Hard to Go Against Chrome

re: Hard to Go Against Chrome

Slew — Wed, 21 May 2014 23:04:37 GMT

The Chrome does it again...with flair. Must say, as to the Beyer numbers for the Derby, someone should also have noticed that CC had several triple digit Beyer #'s before the Derby was ever run.

Much better ride for Ride On Curlin...he did great. (And in the post parade, he was the best in show; gosh he was handsome. If I didn't already have my heart riding with the Chrome, ROC might have stolen it.)

Kid Cruz and Dynamic Impact are still top flight horses in my binoculars, and I think we'll still see great races from them.

On to Belmont....YES, I want to see the Chrome grab the crown...but I won't hold my breath. We've been sooo close sooo often in the past 35 years. Do I think he can do it..possibly. If you think he actually has an outstanding bloodline...then check out that of Commanding Curve. I think he's the biggest threat, and he's more than capable of taking the Belmont. He's has crosses so many times with Secretariat, I could hardly believe there could be that much inbreeding. But his bloodline is even more extensive.

But I don't believe we've seen the bottom of California Chrome yet. He dances over the wire with his ears twitching, eased down a notch or two. He certainly seemed relaxed after the race..again.

I guess we'll all be nervous Nellies, waiting for the final curtain. Best of luck to all. (But especially the Chrome.)

re: Hard to Go Against Chrome

Carlos in Cali — Tue, 20 May 2014 21:11:56 GMT

Ranagulzion,

Just giving you a dose of your own medicine.

re: Hard to Go Against Chrome

Fran Loszynski — Tue, 20 May 2014 15:22:03 GMT

Ride On Curlin was tired out reaching across the track and you have to wonder how fast he came up on California Chrome with a little more distance and Rosario on board? in the Belmont. Remember Curlin the champion he was. I like CChrome and his owners are so lovable but my horse racing sense has kicked in and I think Ride On Curlin is going to win the Belmont.

re: Hard to Go Against Chrome

Johnny — Mon, 19 May 2014 13:18:50 GMT

Chrome ran a hell of a race,right from the break...

Some people on this board will just never get it...

As I said prior to the Derby my eyes do not lie to me...

Does Danza have the pedigree to get the distance?

May be a very chalky Belmont..

re: Hard to Go Against Chrome

Smoking Baby — Mon, 19 May 2014 12:35:21 GMT

Ranagulzion. You're a class act. I mentioned it before but it bears saying again. Two years back, you were the first person I thought of as Union Rags crossed the wire in the Belmont. He wasn't my pick but I was glad that you were right as you had stood by him all winter and spring. Good job, keep your stuff coming.

Looking at the overhead shot of the Preakness, I think they could've gone around again and Ride On Curlin wasn't going to get by California Chrome (felt the same way about Commanding Curve in the Derby). Watch the replay closely, the Curlin colt doesn't gain so much as an inch on the winner the last 100 yards. He ran big though and his connections and backers should be proud. I sure thought Kid Cruz would run better than he did. I guess the step up in class wasn't to his liking.

Someone in the Form mentioned there were only two bets on the filly. How far she'd get beat and who her next trainer would be. If ever a horse didn't belong it was her (poor thing).

Terry Finley virturally guaranteed that Commanding Curve would win the Belmont. Sure hope he's wrong. I'd like to hear Coldfacts' take on the historical angle. I don't believe deep closers who picked up the pieces in the Derby (Denis of Cork, Woodchopper, etc.) are necessarily the horses to beat in the Belmont. Of course there's Birdstone but I think there may be more who came late in the Derby who were also beat (and beat bad in some cases) in the Belmont.

Coldfacts? I could be wrong here. Your thoughts?

re: Hard to Go Against Chrome

Linda in Texas — Sun, 18 May 2014 18:58:58 GMT

trackjack-you were right in your post,last paragraph.

