Haskin's Preakness Report: Cause and Effect

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Cause and Effect

Dr Drunkinbum — Mon, 21 May 2012 22:43:18 GMT

Linda in Texas

Thank you very much. You've given me plenty of smiles too, and I like having you around.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Cause and Effect

irishbrave — Sat, 19 May 2012 17:56:28 GMT

OK kids, put on your reading glasses, 'cuz here I go:

1. Steve, I don't know how much attention sportswriters get from the literary award crowd, but with you and Claire Novak in the running*, I do know that the opportunities to read great writing, regardless of genre, are more frequent than before. There are also several new (to me, at least) writers/photogs/bloggers that are producing very high-quality work.

2. Not surprised in the least when I learned Barry Irwin is a writer too. Definitely a guy I'd crack a bottle with.

3. We won't see CC in blinkers again. He's amazingly intelligent, and naturally extremely curious. He needed them for a while to focus his attention "in class," but like those of us who are also hypervigilant, it bugs him when he can't see everything that's going on. I don't like glasses (in part) because they don't help my peripheral vision---imagine being a prey animal in that situation.

4. To me, the prototypical cowboy is a romantic figure: noble, unpretentious, unassuming; works hard enough to appreciate the luxury of a hearty nap and has the boots & hat to prove it; he may or may not have an advanced formal education, but he does possess a rare quiet wisdom. He's the hero (and often the antihero) and somehow you just know he'll prevail in the end. Of course, I was just about born with boots on, so I'm a smidge biased. There's a vast difference between a redneck and a cowboy. As for Mike Harrington, you'll have only yourself to blame if you take him for anything less than a superior intellect. Also, I think he should be the Woodford spokesmodel!

5. Coldfacts---I appreciate the genuine effort you put into your analysis. You have a good grip on the precision of it, but the accuracy is just, well, not there yet. I'm not a certified expert by any means, but horses are on my very short list of things I don't completely suck at. Pick a track you like, a couple of effective horse/rider combos with several races over different distances and watch lots of races and replays WITHOUT THE AUDIO. The light bulb will go on, I think. I hope that doesn't come across as snooty---we need people with your obvious passion. I've learned more in the last year just by watching CC than I would have ever thought possible. (Which, btw, is just a small part of what makes him such a classy horse.)

6. Jean--'horsinality' is one of my favorite neologisms! Can't quite decide on a preferred spelling, though.

Whew, See what happens when you try to get something other than horse stuff done for a week? Hopefully you're all still awake enough for the race. I love my CC, and I'm happy just as long as he comes back sound. The rest is dark chocolate/red velvet cake ice cream. With an Irish whiskey chaser.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Cause and Effect

Mary Zinke — Sat, 19 May 2012 14:49:22 GMT

My comment above should say that I've picked CC in every one of his races after seeing him run in the Best Pal. He wasn't in my picks then, but it was love at first watching him run so beautifully.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Cause and Effect

Cassandra.Says — Sat, 19 May 2012 08:06:15 GMT

In case anyone wonders, I post replies in bunches because I sleep days. It's 4 a.m.

Here is a baby picture of Hansen at pasture with his dam. Very peculiar.

www.drf.com/.../breeders-cup-winner-hansens-owner-has-luck-his-side

Someone posted on their blog spot a pic of a grey yearling with his chestnut foal coat half shedded out, suggesting it's identical to Hansen. But Hansen is a suckling in this picture. Hasn't shed a hair.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Cause and Effect

Linda in Texas — Sat, 19 May 2012 05:00:03 GMT

Dr. Drunkinbum, there is not a post that goes by that i don't find something you say that makes me chuckle out loud! The one today is a prime example. I quit complimenting your unique quotes and qibbles as i got tired of seeing my name. I didn't want anyone to think that i am trying to hog the space. I just enjoy reading about and listening to so many talented people like yourself and Ted and Bob and our great BloggoMeister Steve Hashkins and i learn so much and have come to

appreciate and truly care about so many people and I have never met a one.

