Princess Cruises; Time to Drop Anchor?

re: Princess Cruises; Time to Drop Anchor?

Tana Rae — Tue, 08 Oct 2013 06:59:20 GMT

Steve....Princess of Sylmar is one of the reasons I follow thoroughbred horse racing. She and others have given me priceless pleasure. I, for one, delight in learning about their personalities, their quirks, the little things that say something about them. You do so well in this capacity. You observe and report the subtleties of a horse ( if you've owned one you know what I mean). Thanks for the article and thanks to Mr. Stanco for keeping the welfare and racing longevity of his princess as a top priority in mind (I hope).

re: Princess Cruises; Time to Drop Anchor?

Ranagulzion — Sat, 05 Oct 2013 18:15:42 GMT

Coldfacts 04 Oct 2013 4:13 AM

Paynter chased Mucho Macho Man in the Awesome Again like a perfectly healthy horse that's rounding into his best form. He'll surprise you in the Breeder's Cup classic.

I do find your angle of analysis re: age of BCC winners interesting but think that the pattern can be broken if the race sets up for a genuine Grade 1, 10 Furlongs veteran like Ron The Greek.

re: Princess Cruises; Time to Drop Anchor?

Coldfacts — Fri, 04 Oct 2013 09:16:59 GMT

When Zenyatta was being supported for a repeat in the BCC, I cited that no horse older than five had ever won the race. By virtue of this cold fact she had a huge historic hurdle to clear. History will reflect that she lost to the 4YO Blame.

The BCC has been won by horses falling into three age groups:

3YOs - 9

4YOs - 13

5YOs – 7

The likes of Zenyatta, Pleasantly Perfect and Cigar failed to repeat as 6YOs. These horses carried far better credentials than GOD.

Game On Dude contested the BCC for the first time as a 4YO and finished 2nd. He contested the race again as a 5YO and this time despite home court advantage he finished 7th.

He is now 6YO and finds himself in the age group that has never won the race. He had two cracks when he was in two of the dominant age groups and never got the job done. Even his most ardent supporters must come to the realization that his time has already passed.

Not many horses have contested the BCC three times. If my records are correct Perfect Drift contested 4 consecutive BCCs and is most likely the record holder for number of attempts in the race.

He contested the BCC the first time as a 4YO. As cited above 4YOs dominate the race. He finished 6th. In his attempt as 5YO he finished 4th; as a 6YO he finished 3rd and as a 7YO he finished 8th.

Flat Out, Ron The Greek and Game On Dude are in the age group that has never won the classic. Based on historic data they can be safely eliminated from the top spot. The focus should be on horses from the categories that have dominated the race since its inauguration.

re: Princess Cruises; Time to Drop Anchor?

Coldfacts — Fri, 04 Oct 2013 08:13:12 GMT

“In fact I'd even fancy his stalemate Paynter to be the real dark horse coming into the Classic.”

If my recollection is correct Paynter had a portion of his intestines removed to address his medical issues. I am not a Veterinarian but from a layman perspective, I hardly believe this horse will be able to win the BCC or any other top race.

He should have been retired for stud duties. After such a serious illness it’s a shame his owner and trainer have seen it fit to continue his racing career when he has done enough to be an appealing stallion prospect.

re: Princess Cruises; Time to Drop Anchor?

Coldfacts — Fri, 04 Oct 2013 08:02:45 GMT

Kris Marshall,

CORRECTION: "Taking all of the above in context, do you seriously believe she is good enough to beat older MALES?"

re: Princess Cruises; Time to Drop Anchor?

TerriZ — Fri, 04 Oct 2013 01:39:31 GMT

What a diminutive sweet and graceful warrior-princess the Princess of Sylmar is. How wonderful it is her owner cherishes her and wants to do the best for her. She reminds me of Awesome Feather and Lady Secret.

Wouldn't it be cool if she were bred to the King of racing in PA (Smarty Jones) when she retires?

re: Princess Cruises; Time to Drop Anchor?

