Haskin's Derby Report: Morning at The Downs

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Morning at The Downs

Rammer — Fri, 02 May 2014 00:26:59 GMT

I'm really happy that everyone has forgotten about my 2nd pick! I will be putting Cali Chrome on top in the Tri and wheeling another horse 2nd & 3rd with the field! I gave out my pick 2 weeks ago. It's on some timelines but I'm not giving it out again. This is THE EVENT folks where you can hit for many thousands of dollars! I've done it in the past with Barbaro among others and I hope that a 90-1 shot runs into the tri along with my 2nd horse while Cali is winning off by 5!!! - RAMMER

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Morning at The Downs

TerriV — Thu, 01 May 2014 23:26:06 GMT

Love the pictures. They are all too beautiful to pick one. But I'm sticking with California Chrome. Steve, I haven't seen one picture or any comments on Tapiture. What's up with him?

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Morning at The Downs

RedRose777 — Thu, 01 May 2014 23:05:19 GMT

I agree with those who posted about CC having a Man o' War-esque look to him in the pose on the Churchill screen. It struck me in the same manner as they described...goosebumps. He looks sensational.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Morning at The Downs

Racingfan — Thu, 01 May 2014 18:10:33 GMT

Steve, I read comments from someone who said California Chrome is not looking really good. Any truth to that?

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Morning at The Downs

JayJay — Thu, 01 May 2014 15:15:33 GMT

Unfortunate news about Hoppertunity, I had already decided to toss him off my tickets but didn't want him to get hurt. I was just reading an article about his owner Pegram and it must be devastating for him to lose a horse so close to the race.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Morning at The Downs

Gollykeeper — Thu, 01 May 2014 14:30:24 GMT

GetStormy, I thought the same exact thing when I looked at that photo, especially with the prominent forechest CC seems to have.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Morning at The Downs

Windolin — Thu, 01 May 2014 13:22:58 GMT

Get Stormy, love your comment

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Morning at The Downs

DarStar — Thu, 01 May 2014 12:49:46 GMT

Steve...more,more,more.Please.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Morning at The Downs

Pedigree Ann — Thu, 01 May 2014 12:49:06 GMT

One thing 'Junior' has going for him is his demeanor. He's not a hot horse, one who gets unreasonably upset over things. As pointed out in another BH article, he had been handled a lot early because of his dam's ill-health following delivery and so likes and trusts his people. A co-operative horse makes everything easier.

Just want to add a note from the Art Sherman interview from the DRF:

Asked what he found different from his first Derby experience all those years ago, Sherman looked at the paved road between barns and said, “It used to be all grass in between. I’d take Swaps out and do figure eights bareback,” he said.

Talk about teaching a horse to be balanced! And changing leads - have to do that in a figure 8 to keep balanced. Always said a little dressage work would do wonders for a racehorse's body and mind.

And the horses could be led out of their stalls for a little grazing without have to look for the equivalent of a dog park. All of it a much more natural way to maintain a horse. (But I bet it took a lot of staff to maintain the grass. Oops, costs too much, say the bean-counters - put in paving. So what if horses slip and fall on paving more often; our bottom line looks better.)

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Morning at The Downs

Dr Drunkinbum — Thu, 01 May 2014 12:16:59 GMT

The quote of the meet just has to be what Ramsey said to Pletcher about running or not running We Miss Artie. I'm sure it wasn't PG rated. I'm sure it was quite colorful and filled with choice words like I got my mouth washed with soap for saying when I was a kid. "If you ever .... What the hell were you thinking..."

"Well I thought you'd appreciate the higher odds. ... Yes sir... Yes sir..."

I only know one thing about this Derby. There are going to be some monster payouts. There will be some big odds in the top 4. I just don't know who they will be.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Morning at The Downs

Eliza — Thu, 01 May 2014 11:20:42 GMT

Thank you for all the fabulous photos. Is there any creature on earth more beautiful than a thoroughbred race horse? I marvel at it.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Morning at The Downs

Lise from Maine — Thu, 01 May 2014 11:00:59 GMT

Hi!

Wonderful photos! Thanks for sharing them.

I may be betting on these: Wildcat Red, Chitu, Dance With Fate, General A Rod, and Hoppertunity.

Still thinking about my choices.

California Chrome is just as gorgeous as ever.

