'Chrome's' Journey on the Derby Dozen

re: 'Chrome's' Journey on the Derby Dozen

Lise from Maine — Wed, 21 May 2014 13:05:17 GMT

Hi!

Let the "dream" ride on.

Any photos of California Chrome as a foal?

I love watching them as foals, growing up, read about

the training (photos/videos, too), racing, retiring, and see the new babies and so on with them.

Good luck to California Chrome and his team!

Thank you!

Lise from Maine

re: 'Chrome's' Journey on the Derby Dozen

Peggy in California — Sat, 17 May 2014 02:54:56 GMT

Got it, Dr. D. Thanks. Good luck to 'Chrome and safe trips to all--Peggy

re: 'Chrome's' Journey on the Derby Dozen

Dr Drunkinbum — Fri, 16 May 2014 15:14:59 GMT

Peggy in California

I emailed you to tell you to have a good time at Belmont but in case you didn't get the email- have a good time and good luck at Belmont.

re: 'Chrome's' Journey on the Derby Dozen

Slew — Fri, 16 May 2014 00:33:52 GMT

Beautiful. That gorgeous powerhouse just takes my breath away. I notice Perfect Drift is wearing shoulder pads. Could it be that he's met CC's teeth more often than he wished? The Chrome seems to going for a nibble..or a hunk.

Dr. D: Fury was one of my favorite shows too...and My Friend Flicka..and Mr. Ed. Remember the Cisco Kid? Beautiful horses!

Why do horses have such an awe inspiring effect on us? Then we talk about our machines in terms of horse power.

Beauty, size, grace, power, speed, and a heart and soul. Regal, intelligent, brave, and loyal, the horse is durable and commands not only our attention but also our respect and love. I don't have enough words for what I feel when I'm in the presence of such a gallant creature.

(Are there horses in heaven, and if there are, do I still have to watch where I step?)

re: 'Chrome's' Journey on the Derby Dozen

Dr Drunkinbum — Thu, 15 May 2014 23:11:44 GMT

The Deacon

We could go on and on about those rivalries. I went to a mid sixties Lakers game also. Luckily we had the Bruins to make up for the Lakers in those days and luckily the Lakers had 72 which helped quite a bit but not completely. It was more of a relief than anything. What did you think of Don Nelson? The Astrodome? Those were two tough losses. I'll tell you what I thought- "How could they let that scrub Nelson beat them, and why did the Bruins have to play in the Astrodome?" Let's have a safe trip for all on Saturday. I think it's going to be a classic Classic. Class will be in session and class will rule. Or will it be "anyone, anyone?"

re: 'Chrome's' Journey on the Derby Dozen

The Deacon — Thu, 15 May 2014 19:13:12 GMT

Dr. D: Being born and raised in So. Calif I remember all those Laker heartbreaks of the 1960's. I went to a few of those games. I remember when the Lakers won 2 in Boston only to come back to the L.A. Sports Arena and lose, I was there for game 3.

That 1962 Giants baseball team you speak of ruined my beloved Dodgers season. In a 1 game playoff the Dodgers were up 4-2 in the 9th inning and the Giants scored 4 runs to win.

Majestic Prince in 1969 was painful to me. Knowing he wasn't sound for the Belmont Stakes but McMahon over ruled Longden and raced him. Arts and Letters was a monster but the Prince was a great horse. Could have been one of the best. The Charismatic Belmont incident was hard to watch as well.