The Deacon — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 23:18:50 GMT

Ranagulzion: I certainly can understand why you feel the way you do about Game on Dude. In my heart I believe this year may be different. He seems to do better when he has had ample time to recover. He loves the Santa Anita track and I do not think the 3 year olds will even hit the board. Cross Traffic is out as well. Is Paynter the same horse as he was before the laminitis fiasco.

Fort Larned, Ron the Greek, Mucho Macho Man, Flat Out or whoever comes west from the handicap division are mostly geldings and have run hot and cold all year.

God is very sharp right now and if my rememberer serves me Native Diver always had to have the lead in a race as have many others. It's just their style.

He did finish 2nd with Chantal Sutherland aboard to Drosselmeyer so I know he is good enough.

Personally, I think it is his time and he rates real well for Mike Smith.

re: Princess Cruises; Time to Drop Anchor?

Ranagulzion — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 19:22:53 GMT

Signal,

Take it easy buddy ...I dont hate any horse, never did, never will. Sorry to hurt your feelings by not touting the "Dude" for HOTY. He's undoubtedly a top class horse and one of the most consistent ones in recent times to carry top level performance over three straight seasons. However, in reality he's kindof a one-trick pony, in that he has to break on top and control the pace against inferior opposition to score. We've all seen him been outrun to the wire several times whenever the competion is really tough so don't call me a hater for not being a believer.

Personally I don't see him winning the Breeder's Cup Classic if his serious competitors, Fort Larned, Mucho Macho Man and Ron The Greek report on top of their game. In fact I'd even fancy his stablemate Paynter to be the real dark horse coming into the Classic. I believe that he too will get the better of the "Dude" on the big day. We'll see who's emotional at the end of the day. Peace.

re: Princess Cruises; Time to Drop Anchor?

Coldfacts — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 15:52:32 GMT

Kris Marshall,

I am aware of USA bred and French raced Jolypha's 3rd place finish in the BCC. However, my question was how many 3YO fillies have won the BCC? The answer is none.

Royal Delta was defeated in June by a mare that is an allowance race winner. Clearly POS is much better than that mare and she likewise defeated Royal Delta.

You should not forget that in POS's two victories' preceding the Beldame the fillies that finished second to her were not good enough to make the Oaks field.

Taking all of the above in context, do you seriously believe she is good enough to beat older mares?

re: Princess Cruises; Time to Drop Anchor?

Signal — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 13:46:56 GMT

Ranagulzion,

You are the Game on Dude hater or should I say very jalousy that you do not own a horse like him.

Kepp troting, first your super horse Verazano gonna thump GOD,

then prove that's was all hype,

remember at the time that you hyped on him, I challenge you to bet head on in which you refused,

then after you see Verazano was just an everage horse then you change to hype on Successful Dan will be the horse to beat GOD,

now Mucho Macho Man ran one good race and beat the lesser horse, all of the sudden he is your new star, your are a great monday quarterback.

Game on Dude would be very salty on the big day, just watch.

I responded to you all this because you direct the quote direct to me, I already decided not to pay attention to your opinions since I found that you are not as knowledge as many people in here.

re: Princess Cruises; Time to Drop Anchor?

Signal — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 13:25:58 GMT

Greg R,

" Now, she has capped off her season with an extra Gr1, while outrunning the top older mare in the country."

Royal Delta looks like a very tired horse, and i think Beholder will beat her fair and square too.

at the end of the season she will have won 5 Gr1 inlude the second Breeder's cup, and yet Beholder is not even good enough to compare to a filly that never win one cup.

That's call " Hype & Emotional "

re: Princess Cruises; Time to Drop Anchor?

Pedigree Ann — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 13:17:18 GMT

Ranagulzion-

It is never a surprise when an entire son of Unbridle's Song is injured. And remember, this is a horse with only one major win to his credit.

re: Princess Cruises; Time to Drop Anchor?

Greg R — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 04:50:56 GMT

Signal: Yes, even if Beholder wins the Distaff, I don't think she has done enough to outweigh what P O S has accomplished. Remember, after the Alabama, most people were saying that P O S had likely clinched the 3-yr-old filly Eclipse. Now, she has capped off her season with an extra Gr I, while outrunning the top older mare in the country.

