Ky. Derby Trail: The Challenge is On

re: Ky. Derby Trail: The Challenge is On

just new to this — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 18:46:54 GMT

Great article on Dunkirk! You are still the man!! (But, looking down that list at the bottom, YOU have a pretty big "sack of potatoes" also!!)

re: Ky. Derby Trail: The Challenge is On

zarvona — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 03:50:01 GMT

hmmm... Well I see another from "my barrel of potatoes", Baffert's "Zensational", ran a 1:08.64 at Santa Anita!!!

Now wondering where he might be headed next?!

"Zensational": Kty.;

Unbridled’s Song/Joke-Phone Trick; Tr. B. Baffert;

2 1 0 0

a ** $700.000 $$ ** keenelander 6 fur. 1:08.64; SA

re: Ky. Derby Trail: The Challenge is On

stardust — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 15:43:57 GMT

I think it is going to be Chocolate Candy.

re: Ky. Derby Trail: The Challenge is On

zarvona — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 03:11:53 GMT

Did that help narrow down my 50 lb. bag of Potatoes? And, yes I have a current top 10, and 12, (and 30 and 50-133 list)! lol, where much like you, week to week, my list too gets tweeked and juggled around! It's my April 20th list I hope to have figured out by then, being I imagine much like must!

re: Ky. Derby Trail: The Challenge is On

zarvona — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 23:49:01 GMT

Yeah, as to only 3 preps and then a Derby try, I too used to be of the ‘old school’ class of 5 or 6 races starting as a 2 year old, 1-2 major preps as required for earnings, and then a slot into the Derby myself. But, ‘new school’, ala “Vineyard Haven” and “Dunkirk”, of ‘oops I have a live horse, let’s hold him back’ seems to have taken hold in the last several years. I don’t understand Dutrow’s thoughts ala “Patena” yet, but I am guessing that he thinks he learned something from his “Big Brown”’s trail and success, although, had “Big Brown” not had hoof problems, it looks like we’d have seen him a bit more often. BUT, there is the money angle of just getting a healthy horse to ‘the dance’, probably why several prefer to run the relatively new synthetic surfaces during the developmental stage, which keeps me excited about “Chocolate Candy”. And, if a trainer who has seen his horse and worked his horse and knows what he has already and then holds him back a bit, which may be what we’ll see happen with “The Pamplamousse”, yep, it might scare away some bettors, but it also makes us in the ‘public’ eye have to take a more serious and stronger second look. As to “Dunkirk”, you lay out that kind of money, you do what’s necessary and be careful ,I suppose. But personally, I’d love to see him tackle more competitors or get to see more competitors attempt to take a shot at him, as that way we in the public would get to better gage potential of both he and rest of the others going into the Derby!!

re: Ky. Derby Trail: The Challenge is On

stardust — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 15:39:43 GMT

I knlow AP Indy is sired by SS. Where did this come from?

re: Ky. Derby Trail: The Challenge is On

zarvona — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 03:45:59 GMT

oops YEP sorry!

re: Ky. Derby Trail: The Challenge is On

Slew.em.All — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 02:16:08 GMT

Zarvona:

AP Indy is by: Seattle Slew!!!

re: Ky. Derby Trail: The Challenge is On

zarvona — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:08:58 GMT

stardust

me sorry, I do get carried away and go on and on sometimes

lol

re: Ky. Derby Trail: The Challenge is On

zarvona — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 23:24:16 GMT

Hmmmm, well Steve,--I am sorry that my highly watched Va. bred "American Dance" didn't move up to grade with a better performance!!, However, we saw no let down from "Warrior’s Reward" huh?!! --easily now into my top 30 again!! --And, even though this was not a touted GRADED race!!! ... if you are still looking for a horse not to 'default’ as your #1, that is, with his

1 1/8 23.55; :47.39; 1:11.70; 1:37.06’ 1:50.15; … finish!!... I suppose "DUNKIRK" may soon take the place up at the top your list! huh??? He certainly moved right into my TOP 4 !!!

