Power Up Paynter

re: Power Up Paynter

JoyJackson21 — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 03:30:18 GMT

What excited me about racing this year, more than any other year in recent memory, was the racing from the 3 year olds coming out of California in preparation for the 2012 Triple Crown.

I'll Have Another blew me away his very first race. His very first race!! That chestnut colt was fabulous, he had the look of a champion, and I knew he could be a great one. Creative Cause and Bodemeister came along and I saw their potential. Rousing Sermon was trying to peak around the same time. Liaison was showing promise, too. IHA grew steadily, as did Creative Cause, as did Bodemeister. The talent they were all displaying was just awesome to behold.

Then, in the Santa Anita Derby, came Paynter and Blueskiesnrainbows onto this talented yet crowded scene. Four soul-stirring horses storming down the track together, all magnificent, I'll Have Another pulling off an incredibly impressive and breathtaking win. At that time, I couldn't remember when I had been so excited about the finish of a race. I'll Have Another blew me away again. (IHA would soon prove to me the thrills he provides when racing weren't nearly over - LOL). Creative Cause was impressive in defeat. Blueskiesnrainbows knocked my socks off with his grittiness all the way to the wire. And Paynter -- Paynter ran an eye-popping race in fourth. I was impressed and wrote down his name in my Thoroughbred Journal, my own personal notes on horses to watch in the future. I made a note of each performance and kept each horse in my "Sure Thing" file. At the same time, in Arkansas, Bodemeister had become the talk of the racing industry in winning the Arkansas Derby. The California horses were scary-good, had put the world on alert that they were the class of the 3 year old division in 2012 and the Triple Crown races were just ahead. As far as I was concerned, a Cali horse would win the Triple Crown and that horse would be IHA.

As we all know, I'll Have Another put together a mind-blowingly impressive amount of beyond thrilling wins this year and is the best horse in the country, either retired or still in training. Bodemeister is lightning in a bottle who unfortunately, just like Alydar did in his 3 year old season, kept meeting up with a rival that was more superior. (Bodemeister is still a great horse, just as we all know Alydar was a great horse in his own right. Losing to Affirmed didn't diminish his greatness in the least, in fact, probably enhanced it a little.) Creative Cause still shows great potential. Blueskiesnrainbows is still peaking, looks fabulous, and will prove himself to be a mighty competitor as well.

But it is Paynter who has stepped up to the plate with courage when asked by to Bob Baffert and Mr. Zayat, and took up the Herculean feat to win the Belmont Stakes with little seasoning under his belt. I had every confidence in Paynter's ability to win the race, after IHA had to be scratched and retired due to injury. Paynter had grit and courage in him and he was a prime member of this group of great horses in 2012 from California. He would try his hardest, I knew that. And that's exactly what he did. What a spectacular revelation Paynter was on the Belmont course that day. Though he lost by a neck, to me he was a winner. He did everything that was asked of him, and much more besides, and almost pulled it off in spectacular fashion, despite his handicaps in the race. Paynter was a champion.

So it was no surprise when Paynter won the Haskell like a true professional. Paynter has blossomed and matured before my eyes this year and I couldn't be prouder of him.

I'll Have Another will always be Number One in my book, the thoughts of his races this year thrills me still - even in IHA's retirement - and it is my hope and my prayer I'll Have Another will win 3 Year Old Male of the Year, as well as Horse of the Year because he deserves it. IHA was pure greatness this year and it was an honor to see that magnificent horse in action. However, I have a little soft spot in my heart for Paynter, too. He's fun to watch, just as I'll Have Another was. You give Paynter a task and he goes out and tries his best to accomplish it. My kind of horse. He's consistent. Now that I'll Have Another is retired and living happily in Japan, Paynter may be the next star on the horizon. I'm so happy for him, and very proud of him. And I don't even own him! - LOL. Good luck to Paynter and Bodemeister the rest of the year.

And great good luck to my handsome champion, I'll Have Another, in his new happy life in Japan. He's doing well and seems to be adjusting nicely there. He's so easy-going, which is helping him in his adjustment period there. The videos and pictures of IHA frolicking in his new home have been heartwarming. They bring smiles to your face. IHA's a consumate professional and champion, even while adjusting to retirement half way around the world. He's a joyous marvel. Much love to him always, and hope to see him in person next year.

re: Power Up Paynter

Householder — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 22:43:09 GMT

I was looking at some of my photographs of the 2009 Breeder's Cup at Santa Anita and it looks like I took a picture of one horse working between races. Interesting... does anyone recall this?

re: Power Up Paynter

Alex'sBigFan — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 22:33:51 GMT

Sorry the link just does not want to print. I typed it out three times. If you want to see Hansen and the blue tail walking out from Sat. go to YouTube and just type in Hansen West Virginia Derby and it comes right up under the title "Is Anybody Out There."

