Haskin's Derby Report: Pletcher on Parade

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Pletcher on Parade

Greg R — Thu, 01 May 2014 03:38:28 GMT

For a fast track only: 1) California Chrome 2)Danza 3)Candy Boy 4)Medal Count 5)Dance With Fate.

I suspect that the much oohed-over Intense Holiday is one of the type that looks good running on the long FG stretch, but turns out to be a good, late-running 7-8 f. specialist, such as Pyro, which looked great coming from behind at FG and ended up a fine,one-turn horse.

Have yet to pick for off track. Optimistic, I guess.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Pletcher on Parade

JayJay — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 03:38:23 GMT

El Kabong : Haha, fair enough. I don't see the Sunland race as a negative, I saw it as the way to get in the Derby and he did it. I have Candy Boy somewhere on my list only because Steve H said he is liking the track and Steve says he's looking really good. Candy Boy was all out trying to get by Chitu in the Lewis and that was his first stakes race. I still feel Chitu is just getting better and Baffert knows this, if not, I'll enjoy a "crow soup" with him in his stall... and proudly! After the soup, I'll take my losing tickets to Baffert and ask if he'll refund it because he tricked me.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Pletcher on Parade

Rusty Weisner — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 14:45:38 GMT

Jay Jay,

I've posted my horses too many times to count. They're posted right now at Keelerman's.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Pletcher on Parade

JoyJackson21 — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 13:00:16 GMT

Thanks for the great pictures, Steve, as well as the insightful comments, as usual. I still like my Top 7 picks, I am still VERY enthusiastic about them, and I think I'm going to do well come Oaks and Derby Days. I loved the pictures you accompanied with this article, my favorites being the picture of Danza suspended in mid-air almost as if he is flying; the picture of Uncle Sigh in his blinkers looking happy & friendly; and Wicked Strong posing regally in his stall. Please tell Clare she's doing an awesome job with the trackside reports, I'm enjoying her professionalism in theses reports done in a friendly and informative fashion. You, Steve, are doing your usual outstanding best. I can't wait to read tomorrow's installments of your observations, which are always spot on the money. It's good to be back posting on this website after an absence due to poor health. I'm feeling happy, healthy and well again. And it's certainly fun to be handicapping the Kentucky Derby again! I love this time of year. Thanks again, Steve. Keep up the great work!

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Pletcher on Parade

El Kabong — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 02:39:21 GMT

Rusty, Jay Jay,

What I don't like about Chitu is the obvious parachute to Sunland Derby. I don't like that his internal fractions are faster in the 9F race than in the 8.5. This is not a horse relaxing on the lead who can stay 10f's. Garcia reaction to working Hopportunity at Churchill seemed to be one of real envy at Mike Smith's mount. A loss to Candy Boy, a short victory over Midnight Hawk. All this points to this horse not being a serious contender. I'll let him beat me. NO SOUP FOR YOU CHITU!

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Pletcher on Parade

steve from st louis — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 16:15:53 GMT

Steve: As woderful as your pictures are, most of these 3-year-olds are built like sprinters, as best as I can tell. Among your Derby contenders, who would you say is the one who is built more in scope like a stayer?

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Pletcher on Parade

JayJay — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 15:44:40 GMT

Hope all the horses arrives today in good order, good health and good attitudes. Looking forward to the gallops. Two days before the draw and then it's two brutal days of handicapping, then another torturous 3 hours on Saturday morning handicapping again depending on the track condition...and then the last minute handicapping depending on whether speed is holding or not. I love this game...

Rusty : Why does it baffle you ? And who are your top 6 right now, I don't think I've ever seen you post your horses, or maybe I have missed it...

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Pletcher on Parade

Draynay — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 15:20:26 GMT

I think after the derby it will be clear that the Florida Derby and Holy Bull were key races.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Pletcher on Parade

Bigtex — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 14:52:48 GMT

Steve

I really appreciate your astuteness and professionalism. I've watched several of the works and observations of those works and I would rate your observations highest. I'm surprised somewhat from I hear from experienced experts and, at times, it leads me to believe their objectivity is skewed for whatever reason. So, thank you for, not only for your comments, but how you justify them.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Pletcher on Parade

Shelby's Best Pal — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 14:12:00 GMT

Thank you for sharing your beautiful pictures. And thank you for the workout information. Have a wonderful week.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Pletcher on Parade

LanceS — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 13:56:57 GMT

Had to grin at your camera comment. I just did a safari in Africa - everyone has been raving about my photos which also were done with a little Canon PowerShot!

Love the reports - always great insight!

