How 'Dude' Should Be Viewed

re: How 'Dude' Should Be Viewed

Cassandra.Says — Mon, 14 Jul 2014 14:25:49 GMT

Not many people have "accepted" that horses racing only or mainly in California should not be downgraded for that, including Zenyatta.

Game on Dude was bought as a Derby contender but wasn't good enough. He is faint of heart and given to chucking it if things don't go his way. If he'd seen Drosselmayer he'd have spit the bit.

Many of us thought it was quite predictable that he would not shine in a field of world-class horses.

He's not a useless horse, but are we trying to create a bandwagon for "great" here? No way.

re: How 'Dude' Should Be Viewed

Axebaby — Mon, 14 Jul 2014 12:21:07 GMT

Steve: Don't know where to start. You had me with the Ruffian article and flushed it away with this one. Can't believe you tried making your point by trying to find fault with Wise Dan? Your siting, "running in the same races each year against many of the same horses at mostly the same distance can be forgiven", let the reader to believe you’re simply a Wise Dan hater. So by running in Grade 1's, in multiple states, cross country, in 2 countries, all while not ducking anyone and setting track, stakes records and margin of victory records at distances beyond a mile; it was necessary for you to "forgive" Wise Dan. Are you off our meds? In your strange analogy, should Tiger Woods have been "forgiven" for prepping at Torrey Pines then Bay Hill each year before winning the Masters and be proclaimed Player of the Year? WD is a great horse. It appeared Tom Hammond, Jerry Bailey and Randy Moss agreed as much on the KY Derby/Woodford telecast last May. But perhaps you know more than them. Dude is a nice horse but not only lost, but was up the track twice on his home track when it counted. Dan shipped in and got all the money and hardware. Swing and a miss Steve and not sure why you had to go there? For those who put Dude in the “great horse” small room, you made a few friends. But for the masses who unanimously voted for WD; twice, well, perhaps you (like Wise Dan) "can be forgiven" for this one.

re: How 'Dude' Should Be Viewed

Quinnbit — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 13:09:07 GMT

The lack of respect given to Game On Dude likely stems from several reasons.

1) He is primarily a west coast horse. Not sure how disrespect for a horse emerges from geography but it does.

2) Bob Baffert as his trainer doesn't win him lots of support.

3) When he is soundly defeated, not once but twice, at his home track when it matters most, that is reason to suspect his quality.

4) He has never run a WOW race, yes large margin victories but against softer competition, yes fast times but on an extremely fast tracks

5) Hard to love a cribber no matter how fast they are, it is an awful habit that never goes away and may be the reason he has no facebook page or twitter account

All in all he is a nice gelding that has been well managed which has resulted in an inflated bankroll.

Perhaps this year will be the year he puts it all together on the right day and will throw in a race that will be cause for everyone to say WOW, I hope he does but in 32 (make it 33) races thus far he has never done it.

6-28 Another defeat in a dismal effort, approximately 30 lengths (5.49 seconds) slower than he ran in March. There were no Mucho Macho Man or Will Take Charge types in the race.

I wonder if Fury Kapicory was in the race for the simple reason of keeping him fit, his two efforts at a mile and an eighth saw him losing ground to the leaders, why would trying a mile and a quarter be chosen-no where else to run? Puzzling!

re: How 'Dude' Should Be Viewed

kgpetsu — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 11:03:19 GMT

Steve great story. I love Game On Dude, he is a champion.

re: How 'Dude' Should Be Viewed

Bellwether — Wed, 09 Jul 2014 01:31:44 GMT

I think they need to let the Lady ride him again...Thanks for the article...

re: How 'Dude' Should Be Viewed

Old Old Cat — Sun, 06 Jul 2014 19:46:26 GMT

What defines greatness? I think that one measure of a racehorse deserving the title of "GREAT" is when the individual horse TRANSCENDS THE SPORT OF HORSERACING. I know people who came to the track to see a GREAT horse, not caring if the horse won or lost... Secretariat, Zenyatta...

My younger brother was only interested in hotrod racing although he owned quarter horses and mules. However, he felt it was very important for him to see an old man on the race track before that guy was done racing. So he took off on a trip one day, and drove through three states, to watch his hero.. John Henry.

It was the only horse race he ever saw (in 70 years).

re: How 'Dude' Should Be Viewed

Matthew W — Sat, 05 Jul 2014 05:16:21 GMT

Horses who run like The Dude usually cannot do it at age seven--that is, run fast and run long--his career stacks up to many very nice animals, and his last season was superb, despite his Classic flop--he won big and often--as for the post about how Forego didn't beat much, that was why he was giving so much weight--that is wrong on it's face--he gave huge weight NOT because of his competition, but because of HIMSELF--he gave Honest Pleasure, the 2-5 Derby Fave 20 lbs of lead--and when he toted 137 and Shoe he was toting FORTY lbs of lead--I'm from California, but "ole number 10" was and is one of my all-time faves---sprint, mile, 1 1/8, 1 1/4---up to 2 miles, Forego gave huge weight to everyone and when he was right they didn't have much of a chance--if that's not great then they need to retire that word!

re: How 'Dude' Should Be Viewed

Matthew W — Sat, 05 Jul 2014 04:58:51 GMT

Steve, I agree with you about the above mentioned horses, they were all great, especially Lava Man, who won over every surface--even if he couldn't travel, he was great--I mean, even Kelso couldn't win out West--but I wish Zenyatta would've gone to Saratoga, 'wish she would've tried Belmont--it seems to me, when you're talking about the greatest of greats--and she was that--Saratoga becomes more important even than the Breeders Cup--there, I said it! Especially after her loss--why not another season, age seven, go out to The Big Apple--no more pressure, she lost, now show her off--and finish out in the Drosselmeyer Classic, where her last race would've been a win--I guess I can stand them running Chrome in the Pomona Derby at Los Al--I want to see him in the Classic--but next season try Saratoga with that horse of a lifetime, take his bare-bones breeding to the blue-blood of racetracks, Saratoga--and win or lose, I hope the owner would take it like his wonderful horse--with a smile on his face, and nothing to be ashamed of....