Karen in Texas,

Thanks for that info.

Poor Hansen, maybe his "early childhood" with mommie dearest hasn't helped but at least he has a doctor who loves him now. I am remembering the article of how Hansen's mother nearly killed his sibling and was not much better with him. I'd point him towards the King's Bishop and BC Dirt Mile, not the Travers and BC Classic after this WVA performance.

I can't see blaming Smith, he caught the red eye from CA just to ride him. I don't think it's Mike at all. Hansen's performances are baffling. C'mon what happened to our 2 yr. old champ? And who will ride him in Saratoga?

Glad Paynter is feeling better.

re: Power Up Paynter

Linda in Texas — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 18:19:42 GMT

Thanks Karen in Texas - i missed your post on July 31, sorry about that. Even if i had read it, i still would have listed you anyway. I enjoy your knowledge and posts. And i will take your advice on the other two blogs.

Frankly speaking, i learn so much from everyone's posts. So many smart folks with knowledge here that i try to tuck away in parts of my brain to save for later.

JON R - to me Paynter even runs like Seattle Slew. Realized that the first time i saw him race. Carries his body the way Slew did.

And his coat is pretty close to Slew's also. Head shape and soft eyes in addition. Looks like an up close photo i have of Seattle Slew i used as my desktop picture for a year.

I wonder sometimes if maybe i refer to the past too often, but then we all are what we came from and that is the past. It is relevant to the present and the future. Simplistic i realize but true.

Thank you Steve.

re: Power Up Paynter

Paula Higgins — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 02:14:55 GMT

Thank you all very much for your kind words. It's been a tough time, but it helps to come here. AbigailinAbilene, I am very sorry about your kitty. I thought my girl kitty, Tabitha, lived a long life at 20 years. Twenty-five has to be just about a record for longevity.

Linda in Texas, I loved the idea of painting Hansen's tail blue as long as it is harmless to the horse. You are right about years 13 and 14 being the hump years. My Uncle's beagle lived to 20. It just wasn't meant to be and I am grateful for what I had with him.

re: Power Up Paynter

Alex'sBigFan — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 22:26:07 GMT

For some reason the link did not type out, here it is again:

www.youtube.com/watch

Z4_4XAnYjI

It is entitled "Is Anybody Out There" and is set to that song. I found it by googling Hansen West Virginia Derby.

re: Power Up Paynter

Mike Relva — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 16:54:53 GMT

Paula

That goes double for me. Very sorry to hear of your loss.

re: Power Up Paynter

Karen in Texas — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 15:55:22 GMT

Paula----Sorry to hear of your difficult losses this summer. Our pets are especially sad because they are our "forever children." My 17 year old cat died of squamous cell Ca in May, and I'm still not "normal" at this point in time.

Linda in Texas----I've been posting regularly on Steve's blog as well as on "What's Going On Here" and "Around The Globe". If you haven't been reading the Globe segments, I highly recommend them--most enlightening!

Alex'sBigFan----Hansen's race was covered well by HRTV, so I was able to see the post parade et al. His tail wasn't half as garish as I feared it would be--it was sort of a wedge of blue toward the bottom 1/3 or 1/4 only. He did not appear upset as they went to the gate; calm at first, then on his toes right before loading. He never looked like the Hansen we know once the race started, in my opinion. I've read (on another site) that Maker was really unhappy with Mike's ride. Others are saying that Hansen became the victim of a situation similar to the Cigar/Dare and Go scenario in California in the '90's.

Steve----Are we going to get some Haskin pictures from Saratoga?? (Please!)

re: Power Up Paynter

Racingfan — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 01:09:34 GMT

Nice article Steve! Really like both horses and looking forward to seeing more of them. Hope they race next year too! Anyone else getting a little bummed reading about stud deals for the other 3 year olds while our poor Derby winner had to leave the country? Can't understand why nobody wanted him (I know there were offers but they were pretty small for a double classic winner in my opinion). Also, anyone but me playing the Breeders Cup fantasy handicapping game?

re: Power Up Paynter

Alex'sBigFan — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 23:04:24 GMT

Found a video clip of Hansen on Sat. at the race that someone posted on YouTube. It shows the blue tail, which I could not tell on TVG, and he looks gorgeous if he was going to be in Cirque de Soleil.