I just hope Chrome stays healthy

re: 'Chrome's' Journey on the Derby Dozen

Peggy in California — Thu, 15 May 2014 19:02:31 GMT

Deacon, I echo your comments about Dr. D. The blog wouldn't be the same without him and his sense of humor. Don't worry. I would be willing to be Ted from LA's wheelbarrow of pennies that Dr. D. will be a 'Chrome fan before the Belmont. He may not be willing to place a win bet on him at short odds, but he will be rooting for California Chrome to win.

re: 'Chrome's' Journey on the Derby Dozen

Peggy in California — Thu, 15 May 2014 18:56:44 GMT

Ted from LA, I am the one who got your name wrong. Just from being too lazy to look up the original comment when Dr. D. made me laugh about you taking a wheelbarrow of pennies to the window to place a bet. I'm going to Belmont also. Will I recognize you by your wheelbarrow of pennies?

re: 'Chrome's' Journey on the Derby Dozen

Dr Drunkinbum — Thu, 15 May 2014 18:39:35 GMT

The Deacon

Smarty's smarted the worst, and the Bid's was the second most painful of all time as far as horse racing losses go. Jerry West's Lakers losses against Boston were as painful as it gets along with the 62 Giants loss against the Yankees in the seventh game. I'm not even sure I want to be that invested again so I'm laying low in the hope department. The Belmont will be toughest of all if he gets there but I also wonder if the racing gods will allow a Triple Crown until the medication issues are resolved. There must be some reason they haven't allowed one since the 70's. They actually started with Spectacular Bid. Why did it start then and continue through the present day? We've had plenty of chances. The California Chrome story would be as good as it gets though. Maybe that's what they've been waiting for is hard working owners with an inexpensive horse with a pedigree that nobody thought could get it done. The Preakness is a big test. If he passes this one then I'm sure not going to say he can't win the Belmont.

re: 'Chrome's' Journey on the Derby Dozen

Racingfan — Thu, 15 May 2014 18:17:08 GMT

Oh, thank you! I was worried!

re: 'Chrome's' Journey on the Derby Dozen

Jean in Chicago — Thu, 15 May 2014 17:51:15 GMT

Ted from LA,

Glad to see you back! Can't imagine why police would mind a slightly slaphappy rider taking one of their horses for a short jog. Say hi to Bob from Boston. Love, Jean

re: 'Chrome's' Journey on the Derby Dozen

Steve Haskin — Thu, 15 May 2014 17:00:45 GMT

Racingfan, they've been posted as news stories on top of the page instead of a column. I sent in a few photos, but they weren't used. I will be sending in a photo blog today with captions

re: 'Chrome's' Journey on the Derby Dozen

Racingfan — Thu, 15 May 2014 16:30:32 GMT

Steve, are you okay? Haven't heard a thing from you lately.....no Preakness articles this week and no pictures?

re: 'Chrome's' Journey on the Derby Dozen

Ted from LA — Thu, 15 May 2014 15:44:46 GMT

Hey You Mugs! I just got of jail. Why would the Louisville police care if I wanted to take one of the police horses for a spin after the Derby? I am often misunderstood. Who called me Bob from LA? That's confusing to us. California Chrome is your winner (followed by Ride on Curlin, Ring Weekend, and General A Rod). Ted Bob is heading to NYC to watch CC win the Triple Crown.

re: 'Chrome's' Journey on the Derby Dozen

Tana Rae — Thu, 15 May 2014 06:24:22 GMT

Pedigree Ann, I've read that California Chrome's mom had a breathing problem which was never fixed. But from my research, her genetics were there to produce a classic distance foal as I'm sure you're aware of. Thus, Chrome arrives. Healthy, strong constitution, never sick. Key.! Strong genetics re-inforced by good old school training. No shin problems early. Soundness on the track (and off) as indicated by his multiple starts as a 2-year old. No back-off time . Learning to be a racehorse. His three-year old year and he puts it all-together - thanks to Victor who out of nowhere connects beautifully with this horse. Does it Any better than this?

re: 'Chrome's' Journey on the Derby Dozen

The Deacon — Thu, 15 May 2014 05:59:04 GMT

Dr. D: I hope you do root for 'Chrome. You have been saying for a while now that you want to see a Triple Crown winner. Many of us bloggers feel the same. Well there is only 1 horse that can make that happen this year. I think he wins the Preakness but the Belmont is another story. That race is usually the grave yard of possible immortality. The list is endless of very good horses that have tried. Spectacular Bid whom I consider to be one of the top 5 ever should have done it but the pain of a safety pin ruined that day. Real Quiet getting beat a nose where to the naked eye (my opinion only) it appeared he won the race was another.

