Belmont Wrapup: Avian Adventures

re: Belmont Wrapup: Avian Adventures

Soldier Course — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 01:28:18 GMT

TerriV, Freetex, and anncat:

And who can forget Epic Steam discovering his true self, jumping the fence into the mares' paddock that morning?

And Froney's Sis dropping in a dead faint when they tightened the girth?

And Mr. T home at last?

And on and on ...

re: Belmont Wrapup: Avian Adventures

Freetex — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 20:47:09 GMT

TerriV

JustaBob, also is a part of our family.

re: Belmont Wrapup: Avian Adventures

My Juliet — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 20:46:30 GMT

Steve, I am new to this blog and enjoy your articles very much. I didn't know you were an author of those racing books, as da3hoss mentioned. I'm looking forward to reading one soon.

For Big Red, I am very surprised about SA, that it's future is not assured. While hearing of some track's closing, and attendance being down over these past years, I have always thought of SA (and NY and KY tracks) at least as untouchable. I was fortunate to visit SA as a kid in the 1970's and remember how beautiful it was, palm trees and mountains in the distance. Maybe horseracing can regain the popularity it once enjoyed -like in the 70's:) In my opinion changes probably need to be made for that to happen.

re: Belmont Wrapup: Avian Adventures

Freetex — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 20:46:22 GMT

To JB Stoned:

To add a couple of titles:

The Byerley Turk

Sweet William(out of print, but you can get it rather cheaply on Amazon) A tough read.

The Horses of Proud Spirit

The Longest Shot

Funny Cide

re: Belmont Wrapup: Avian Adventures

TerriV — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:21:28 GMT

Thank you so much for the great information about Stardom Bound. Now I can quit worrying about her. Nice to hear she's being a horse for awhile and I can't wait to see her on the track again.

I just read the new info about Calvin not being able to get a ride at Belmont either during the week or on Sat. That is just weird! I can't figure that but if he couldn't get a ride, he certainly deserves no criticism because he didn't. It must have been very frustrating for him and, in that case, he was very gracious to remain so self-contained in the face of so much commentary. I will always admire Calvin because he loves the horses, always gives them credit and rides with respect and consideration for the horse.

I love Mine That Bird (Summer Bird is growing on me) and his performances in all three races was thrilling. He and all his connections have nothing to be ashamed of or "what if" over. "What If" being a favorite past-time I'm sure it'll happen but he was a joy and I'll be watching him for as long as he runs and after.

Steve, I brought my copy of Tales of the Triple Crown with me to the Preakness and Belmont just hoping I'd be able to get you to sign them. I accidently ran into Chip Wooley at the Preakness in front of the booth that sells all the photographs - why not hope to run into you. Oh well, one of these days.

For Soldier Course, JustaBob is a fixture in conversations in my family. Couldn't you just picture Mine That Bird standing in the pond.

re: Belmont Wrapup: Avian Adventures

Soldier Course — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:20:46 GMT

anncat:

Isn't "Horse Heaven" a classic? I first read this novel not long after I made the jump from casual fan to racing fanatic, so a lot of it went over my head at that point. But I kept returning to the book and saw more and more in it with each new reading. Now a copy sits on my nightstand, and I read a random passage or two every night. You can open the book anywhere and be entralled by Jane Smiley's gorgeous writing and amazing insight.

Not long after I discovered this novel, I bought a large silver collar pin, oval-shaped with grooves etched all around the edge so that the piece resembles a racetrack. Instead of monogramming the pin with my initials, I had the jeweler put "JustaSmile" on it. I get lots of questions about this, and therefore lots of opportuntities to talk about racing and the book.

Will you ever forget JustaBob?

re: Belmont Wrapup: Avian Adventures

Clockwatcher — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:00:25 GMT

The mile in the Belmont was run in 1:37.4, the mile and a quarter in 2:01.3 Thus, the fifth quarter was run in 23.4. In that quarter, Mine That Bird went from 5 and 1/2 lengths off the lead to the lead. Using the equation that one length equals one-fifth of a second, Mine That Bird ran the fifth quarter of the Belmont in 22.4. Is it any wonder he had nothing left for the last quarter?

re: Belmont Wrapup: Avian Adventures

newsline2 — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:02:06 GMT

I wouldn't have had confidence in Borel to ride my horse in the Belmont after he left him to ride the other horse in the Preakness.

Wooley should have chosen his riders earlier.