Dunkirk: Kty.; Tr. Todd Pletcher; Unbridled’s Song/Secret Status-A.P. Indy-((Alydar));

2 2 0 0

a ** $3.7 million $$ keenelander*; 15.4 breeding rating;

winner 1 1/8 1:50.15;

Warrior’s Reward: Kty.;

Tr. I. Wilkes;

Medaglia D’oro/For All You Do-Seeking The Gold;

2 1 1 0

re: Ky. Derby Trail: The Challenge is On

zarvona — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 22:01:26 GMT

And, I really don’t get all this talk about Fillies jumping to the Derby!!! They are few and far between!! “Eight Belles” proved to be an exceptional fillie in a year of “the Freak”, where the general Mare pool was otherwise relatively weak!!! and so she threw her hat into the ring to see if she might be the one to run “the Freak” down, and she couldn’t, but gave her All in a most commendable effort. She likely would have easily been the Oaks Favorite, although not necessarily the Oaks winner! Maybe they should just raise the purse in the OAKS and make it a bigger deal!!! You don’t see Serna Williams jumping onto the Mens circuit this year do ya???

re: Ky. Derby Trail: The Challenge is On

zarvona — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 21:22:13 GMT

" G I A C O M O" spell checking

re: Ky. Derby Trail: The Challenge is On

zarvona — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 21:16:35 GMT

So much for this particular blog sticking to this year’s Kentucky Derby??,--because I don't think Curlin or Zenyatta are going to meet the entrance requirements??,--

However, on another non Derby subject, as to the 2009 “Kentucky Oaks”!!, that is, since no one else seems to want to have a list created prior to Pool #2!!! (but me!!!)…try some research on some of these just in case they make the Pool list!!! and also since everyone ODDLY seemingly wants to keep throwing their favorite Fillie up against the Mares since Frankel once hinted about running in the DERBY!?!?! and then the media seemed ran away with that thought....

“Stardom Bound”;

“Evita Argentina”;

“Rachel Alexandra”;

“War Echo”--half sister to “Pyro”;

“Sara Louise”; “Pamona Ball”;

“Frolic’s Dream”--now to B. Tagg;

“Just Jenda”; “Bon Jovi Girl”;

“Livin Lovin”; “Mani Bhavan”;

“Gemswick Park”; “Four Gifts”;… could go on but… Let’s look at those off the Turf next!!!...

“Maram”; “Gozzip Girl”;

“Heart Shaped”;

“Dream Empress”;

“Love Apple”; “Oilgonewile”;

“Pasar Silano”;

“Saucey Evening”; “Gold Goddess”;

“Navigator”, “Wyoming Ride”;

and, etc.

Did I leave someone else out that YOU are in love with???

re: Ky. Derby Trail: The Challenge is On

stardust — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 17:16:16 GMT

LDP

I pretty much agree with all you said. I would like to see Zenn get into some races with the boys. Also, I really agree with the Two time Dubai thing. That would just have rocked. Curlin is a dirt horse.

I am beginning to think that the surface has nothing to do with the breakdowns. Running on that polytrack is like trying to run through the sand with thongs on. It is really different. I think the toe grabs and the SOUNDENESS of the horse on race day are the big factors. If a horse needs a break then there will always be another time to run them. :)

Yeah the steroids. That is the only thing I dissagree with however, I don't think that he really ever needed them and would have done well had he never had them. I believe these horses are conditioned to be in a certain state of physical existance and once they are comfortble with whatever that is, they are just as good. I am just rambling but I don't feel that a good racehorse needs steroids. Poor Brownie and those feet. That is so not his fault and he showed so much courage and he is so loved that it is great. Love BB and Curlin and Zen. Actually I don't think there is a horse I don't love. How can one not love a horse. :)