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Pletcher on Parade

Ted from LA — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 13:20:25 GMT

Hoppertunity, Wicked Strong, California Chrome, Medal Count, Intense Holiday.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Pletcher on Parade

El Kabong — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 12:00:53 GMT

Feel bad for Ring Weekends connections, but I'm ecstatic that Dallas and Commanding Curve are in the KD. He belongs. This guy is coming along and I had a feeling he would get in some how. We needed another closer in this event, so welcome aboard Mr. Stewart and the other CC!

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Pletcher on Parade

Rusty Weisner — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 11:29:32 GMT

I've seen a couple of people offer negative appraisals of Wildcat Red. Has he worked at CD? Can anyone elaborate?

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Pletcher on Parade

Rusty Weisner — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 11:24:38 GMT

The interest in Chitu baffles me.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Pletcher on Parade

JayJay — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 06:17:21 GMT

Correction on my previous post, I didn't mean to say that We Miss Artie and Vinceremos are not going. I meant that Social Inclusion will make it if WMA and Vinceremos doesn't go which is very likely based on WMA's workout and Todd still deciding whether Vinceremos is going or not.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Pletcher on Parade

marapace — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 05:48:15 GMT

so nice to see you again today Steve. Always enjoy talking with you. Got to spend a lot of time with Ride On Curlin today. Talk about a live one. Little horse has muscles on top of muscles, very fit. He was cooled out in about the 3 trips around the barn and hardly breathing at all period, playing the whole time he was walking. Very excited for the connections and they were thrilled with him today. Was in a good spot to watch Hoppertunity and Chitu prior to the track opening. Both looked good as Derby horses should. Hoppertunity reminds me a lot of Mucho Macho Man. As a 7 May foal, he looks like he still has some growing yet to do but was very relaxed and enjoying the attention he was getting. Was ready to take this sweetheart home with me. Chitu seemed a little more 'busy'. I too was impressed with how Intense Holiday looked on the track today as well as Danza. I did notice that both of Todds 'inside horse' had very similar times (We Miss Artie/Vinceremos) which has me wondering if the inside was a little slower/deeper. From where I was standing and according to my pics, Vinceremos was going on a relaxed rein and was ahead of Danza for a bit but Danza was under a snug hold and just looked ready to pounce at any time. Chitu worked outside his workmate and looked very good coming back off the track following his go around. Hopefully get a chance to really watch some others on wed when I go back out. Stay dry tomorrow.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Pletcher on Parade

juanbenedetti — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 04:24:41 GMT

Hi Steve,

Thanks for your analysis. I reviewed the video of Intense Holiday's workout and even though it was visually impressive (especially the gallop out) he still showed a cross-gait at the top of the stretch (left lead/right hind). He did correct it in the last furlong but it's worth noting that it happened. The workout showed that he is physically peaking but I must say that it's easier to get away with cross firing after the first 4f of a workout than after the first 8f of a race.

Please keep the pictures coming and enjoy Derby week!

Juan

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Pletcher on Parade

El Kabong — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 03:34:50 GMT

Great shots and comments Steve. Those shots of vince and Danza are terrific. Help me out with something I am struggling with concerning Danza. I remember back in 2007 a talented colt out of a Deputy Minister Mare(Danza is out of a French Deputy mare-Deputy Minister back one) came into the Derby with two Graded wins at 2 turns, not one. He went on to be the talent of his class but he came up short in the Derby, well short, 8 lengths to the winner and 6lengths to second place finisher Hard Spun. I can't help but see some similar issues of foundation with Danza when it comes to asking him to go 10 F's this early. It seems a bit much to expect, especially if you consider that Curlin's sire gave him a better chance at liking the 10F distance. You may or may not remember watching Curlin train at CD, but has this comparison crossed your mind about Danza's chances and Curlin's defeat?

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Pletcher on Parade

Geronimo2123 — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 03:30:21 GMT

You would expect all the attention to be on the Pletcher runners even though Todd is 3 percent in the win column with his Derby starters.

Chitu has been training with a special shoe for a fungus issue; he loses the shoe and still goes 6 panels in 1:13 and change. Someone I know at the track said the horse did it effortlessly. Baffert claims the horse has had the hoof issue for some time and has been training with this special shoe for weeks. He told someone on HRRN that he will likely re-shoe Chitu with a regular shoe and it appears all systems are go.

I agree this one is way under the radar. And I agree with Mary about his pedigree underneath. He is lightly raced. Baffert describes him as very fast, muscular and a so-so work horse in the AM.

