Breeders' Cup Wrapup: Second the Emotion

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup: Second the Emotion

JoyJackson21 — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 14:17:47 GMT

Hi, ksweatman9. Thank you for your post. I appreciate your point of view. We both agree that I'll Have Another is quite a gem of a horse - he's the combination of top quality diamonds & rubies to me, but we will agree to disagree about who should be Horse of the Year. I still believe it should be I'll Have Another. I don't believe I'll Have Another should be penalized from winning Horse of the Year honors simply because a lot of people loathe his former owner, because that is what a lot of the objections are really about in allowing I'll Have Another to win the award - they don't want to see the award go to J. Paul Reddam, it is not that they object to the award rightfully going to I'll Have Another. They actually like I'll Have Another. They object to Paul Reddam, owner of a loan company they have run afoul of, and person who sold I'll Have Another to the highest bidder and sent him overseas where his fans can never hope to see him or his progeny run. Some also object to IHA winning the HOY award because they don't want to see a West Coast horse win the award, they believe only East Coast horses should be honored with HOY awards. Both are misguided reasons to deny I'll Have Another the HOY award. One hundred years from now, there will not be many people around who remember all the things that make Paul Reddam, to some, a not very likable man at this moment in time, but there will be video around showing the greatness of the horse he owned. People of that era will still go, "Wow!" when they witness all of IHA's races, and they will acknowledge they are seeing a very special, extremely talented, remarkably charismatic horse. They will also see his name on the list of Eclipse Award winners, hopefully listing him as both 2012 Horse of the Year along with 2012 Three-Year Old Male of the Year, and say, "IHA deserved to win those awards." I never personally witnessed Seabiscuit win a race, but I have seen his races on film and knew I was witnessing a very special horse and that he deserved all of the accolades and awards that he won. It's the same way with I'll Have Another - people will see the tapes of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness and marvel at what they are witnessing. I know you feel the same about Wise Dan. So, like I said, we will agree to disagree on who should win the 2012 HOY Eclipse Award.

I also think it's not fair to compare Wise Dan to I'll Have Another in terms of soundness. It is certainly not I'll Have Another's fault that he was injured just before the Belmont Stakes. You will agree that constantly racing on dirt at the much longer distances of 1-1/8 miles, 1-1/4 miles I'll Have Another raced at is much, much harder on a horse's legs and health than running at shorter distances of a mile or less on grass. Everyone knows running on grass is much, much kinder to a horse's body and legs than running on hard dirt. That's just a fact. Running only on grass is more attributable to Wise Dan remaining sound than anything else. If he constantly ran on dirt it would significantly increase his chances of getting injured. I have never understood blaming the horse for getting injured. That is never their fault that they become injured, it's always happenstance that causes it. The kind of thought process that attributes blame to the horse for its own injury makes absolutely no sense to me. It's not in the least bit logical.

And, to be honest, I think Royal Delta is being overlooked by some - her body of work is very close to I'll Have Another's. She is the REAL Dark Horse (no pun intended) in this race for Horse of the Year honors. She is very formidable competition. Don't discount Royal Delta, because I am certainly not doing so. I think there are many, many members who actually vote for the HOY Awards who are solidly in I'll Have Another's camp, and many of who are in Royal Delta's camp. There are those who are in Wise Dan's camp. There are those who are in Fort Larned's camp. And a few in Groupie Doll's and Little Mike's camp. I think Wise Dan fans automatically started awarding the HOY Award to their horse, and absolutely threw away without one thought I'll Have Another and Royal Delta as incredibly SERIOUS contenders for the 2012 Horse of the Year Award. It certainly appeared that way, especially after the BC races. All of the talk was the HOY Award belongs to Wise Dan, end of discussion.

Not end of discussion. Both I'll Have Another, Royal Delta and their records definitely have something to say in regard to that. It is my hope that those who vote for the Eclipse Award will remember what G1 stakes races are TRULY considered the most prestigious races in the world and have ALWAYS been considered the most prestigeous races in the world (top three among them Triple Crown races), who won those races this year in the United States, and that that horse is rightfully awarded the 2012 Horse of the Year Eclipse Award. That horse is I'll Have Another.

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup: Second the Emotion

JoyJackson21 — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 06:04:21 GMT

Thank you, Age of Reason, for your kind compliments. They have truly made my day! Remembering to be grateful for all I have been blessed with in life, and all I have survived in the past, makes it easier to be optimistic about today and the future. I hope that is the same in your case, too.