Your reporting of the TC was excellent, Steve. You make the stories real for anyone reading them.

re: Belmont Wrapup: Avian Adventures

J.B. STONED — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 02:10:12 GMT

Pam S,

I did read the first half of

"Chosen by a horse" not sure if I want to finish it, seen my wife read it first.

re: Belmont Wrapup: Avian Adventures

J.B. STONED — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 02:00:13 GMT

Thanks for responding to my book question, I actually have read "The Big Horse" just recently and appreciate your suggestions!

re: Belmont Wrapup: Avian Adventures

Secretariatfan — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 01:09:54 GMT

Hi all This is my first post but I have been reading the post since the Derby. I must admit I did not pick MTB in the derby, but when I saw him slip through the rail and win, I fell in love with him. And was very glad a NM horse won as I'm from NM. That little guy reminds me of Afleet Alex who was a big favorite to me. I hope that he is around for a few years more.

I must admit I was disapointed that CB left him in the preakness to ride RA, and was a little upset, but I got over it and was glad he was back for the Belmont. I was a little worried that MTB seemed a little more agitated and that he was acting up. I'm disapointed he didn't win but he gave a good showing in all three TC races and all NM is proud of him.

I'm sure Calvin will take away what he learned from the Belmont, and the next time he rides in the Belmont he will do much better. Good Luck to both Calvin and Lisa

re: Belmont Wrapup: Avian Adventures

LDP — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 23:53:31 GMT

Bob R,

How on earth did you get those figures? I'm not being rude, i'm just wondering where you came up with the 88.7 and 11.3. It's just kinda weird to me.

re: Belmont Wrapup: Avian Adventures

BOB BRIGHT — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 21:46:52 GMT

CB is 88.7 percent responcible for MTB Belmont performance. Whatever MTB showed up Borel should have been prepared.Blame the 11.3 percent on the silly retention barn. If Stardom Bounds last years trainer is not available give her to MTB trainer. As I mentioned earlier Dutrow is the wrong guy. A stall at the big A and Stardom Bound does not work for me.

re: Belmont Wrapup: Avian Adventures

Karen in Texas — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 21:25:32 GMT

I agree with Bill's comment that Calvin will probably use this Belmont as a learning experience. Regardless of which "problems" contributed to the outcome of the race, Calvin now has this set of circumstances firmly implanted in his knowledge base and can draw upon the new information when needed. He has probably rethought every aspect of Saturday afternoon repeatedly, including the fact that he did not ride on the undercard.

re: Belmont Wrapup: Avian Adventures

BOB BRIGHT — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 21:24:14 GMT

Stardom Bound returning to the track is great. IEAH giving her to Dutrow is a mistake. She needs to be with the trainer who had her last year.Dutrow does not have the skill to handle a sensitive filly like Stardom Bound. Big Brown was a gallop around Belmont Park and he could not get that done. IEAH, Dutrow and Stardom Bound is not a good situation. AS soon as those folks bought her last fall I knew she was in for a rough road.

re: Belmont Wrapup: Avian Adventures

MikeM — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 20:36:35 GMT

Boy from watching the replay of the race it looked like going into the first turn MTB settled right in behind the field. It also looks like CB had him closer going down the back stretch thinking the pace was slow. I believe he was quoted as saying the same(about the pace). I also think MTB looked the same (calm) in the post parade as in his other races. At the end of the day it was a combination of things that got him beat.

re: Belmont Wrapup: Avian Adventures

helsbelles — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 20:34:22 GMT

Lisa Funk, I appreciate your eloquent defense of Calvin Borel. I am and always will be a big fan of his, but it seems to many observers, including myself, that he made the common mistake -- made by countless jockeys before him, especially those inexperienced with the Belmont oval at that distance -- of moving his horse too soon. I understand your point that the horse would not relax and was fighting Calvin, but even Woolley said in the interview immediately following the race that he thought Calvin moved MTB too soon. On the other blog, Ron Turcotte regarding these common early moves in the Belmont Stakes stated: "I can find many many more that have done the same thing". I believe Calvin would have been better served if he had taken mounts on the undercard or during the week, as that would have assuaged some of the criticism that he is inexperienced at this venue and therefore does not fully grasp the importance of patience and timing in the Belmont stakes. And although Steve Haskin certainly does not need me to defend him, I feel compelled to say that your comment that Steve does not think before he types is both rude and ridiculous. I realize you are upset, but please don't insult one of the best and most thoughtful turf writers. Lisa, good luck to both you and Calvin.

