The Scenario Unfolds

re: The Scenario Unfolds

nickie — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 23:49:17 GMT

thankx Steve, Lenny et al for comprehensive coverage... disappointing finish of the race[but in my view expected...it's a demanding grind]...but not as disappointing as the co owners comments post loss...It's ez to cast aspersions, but he needs to thank whomever he believes in for this gift, and not as my "little league "coach made clear to the team..."you show your class when you lose", the important thing is to give it your best...after all it's just a game]

re: The Scenario Unfolds

Slew — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 17:24:21 GMT

Go Chrome! Thanks for the extra special photos, Steve. I can't say enough about Chrome without gushing. My fingers, toes, and heart are crossed. 36 years...maybe this time...maybe.

re: The Scenario Unfolds

lawrence vaccarelli — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 03:41:01 GMT

steve you are driving the chrome bus

re: The Scenario Unfolds

Soldier Course — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 18:58:28 GMT

Eyeswatching

I think that a line can be drawn between (1) ganging up on a horse just to keep him from winning even though you have no chance of winning; and (2) ganging up on a horse because you have a chance of winning that particular race. The first instance should be against the rules of racing, and I hope it is. The second instance is just doing your job. I'll always believe that (1) happened at the Belmont Stakes ten years ago, when two runners ganged up on Smarty Jones. I hope the stewards will be watching carefully tomorrow.

Thanks everyone for a great blogging season these last five weeks. This will probably be my last posting until after the race, because my cousin will arrive in a couple of hours for the big weekend. We watched Secretariat win the Belmont Stakes together in 1973, on television. Fingers crossed.

Mike Relva, missed hearing from you after Derby. Hope all is all right at your end.

re: The Scenario Unfolds

eyeswatching — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 17:58:02 GMT

Steve, I know I'm gonna get chewed up and spit out on saying this but if I was a jockey and I knew my horse had no chance of winning the TC (since he hadnt won the first two legs) then I wouldn't want to challenge the one horse that could bring some much needed attention to a dying sport as horse racing is. I mean, like "ganging up on and trying to box a horse in" I mean, I know it's all about the money but gosh, doesn't these jockeys want to see a TC once in their lifetimes? The sport sure could use the excitement for a change.

re: The Scenario Unfolds

Windolin — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 17:38:58 GMT

As usual Quinnbit you have expressed how many of us feel so joyfully. It will be tears of joy or sadness. I would add that there will be no tears of sorrow from an injury or worse.

re: The Scenario Unfolds

Jersey Girl — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 17:16:18 GMT

Big respect and affection for California Chrome and Victor Espinoza going into tomorrow's Belmont Stakes. May CC be wearing the crown when all is said and done. Ride On Curlin and Wicked Strong will complete my prime trifecta, as I have had both of them very high on my lists throughout the TC run.

Medal Count and Commanding Curve will round things out for me.

robinm, I feel for you. My nephew and his wife (who got married on Breeder's Cup Day, the one and only time the Breeder's Cup came to New Jersey)are having their little one's first birthday party...on Belmont Stakes Day! We'll all be delighted to wish little Eva a happy birthday, and then make a mad scramble for cars, tvs...all great stuff. Great celebrations.

Steve, thank you for the journey you've taken all of us on for all these many months. Trips such as these are always remembered fondly.

Good luck to everyone. Safe trip for all the horses and jockeys. Go CC!!

re: The Scenario Unfolds

Racingfan — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 12:20:12 GMT

Steve, thanks for all your insight and the beautiful pictures on this triple crown trail. I'm going with: 1) California Chrome, 2) Ride On Curlin and 3) Wicked Strong. I am going to an OTB facility to place a win bet on Chrome tomorrow a.m. so I have a souvenir ticket on the newest triple crown winner. (I have never done that before!!!!)

re: The Scenario Unfolds

The_River — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 04:16:47 GMT

Good column, Steve.