Have a wonderful holiday season, and may 2013 be a fabulous year for you (and for us all)!

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup: Second the Emotion

Alex'sBigFan — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 03:13:02 GMT

Everybody don't forget to watch the Cigar Mile on Saturday. Thirsty goes up against Groupie Doll and Coil. Should be a good one. I'm going for Thirsty for the win. I'm proud of him how he's gone on without Mo. Hope Mo is doing well too. The way Thirsty ran in the JCGC was awesome against Flat Out. This is at Aqueduct I think, different track but Thirsty is still on his home turf. Good luck to all.

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup: Second the Emotion

Alex'sBigFan — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 03:04:52 GMT

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

I'm thankful that we have Steve to inform us and entertain us all year, thankful Paynter recovered, thankful I made it through the hurricane unharmed, thankful I was saved on the highway, thankful for horseracing at all, thankful for Bloodhorse and all the great bloggers here, thankful for so many things and hopeful that somehow the economy in New Jersey turns around as there are so, so many people struggling even before the hurricane, now it is even more horrendous afterward.

Keep the faith and PowerUpPaynter!

Turkey for all and peppermints for Paynter.

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup: Second the Emotion

Diego Conde — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 06:01:23 GMT

Genius. Animal Kingdom's performance is one of the best three performances in the history of the BC. What a horse! Weird that my two favorite performances of the last decade are "losing efforts": Animal Kingdom and Zennyata's 2nd to Blame. That's horse racing!

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup: Second the Emotion

spectacular bid — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 05:09:18 GMT

sometimes i question my own observations but as i went to the track every morning, the horse that grabbed my attention more then any other was animal kingdom..he just had that "it" factor all week. i wasnt surprised that it took a sub 1:32 mile to beat him.. side note QUESTION as she was mentioned in the story, does anyone know if VERSAILLES TREATY is still alive?. and if so, where she resides?

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup: Second the Emotion

Slew — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 00:07:49 GMT

Dr D: Try Ghostzapper...HOY, basically a sprinter but he did win the BC Classic at 10f.

I still favor Royal Delta for HOY. She's continued to prove her mettle, 2 years in a row. And she'll be back next year.

Now I have to find a replay of Eblouissante's race. I missed it, and I could kick myself. But I heard she was awesome!

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup: Second the Emotion

ksweatman9 — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 23:09:30 GMT

I would like to comment on why I'll Have Another should NOT walk away as 2012 Horse of the Year. He was indeed the horse who stirred up every emotion horse racing fans had. He was tremendous in his bid for the triple crown, sweeping the first two legs in dramatic fashion, as many did before him. Then, for whatever reason, they fell short at the "Big Sandy". I'll Have Another never got his shot at Belmont, but we all presumed, including myself, that he would've won the mile and a half. 45 years of watching this sport tells me, "DON'T PRESUME ANYTHING", this is horse racing. All that being said, IHA did have a great year up to that point. "Red" as I like to call him, is a real gem of a horse, but he needed to prove himself beyond mid May to capture Horse of the Year honors. Perhaps I would feel differently if we didn't have horses like Wise Dan and Groupie Doll, who worked hard ALL Year and proved themselves to be worthy champions. How fair would it be to deny these horses? They stayed sound. We MUST start rewarding horses for being strong and healthy as well as being winners. It's crucial to the sport. I can say in sincere honesty that my displeasure with "Red" being sold to Japan has nothing to do with how I feel about nominating him for Horse of the Year. He did no more that Wise Dan has done, and "Danny Boy" finished the year on his feet in good form , healthy, strong and sound. That wraps it up for me, and I hope it's as clear a choice for others, the ones who can vote. Believe it or not, there is life beyond the triple crown races. We have to stop being so narrow minded. Horse of the Year 2012 SHOULD be Wise Dan, now let's see how fair the industry really is.

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup: Second the Emotion

Age of Reason — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 16:10:23 GMT

Joy Jackson, your comments are always so uplifting. I wish everyone in the world had a little of your optimism and bright spirit!

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup: Second the Emotion

Dr Drunkinbum — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 01:18:20 GMT

With no more Twinkies I thought they maybe the world really was coming to an end, but then I saw Ebby (pronounced Ebb-Bee) win her race and I had faith again that we'll survive. I think she's better than Rachel. (just kidding).

