Countdown to the Cup: They're All Here

re: Countdown to the Cup: They're All Here

El Kabong — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 05:40:11 GMT

Steve,

Your photos are really a pot of gold. I always appreciated them before, but with an appreciation of the grounds on which they were taken, it adds to the precise moments your images catch. I just arrived at home from SA, and I do not have a laptop, so I was incommunicado from late Wednesday until now but for all the right reasons. This was my first visit to Santa Anita, and first Breeders Cup. I'm hooked. Definitely in for next year. I had the time of my life with my older brother, another railbird. We hunted like mad for you and Lenny but alas, you were like trying to find a cold beer before the Classic(ok, cheap shot and I enjoyed the gin and tonic just as much). I really missed my bloodhorse sitting in my hotel each night so that is going to change next year. Hope to run into you next time. Ran into Randy Moss and Gary Stevens leaving Friday. A bronze medal at best.

re: Countdown to the Cup: They're All Here

Zen4Zen — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 17:55:14 GMT

Lovely photos and commentary as always; thanks so much!

re: Countdown to the Cup: They're All Here

Linda in Texas — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 20:13:47 GMT

77SLEW The Stewart family donated that air base in 1972 to the State of New York, however, further to the military base side of it, The Air National Guard still maintains the largest C-5 Unit at Stewart. And, The Marine Corps maintains a wing of C-130 Aircraft and both are in new state of the art military facilities. And lastly mentioned is that Stewart IA has the longest eastern seaboard runway at 15,000 feet. So though it is now Stewart International Airport, it does still have a very substantial military presence. Saw that a couple of years ago when i flew in to Stewart on my way to up state New York to go pick cherries at a friend's estate a little way past the Vanderbilt Summer Home 'Cottage' in The Hudson Valley. I guess i needed an excuse to get out of Texas. That is an idyllic area of New York and worth a drive if you are ever in Saratoga for the Races in late July and August.

And to all the good people who are lucky enough to be in California for the Breeder's Cup Races. Have a great time and come back and share them with the rest of us. Please. And thank you Steve. I am loving the daily photos of Pool Play. I wonder what they have Lava Man doing! Have you caught a glimpse of him? Have fun everybody.

re: Countdown to the Cup: They're All Here

Lexington Bloodstock — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 06:38:16 GMT

Your column is one of the only delights of this magazine. Let them contribute more of this great back story type of reporting. Exceptional writing and photography.

re: Countdown to the Cup: They're All Here

Coldfacts — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 06:15:28 GMT

E Dubai was second in 1 1/4 miles Super Derby and Travers to Outofthebox and Point Given respectively. He won the 1 1/4 miles Suburban in 2:00.95. The records reflect that he is one of the fastest son of Mr. Prospector. No other son of the great stallion covered 6F in 1:07.9 and a Mile in 1:33.54. His dam sire Lord At War is also the dame sire of SA Derby winner and KD Derby runner up PioneerOf A Nile and KD Derby winner War Emblem.

re: Countdown to the Cup: They're All Here

thoroughbred_gal — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 01:00:41 GMT

ASPERCEL - Would love to hear from you! I have some fun pics of Gantry to share too. Would love to hear all about what he is like as an adult. I've followed him for years. Watched every race. Tried to reach his owners to know he has a home waiting when he is retired! shaunaharrigan@yahoo.com

re: Countdown to the Cup: They're All Here

77SLEW — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 22:24:40 GMT

Hi Steve, just to let you know its now called Stewart International Airport . It hasn't been an Air Force base for at least 25 years.

re: Countdown to the Cup: They're All Here

OneHorse — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 20:13:51 GMT

I wish I could share the enthusiasm but my recent dealings with the Breeders Cup have left me utterly dismayed.

We live in NYC and unlike the horses- we were not able to make it to Santa Anita because our flight was cancelled. We have called Breeder's Cup about refunds for our $460 in tickets that we are now unable to use.

The Breeder's Cup has refused to acknowledge the loss and damage that many of us are facing. I don't understand how a multi million dollar corporation is justifying this policy of no refund under such extreme circumstances.

Shame on Breeder's Cup.

re: Countdown to the Cup: They're All Here

Slew — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 19:54:21 GMT

Great to hear all have arrived safely. The photos are great, Steve.

Pool Play looks like Leapin' Lena.

Sky Lantern seems a student of the course.

Wise Dan looks strong.

Game On Dude seems to be trying to spot Chantal in the crowd.

Coil looks like a smart ass.

Quail Hill looks elegant.

Brilliant Speed looks like very brilliant speed.

Atigun is all legs.

But, The Lumber Guy looks very much like a mule. (Just watch him kick me in my wallet.)

re: Countdown to the Cup: They're All Here

mz — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 18:08:01 GMT

OK, the Springs and Dynamic Sky in the 2YO races.

I like the way Pool Play is coming up to the Classic.

The Euros in the Turf races.

I like Awesome Feather and My Miss Aurelia in the Distaff (I refuse to call it anything else)

Good Luck to all

re: Countdown to the Cup: They're All Here

CHIEF PICAWINNA — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 16:57:23 GMT

Although I think it is helpful to know the Breeding of horses back several generations, in the matter of picking a winner I think it can be more confusing than helpful.We live in the information age where any one of us can find pedigree information on any horse running in ANY race any uncovered value play using breeding is your own opinion and not one where the big bettors will overlook. This information IMO is more subjective than objective.I think Alpha has not run well when he has shipped out of New York, check his record.Kiaran McLaughlin best chances in my opinion are the other entrants he has which include Questing Friday and two other entrants on Saturday besides Alpha.

re: Countdown to the Cup: They're All Here

Love 'em all — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 16:35:01 GMT

So thankful all the horses got there safe and sound, and they're looking mighty good considering what they've been through. Scary times for all.

