Countdown to the Cup: Flying Hai

re: Countdown to the Cup: Flying Hai

Mike Relva — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 23:00:29 GMT

It Aint Easy Being Good

So NOW it's the great Zenyatta? lmao

re: Countdown to the Cup: Flying Hai

Matt Helm — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 21:23:00 GMT

Another BC with ZERO star power.Looking for some supefecta bombers.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Flying Hai

jamicheleify — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 05:46:41 GMT

Steve,

You are so awesome! I love your writing style. I became so much more interested in Shanghai Bobby because this story is so neat, and the way you tell it, how can anyone not be romantic about horse racing?

I became interested in horse racing only 3 years ago, and these stories about the horses, and their connections should be shared with all. It's what horse racing needs.

For example, I just found out this week that Mucho Macho Man was stillborn! For MMM to come back, and run the way he has despite his entry into the world is nothing short of amazing.

I wish Shanghai Bobby (4 & 2 legged) the best! I will definitely be following this horse, and I cannot wait to see him run in the Juvenile Breeder's Cup Race!

Thank you Steve!

re: Countdown to the Cup: Flying Hai

Tiz Herself — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 04:18:10 GMT

Carsons Crown (out of mare Delicatessa, by Dare and Go)

Park City (out of mare Light Show by Pleasant Colony)

Stormy Holiday (out of mare Over the Edge, by Thunder Gulch)

Stormy Len (out of mare Rietondale, by Dynaformer)

Zeewat (out of mare Delizia by Distant View)

are also Harlan Holiday two year olds to watch.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Flying Hai

Tiz Herself — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 04:07:35 GMT

Harlan's Holiday has always been one of my favorites. He was one of my picks for the 2002 Derby , along with Booklet. Had no doubt that he would make a great stallion.

Mendip, Wilcox Inn, Riley Tucker, Into Mischief, Necessary Evil, Majesticperfection, Denis of Cork, Twinspired (anyone know where he is?), J Z Warrior, Tasha's Miracle, Three Day Rush, P S U Grad, Bear Holiday, Summer Applause... the best is yet to come.

Go Shanghai Bobby!

re: Countdown to the Cup: Flying Hai

Tiz Herself — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 03:54:47 GMT

Is it ever too early to post BC picks?

F&M Sprint - Switch, Groupie Doll, Musical Romance, Winding Way (would be cool to see her there, she's Kauai Katie's full sis and is also undefeated)

Juv Sprint - Carried Interest or Scherer Magic

Mile - Animal Kingdom, Wise Dan or My Best Brother

Juvenile Turf - Battle of Marengo

Juvenile - Shanghai Bobby, Chief Havoc or Know More

Juvenile Fillies - Dreaming of Julia or Kauai Katie (maybe Teen Pauline will be in there?)

Juvenile Fillies Turf - Nancy O (IRE) she is sired by Pivotal and produced from the Arch mare Arravale who was a Canadian champion turf horse

Ladies Classic - My Miss Aurelia or Awesome Feather (dead heat? so that none lose their unbeaten record), Love and Pride, or Royal Delta

Dirt Mile - Tapizar, Morning Line, Dominus or Shackleford

Turf - Point of Entry, St. Nicholas Abbey and somewhere I saw Brown Panther as possible. Would love that!

F&M Turf - Up(IRE), Was (IRE) or Tapitsfly

Turf Sprint - heard that Starspangledbanner could be in here... Steve have you heard anything?

Sprint - Amazombie, Trinniberg or The Lumber Guy

Classic - Game on Dude, To Honor and Serve, Mucho Macho Man, Ron The Greek... so hard to choose!

