Is there anything significant about any of the new shooters? Based on their PPs, they are just not fast enough. However, there is something significant about one of the colts that will cause me to use him in my wagers. That colt is Zetterholm. His enters the Preakness off three consecutive victories. His dam was sired by Lord At War. In the last 40 years Drone, Poker and Dixieland Band have been broodmare sires of two Derby winners. Dixieland Band was denied a third when Eight Bells was denied by Big Brown. Lord At War would have been a member of the elite group had it not been for the amazing Mine That Bird. Lord At War was the broodmare sire of 2002 Derby/Preakness winner War Emblem. He was broodmare sire of 2009 Derby runner up PioneerOf The Nile. He was also broodmare sire of E Dubai who is regarded as Mr. Prospector fastest son.

Lord At War broodmares have produced some exceptional horses. Is Zetterholm another of exceptional one? His last victory was visually impressive. He went by fellow NY breds under minimum urging and came home in hand. Based on that performance, could this colt be a monster that Mr. Dutrow has been hiding? I realize his impressive victory was against state breds and therefore its significant is questionable. With the pace in the Preakness expected to be fast, this might create opportunities for an unknown quantity such as Zetterholm to capitalize.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: A 'Walk' Through History

Racingfan — Thu, 17 May 2012 01:11:18 GMT

THANK YOU STEVE for the post on Sagamore Farm and Native Dancer! He was an incredible horse and what a magnificent place his home was!! I was so happy to hear a few years back that it was being restored and will be home to future racing stars (hopefully)! Thanks also for the update on this weekends runners. I am still hoping for a triple crown! Now I have a dilemma though cuz Bodemeister was my number one choice in the Derby and I would love for Sagamore to get the first win under the new regime. So I guess my choices this time will be: I'll Have Another, then Bodemeister, Tiger Walk or Creative Cause....

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: A 'Walk' Through History

fuzzbert — Thu, 17 May 2012 00:51:09 GMT

Only living a few miles from Sagamore, I often drive by to and from work. Always dreaming of what was a long time ago. Sometimes in the early morning haze surrounding the track, I think I can still see "The Dancer" galloping around. Godd Luck to all on Saturday. God Speed and SAFE trips for all.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: A 'Walk' Through History

Tiara Terces — Wed, 16 May 2012 23:41:41 GMT

Thanks Steve for a wonderful walk through Sagamore Farm and racing history. I remember Native Dancer as a gray blur not just because he was so fast, but also because TV was far from HD back then. I couldn't believe it when he didn't catch Dark Star at the Derby wire. Who would have guessed that one day his genes (we would have called it "blood" back then) would one day run through the veins of more living thoroughbreds than any other? With his grandsons Northern Dancer and Mr.Prospector having reigned the breeding barns for so many years, it is no wonder.

The Preakness shapes up as another puzzler, so many having great credentials and some newcomers too. Baffert must be delighted to have what appears the lone speed. We know now Tooth of the Dog got Post #2. He won't know how to act being on the inside at last. Hoping that we have a safe return for all and the excitement of a possible triple crown still in the realm of possibility.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: A 'Walk' Through History

Dr Drunkinbum — Wed, 16 May 2012 23:04:28 GMT

Is it my imagination or has Steve Haskin gotten even better the last few years, like a fine wine improving with age? Photojournalism at its best lately. This Preakness is really going to be something with I'll Have Another and Went The Day Well both in top form running down Bodemeister. Maybe. I give Went The Day Well a big shot here at decent odds but I'll Have Another and Gutierrez are on a winning streak and on a mission to retrieve a Crown last seen long ago, when only rich people had a VCR, and if you missed a show on TV that was it, until the rerun, or forever. Have a safe race and don't come out fighting !!!

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: A 'Walk' Through History

Coldfacts — Wed, 16 May 2012 22:47:58 GMT

After evaluating the fields for the Withers the Tale of the Cat colt Tiger Walk captured my attention. The fact that he was produced from an unraced mare meant he deserved major attention. It is probably common knowledge that I a big fan of unraced mares. The fact they were unraced it is always difficult assess their abilities in spite of their pedigrees. However, their record as producers of exceptional horses continues to be intriguing. Black Caviar is the current international superstar that was produced from one such mare.

Tiger Walk’s unraced dam was sired by Kris S. While Kris S was a phenomenal sire with five Breeder Cup Winners, his record as a broodmare sire is not as stellar. Breeders Cup winners War Chant and Zenyatta were produced from Kris S broodmares. Despite Kris S’s excellence at the Breeder Cup level, none of his broodmares have produced the winner of a TC race. Tale of the Cat was the sire of the very fast Derby runner up Lion Heart.

It would be ludicrous to conclude that Kris S’s exploits are restricted to the Breeder Cup. In light of this, I have been paying keen attention to any 2YO and 3YO produced from his mares. Tiger Walk was used in all my wagers on the Withers, Gotham and Wood. Needless to say I was disappointed with his lackluster efforts in all three races. He never showed the powerful gallop that was on display in his Laurel victories. Some horses do not favor the inner track at the Big A and I am hoping this was the case with Tiger Walk. He owes me some funds and consequently I will be placing a small across the board wager on him. I am hope the addition of cheater blinkers will correct his lack of focus that was evident in his Big A races.

NB: If I was high on Tiger Walk because of the Kris S dam line, I should have switched to I’ll Have Another whose dam was sired by Kris S’s son Arch. Uncle Mo was produced from an Arch broodmare as well. Was Uncle Mo a forerunner?