Historical Hiatus

re: Historical Hiatus

The King of the Derby — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 02:10:57 GMT

I have been thinking about the Holy Bull and West Side Bernie. What is it with his trainer? Why does he feel like he has to put so many bullets into him? The biggest hinderance to this horse may be the trainer. What do you think?

re: Historical Hiatus

TK in Texas — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 18:09:47 GMT

Might need to look at Poltergiest from an ALW Race at Oaklawn last weekend....dusted a decent NWx bunch in impressive fashion. The son of Tapit won by 5-6 & galloped out really strong. Could be any kind!

re: Historical Hiatus

Abbie Knowles — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:11:35 GMT

Agree about Tiznow's Pride!!!! As a big fan of the redoubtable TIZNOW and the indomitable PEPPER'S PRIDE i am hoping that if all goes well the foal will be a champion! Glad there are other big fans of Seattle Slew out there! He never seemed to get the recognition he deserved as a racehorse or a stallion and that is a shame! He is THE GREATEST!!!

God Bless

best wishes

Abbie

re: Historical Hiatus

Karen in Indiana — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 17:22:28 GMT

Especially when you find out pamplemousse is french for grapefruit. LOL! I'm rootin' for the Grapefruit! Just doesn't sound right.

re: Historical Hiatus

da3hoss — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 13:50:42 GMT

...I forgot to add, I could learn to like it.

re: Historical Hiatus

da3hoss — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 12:21:46 GMT

i try to never be prejudiced toward a horse because of the name someone decides to pin on him, but i'm going to have a hard time rooting for one named The Pamplemousse....

re: Historical Hiatus

Convene — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 23:21:11 GMT

Old Fashioned or Fresian Fire. Both are legitimate candidates - and, as several people observed, no one deserves this more than Larry Jones. He's done everything right and came so close with two of the best I've seen in many a year - and there really isn't a better hand with a horse. Now you know where my money's going.

re: Historical Hiatus

Ejay — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 06:53:38 GMT

I think TIZNOWS PRIDE will be the horse to watch in 2012. (the first offspring from Peppers Pride.)

re: Historical Hiatus

Steve Haskin — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 01:50:43 GMT

Dont worry, Ranagulzion, I havent forgotten Monba. It was a pick based on the wrong things, trying to have a horse I had been high on right from the beginning. Never too late to live and learn. If I ever start to rely on formulas and stats to pick a Derby horse thats the day I'll stop doing it. I use many different methods, most of all visual. What horse leaves the biggest impression from a visual standpoint is usually the horse I'll pick.

re: Historical Hiatus

Steve Haskin — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 01:46:28 GMT

Yes, I've noticed Mr. Fantasy, especially having just done a feature on Lecesse and Vanlaer, the owners of Tin Cup Chalice. He looks like he could be a good one. I know the barn really likes him.

re: Historical Hiatus

KielyK — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 00:54:44 GMT

So excited to be back on the Derby Trail. Have been

high on Friesian Fire, but after seeing Patena running up next to him in the Lecomte, my loyalty is divided. Patena has a beautiful fluid stride and would have won (I think) given a longer distance.

re: Historical Hiatus

Ranagulzion — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 00:39:55 GMT

Steve, do you have a formula for narrowing down the over 30 odd Derby hopefuls to 12 from which the winner will likely come? I think that a system could be crafted from looking at the Derby winners of the last ten years. Eight out of the ten (the exceptions being Charismatic and Giacomo) were part of the elite group of 3yos, that is, those proven to be a cut above the rest as 2yos or based upon early 3yo performances. It is probably still too soon to construct such a list (remembering Big Brown's meteoric rise last year)but already there are about seven such horses which every knowledgeable fan should admit to being top-of-class at this moment. The remaining five on the list could be put into two groups:3 on the borderline of the elite and 2 very promising-likely to improve contenders. An approach like this would certainly eliminate the "Monba" kind of hype of last year in the Derby Dozen. We forgive that one but it is hard to forget it ...sorry Steve.

re: Historical Hiatus

Derby132 — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 22:50:47 GMT

Glad to see your Derby Trail column, I love this time of year. Wondered if you have taken any notice of Mr. Fantasy. Half brother to Tin Cup Chalice who won the Big Apple Triple. He was a buzzsaw in his debut at Aqueduct 12/28 winning by 10 1/2 lenghts and earned a 97 beyer and 107 bris. Worked this week 4f in 47:63. Sired by E Dubai out of a Spectaculer Bid mare. I know it's very early, we know he has speed, do you think he can get distance?

re: Historical Hiatus

Steve Haskin — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:36:00 GMT

Jonny, I mentioned it in my previous column.

