Haskin's Derby Report: Chrome Sweet Home

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Chrome Sweet Home

Randi — Sun, 04 May 2014 07:09:03 GMT

California Chrome was awesome. Showed them all!!

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Chrome Sweet Home

Smoking Baby — Thu, 01 May 2014 16:43:59 GMT

Coldfacts. Thank you for acknowledging my post in your 9:01 AM reply. I have a lot of respect for you, your love of the game and appreciation for it's history. I'm hoping we can simply agree to disagree on this one as I don't think California Chrome is getting any more coverage that Smarty Jones, Barbaro or Big Brown. He's certainly not getting any more than Uncle Mo, Verrazano or even Social Inclusion did for a couple weeks there. I submit that it's at least possible that the coverage for these favorites has been about the same but because he's not your guy (for whatever reason) the coverage California Chrome's been getting rubs wrong/annoys and because of that SEEMS excessive.

I do agree that so many things can go wrong (including just not feeling like running on a given day) that it's all but crazy to declare any horse a winner just for showing up. This phenomenon has certainly not been exclusive to California Chrome though. Uncle Mo comes to mind as does Union Rags and let's not forget that "Beast From The East" Quality Road nonsense I had to endure. I guess my real point is that the fans of any horse or team that we don't like can often annoy. I often have to remind myself that it would be boring if all of us liked the same foods, teams, horses, color, car.....You get the point.

Said it before but I'll say it again. LOVE your stuff. NEVER stop posting regardless of those who disagree with you.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Chrome Sweet Home

MonicaV — Thu, 01 May 2014 14:17:42 GMT

Sysonby,

CC is one cool customer. He won't be trying to keep up with a rabbit. He knows what to do and he is relaxed until he turns for home and kicks it in.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Chrome Sweet Home

Coldfacts — Thu, 01 May 2014 13:02:19 GMT

Bigtex,

“Left for dead”

If you are of the opinion that the above phrase cited in my post represents disrespect then it is a sad day for phrases. I use many phrases in my posts and they are not intended to disrespect but rather to enhance descriptions. Examples below:

He was passed like he was glued to the ground.

He has been repeatedly beaten like a rented mule.

Try to keep phrase usage in context and refrain from twisting them to score points.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Chrome Sweet Home

Coldfacts — Thu, 01 May 2014 13:01:28 GMT

Smoking Baby,

“How exactly does covering the Derby favorite equate to disrespect for the other 19 horses?”

The coverage for the anticipated favorite for the Derby is above normal but my post did not focus on that. I did not see this level of fanfare for the undefeated Smarty Jones, Barabo and Big Brown.

My post was directed to those whose posts reflected disregard/disrespect for CC’s 19 opponents. I am sure you have seen some of the over the top posts. Below is an example:

“His race to lose providing he has a decent post.”

Wow! He will be racing against the clock only with a favorable post. The only movable object that can possibly defeat him is the emergency vehicle. He is so superior only a bad post or human error can deny him wearing the roses.

Do you regard the above as reflecting total disregard/disrespect for the 19 other horses in the field? I can cite many other examples but the above is the most recent and certainly makes my point.

Mike Relva,

“The ONLY factor in his way is a bad post or health issue.”

His 19 opponents are none factors. Wow! He is Fila Mignon and they are Chopped Liver. A classic example of disrespect. It is not surprising as your disrespect for equines is similar to that for humans. Your endorsement of the posts below serves as an indictment.

Deacon

“Coldfacts: You sure are a piece of work. You and Draynay can sure ruin a party moment. Please go away”

Mike Relva

Hey! If only they would go away. Seems like this movie is really overplayed. Saw it before, didn't like it the first time, still don't.

There is clearly very little tolerance for the views of some and Deacon and Mike Relva have the audacity to advise those with opposing views to go away. Well I have the audacity to advise you both to grow up and conduct yourselves as adult.

The absence of tact is worse than the absence of social graces.

