War! What is it Good For?

re: War! What is it Good For?

Pedigree Ann — Sun, 01 Sep 2013 11:45:13 GMT

Postscript:

Watching the Australian review/preview show at the Australian Racing the in Americas site. Lead-in to the review of the Up and Coming, they did us THE SONG for the intro with slow-motion video of the end of the race. Great minds think alike?

re: War! What is it Good For?

trackjack — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 11:12:55 GMT

Coldfacts,

My sincere sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your mother.

re: War! What is it Good For?

Coldfacts — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 18:06:25 GMT

Many thanks for your kind thoughts.

I posted favorably about Footbridge as part of my evaluation of the 3YO crop in early Spring.

I do not recall regarding him as a freak or a world beater. He went MIA after the Bluegrass and has present any opportunities for further evaluation..

It should not be forgotten he raced without Lasix and other race day medications. Those from the Pletcher camp are all high octane horses.

re: War! What is it Good For?

Ranagulzion — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 17:54:06 GMT

Coldfacts 26 Aug 2013 7:34 PM

Sorry to hear of your mother's passing ...my condolences to you and your family.

I'm glad about your fortune with Todd Pletcher's Capo Bastone. Perhaps very soon ...even in the Breeder Cup Classic Verrazano might reward you in similar fashion :)

I must remind you that both Uncle Mo and Union Rags were top class horses that were retired too soon, albeit because of health issues ...I wouldn't say they flattered to deceive. Your famously touted Footbridge flattered to deceive. Verrazano will be back with a vengeance. Peace.

re: War! What is it Good For?

Pedigree Ann — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 12:56:00 GMT

War! What is it good for?

Good enough for first place in the Up and Coming S (G3) for newly-turned 3yos at Warwick Farm in Sydney last Saturday. The son of More Than Ready out of a Zabeel mare who is a half-sister to the dam of More Joyous (More Than Ready's best Aussie runner) won by about a length in 1:16.66 for the 1300m race. Trainer Gai Waterhouse says "[War] is a very nice horse in the making."

re: War! What is it Good For?

Paula Higgins — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 02:28:53 GMT

Some really interesting comments here. Thank you Ranagulzion! I like your idea that Verazzano bounced after the Haskell. I still think he is a better horse than that performance. Game on Dude was the bomb. Really happy for Bob Baffert and GOD. I would love to see him in the BCC. If he wins that, then I think he is HOTY. Would love to see Royal Delta in the BCC but don't think that is going to happen. Wise Dan is still the frontrunner.

re: War! What is it Good For?

Coldfacts — Mon, 26 Aug 2013 23:49:34 GMT

History is against a GOD victory in the BCC. No 6YO has ever won the race. No horse that has won or contested the Dubai WC has been a subsequent winner of the BCC.

In his 5 victories in 2013, Clubhouse Ride finished 2nd three time and Kettle Corn twice. Are any of those two horses considered serious contender for the BCC?

The BCC has been dominated by 3YOs & 4YOs. It has also been dominated by The Mr. Prospector sire line. Focus should therefore be on the likely starters that fall into those two categories.

re: War! What is it Good For?

Coldfacts — Mon, 26 Aug 2013 23:34:49 GMT

Ranagulzion,

I will have to carefully consider posting negative information about Todd Pletcher's program.

On Saturday I hit my biggest trifecta with Capo Bastone. He looked magnificent in the post parade and he had the back class. He finished 2L, 3rd in the Breeders Cup Juvenile. Under a suspect ride he lost by a NS to Forty Tales in the Derby Trials.

I was taking no chances as I keyed him with the entire field. The Tri paid $16,000. I had the exacta as well. ($749)

I was not even going to gamble on Saturday as on Thursday I had to be party to a decision to remove my mother from life support. She passed away peacefully.

A friend encouraged me to get out of the house and do what I normally do on Saturdays. He figured it would ease my state of depression. With the utmost of reluctance I agreed. It was a good day but I could not really celebrate.

