Haskin's Derby Report: A Whopper for Hopper

re: Haskin's Derby Report: A Whopper for Hopper

Lise from Maine — Thu, 01 May 2014 11:10:58 GMT

Hi!

Correction:

It is "the sarge" and not the "serj" on TVG.

Sorry for the mistake.

Still deciding on who to bet on.

Thank you!

Lise from Maine

re: Haskin Derby Report: A Whopper for Hopper

Greg R — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 04:08:00 GMT

It's so nice to get an inside peek at the goings-on there at Ch. Sure hope that's the last of the hard rain. How bad does a colt's post position draw have to be for you to drop him in your rankings? If Cal Chrome draws number two, for instance, would you want to make a new pick?

re: Haskin Derby Report: A Whopper for Hopper

Old Old Cat — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 20:39:27 GMT

It was a dark and stormy night,

and God said, "Steve Haskins wants to photograph,

You want light?"

"LET THERE BE LIGHTNING!!"

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

re: Haskin Derby Report: A Whopper for Hopper

predict — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 18:42:06 GMT

Steve,

I'll go JayJay one better, and carry your camera bag, coffee and you on my back through any mud puddles along the way.

re: Haskin Derby Report: A Whopper for Hopper

Lise from Maine — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 16:46:55 GMT

Hi Steve!

I love those photos.

Can I copy them?

Thank you!

Lise from Maine

re: Haskin Derby Report: A Whopper for Hopper

Lise from Maine — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 16:44:06 GMT

Hi Steve,

The "Serg" on TVG changed his mind yesterday regarding California Chrome being his favorite to Hoppertunity.

He claimed that Hoppertunity had a great workout.

I am looking at Chitu to bet on too.

Interesting to see that California Chrome had to be backed out from the plane, etc.

Love the photos.

Still deciding on who to bet on.

Thank you!

Lise from Maine

re: Haskin Derby Report: A Whopper for Hopper

mz — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 15:22:08 GMT

Steve: keep the track-side (lake-side?) comments coming.

I would also like to agree with Mike from Michigan's question about Untappable. Does she look good enough to pull a Rachel in the Preakness?

re: Haskin Derby Report: A Whopper for Hopper

Pedigree Ann — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 14:10:53 GMT

Mike from that state up north - looks like there is more than one Buckeye on this board. I'm not technically one myself, but both of my kids were born within a couple miles of The Horseshoe when the hubby was a prof in Columbus. Nothing like a Big Ten football game.

re: Haskin Derby Report: A Whopper for Hopper

Derby Dew — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 08:22:16 GMT

Steve,

Thanks for bearing up under the elements Monday to catch Hoppertunity's work. He really does seem content at Churchill and goes about his works and gallops with enthusiasm. I'm getting more confident in his chances on Saturday. Hey, if Bob Baffert's smiling, then I'm happy.

Also, enjoyed the pictures of Hoppertunity. You're getting really good with these photos. Hope your boss at BloodHorse gives you a little extra bonus for the great shots that you're getting. With your writing and photos, I feel like I'm right there without having to get up early and drive to Churchill from Lexington. Thanks, Steve. Great job.

re: Haskin Derby Report: A Whopper for Hopper

JayJay — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 03:06:49 GMT

Steve Haskin : What's your schedule like since you arrived there. Seems like you're up in the wee hours of the morning and I mean really early since you have to drive to the track from your hotel room. I always read about the early morning workouts but seeing the pictures really shows how busy things are. Also, what are the festivities during the week ? Is there like a hall where owners / trainers / jockeys mingle and socialize ? Someday, I'll make it to the Kentucky Derby and I'll make sure to stay the whole week prior to the Derby, seems like the best time to enjoy the horses....maybe I can get a press pass if I carry your camera bag and coffee for you (which I will do without any question!)

As good looking as Hoppertunity looks in that photo, I think the rain made him look godly ... I'm not falling for his good looks! I'm still not playing him for W/P...I just hope I'm not wrong in tossing him.

Read somewhere that WMA and Vinceremos are most likely going to run in the Derby. Apparently, Ramsey disregarded Pletcher's thoughts of WMA not going to handle the dirt, so he's in.

Anxiously awaiting for Samraat to arrive and see some photos of him and hear about his gallops, not sure if he's scheduled to have a workout at all.

California Chrome's van ride video is pretty cool, he had this look of a poor boy who's worth a million dollars. His demeanor seems like the humble but not weak type.

"Lake Churchill" : Is that what a sealed track looks like ?

re: Haskin Derby Report: A Whopper for Hopper

Alex'sBigFan — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 02:48:54 GMT

These photos and articles are a real treat. Danza and Hoppertunity look the best to me so far. Steve you are doing a great job bringing all this stuff to us.

California Chrome has arrived at Churchill no worse from the plane trip. He seemed to be scared to dismount from the plane but they got it under control. After all it was a brand new experience for him and he is taking it all in. They should have brought the quarter horse with him! But I am assuming last night California Chrome got his last minute Derby strategy instructions from his bud at Los Al, the quarter horse! At Los Al on Saturday night I was watching TVG and they had Victor Espinosa on and Art Sherman signing giveaway California Chrome posters! It was California Chrome night at Los Al over the weekend on Sat. night! Cool.