Steve the photo of Zetterholm was great, he was the only one looking straight at you, the others looked to be being photoed by someone else. But looks like Zetterholm liked you best! He is a handsome fella with a beautiful head and finely honed confirmation, which is nothing more than a bunch of fancy words to say he is one good looking sumgun!

Dr. D i hope your horses win tomorrow. Just know you brighten all our days every day.

And thanks Steve, i bet if anyone needs to find you they just look for the smoke coming out of the roof of the room you are in typing all of these marvie articles.

GunBow really is behind now. He hasn't commented 2 articles back!

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Cause and Effect

Cassandra.Says — Sat, 19 May 2012 04:49:17 GMT

He LOOKS Sabino (SB1 x SB1) and I would discount the opinion that the gene is not found in TBs, as they only discovered it in 2005, and it would have been misregistered if it had turned up in TBs. However, Sabino is expressed when heterozygous and surely there would be evidence of body spots etc. in his lineage.

I've found one pix that shows his white snip standing out more than it does now but google isn't turning up articles I remember reading.

I eagerly await a geneticist getting his hands on a saliva sample.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Cause and Effect

Greg R — Sat, 19 May 2012 04:26:06 GMT

Hard to separate Creative Cause, WTDW and IHA. CrCs had excuse of very wide trip and odd events of week. Churchill seemed to rattle him. Now that he's had the experience of settling into a new venue and knowing he can go home again, the second trip may actually be easier on him mentally! And horses so often take turns having a good day and a bad day. If he has one of his best days, he should be right there with IHA at the end.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Cause and Effect

Cassandra.Says — Sat, 19 May 2012 04:19:50 GMT

Susan from Va and Karen from Texas

Thanks for your posts and especially the link. I read an interview with Dr. Hansen in which he described his shock at Hansen's birth but it wasn't detailed -- I assumed because he was white but maybe just obviously some kind of color sport. Greys are not born grey. Annice Johnson doesn't say specify what ages she is referring to.

I look further. Susan do you have a link to possible mechanism of inheritance?

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Cause and Effect

Akita Girl — Sat, 19 May 2012 03:38:54 GMT

Aww Steve, the pictures are wonderful and the stories make us feel like we're there. The more I read about these magnificent athletes-the more I love spending time with my own...And Dr. Drunkinbum, your comments are priceless ;)

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Cause and Effect

Karen in Texas — Fri, 18 May 2012 23:00:26 GMT

I have seen several reports that state Hansen was born a darker gray, and lightened quickly. That includes one recently printed in B-H wherein Annice Johnson of the farm where Hansen was foaled was quoted as stating, "he started out fairly dark." He also had a carrot-orange mane when he was younger. (Several photos on other websites.)

www.bloodhorse.com/.../hansen-survived-his-mother-to-achieve-acclaim

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Cause and Effect

Linda in Texas — Fri, 18 May 2012 22:24:54 GMT

"Hashkins" - Now you are really famous Steve. Sometimes when addressing your blog a few add an 's' to your name now an extra H, Not many folks are famous enough to have their name on a menu. I won't look at a potato from now on that i won't think of Mr. Hashkins!

Lava Man but pardon me, buddy ol' pal of everyone's, you rock. And i might add, you have a poker face in Steve's photo. So does his rider. Lava Man looks cool as a

cucumber and is probably looking for his protege I'll Have Another.

Doug O'Neill must not be eating, he looks like he has lost 15 pounds at least. Pictures don't lie.

I am going to look on Ebay for a vintage Canon Power Camera so you can retire Mindy's gift and then "You'll Have Another" as a backup.

Good luck and safe, clean trips to everyone but especially the 4 legged ones. As usual i want everyone to win. But especially come back to their stalls

Thanks Steve. Have a great time at

the races. Lucky everybody who gets to be there.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Cause and Effect

zarvona — Fri, 18 May 2012 19:22:10 GMT

"To be 'the MAN' you have to beat 'the MAN'... What does it take to convince you, or Harrington or the rest, after two wins over this horse already that "I'll Have Another" is now "THE MAN" !!!, just as I so stated after his Santa Anita win.

