Haskin's Derby Report: Quick on the Draw

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Quick on the Draw

Mary — Sat, 03 May 2014 03:28:32 GMT

RamieF, you, me, and Chitu. Thank you for your thoughtful post. The tail side of his pedigree is replete with stamina. Act

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Quick on the Draw

Brontexx — Fri, 02 May 2014 20:22:26 GMT

MEMO to Giddyup check Haskins picks before you print that ticket RE DANZA

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Quick on the Draw

tjconway — Fri, 02 May 2014 19:51:31 GMT

If Calvin Borel is "smart", he'll keep Ride on Curlin to the outside down the stretch. It's gotta be deep down by the rail right now. Avoid it, Calvin, or you can "keep on pretending"!

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Quick on the Draw

Pedigree Ann — Fri, 02 May 2014 16:19:18 GMT

Andy Beyer has put the 'kiss of death' on Wicked Strong, by making him his Derby pick. He usually picks the horse with best Beyer figures, but he couldn't bring himself to pick a California horse, so he selected the horse with the second best figs. Too bad, I thought he had a shot.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Quick on the Draw

Abigail Anderson — Fri, 02 May 2014 13:40:45 GMT

These are the posts I wait for every year because I value your astute observations of these babies before the Big Day. No question that California Chrome has captured my heart and he seems to have the most interesting Derby narrative of the bunch. But I'm also pretty interested to see what Danza will do, how Pedro Del Monte impacts the way the race plays out and whether or not CC gets jostled out of the gate. It's clearly looking like a race (if not a field) with a lot of wild cards!

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Quick on the Draw

TerriZ — Fri, 02 May 2014 13:34:54 GMT

By the way, wasn't there another horse from California who used to look at the crowds, pose for her shots, and play to her adoring fans. Doesn't she live at Lane's End?

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Quick on the Draw

TerriZ — Fri, 02 May 2014 13:32:44 GMT

Thanks for your expertise and your takes on the horses racing in the Kentucky Derby. Your comments about Chrome's looking around at the crowd reminded me of what was said about Secretariat. Secretariat was fascinated by the flamingos while training at Hialeah. I think that while Chrome is racing with the blinkers on he will be a much more focused horse. Right now he's taking it all in. By the way, thanks for the awesome pictures.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Quick on the Draw

prudofrompuertorico — Fri, 02 May 2014 12:22:33 GMT

You have me spoiled! I am reading your articles and enjoying the photos, every time I sit in front of the pc.

I can recite it by heart.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Quick on the Draw

Windolin — Fri, 02 May 2014 09:37:25 GMT

I may be 100% wrong about this, but after reading the comments and seeing pictures and video of California Chrome from others that are at Churchill Downs in addition to your postings Steve, I have come to the conclusion that CC is a totally different horse than the typical thoroughbred. He loves to run and he loves being on the tracks and I think this colt is smart enough to know that he is going to be racing. I think what many perceive as a horse that is either a nervous wreck or not in good condition or brought to Churchill too late, is actually a horse that is primed and on his toes and very much on his game. I watched the video taken the last couple of days of training in California in which his exercise rider was wearing a camera. I for one am not bothered by the pawing or the chomping the bit or the saliva, it seems that this is just who he is. His trainer, his exercise rider and his jockey all seem to think he is ready to go on Saturday. And even if he does not win, I have to agree with what others have said, it has been a joy to follow this colt. He has brought excitement back to racing that has been missing for many, many years and something that racing is badly in need of. None of the colts are as closely watched and loved and adored as this colt is by the public or the non-racing public. He has a huge fan club like that of Zenyatta and the way the people feel about Zenyatta is the same way they feel about Chrome. Like I said, I might be totally off on this and he might come in last on Saturday. I can tell you this, if the love and support of his fans means anything, he will have the wings of Pegasus on Saturday.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Quick on the Draw

Giddyup — Fri, 02 May 2014 09:10:56 GMT

The one constant with race fans is they are a fickle bunch. Everyone seems to be on Danza like white on rice after his huge upset win in the Arkansas Derby but if he runs like a 40-1 shot in the Derby he will be forgotten in a heartbeat. Steve is a seasoned track veteran who has always stressed the importance of horses having a good foundation going into races like this so I will be heeding that advice and passing on Danza.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Quick on the Draw