I worried also about CC being on the rail but not being a jockey, i thought surely that was on the minds of the jockey and the trainer. Pablo came way over i believe it was to get to Chrome in a hurry, i worried at that moment but it was fleeting. I enjoy going back after the race and reading the posts. One poster was totally wrong again. A couple of times. What is it, is it me or am i just a dreamer? Guess i am jes stickin' with the one that brung me to the race! Loving it all all the way. Heard Jeff or Aaron say, "Victor drives CC like a car". Well then Zoe comes on and says "Victor used to drive a Mexican City Bus in his younger days". Reckon that's where he got the ability to steer California Chrome like he does? Probably more RPM's in Chrome!

re: Hard to Go Against Chrome

Linda in Texas — Sun, 18 May 2014 17:43:19 GMT

NotRite - you were right on about your post that Ride on Curlin would be the one to chase him down, he just ran out of real estate. My concern was also Ride on Curlin. His face kept knocking around in my head! But he didn't quite get ahead. But he is gutsy. A little bumping and crossing over in front of's going on.

But California Chrome won.

re: Hard to Go Against Chrome

Love 'em all — Sun, 18 May 2014 12:52:42 GMT

Saw Art Sherman earlier on FoxNews. He had just found out that nasal strips are not allowed in New York ... except for harness racing! I remember this issue when "Cookie" (I'll Have Another) was planning on running the Belmont in 2012, and it's hard to believe no change has been made in two years that only common sense tells one that it should've been allowed all along! What nonsense!

Congrats to CC and all his wonderful folks .... the Preakness was by far a more thrilling win than the KD two weeks ago. Only 1/3 of the way to go, folks, for that possible #12 on the TC winners' list.

Have had trouble logging onto the Wise Dan article, so, if I may, I wish to send my get-well wishes to my still favorite big chestnut fella ... and hope his recovery is successful and he's back happy and healthy. Haven't prayed this much in years .... for horse or man!

re: Hard to Go Against Chrome

Windolin — Sun, 18 May 2014 12:31:43 GMT

Mr or Ms Coldfacts, just one comment for your assessment of Chrome. You cannot handicap "heart".

re: Hard to Go Against Chrome

trackjack — Sun, 18 May 2014 03:44:34 GMT

Two down--Belmont to go. Another dominating run by California Chrome.

Ride on Curlin also looked strong in the stretch.

And Victor had to be thanking Calvin Borel on Ria Antonia for making a left turn into Bayern and Ring Weekend out of the gate and taking them out of their gam plan. Calvin then made a right turn with her to the outside and went up and joined the pace with Pablo Del Monte, then tired to finish last.

I don't think Tom Amos's was looking for that kind of ride.

A lot of late money went on Social Inclusion. Went from 10-1down to 5-1.

The last one will be the hardest. See you at Belmont.

re: Hard to Go Against Chrome

Ranagulzion — Sat, 17 May 2014 23:34:46 GMT

Well, well California Chrome is da hoss ...gotta eat some crow for opposing him in the Preakness as well as for picking the wrong horse (Social Inclusion) to sweep the series. I sincerely hope that he breaks the 36 years Triple Crown drought ...and so far he's looking a worthy candidate to join that elite band. Congratulations to all his connections. The reasonably fast time of the race shows that he did just what was necessary in the Derby, saving something for this Preakness. He ran faster in this race because Social Inclusion engaged him on the far turn and Ride On Curlin was closing threateningly at the eighth pole.

The extra two furlongs of the Belmont Stakes is going to be tough but invariably the horses that compete in all three legs of the Triple Crown are no worse for wear and perform better than those new shooters that miss a leg or two of the series. Notably, in the Preakness the Kentucky Derby graduates finished 1st,2nd and 4th, therefore from that angle California Chrome has a great shot to break the drought as he has shown no stamina limtations whatsoever.

Carlos in Cali: I can see that you're over the moon on this one ...can't blame you but go easy on the jive 'cause I was a fan of this colt before you(LOL).

re: Hard to Go Against Chrome

Smoking Baby — Sat, 17 May 2014 23:16:37 GMT

OK, that's over. Can we now all finally agree that Social Inclusion might not be the superstar that some thought he was? Derby colts took three of the top four spots (a nose from the trifecta). So much for the new shooters we were supposed to be so afraid of. On to New York.

re: Hard to Go Against Chrome

robinm — Sat, 17 May 2014 23:00:06 GMT

Steve; you were so close to your trifecta of the three Derby starters.

