Haskin's Derby Report: Here We Go

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Here We Go

Greg R — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 04:30:04 GMT

Steve from St. Louis and Cold Facts together have probably convinced me to include Medal Count in my top four. I am rooting for Cal. Chrome and Danza, because they look like the 24-carat (or carrot!) stuff to me, not like "fool's gold."

Here's a hunch I'm throwing out there: Dance with Fate could well surprise many with how well he'll run on Ch. Downs dirt and at the ten furlongs. His stride looked impressively strong to me in his last work.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Here We Go

Old Old Cat — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 21:25:30 GMT

Steve, everyone loves your shots. Why not pick your 5 or 6 best and have your bloggers vote for a derby "beauty contest"? Might be very interesting..

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Here We Go

Brontexx — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 23:24:44 GMT

Draynay why are you playing A-Rod Maker said he was not pleased with his last work and he would talk to the owner the senior A-Rod.If you wanna play Maker play Harrys Holiday his owner is planning a major shindig at the track if you wear a HH hat maybe you can get free booze from the HH crew.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Here We Go

lorraine — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 23:14:25 GMT

Always such gorgeous photos. And as "MATT" said, Danza is a gorgeous horse, isn't he. I sure hope we have a sunny Derby. I'm SO sick of the rain and sloppy track on Derby day. Good luck, my pick, CC! Obviously a safe trip for all.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Here We Go

Ta Wee — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 19:21:50 GMT

Pedigree Ann,

Thank you for the comments on the looks of Kelso, Native Dancer, Slew, Hoist The Flag etc. They all sure could run.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Here We Go

Sail On — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 17:37:09 GMT

Steve, the Derby lineup is changing fast. Even with a second place finish in the Derby Trial, earning him enough winnings to move ahead of Commanding Curve on the also eligible list, Bayern is off the Derby Trail, for some reason, too tired and not injured I hope, and Commanding Curve is in the Derby when Ring Weekend was withdrawn with an infection.

Also, Chitu continues to have hoof problem and threw his special shoe. Did you happen to see this? I think Chitu should not run or train further until he recovers folly. I hope the new attention og horse safety empowers the vets to pull him if the trainer fails to see the light. The best interest if the horse is in everyone's best interest.

Do you know if Bayern is well after his beating, pun intended, in the Derby Trial? Is he still aimed for the Preakness? I personally believe he needs a rest, and should focus on mile races.

Have you heard scuttlebutt about jockey assignments for the Derby? Will Rosie get disciplined?

Are many of the horses having reactions to the new Times Square sized video display at the track? Will this become another factor in the Derby?

Finally, as busy as you are, it would be wonderful if you could get some shots of Vicar's In trouble, especially one showing his size compared to another Derby contender. Steve, a picture is worth a thousand words!

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Here We Go

Mary — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 15:09:16 GMT

Johnny, I agree with you on Chitu. I just love this horse and his pedigree. I would like for him to stay under the radar, hopefully he will.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Here We Go

Draynay — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 13:02:52 GMT

Dry track has me boxing 6. I will Key General A Rod with Danza, Wildcat Red, Wicked Strong, ROC and Hoppertunity. W/P General A Rod.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Here We Go

ksweatman9 — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 12:40:52 GMT

Pedigree Ann, So true. "Pretty is as pretty does" goes for horses as well as people. Sea Biscuit was as much an eye sore as a horse could be, but he proved he could run, win, and become a thoroughbred legend for the ages. Folks loved the snot out of Biscuit, they looked right past those crooked legs and plain brown wrapper looks. Our culture places too much emphasis on appearances, we shouldn't. After all, this isn't a beauty contest, it's a horse race. However, Danza does look good, doesn't he?

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Here We Go

ksweatman9 — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 12:23:59 GMT

Thank you for the lovely photos and insight on the Derby hopefuls. Hmmm, rain, slop perhaps, and a diminutive horse who wouldn't catch anyone's eye. Where have I heard that before? If Borel is riding that "plain jane" pony, everyone should be nervous.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Here We Go

Stones — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 08:04:26 GMT

Love the photos, Steve. The "Caution....Horse Bites" picture made me laugh. Danza looks gorgeous!

Interested to hear more on Medal Count. He looked to be skimming over the dirt nicely in the video of his workout that I saw. I may have to go with Coldfacts on this one and make him my longshot.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Here We Go

Arch the phoneman — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 03:36:34 GMT

Thanks,Steve. You are living the life I had envisioned for myself. The pictures are truly fantastic and really brighten my day. Like one of the other bloggers asked, I would like your opinion/impression of that gigantic tv screen. By the way, do you have a professional photographer with you or are you taking these photos yourself? Either way, great job!

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Here We Go

Tony Barreto — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 02:52:12 GMT

OOPS! Correction! My superfecta in the Derby: CC, Danza, Hoppertunity, Candy Boy. Long shot: Samraat!

