Haskin: Lukas and Stevens' Long Journey Together

re: Haskin: Lukas and Stevens' Long Journey Together

cuba"s classic chef de race — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 00:21:17 GMT

Chief Picawinna if you do not like my coments do not read them,you said you like Palace Malice in the derby and i dislike him do you not like him any more? i can give you a handicapping lesson next Saturday,and yes you may have to burn your handicap notes after the belmont stakes my friend.

re: Haskin: Lukas and Stevens' Long Journey Together

CHIEF PICAWINNA — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 03:04:51 GMT

CUBA after reading you analysis I am left with the lingering theory of burning all my handcap notes and nomenclature and taking up to be a safe-cracker,and always not forget eat my black beans and rice factory.

re: Haskin: Lukas and Stevens' Long Journey Together

cuba"s classic chef de race — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 03:01:00 GMT

my friend haskin,i consider myself not an expert but some body like you in a sense that love a game that is so mathematical and at the same time so hopeful that let me explore what i have learned and show the racing fan that you do not have to be perfect to win.

re: Haskin: Lukas and Stevens' Long Journey Together

cuba"s classic chef de race — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 02:43:46 GMT

if you measure Orb derby win by lost ground the then the derby finish was 16/5/6 and not 16/4/3 same start with a different and, do you think orb trainer want to lose so much ground at his home track?

re: Haskin: Lukas and Stevens' Long Journey Together

cuba"s classic chef de race — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 02:27:56 GMT

orb is like what happen to me do not worry i will be back.revolutionary want to be another Union Rags that is okey Oxbow by Awsome Again think that he is better then Paynter,Golden Soul has more stamina than both,so who will win this race? PAlace Malice ? the pace may help him a little,the peter pan winner has mighty appeal in his 3d dam and the song of A P Indy lost by 10 milles, then do you think a slow pace is going to favor oxbow,revolutionary and palace malice?because in a handicapper's point of view are the horses that can surprise and i will have them to be exact, but if you look for a grand slam Golden Soul has shown that more ground is okey for him,you never know Mr Prospector is a little confuse as a broodmare sire of stayers 3 years old but S.Wells by N.Dancer And secretariat and Exclusive Native can by a dangerous blood to play games at 12 furlongs but i can maid up my mine in a week.

re: Haskin: Lukas and Stevens' Long Journey Together

Soldier Course — Fri, 31 May 2013 20:11:18 GMT

Mike Relva:

We've been missing you since the Preakness.

re: Haskin: Lukas and Stevens' Long Journey Together

Bellwether — Fri, 31 May 2013 13:02:44 GMT

They sure tripped me and my pocket book up...Deep down I knew Oxbow was the Horse to look out for...Oxbow and his connections will always be my blessing in disguise!!!...Wonderful story to boot...ty...

re: Haskin: Lukas and Stevens' Long Journey Together

Slew — Thu, 30 May 2013 22:44:46 GMT

Gosh Steve, 2 words blanked out much else as I was taken back to another Golden Age...My all-time favorite jockey...Eddie Arcaro...astride the inimitable Citation. Wow!

Back to the present. Stevens has come back so strong and dominating that he has to be not only admired and respected, but also commended for his will power that enabled him to follow the regimen needed to get back to winning form.

I remember in the 2001 Derby, the hype was all about Point Given...he couldn't lose. Not having seen a prep race, I was backing Congaree. And Point Given just didn't show up. I didn't understand what the hype was all about. When the Preakness came, my jaw dropped as I watched Point Given's performance, and it was still dragging on the floor when I saw the Belmont. That was one awesome horse who shudda, wudda, cudda had the Crown. I can't find it in me to blame Gary, or the the trip, or anything else for the Derby loss. As I've said before, sometimes the horse is just not in the mood or tired or unconcerned.

On the other hand, there's always the ballad about Big Brown, a trainer with steroids, and a jockey who quit on his horse. Big Brown deserved a better team.

But Oxbow had a great team behind him. It was his day, and more power to him...he deserved a good win.

But Orb remains my main man this year. 9 days to the Belmont...I'm gearing up.

re: Haskin: Lukas and Stevens' Long Journey Together

TerriV — Thu, 30 May 2013 00:35:42 GMT

That piece of writing is so satisfying it almost makes up for the end of Triple Crown hope again this year. Almost.

re: Haskin: Lukas and Stevens' Long Journey Together

Your Only Friend — Wed, 29 May 2013 23:17:18 GMT

Great Article....