To those that still questioned Chrome's status as the best 3-yr old colt in America, are you convinced yet? He soundly defeated Social Inclusion that many were claiming to be a super horse. and it's not like SI didn't have his shot. They were on even terms at the 1/2 mile pole. Ride on Curlin ran an awesome race, but while Victor didn't stand up before the wire, he was just hand-riding Chrome the last 100 yards or so. I don't think ROC would have got by him even if the race were longer.

I admit to being worried about the Belmont. History has shown just how difficult it is to win the Triple Crown, and some nice colts have got a nice break waiting to take Chrome on at 10 furlongs. However, if you believe in omens, one of the announcers pointed out that the last horse to win the Preakness at odds of 1-2 was Affirmed, our last TC winner.

I'm really looking forward to your comments and predictions, Steve.

re: Hard to Go Against Chrome

Sail On — Sat, 17 May 2014 22:57:11 GMT

Hope Bayers wasn't injured breaking from the gate? Social Inclusion did well, considering he was fully lathered before the race. Rosie seems to be specializing in finishing last.

Steve, can you explain to me why a horse may not eat after a race?

re: Hard to Go Against Chrome

karenmarie — Sat, 17 May 2014 22:20:33 GMT

It is hard not to back California Chrome, at least for me it is. Reading his history and pedigree, who is training him. The man is one good horseman.

I keep saying that the horses running in The Triple Crown are still babies, some barely 3 years old. Still growing, and maturing and any good horse person would hopefully know this. But these are exciting races and it is great to see the horses mature through the three races, at least the ones who actually run the three. Myself, I think it should be mandatory to run in all three. Kind of seems like cheating if they only run in one or two. Ah well, I am a old school old horse lady. 😊

I am putting my support with CC because I really feel he has a lot left in him, and has not shown yet what he really can do. Ride on Curlin the same. That little ole' horse has some tricks up his hoof yet. Good luck to them all. After all. It is a horse race!

re: Hard to Go Against Chrome

Pedigree Ann — Sat, 17 May 2014 21:13:50 GMT

Hello from sometimes sunny Northern Ireland. Am settling in for my hubby's sabbatical; we have a flat just off Malone Road near Queen's University, which he can walk to. Finding out about colcannon and champ (both are food). Tracks up here in the north are sort of third tier, but the island is not that large and we could attend some races in The South (that's what it says on the motorway signs - The South) if his work allows.

Here to cheer on Cal Chrome, hope nothing untoward occurs. Win of Class Leader in the Sir Barton gives some credence to Dynamic Impact, don't you think? Finished 10 lengths behind DI in Illinois, but mowed down these without much bother.

re: Hard to Go Against Chrome

KY VET — Sat, 17 May 2014 20:09:34 GMT

No talk of cali chrome moves alot in gate....very prone to a bad break.......the biggest thing though, is if you know the horse, he doesnt like being hit by dirt....big time......with the post to the inside, and the probable race riding, you would think many will try to get in front of him.......not good for 2/5 shot.......dont complain when he throws his head in the air! i'm betting ride on curlin And general a-rod.....give me those odds? why not?

re: Hard to Go Against Chrome

predict — Sat, 17 May 2014 18:24:38 GMT

Preakness: final betting decision

super, tri and exacta box: 1,2,3,7,10

looking for SI, Ringweekend,Pablo,and Bayern to all fade and finish off the board, with the rest closing fast, and anyone might win.

re: Hard to Go Against Chrome

Ted from LA — Sat, 17 May 2014 15:40:58 GMT

CC, Social Inclusion, ROC, and Ring Weekend. Box them 20 times until Tuesday. Off Topic: Is it just Ted from LA or does Churchill Downs come off as looking like greedy fools going after that football player's $15,000? Bob from Boston spent that much Oaks Day. They look petty and stupid. What's next? Spend $70,000 on lawyers to recoup the 15k? Not to mention the best PR story to come out of the Derby aside from the winning connections was him handing out $100 bills to strangers. Who's buying plane tickets tonight for NYC after Chrome wins besides Ted from LA?

re: Hard to Go Against Chrome

Quinnbit — Sat, 17 May 2014 14:14:28 GMT

Dynamic Impact-Ran a huge race in Windy city (no KY Derby points, OUCH!) and was visually running within himself in 12:19 last eighth, barn is on a roll

General A Rod-Had a troubled trip in Kentucky, merits consideration to get a piece of the Preakness crab-cake

California Chrome-Slow Derby time? Cough-blister? Only real question is can racing luck trap him, fatefully NO!

