Haskin's Derby Report: Let the Works Begin

re: Haskin Derby Report: Let the Works Begin

TerriV — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 00:37:27 GMT

I love your pictures!!! Ride on Curling is looking good. It was so neat to see California Chrome on his ride to Churchill. Keep it coming, Steve. I've been waiting for this since the very first a Derby Dozen.

re: Haskin Derby Report: Let the Works Begin

Pharlap — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 21:58:42 GMT

Note to self - Use Haskins workout comments ahead of any of the others. "He hugged the rail on the gallop out." You can learn something new every day!

re: Haskin Derby Report: Let the Works Begin

Davids — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 21:49:43 GMT

Steve, the 'racing gods' are giving and taking with equanimity, to a certain extent, Commandig Curve is in while, unfortunately, Ring Weekend will face another battle in three weeks time.

Alas, the next hurdle for all the runners will have to overcome is the 'kiss of death' of post position draws. Bob Baffert must be dreading this more than anyone. There was a song by Lene Lovich called 'Lucky Number,' and that number was...1. You wouldn't want to be superstitious in racing, would you? ;)

re: Haskin Derby Report: Let the Works Begin

Rusty Weisner — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 20:56:03 GMT

Steve Haskin,

What's the nature of this chiropractic work?

Did you have an impression of Commanding Curve? Bad luck separated his performance in the La Derby from Intense Holiday, but that was not the latter's best performance. This horse should be 50-1 but I may be giving him a chance.

This stuff is superb, by the way. I can't get enough.

re: Haskin Derby Report: Let the Works Begin

Sail On — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 20:11:43 GMT

Great work Steve. But take time out to socialize, and have a mint julep for me!

re: Haskin Derby Report: Let the Works Begin

Giddyup — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 19:43:42 GMT

The General has impressed me for some time now with his competitive spirit and desire to challenge other colts, so I can't say I'm surprised he hooked up with WTC for a good gallop. He may have been checking out the Jumbotron to see if Steve Haskin was providing one of those excellent Derby reports....so you can't fault him for that.

re: Haskin Derby Report: Let the Works Begin

Paula Higgins — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 19:34:56 GMT

Great pictures, great reports. I am still waiting for California Chrome to land/work before I have my final list. I also like Samraat, Wildcat I don't have Ride On Curlin on my list to win. Maybe 2nd or 3rd.

re: Haskin Derby Report: Let the Works Begin

Old Old Cat — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 17:58:26 GMT

Beautiful photos. I refuse to beleive they are from a Brownie Instamatic you borrowed from Mandy... Or you are the world's greatest photographer.

re: Haskin Derby Report: Let the Works Begin

Windolin — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 16:50:50 GMT

Well, Steve, your next post should be really interesting. Ring Weekend out, Commanding Curve in, Intense Holiday's great workout and Bayern. Also, would be good to know the impact of Chitu's special shoes for a soft hoof issue. Wonder if that is a concern going into the Derby (for his safety).

re: Haskin Derby Report: Let the Works Begin

Jennifer in Columbia — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 16:05:35 GMT

Steve, as a long time lurker and rare poster, I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your Derby Dozen as well as your on-site reporting. It is my favorite thing to read during this time of year.

Furthermore, to all the Derby Dozen posters, I enjoy reading everyone's thoughts on the horses for the upcoming big dance. It is always incredibly entertaining and informative.

re: Haskin Derby Report: Let the Works Begin

Lawton — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 15:55:21 GMT

Barring a bad start I just don't see how CC will lose this race. If he breaks from the gate alright and gets a good stalking position everything is pointing to a win for him. It reminds me of Big Brown. I think this horse would win from post 20 if he had to.

re: Haskin Derby Report: Let the Works Begin

Linda in Texas — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 14:56:30 GMT

As dawn breaks this 27th of April, Sunday, cannot help but think ahead to next week at this time when we will hopefully wake up to the headlines on Bloodhorse that we have a new Kentucky Derby winner. As today most people no matter their religion are waking up to the news of The Cannonization of Two Popes. We will be able to have two special days, today and next Sunday. Those who will have picked the wrong KD winner will quietly shrink away for a while and lick their wounds and prepare their excuses. I try not to set myself up for a negative so i will just hope and pray the competitors all come home safely in tact and all limbs secured uninjured to their gorgeous bodies and the Jockey's all still safely aboard in their seats!

