Haskin's Derby Report: Sorting It All Out

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Sorting It All Out

El Kabong — Wed, 07 May 2014 03:34:23 GMT

Cassandra.Says

Thanks, I did like Commanding Curve early and I always stick with them, sometimes to a fault, but this guy showed me something in that last race at the FG that was impressive. I know there was a strong front end bias that day and he still closed. I picked up on it after a couple replays and thought I hope this guy gets in to the derby, he's my bomb. His success in the Derby and the struggles of IH and Vicar convinces me now that I was right about that race.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Sorting It All Out

Old Old Cat — Mon, 05 May 2014 22:50:56 GMT

Steve: I had Chrome all the way from the start. I had Danza only after your wonderful photo. Any horse who handled the track like that I had to play. Unfortunately I went with my heart on Wildcat Red, Samraat, and Uncle Sigh who I thought all had heart and would be there. My Preakness will probably be Chrome over Wildcat and Danza if they enter.

Thanks again for your wonderful articles. They are the highlight of the year.

If I were Art Sherman, I would tell Victor to ride the horse through the finish and the next pole and wait for the turn to do his Mike Smith impersonation. Jockeys fall off. Jockeys misjudge the finish line. A lot is at stake.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Sorting It All Out

LAZMANICK — Mon, 05 May 2014 21:55:28 GMT

Monica you nailed it. Nice post. I think that Draynay is looking for a Hong Kong blog, somewhere where he hopes they won't know about his Derby expertise.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Sorting It All Out

Dr Drunkinbum — Mon, 05 May 2014 11:04:35 GMT

Windolin

Thanks. It was nice to hear that you liked it. I've really been enjoying your posts, so it's good to be able to give something back. I'll put California Chrome on top on one ticket in the Preakness and try to beat him on another. I think he could also win the Belmont but that is the race I think he is most vulnerable just like most are. Regardless of what happens, California Chrome is a new model for the new age with push button acceleration, 500 horsepower but with great gas mileage, initially sold at a modest price, affordable for almost anyone despite all of the muscle and chrome, but now with the limited edition the price is through the roof, highly sought after by wealthy collectors pouting in frustration used to being able to buy what they want. There is no joy for them, for mighty California Chrome is not for sale. So far it is still for the hard working owners to enjoy, and they earned this vacation time with the top down, as we see their big smiles, and hair blowing in the wind, they drive off into the sunset with their sleek, muscular beautiful ride.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Sorting It All Out

trackjack — Mon, 05 May 2014 05:25:36 GMT

Linda in Texas,

No, couldn't do it this year. From your posts on other blogs, you obviously enjoyed this year's edition. What a great day and great story. A friend's daughter at school at U of Cincinnati went for the first time and had a blast on the infield. She called me an hour before post wanting advice on who to bet. She was betting $10, only bet of the day. I told her to bet California Chrome to win. She texted me back after thanking me. First bet, first Derby and she had the winner. I told her mom to check her for Derby fever when she gets home.

My friend from Iowa called and we made resv. In NY for the Belmont, just in case. I will NOT use the words Triple Crown and this year's Derby winner in the same sentence. I've been through this too many times. The only race for California Chrome is the next one--the Preakness!

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Sorting It All Out

JayJay — Mon, 05 May 2014 05:22:17 GMT

Anyone watched the press conference of the Kentucky Oaks ? It was weird that Steve was so focused watching something to his left that he missed the point of the first question posted to him (or maybe purposely "missed" it)... then at 10:43 of the video, Rosie started explaining to him and they just chatted and was kind of talking over Ron Winchell answering a question. I'm curious what they were looking at and what they were talking about.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Sorting It All Out

Sam Santschi — Mon, 05 May 2014 03:59:44 GMT

Kabong...good work and credit to cold facts if you did bet the CC exacta. Not surre if u were kidding. "All" I got was my pool 3 wager on CC from February and lets face it would not have had it without your early touting Steve, of this very cool horse. So thanks, Steve! I was very concerned when he arrived in the paddock. His head was cocked to the side, tail dripping with sweat but he was very cool and collected as he came up and they were loaded.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Sorting It All Out

JayJay — Mon, 05 May 2014 03:53:55 GMT

El Kabong : Congrats for hitting the Super, but $7500 isn't a huge score ?? What's considered a huge score ? lol

