Haskin's Derby Report: The Players Up Close

re: Haskin's Derby Report: The Players Up Close

PickingTheDerbyWinnerSomeday — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 14:21:09 GMT

Can someone please provide insight on WTC...I just think he has the size and stride to win it all

re: Haskin's Derby Report: The Players Up Close

duchess — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 05:47:09 GMT

Thank you so much for the report and the pictures!!

Revolutionary is definitely giving you what my husband would call "THE EYE". lol.

I am too young to remember Citation and Whirlaway, as they came before my birth - though I can remember the three Triple Crown winners from the 70's from my childhood. I hope to see at least one more before I pass. There have been great horses in the meantime - but there's just something about a Triple Crown that brings so much excitement to the sport.

I had to go look for pictures of Citation and Whirlaway when people starting comparing Orb to them. I can see why there are the comparisons to Citation. Not show ring pretty (but who needs that - Man o' War had that Roman nose and was not pretty at all, but was rather all masculine magnificence in his photos) - but both Orb and Citation have an alert intelligent look in their eyes - two horses who appear to be aware of everything going on around them.

If he goes on to have even a third of the career of Citation, he will be a very good one.

I am still leaning towards Orb, Revolutionary, and Black Onyx for the simple reason that in their final nine furlong preps they looked like they could comfortably keep going.

It sure wouldn't surprise me, though, if other colts step up and do very well next Saturday.

I guess we have to wait and see the post positions and the weather. I would think heavy mud would eliminate some (Will Take Charge) and give a better chance to others (though I would have to look at past performances to see who likes mud), and unfortunately the colt who pulls post position one will be an auto-toss for me.

I would like to add that the last time I heard so many complaints about what a slow crop of colts we had was the year which ended up producing:

*Animal Kingdom

*Shackleford

*Mucho Macho Man

*Stay Thirsty

*Caleb's Posse

*Fort Larned

*Point of Entry

Though not all of them ran in the Triple Crown races.

I would be very happy to have another crop of colts like that one, most of whom stuck around for awhile and stayed more or less sound through at least the beginning of their four year old seasons - as opposed to last year's crop, filled with high quality very fast brilliant colts who all seemed to fall apart before our eyes.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: The Players Up Close

papillon — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 22:12:21 GMT

if you want to see more photos of the horses in action, including orb--bloodhorse's face book page has them up. when you click on them, it takes you to more photos

the contrast in bridle philosphy between pletcher and shug is striking--pletcher keeps all of his horses in stranglehold figure 8 bridles, while shug has orb in a simple western bridle, without a noseband

re: Haskin's Derby Report: The Players Up Close

papillon — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 20:41:38 GMT

bigtex--even more than citation, orb's profile is a dead ringer for whirlaway...it's uncanny.

larry jones made an interesting comment the other day. he was commenting on how cold it's been at churchill all week and he said that the last time it was this cold before the derby was the last time shug was there with a derby contender--easy goer.

but shug and orb are more in the charlie whittingham/ sunday silence role this time around--orb even has a sunday silence-esque resume: nothing special as a 2 year old; starts his 3 year old campaign with an allowance win, followed by the foy (sunday silence followed his 3 yo allowance win with a win in the san felipe), followed by winning the fl derby (sunday silence followed the san felipe with a win in the santa anita derby)--and going into the ky derby as the 2nd favorite to the winner of the wood memorial (though verranzo is no easy goer)...it's supposed to be an off track next week too, like it was 24 years ago...

and then there's the whole claiborne farms/hancock/phipps connection all over again (both sunday silence and easy goer had hancock/phipps connections), along with the trainer nearing the twilight of his career, who rarely brings horses to the derby and then only if he truly believes they can win, angle...

this has nothing to due with who will next week, i just thought it was interesting....

windolin, i agree that orb is not pretty, but he has a very classic, regal thoroughbred head...their heads never used to be so dishy as they are now...they are almost starting look like arabians...

pedigree ann--i agree with your point completely, but just as in racing, successful, elite smaller horses are the exception, not the rule, in eventing, jumping, and dressage--the big, scopey horses like shutterfly are much more common at the elite level.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: The Players Up Close

Love 'em all — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 18:57:04 GMT

Thanks for all the wonderful photo treats, Mr. Haskin.