re: Belmont Wrapup: Avian Adventures

Bill — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 20:06:14 GMT

Steve, I think that there is no question that Borel should have accepted some mounts either on the undercard -preferably - or at least at some point during the week. You are certainly correct about the difficulty a rider and horse encounter when riding Belmont. It must be difficult enough to figure out when to change leads while negotiating those huge sweeping turns. It's another thing to determine when to make your move since it won't be at the same point on the turn as at Pimlico or Churchill. I think he'll learn something from this experience. He's a fine rider and doesn't need to carry Churchill around with him to win. Hang in there!

re: Belmont Wrapup: Avian Adventures

Steve Haskin — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:46:45 GMT

Lisa,

I'm sorry you took the comments that way. Perhaps I'm at fault for not being clear, and perhaps I was too direct. As I stated, Calvin deserved to take some time away from the track. I just felt it was a mistake for him not to take any mounts over a track like Belmont that he was unfamiliar with. I was not alone in that thinking. Jerry Bailey was among the many who was critical -- he stated so on ABC. I also felt he should not have been as adamant as he was making the gurarantee he was going to win. The Belmont Stakes is a very humbling race. When everyone asked him about not taking any mounts (at the media luncheon) he became very defensive and made it sound as if it was a stupid question. It's difficult for anyone not be distracted by everything that Calvin did Belmont week, and again, I have nothing against him doing it. I did not mean to imply he was sightseeing all week. But the Belmont Stakes requires extreme concentration trying to negotiate the mile and a half and those turns, and I've seen too many riders with little or no experience fall victim to the track. as I also stated, which you failed to mention, was the brilliance of his other rides and that this will always be Calvin's Triple Crown. When I praised him after the Derby and Preakness I did not hear from you, nor would I expect to. It seems kind words and words of praise often are taken for granted and ignored, yet any kind of criticism is taken harshly. I'm sorry if I made Calvin out as some media hound. It was not what I intended.

re: Belmont Wrapup: Avian Adventures

Karen in Indiana — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:37:46 GMT

Thank you, Steve, for such a well written wrap up of the TC season. You put into words the drama and back stories that put the period on the sentence.

Warning Drums, I didn't get any anti-RA out of the story. What I can say, from my point of view, is that I did not like the seeming hypocrisy of Jesse Jackson saying he was doing something for the good of the sport and then doing something that lessened the impact of the season. This is a subject that has been bashed to death on other blogs here, but my thoughts are 1) How is it good for the horse to change everything in her life and then ask her to race at the highest level, 2) How is it good for the sport to possibly prevent the chance of a TC by throwing her in the middle of the races (this is not hindsight, this was discussed before the Preakness) and 3) would it not have been so much better for the sport to have her race fresh after a 5 week break against a possible TC winner in the Belmont? That would have really been big drama and the crowds and the take would have been huge. And if there was no possible TC winner, it still would have had the same impact that having her in the Preakness did. Jesse Jackson had every right to run her when he did, but should have called it for what it was - a rich man playing with his new toy.

re: Belmont Wrapup: Avian Adventures

EasyGoerFan — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:30:29 GMT

I completely understand the criticism of Calvin's ride because I was pleading with him from my sofa to not start his move while still on the backstretch. However, I believe him when he says Mine That Bird did not want to settle. Perhaps he needs things to be just so in order to show that amazing kick. And we can't forget that Mine That Bird's extended Derby move kept him going forward and away from the field all the way to the wire. Calvin probably expected the same sort of widening kick down the lane at Belmont. And finally, perhaps Mine That Bird needed to do more in the three weeks between the Preakness and the Belmont. Remember how Matz sent Barbaro out for a quick quarter mile breeze the day of the Derby? As I recall, that quarter mile turned into much more after Barbaro refused to shut down right away. It didn't seem to hurt him at all and perhaps it was the reason he was so relaxed for Prado during the race. Not to take anything away from Chip, but how many races has he won at twelve furlongs? It may take a bit more of this and that to make sure the horse doesn't want to do exactly what Mine That Bird did - fight the jockey. In other words, I feel Calvin is taking all the blame when perhaps the horse was not in the best frame of mind to compete in his third Grade One in five weeks while having to go a mile and a half.

re: Belmont Wrapup: Avian Adventures

Deacon — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:15:20 GMT

Steve: I have always valued your writing sensitivity to this sport but it seems that you are a bit ruffled by some of the comments made about Rachel's defection from the Belmont. People are just sharing an opinion and although I agree with you most of the time, I do think that it is only speculation how many more fans would have come to the race if Rachel would have ran. I think people need to get out and enjoy this sport for what it is regardless of who runs and who doesn't. In fact, I heard many people say that Rachel's defection affected the money bet on the race and how many fans came to the park. I think statements like that are negative and speculative at best. They should not be said, just my opinion. Journalism and reporting are supposed to be factual, not speculative.