Wanda, I think Harlan's Holiday is a terrific sire and he seems to have good solid horses every year.

re: Historical Hiatus

ElusiveQuality8 — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:21:19 GMT

Steve,

Thank you for all of your great work and your perspective. This is a great time of the racing year and in part because of your columns and insights. I agree with you on your assessment of the Dubai colts. Along with all of the reasons you mentioned, I believe the calendar works against then when you consider all that is involved in shipping half way across the world and back. I'll take a stand against until further notice. I have some reasonable prices on a short list; all of which need to show something:

- Imperial Council

- Map of the World

- Hello Broadway

- Quality Road

- Majormotionpicture (needs to get back to the track soon)

- Capt. Candyman Can

- Idol Maker

Thanks again!

re: Historical Hiatus

Rggc — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:54:16 GMT

Steve thanks for finding out about Charitable Man. I am hoping things work out for him time wise, but if not 1) there are lots of exciting three years olds to keep me busy, and 2) I doubt his trainer would rush him and I think with his pedigree the fall and turf races will be just what he needs to make his mark.

Thanks again for the news.

re: Historical Hiatus

Wanda — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:53:09 GMT

Thanks mg I'm headed to Vegas in 3 weeks and for sure I'll be making a few future wagers on him and the two HH's.

re: Historical Hiatus

mg — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:06:07 GMT

Wanda, A terrible trip would be a mild understatement, however, he still picked it up and finished with a heck of a turn of foot. He'll be awfully tough in his next trip but I won't get that price again if anyone other than you or I was paying attention. He's got a bright future. Best of Luck with your home boy.

re: Historical Hiatus

jonny k — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:57:52 GMT

steve

you have not mentioned that your pick checklist is by the same people who brought harlan's holliday,ashadoo, octave.

re: Historical Hiatus

Wanda — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:03:45 GMT

mg: He {Bear's Prospector} had an terrible trip running second, expect him to improve off that one. Got to cheer for the home boys. The owner darn near won the BC Sprint last year.

re: Historical Hiatus

Wanda — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:58:58 GMT

Steve are you a Harlan's Holiday fan? I seem to remember you liked Dennis of Cork last year. I think HH is sitting on a big one, 2nd leading first crop, 3rd leading second crop and did you see the amount of winners vs total crop?

re: Historical Hiatus

Steve Haskin — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:14:53 GMT

Some updates from your comments. Charitable Man has just started back in light training down in Ocala. I certainly wouldnt be thinking Derby with him -- too far behind. But if he's ready to run in early March you never know. Still playing catch-up but we'll keep following him.

Stimulus Plan suffered an injury to his pastern and is likely out until summer. Looks like your'e all getting the news first before I put them in my next column.

Wanda, I've been following Saratoga Sinner since his good third to Danger to Society last year. He'll love a distance. We just have to see how fast he is.

Jay, I mentioned Kopitar in an earlier column. Not sure yet if he's strictly a grass horse. They keep working him on grass.

mg, I'll try to find out about Oconee Gold.

re: Historical Hiatus

Karen in Indiana — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 14:39:50 GMT

Thank you, Steve, I'll look forward to that. And now on to the Derby!!!

re: Historical Hiatus

txhorsefan — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 14:01:21 GMT

Oh, thanks for reminding me about Dr. Large! I had been intending to keep an eye out for him, too. This getting old can really do things to the brain cells - ha!

re: Historical Hiatus

mg — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 12:43:08 GMT

Steve, It seems way too early to begin Dreby talk but I guess it has to start somewhere.

First, two real good posts from Matthew W. on Midshipman who he sharply noted was the only horse to win on BC day from on the pace - very impressive. But I have to take your stance that the Dubai trail presents a lot to pitfalls.

Wanda also brought up a great "under the radar" horse in Bear's Prospector - watch out.

Your first pick on the list is certainly my number one under the radar horse - Imperial Council. This is a typical bring em along slowly Shug horse that has it all. He is working super at Payson and looks better every time he sets foot on the track.

One quick question: What has happened to Larry Jones prospect Oconee Gold?