I'd almost swear Palace Malice and his rider are skipping along singing ...

'Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay. My, oh my, what a wonderful day!'

But, where's Mr. Bluebird?

Oxbow ("Little JB") reminds me of Jackson Bend. I like that lil' fella!

Vyjack ("Mr. Sexy") is one good-looking horse! Gotta love those geldings!

Java's War is just too precious! Looks happy, too!

May they all stay happy and healthy! Thanks again for sharing.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: The Players Up Close

Golden Gate — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 18:40:08 GMT

Thank you for the great pictures and write ups on the contenders.

My picks are:

Palace Malice

Mylute

Oxbow

I saw Oxbow at Oaklawn and he looked great. I am sorry he did not get to really show like I believe he could at the Ark Derby.

I am hoping though that Palice Malice wins. I loved his dam. She is just a big beautiful mare with lots of class.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: The Players Up Close

predict — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 18:32:58 GMT

Unusual Song????... meant UNBRIDLEDS SONG, sorry, senior moment.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: The Players Up Close

Pedigree Ann — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 18:10:14 GMT

Those of you who like big, muscle-y horses....,

I am currently watching the Cross-Country phase of the Rolex 3 Day-Event on streaming. The competition covers several miles, over many fences, up to 5+ feet high and 6f or so wide. It is a test that only mature horses, 7 and up, to the mid 'teens, can handle. The competitors are TBs and TB crosses (Sporthorse breeds are just TBs crossed with something slower but sturdier).

One of the local legends in this event was the Pinto mare Poltroon, a mighty mite who was 15.2, maybe. Her sire was a TB but her dam was a pinto pony. That little lady tackled the course with a fierce look in her eye, determined to dominate it. And she did.

To paraphrase, it's the not the size of the horse in the race, it's the size of the race in the horse.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: The Players Up Close

smarie — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 18:09:30 GMT

Thank you for giving us these wonderful pictures Mr. Haskin. I believe all horses, every last one of them, are beautiful.

I still have not picked my Derby horse. I think I'll just sit back and enjoy everything leading up to the big race and then will celebrate with the winner and his connections.

I pray that all horses and humans remain safe and sound on Oaks day & Derby day.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: The Players Up Close

Plod Boy Phil — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 16:46:28 GMT

Steve-

I echo David's sentiments regarding the value of the photos beyond the natural beauty. I have to believe that w/out the names on the saddle cloths, you could mix in 3yr olds that are far less accomplished or bred as regally and the oohs and aaghs would be the same. Of course, the genuine eye for horses may see the difference, but for the majority, much like a tainted police line-up, expectations and information sway objectivity.

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Steve Haskin — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 16:10:06 GMT

Lexington Bloodstock, I left out Itsmyluckyday because he wasnt here.

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Indiana Johnny — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 15:51:02 GMT

Steve, nice write up with some very good pics. Will you be doing video updates from Churchill soon, woorkout reports and then your selections? Thanks for the info.

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predict — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 15:44:12 GMT

Thanks for the pictures Steve, they are great. It really helps to see them when we are are trying to figure out this race. Very confusing to see Normandy Invasion looking somewhat thin, yet he is working up a storm; what would he be like if he looked better? wow...

Now that it looks like a better than 50% chance of rain on Derby day, what are your thoughts as to who is going to like the wet going?