I think, that if there is a horse in this race that might beat "I'll Have Another" it is either "Bodebeyer" or "Went the Day Well" off of his Derby performance... "Creative Cause" and "Daddy Nose Best" are wild cards at best as potential deep underplays to fill a triple or a super in the race...

And, I would not be shocked by a stellar preformance from an up and comer here as we have no idea how the likes of a "Pretension", or the reat, and etc., might have grown... Regarding the new shooter "Zetterholm", he looks--on paper--as a horse much more bred for the Turf.

Thusly, the other horse I personally will be heavy leaning toward and using as a play in this race,--The Maryland Preakness Stakes,--is the so far very lightly-sportswriter-mentioned "Teeth of the Dog", who ran a 151 1/8 in his maiden win, beating in that race "Went the Day Well"; is perfectly bred for this particular distance; is superly bred in his own right; and was coming on quite strongly to be a gamely 3rd right behind an undefeated Gemologist at Belmont recently in the *^&%*$.$@# Casino %,<!^#%#(@! N.Y. WOOD MEMORIAL ^@!$&!!!!... Thusly, thats my take and I'm sticking to it... Good day...

DO IT AGAIN "ICE MAN" ....

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Cause and Effect

Dr Drunkinbum — Fri, 18 May 2012 19:02:49 GMT

Susan from VA

Thank you so much. That is a treasure for me being loved in the same sentence as the marvelous Steve Haskin who we all love and admire. It means more to me right now that you could know. You brightened my day and I'm glad I could be a part of brightening yours.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Cause and Effect

Susan from VA — Fri, 18 May 2012 19:01:43 GMT

If Hansen was indeed born white, then he is probably a maximal sabino. I had thought he grayed unusually rapidly; I had no idea he was "born that way."

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Cause and Effect

Cassandra.Says — Fri, 18 May 2012 17:41:20 GMT

Although Hansen is sired by a grey, he is white, not grey. He was born white and the skin on his chest and body showed through when he was drenched going to the Derby gate as pink to red. He's registered grey but thoroughbreds usually are if they are any off colour like pinto. Or they are registered roan, a colour that does not appear in the breed. The roan gene appears in other horses, cows, dogs, rabbits, etc. Roans are roan from birth, don't become lighter each year, and have dark heads, mane, tail and points.

On the other hand, since we don't have any roans, there's a free word to use -- so chestnuts that grey are "roans," and darker base colours that grey are "gray."

I eagerly await a genetic analysis of Hansen. And Tapit. Tapit has some unusually pale horses and some solid dove greys.

The Blood-Horse carried a slew of articles (and op eds in "Letters") back when Ky. Colonel was siring an occasional white, including one with a small chestnut cap that was registered (you guessed it) "roan."

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Cause and Effect

ksweatman9 — Fri, 18 May 2012 16:38:34 GMT

Big John T, that would be very interesting. If you find the stats before I do, please post. Thanks!

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Cause and Effect

Susan from VA — Fri, 18 May 2012 16:04:54 GMT

Mr. Haskin and Dr. Drunkinbum - I love you both! These blogs brighten my day!

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Cause and Effect

Karen in Texas — Fri, 18 May 2012 15:54:13 GMT

I had to leave my computer for over an hour after being interrupted during my previous comment. I now see that most of the greys I mentioned were listed. Sorry!

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Cause and Effect

Karen in Texas — Fri, 18 May 2012 15:27:09 GMT

Wonderful reports, Steve! I like/appreciate the pictures of Doug O'Neill at the Boys and Girls Club. What better way to spread goodwill and to build a future fan base for local racing?

ksweatman9----In addition to the great greys already mentioned, I would add my personal favorite, Skip Away; as well as Cozzene, Alphabet Soup, Lit de Justice, and Holy Bull.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Cause and Effect

Age of Reason — Fri, 18 May 2012 15:17:54 GMT

Steve,

I just keep repeating over and over to myself the words from your first Preakness blog: "What can prevent I'll Have Another from winning the Triple Crown?...The answer is nothing" (paraphrase).

