Haskin's Preakness Report: Final Observations

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Final Observations

Greg R — Thu, 23 May 2013 03:54:37 GMT

Please, let's stop looking at these classic races as endless failed attempts to win the Triple Crown. A Derby winner is a Derby winner. A Preakness winner is a Preakness winner, etc. Sure, a TC would be amazing, but I'm getting tired of the perpetual murmur of disappointment that forms the background of all TC discussions.

Linda in Texas, I, too, was really pleased that Luckyday redeemed himself in the Preakness! I knew that if the real Luckyday showed up, he could give a good account of himself, win or lose. He ran a little wider than Oxbow, so he probably ran just as fast as the winner. Not sure if the Belmont will be his cup of tea, though. I see the prospective Belmont field as giving us a wide open race.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Final Observations

greyghost — Wed, 22 May 2013 19:20:53 GMT

Because of Orb's storied connections people thought there was light at the end of the tunnel as far as a triple crown winner. Even the pundits bought into it hook, line and sinker. You can come up with all the excuses in the universe, but it remains this is one of the toughest and elusive feats in all of sports. Everything has to come together and be duplicated over a five week period not taking into account the outside influences that affect the outcome, those events that are out of your control. Five weeks? That's like a lifetime and yet it is a fleeting moment in time. Paring away those that look at these three races as just another excuse to party (as if they need an excuse in the first place) the mystique of the triple crown will continue to lure the faithful regardless of how many disappointing bumps remain in the road. And so it is on to 2014.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Final Observations

Pedigree Ann — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:48:00 GMT

Scott -

Go to the Blood-horse main site, look for 'Pedigree Analyis' on the right side of the 'Thoroughbed Breeding' section. There you will find the columns by the BH's pedigree mavens about many horses, including prominent classic candidates. Free of charge.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Final Observations

Scott's Rail — Tue, 21 May 2013 02:25:59 GMT

And to P.A. Where do these people get there "Insight on Pedigree". I have to admit, I missed the Oxbow thing, beware of the "want the TC thing" It was kinda there, G.S, DWL, Pedigree, really legit KD. Probably the biggest ++++ was the pedigree. Thanx Steve for the hard work. We really appreciate it

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Final Observations

Scott's Rail — Tue, 21 May 2013 02:11:31 GMT

thanx Steve from S.L. go to the Unbridled Song foal Tizamazing is watching over, in the video. Tizamazing looks super. And was sold at auction for a MILLION a few years ago. In the video you can almost tell, she saying "keep your distance, this one could be special too!" Not bad for a Cal-bred Broodmare. I new G.S's wasn't in it for 1-2 races, just didn't have the right combo when it came time. On to Elmont...

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Final Observations

Little Bill — Mon, 20 May 2013 23:58:37 GMT

TNT Stud bought Calumet colors.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Final Observations

Linda in Texas — Mon, 20 May 2013 18:55:28 GMT

To Err is Human-To Forgive is Divine

The signatures are just fine where they are. Been the same way for eons on all the blogs! One can always post it inside themselves.

Linda in Texas

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Final Observations

steve from st louis — Mon, 20 May 2013 18:22:57 GMT

Mary, your comment about Oxbow not having a great pedigree indicates you know little about throughbred breeding. I don't know how else to say it.

Actually, you won't find a better bred horse than Oxbow anywhere.

First, he is by Awesome Again, who won all six races he entered in 1998, defeating champions Silver Charm and Skip Away in the Breeders' Cup Classic. His lifetime record was 9-0-2 in 12 starts.

He sired a few runners you may have hear of: Game On Dude, Paynter, Horse of the Year Ghostzapper and additional Breeders' Cup winners Ginger Punch, Round Pond and Wilko.

Oxbow's dam, the unraced Tizamazing, is a full sister to two-time Breeders' Cup winner Tiznow as well as Grade II winners Tizdubai and Budroyale. That's royalty bred to royalty. What are you looking at when you consider Oxbow ordinary?

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Final Observations

Linda in Texas — Mon, 20 May 2013 17:11:20 GMT

Started getting a funny feeling when Zoe Cadman interviewed Lukas and he said "this would be his 6th Preakness if Oxbow won." I immediately double checked Oxbow's racing number and it was SIX. Immediately texted my friend in New Jersey and apprised her of the fact. Also Gary won a good race with Skyring before The Preakness. Fate was set! Amazing.

But my horse Itsmyluckyday was fully extended trying to get him, just ran out of real estate!! But i am happy for "lucky day." No mistake.

And Gary Stevens great ride, thought you had made a mistake taking off so early. Where in the world did Oxbow come up with all that energy? No doubg Racing Gods had already decided the winner!

And so good to have a Calumet Farm Horse win again. Congrats to all.

While listening to the jockeys being interviewed after the race, every single jockey said his horse could not find energy to catch up.