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup: Second the Emotion

JoyJackson21 — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 23:23:05 GMT

Animal Kingdom, if he had had a much cleaner trip, would have won the BC Mile. Even though that is not his favorite distance in a race, he would have won that particular race. If the race had been 1-1/8 miles or 1-1/4 miles he would have easily passed by Wise Dan. Animal Kingdom just simply ran out of real estate before he could run down the winner. Animal Kingdom was absolutely FLYING at the end of that race, looking all powerfully muscular and magnificent. I was SO proud of him in accomplishing what he accomplished in this comeback. I was also highly impressed by Graham Motion's guidance of Animal Kingdom in helping AK train back into such marvelous condition from a VERY concerning injury. The musculature on Animal Kingdom was incredibly impressive. I am looking forward to seeing more greatness from Animal Kingdom in the future.

I had some of the same vivid memories you had of the Breeders' Cup races, Steve. My favorites: Watching Her Highness, Royal Delta, display her complete dominance over a spectacularly-gifted group of her peers, proving to everyone that she is at the pinnacle of her game; Trinniberg winning his BC race, his connections wonderfully going absolutely BANANAS in joy & celebration seeing him win the race; then just one minute later, seeing Willie Martinez lovingly caress and kiss Trinniberg's neck in gratitude on the way back to the winner's circle, then, with tears in his eyes, pointing to heaven and giving thanks to God for this victory. Watching those very private moments of Mr. Martinez's brought tears to my eyes. I felt as if I was intruding on a very private moment, but yet, at the same time, I was awestruct at the powerfulness of that moment.

I loved watching Calidioscopio's win and watching a large portion of the stands erupt in raucous joy when his connections began a five minute celebration. - LOL. It was funny, fun, and lovely to see. I loved watching Groupie Doll, Flotilla and Mizdirection win their races. Exciting and impressive, each one of them. And then we have the glorious Zagora. What a blaze of glory she went out in! Fabulous stuff! Watching her win triumphantly was uplifting to the spirit.

I love a great stretch duel, it quickens the blood and excites the brain. And we were treated to some incredible stretch duels during the 2012 BC weekend, including the fabulousness of the duel between Shanghai Bobby and an extremely game He's Had Enough. Watching both of these neophyte warriors test the mettle of the other was thrilling. That promises to be quite a rivalry in 2013.

And watching Mucho Macho Man run the best race of his life against a tenaciously brave Fort Larned was thrilling, thrilling, thrilling. That was a race for the ages to me. Mucho Macho Man ran an incredible race. Fort Larned looked determined, stubborn, flint-like and indominable in his dig-in-his-heels-with-determination victory. I don't know who was screaming louder during this tour-de-force battle, the lady next to me in the stands, or me! - LOL. I don't know why I was screaming at the top of my lungs because no matter which one of them came in to win I would have had the winner & the exacta, but I always get caught up in the thrill of a duel to the wire. And I seriously hope Brian Hernandez, Jr. went out that day and purchased a bunch of lottery tickets, because he was having one of the best days anyone could ever ask for winning stakes races on both Neck 'n Neck and Fort Larned in one 24 hour period, flying cross-country, during a very magical, very lucky 27th birthday.

I had a ton of fun during the two days of sparkling Breeders' Cup racing. It totally lived up to all of my expectations, and more. I had a fabulous weekend.

Thanks for writing such as vibrant, alive article on the Breeders' Cup races, Steve. You wrote a very fine column, as usual. I also loved the accompanying pictures, especially the picture of Animal Kingdom watching Wise Dan's jockey being interviewed. Animal Kingdom looked incredibly regal in that photograph, almost breathtakingly so. Your article brought back all of the emotions and experiences I had in attending these races, which was my very first time seeing the Breeders' Cup live, in person. I want to go again to next year's BC races, too. I'm already planning the trip! - LOL.