Lukas/Stevens

"Never say Never"

re: Haskin: Lukas and Stevens' Long Journey Together

JoyJackson21 — Wed, 29 May 2013 19:01:16 GMT

To SoCal Racer:

Why wouldn't Oxbow/Stevens/Lukas fans go back and support them again in the Belmont? Their fans were certainly rewarded well for their support in the Preakness Stakes. Oxbow has an excellent chance at doing well in this race. I have no trouble going back and supporting Oxbow w/Gary Stevens again. I did in the AK Derby. I did in the KY Derby. I did in the Preakness. It's no big deal to me doing so again in the Belmont Stakes. Singled and in exotics. I speak for myself, of course. But I get a feeling many others will be on board. Oxbow's odds are likely to be much lower in the Belmont Stakes than the 15-1 he went off at in the Preakness. That Preakness win woke up a lot of people about Oxbow. Those that fell off the bandwagon prior to that race will probably want to grab a good seat when they get back on the bandwagon again this time around. - LOL.

re: Haskin: Lukas and Stevens' Long Journey Together

Soldier Course — Wed, 29 May 2013 19:01:07 GMT

baramarie and SoCalRacer:

Well, yes, racing needs a Triple Crown winner. Desperately. Even Time magazine says so. And I need one, to get all my stars back in alignment and fulfill my personal legend. I suspect that many of us here feel that way, judging from all the passion.

But Orb lost. His personal legend does not include a three-sided silver bowl made by Cartier. The Triple Crown can't be connived. We wouldn't want that. So for now we have to find some consolation prize. Like this story about Lukas and Stevens.

re: Haskin: Lukas and Stevens' Long Journey Together

steve from st louis — Wed, 29 May 2013 15:40:21 GMT

I can't think of another sport where Hall of Fame inductees still compete at the highest level. What a gift racing is! The Coach can knock heads with trainers old enough to be his great-grandchildren while Stevens' return is akin to 52-year-old Eric Dickerson coming back and leading the NFL in rushing--again.

Thoroughbreds only get one chance to be three but the men and women in racing can remain as young as they feel.

re: Haskin: Lukas and Stevens' Long Journey Together

Derby Dew — Wed, 29 May 2013 12:05:07 GMT

Steve,

You nailed it with your story of two horseracing legends. I really enjoyed it, as I often do with your writing. You have this gift of richly describing events and people.

As for Lukas, count me among those who have criticized D. Wayne for his "run 'em till they drop" style of training. Well, I've now come full circle and admire Mr. Lukas'

method of racing his horses into shape. As long as they're sound, there's no reason to let them wallow in their stalls. Glad to see D. Wayne back on the big stage.

Gary Stevens, meanwhile, has returned to the saddle with renewed vigor. His life story is full of risk taking and he hasn't shied from taking new roads while out of the saddle (this guy can act).

Score one for the good guys..... there's more to come, I'm sure.

re: Haskin: Lukas and Stevens' Long Journey Together

Native Dancer — Wed, 29 May 2013 03:21:02 GMT

As usual Steve delights us with an incomparable depiction of the triumph of two beloved legends. I am always impressed by the perfect balance of emotions and utmost knowledge deployed in his writings. Gary Steven dedicating a win to a deceased friend certainly struck a climactic string in most of his readers …! The example of perseverance, discipline and passion put forward by these heroes is certainly very appealing.

I am pretty sure that these inspirational stories will germinate into the mind and souls of so many thoroughbred lovers and could eventually help create other Lukases and Stevens to enrich the sport and ensure its sustainability.

Again, most grateful to Steve and looking forward to his next creation.

re: Haskin: Lukas and Stevens' Long Journey Together

SoCalRacer — Wed, 29 May 2013 01:54:55 GMT

now now people..with all the excitement of Preakness Day with Gary Stevens Winning and Big Smile of Lukas saying "he's a dream breaker" at least for the KY Derby Winner and that is Not that good.. It's realy don't matter who win But it will Be a Big Boost for Racing Industries to have A Triple Crown Winner.. Now Oxbow is not a bad horse he got his way at the Preakness and Steven..well celebrate now but remember is not always the case.. the Belmont is next week ask yourself people, Are you Steven & Lukas fan will you bet them again? let see If the "Legend" Lukas Still have a Smile after The Belmont..maybe?

re: Haskin: Lukas and Stevens' Long Journey Together

Soldier Course — Tue, 28 May 2013 21:38:22 GMT

Wonderful photos.

In 2008 I had the pleasure of meeting Gary Stevens' son during a tour at Ashford Stud near Lexington. Gary's son was our guide that day. I remember how professional and unassuming he was, never calling attention to who his famous family connection until a person on the tour asked.

re: Haskin: Lukas and Stevens' Long Journey Together

Cheering sister — Tue, 28 May 2013 21:18:04 GMT

Just wnt to thank you for your Ox Tale story and this Legends one. I admit I'm biased towards Wayne (he's my brother). I've been cheering and supporting him from childhood.Glad he's proved himself and can just enjoy everything. It shows in the pictures--loved them.