Marathon - Worth Repeating, Arthur's Tale (love the pedigree on him! Bernadini sired, from a Harlan mare who's broodmare sire is Sham), Dynamic Host, or Eldaafer

Would love to see Winding Way and Kauai Katie both get to the BC... that would be so cool. Love Point of Entry, Brown Panther (if he is here??)

re: Countdown to the Cup: Flying Hai

Bigtex — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 00:08:26 GMT

I know he's had the big layoff but is no one giving Animal Kingdom a look at the turf mile? It would seem odd for team Valor to have him there if he wasn't going to be close to AK ready.

Steve, what do you see in store for Algorithms between now and the spring?

re: Countdown to the Cup: Flying Hai

Alex'sBigFan — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 23:57:55 GMT

Ranagulzion,

Nice to see you back. I'm not sure about the Lasix being "performance enhancing." I think the jury is still out on that one and there is a very fine line with semantics there. I think what Lasix is doing is reducing the pulmonary stress and EIPH and enabling them to perform at their best ability. There is no guarantee Lasix is speeding them up, it's not a steroid building them up, it is a blood pressure, capillary distress reducing med.

I'm not so sure just because Lasix is administered it will increase or enhance performance, it may make them feel better respiratory wise. Losing 20 lbs. of urine may make them feel lighter on their feet. I know the industry phrase "performance enhancing" is used often but I'm not so sure it's entirely applicable to the category of the Lasix medication classification. When the day comes when the playing field is level again sans Lasix, then fractions and Beyers can be compared between the Lasix and post Lasix periods I would assume. This is the one med I still think may be needed and it seems the industry is still divided on it's opinion of it.

It's a tough call either way.

Great news on Paynter going to rehab in Fair Hill. 3 hospitals, in 3 months, in 3 different states.

It seems all prayers are being answered. He needs to be listed somewhere as one of the most amazing animals ever. Each day he improves I feel blessed I got to see him at Monmouth. I hope the guy who was standing next to me anxious to get Paynter's photo as they walked out in the Haskell post parade realizes how precious that photo actually is. The Haskell Trophy may as well be the Triple Crown Trophy, it carries that much importance to me now. Taking nothing away from IHA for I do believe as many do here that he would have won the Belmont that day, Paynter in my book is this year's HOY. Happy weekend to all and PowerUpPaynter.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Flying Hai

Karen in Texas — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 19:51:53 GMT

Ranag---Yes, of course the question arises because of the prohibition of Lasix usage in all the BC 2y/o races this year. It will be interesting to see what happens. I have researched 8 possible/probable BCJ starters, and of those colts, only Fortify has raced without Lasix in all his starts.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Flying Hai

Ranagulzion — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 17:55:25 GMT

Karen in Texas,

I singled out Shanghai Bobby because he is the focus of Steve's column and the leading 2YO so far. Lasix undoubtedly has performance enhancing effects on some horses and on some more than others therefore the question arises in a Breeder's Cup scenario where the medication is prohibited.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Flying Hai

Ranagulzion — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 21:21:59 GMT

Pedigree Ann,

I dont think you're right about Wise Dan's loss to Ron the Greek in the Stephen Foster. Wise Dan bounced after his huge fast time win at Keenland coming off a long break. This horse can win the BCC on sheer class even if 10 Furlongs were a trifle long for him.

There's no doubt that Mucho Macho Man is Grade one calibre and its just a matter of time for him to breakthrough. As for Game on Dude, he's a genuine and consistent Grade one campaigner but I see him getting beat once again by horses that bring that extra touch of class such as MMM or Wise Dan. I also think that Dullahan has a live shot in the BCC on Santa Anita's dirt with strong pace anticipated.