re: Ky. Derby Trail: The Challenge is On

LDP — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:22:08 GMT

Both Stardust and Mike

Curlin was amazing, and so was BB and Zen still is. Don't you think this idea would've been cool, if Curlin came back, and went to Dubai for a second year and became the only horse to win the World Cup twice. Then When he comes back to the states, he and Zen get togeather, somewhere, dirt or synthetics, and race? That would've been cool. Let you all know the reason i say i don't mind sythetics, is because i strongly believe that Robby moved way too soon in the Classic. He also had Curlin in his last couple of races too far back in my oppinion, including the 08 Classic. I think in the Classic Curlin should've layed like 3 lengths off the lead, that way he wouldn't have been faned so wide, and he could've waited longer to make his move. Also, if like in the Classic he had to be so far off the lead, i would've waited to make that move. That move around the turn was just beautiful, and wouldn't have been outstanding if he'd sustained it and won? My point is Robby rode Curlin like he was on dirt, at the end of the race he said he made his move like normal, he always around horses. The race wasn't on dirt, which means, in my oppinion, that he shouldn't have ridden like it was. I don't see why Robby made Curlin lay so far back in the races leading up to the Classic. Curlin had layed close to the lead and won in Dubai, Ak Derby, the Reble, and was the leader in his maiden. Curlin could come from anywhere, and i don't see why Robby thought otherwise. BB was fantastic, and i will always agree with that. My thoughts about him has always been, if he had good feet, he would've been great. The steroids showed me that, since i believe steroid acted as a pain killer on his feet, and thats why he ran better when on them. I don't think they made him bulked up and stronger, just killed the pain, and that's why when taken off them he never was the same BB that was the Derby/Preakness winner. I do, and always will admire that horses heart, he was courage in itself. Zen, i believe is amazing, i'd like to see her come over here to the east a couple of times, and maybe this year take on the boys. She has the talent, and if she were to do it this is the year to. HOY is alread in her reach, i want to see her take it, and draw away with authority.

Thats my thoughts what are yours?

re: Ky. Derby Trail: The Challenge is On

zarvona — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 04:10:58 GMT

As to someone’s inquiry re: "Taqarub" (another of the Godolphin hopefuls),

Taqarub: Kty.;

Aldebaran/Honor Bestowed-Honor Grades;

Tr. K. McLaughlin;

3 3 0 0

a ** $150,000 $$ ** FTS (Fastig-Tipton-Saratoga) **

winner 6 fur. 1:09.26; + 8 ¼ 103 Beyer;

probable to the Fountain of Youth Stakes I have in notes somewhere !?!

In my own case, I prefer to reserve all rights to commit on "Sprinters" only after they stretch!! As, as we have seen so far, "Silver City" a whiz at 5 ½ fur. couldn't tackle a mile in under 1:35.50; !!! and he made Pool #1??? WHY? ask those that make up the Pool list!, I have little idea!! Ok, he has been touted as 'a great athlete', but we are talking 1 ¼ here!!! And right now, I would take "Saint Reade" to take on "Silver City" at a 1 ¼ !!! At this stage comparing "Sprinters" to the rest, it's like comparing apples and oranges as to which might be the best apple!!

re: Ky. Derby Trail: The Challenge is On

stardust — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 02:36:41 GMT

zarvona

Quite the list there. I like Chocolate Candy a lot. Boy I got dizzy reading your post but it does make sense.

re: Ky. Derby Trail: The Challenge is On

stardust — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 02:33:53 GMT

Yeah Mike. I think I would have wanted BB to win it too. He really could have used that. I love that horse. Curlin is one amazing horse. WOW!

re: Ky. Derby Trail: The Challenge is On

MIKE RELVA — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 01:40:33 GMT

TO STARDUST:

Thanks,It would have been difficult decision,but I wanted BB to win if he could have run.

re: Ky. Derby Trail: The Challenge is On

MIKE RELVA — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 01:38:36 GMT

TO LDP:

Thanks,I've always said Curlin is a "superhorse". I do really respect his owner,never cared for his trainer for various reasons. He deserved HOY. As I've indicated Zen had too big of a mountain to climb. She truly is something special,in fact my fav.

re: Ky. Derby Trail: The Challenge is On

zarvona — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:25:31 GMT

geeze, come on you guys (& gals), I wish you would speak up! I don't think Steve is gonna create a "Fillies List" on my want alone!!! If you too want to see a "Fillies List" jump on this wagon and sound off!!! Don't you think we need one?? Don't you think that before the ONLY "OAKS" Pool that we need one??? huh? huh?

re: Ky. Derby Trail: The Challenge is On

zarvona — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 22:47:42 GMT

POINT NO POINT: Before Pool #1 you might recall that I took a minor poll of what the Sportswriters (Internet Sportswriters?) were sporting as their top 10 picks. I stated that such would maybe be ‘much along the lines of what the bettors might choose’. SO, let’s go back and take a look!

The POLL had: “Old Fashioned” #1

The POOL had: “Old Fashioned” #1

“Pioneerof the Nile” #2

“Vineyard Haven” #3

“Vineyard Haven” #16 !!

“Patena” #4

“Patena” #5

“Midshipman” #5 (Steve!!!!)