Did you read my last post regarding Moreno? I ended it by stating I would be irresponsible to exclude him from my wagers. His price was too appealing to ignore so I had to take a shot.

A for Verrazano, you can stop making excuses for him. He is not as good as assumed. Both Verrazano and Flashback were regarded as freaks. What did they do attain this status? Enlighten us!

If you have not learnt anything from the hype associated with Uncle Mo and Union Rags, you will forever fall victim horses that flatter to deceive.

re: War! What is it Good For?

Dr Drunkinbum — Mon, 26 Aug 2013 19:22:36 GMT

The winner of The Classic has run it in under two minutes, six times. Ravens Pass 2008, Ghostzapper 2004, Pleasantly Perfect 2003, Cat Thief 1999, Skip Away 1997, and Cigar in 1995. I think there is a pretty good chance that Game On Dude will win it in under two minutes or someone will have to run it in under two to beat him. Of course it depends on who enters and how much early speed there is, although Game On is capable even without too much pressure. He's at the top of his game. The question with him is- Is he likely to run slower with more pressure? His best races have been with him in control and setting reasonable fractions. If he has turned the corner mentally so that he can handle any scenario then we are definitly in for seeing a spectacular race.

re: War! What is it Good For?

Ranagulzion — Mon, 26 Aug 2013 18:42:25 GMT

Paula Higgins 24 Aug 2013 10:57 PM

Excellent post. Bravo.

Coldfacts,

I'll take my blows on the Travers result ...very disappointed that Verrazano did not fire ...after six furlongs he was done, in slow fractions, and so I'm not in any way convinced that it was a class/stamina issue ... the more reasonable explanation is that he "bounced" off his previous big effort in the Haskel. If he's okay I'll guarantee you that he'll be back for sweet redemption, and this time at a price that even you will GLADLY TAKE a-la-Capo Bastone in the Kings Bishop, with all the naysayers and wagonists off of him. Horses are flesh and blood.

Well well, Game on Dude rattled off another facile victory in California in the Pacific Classic. He does look impressive as usual beating up on the competition out there but I say that the day of reckoning is still to come when he faces real pace on the front end.

Signal, my friend,

If you're out there reading this ...enjoy the moment. I tell you again, the only horse that can stay in his comfort zone and be crowned HOTY is the defending HOY. Peace.

re: War! What is it Good For?

Dr Drunkinbum — Mon, 26 Aug 2013 18:38:54 GMT

I forgot to mention that Game On has won five graded races already this year, three Grade ones, and Two Grade Twos. The Grade Ones were all at 10f and he ran two of them in under 2:01. Monster.

re: War! What is it Good For?

Dr Drunkinbum — Mon, 26 Aug 2013 18:31:39 GMT

Racingfan

I agree completely with every word of your last statement. Game On Dude is going to be very tough to beat in The Classic. If he gets the lead with easy fractions, it's all over with. The only chance to beat him is to get him off of his game plan, or for him to get in some trouble that throws him off mentally. He won every top Grade One S. Cal race this year, the Big Cap, Hollywood Gold Cup and Pacific Classic with the Pacific Classic being a monster thrashing of some really good horses. If he wins The Classic as the probable favorite and they deny him HOY then they need to throw the HOY award in the trash. It looks like Royal Delta is going for the three-peat in the Distaff so the two I see with the most potential to beat Game On in The Classic are Paynter and Palace Malice. Nice post dude.

re: War! What is it Good For?

ksweatman9 — Mon, 26 Aug 2013 18:08:01 GMT

Okay, it's not too late for that "shot of crazy in the arm of horse racing". A match race between the super geldings, Danny Boy and the Dude. Let's say we do a mile and an eighth. Sound fair? On dirt ofcoarse. Alright, what are we waiting for? Let's get this party started.

re: War! What is it Good For?

Slew — Mon, 26 Aug 2013 14:07:38 GMT

Both Royal Delta and Game On Dude dominated their fields at 10f. Wise Dan, while dominant, hasn't conquered a Classic distance. Love them all, but it looks as though the Dude and the Delta are both closing in on the HOY sooner than the Dan.