Smarty Jones was another, that was a real heartbreaker for America.

Whom ever you root for I wish you the best of luck. Your posts are always a great read.......

Let folks speak their minds and opinions, no more negatives from me. Passion for a horse shouldn't turn into an argument...........

1. California Chrome

2. Bayern

3. Social Inclusion

re: 'Chrome's' Journey on the Derby Dozen

Dr Drunkinbum — Wed, 14 May 2014 21:45:05 GMT

Peggy in California

I don't know if he was self-taught or if somebody taught him but Mr. Ed could sing quite well. So anything is possible. Thanks for the nice story.

California Chrome looks really strong and is obviously a special horse but I still have a feeling that Ride on Curlin will run really well, but will it be good enough? And it will be very interesting to see what Social Inclusion does. He loves to run, is very talented, and is a competitor. I'm just not sure if he is quite ready to beat these. It would be exciting if you guys are in Belmont for a Triple Crown try so I might be rooting for California Chrome.

re: 'Chrome's' Journey on the Derby Dozen

Carlos in Cali — Wed, 14 May 2014 19:46:45 GMT

One thing is certain:

sceptre,et al, lack the knack spotting talented horseflesh.

Go Chrome!

re: 'Chrome's' Journey on the Derby Dozen

Peggy in California — Wed, 14 May 2014 13:12:46 GMT

A story for Dr. Drunkinbum:

Once upon a time in a kingdom far away, the king sentenced a man to death for an offense (which is not important to this story). The man told the king that he had a rare talent and could teach the king's favorite horse to sing if given a year to do so. So the king relented and allowed him to try to teach the horse to sing.

The man sang cheerfully to the horse every day. One day a helper asked the man why he was so happy when he would be put to death in a year when the horse hadn't learned to sing. The man said, "I have a year which I didn't have before and a lot can happen in a year. The king could die, I could die, the horse could die, and perhaps. . . the horse might even learn to sing."

I enjoyed this story when I first heard it years ago and have tried to remember it when things look hopeless. The reason that I bring it up is that you said that you will always post to Steve's Derby Dozen blog. Hopefully, Steve will continue to do this blog next year, but a lot can happen in a year, so I'm giving you my email address so you can keep in touch if/when you want. It is: peggylindsay@comcast.net

You mentioned that you might join "us", meaning (I guess) the original Steve Haskin's bloggers group, some day. We are not physically close to each other so we don't see each other in person often. I live in Northern California, 3 are in So. Cal. and one in Colorado. I stay in touch with a couple of them by email which allowed me to have a day at Santa Anita with one recently and to make plans to go to Belmont with her. Until then I will be here on the blog and will look for your postings.

re: 'Chrome's' Journey on the Derby Dozen

thugs — Tue, 13 May 2014 23:55:40 GMT

steve ive loved chrome as long as you have every year my friend and I start discussing derby horses in the beginning of January itold him that there is this cal horse that looks really good.my friend said hes a cal bred I laughed and said cal bred triple crown winner keep the good stories coming and after he takes the crown you can pat yourself on the back like ill be doing go chrome

re: 'Chrome's' Journey on the Derby Dozen

Dr Drunkinbum — Tue, 13 May 2014 22:48:51 GMT

Peggy in California

I don't know what it meant either. If I don't post on Steve's Derby Dozen then you can worry. The rest of the year I can't guarantee, but I'll do my best. Thanks for your special words. Glad you came back. Don't go away.

re: 'Chrome's' Journey on the Derby Dozen

Shelby's Best Pal — Tue, 13 May 2014 18:08:30 GMT

It feels so good to have your faith justified. Great reminder of California Chrome's dominance. Thanks also for the beautiful pictures of him. And I really liked getting a look at Perfect Drift too. He filled out an exacta for me on more than one occasion.

re: 'Chrome's' Journey on the Derby Dozen

Peggy in California — Tue, 13 May 2014 15:11:13 GMT

Since I haven't posted yet on this blog, I want to thank Steve for the insights that he had about California Chrome early in the Derby season and for putting them together with the pictures he took to share for all of us. You know you are appreciated by all of us.