Here's the link:

www.youtube.com/watch

Hope that's the right link. Thanks to whoever posted it.

re: Power Up Paynter

Alex'sBigFan — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 22:23:08 GMT

Paula Higgins,

I'm so sorry to hear of your losses. It has been such a tough year. This is a place of comfort though on Steve's blogs, I know exactly what you mean and feel the same way. I'm still somewhat in mourning too.

Anyone know what happened to Hansen? His West Va Derby wasn't that great. TVG showed all of two seconds of the post parade and showed Saratoga instead of his race and then showed the tape replay. I hardly saw Hansen at all. It was hard to notice the tail, it looked half done or something? I thought the whole thing was going to be cobalt blue?

Oh well, something stressed Hansen out and he did not show up for this one like he should have. Any thoughts?

re: Power Up Paynter

Linda in Texas — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:52:38 GMT

Sweet Paula Higgins. i have missed your posts and worried where you were and why. Was hoping you were on a vacation,instead i send my condolences now upon the sad news for you and your family over the loss of your sister-in-law and your little 4 footed 'soul mate' Miniature Schnauzer. I lost my Yorkie mix last year at 14. Seems it is either 13 or 14. Get past those 2 years and maybe they can make it a few more.

I wondered what your comments would be on Hansen's blue tail tip

dye job?

Now to racing,seems i always find a horse that is owned by Semantha Siegel to comment on. This time again, it was Include Me Out, talk about persistence. She looked great. I love the Include Me Out name.

Fort Larned looked awesome, that black mask was daunting. I knew he

would win and wrote the word beside his name on my paper.

I love it when i am right. He is to be reckoned with. Hope he stays healthy.

Also Been missing Slew, tew!

And Deacon? Where are yew?

Then Lazmannick and Bob from Boston and Ted from L.A. and mz, Mike R. and Karen in Texas. And everyone else. And always Dr. Drunkinbum.

Love the name of the filly 'Platinum Flip Flops' makes me smile. She won, second time, foaled in 2009, no fancy high falutin race, but she didn't care.

It is Barbeque time in Texas and i don't mean one you do in the backyard. Just 109 yesterday.

I'm looking for a cabin by a stream in Vermont or Maine about now. Would be closer to NY,

Maryland and Kentucky.

Three times is a charm. Got it?? Shackleford does not like Saratoga.

And a sloppy track at that. He no more wanted to race than a wet fish wanted to walk. He is at least consistent and i really really like an attitudinal horse.

Makes me feel comfortable and like i have a compadre in life!

"If i done tol' ya i don't like to do somethin' once't don't make me do it three times!" Same for Shackleford.

Looking forward to the post about your trip to Saratoga.

Thanks Steve.

re: Power Up Paynter

JON R — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 12:39:38 GMT

Paynter is Seattle Slew's great grandson. That's good enough for me.

re: Power Up Paynter

AngelaInAbilene — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 12:10:27 GMT

Paula- Condolances on your losses. I lost my cat this week. 25 years, 3 months & 17 days old.

re: Power Up Paynter

Mike Relva — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 18:01:55 GMT

Cassandra

Are you sure you don't have an axe to grind regarding Dr. Hansen? Seems like recalling him scolding you for remarks delivered on another blog that seemed more fiction than fact attacking him. Do I have it right?

re: Power Up Paynter

Paula Higgins — Sat, 04 Aug 2012 18:28:24 GMT

Steve, this was a wonderful post. It helped lift my spirits to read about Mr. Zayat, his horses and family. We have had some losses in my family the past 3 weeks and (my beloved sister-in-law to cancer and my 14 year old Miniature Schnauzer, also to cancer). It is good to get back here and read about the horses and see familiar names. It is comforting in its own way.

re: Power Up Paynter

duchess — Sat, 04 Aug 2012 05:10:07 GMT

Robin - I think the fact that so few want to run their horses against Frankel says it all. You usually only see that with the very best.

Marilyn - your Derby dream might still come true for Paynter. Along with the Pennsylvania Derby we also have the lucrative Indiana Derby still to come in the fall, and Baffert has shipped some pretty good horses to Indiana for that race before, such as Lookin at Lucky.