Before I wrap it up, I would just like to comment on some of the posts that were written before mine here. I'll Have Another should absolutely win HOY honors for 2012. He won his all of his graded stakes races, including all of his G1 races, at CLASSIC distances, on dirt, in spectacular fashion each and every race. If he had remained uninjured, the way the Belmont ultimately was run and played out, he would have won the Triple Crown. Yes, he only ran against three year olds, but so did Point Given in 2001 when Point Given was awarded the HOY Eclipse Award. It is not necessary, nor a requirement, for a 3 year old colt to beat older horses in order to win HOY honors. Point Given has proven that to us, so that particular urban legend has been negated. I'll Have Another's rae record stands up very well against Point Given's 2001 HOY Award record AND against all of the other horses that will be in nomination against him for HOY honors. In fact, his record is slightly a little more superior. IHA has also impressively won on both polytrack and dirt during his career. He was not limited to winning on just one surface as others who are being considered for 2012 HOY honors have been limited to. I'll Have Another DESERVES and HAS EARNED the honor of winning both the 3-Year-Old Male Eclipse Award AND the 2012 Horse Of The Year Eclipse Award.

Horses who I believe will ultimately win in other categories for the Eclipse Award are Royal Delta, Little Mike, Fort Larned, Groupie Doll, Wise Dan, Zagora, My Miss Aurelia or Questing for 3 Year Old Female, Executiveprivilege or Beholder for 2 Year Old Female, and Shanghai Bobby.

I also believe that one of the bravest horses it has been my privilege to have ever greatly admired, the incredible Paynter, should be given a special 2012 Eclipse Award honoring his inspirational, miraculous recovery. And, that Eclipse Award should be named the "Profiles In Bravery and Courage" Eclipse Award, because that is what Paynter showed all of us in his awesome triumph over death and quest for life - profiles in bravery, courage and good-naturedness. Power Up Paynter!! We all love you!

Thanks again, Steve. I love your columns. Happy, joyful Thanksgiving to you and your family.

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup: Second the Emotion

robinm — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 16:18:58 GMT

I love Paynter and his story; but he didn't do enough on the track to have earned a year-end championship or HOY. I think a special award might be in order though.

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup: Second the Emotion

Helene — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 14:50:11 GMT

Mr Haskin - once again your blog is fantastic - and I completely agree with you - ESPECIALLY about Animal Kingdom.

When I saw him in the post parade (on my laptop), I too was ASTOUNDED. Thank you for providing the current specifications on him; most interesting.

Helene Conway

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup: Second the Emotion

Alex'sBigFan — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 05:04:08 GMT

Dr. D.,

Agree. And if the Travers this year can end in a dead heat so too then can HOY - Paynter and Wise Dan is fine with me too.

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup: Second the Emotion

Dr Drunkinbum — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 01:12:08 GMT

Barry Irwin

I really like the pedigree and looks of Throckmorton. Good luck with all of your youngins and veterans.

Slew

There have been HOY sprinters I do believe but off of the top of my head I can't remember who. Wise Dan is my HOY this year, next to Paynter, or maybe they could give a special award to Paynter for "Most Courageous and Inspirational."

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup: Second the Emotion

Slew — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 13:56:37 GMT

Coldfacts: re Caleb's Posse...18 races, 14 in the money finishes.

Yet when you point out that ONE race was 9f, by noting his 12th place finish, you confirm the fact that Caleb's Posse is a sprinter/miler.

Exactly what was the point?

To point out that a slight error was made?

The 14 in the $$ finishes were contested at 5f to 8.5f.

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup: Second the Emotion

ksweatman9 — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 23:35:05 GMT

Hmmm, Cigar Mile in the company of the boys before 2012 closes the door. Would Groupie Doll be trying to "steal" Horse of the Year away from Wise Dan? I hope not, because it's time for a male horse to take the honors, and I do love you "Doll Face", you are my favorite girl running today. It's just that, well, this one belongs to "Danny Boy".

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup: Second the Emotion

Coldfacts — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 15:57:40 GMT

Caleb Posse contested the 1 1/8F AK Derby where he recorded as 12th place finish.

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup: Second the Emotion

Greg R — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 05:18:12 GMT

An otherwise exciting B C was marred for me because I only had HRTV, not NBCSP or whatever. HRTV usually does a good job, but they were very clumsy this time in throwing it back and forth between their own and NBC's coverage, especially in the sound department. They couldn't switch to the right sound track at the right time and kept it jumbled all the way through, as though the audio engineer was on strike and the janitor was running the board. Even the graphics were much more confused and messed up than usual. Why the unprofessional lack of coordination? Again, this is coming from someone who normally appreciates HRTV and admires a lot of what they put on. Quite disappointing.