From your lips to God's ears, my friend.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Cause and Effect

Chris Simonds — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:56:02 GMT

I've been a CC homer since the day I was laying in bed extremely hungover on a Saturday watching a MSW at Hollywood Park. A grey Giant's Causeway caught my eye then noticing he was out of a G1 winning mare, yet fetched less than $200k in the auction ring when his daddy's stud fee was $300k. Can't stop believing now! Mr. Haskins, you must be pretty popular up there in MD to have restaurants name a dish after you. Does that mean you eat free there......friend? Have fun this weekend and look forward to your next post

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Cause and Effect

Dr Drunkinbum — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:37:18 GMT

Dessert was cookies of course.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Cause and Effect

Coldfacts — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:33:25 GMT

Mr. Haskin,

“So here’s what happened in a nutshell to create the total metamorphosis of one the most consistent and classy colts in the country.”

You must be given credit for your unwavering support for Creative Cause. He was ranked #1 in your final Derby Dozen in spite of being defeated in the SA Derby by eventual Derby winners IHA. I do not believe his record merits this type support. Is he consistent? Yes! Is he classy? The answer to that question depends on the definition classy. He is an imposing specimen of a horse and therefore could be considered elegant and stylish.

If Creative Cause is deemed classy based on his performances, then he his is several class layer below several of top the colts. Let me be clear, I Like Creative Cause as he is an honest colt that tries very hard in all his races. However, on too many occasions he has failed to find extra when it mattered most. This is where I consider class to be on display.

His first real class test came in the BCJ. He had perfect trip and could not find extra to either repel Union Rages or overhaul Hansen. This was a sneak preview of what was to be expected for his 3YO season. In his 3YO debut he failed to find extra to catch American Act and Drill. Those two colts were not considered good enough to contest the TC.

He had to be fully extended in the San Felipe to defeat Bodemeister whose previous start was a maiden race. He was again fully extended in the SA Derby to catch the unheralded 45-1 long shot Blueskiesnrainbows and could not find extra to repel I’ll Have Another’s challenge. In the Derby he turned into the stretch in what appeared to be level terms with IHA and again could not find extra and was passed for his first off the board finish by Dullahan and WTDW who took the overland route.

On the majority occasions where class was required he failed. He has one victory from his last 5 starts and whereas he is consistent, he falls short of class department. A flight to CA enroute to Maryland for colt that has not been exhibiting the will to win cannot enhance his chances.

I hope he justifies you confidence.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Cause and Effect

Dr Drunkinbum — Fri, 18 May 2012 13:42:40 GMT

Ah, went the day well, and we capped off a perfect day with a marvelous dinner. I also had the Haskins for my appetizer then had the Sagamore Farm's organic salad, and then the Creative Cause seafood special for my main course. After dinner we cozzetied up to the bar for a few Optimizers and Teeth of the Dogs. Alas, we did overindulge. We must of drank 20 Bodemeisters between the two of us or so it seemed as we both kept shouting out, "I'll have another." I could use a houscall from Dr. Fager this morning.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Cause and Effect

Pedigree Ann — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:55:57 GMT

I was responding to the criticism of Dr. Harrington that was bruited about during Derby week. The sense of the media reports was that he didn't know what he was doing because he didn't train the way everyone else did. Ignorant cowboy was the image portrayed.

Don't you remember how reporters tried to make Chip Wooley out as a just-off-the-range naif who hauled a horse to the Derby in a battered pickup and a single van? Even though he drove a rig the size of a semi-trailer.

Your intent may have been light-hearted, but the background of media folks speaking slightingly of Western horsemen who wear cowboy hats and jeans (and it goes back to Rex Ellsworth and Swaps or beyond) prompted me spring to Doc Harrington's defense.