Paseana: Be not vexed. Consider, however, how many of R D's losses have come when she was favored. I'm not comparing her outstanding record to those of any old run-of-the-mill distaffers. I'm comparing her record to fans' lofty expectations, which have tended to be excessive. And, since she started preferring the front end, she's made herself more vulnerable with that running style. She may well rebound with a triumph in the Distaff ; she is certainly capable. I would never in a million years put her in the Classic at 1 1/4, a la Havre de Grace or Zenyatta.

re: Princess Cruises; Time to Drop Anchor?

smarie — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 22:07:27 GMT

I believe that Princess of Sylmar's connections will be able to accurately assess their horse's condition and fitness and then use this information to make the decision whether or not to run her in the Ladies Distaff or in any other races in 2013. The health and welfare of this filly should be the only consideration.

PomDe Terre, are you from Missouri? We go boating on a beautiful lake with the same name there.

re: Princess Cruises; Time to Drop Anchor?

Ranagulzion — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 20:24:07 GMT

Signal,

Game On Dude is definitely a part of the HOTY discussion right now but reality will hit you once the Breeder's Cup classic is run my friend. I just read that Cross Traffic is injured and out but Fort Larned and Mucho Macho Man will show no mercy, not to mention a rejuvinated Ron The Greek. enjoy your dream for the moment.

JerseyBoy 01 Oct 2013 7:13 PM

In this Sunday's Arc de Triomphe that filly Treve does have a great shot but I'm taking Ruler of The World (liked his prep race) over the Japanese horse Orfevre. Good luck.

re: Princess Cruises; Time to Drop Anchor?

steve from st louis — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 18:49:28 GMT

These gorgeous animals run for our pleasure and it seems the majority of fans are gettting a real kick out of seeing the little Princess stretch her legs and run past her Royal Highness. I've seen enough to toast them both all winter. They look different but their hearts are very similar. Here's to 2014!

re: Princess Cruises; Time to Drop Anchor?

Bigtex — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 17:54:52 GMT

I hate the way things ended for Rachel. Let her rest, keep her happy, continue to develop. Maybe we should say give her the treatment Hal Wiggins would've given Rachel had he kept her & let the chips fall where they may.

re: Princess Cruises; Time to Drop Anchor?

ksweatman9 — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 16:58:51 GMT

It's hard for me to see someone dropping the anchor on a horse that appears to be running like a freight train in full gear, especially with the breeders cup right around the corner. Not that the princess has anything to prove or that winning the Ladies Distaff would define her as a champion. A year is a long time in the life of a thoroughbred, an instant can change the future of a race horse. Sure, they can set their sights on 2014, but for many horses, next year never comes. The princess is brilliant today, this is her time. How she will run as a 4 year old is yet to be seen. Rachel Alexandra was phenomenal as a 3 year old, but lost some of that magic when she returned as a 4 year old. It happens, no shame in it. I'm not suggesting running any horse into a state of burn out, but I think the princess would give some indication if that were going to happen. If this wonderful filly wants to run, let her run. I'm looking forward to seeing her at the BC and hope they don't decide to drop the anchor just yet.

re: Princess Cruises; Time to Drop Anchor?

Pedigree Ann — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 15:00:55 GMT

In the past, there was a SERIES of races in the fall that decided championships, both for males and females. The Beldame was part of the gals' series, but so were the Spinster and the Ladies. And, when the Beldame was the October 10f race at Belmont (1977-1989, no longer run since stakes horses need 6 weeks between races these days, or so we are told), so was the Ruffian S at 9f.

Just like in golf, winning the Masters or PGA or Open is a major feather in the cap, but doesn't guarantee you are the best golfer of the year. But winning all three does. Odd things can happen in a single horse race, like Cross Traffic misses the break and is last early. Only with a series of top-class races can you tease out who is really the best horse.

re: Princess Cruises; Time to Drop Anchor?

