Haskin: Morning at Belmont

re: Haskin: Morning at Belmont

Soldier Course — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 20:52:53 GMT

In addition to reading about Tibetan prayer flags this week, I've been reading about the Pulitzer Prizes. Because no matter what happens on Saturday, someone we all love here certainly deserves one for his articles on this year's Triple Crown season. And he shoots his own photographs! I think the category would be Pulitzer Prize: Commentary. There doesn't seem to be a separate category for sports writing per se.

re: Haskin: Morning at Belmont

Alex'sBigFan — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 01:48:52 GMT

Soldier Course,

Thank you for informing us of the YouTube video of California Chrome and the Rocky theme song! I loved it. It showcases what a real warrior California Chrome really is. What a trooper he is, so far from home, never having left it before all of this, and excelling all the way. The Rocky theme is perfect, agreed.

I hope Mr. Cochran's family is surrounding him on Saturday and NYRA has folks around him there too for support. I may just break down crying if CC wins so I can imagine how overcome Mr. Cochran will be and he'll need his loved ones around to lean on and lend support. I can't even get my head around the magnitude of the possibility of a TC winner happening Saturday. We've come so close in the past, but for some reason, this all just feels so right.

Good Luck Chrome! I'm a Chromey!

re: Haskin: Morning at Belmont

TerriV — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 23:54:02 GMT

I love your pictures, Steve. You not only capture their beauty, you reveal their personalities. Chrome is glorious. Ride on Curlin! Now that's a colt with attitude. Tonalist looks so peaceful and serene. I feel very badly for Social Inclusion. He seems so stressed and, in my experience, a stressed horse is a danger to himself and everyone else. I wish he wouldn't run in the Belmont.

I can't wait til Saturday. In all the years we've come close to a TC winner, I have never been so excited. He can do this. We have a real shot.

Soldier Course, your prayer flags sound lovely and a good omen with the horses and jewels. Hang one for me.

We should all have buttons that say "I'm a Haskin fan" so we can recognize each other at Belmont. You don't need one, Steve, we know what you look like. GO CHROME!!!!!!

re: Haskin: Morning at Belmont

Soldier Course — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 19:25:49 GMT

I strongly urge everyone here to view a YouTube video titled "California Chrome - Rocky Theme". It is the best racing video montage I have ever seen. When I first noticed the title I thought, "Oh this will probably be hokey. Yeah, Rocky's so overdone." But I am so very glad I found this. It is extraordinary. Footage you've never seen from Derby and Preakness, and more. The music turned out to be perfect - Bill Conti version.

re: Haskin: Morning at Belmont

Soldier Course — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 19:16:38 GMT

Dance With Fate and Melissa P:

Glad you enjoyed the Tibetan prayer flags. The name of the yoga studio where I found them is "Holy Cow". Holy Cow, indeed!

re: Haskin: Morning at Belmont

Soldier Course — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 18:28:59 GMT

Alex'sBigFan:

I posted a comment to you about an hour ago, but I think my connection crashed before the submission went through, so here's a repeat:

While I continue to believe that Steve Coburn should not have criticized CD in the Winner's Circle at CD, I realize that there is much to admire about him as an owner of California Chrome. I mellowed when I saw footage of him weeping in the stands at Pimlico right after CC crossed the finish line at the Preakness. Mr. Coburn was overcome, and he was being comforted by a young lady, who appeared to be his granddaughter or other family member. All of us have said things in public that we'd love to take back, and so it goes.

Glad you enjoyed The Omen. The Tibetan prayer flags. When I read the references to the Lung ta and ratna, less than 30 minutes after I found the flags, I told myself that Fate had to be at work here.

Paula Higgins:

I too will be saying prayers for California Chrome's Triple Crown the old-fashioned way on Saturday. In fact I started days ago. But isn't it wonderful that I came upon this other tradition at just the right time, another way to send blessings, hopes, and goodwill to all involved in this extraordinary endeavor.

re: Haskin: Morning at Belmont

Melissa P — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 17:37:19 GMT

Pedigree Ann is absolutely correct about Secretariat. He looked for cameras! I see the same kind of temperament in California Chrome. Some horses just instinctively know they are above the rest. Soldier Course, thanks for telling us about the prayer towels. I certainly hope that it is a good omen, indeed. I'm praying for a safe trip for all and, if it's meant to be, the first ever Triple CHROME!

re: Haskin: Morning at Belmont

karenmarie — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 17:24:23 GMT

What great photos. This one brings back some absolutely wonderful memories "view of what it's like to be on California Chrome's back...well, sort of." The understanding of knowing that these majestic animals allow you to be a part of their world is indescribable. For me it was always getting on my first horse, sometimes when the sun was just bidding it's hello to the day. You can feel through every part of the horse, that they feel the peace and contentment that you feel. Thank you for sharing all your photos, and especially that one.

Good fortune to all in The Belmont, but I sure am hoping for many reasons that Chrome gives us all A Triple Crown Champion this year. It is great to see your photos, and read your creative artistry through your words, AND also to read what all your followers here on Hangin' With Haskin have to say. Now..."This is horsey entertainment"

re: Haskin: Morning at Belmont

Rusty Weisner — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 14:29:14 GMT

Steve Haskin,

Any word on Wicked Strong? I see his put in his two scheduled works. Did you see them or have any comments?