At first blush I pictured Chrome getting hauled down from behind at the wire. Now, I think it's just the opposite. Godspeed and a good trip for all.

re: The Scenario Unfolds

Paula Higgins — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 00:02:58 GMT

These pictures are just fantastic Steve! Love them. Thank you so much. Yes, California Chrome is well loved. He has the look of eagles to me, like Zenyatta did (another well loved horse). He surveys the field, taking it all in. A very intelligent horse. He has every reason to be victorious on Saturday thanks to his stamina, push button moves/speed, the ability to rate and not get into speed duels, and being in top shape/on the muscle. He has had outstanding old school training and nurturing. It all counts. I don't think even a slightly bad break is a deal breaker, no pun intended. He is a very versatile horse and he has a jockey who knows him and what he is capable of doing and Victor knows Belmont. I think his biggest competition are Commanding Curve, Tonalist and Wicked Strong. Unless he is tired from the first two legs and it is finally catching up to him, I expect he will win. I am hoping so for him and all his connections. They deserve it and the sport needs it.

re: The Scenario Unfolds

tjconway — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 23:20:49 GMT

Summing, Woodchopper, Kingpost, Sunday Silence, Easy Goer & Canonero II!.... I just can't get enough of The Belmont.........It's awesome baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

re: The Scenario Unfolds

steve from st louis — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 23:07:12 GMT

I meant to type Medal Count but mistakenly put down Wicked Strong. For the record, I like Dale's horse in here but would love to see California Chrome's connections after a win. He's probably stand for less than Boundry's $20,000 after Big Browns' run.

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NY bred — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 21:01:09 GMT

I'll be at the Belmont Stakes. My buddy and I have bus transportation and grand stand seats. It will be an exciting day and a great card. The only thing I will add about the Belmont Stakes is remember that Todd Pletcher is the number one trainer at Belmont Park for a reason. Because of this, I give Commissioner a big chance to threaten.

re: The Scenario Unfolds

trackjack — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 19:56:37 GMT

Thanks Steve for all your updates and information leading to the Belmont. Thanks also again for your Derby Dozen and Triple Crown information as we come down the last nail-biter.

Your scenario is pretty much how I envisioned things. My main concern is who and how many jockeys will try to keep Victor and Junior squeezed in on the rail from the two hole. Here's trusting Victor to ride a smart race. I also think that Junior has shown that he's not going to be bullied out of a position he wants. I love it.

I'll be at the Belmont again. Went through this with Smarty Jones and two years ago with I'll Have Another. I'm fully aware that anything can happen and have prepared myself that win, lose or dead-heat, Junior has shown us the guts of a champion. I said at Santa Anita Derby time that he looked like he had some room to fill out and he has. With all the rigors of the Triple Crown Trail, Junior has flourished, added weight, is training like a monster and has matured before our very eyes. He sometimes reminds me of a veteran 5 year old when he's out in the morning. So let's do it Junior.

California Chrome to win over Wicked Strong

Will box them with Commanding Curve and Ride On Curlin for the tri.

Safe trips to all travelers and safe trips for all the jockeys and horses.

Thanks for the great pics Steve.

Go Chrome, Bring it Home!

robinm--I feel for you. I've had a few times, with my commitments to church, had to DVR a triple Crown race and watch it later. Trying to keep people from telling you who won is the fun part. Someone at the wedding or at the reception is going to know who won. Maybe, if you can, after the ceremony, get home, watch the last part, scream and yell for Chrome, then get back to the reception and CELEBRATE! Good Luck!

re: The Scenario Unfolds

steve from st louis — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 19:34:34 GMT

I hope I'm wrong but I see Medal Count apologizing as Birdstone did when he went by Smarty Jones.

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steve from st louis — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 18:39:58 GMT

I hope it doesn't happen but I see Wicked Strong as Birdsong apologizing as he passes a bouncing Chrome.