May the luckiest horse win. And going along with today's Cannonization, I am thinking beware of 'Vicar's in Trouble'. He may be a little guy but he must be made of something special to have the moniker 'Vicar' in his name! And remember, 'Vicar's in Trouble' is the first 'Louisiana - bred' horse to win the Louisiana Derby since 'Heaven Again' in 1990! Wonder if there is a veiled message here? Just something to ponder. Thanks Steve, and have a super time.

re: Haskin Derby Report: Let the Works Begin

Clever_Reign17 — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 14:43:56 GMT

Commanding Curve is one, good-looking horse. Thanks for the comments and great pictures. Any decent pictures of Wicked Strong?

re: Haskin Derby Report: Let the Works Begin

Rusty Weisner — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 13:51:05 GMT

Steve Haskin,

I was hoping you could elaborate on Intense Holiday's condition after you sum up his work tomorrow. Thanks for the posts.

re: Haskin Derby Report: Let the Works Begin

Drinks from a glass !! — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 13:07:11 GMT

uncle sigh is back on my top three....

samraat still there number 1

hoppertunity looks happy ...

cali chrome of course...wicked strong

there's your dollar tri box for 60 bucks

re: Haskin Derby Report: Let the Works Begin

Delrene — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 05:01:16 GMT

Dear Steve - Thank you for this peek into the workouts. Just love the photos. Feels ( almost) like I'm there. All the horses are so deserving of the chance to wear the roses next Saturday.

re: Haskin Derby Report: Let the Works Begin

Linda in Texas — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 04:38:43 GMT

Hi Steve, funny one about General A Rod and the Jumbotron story, i did the same thing the first time i was in Times Square. Maybe his connections should install a tv in his stall and tune in Alex'sBigFan's favorite antique Mr. Ed Shows!

Bayern looks like a drill sergeant and all business in your second to last photo. And Commanding Curve and Ride on Curlin look like they stayed out past their curfew the night before or you caught them just as they awoke! I love all your photos and stories and always have. I hope Bloodhorse is once again supplying you with a Golf Cart so you can be taxied around the grounds. :) Have a great time. No special pick for me. I love them all. Bayern's disqualification to second was a bummer. They were all bumping. Let's see if that scrutiny holds up next week! I'm praying for Kentucky's predicted rain to hit Texas instead!

Thanks Steve.

re: Haskin Derby Report: Let the Works Begin

BelmontBarb — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 03:42:20 GMT

Hi Steve

What a nice smooth review ~ Thank you so very much.

A note: General A Rod is very noteworthy Steve ~ from the beginning as you have in your early analysis ~ His turn out and no-fear work as described is part of Maker's Magic and reason to be impressed.

The "Shoe Shot" is outstanding!

re: Haskin Derby Report: Let the Works Begin

Lise from Maine — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 02:45:13 GMT

Hi!

Gorgeous photos.

Thanks for sharing them.

Will you be speaking about the pedigree of each horse. I am interested.

Thank you!

Lise from Maine

re: Haskin Derby Report: Let the Works Begin

Draynay — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 02:31:47 GMT

General A Rod for the WIN !!!

re: Haskin Derby Report: Let the Works Begin

Davids — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 22:41:33 GMT

Steve, Hoppertunity appears to have put on weight and looks primed. It must be hard for Dallas Stewart, you want Commanding Curve primed for the 'Derby/Preakness,' depending on which one, or both, the horse will run in. If Commanding Curve misses the Derby, you would want to take full advantage by peaking in the Preakness.

By the way, chance of rain on both Oaks & Derby Days is now down to 10%, the racing gods are smiling. Thanks again Steve, your informative reports are what make the Derby wonderful.

re: Haskin Derby Report: Let the Works Begin

Steve Haskin — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 21:57:55 GMT

I am unable to post comments from my hotel room, so hopefully Web Production will post them until something can be resolved. So if you don't seen comments posted, you'll know why. I'm on a hotel computer and have no link to Web production. Thanks

re: Haskin Derby Report: Let the Works Begin

Windolin — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 21:32:01 GMT

So tell us Steve, who was winning A Rod or WTC?

Thanks for the report. I had read on other sites that Samraat was training well as was Uncle Sigh.

So glad too that Intense Holiday is improving.

I really like Commanding Curve, I think he a very good looking colt who has a lot of heart. So hope he makes the Derby, but not by way of another injured horse. I really like Dale Roman's and hope his Medal Count performs well in the Derby. In fact, I wish all of these colts and trainers the very best of luck in the race. I await your report on Ride On Curlin. ROC and his trainer are also a team that you just have to love. (My heart still belongs to Cali Chrome.

re: Haskin Derby Report: Let the Works Begin

Brontexx — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 21:00:38 GMT

None of the entrants has really smoked in a workout like Hard Spun in 2007 57.60 for 5f and Barbaro in 2006 half in 46 and change.Steve Haskin maybe you can remember other works that were similar but more recent like in 2013,2012,2011.

re: Haskin Derby Report: Let the Works Begin

Bigtex — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 20:51:51 GMT

Steve,

Love the pics! Thanks for the observations!