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Sorting It All Out

Arch the phoneman — Mon, 05 May 2014 03:21:55 GMT

Steve, you are becoming a regular on these NBC telecasts. After the race, your handsome mug was all over the screen sticking your tape recorder out getting quotes. They are going to have to put you on the payroll. Seriously,Steve. Thanks for the great work leading up to the race. It really enhanced the experience for me. I ended up on Danza and I bet to win & place. So,I took a beating,but, can't help feeling that he would have been right there if he did not get hammered into the rail. I'm proud of how he ran and also happy for the Cali Chrome team. Thanks again,Steve.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Sorting It All Out

BelmontBarb — Sun, 04 May 2014 23:23:14 GMT

No Surprise here! Excellent execution and no disappoinment - "The Chrome" was confident and cool without stress and fluidly moved to control the race under Victor Espinoza - Clean race and fine finish. Thanks for giving us all what we wanted - a Derby!

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Sorting It All Out

Kevin — Sun, 04 May 2014 21:39:10 GMT

Watched the race a dozen times. Can't believe Medal Count nor Wicked Strong filed objections against Danza. Both could have finished in the money if not cut off mid stretch. I had Danza Chrome so not saying this because it cost me money.

A better ride would have had Ride on Curlin in the money too. Borel tried riding the rail and got totally stopped on far turn.

As usual the wise guy horse (Intense Holiday) was in reach but wasn't good enough.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Sorting It All Out

robinm — Sun, 04 May 2014 16:05:08 GMT

Steve; I apologize for not including this in my earlier post. It's amazing to me that your Top 4 in the Derby match the Top 4 of your dozen, with the exception of Hoppertunity, who scratched, in the 2 spot.

Well Done!!!

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Sorting It All Out

MonicaV — Sun, 04 May 2014 15:52:45 GMT

How does one start out? I have to say that that Derby played out the way I thought it would. I have to admit that I was kind of down on Friday having read Steve's remarks about Chrome not being at Churchill long enough, gawking on the track, anxious and chomping on the bit but Saturday morning I just knew he was going to win. That horse knows when he has to get down to business and he does it. He and Victor are a great team. The break was good and he was positioned where he likes to be, stalking the pace. It was superb. I truly think this is a special horse. He defies the usual logic even the "experts" on NBC had him fading to 4th. The roar of the crowd as he was coming down the stretch was incredible. They had the second biggest crowd in history and I can't help but think that it was because of this California invader who has the connections that make for a hell of a "feel good" story and the little working class guys have achieved something that some of the most famous and successful horsemen all want. That offer for 6 million and 51% ownership would have put someone else's silks on Chrome and I'm so glad they turned it down. California Chrome is a special horse and they don't come along every year but it's always one hell of a great experience for everyone. I hope Draynay is having a good day today. "Who did he beat? Dublin?" Yes, he beat Dublin and Hoppertunity and Candy boy and every horse who started yesterday. Draynay, is that enough for you or does he have to beat more? I'm sure he can.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Sorting It All Out

Linda in Texas — Sun, 04 May 2014 15:43:09 GMT

Trackjack were you there? If so, hope you will give us a taste of what it was like.

Deacon - you were right all along and never faltered and i never disagreed either. "California Chrome is the real deal" and you saw and called it early. I am glad he proved you right.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Sorting It All Out

Windolin — Sun, 04 May 2014 15:16:44 GMT

Oh Dr Drunkinbum...you make me laugh. Love, love your comments about CaliChrome out celebrating. Gotta be careful how I use CC, now that we have another CC who just ran beautifully yesterday (Commanding Curve).

It was just a thrill of a lifetime (next to my beloved Secretariat) to see California Chrome win.

I am so thankful too that all returned safely to the barn.

All the colts and owners and trainers as well as their jockeys are to be complimented for making it to the Derby and for giving their best yesterday.

Again, it has been a "hoot" participating in this adventure with all of you guys.

Looking forward to the Preakness and a repeat performance by California Chrome. I have read this morning that he came out of the race "fit as a fiddle" and cleaned up dinner last night and that the vet check this morning was great. Hope all the colts came out the race ok.

Just thrilled about Commanding Curve, what a performance. Think for sure that he is one to watch during the year.

Congratulations to all for a great race, thank God all were safe and hugs and kisses to California Chrome. You brought it home!

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Sorting It All Out

Cassandra.Says — Sun, 04 May 2014 14:01:25 GMT

El Kabong was on Commanding Curve in February and stayed with him late. Most mentions of CC2 were "He deserves to make the field." Just can't stretch that far enough to give points.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Sorting It All Out

El Kabong — Sun, 04 May 2014 13:28:47 GMT

KABONG!!!