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Fran Loszynski — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 17:30:25 GMT

Oh what beautiful pics Steve. They all deserve to win. Destiny will prevail. With the pics of Alex and Tapit and all of these great champions I have to go out and buy a new scrapbook for my racing fanship! One question Steve because of your expertise in the field. Do you think it will bother Ride On Curlin to have three different jockeys ? Is it a matter of adjustment for him? or just a given that he will adjust?

re: The Scenario Unfolds

fb0252 — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 17:17:53 GMT

someone teach Bill Gowan how to apply a tongue tie.

re: The Scenario Unfolds

SOUTHBENDFARM — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 17:01:36 GMT

I was reading an article the other day that said Chrome is routinely galloping 2 miles to 2 3/8ths miles everyday. Talk about building stamina!! I was a little worried about only having 1 workout in between the Preakness and Belmont. When Chrome's trainer said I don't need any speed, I need stamina, I felt better. I really like that he is going long and slow in the gallops. Even the stoutest bred horses in Medal Count and Commissioner dont seem to be galloping more than 1 1/2 miles a day. I truely believe Chrome will not only win the Belmont, but that he will win for fun. One other point about Chrome that has been bugging me. PEople are actually calling him modeslty bred! Uh.....hello....his mother is 3x3 to one of the best producing Buckpasser mares EVER! His sire is a son of Pulpit out of a Cozzene mare. Lucky Pulpit was bred to be a miler. Chromes mother would have been snatched up in a second by one of the greatest breeders of all time, that being Tesio. He loved 3x3 inbreeding to top broodmares. Go back even farther and you have Vaguely Noble and Ribot. Plenty of stamina and CLASS in that pedigree. Chrome will go to stud in Kentucky, and he should be given all opportunity to succeed. He is from a top sire line and should do well.

re: The Scenario Unfolds

woodshadefarm — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 16:29:49 GMT

Why all the pictures of Calif. Chrome ? 9 of them. Only 3 other horses were shown. 2 pictures of 2 of them and 1 of another. I'm hoping Chrome comes in 5th and I have the Superfecta.

re: The Scenario Unfolds

Quinnbit — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 15:52:48 GMT

While the horse racing world has held its collective breath, California Chrome has gone about his business of winning. His fans out of control whooping and hollering when he makes his patented move has left many hoarse, tears gushing from their blissful eyes. What will transpire on Saturday afternoon? Undoubtedly this horse, with his mystical powers, will bring tears to our eyes once again, joyous or sorrowful tears are the only options. In the sports world this is good as it gets; World Series, NBA finals, Super Bowl, Stanley Cup, Masters all wrapped into one, no looking ahead, the road ends here. No next season. Only one horse with one chance. Such a wondrous treat this horse has given us! As many have stated it is up to the racing gods now. The floodgate is waiting. For the sake of ending the drought and finishing the storybook tale, please end it with buckets of victorious joyful tears!

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threedog — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 15:46:22 GMT

Hi Steve, I don't know if you've met Gary Stevens brother Scott, but he'll be riding Broadway Empire in the Met. Scott is the absolute toughest SOB (in a good way) in a sport filled with the toughest SOBs. Not sure why Mikey isn't on Palace Malice but I think the 1 post and no Mike makes him vulnerable.

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Where You From? — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 15:27:24 GMT

Mr. Haskins do you feel the same gratification I do? I jumped on the CC train after Junior's win at the San Filipe. I was at the "Sponsored by Yum brands" event in May and bought my $2 souviner. My Derby friend went to the Preakness and will be in NY this Saturday. He bought me a $2 ticket at each event. I will have my California Chrome Shrine at home. It will consist of the three winning tickets and a photo I took of Junior after he came out of the drug test hut at Churchill Downs.

I hate it when people think they are part of a professional sports team when the say "We put a whoopin on them.", but for some reason I feel I'm part of this team. Mr. Coburn is right CC is America's horse.

re: The Scenario Unfolds

threedog — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 15:25:32 GMT

Great photos Steve, thanks for sharing them. I see Victor has a mount in the Brooklyn at 1 1/2 miles as well as the Metropolitan Mile. Jockeys name is also a plus!

re: The Scenario Unfolds

jmcnatt — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 14:45:25 GMT

my uncle flew a Nearctic son up to Maryland for a 2 year old stakes where he was the overwhelming favorite. He was boxed in by 4 horses and stayed there to the finish. It's all part of the game that's why there is a dog fight for the best jockeys with the most experience and you always make a large bet for the jockey to help your odds.