Dr. Drunkinbum, I'm so happy to hear from you. One of the reasons I started reading the comments again was that seeing your name always makes me happy. I'm not quite sure what some of your comments meant (Bob from LA) since I haven't been reading, but they made me laugh anyway. Please keep posting, because I worry about you if I don't see something written with your incomparable style. --Peggy

re: 'Chrome's' Journey on the Derby Dozen

MonicaV — Tue, 13 May 2014 14:31:50 GMT

Coldfacts,

What do you do for a living? You are so analytical with horse racing. I know you were an owner so the interest is there but I envision you with books and graphs because it can't be off the top of your head. I have the feeling that your career must involve this type of work because you see things in a very studied manner and what, I think, some of the others don't realize is that you don't involve any emotion in your analysis because there is no room for any but as your handle says, just cold facts. I have never thought you malicious in any way but you blow me away with your knowledge and you bring up some amazing data. The difference with you is you don't have any emotion involved like some of the rest of us. I for one, am very emotional about horses, always have been and so are some of the others on here but I can certainly respect your point of view.

re: 'Chrome's' Journey on the Derby Dozen

Byron Rogers — Tue, 13 May 2014 13:57:20 GMT

Pedmat/Norman,

An interesting take on California Chrome's pedigree. Some comments if I may.

Firstly, the "X-Factor" theory has been widely criticized and debunked in equine scientific circles for a decade. It has zero merit. The X-Factor was based on taking ECG measurements of the heart which was initially done by Steele, et al in the 1970’s. Unfortunately since that time scientists have not been able to reproduce these findings at all. They have been able to ascertain athletic performance using the more recent technology of m-mode, but Haun didn’t use that in her books which are romantic but complete bunk. I suggest you read Lightowler, et al (2004), Echocardiography and electrocardiography as means to evaluate potential performance in horses (www.vetsci.org/.../journal_view.html) as a starting point and go from there.

Outside of the method that Haun used to measure the large hearts being unreproducable and shown to NOT have any correlation to athletic performance, the suggestion that a single variant within a gene on the X Chromosome is also false. There is only one gene that has been linked to cardiac hypertrophy (growth) on the X Chromosome but the more important genes associated with this process are located on the nuclear chromosomes, thus they are subject to the laws of Mendel. It also must be said that there are a lot more “large hearts” than there are good horses, so just having a larger than normal racehorse doesn’t make you a good one.

Secondly, the Mr Prospector inbreeding of 4x3 has, in the exact position it appears in California Chrome, been tried 1,268 times for just 25 black type winners. California Chrome is the only gr.I winner and the next best is the gr.II winner Beethoven. Ascribing the success of California Chrome to the presence of Mr Prospector as it appears in his pedigree looks erroneous based on the data. Also to suggest that because of her inbreeding 3x3 to Numbered Account, the dam of California Chrome is “the key” as you put it shows a lack of basic research which is surprising for someone who is purporting to be a pedigree authority. There are 11 mares that are 3x3 to Numbered Account as Love the Chase is that have racing produce. Their combined produce record reads 29 foals of racing age for 2 stakes winners – California Chrome and Great Love, a Listed winner. If there were “magic beans” to be found in the mares that were 3x3 cross to Numbered Account, them producing a horse like California Chrome would be a repeatable event which it is clearly not as there is a long way in racing class between California Chrome and Great Love.

California Chrome is the 10,000/1 Mendel crapshoot. It is a great story and you can only wish the guys that own the horse all the best as it is what dreams are made of but trying to repeat the mating will send you broke (unless you are literally repeating the mating between the sire and the dam themselves in which case it is quite a reasonable chance to produce another stakes winner) and explaining the pedigree with not even a shred of valid evidence to support the assertions made is bordering on intellectual dishonesty.