Right now my top 3 are Danza, California Chrome, and Hoppertunity, not necessarily in that order.

re: Haskin Derby Report: A Whopper for Hopper

Paula Higgins — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 01:42:19 GMT

Boy you're not kidding about Lake Churchill! Pretty scary weather allover the south last night and today into tomorrow. It seems like most of the horses are running reall well on the track. Good to see. No surprise that Bob Baffert has him tuned to the max.

re: Haskin Derby Report: A Whopper for Hopper

IceyJulep — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 01:35:52 GMT

The b uzz horses this week are Danza and Intense Holiday; still surprised CC and Wicked are coming this late to the dance. Holiday got the press yesterday because of how poorly Artie looked, Danza's overall times were better and he's gained weight and his coat looks great. For the race, Danza is versatile, as is Hoppertunity and they will run well in any pace scenario. Everyone is talking about a fast pace; look at the fractions from the last preps; I don't see it unless Uncle Sigh pulls a Palace malice w/ the blinkers (fastest were Sunland and SA and those tracks are parking lots), I see the fractions being a modest 23+, 47, 111+ in which case the stalkers and mid-packers roll; if the pace is fast, the mid-ackers (like Intense) and deep closers (Medal Count, Wicked, Dance) could be in business. I don't see CC winning.

re: Haskin Derby Report: A Whopper for Hopper

Mike from Michigan — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 01:16:06 GMT

Steve, thank you for all the great trackside reports this past week and for the nice pictures too. Kind of makes us feel like were are right there at the Twin Spires. Anyway, from everything I have read, Untapable seems like she is doing great and handling the track surface well. Obviously, she has a very tough race to run Friday against some very talented fillies. But, just for the sake of conversation, how do you think she would do against the boys if she ran in the Derby? Thanks.

re: Haskin Derby Report: A Whopper for Hopper

Max Figueredo — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 00:44:32 GMT

Does anyone know if General a Rod has been sold? I still like the Fl horses and the Wood Winner. Hoppertunity looks awesome and I like the way he has trained for the Derby. So with no particular order of finish yet, my 4 finishers are General a Rod, Hoppertunity, Wicked Strong and Wildcat Red.

re: Haskin Derby Report: A Whopper for Hopper

Windolin — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 00:24:02 GMT

Stay safe Steve and sending prayers that everyone and the horses are all safe during these dangerous storms that are approaching us.

re: Haskin Derby Report: A Whopper for Hopper

Davids — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 23:40:27 GMT

Steve, Hoppertunity does look good and was impressive in his workout but so was Tapiture in his workout - he may be swinging right back into form. Even so, the post draw seems more crucial than ever this year.

Untapable has been the most impressive work though, like a volcano ready to erupt, let's hope the lava flows during the Oaks and not before. Cool photos.

re: Haskin Derby Report: A Whopper for Hopper

Ted from LA — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 22:53:35 GMT

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

re: Haskin Derby Report: A Whopper for Hopper

The Peacock — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 22:37:54 GMT

Night pics and report, Steve. Hoppertunity looks Great!

Repeating my question from your Chrome article. Can it be that easy?

re: Haskin Derby Report: A Whopper for Hopper

Racing347 — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 21:35:08 GMT

Dear Steve, Thanks for your wonderful stories and photographs that make me long for my old life on the backstretch. Please take a moment, get out of the rain, and take my survey to help me complete my masters' thesis. I would love your opinions! Good racing luck always.

www.surveymonkey.com/.../DHL7J65

re: Haskin Derby Report: A Whopper for Hopper

trackjack — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 20:46:04 GMT

Thanks Steve. I feel much more confident with Hoppertunity after his work today and the way he took to the track. Also like Wicked Strong's gallop--looking good.

re: Haskin Derby Report: A Whopper for Hopper

jpmackin — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 20:05:04 GMT

Steve,

Is Hoppertunity "longer" from head to tail than the average thoroughbred? To my eye he looks like he takes up a lot of space.. Thanks. BTW, you could have a career as a photographer if this writing thing doesn't work out :)

re: Haskin Derby Report: A Whopper for Hopper

Floridabred — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 19:57:50 GMT

Appreciate the day-by-day information and photos, Steve. Have you had the chance to see Calif. Chrome and/or Dance With Fate up close, yet ?. Wonder what your impressions will be.

re: Haskin Derby Report: A Whopper for Hopper

GiddyUpBoyWhoa — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 19:54:06 GMT

Steve, it seems from what I've been hearing is that Intense Holiday and Hoppertunity has really taken to the Churchill surface the best and both seem to be full of energy, and earlier I heard that Ride on Curlin and Medal Count was doing very well also since arriving at Churchill, do you agree and anybody else to add?

Looking forward to your selections.

re: Haskin Derby Report: A Whopper for Hopper

Matt Helm — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 19:32:12 GMT

Hoppertunity looks great,would be shocked if he doesn't hit the board Saturday.