“Midshipman” #4 (Steve!!!!)

“Friesan Fire” #6

“Friesan Fire” #3 !!

"Capt. Candyman Can" #7

“Capt. Candyman Can" #8

“Giant Oak”: #8

“Giant Oak”: #7

“Hello Broadway” #9

“Hello Broadway” #12

“West Side Bernie” #10

“West Side Bernie” #17

“Stardom Bound” (f)T#11

“Stardom Bound” #6 !!?!!

“"Flying Pegasus” T#11

“Flying Pegasus” #10

popping in ...

“Chocolate Candy” #9”

“The Pamplemousse” #11

At this point the “Mutuel Field” players therefore are getting a wide and varying lot, with the likes of potential qualifying runners:

“Desert Party”; “Red Ransom”;

“Mr. Fantasy” (the other Godolphin possibilities!): “Dunkirk”;

“American Dance”;

“General Quarters”;

“Imperial Council”;

“Charitable Man”;

“Break Water Edison”; “Uno Mas";

“Bear’s Rocket”;

“Flying Private”;

“Danger to Society”;

“Lyin’ Heart”;

“Captain Cherokee”;

“Dubinsky”, “Masala”,

“Russell Road”, “Shafted”,

“Fitzaslew”;

“Smokey Lonesome”;

“Alma d’oro”;

“Toby The Coal Man”; and

“Nowhere to Hide”, and , etc., and that host of those other sprinters we are all still awaiting a distance stretch run from, such as: “Theregoesjojo”,

“Notonthesamepage”; “Rockland”;

“Southern Exchange”;

“Haitian Sensation”;

“Herr Mozart”, and, etc. ...

(ok, I admit, I through in a few off the wall possibilities considering there are only 20 gates we are vying for here, but you may have been one of those ‘field’ players and I am just adding to your hopes!!!)

Conclusion, I do think that the sportswriters have an effect on the public’s way of thinking, as I suppose we have a ‘lil on them, maybe?!!! SO, you writers be careful, be honest, and do Please Keep keeping us Informed!!

And thank you bloggers for your insights also! Your comments are actually appreciated and sometimes widely eye opening. Just remember though, criticism of another’s thinking is good if constructive and if handled in a polite manner!!! And, this is all about fun and predicting the future at this point anyway right, because I ask you, “Who other my brother actually had 100-1 shot ‘Gacimo’ (spell check) as his true first choice” way back when?

re: Ky. Derby Trail: The Challenge is On

stardust — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:51:57 GMT

Mike

I think Curlin deserved to win too but Zenyatta sure did come close. I was suprised at some of those results. Some of the horses I thought would get in, didn't and the trainers really shocked me.

I love Zenyatta. That girl can fly. :)

Of course who doesn't love Curlin. He is such a wonderful horse. Never did get to see the match with him and BB. I wonder how that would have went had they both been on turf OR dirt. What are your thoughts about that? :)

re: Ky. Derby Trail: The Challenge is On

stardust — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:46:35 GMT

LDP

Yeah sometimes when I read this posts, I go through them really fast and respond to the wrong person. I try to be nice to everyone. I wish the whole world was like that but we don't live in that type of world. There are always going to be those annoying naysayers and people that you just have to scroll past. I know it can be annoying but in the grand scheme of things, it is not that important. When people that don't even know each other get into these heated debates, they are arguing with their moniter LOL. Did I ever think a day would come where I would argue with a machine and not a person? NO. LOL!

Have a really nice day... :)

re: Ky. Derby Trail: The Challenge is On

LDP — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 11:11:49 GMT

Mike,

Wow. I mean that in a good way. Thank you for you post. Will let you know that as i said many many times that i have absoulutely nothing against Zen, but can she please run a DE Park so i can see her run, lol? I honestly back when all the debates on Zen and Curlin first began actually stated i wouldn't mind if Zen won a Curlin lost, though i would preffer Curlin. The thing that got me started was when some idiots, not you, came on there and said how bad a horse Curlin was, and pointed out all of his weak points and all of her strong points to make her look even better, and thats when i start to get defensive. I've never even seen the horse, but believe me trash him and i'll respond to you like your attacking my own horse. Anyhow, i'm looking forward to watching her run, that way i have some entertainment from the older horse group, lol. Again thank you very much i appreciate it.