I think Baffert is being coy because he really does not know what to expect. I heard him say if Chitu takes a step forward from the Sunland he will be in the mix the entire race until the eighth pole (provided he breaks OK and gets a decent post). The rest will be up to Chitu if he runs.

Danza to me seems to be Pletcher's best horse...even after today where all the hype was on Intense Holiday. Danza seems to like the track fine and unlike his other runners, Danza is coming in off of any a 3 week rest from the Ark Derby (so he is fit and there is only so much Pletcher can do).

As for We Miss Artie, if he is sound, if the Ramseys want to run him that is there business. He appears to like poly, but he earned his way here. Barely...he is bred pretty nicely underneath.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Pletcher on Parade

trackjack — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 03:28:44 GMT

Steve,

Thanks for ther great photography. The shot of Danza with all four off the ground is priceless. Thanks for keeping us updated with your daily analysis.

CC/Wicked Strong/Hoppertunity/Intense Holiday/ and either:

Danza / Candy Boy and will now throw in Commanding Curve. Really need help on these 3, Steve. My next toughest decision will be which of my Derby glasses to sip my mint julep(s) from this year.

Looking forward to your take on California Chrome's arrival and especilly Tuesday when he goes to the track.

I have never had Chitu in my top five or even top eight. With all the buzz about his fungus foot problem, would not be surprised if Baffert pulls him. Can not see him putting Bayern in which would put Pablo Del Monte in and add to the pace pressure. Just my opinion.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Pletcher on Parade

JayJay — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 02:48:46 GMT

Mary : Glad I'm not the only one. As for ROC, I'm not quite sold on Borail. It'll depend a lot on what post ROC gets, people will be betting on the fact that Calvin can get to the rail with this horse but that only works if ROC doesn't freak out coming through on the inside with a bunch of horses on his outside. What happens if they get forced wide, I don't think Calvin is that great of a jockey outside as he is inside. I'll decide after the post draw whether to use him or toss him.

Steve Haskin : I'm with the others in thanking you for these observations, it helps a lot to get an "insider" view of the workouts. Have you heard anything whether We Miss Artie will be running or not ? I posted in the other blog that Todd isn't happy with his workout and that he is not sure whether WMA should be in the Derby and that he will have a talk with Mr. Ramsey.

Now that Ring Weekend is out, I'm praying that Social Inclusion actually makes it (We Miss Artie and Vinceremos not going), to have add'l speed to go with WR. I believe that the quicker the pace, the better chance Samraat has. He's got tactical speed that can keep with a fast pace and will have the first jump on the other closers...hopefully hold off Intense Holiday and Chitu.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Pletcher on Parade

predict — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 01:58:35 GMT

Chitu loss a shoe on his foot that has a fungus problem that they have been treating on him. The fungus is said to not cause any discomfort, and they removed a piece of his right front hoof to allow it to dry out. How good is it that this was the shoe he loss? Baffert claims it is no big deal.

We Miss Artie looks like a turf router and probably should stick to that type of racing. Derby fever can cause bad decisions, and I wouldn't be surprised if they run, even with his apparent dislike for the surface.

If both of these horses make the starting gate, I would toss WMA and keep Chitu as possibly being in the top four.

Danza is looking unbelievably good, love that picture of him in the air, like he is flying over the track. Looking for big things from this guy.

Uncle Sigh is interesting with the blinkers. They say he had a tendency to look at his inside when being taken outside, so the blinkers are there so he will focus straight ahead. Love those Indian Charlie's, and with Pine Bluff on the dam's side, he might just be better suited for the Preakness.

I keep on wanting to toss Ride On Curlin, but he just keeps making me think he is going to run big.

I think now that Wildcat Red might just be one to toss.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Pletcher on Parade

Paula Higgins — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 01:50:52 GMT

More great pictures Steve. Uncle Sigh looks like he was smiling. O.k. so Wildcat Red doesn't seem to love the surface that much and Intense Holiday clearly does. My picks may change by Weds. Can't wait to hear what you think of California Chrome and Wicked Strong. but one of the best horses there, although not in the Derby, is Untapable. Looking forward to seeing her run in the Oaks. I wonder how her stride compares to Zenyatta's?

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Pletcher on Parade

Weekend — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 01:37:04 GMT

This report solidifies my choice for intense holiday in my top 4. Love the fact that he has 2 of the top bris late pace ratings in the field and he got 2nd last race being on the wrong lead and cross firing. And Johnny V will have him in a great spot. Also, thanks for that report on ride on curlin. He is not one of my top choices, but I like how you said he was still chugging along and hugging the rail. I'll be back out Tuesday thru Thursday morning watching. How did Rosalind look today?