What did you think of ABC's telecast of the race? I thought Goldberg was awful and Randy Moss brings nothing. He always seems to diss the California horses. I think Gary Stevens and Chris McCarron would have been a much better fit. Bailey's comments about Borel being on MTB in the Preakness was classless. Mike Smith is a great jockey.

Thanks for your great articles.............

re: Belmont Wrapup: Avian Adventures

joe — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:10:30 GMT

Steve, Thanks. A great article on Lou Rondinello marking Little Current's 1974 Preakness/Belmont blow-aways, sadly forgotten today. I have a copy of "Straight from the Horse's Mouth" and it IS an original and humorous, while informative read. 'Did not hear Mitch Albom, but do these ESPN guys dismiss horse racing because they don't get it, and don't care to get it. Steve Haskin walks in the early a.m. barn footsteps of the greats: Red Smith, Joe Hirsch, Jim Bolus...too many to list, who capture the color and heart of racing. No place for that in ESPN's shouting pontificating.

re: Belmont Wrapup: Avian Adventures

Steve Haskin — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:02:33 GMT

Thanks, Terri. I've never heard of Mitch Albom, so I wouldn't pay much attention to what he said. The people with no knowledge of racing that ESPN tosses in the mix for no reason should have little importance on anything. Did you hear that classic question some guy asked Mark Allen. At first he asked him what the plans were for Mine That Bird after the Belmont. Allen said they were going to race him, and this brilliant interviewer asked, and I quote, "Why?"

Allen answered, 'because he likes to run," He should have said, "because he's a gelding, what do you suggest I do with him?"

Stardom Bound is on the farm in Kentucky and doing very well. She's put on weight and is expected to be sent to Dutrow in a couple of weeks. If all goes well, she'll probably have three starts this year, but they're really excited about her for next year.

re: Belmont Wrapup: Avian Adventures

Lisa Funk — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:57:31 GMT

Mr. Haskin-

As always, wonderful Triple Crown coverage by everyone at Blood Horse magazine. I just have a few points to make regarding the comments made about Calvin in your article. I may be the wrong person to write this given my personal relationship to him, but I feel I must. First of all, I take offense to your opinion that somehow along the way Calvin was distracted from his job by his "celebrity" status leading up to the race. The comment made about him spending the entire week in New York doing nothing but apearing on TV and "sightseeing" is completely false, unless you call the sauna in the Parker Meridien Hotel a "sight to be seen" in NYC. The truth is, he spent most of his time resting, watching each horse's past races on my laptop and studying his racing form. The image you've painted of him wandering around the city with a camera around his neck is laughable, as is the idea that a 4 days without riding would render him unfit and unprepared. Theres nothing Calvin would have wanted more than to be in the Jock's room at Belmont or Churchill- riding races. In fact, convincing him to do shows like Letterman, Leno and GMA was like pulling teeth he is so adverse to that sort of thing. But he decided that it would be the best thing for our industry- so recently plauged by the bad press surrounding breakdowns,track closures and steroid abuse that it would be a good for horseracing if Calvin made himself accessible to a wide variety of media and gave them something of a more positive nature to focus on. I cannot read your comments such as the one that accuses Calvin of becoming so absorbed in the lime light that he's forgotten what has put him in the camera's glare in the first place without wondering if you even take time to think before you type. Calvin Borel has NEVER and will NEVER forget where he came from or what got him there, and I have the entire backside at Churchill Downs and countless other tracks around the country to back me up on that fact. There is not one jockey in this entire industry who works harder than Calvin, and who is LESS likely to let an appearance on some late night talk show distract him from his job, which to him is more important than all the fame, money and noteriety in the world combined. No, he didnt win the Belmont, and yes, the easy, lazy way to explain Mine That Bird's loss would be to chalk it up to rider's error. However, if you actually watch the race, you'll see that the Mine That Bird we saw in the Derby- the horse who dropped the bit going into the first turn and relaxed the entire way down the backstretch allowing Calvin to save ground and tuck in behind horses was definately not the Mine That Bird we saw in the Belmont. You can only fight a horse for so long and you cannot force them to relax. If the horse who has only a 3/8ths of a mile kick refuses to relax from the word go, you will not have anything left at the top of the stretch- it doesent matter if you are head up for the lead or trailing the field turning for home. More than your simplistic armchair quarterback critique of his ride, I am disapointed in your insinuation that Calvin shirked his responsibilities in exchange for a bit of camera time. Nothing could be farther from the truth, and it saddens me that someone who's opinion I have always respected and reporting I have always admired could come to such a cynical and blatently incorrect conclusion.