First horse I would expect to not like a wet track would be Will Take Charge. I can't remember when

Grindstone beat the favorite Unusual Song(wtc's sire),if that was a wet track or not, I kind of think it wasn't wet that year.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: The Players Up Close

Windolin — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 14:34:36 GMT

I agree with the comment above, Normandy Invasion looks terribly thin to me. If he is this thin now, what will he look like after another week of prep and the race? If he was my horse, I would be worried about him.Everyone else looks great..good muscle, good weight and looking fit and ready to run. Love Oxbow's compactness... a future after racing in dressage? Still sticking with my picks Revolutionary, Verrazzano and My Lute...all subject to change on race day of course.

I kinda disagree with you one point Steve, Orb's head...alertness I cannot judge from one photo, so I take your word on that, but sorry, do not particularly like his head...I know heads shape does not win the race, but in my opinion, Orb does not have a very pretty head. Of all the pictures, My Lute has the prettiest head...but then this is just a chick's opinion. Thank you for the pictures and the comments.

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AngelaInAbilene — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 13:39:30 GMT

Rusty- Wraps are an ounce of prevention.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: The Players Up Close

iceman92 — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 12:40:23 GMT

great photos steve-looks like revolutionary is practicing his stare for the horses he passes at the eighth pole.

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trackjack — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 11:41:41 GMT

Thanks for the pics, Steve, great shots. No place better than the backside at CD during morning works. Looking forward to your thoughts if anyone is having trouble handling the surface.

Love your comments on Oxbow; a coiled spring and you captured it. If one thought Verrazano broke well in the Wood, watch Gary Stevens break this guy in the Derby. Boinnnggggg!!!!!

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Davids — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 07:26:44 GMT

Pictures tell a story, without knowing which horse, which race you would presume half these horses were to run in sprint/mile races. Moreover, one can only imagine what Normandy Invasion 'will be' when he matures like Verrazano already has become. Albeit, they have very different phenotypes. Orb, appears composed but this is not 'Derby Day.'

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Sail On — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 06:08:45 GMT

What beautiful horses, thanks Steve.

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Lexington Bloodstock — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 05:25:55 GMT

You left out the winner....Itsmyluckyday!!!

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ksweatman9 — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 04:31:04 GMT

Your description of the above ponies makes the glass of water appear to be half full rather than half empty. Something good about every one of them. I enjoy your articles but sometimes you don't make it easy to pick a winner!

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Mike Monarchos — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 04:05:30 GMT

Very nice photos Steve! Thanks! I haven't been to the Derby since 2004 when Smarty Jones won. I can't believe I've missed the last eight Derbies. I thought Verrazano and Revolutionary looked the best in your photos. Normandy Invasion looked skinny to me. Orb looked good too, but wasn't a full body shot. Can't leave out the little guy Java's War. I did in the Tampa Bay Derby and regreted it. Revolutionary has the eye and Calvin Borel (Mr. Kentucky Derby) so he's my number one.

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WriterX — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 03:33:46 GMT

Sweet stuff man. Keep it coming.

A few of these look chiseled but Orb looks regal...

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Racingfan — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 03:10:52 GMT

Wow thanks for the pictures! I think Verrazano and Revolutionary look awesome! I agree with those who are saying that Normandy looks thin...or is it just the angle or something Steve? I still can't seem to settle on a favorite since my two previous choices (Flashback and Hear The Ghost) are sitting this one out. I think I may be favoring Itsmylucky day. Would love to see a picture of him.....hint hint...LOL

re: Haskin's Derby Report: The Players Up Close

KG1 — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 02:48:45 GMT

Hi Steve,

Thanks for the pics and observations.

I like Java's War. If I recollect rightly, I don't think Northern Dancer was much bigger. He did OK.

For a sentamental journey...the Janey/Phipps combo would be a nice thing.

Vyjack is a beast. I don't know if it's the picture but he sure seem to be large in the head. His Wood with a lung infection, unreal to do as well as he did.

I'm also wondering what's up with Gov Charlie? I know he had foot problems...but the race he had in NM was fast. I feel that coming down from that altitude to more oxygen can be an advantage first race out. It worked for MTB.

Can't wait for you to do the rest of the Derby field.

take care