re: Haskin: Lukas and Stevens' Long Journey Together

GJU — Tue, 28 May 2013 15:15:53 GMT

Well-done, Steve! Gary Stevens has always been my favorite jockey and to see him come back to ride after retiring and so far, prove to everyone that he CAN still ride with the best of them, makes horse racing that much more exciting for me. I followed him when he hit the big time out in Southern California in the 80's. SO great for horse racing to see him back in the saddle again. Thanks for another great story!

re: Haskin: Lukas and Stevens' Long Journey Together

JoyJackson21 — Tue, 28 May 2013 15:00:11 GMT

Hi Steve,

Great article! I loved it. You definitely put your finger on the pulse of explaining the happy, fate-filled teaming of Gary Stevens & D. Wayne Lukas. When these two get together, especially in a major stakes race, magic happens. My first connection with this historic duo was in the 1995 Kentucky Derby with Thunder Gulch. It was a huge, important win in the life of this (at that time) very young girl - HUGE! - and I've never forgotten a moment of that experience. Steve, you mentioned some names that bring back such wonderful, special memories for me (Thunder Gulch, Silver Charm, Charismatic, Serena's Song). I wasn't able to wager on Winning Colors (too young), but I did see the 1988 Derby on television and I remember being really excited Gary Stevens won the race and that he had won the race on a big, beautiful, powerful filly. That was exciting stuff to this young female fan of the sport. These two men, Gary Stevens and D. Wayne Lukas, have created some incredible historic moments in racing, many of them together. I definitely thought their special brand of magic would reappear in this year's Kentucky Derby. I was primed, I was ready for it! I was only one race off on that prediction. I'm so thrilled for these two Hall of Famers for their winning partnership in the Preakness Stakes, especially Gary Stevens, who has always been my favorite jockey. That these two greats pulled off the Preakness victory on the wonderfully-gritty, tough luck horse Oxbow makes me so happy. Oxbow deserved this victory - this horse fights so hard every race he's in despite a mountain of obstacles facing him. It doesn't matter to me that Oxbow doesn't win every race - it's the quality of Oxbow's effort that is impressive to me. Oxbow has heart. Oxbow, along with Gary and D. Wayne Lukas, make a marvelous team together. I couldn't be happier for all three of them. The first picture accompanying this article of Oxbow, Stevens & Lukas together totally captures essence of the greatness of their bond. Two racing greats meshing their talents, experience & belief in the potential of a scrappy fighter of a horse named Oxbow together to bring this horse his own moment of Triple Crown racing history. It's an incredible photograph, Steve. Great job in capturing their essence, their bond.

This moment, and both men's intertwined story of friendship, mentorship & fateful magic, will make a great movie some day. And who better than Gary Stevens himself to play Gary Stevens in the movie? - LOL. He has the acting chops for it, and he can even do his own stunt work riding the horses. I think it would make a pretty good movie.

"The Comeback Kids". That's a great caption for your first photo, Steve. "The Comeback Kids" is what the movie studio should name the movie about them, too.

I'm looking forward to seeing more great moments from Gary Stevens, D. Wayne Lukas, and Oxbow. Their stories are all far from over. And each one is a great story. I wish them all great good fortune in the Belmont Stakes and many races beyond!

re: Haskin: Lukas and Stevens' Long Journey Together

CHIEF PICAWINNA — Tue, 28 May 2013 14:00:37 GMT

The modern day schemes I agree are

more sophisticated they have to be,but the seedy side of the business was there and still remains even more so because their is a lot more money.

As far as picking a stakes winner by breeding, hello have you been reading this blog, and a lot of the regular posters.

re: Haskin: Lukas and Stevens' Long Journey Together

Cassandra.Says — Tue, 28 May 2013 09:35:38 GMT

Nick Nolte could never look "dapper," and Lukas doesn't do "rugged."

Can't see Lukas as a washed-up old hardboot with one horse. It's a part Mickey Rooney played a few times.

I would have watched it more faithfully if it had been filmed in sepia and everyone wore '30s clothes. I mean, really. You stiff a horse for half a year at Santa Anita to make $30,000 betting? When were Santa Anita's purses that low? And you are covering up a hot prospect that nobody knows was sired by Alydar? Secret pedigrees? For that matter, who has ever predicted a stakes win from knowing the sire?

A caricature of a long-gone era.

re: Haskin: Lukas and Stevens' Long Journey Together

Steel Dragon — Tue, 28 May 2013 04:06:12 GMT

Great story Steve, but the Preakness was a joke. Stevens pretty much said so himself.

re: Haskin: Lukas and Stevens' Long Journey Together

Fran Loszynski — Tue, 28 May 2013 01:54:50 GMT

Congrats to Midnight Lucky and Rosie yipeee to Gainesway. Thanks for bringing her home Rosie

re: Haskin: Lukas and Stevens' Long Journey Together

CHIEF PICAWINNA — Mon, 27 May 2013 21:46:49 GMT

Cassandra.Says I should have wrote they kinda look similar sans the three piece suit.