Steve, thanks you for the blog about the Zayats. They sure sound like they are caring and responsible owners. I wish them all the luck in the world with their two star colts.

re: Power Up Paynter

Cassandra.Says — Sat, 04 Aug 2012 00:20:27 GMT

KSweatman:

"Agitated mess" indeed. I didn't (couldn't bear to) watch the Derby walking ring but I heard there was some maniac running around hurling things through the air. "Agitated mess" is the right phrase for Hansen when he emerged. I thought he would be a vet scratch. I've never seen a horse so badly broken out.

There was a news report that KH was solicited by several racing secretaries of . . . less prominent racetracks who said they'd let him dye the horse if he'd run Hansen at their track. A new way to map out your horse's itinerary.

re: Power Up Paynter

Freetex — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 21:05:49 GMT

Thank you for the inspiration Steve. I've felt a little let down and blue since the news about I'll Have Another leaving for Japan and the injured list that just continued to grow this year.

Its wonderful to know there are owners and trainers besides the Mosses and John Sherriffs who care so deeply about their horses and racing.

I feel we have two stand-out colts to look forward to in the weeks to come.

Thanks again, it helps.

re: Power Up Paynter

Pedigree Ann — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 17:18:37 GMT

Ceil Rock, I have to disagree.

There are a lot of G1 10f races in GB/Ire at the top level, too many of them IMO. The Eclipse S, the Champion S, the York International (whatever the sponsor), the Prince of Wales at Royal Ascot, the Irish Champion S, the Tattersalls' Gold Cup, nicely spaced throughout the year. All for 3 and up. Frankel could have stepped up any time since the Eclipse (late June/early July) of his 3yo year. Of course, he would have had to face So You Think and Workforce in that race; he might have lost.

re: Power Up Paynter

Slew — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 15:06:24 GMT

Steve, superb story telling...as usual. Only you can weave such a melodic tapestry.

After the way Paynter ran in the Belmont, there was no other horse going to take the Haskell away from him. Thrilled to watch it.

Both Paynter and Bodemeister have been sensational, and I can't wait to see more from them.

re: Power Up Paynter

ceil rock — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 22:16:58 GMT

There aren't many races at 10 furlongs in Europe (not very many here either for that matter), so their options are pretty limited. Teddy Grimthorpe, Juddmonte's racing manager, said a couple of weeks ago that they would have strongly considered the Breeder's Cup Classic if Santa Anita still had a synthetic track. Frankel can only run against the horses who show up, and he's made mincemeat of them, rabbit or no rabbit. Juddmonte had an injury scare earlier this year and they are not going to risk him just to prove a point.

re: Power Up Paynter

robinm — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 19:41:48 GMT

ksweatman9 - Unfortunately, it seems Frankel will not come over for the BC and in fact, I've heard it likely he will run only 1 or 2 more times before retiring to the breeding shed. He certainly looks impressive in his wins but for me, his is another case of protecting a win streak. He is being touted as the best race horse of all time but I'm not convinced. Frankel has a "rabbit" in all his races; a ploy used occasionally in route races but can't say I've seen it before for a miler. I also question his race times; they seem slow, though I admit I'm used to the times posted on the firm turf we usually see on the west coast here in America. Could be his times are excellent considering the ground he is running on. At least his next scheduled race is to be at 10 furlongs which shows they are willing to test him, at least a little.

re: Power Up Paynter

Shutterbug — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 18:47:35 GMT

Householder: Loved your post. Lava Man was the cherry on top of the triple crown cake!! As you said, he came out of it great... time of his life.

Looking at the pictures I took during the Robert Lewis stakes, Ill Have Another was so bored during his romp in the stretch that he was eyeballing the crowd! The full sibling to Royal Delta wore himself out in a futile atempt to chase down the champ, and has never covered... oh, what could have been.

re: Power Up Paynter

Matt Helm — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 02:44:37 GMT

Hi Steve,Very nice article on the Zayat stable.They have a great attitude and approach to racing.They are the kind of owners fans like to pull for.Im sure they will be a force for years to come.On a different subject,did you get a chance to see the video of Toby's Corner last Saturday night at Penn National?New track record but he really didn't beat all that much.What caught my eye was he finally ran like his pedigree said he should.He finally showed the style of his dad and grandpa.Been waiting for him to go to the front and let it roll.I think his win sets him up nice for late summer and fall.You know I love all things Mister Frisky related.