Beyond that quibble, my faith in Animal Kingdom was vindicated - not that he would win (I doubted it under the circumstances), but that he is supremely gifted. I still have reservations about Dubai, though.

What would make the ideal setting for AK and Wise Dan to meet again? Here's hoping it won't take a full year for the rematch to occur!

I don't suppose you think, Steve, that this year's Juvenile will be as productive as last year's! That was probably the biggest key race that the B C has ever hosted.

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup: Second the Emotion

Mike Relva — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 04:30:08 GMT

Exbourne

Sounds like from your bitterness you bet on the wrong horse.

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup: Second the Emotion

Uncle Smiley — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 00:57:57 GMT

Steve, yet another great season round up under your literary hand ride!

Dr. DB... Mucho Macho Man. Way to go in 2013.

As an old rail bird out of Delpark, Hip Hip Hooray for Ramon Dominguez and Rosie Napravnik.

Triple Crown Future Contenders, who earned their props in the Breeder's Cup, and cut their teeth at Delaware Park!

Uncle Smiley

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup: Second the Emotion

Alex'sBigFan — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 00:13:06 GMT

Another chestnut to Japan, I guess it's time to say "Bye Bye Birdie" as Summer Bird will stand stud in Japan. My theory on it is that although Japan may have IHA and now Summer Bird, we have the upper hand on it because we have their sires with the proven genetics, Flower Alley and Birdstone respectively.

Speaking of globetrotting equines, is Smarty back at the hacienda yet here?

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup: Second the Emotion

Slew — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 19:17:28 GMT

On one discussion, I'm really a big fan of Caleb's Posse. I, too, thought he earned the 3 yr old title.

However...

Caleb's Posse is a great sprinter, who never competed over 8.5f. Animal Kingdom took on the classic distance, ran in all 3 legs of the Triple Crown, won the Derby...Love AK too...and think he came back stronger than ever. Tough choice. But it seems to me, the Classic winner usually takes the 3 yr old Eclipse.

As for Lasix...if the rest of the world can do so well, and produce so many Champions, without race day lasix, why can't the USA? If we want to remain competitive internationally, we need to wake up to present realities...and a simple question...if a horse cannot compete without bleeding, why is he competing at all?

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup: Second the Emotion

Lori M. — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 17:44:23 GMT

I didn't read all the comments, so don't know if anyone else mentioned this but - wasn't it just horrible that for the first time, at Santa Anita, famous for its expansive paddock and sweeping grounds, had half the paddock barricaded off by BC Ltd.? Yep, for "VIPs." I would have expected this at Monmouth for example, but SA? Shame on them. The VIP half was sparsely populated as far as I could tell, and the fans were crammed 15 deep on the rail along the other half. My fave spot to be for the BC was always the paddock rail next to the saddling enclosure. Well, no more. I'm just not VIP enough. Remembering Curlin emerging after being saddled, w the photographers lined up like soldiers, a hush over the crowds - and then there he was like an equine God....what a moment!!! Remember Zenyatta, filing in last to enter the enclosure so she could prance? Wow!!! Alas, no more moments. All we EVER read or hear about is how racing needs and wants fans. I guess BC only wants silly celebrities and "VIPs." They can have them. I won't be back next year. This opinion was expressed even by the staff barricading the "off limits" half - every SA staff member I spoke to ditto'd that this was a rotten way to treat we fans that racing "wants."

re: Breeders' Cup Wrapup: Second the Emotion

Louisville Native — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 14:04:43 GMT

Ditto to Steve's comments about the speed bias at Santa Anita and its effects on the closers. The Classic was decided in the first quarter mile and ended up a two horse race with the closers unable to mount any kind of assault on the two leaders in the stretch. In his video discussion with Lenny Steve mentioned the addition of sand to the Santa Anita surface so that it played much like Belmont. What Steve did not do was explain why this decision was made to alter the track surface and create the bias. Would really like to see a column on why this alteration was made, a description of the decision-making process behind that alteration, and who were the players in that process and why they may have wanted to create such a bias. Sounds like the stuff from which a good piece of investigative journalism eventually emerges. On another note, never did a trainer know his horse better than Motion did Animal Kingdom nor did Bejarano ever have a rougher day than this one with his rides on Animal Kingdom and Game on Dude.