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Here We Go

Pedigree Ann — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 02:05:24 GMT

Joanne - funny you should ask. This announcement was in the TBN today:

MEGAHERTZ (GB), 15, Pivotal (GB)--Heavenly Ray, by

Rahy

Foal born Mar. 20, a colt by Kitten's Joy.

Will be bred back to Scat Daddy.

Owned by Mr. & Mrs. Roy Jackson

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Here We Go

FlyingJ — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 00:09:55 GMT

Anne, It was such a pleasure to see one of my all time favorite horses mentioned, MEGAHERTZ! How I loved that tough little mare, wonder how she is doing now?

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Here We Go

Janet Berkeley Maxwell — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 22:50:06 GMT

Pletcher's horses all go in what is called a flash noseband adopted from the showjumping world. The higher crossed nosebands are called a figure 8. Nosebands help keep the mouth closed, give more control and keep the tongue from getting over the bit. Various versions give a different degree of control. In racehorses they also help to prevent a horse from flipping his palate. Go Ride on Curlin!

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Here We Go

JayJay — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 21:11:50 GMT

Horses I'm waiting for comments are : Samraat, Vinceremos, California Chrome and Uncle Sigh. The latter just had a workout at Belmont Park going 1:27 for 7Fs. I'm starting to really get interested in this horse...he wasn't part of my current ticket but he's one I'm anxious to see work out at CD.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Here We Go

Zengal — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 20:47:32 GMT

Here it is a week before the derby and I am still on the bubble on my picks. These are the four I have picked so far Ride on Curlin (I am a huge fan of Curlin so I have to root for R O C since Top Billing is gone), Wicked Strong, Wildcat Red and Vicar's In Trouble. I am getting good vibes now about Danza. I have never been a fan of favorites in the derby. I like a come from behind grinder. With this huge field anything is possible and my faves may change once I learn of the post positions. I can always hope for the rain gods and Ride on Curlin likes the mud as much as his sire did.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Here We Go

predict — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 19:38:24 GMT

Steve,

Wonderful pictures. Can't tell you how much they are appreciated.

Love the picture of Chitu and Bayern. I am especially interested in your impression of Chitu. I love this horse's chances and it looks like he all business.

As J Lo says on American Idol, it gave me goosebumps!

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Here We Go

Paula Higgins — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 19:18:16 GMT

True enough Pedigree Ann that the best looking horse may well not be the winner. Seabiscuit comes to mind. But then again there was the gorgeous Secretariat and Man O' War and Zenyatta....... I also like the looks (in the face particularly) of Wildcat Red. As someone said below, he looks "smart."

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Here We Go

Windolin — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 18:34:05 GMT

Happy Saturday Steve and all. Beautiful day here in the sunny South, hope it is a beautiful day where you all are as well.

Thank you Steve for the pictures and comments. I wish you had commented on Wildcat Red, that is my only itty bitty criticism or maybe suggestion would be a better word. And would loved to have seen a picture of Hoppertunity.

Great that Intense Holiday seems to have worked out his cross firing or cross cantering issues.

Question,,,will you be reviewing the fillies for the Oaks? Would love to hear your comments about the ladies.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Here We Go

Saratoga AJ — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 16:55:14 GMT

Steve, according to the Weather Channel long range forecast most of the rain in Louisville will fall earlier in the week, and it will merely be cloudy next Saturday, 10% chance of showers. Let's hope that doesn't change.

www.weather.com/.../USKY1096

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Here We Go

Matt Helm — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 14:54:41 GMT

No surprise that Danza looks great.Pletcher just like his mentor Lukas always wins the beauty contest regardless of odds.He is a toss in my book so hopefully he is the wise guy horse and takes serious action.Though reports have been mixed General A Rod seems to have the right pedigree to get it done,the distance won't be a problem for him and he should be 25 to 1 or better.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Here We Go

BelmontBarb — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 14:42:51 GMT

Good Morning to you Steve!

IMPRESSIONS.....Great shots and certainly a good looking group. Your description of Danza does not fall short. This colt is outstandingly handsome and seems to be quite cooperative and fit to fight. The Medal Count photo here justifies the Sadler confidence - "The Count" looks relaxed, calm and serene ~ very even and focused; this is a very nice horse. Intense Holiday appears very much stable and the control and direction he gets from his rider is going to make the difference for him. Chitu-Bayern work based on Bayerns bolstering works and todays Chitu challenge suggest that Baffert-Bayern is what he wants to bite.

Impressions of the Derby Photo with retouches...

Thank you Steve ~ How really nice it is to read and look at these as the excitement builds through your work.....always ~ deserving Of compliment both literally and here through the eyes of the camera that tells so much!

Enjoy the Day at the Derby grounds!

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Here We Go

Pedigree Ann — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 14:42:29 GMT

Weather update from Lexington - Yesterday we had thunderstorms until noon, then the clouds gradually moved out. BEAUTIFUL morning today. Except for the pollen. I don't go outside much due to the pollen.