Rachel NH,

I share your point of view on the newly introduced points system for Kentucky Derby qualification. I predict that very soon, perhaps after two or three years they will be under pressure to return to the Graded Earnings system which stood the test of time IMO.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Flying Hai

It aint easy being good! — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 18:42:34 GMT

I agree with Pediagree Ann the classic is all about stamina more than speed. GAME on DUDE will be your classic winner and probably will be horse of the year. Dont over think the classic its all about the dude he is on his home track and is a monster. If you want to turn back the clock remember what the great Zeneyatta did when the classic was on her home course she crushed expect the same thing for the dude!

re: Countdown to the Cup: Flying Hai

Karen in Texas — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 17:53:42 GMT

Ranagulzion----Isn't the question more about how any of the 2y/o's will perform without Lasix in the BCJ and the other juvenile races? Why single out Shanghai Bobby? Overanalyze and Darwin have both run on it in their preps as well.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Flying Hai

Rachel NH — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 16:45:10 GMT

The only thing lousy about this race (forgive my sourpuss) was that it's only worth a paltry 10 points toward the Derby...I wonder if that's why it didn't draw more horses to run.

Imagine, that grade 2 turf race over in England they just ran is equal to the Champagne and Breeders Cup Juvenile...and not a single turf race is eligible here in Noth America!

Churchill cherry picks 36 races that they can change at will to determine who runs (to punish or not to punish re: Illinois Derby)...no filly races count...no Eight Belles ever again...

Tough luck if a colt is good in fall of 2 year-old year and they have to stop ion them for some reason...

re: Countdown to the Cup: Flying Hai

Pedigree Ann — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 12:40:30 GMT

Ranagulzion - Game on Dude is unbeaten on the Santa Anita dirt and is a proven winner at 10f, which neither Wise Dan and Mucho Macho Man are. In fact, Wise Dan was clearly reaching the end of his tether when Ron the Greek nailed him in the Foster. MMM, much as I like him, hasn't yet managed a G1 win and may still have some growing to do; some horses don't bloom until 5, like Acclamation.

If the last two years' BC Classics showed us anything, it is that proven stayers (at 10f+) will wear down the 8f/9f specialists when the pace is anywhere near realistic. East Coast trainers better wise up and pressure the tracks into restoring their 10f handicaps so that their charges have that vital experience.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Flying Hai

thedad53 — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 11:33:48 GMT

Steve, Check out the tip on the BC Mile at oddschecker.com. Says Wise Dan might run in the BC Classic because it will be on Pro-Ride!!!

I didn't know Santa Anita reinstalled Pro_Ride after switching to dirt in the fall of 2010. lol

re: Countdown to the Cup: Flying Hai

Ranagulzion — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 21:14:03 GMT

Nice article Steve. Shanghai Bobby is a pretty good 2YO but his pedigree doesn't offer much promise of him being a major factor at classic distances in next season's Triple Crown series. I think that the lukewarmness towards him is because initially he was being overshadowed by the now deceased/ill-fated Saratoga Special winner Spurious Precision, who liked like a real crackerjack colt in the making. I was really saddened by his breakdown and that he had to be euthanised. The other question about Shanghai Bobby is how he will perform without Lasix in the BCJ. At this point I'm more interested in his stablemate Overanalyzed and the impressive million dollar colt Darwin. These two so far are the bright prospects for next year.

In the older horses division, Wise Dan is a monster. He'll go on to be Horse of the year IMO and is the one to beat in whichever Breeder's Cup race he runs. The only threat to him in the 5 million dollar classic would be a super fit Mucho Macho Man. If Wise Dan were to go the judicious route of the BC Mile followed by a repeat win in the Clarke, there could be no serious challenge to his claim on the 2012 HOTY title.

I noticed that you stayed clear of the distaff division. Thats going to be quite an attraction this year with Awesome Feather, Royal Delta, My Miss Auria, Love & Pride and Questing battling for top honours. Awesome Feather is my fancy at this point to extend her winning streak.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Flying Hai

Imnotkidding — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 18:20:55 GMT

Throw out any horse trained by Pletcher. The most overrated trainer EVER!!! I am flabbergasted that he seems to get so many good horses and does nothing with them. AMAZING!!!