Ring Weekend-Tampa repeat could trump this field, too bad Vinceremos trumped him Derby Day

Bayern-Warlord's last soldier still standing, will be calling for the medic with the oxygen tank at the eighth pole

Ria Antonia-Hope she brings several bags of lunch because these boys are gonna eat hers

Kid Cruz-Hope he had fun slapping Joint Custody and Matuzak around, this ain't AAA ball it's the big leagues. Hope he brings his binoculars because he'll need them to see where the field is, ain't gonna be no sixteen&change 3/4s in this race

Social Inclusion-Exclusion from the Derby? The buddies he tangled with in New York had minor impact in Kentucky.

Pablo Del Monte-No recycled carpet to bounce on in Baltimore.

Ride On Curlin-Won't get railed by Bo-rail. Trusty competitor that gives his all every trip. If the pace gets suicidal his siren could could be the last thing we hear.

re: Hard to Go Against Chrome

JON R — Sat, 17 May 2014 13:49:36 GMT

California Chrome may well win as predicted, it his certainly his race to lose; but I am going with Dynamic Impact..based on his (a) demonstrated talent and on (b) his being inbred 4 X 4 to Seattle Slew. Dynamic Impact's sire, Tiznow, had remarkable heart and courage, and the will to win, as did Slew. In spades. I believe DI inherited those qualities and they will be be on display in the Preakness. I am also partial to Bayern for his raw talent and, again, because of the Slew connection. His speedy sire, Offlee Wild, is out of the Slew mare, Alvear, which is out of Andover Way, as was the excellent sire, Dynaformer. Social Inclusion certainly has the talent and could well pull it off, but maybe not enough experience to do it yet. He will be a monster talent at some point. After that....Kid Cruz and Ring Weekend.

re: Hard to Go Against Chrome

Zengal — Sat, 17 May 2014 13:48:49 GMT

I am still not sold on California Chrome. I keep thinking back to Smarty Jones 10 years ago. I will still stick to Ride on Curlin and I am taking a chance on Kid Cruz.

re: Hard to Go Against Chrome

Old Timer — Sat, 17 May 2014 13:11:02 GMT

I liked the guy from DRF who said that Ria Antonia would be a long shot in the Black Eyed Susan, let's not even talk about the Preakness. Your tri box, Steve sounds good. I think that I'd also add Dynamic Impact in there for the lower places. It is however not the greatest betting race. It will be a good one to watch at home and root for this unlikely hero, California Chrome.

re: Hard to Go Against Chrome

Stones — Sat, 17 May 2014 10:04:14 GMT

I am completely befuddled trying to figure out how to bet this race. I like CC to win as much as the next guy or gal, but there is little value to a win wager, obviously.

So who to use underneath and how is the question.

ROC is the only other horse I feel comfortable with getting the distance. I don't feel the same with SI or Bayern.

Ring Weekend intrigues me, particularly if he stalks alongside CC the whole way.

Kid Cruz picking up the pieces with his late run as the majority of the field comes up short gets him a place in my exotics, and GaR with arguably the hottest jockey on board might require inclusion.

So I'm thinking keying CC over ROC, RW, KC and GaR in tris and possibly supers. But I have no confidence in that decision.

Oh well....I'll be rooting hard for CC regardless!

re: Hard to Go Against Chrome

Coldfacts — Sat, 17 May 2014 05:49:40 GMT

Horse that will to comprise my exotic wagers:

California Chrome

Dynamic Impact

General A Rod

Kid Cruz

Ring Weekend

Social Inclusion with his blinkers and F8 will be carrying too much equipment for my liking. If he makes the tri/sup I lose. A nice colt that could not out run the hard ridden Samaart in the Wood. What has change since? He only needs a shadow roll to resemble the usually over dressed Comma To The Top.