Brontexx — Fri, 02 May 2014 09:06:18 GMT

Midpack or behind the frontrunners in a tracking trip, not from the back of the field is where the winner will come from this year with a fast track.I think if you look at the past PPs from Brisnet that I got from these blogs and you view this years paper, the pattern is different in that there are more colts with high early speed(three figure) vs late speed, my take from this is that one of the early presser types will fall into a tracking trip a little farther back than usual in this race and this occurence will allow him to settle much better and win the race.This could be the favorite or many others.As with most Kentucky Derbies its the trip that wins the race, and whoever that is will probably not win another in the TC series this year.I know CC single keyers are hoping he is another that wins at least the first two legs,but IMO it wont happen this year.On the sidelines waiting for the next are Hoppertunity and Social Inclusion just to name two, that will challenge the winner of the KD IN JUST TWO WEEKS.The sport is a lot different than yesteryears, these animals can not run at 100% in two weeks and with the competition these days it makes it more difficult than in the so-called golden eras.There are also other factors that make running back in two weeks a disadvantage for the animals, which everyone knows about but would prefer to keep in the background to maintain the status quo that make this a reality in 2014.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Quick on the Draw

genie918 — Fri, 02 May 2014 05:31:57 GMT

California Chrome has been phenomenal...in California. I hope he can take that form and continue his success outside of that state. Since coming to Churchill Downs, the reviews about him have been mixed. I am keeping my fingers crossed that he is not a mirror image of Lava Man or Game on Dude whose best performances have been on California tracks only.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Quick on the Draw

Bigtex — Fri, 02 May 2014 05:18:21 GMT

Cassandra.Says

Amen! Horses are not predatory animals but prey! They need food, space to run like hell, no stress (freedom from predators), some procreation (who doesn't!!!) Give em some run, some protection, some food, etc. Happy horses!

PETA? Go home and do some research!

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Quick on the Draw

Scott's Rail — Fri, 02 May 2014 05:11:53 GMT

Narrowing it to 6-8...Check out Dance with Fate's races.(Calracing.com) This horse likes to race. Very interesting..Trainer is worried about DwF's earlier antics when a quick turn around happened. Much more on the bit and still finished 2nd. Hopefully, maturity and seasoning will help slow him down until needed. I like to wait and see...But he is the ONE, I will have. I work my Tri tickets from 3rd to 1st. I have a 1st, just need to figure out the 3rd, 2nd...

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Quick on the Draw

Bigtex — Fri, 02 May 2014 05:03:35 GMT

I feel strongly about any of these 3 winning:

Dance with Fate

Danza

California Chrome

Dance with Fate's paddock schooling made me go, "Whoa!", just looking at him! When I review his works/races, he's an athlete!

Chrome is going to grind his bit in half!!!

Danza, I totally agree with Draynay (hell is freezing!)!!! He's the real deal, IMO!

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Quick on the Draw

Quinnbit — Fri, 02 May 2014 05:00:44 GMT

Vicar's In Trouble- Go Rosie Go!

Harry's Holiday-"Please, let's go somewhere else on vacation".

Uncle Sigh- "Phoo, will I be glad when this is over"

Danza- No walk in the park here!

Califor"ina"Chrome- Some "poetic justice" is surely forthcoming. Big rivers disincline talent, prowess, and favoritism. It's king of the mountain and this colt is on top.

Samaraat- Big Apple boy, Funny on his "cide"

We Miss Artie- Is Jim up for "50 to 1" II

General A Rod-Done deal?

Vinceremos- "Where is my buddy Ring Weekend? He his taking the weekend off. Bummer, I wish I could".

Wildcat Red- "Red, I have a feeling we're not in Florida anymore".

Dance With Fate- may get his toes stepped on

Chitu- Warlords solo. Are you interested Red? Sam? Uncle? Chrome? Pablo?

Medal Count- "Pedal to the metal"

Tapiture- Riding coattails

Intense Holiday- Must be a reincarnation of Sleipnir, Louisville is the perfect place

Commanding Curve- Made it to the mound after the "hook", a "shut out" won't work, needs a "no hitter"

Candy Boy- not sure what you get, is the Derby like a box of chocolates?

Ride On Curlin- "Bo-rail!"

Wicked Strong- "Wow, that is a big TV up there. Are they going to show "50 to 1"?

Pablo Del Monte- Not outside looking in anymore, welcome!

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Quick on the Draw

RedRose777 — Fri, 02 May 2014 04:28:39 GMT

Mary, I agree with you on both counts. Big Red, with each passing year, becomes further entrenched as the greatest of all time. Also, I know you said you hope nobody talks about Chitu, but I agree with you there as well. He looks like a monster to me. I wouldn't worry much about the public betting him down, though, as I was already crucified for mentioning I like him to grab a piece of it in another blog post. So perhaps you and I are amongst the few who like him. We can be the dark horses together! Good luck to you and to all. Let's just enjoy the Derby no matter who wins and pray they all come home safely!