Either track was too deep or some reason.

And above all Steve, glad you cashed in for some green ones$! And thank you so much for your coverage and photos. What color is Oxbow in horse?(person?):)

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Final Observations

Pedigree Ann — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:25:10 GMT

Jean -

All the previous Calumet trophies were sold for the bankruptcy. They are on exhibit at the Kentucky Horse Park. There is no continuity between this owner of the property and the Wright/Markey family, whose stock made it a household name.

Usually when a farm changes hands, it changes its name to reflect the new owners. Col. Bradley's famous Idle Hour Stock Farm was cut into several piece; the core section became the Galbreath's Darby Dan Farm and the other pieces became Danada Farm and the King Ranch property. Greentree Stud became Gainesway when Mr. Gaines bought it.

Mary, I don't know how you conclude that Oxbow doesn't have that good a pedigree; maybe because it is low on fashionable names? But his sire Awesome Again won the BC Classic, among other races, and is the sire of Game on Dude, Ghostzapper, etc. His dam is a full sister to Tiznow, Budroyale, Tizdubai (G2 winner), SW and sire Tizbud, and the dam of Paynter. This is rock-solid 10f breeding. The mating between Cee's Tizzy and Cee's Song was genetic magic of some sort that one can't predict.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Final Observations

lunar spook — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:15:12 GMT

OK FOLKS , its time for a reality check now , goldencents had his 15 minutes of fame at santa anita an everyone jumped on the bandwagon , well guess what folks ? the partys over hes not a has been hes a never was !

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Final Observations

Tiz Herself — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:29:27 GMT

I had a rare treat on Saturday when at Northlands Park to catch the full card of live Thoroughbred racing but also the simulcast feed from Pimlico.

While none of my bets won, the few times that I picked a horse from the program that did win I had no money on which is how it goes right? The one horse in particular was a gorgeous chestnut gelding in a maiden claiming. A son of elite sire Giant's Causeway and out of the Dixieland Band mare Grand Gala. This horse was bred by Phipps Stable and had I had the $7000 to claim this horse I would have done so. Of course he won by daylight, stalking the pace setter and taking command turning for home and it was all she wrote.

His female family, Social Charm's second dam is Fantastic Find, dam of Finder's Fee, Tax Ruling, etc. Third dam Blitey produced Dancing Spree, Furlough, etc. It was a rare treat to see and there was not a doubt that he was the winner of his race that afternoon.

It was unfortunate that on the same day in Pimlico that the other more known Phipps Stable co-bred Orb did not win the Preakness, but take nothing away from Oxbow. He shook loose and did not look back. Congratulations to Gary Stevens, D Wayne Lukas, Calumet Farm and connections. I had two of four right in the super as had Orb and Itsmyluckyday, however did not have Mylute or Oxbow in that order.

At any rate I have a new favorite in Social Charm to keep track of.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Final Observations

Love 'em all — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:13:50 GMT

Racingfan -

Thanks for the info on Calumet silks. Had read that info before (at least it sounded familiar) but couldn't find it mentioned anywhere. Kept finding articles that said the decision of the Calumet silks was still up to The Jockey Club. Never could find a picture of Jon Court riding in last year's KD to see just what he was wearing that day with Optimizer, but was pretty sure the silks were not the old Calumet colors. Thanks again.

Cheers to Oxbow ... the little mighty one! Let's hear it for the "Os", once again. Anybody going with "O"veranalyze for the Belmont? So far, the "Os" have it!

Cheeri-O-O-Os! Hope General Mills takes note of this.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Final Observations

Cassandra.Says — Mon, 20 May 2013 08:56:07 GMT

Remember these words of wisdom next year. Steve nails it.

"Pimlico does [have] a tendency to favor strong horses who can separate themselves from the field, just as Shackleford did against Animal Kingdom. And just as Bodemeister did last year. Even though he was narrowly beaten in the final strides, he made I’ll Have Another work hard to catch him. Many Kentucky Derby winners who scored with a big late run from back failed to duplicate that winning run in the Preakness, such as Animal Kingdom, Mine That Bird, Street Sense, Giacomo, Monarchos, and Fusaichi Pegasus since 2000.

Expect to see Orb start picking up horses earlier and at a faster rate. You don’t want to give him too much to do on those turns if a horse like Goldencents or Govenor Charlie, or Itsmyluckyday or Oxbow should happen to get separation from the field."

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Final Observations

Cassandra.Says — Mon, 20 May 2013 08:09:35 GMT

Gee, Steve, even YOU do it?

That wasn't Trackjack. The "saver" question was from Playmistyforme. As I have done and many others, you picked up the author of the preceding post.

Would it be hard to move the signature inside the box or not equidistant between two posts?