WOW! What a race day Sunday was!

re: War! What is it Good For?

Racingfan — Mon, 26 Aug 2013 02:14:07 GMT

GAME ON DUDE FOR HORSE OF THE YEAR!!! Time for him to start getting some respect!

re: War! What is it Good For?

Slew — Sun, 25 Aug 2013 16:06:25 GMT

Has anyone else noticed that this particular sophomore class, more than ever before, has no real leader.

A colt will run a spectacular G1 on the TC trail, and then, poof...he's wiped out for the next 3 months. They are simply not coming back to form as quickly as their sires and grandsires were so able to do.

To me, Shug is "old school", Pletcher is part of the "new school", but neither is proving to be the better way.

Can our breeding habits have finally caught up to our inattention to stamina, and our lust for short speed, and finally deprived us of a stalwart breed.

My god! The Arabian is the epitome of strength and endurance...and it ain't there no more!

What have we done??? to the horse??? to the sport??? Many were paying attention, and many were vocal in their doubts. But the breeders do not seem to have listened.

And where do we go from here?

re: War! What is it Good For?

ksweatman9 — Sun, 25 Aug 2013 15:44:42 GMT

This race was exactly why Wise Dan fans are dying for him to challenge the 3 year olds and company in the BC classic. Anyone still think that Horse of the Year is not up for grabs? If Danny boy continues to win and leaves Moonlit Cloud, should she show up, and the other Euro ponies in his dust at the Breeders Cup, I say he has a good shot at the honors for a second consecutive year. Either way, Wise Dan comes away looking pretty darn good this year. Ofcoarse he has his share of critics, that's to be expected, but after all is said and done, I think he's the best horse we have. Oh yes, I love you Paynter. Good luck!

re: War! What is it Good For?

Pedigree Ann — Sun, 25 Aug 2013 06:12:01 GMT

May I please say "I told you so" on War Dancer? One of the few pleasures of being right without money on it.

Had to watch a replay of the race since I am with the hubby in Lithuania for a business trip. First thought - what the heck is the jock doing, keeping Orb on the rail? He doesn't like it, showed that in the Preakness. AH, Rosario hurt, another guy on. All is clear.

Second thought - why is Palace Malice at the back of the field when they are going so glacially slow up front? Ah, stumbled start, it says on the chart. What a bummer for him.

Third thought - where was Verrazano? Sat behind a slow pace, ahead of Orb and Will Take Charge, should have had a sweet trip. Could it be that he doesn't stay 10f after all? Hmmm, maybe?

I do think Orb might have won with a prep before this race. Going into a distance race cold after a layoff has always been a tough proposition. Ask Nick Zito (Bellamy Road 2005) and Kenny McPeek (Repent 2002) - each horse ran a good second in the Travers without a race all summer. Prep races, win or lose, get or keep a horse fit. Even if you don't (gasp!) win every time.

re: War! What is it Good For?

Coldfacts — Sun, 25 Aug 2013 04:55:20 GMT

Ranagulzion,

Coldfacts 19 Aug 2013 3:51 PM

“You said "History is against a Palace Malice victory in the Travers". You could be right but history is really not a determining factor (only useful for the records after the actual race).”

Well, history held firm after the race. You did specify that I could be right.

“This Travers is looking very exciting on paper but the result may turn out to be an anticlimax when Verrazano streaks off to a facile victory”

I have posted repeatedly that Verrazano has not broken 1:50 in his two attempts at 9F. How can a knowledgeable thoroughbred enthusiast entertain thoughts that this colt is something special? I have been on record that he is just another over hyped horse. He is a January foal. Name the last January foal that was 3YO champion. Mares do not foal in January in our cold climate if they are not placed under lights to manipulate their cycle.

JerseyBoy

“Verrazano drew post 3. If the track is dry, it should be a walk in the park.”