I don't know why I try to figure this race out only to have my back up ticket hit. I singled chrome, took two shots from my underneath horses, Commanding Curve and DWF, then just went with the logical horses under and lucked out by a nose. There was no Samraat in 4th place on my Super, but there was room for Wicked. Not a huge score but it made for fun night. I was watching at home so we had to wait for NBC to get around to posting who got 4th because it was too close to call.

Chrome is unbelievable. It's time to start rooting for a Triple Crown. Here's to keeping that pony healthy.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Sorting It All Out

Dr Drunkinbum — Sun, 04 May 2014 12:51:44 GMT

I wonder if someone will name a new automobile model after California Chrome?

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Sorting It All Out

Rusty Weisner — Sun, 04 May 2014 11:51:54 GMT

Wildcat Red and General A Rod were really something, Draynay.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Sorting It All Out

Rusty Weisner — Sun, 04 May 2014 11:50:51 GMT

Steve Haskin,

Congratulations! Beautifully done. A lot of people can thank you for winning a lot of money. Not me. Barely cashed any tickets on the horse.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Sorting It All Out

Dr Drunkinbum — Sun, 04 May 2014 11:45:03 GMT

The Deacon

Good job. You almost nailed the superfecta and 149k super high five except for being thrown a commanding curve ball. Is it true that California Chrome was out celebrating Saturday night on the main drag in Louisville, drinking Colt 45 and beating a 65 Mustang, 68 Dodge Charger, and 57 Chevy in drag races? I'm all for a Triple Crown for him even though I'll still be trying to beat him in the Preakness, and Belmont just like I did in The Derby. Nobody could be more deserving of a Triple Crown than this horse, his trainer, owners, jockey, and especially pedigree. It would be a great rags to riches pedigree story. It's one of the few times I'll be betting against him but also rooting for him. It's kind of a can't lose situation. I hope Social Inclusion is ready to at least give CC an early scare. I hope Candy Boy runs in the Preakness also. What would he have done without the bad trip?

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Sorting It All Out

JayJay — Sun, 04 May 2014 03:49:26 GMT

I'm officially on the bandwagon. I ignored the posts by many that if he gets a clean break, he's gone. When Chitu forced the pace and allowed Chrome to sit behind them, I knew my tickets are worthless. It was Santa Anita Derby all over again. He proved he's the best 3 yr old and potentially the best horse this year the way he runs. I'm not getting ahead of myself but I can't see anyone getting even close to him. Dale Romans did the same exact thing with his horse, another Golden Soul barely making the field and running huge. Congrats to all who picked Chrome, hope you all had a big day today!

CONGRATS to Art Sherman and the owners, a very well deserved win and the forgotten jockey Victor Espinoza who did everything right by Art and this horse.

Chrome went from a $6M horse to priceless...GO CALIFORNIA!

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Sorting It All Out

trackjack — Sun, 04 May 2014 02:26:18 GMT

Steve,

This was a Derby to remember. Can't wait for your wrap-up. I hope Junior didn't take too much out of you as you tried to keep up with him as you all made your back to the backside. I imagine that was a pretty wild scene back there. Congrats to all the connections

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Sorting It All Out

Windolin — Sat, 03 May 2014 23:48:40 GMT

Tears of joy! California Chrome brought it home.

re: Haskin's Derby Report: Sorting It All Out

robinm — Sat, 03 May 2014 23:15:00 GMT

You know, I started second guessing my confidence in California Chrome when he didn't seem to be moving over the CD track as well as some of the other colts. I got some confidence back when the track came up fast and maybe would be more like what the Cali boy is used to. Then my confidence plummeted again when he seemed studish in the paddock and I became concerned about his focus.

Clearly, neither I or the rest of his fans had anything to worry about. Victor rode him perfectly. Perfect break, perfect stalking trip and as he has in his most recent races, he came out of the turn on top and opened up daylight on the rest. And again, Victor eased him the last 16th when no one was going to catch him. Very, very smart to leave something in the tank, especially since he's not used to running back in 2 weeks. And speaking of the Preakness, the owners, or at least the vocal one, is saying "on to Maryland", but I wonder how Art really feels? Swaps came home to California and didn't compete in the other 2 TC races. I kind of wonder if Art wouldn't prefer to do the same with CC.

I'm trying to be respectful of Steve and his blog, but I can't help rubbing it in a little to a certain person (you know who you are) - how does crow taste?