Haskin's Derby Report: Normandy Invasion Revisited

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Normandy Invasion Revisited

Coldfacts — Fri, 03 May 2013 12:20:46 GMT

With a 70% chance of rain Goldencents has a great opportunity to wire the Derby field.

He will not be caught.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Normandy Invasion Revisited

El Kabong — Fri, 03 May 2013 00:54:29 GMT

Steve,

I am a big fan of Tapit. I rooted for him that year in the Wood and the Derby. I have an immense amount of respect for his offspring who are excelling. Yet, I doubted this horse would like going beyond 9F's. But I liked his effort in the Wood. I love that he is feeling his oats and I am going to include him in my elite 5. I really hope he gets a good trip and lights up the board. Don't expect a win but definitely a brave showing. He's running for the greatest generation. Boots On NI!

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Normandy Invasion Revisited

PickingTheDerbyWinnerSomeday — Thu, 02 May 2013 19:15:59 GMT

DDD...yes ORB looked washed out a bit before the FD then he ran by them like they had cement shoes on. Its a crapshoot but you can keep looking in their eyes.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Normandy Invasion Revisited

Jean in Chicago — Thu, 02 May 2013 18:34:07 GMT

Steve,

Every time you do a back story on a horse, I wind up with somebody new to root for. And this piece kept bringing to mind the great Omaha, the only triple crown winning son of a triple crown winner (Gallant Fox). Maybe that's another omen.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Normandy Invasion Revisited

mz — Thu, 02 May 2013 16:05:24 GMT

Hey Paula: when we were in Normandy in 2007 and were walking along Juno Beach, a trio of French kids were riding their bikes along the dunes and the path. They went swooping past us and then stopped, listening a bit because we were speaking in English. We then started talking to them in French and then my sister, the teacher, said: do you know what happened on this beach? And they actually knew about Canadians hitting Juno Beach on D Day; they actually studied it. These were 13 or 14yo boys.

There's hope.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Normandy Invasion Revisited

A Horsey Canuck — Thu, 02 May 2013 15:50:22 GMT

Thank you, Steve, for such a great history lesson, and for introducing these wonderfully, heroic men. What an honour for Churchill Downs and all in attendance to have them share such a marvellous horse on such a special day. I was born 2 days after D-Day in England, and even though Normandy Invasion is not my favourite, after this, I am definitely pulling for him. As always, thank you for such a great and insightful piece.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Normandy Invasion Revisited

nordancer — Thu, 02 May 2013 11:18:43 GMT

A very touching story. I'm rooting for Normandy Invasion, whose chances have now increased with Mike Battaglia picking Orb as the favorite. Mike never picks the winner so, in as much as I like Orb, his chance of winning has been handed the kiss of death.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Normandy Invasion Revisited

Sail On — Thu, 02 May 2013 04:54:58 GMT

Steve, what a joy to read your stories! Normandy Invasion got an excellent PP and should finish first if he can catch Verrazano.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Normandy Invasion Revisited

Paula Higgins — Thu, 02 May 2013 02:14:01 GMT

We owe these men everything. The American, British and Canadian Cemeteries speak for themselves. I wish the young kids knew about D-Day and its significance. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to be a topic of discussion in most history classes anymore.

I loved this article Steve, just loved it. I wish them luck with Normandy Invasion. He is in my top 5 with Verrazano, Revolutionary, Orb and the 5th spot to be determined. I would be very happy to see him or Orb win.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Normandy Invasion Revisited

DDD — Thu, 02 May 2013 01:03:35 GMT

I am disappointed that all the so-called experts have not addressed the big issue with Orb's behavior before the race. Please think back to what this horse looked like before the Florida Derby. He was a hot mess! So...for a little Handicapping 101 lesson please look at the above pictures. Notice each horse's body language and their eyes. A+++ to

Verrazano, Normandy Invasion,Overanalyze(he looks like a sweety in the paddock), B to Palace Malice, C- to Revolutionary AND

F- to Orb..he is washed out,tense,& not a happy horse...

Guys, do you really think this horse will handle the long walk over in front of the grandstand, the overcrowded paddock, and a longer wait than normal in this enclosure?????

Thanks for these awesome pictures to help me prove my point, Mr. Haskin

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Normandy Invasion Revisited

Fran Loszynski — Thu, 02 May 2013 00:35:16 GMT

Oh Steve what a courageous story. I have tears in my eyes! I hope these brave men can visit Gainesway and Tapit- Normandy's Dad. It is the most peaceful place, nothing short of paradise. I think Normandy is going to reach the finish line and with Boston Harbor and Boston Lady circling round his head this fearless and eye-catching colt will take us back to bravery. Dear sweet BOSTON City of our young patriots and Normandy your war horse has arrived!

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Normandy Invasion Revisited

Davids — Wed, 01 May 2013 23:17:30 GMT

Nice photos Steve, the horses look good and ready to run. Orb and Normandy Invasion drew well which was a positive omen. I always feel for those who are 'possibly' unlucky with the number they are given. Fingers crossed for a fine day and clear racing - it's just too exciting.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Normandy Invasion Revisited

Pedigree Ann — Wed, 01 May 2013 23:17:09 GMT

They didn't get Arromanches, because the grey, near white, Relaunch horse still has offspring racing, in particular, the durable and versatile Caixa Eletronica. Arromanches raced until he was 9, won 31 of 78 races, and over $800K. He's never had a crop over 15 in number, but is the sire of the winners of around $3 million in purses. His 2013 fee was listed as 'Private.'

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Normandy Invasion Revisited

mz — Wed, 01 May 2013 21:04:17 GMT

The American Cemetery is a powerful place.

As a Canadian, I also went to the little Canadian cemetery outside of Beny-sur-Mer. Also a powerful place.

All full of 20yo's and 30yo's with a sprinkling of 40yo's.

I am glad I had a chance to visit these sites. Good on Porter for the remembrance.