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Quick on the Draw

El Kabong — Fri, 02 May 2014 04:17:57 GMT

Outstanding. This is the Haskin Report that I wait for every year. And the pictures, You capture moments that can't be portrayed in reports. Delgado hugging CC was so telling of this horse and his connection to his team. Well done. You seem to be having fun with all this Mr. Haskin and I think that is how it should be. Thanks. The final Bloodhorse moment with Lenny…… awesome.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Quick on the Draw

JayJay — Fri, 02 May 2014 04:11:07 GMT

Steve Haskin : Are you classifying Samraat as a speed horse ? I'm not sure if he is, I think he'll rate farther back behind the true speed horses (ViT, WR, US and CC). ViT has no choice but to go to the lead and really have to gun it with US on his outside who will have blinkers on. I don't know if WR will have any chance at all coming from behind so I see him going to the lead as well.

Is Untappable really a filly ?? She looks much more toned than some of the horses in the Derby. CLAIMER : This does not mean I'm saying she should be in the Derby, I don't think she has to run with the boys to be good. She will show us how it's done against the fillies and it will be very impressive and she will continue to dominate her class. She will then turn 4 and probably dominate again and win Top Older Female award and then come back as a 5 year old and try the boys maybe once or twice and win the HOTY. She'll retire after and make beautiful babies!

I mentioned awhile back, Chitu will most likely be Baffert's top derby horse and it's unfortunate that Hoppertunity scratched. I believe Chitu was the better of the two, I wish Hopp was running so I can see who the better horse is for the Derby. I guess I'll never know.

Here's a thought, the Also Eligibles...if the rule is that by default they get the 20th post, that seems to defeat the purpose of preparing for a chance to make the field if you know you'll get the 20th post anyway. It seems like it's the most logical way but to me, it just doesn't make any sense to have the AE. Even of all 4 gets in, the best post would be 17...unless you have the Big Brown type horse in a year where the field is not that strong...but if you do, it's most likely you won't be in the AE list, you'd be one of the favorites and already in.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Quick on the Draw

Geronimo2123 — Fri, 02 May 2014 04:05:25 GMT

I see Andy Beyer has picked Wicked Strong and predicts a pace meltdown. He also took a huge shot at Cal Chrome:

"You really have to wonder about this horse going a mile and a quarter. His sire never won going beyond five and a half furlongs, and well, you know, the female family is just garbage."

- so said Andy Beyer about California Chrome earlier today on the radio (Steve Byk At The Races).

Not for Love was or is actually one of Maryland's top sires. He is the damsire of CC. He did win at 1-3/16 miles before...I am sure Beyer has the connections associated with Cal Chrome's dam feeling very proud.

It almost makes you want the horse to win. Lets hope they start letting this horse really gallop over this track and get acclimated. He appears sore when he first comes out and takes time to even get a nice canter going. It was slightly better today than yesterday. Looks like they should have brought this colt last week, especially if they are going to force him on the track at 3:50 PST (6:50 at CD EST). How would you feel about getting up at a time your body thinks is before 4 AM and going to the track. That takes a few days to work through, and animals are more creatures of habit and internal clocks than humans are?

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Quick on the Draw

Draynay — Fri, 02 May 2014 03:54:58 GMT

Danza looks like a machine ... compact and strong. Watch his last 100 yards in the Arkansas... FAST ! Danza with the 4 post is now my pick for the win. He should sit behind the speed and win like he did 3 weeks ago.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Quick on the Draw

Matt Helm — Fri, 02 May 2014 02:44:02 GMT

Steve is it me,or are you cooling on CC.Im using him in my super box,going 6 deep.He doesn't look sharp enough right now to garner 5/2.Also playing some exotic savers leaving CC off.Im expecting a huge run from Gen A Rod,Ride on Curlin,and the very tough Samraat.Good luck on Saturday.

re: Haskin’s Derby Report: Quick on the Draw

Bigtex — Fri, 02 May 2014 02:18:04 GMT

I love Hoppertunity! Man what a loss!

re: Haskin’s Derby Report: Quick on the Draw

Bigtex — Fri, 02 May 2014 02:02:57 GMT

Steve, CC was grinding that bit before the SA Derby. He's on edge, man. I think we're going to have a heck of a race this year!

re: Haskin’s Derby Report: Quick on the Draw

Susan from VA — Fri, 02 May 2014 01:58:50 GMT

Love your pictures!