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Carlos Blanco — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 13:59:24 GMT

Strangely enough it seems that Social Inclusion is going to be entered in the big race. But this super horse is totally off-distance. Perhaps in the Woody S and a later shot at the BC mile. Anyway, best of luck from Caracas, Venezuela. CHARLIE WHITE.

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Bill Rinker — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 13:38:45 GMT

Thanks for the great pictures Steve!!

re: Haskin: Morning at Belmont

Giddyup — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 12:45:27 GMT

Great photos Steve. Everything is coming together nicely for what should be an all-time classic race. I will hold off making my exotic picks until you and Lenny provide your usual insightful race analysis in the next "And They're Off" segment.

re: Haskin: Morning at Belmont

El Kabong — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 10:39:59 GMT

Great shot of ROC. He apparently did not like getting soap in his eyes. He sure looks pissed. I'm sure he's gentleman when he needs to be. Enjoy this week Steve, I think we're finally going to get our Triple Crown Champion, so savor the moment. Wicked looks terrific, but can he keep focused on the race and never mind the smell hot dogs wafting from the grandstands? Still like Commanding Curve to provide the most excitement at the finish. He looked awfully good going 10F's in Louisville. I don't think will mind 12 at all. Can't wait for the draw. Keep those snap shots coming.

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Don from PA/DE — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 10:24:04 GMT

OMG Steve, amazing photos ...."kings of Corona, down by the schoolyard"...can be tough in a NY playground sometimes.....this actually makes me miss LI for the moment...what a cast of players here....two and four legs....enjoy

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Pedigree Ann — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 08:24:20 GMT

Secretariat never saw a camera he wouldn't pose for, either. Just sayin'. Some are aware of and eat up the adulation, some aren't and/or don't.

Poor Social Inclusion. He needs a quiet atmosphere to relearn his lessons about being a racehorse, not the media circus the backstretch at Belmont is these days. Do you think he will get his gate-card in time?

re: Haskin: Morning at Belmont

Davids — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 07:24:45 GMT

Tonalist is a beautiful blend of Tapit and Pleasant Colony - wait until he starts to fill out. Commissioner is one of the more massive A. P. Indys, both could spoil the dream.

re: Haskin: Morning at Belmont

robinm — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 05:37:17 GMT

If Chrome wins the Belmont, I don't want to hear anyone saying he didn't beat anything or it's a poor crop. His competition looks awesome, and if Chrome wins, he'll be a deserving champion.

re: Haskin: Morning at Belmont

Steel Dragon — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 04:03:39 GMT

Yesterday I participated in the 5k charity run around Belmont Park, which concludes on the track itself with a run down the stretch. I can report first hand that the main track is like quicksand and incredibly tiring. I suspect it will take its toll on CC somewhere inside the 1\8 pole.

re: Haskin: Morning at Belmont

Bethany Loftis — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 03:57:36 GMT

Have you ever considered publishing your photos in a "Haskin's Favorite Candids" book? I have a feeling stores would have a hard time keeping copies in stock.

re: Haskin: Morning at Belmont

Racingfan — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 03:26:13 GMT

Thanks for the beautiful pictures! When are you going to tell us if you think Chrome will win the Belmont? I am dying to hear your opinion.... Also, since you have seen him, can you tell us if he looks as good as his connections are saying? I read on another blog that he looks to have lost weight but I am not seeing that in the pictures.... Thanks!

re: Haskin: Morning at Belmont

Paula Higgins — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 02:34:01 GMT

Soldier Course, what a great story! I am praying the old fashioned way since I don't have any of the prayer flags. But I think altogether we might get him there. Steve, these pictures make me smile ear to ear! They are just gorgeous and they show the personalities of all the horses so well. Really fantastic. They all look like they are in top form. California Chrome is a very intelligent horse. He reminds me of Zenyatta the way he surveys the scene.

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BelmontBarb — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 02:04:37 GMT

*Morning at Belmont" has just been made even more special by this lovely chapter and fabulous shots of extraordinary horses. It has touched me personally and because I know well the mornings (and eves) here it is just so pleasant and refreshing to set aside all the noise of the crowd, the press and predictions, critics and their critique, clockers, watchers, fans and figures and settle into the peaceful green of Belmont. It gives one the opportunity to think and form insight as they begin to see things differently in the serene world of these handsome thoroughbred athletes that will take charge and take on the task of 1 1/2m , suddenly pick up the tempo and show their ability to conquer the track and their expertise to regain their composure after they have cross the finish line - simply to return to another beautiful"Belmont Morning" ~ Steve, a picture is worth a thousand words and these are priceless...Thanks and

Thanks again!

re: Haskin: Morning at Belmont

Aluminaut — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 00:10:47 GMT

Love all your photos Steve. You are so lucky to be on the backside soaking up the vibes.

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Aluminaut — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 00:09:11 GMT

Love Love Love the photo. Also, Love the Chase.

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Ms. Mary — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 00:01:57 GMT

Hi Steve,

Love your articles and am a huge admirer of the sport for way many years. What are your thoughts on the triple crown when it comes to the third leg of the races? My thoughts are that if you want a match race then show up for all the races. So I say go Chrome and Ride on Curlin. Only two who have gone the distance.