Slew,

I am not as good a student of English as you are and I appreciate the correction in the usage of anti versus ante. I have been using the term anti-post favorite for a very long time. I assumed readers would recognized its incorrectness as prefix but would also realize the ‘anti’ portion of the term come from the word ‘anticipated.’ Going forward I will endeavor to use the full description i.e., anticipated favorite instead of the abbreviate form. One Love.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Chrome Sweet Home

Lise from Maine — Thu, 01 May 2014 11:06:53 GMT

Hi!

What a cutie!

He has such a wonderful personality - a high curiosity level.

Thank you for sharing the photos.

Lise from Maine

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Chrome Sweet Home

JayJay — Thu, 01 May 2014 05:11:46 GMT

Coldfacts : "Not in direct statements"... that's the difference there. I've seen other people post similar comments about their horses, doesn't that mean they're disrespecting the other 19 including Chrome ? You picking Wicked Strong and Medal Count... does that mean you're disrespecting 18 other horses ? I get your point but to say that only Chrome fans are guilty of it is not a fact.

MonicaV : Yes, I plan on it... if you have any connections to let me see Zenyatta, I will be forever in your debt ! :)

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Chrome Sweet Home

ksweatman9 — Thu, 01 May 2014 04:02:47 GMT

Bloodline Bob, You can't decide the winner of this race on stud fees and place of conception. The derby is a horse of a different color, not like any other. EVERY pony who makes the starting gate, has a chance at the roses. That being said, there is a first time for everything. California Chrome wouldn't be the first from that state to be a derby winner. I don't see why it's so far fetched. I wish them luck, one and all. Also, history tells us that many race fans have to eat their words following the first Saturday in May.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Chrome Sweet Home

Paula Higgins — Thu, 01 May 2014 03:14:11 GMT

O.K. Jean from Chicago I will give Ted from LA a break. But you are right, Bob from Boston has way too much influence over him. I really hope he is wrong about CC. I am a little worried that CC isn't totally acclimated yet. I need to quit worrying sigh.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Chrome Sweet Home

Slew — Thu, 01 May 2014 00:16:28 GMT

ps: Coldfacts...I've noticed that you keep referring to these pre-derby days as "anti-Derby". Please be aware the term is "ante-derby" which means before the derby just as antebellum refers to a period before the Civil War. Anti-derby, however, means against the derby as being opposed to the derby.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Chrome Sweet Home

Slew — Thu, 01 May 2014 00:10:25 GMT

He looks sooooo good, and I'm not a real fan of chestnut horses. BUT, I am a California Chrome fan. After watching his Santa Anita victory, I found him most impressive. To learn he's a work horse, who does what needs to be done reminds me of Citation. To see him demolish the competition reminds me of Slew. And watching him debark backwards reminds me of me and Wiley Coyote...here's hoping he's more graceful. And the coloring...Secretariat and Affirmed...and Alydar...and Point Given. He drew a decent post #5.

Reflecting on the last 4 TC winners, in the Derby, Affirmed bested 10 (including the intrepid Alydar), the Slew blew off 14, Secretariat took on 12, and Citation led 5 others. It seems to me that a field of 20 is too great for a track that can support only 18 at the most. Breeders' Cup limits fields to 14. I think it will be next to impossible to see another TC winner as long as the field remains at 20. To me, that's just greed.

At any rate....GO CHROME!

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Chrome Sweet Home

Mike Relva — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 23:19:35 GMT

Steve,what's your opinion on the post CC drew?

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Chrome Sweet Home

Johnny — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 22:30:50 GMT

Interesting Coldfact:

Horses that have the most points going into the Derby are undefeated..

Good Luck to all

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Chrome Sweet Home

Mike Relva — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 17:59:31 GMT

ColdFacts

The ONLY factor in his way is a bad post or health issue.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Chrome Sweet Home

Mike Relva — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 17:57:24 GMT

BloodlineBob

Good luck with that,his race to lose providing he has a decent post.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Chrome Sweet Home

Jean in Chicago — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 17:52:46 GMT

Paula,

Give Ted from LA a break. He's been listening to Bob from Boston and has fixated on Hoppertunity ('the Hopper') and Wicked Strong.