re: Countdown to the Cup: Flying Hai

Bill Two — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 15:43:49 GMT

Man, you covered a lot of ground in this column! Great information about Shanghai Bobby and his connections. Those hump pilots that survived have to be the luckiest people ever. Mr. Wolf's father was something else. Now, about the horses, you make a good argument for Dullahan running in the Classic. He'll never hit the board in the turf races and will have a tough time of it at SA in the Classic itself, but that is his only chance. Too bad we don't have BC races for synthetic freaks. Maybe, some day we will. Interesting perspective on Wise Dan: we'll see just how good he is in the BC mile. Gotta think the BC Juvenile is going to be a hell of a race.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Flying Hai

Pedigree Ann — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 15:02:47 GMT

Mary - the quarantine for the Cologne racetrack stables is for 90 days, starting on October 1. The Breeders Cup and the Japan Cup are definitely out for her; Danedream won't be moving out of there until Christmas at the earliest. EIA (swamp fever) is no joke.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Flying Hai

Derby Dew — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 09:17:57 GMT

Steve,

I don't know how you do it. You not only are a gifted writer, but, in this article, you have the investigative skills of a probing war correspondent. Great stuff! I thouroughly enjoyed the exciting journey back to the Sino-Japanese conflict and WWII. You talk about courage.... pilots like Sam Burton had it and then some. Reminded me of Laura Hillenbrand's bestseller, 'Unbroken'.

I'm definately rooting for Shanghai Bobby in the BC Juvenile.

Thanks for another great story, Steve.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Flying Hai

Lammtarra's Arc — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 04:18:36 GMT

I agree 1000% with MZ. The 2 year olds who ran at Woodbine in the Summer stakes, and Natalma are the Juveniles to beat on Turf. Look at the last couple years. 2010 Pluck won the Summer stakes, and the Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf, New Normal won the Natalma, but was injured and shut down, BUT the runner up More then Real won the Juvenile Fillies Turf for Bob Flay. 2011 Northern Passion destroys the Natalma field but her wacko connections entered her in the Juvenile fillies on dirt, instead 3rd place finisher Stephanie's Kitten won the BC Juvenile Fillies Turf easily. Excaper was runner up in the Summer stakes and ran 2nd in the BC juvenile turf(Finale had a terrible trip). Now this year....Spring Venture impressively wins the Natalma, and Spring in the Air wins the Alcibides easily. Now both 1-2 finishers in the Natalma both have GR1/GR2 wins on grass going into the BC. Those are my 1-2 for the Juvenile Fillies Turf. As for the Summer stakes winner(ImBoundtoScore), if Dawn Approach stays home, he will go wire to wire in the Juvenile Turf. Oh and let's not forget Turralure winning the Woodbine Mile, and losing by a whisker to Court vision after giving the field a 15-18L headstart and passing the field in the stretch to just miss. I ALWAYS back the Natalma and Summer stakes horses, and will continue to do so for a long time to come.

My Picks for the Juvenile's on Grass are:

Juvenile FIlly turf- Spring venture, and Spring in the Air.

Juvenile Turf- Imboundtoscore, and Dawn Approach.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Flying Hai

Meriksen — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 03:06:03 GMT

Do you know if Danedream could be coming for theTurf since she missed the Arc?

re: Countdown to the Cup: Flying Hai

Alex'sBigFan — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 00:05:35 GMT

I would write a book if I was this guy's wife and call it "From Shanghai to Saratoga" and never let him live that trip down going without me! You're in Pletcher Paradise without me, NOT!!!!!!!!

Right fellow lady racing fans???

I must say the name Shanghai Bobby for the horse is adorable.

re: Countdown to the Cup: Flying Hai

mz — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 22:23:12 GMT

Breeders Cup Random Thoughts:

Look out for 2YO's from Woodbine. The Springs and Dynamic Sky, if he learns to stop gawking and just run down the stretch.

Also, I agree with those who are wondering if we can exchange the race days for the Classic and the Distaff and run the girls on Saturday.