There was no water visible on the Saratoga dirt surface on Saturday. There has to be a park in close proximity to Saratoga. That obviously is where the super horse was taking a walk

You guys cannot be serious!

re: War! What is it Good For?

Coldfacts — Sun, 25 Aug 2013 04:34:07 GMT

Extract from previous post:

Dr Drunkinbum,

“I think Palace Malice is the king of the jungle”

He won the Jim Dandy from a fast finishing Will Take Charge. If records are correct Will Take Charge finished 8th in the KD, 7th in the Preakness and 10th in the Belmont. The last time WTC ran a competitive race prior to the Jim Dandy was his winning effort in the Rebel.

What caused his sudden return to form? I can identify two possibilities. The surface at Saratoga could be one. He made his debut at that track and finished 5th in a 5.5F race. A 5th place finish is a winning effort for him at that distance. The removal of the blinkers could be #2 and the most significant. Mr. Lukas believes all horses require the head gear. A return to form WTC should have the better of PM at 10F.

re: War! What is it Good For?

Paula Higgins — Sun, 25 Aug 2013 02:57:16 GMT

Well, it's not called the graveyard of champions for nothing. Will Take Charge and Moreno in the Travers proved that old chestnut right. Orb did himself proud after the layoff though. A little surprised Palace Malice and Verazzano did not do better. Happy for D. Wayne Lukas and his young jockey. A big win for him. The big surprise for me was Mentor Cane in the Kings Bishop who almost pulled it off. I did not think he would do as well as he did. Happy for John Shirreffs who has not had the best Saratoga season so far.

re: War! What is it Good For?

Age of Reason — Sun, 25 Aug 2013 01:07:37 GMT

It is as I suspected: Verrazano is this year's Uncle Mo...

re: War! What is it Good For?

Slew — Sat, 24 Aug 2013 23:42:02 GMT

Whoaaaa...what the heck was that? I posted this am on the other blog, picking Orb of course.

On a track that's been playing like a dragstrip for 2 days, the Travers seemed to be playing in slow motion.

I must say that I remember Orb being well-muscled and strong during his Triple Crown run. After 77 days rest, and being 2/3's into the year, I expected to see a few extra pounds needing to be worked off. Instead, I saw a horse too lean, (trying to be a runway model?) who was sweating excessively. Where did all those muscles go?

At least Orb tried, finishing 3rd...on the rail no less.

But about the graveyard of favorites? Verrazano 7th? Lots of flash; no cash.

Irad Ortiz was tactically masterful. Great ride on Will Take Charge. Had to bleed a bit for Moreno, who set the pace but was beaten to the wire in a photo. Almost a rerun of the King's Bishop and Mentor Cane.

re: War! What is it Good For?

Dr Drunkinbum — Sat, 24 Aug 2013 22:49:01 GMT

I know that Palace Malice got off to a bad start but I was disappointed that Smith didn't work harder sooner to get him into the race. Palace could have easily handled a longer sustained drive. I'm not too disappointed since I had a win bet on Will Take Charge but I say it's time for a jockey change ASAP on Palace since Smith will be riding Royal Delta in The Classic anyway. I do think that Palace will redeem himself in the Jockey Gold Cup and be ready for The Classic. Orb ran great after 77 days off, and is clearly a class horse. Moreno looks like he is developing into something special. I still put Palace at the top of the division. Will Take Charge showed who he really is. He just needed that little break to recover after running in all three legs of the Triple Crown. The Preakness and Belmont were tosses. He didn't have time to recover from The Derby, and it was a little lucky that he didn't run harder in the second two legs so that he could recover. I think Verrazano in reality could be a really good miler, but is not a ten furlong horse.

re: War! What is it Good For?

Fran Loszynski — Sat, 24 Aug 2013 17:56:43 GMT

It's funny Steve I looked at War dancer's name. Now I know why he is related to Afleet Alex's Mom Hawkster.and Orb and Palice malice are awesome too. This is going to be an awesome race folks and who knows the winner Will Take Charge. Thank you for the info on War Dancer but as a horse racing fan Verrazano is my pick today