Lise from Maine

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Morning at The Downs

Shelby's Best Pal — Thu, 01 May 2014 04:22:22 GMT

Thank you, Steve. Just wonderful photos and commentary.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Morning at The Downs

Bigtex — Thu, 01 May 2014 04:14:03 GMT

For a Tri or Super, I wouldn't be a bit surprised if there was a California sweep. The only fly in the ointment for that would be Danza sneaking in for a piece.

I can see lots of different scenarios, however. For sure, I pray for all to have safe trips & I'll be happy for whomever crosses the wire 1st!

I think the long shots could really come in and make our day!

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Morning at The Downs

Alex'sBigFan — Thu, 01 May 2014 03:17:38 GMT

Great photos Steve. California Chrome has a regal look to him and nice stance, very poised. I hope he gets all this gawking out of his system today and tomorrow. He looks like he is taking in his sourroundings and processing it in his mind. He's saying, "no estoy en Los Al, seguro." Or this for sure ain't Los Alamitos! Wonder if he is looking for his buddy, the quarter horse?

Danza, Samraat, and Wicked Strong look great too. So does Intense Holiday.

Have to go check the post positions now.

Keep the photos coming Steve. I love them!

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Morning at The Downs

Jill-Marie — Thu, 01 May 2014 02:57:38 GMT

As a longtime show hunter rider and breeder, with a small side of runners and a deep, abiding passion for the Thoroughbred sport horse ... can I just say that I would not kick California Chrome out of my barn? ;-) What a gorgeous, flashy athlete. Win, lose or draw on Saturday, that is one classy Thoroughbred. Kudos to his crew.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Morning at The Downs

GetStormy — Thu, 01 May 2014 01:50:17 GMT

Whoa! I just got goosebumps looking at the picture of California Chrome standing on the track-the one on the big screen-is it just me, or is anybody else seeing Man o' War? Head, neck, shoulder, look of eagles. As Mi Taylor tells Velvet Brown about The Pie in National Velvet, "got a nasty look of Man o' War about him."

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Morning at The Downs

BelmontBarb — Thu, 01 May 2014 01:37:56 GMT

Hello Steve

Seems as though "The Chrome" knows he'll be coming out of post position 5. Those ears; his stature; his acknowledgement of the track; He's a brilliant colt. He brings so much to this Derby as you bring to us in this picture perfect update as they move into one of the biggest and anticipated performances of their lives.

Thanks

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Morning at The Downs

Derbystorm — Thu, 01 May 2014 01:33:14 GMT

Medal Count 20-1 ( Key on top)

Danza 10-1 (Key on top )

Candy Boy 20-1 (exotics)

Ride on Curlin 15-1 (exotics)

General A Rod 15-1 (exotics)

Wicked Strong 8-1 (exotics)

Intense Holiday 12-1 (exotics)

Hoppertunity 6-1 (exotics)

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Morning at The Downs

robinm — Thu, 01 May 2014 00:49:59 GMT

Steve; I notice you didn't really give your impression of how well California Chrome moved over the track. I couldn't tell too much from the short video clip I found but wow, did Medal Count look good. And, he got the pp I was hoping for CC. 5 is a little too inside to my liking; I sure hope he breaks well.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Morning at The Downs

Sail On — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 22:30:28 GMT

Ouch! Two of my favorite horses drew #1, and #20! CC is surrounded by speedy great breaking colts. Its gonna be a mash at the rail!

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Morning at The Downs

Onthebridle — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 22:03:55 GMT

Very, very nice photos and much appreciated Steve! Would love to have seen CC work over this track, although good horses seem to handle most all surfaces. Steve, what was your impression of his gallop today? Danza and Medal Count sure look to be pointing to big efforts and Samraat seems like a good horse as well. The post positions appear fine for the top contenders and the 5 post should suit CC as long as he doesn't walk out.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Morning at The Downs

The Deacon — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 21:58:55 GMT

Great photos Steve thanks for sharing. Have you made your final selection yet for Saturday??

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Morning at The Downs

tjconway — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 21:52:27 GMT

Uncle Sigh.......Garden trip from 3-hole!!!!!!!!!!!

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Morning at The Downs

Sail On — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 19:55:26 GMT

I love the way Wildcat Red's rear is flying on every step.

Apparently Vicar's In Trouble really is flying under the radar, nara a photo of him can be found :(