Paseana — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 14:57:33 GMT

I will never understand for the life of me how anyone can call Royal Delta inconsistent when she has 12 wins, five seconds, and a third in 21 career starts! And two of the only three off-the-board finishes were in fool-hardy attempts in the DWC! Her ONLY other truly bad race was at quirky Tampa Bay Downs in her 2nd or 3rd career start when she wasn't yet even remotely what she has become!

Does a mare like her HAVE to win every single start to be labeled "consistent"?

Honestly, the way some people talk, you'd think she'd been a money-burner all of her life. I'm sorry....I'm probably over-reacting, but I'm really getting tired of folk calling Royal Delta "inconsistent" and "unreliable". It just makes me crazy!

There.....rant over. Carry on! :-)

re: Princess Cruises; Time to Drop Anchor?

Signal — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 14:18:35 GMT

Greg R,

" Even if she had finish second to her elder, she'd have lost nothing in defeat and possibly even gained a little lustre, if she made it close."

So what you saying, even she loose to RD, and Beholder win in the Breeders'Cup Distaff,do you think Princess still be crown 3 yo champ.

Just wondering.

re: Princess Cruises; Time to Drop Anchor?

The Deacon — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 07:45:55 GMT

I said that if Princess of Sylmar runs and wins the Ladies Distaff she should be in the conversation for HOTY mention. A few of you agreed with that statement, many of you did not. That's your opinion, be that as it may. But consider this. If Wise Dan and Game on Dude both lose then it is NOT inconceivable that the Princess could get some serious mention. Didn't Azeri a few years back win horse of the year and I don't remember her beating the boys.

I didn't compare the Princess to Rachel or Big Z (and no one should), I just feel that her campaign has been pretty special.

One last point, maybe it's me but I thought Royal Delta looked like a tired horse at the 8th pole.

She has had a rigid campaign and I hope she doesn't end up like Blind Luck or Life at Ten. Hopefully I am wrong.........

re: Princess Cruises; Time to Drop Anchor?

Greg R — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 03:37:19 GMT

Princess and her folks have already gone above and beyond by running against older fillies and mares in the Beldame, after they had considered stopping with the Alabama. She has already gone the extra mile... (and an eighth)!

I thought beforehand that this was the time to try Royal Delta, while Princess was still in top form and Delta might not be wound up all the way, since Mott wants her to peak at the Breeder's Cup and probably thought she was good enough to win the Beldame even if she wasn't 100% race-tight.

I've said before that Royal Delta, though extremely talented, is inconsistent. She also seems to weaken late in many of her races, even when she wins. I've never shared the notion that she belongs in the ten-furlong Classic, especially in a year when there is so much speed in the elite handicap division.

Three cheers for Princess. Even if she had finished second to her elder, she'd have lost nothing in defeat and possibly even gained a little lustre, if she made it close. But drawing away by daylight? Who'd have thunk?!

re: Princess Cruises; Time to Drop Anchor?

Charlie Pigg — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 01:39:35 GMT

Great article, Steve. .as always. I was pulling for Princess of Sylmar almost as much as for Palace Malice Saturday. What a great performance by the marvelous filly. I've been fortunate to be around her a lot this year. And to visit with Ed Stanko and his people a few times. They are really outstanding folks. And I was especially lucky to be there Saturday evening when he brought Averie and her an her father to the barn to visit Princess. These are the wonderful things that greatly enhance the experiences of being involved with these gallant horses. Thanks for your wonderful background stories.

re: Princess Cruises; Time to Drop Anchor?

Paula Higgins — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 00:58:02 GMT

I do not think racing POS in the distaff would do her in for next season. I probably would not race POS in the classic if they are going for year 4, which they are. On the other hand, I might race Royal Delta in the classic. If Wise Dan's connections decided to go in the classic, I would not put any of the girls in the classic. The distaff should be one amazing race this year if all the top tier girls show up. derbylin, I like your idea of a Grand Slam or Triple Crown just for the girls. I think the chances of any girl winning the Triple Crown is very unlikely when running against boys in races that close together. So why not something just for the girls?