Glad you had 'em.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Final Observations

Mary — Mon, 20 May 2013 03:35:59 GMT

Jean, disagree with you on Oxbow's pedigree; not a great pedigree. He is a nice horse, but he stole the race. He will not steal the Belmont. Itsmyluckyday is the horse that can win the Belmont. I did win a trifecta, so I'm okay. I still like Govenor Charlie, but he likely will not run in the Belmont.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Final Observations

joeywoge — Mon, 20 May 2013 02:54:59 GMT

Say what you want about any of these horses. Bottom line is pace makes the race.. The old vet Stevens took it to the younger jocks and put his horse on the front end and jogged to the 1/4 pole. It was over from there. Why Krigger allowed Gary to take the lead when he could of had it is mindblowing. Gary, the vet that he is made sure he stayed in the 3 & 4 path. Realizing the rail was dead all day. Bottom line. Great ride by a veteran jock. I had my doubts about Mr.Stevens but he made me a believer now. Congratulations!!

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Final Observations

trackjack — Mon, 20 May 2013 01:34:11 GMT

Tried to post this previously but ran into an error. Please excuse if this is a duplicate.

Steve, congratulations on hitting the tri. Good for you!

I broke one of my cardinal rules in wagering. I keyed Orb over Oxbow, Itsmyluckyday, Mylute and Will Take Charge for the tri. I was sure Orb was going to win. My wife reminded me that I should ALWAYS box my bets. What is that saying; "There is only one sure thing about horse racing........?"

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Final Observations

Racingfan — Sun, 19 May 2013 23:05:29 GMT

Congratulations to the connections and to you on the trifecta Steve! I wanted Itsmyluckyday and Goldencents if Orb wasn't gonna win and thus go for the triple crown. Jean in Chicago - I read that the rights to the Calumet silks were sold to a racing operation in Brazil in 1992 so I guess they cannot be used here anymore.... :-(

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Final Observations

Fran Loszynski — Sun, 19 May 2013 21:31:30 GMT

I had alway admired Gary Stevens for the blame he seemed to express about Point Given. He had tears in his eyes and now listening to his press conference after the Preakness he seemed to give all the credit to Oxbow how he ran his "own" race makes you think back to how Secretariat ran his "own" race and Gary said this race he was the passenger. You know Gary maybe these horses love you and give it their all because you value them so dearly.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Final Observations

Steve Haskin — Sun, 19 May 2013 18:55:00 GMT

Thanks, Dr. D.

Trackjack, I did not have a saver on Oxbow, but miracle of miracles I did have the trifecta for a $1,030 payoff. No one trained better and progressed more each day than Itsmyluckyday and Oxbow and they certainly ran to that. I liked the way GGoldencents was training as well, but there was always that question of distance and I was very surprised he didnt go for the lead and then let Oxbow crawl out there. with his pedigree, I felt Oxbow was going to be super tough on a clear lead and then when those fractions came up, that was pretty much it.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Final Observations

El Kabong — Sun, 19 May 2013 16:18:55 GMT

Pedigree Ann,

Right you are. Perhaps he just relished the slop on Derby Day but WTC had no excuses yesterday and did what you predicted. I think your right on Normandy Invasion as well. On to NY and I hope this brings out a slew of challengers. No pun intended.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Final Observations

Plod Boy Phil — Sun, 19 May 2013 15:53:09 GMT

Giacomo was a 'fluke' after winning a very closer favoring Derby. In fact, the 2005 Derby Flow was the most favorable in at least the last 22 years, until two weeks ago.

Orb received a more favorable Derby set-up than Giacomo did. This fact was posted here well in advance of Saturday. Despite the perfect trip, Orb was deemed the second coming.

Some compared the 2012 Derby splits with those of 2013. The flaws in that view were posted here well in advance as well - there was no similarity in the two races from our perspective.

Horses running lifetime bests under perfect scenarios should always be viewed with skepticism.

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Final Observations

Jean in Chicago — Sun, 19 May 2013 15:21:52 GMT

Congratulations to Oxbow, Gary Stevens, and Wayne Lukes. I have been surprised to see Oxbow in black and gold instead of blue and devil's red. I thought Mr. Kelley had bought the rights to Calumet's old colors. (But maybe this isn't possible.) Anyway, nice to see another Woodlawn Vase go to Calumet's trophy room. May this be just the first of another long line of great horses.

Oxbow really does have a fine pedigree. (I am a great interpreter of pedigrees after the fact. Someday maybe I'll learn to do it BEFORE the horse wins.)

re: Haskin's Preakness Report: Final Observations

JON R — Sun, 19 May 2013 12:24:30 GMT

It would appear Shug should have taught Orb how to run down in with horses on each side of him. He backed off in that situation in the Preakness. With those very slow fractions he should have won off by ten lengths or more....were he as good as touted before the race. A great horse finds a way to win. No excuses.