Once again, thank you, Steve. Your photos are far and away the best at giving us a look at the 'real' horse.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Chrome Sweet Home

Carlos in Cali — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 17:51:45 GMT

Oh,man!

I'll let the horse's performance speak for itself just so his detractors could finally shut the @#$!-up! with all the nonsense,like: Cal-bred this,Hoppertunity was "working out",wait until he faces "real speed"...

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Chrome Sweet Home

Alydar78@yahoo.com — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 17:39:07 GMT

Bloodline Bob,

Lucky Pulpit's stud fee has already risen. Listed as Private, but I heard that it's up to $10,000. In that case, you listed a lower stud fee of the winner in 2002, which would have been to breed to Our Emblem. Who rode the winner that year? Oh, Victor Espinoza.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Chrome Sweet Home

Forbidden Apple — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 16:16:00 GMT

I'm looking forward to the moment when California Chrome looks a faster horse in the eye. I think Wildcat Red is going to be a stubborn foe for California Chrome, the likely 9/5 or 2-1 favorite. Who else is going to be part of the contested early pace? If the #21 or #22 horses get in, the pace will be out of control. Either way I believe the race will set up for a closer like Candy Boy or Dance With Fate.

1)Candy Boy 2)Wildcat Red 3)California Chrome 4)Dance With Fate 5)Hoppertunity 6)Wicked Strong 7)General A Rod 8)Danza

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Chrome Sweet Home

Mike Relva — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 15:05:51 GMT

Deacon

Hey! If only they would go away. Seems like this movie is really overplayed. Saw it before,didn't like it the first time,still don't.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Chrome Sweet Home

Mike Relva — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 15:01:14 GMT

Carlos

Actually he didn't have too,it's there on display. lol

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Chrome Sweet Home

Smoking Baby — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 14:42:00 GMT

How exactly does covering the Derby favorite equate to disrespect for the other 19 horses? California Chrome isn't getting any more attention than the early favorite in any other year. His fans seem well aware of the roadblocks in the way of his Derby hopes and have tempered their enthusiasm in something that resembles reality.

Not long ago an impressive allowance winner was being rammed down our throats as the next Triple Crown winner. No one seemed too bothered by that so why the rawness over buzz for a horse that's actually earned it?

For what it's worth the Smoking Baby super remains:

California Chrome

Ride On Curlin

Candy Boy

Wicked Strong

....with Intense Holiday as my Bud Longshot.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Chrome Sweet Home

MonicaV — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 14:27:02 GMT

Jay Jay,

I hope you do go to Kentucky and visit the horses! It's so much fun. I was lucky enough to visit Secretariat, Slew, Aladar, the ill-fated Ferdinand, Spectacular Bid, Mr. Prospector, Najinksy, Nuryev and Damascus who had the most beautiful eyes on a horse that I have ever seen. It is unbelievable to know you are standing next to some of the greatest horses to ever run. It's a Horse Lover's dream come true.

I follow the TC every year. There have only been a few that I have felt real excitement about. I was totally behind IHA and heartbroken when he came up injured. The one before that was Smarty Jones who was very special. Sunday Silence was another one. This year I am looking forward to seeing CC and what he does. As I have stated before, I am a hopeless romantic and what has more romance than the KD? I am hoping that he will take us on a magical journey this spring. That doesn't mean I don't respect the other horses. They are all beautiful and I want each and every one to stay sound through this series and the rest of their race careers. I have a special place in my heart for ROC. He's a Curlin baby and he was one of my favorites as well. Here's to the 20 horses to run on Saturday, God bless them and keep them well.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Chrome Sweet Home

Bigtex — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 13:43:55 GMT

I don't think Chitu's owners would appreciate Baffert sending him out as Hoppertunity's rabbit!

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Chrome Sweet Home

Max Figueredo — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 13:23:57 GMT

Well said COLDFACTS!!! The Derby winner has to handle the dirt, maybe an off-track, over a mile and a quarter and dispose of 19 likely contenders. Not an easy task.

My recollection of the Derby is that most of the time it's not won by the favorite or the best horse, but the one that has the best trip.