Love all the wonderful photos ... a big thank you for this latest treat.

Cheers and best wishes to all.

Go Wise Dan!

re: Countdown to the Cup: They're All Here

Shelby's Best Pal — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 16:29:46 GMT

The Dude looks eager; confident. Bring'em oon! Thanks for the updates and the beautiful pictures. So excited to be at Santa Anita! Our hotel is sold out with BC people.

re: Countdown to the Cup: They're All Here

Karen in Texas — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 15:33:25 GMT

Fantastic photos! You're bringing the scenes directly to us! Thanks.

re: Countdown to the Cup: They're All Here

Melissa P — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 15:02:44 GMT

Wonderful photos and observations. Since I can't be there myself this year, it's terrific to have someone with the scoop to fill me in. That shot of Brilliant Speed really reminded me of another reason I loved Dynaformer - what a MOTOR!

re: Countdown to the Cup: They're All Here

Abigail Anderson — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 14:55:33 GMT

Glad to hear everyone arrived safe and sound. I do think that Moonlight Cloud is flying under the radar for the Mile. She's just a fabulous filly! Another favourite of mine among the international horses is The Fugue -- and she's going to love the Santa Anita turf. She's been inconsistent of late, but that's largely because of conditions in the UK & Europe (too much rain and too long of a rainy period beginning last Spring). I'm hoping these two girls make big runs!!!! Thanks for the updates, Steve. I'm following each & every one.

re: Countdown to the Cup: They're All Here

Big_Red_4ever — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 14:49:59 GMT

Thanks for the photos, Steve. Always so very enjoyable. I'm a Wise Dan fan. Just wish he wasn't a gelding, because I like his pedigree. Also am a fan of Fort Larned because of Bayakoa. Actually, I'm a fan of all horses, lol, but some just a bit more than others.

re: Countdown to the Cup: They're All Here

Aspercel — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 13:46:21 GMT

I woke up this morning to a second Gantry picture :) very excited!

Thoroughbred_gal, maybe we can find a way to get in touch with each other. I've got loads of funny pictures I could share with you. Nice to see you cared enough to keep up with him. He's full of personality.

re: Countdown to the Cup: They're All Here

Pedigree Ann — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 13:46:10 GMT

Mr. Haskin,

Would you be so kind as to inform some of your fellow writers at the Blood-Horse of the meaning of the word "precocious?" From context, I think they believe it means "having front-running speed." The actual meaning is "exceptionally early in development - chiefly of children." A youngster who wins first out in March or April of their 2yo year might be called precocious, but not because of its running style - it could be a deep closer.

Meanwhile I will continue my campaign to educate the racing world about what the word "tandem" means (one thing following the other, or in front of the other, like a tandem bicycle). Two horses racing abreast or as a team are NOT in tandem.

re: Countdown to the Cup: They're All Here

thoroughbred_gal — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 12:02:43 GMT

STEVE!!! Thank you so much!!! You are the BEST!!! Love your photos and your writing. Gantry looks awesome! He'll always be my little Rhumball (his mom's name was Rhum, by Go for Gin). Thank you for the photos and the updates. You rock!!!

re: Countdown to the Cup: They're All Here

anna12 — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 10:04:51 GMT

steve i don't want to correct you, but you made a slight error in saying that e dubai ran second to thunder gulch, which e dubai was born in 1998 and he actually ran second to point given, who is a son of thunder gulch.

re: Countdown to the Cup: They're All Here

John Boudreau — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 09:40:08 GMT

Steve>> GREAT Photo's as Usual!!>> I Noticed that Pool Play is at the Head of the List??>>> He's Looks in the Photo and All Week>> He's Looked FANTASTIC>> He's 2 for 2 on DIRT>> A Gr. 1 and a Gr.2>> 30-1 ML>> The PLAY of a Great CUP Weekend>>GOOD LUCK

re: Countdown to the Cup: They're All Here

The Deacon — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 07:40:27 GMT

Excellent photos Steve, the Kodak Man does it again.

Only think missing this year is our top 3 year olds. Wow, what a decimation of almost an entire crop of classic horses.

Good fortune to all and mostly a safe journey around the oval.......

re: Countdown to the Cup: They're All Here

Sam Santschi — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 04:27:55 GMT

Thanks Steve. Great photos. How bout one of MMM tomorrow? So many ?? East to west, late arrival made later by Sandy, No Gr 1 wins. Unfavorable pace scenario? Hate being on the fence about horses I have a fondness for and feel compelled to bet just so I don' t regret it if they win. He's just a cool guy though...Gets Smith...

re: Countdown to the Cup: They're All Here

Linda in Texas — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 04:22:27 GMT

Pool Play in gallop with all of his feet off the ground! Great timing with the camera Steve he is one heck of a hunk of a horse! Love that dark dark coat (black) and he looks like he is a very proud horse and loves his life.

And the Lumber Guy glad he is there and so also Sky Lantern, watched her win a race on you tube.

She is a trooper.

This group is mighty close to being the "A" Team. Brilliant Speed is not too shabby either and the Haskenite who wanted you to photograph Gantry is in for a double treat! Seeing Fort Larned up close, really like him and glad they didn't forget to stop and load him up in Kentucky.

Thank you for the great photos Steve, my word, tomorrow is November 1 and seems like just yesterday we were wondering who would be staying sound long enough to race in The Breeder's Cup races. I guess the Handicappers are hunkered in for a couple of days trying to put their bets down.

Cannot not mention Game on Dude, been a fan from the get go and that was a nice shot of him. Good luck to all. And especially best wishes that they all return to their stalls after their big race is completed.