re: How 'Dude' Should Be Viewed

Throwback — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 00:50:40 GMT

I want to thank you for this article, for pointing out Game on Dude's accomplishments. I call myself a racing fan, but somehow it hadn't clicked in, all that he has done, as a whole achievement. He embodies all the qualities I look for in a racehorse, yet I haven't given him the credit he deserves. And as one comment stated, we fans do bemoan when horses are retired so young, and here is this guy, still trying his best. You are right, Steve, and I for one feel pretty ashamed. But now I feel grateful, that I can appreciate Game on Dude before he's retired. God bless you.

re: How 'Dude' Should Be Viewed

Eliza — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 19:47:25 GMT

Mr. Haskin, I could not agree with you more. Thank you for this most informative and insightful article.

re: How 'Dude' Should Be Viewed

ksweatman9 — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 01:20:51 GMT

Forgive me for going off topic with a final comment on the great match race race of 1938. However, as far as insiders feeling that the Admiral wasn't 100% against the Biscuit. I'm sure that most were shocked at the outcome of that race and were scrambling for an explanation. After all, frumpy Seabiscuit COULDN'T be a better horse than War Admiral, and in the true sense of the word "better", he was not. That being said, no one will convince me that a horse who won the Belmont in record time in the wake of an injury that left an infamous trail of blood, was too incapacitated to beat the Biscuit in a two horse race. The Admiral wasn't a pansy or a quitter, he was tough, he persevered through pain. For some unknown reason, Seabiscuit refused to lose. Perhaps he knew that his legacy lay before him on that Pimlico track. Everything he was would be defined on that day. Perhaps he wanted to redeem himself of all his short comings, or give back to the owner and trainer who loved him so much. It is my belief that on November 1, 1938 Seabiscuit was unbeatable. The Admiral didn't stand a chance.

re: How 'Dude' Should Be Viewed

Coldfacts — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 15:33:16 GMT

“Dude should have been champion older male last year.”

I suspect the above conclusion is based on GOD’s 2013 body of work. Two victories each in G1 & G2 races and 1 in a G3 is pretty impressive if not viewed in context. Four of victories were achieved against Clubhouse Ride and Kettle Corn.

Why contest the big east coast races if he was assured victory over the same cast of characters. How many older horses finished ahead of him in the 2013 BCC? Would the likes of Clubhouse Ride and Kettle Corn be competitive against them?

When GOD faced real competition in the biggest race of 2013 he was comprehensively beaten. It could be viewed that the gelding had an off day in the 2013 BCC. However, that would be a stretch as he was comprehensively beaten in the 2012 BCC when facing better as well.

GOD is a tough consistent gelding with an excellent resume. However, his failure in the big races suggests he requires lesser competition and ideal conditions to capitalize on his need to lead style of running.

He certainly had the best record in the older horses division on dirt but despite this he was not the best in the category on dirt.

re: How 'Dude' Should Be Viewed

fightonfig — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 03:56:15 GMT

Ya hit a soft spot with Swaps, there was not a lot of

interest in the triple crown, more money to come home

in the Californian. It was more for eastern based colts.

Same as Spend a Buck, with Garden State bonus. Both

would of cake walked at Old Hilltop & Sidewalks NY.....

re: How 'Dude' Should Be Viewed

Paula Higgins — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 01:55:27 GMT

Don't some of you think it's time to give the "Don't mention Game On Dude and Dr. Fager in the same sentence/paragraph/breath/day/month/year...." mantra a rest. As one who places Dr. Fager right after Secretariat/Man O'War and not much after, I think I can say that this is a little ridiculous. Let's celebrate the positive and hope for better races than Game On Dude's most recent one. He lives to race another day and maybe this will be his year to win the BCC.

ksweatman9, I totally agree with you about Seabiscuit and War Admiral. Seabiscuit won that race, War Admiral didn't give it away. In the end, both horses legitimately made the history books but for different accomplishments.

re: How 'Dude' Should Be Viewed

Racingfan — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 00:38:08 GMT

ksweatman9 - regarding your response to my post about the infamous Seabiscuit/War Admiral match race. I wasn't there and obviously you were not either....my post was repeating what I read that was stated not only by someone who WAS there - but by the person who not only arranged the race - but was later regretful that he had done it because he did not believe it was a truly run race. Pictures may tell you whatever you want to believe, but I choose to believe the words of the esteemed horseman who stated them.... But the point of my post anyways was how nearly impossible it is to determine who is a better horse - even in a match race.....

re: How 'Dude' Should Be Viewed

Soldier Course — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 20:14:57 GMT

ksweatman9:

I too noticed the omission of California Chrome by the announcer in his remarks about the BC. I wonder how many people are skeptical about the connections' intentions regarding CC and the BC at this point. I hate to say this, but I'm waiting until they load the gate at Santa Anita before I get excited about his running.

re: How 'Dude' Should Be Viewed

Linda in Texas — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 18:22:21 GMT

ksweatman9 - never do i ever disagree with your postings. Memories seem to be short once past the middle of the country re: CC. Dude didn't quit, he knew he couldn't so he didn't, smart fella Game On Dude, so he will save up a little for the next one. Not giving up, no not never until he makes that decision.

Thanks Steve. And 18 days til Saratoga! I wonder which horses will be at The Spa and on the tracks to be cheered on by the good folks who are lucky enough to be there?

re: How 'Dude' Should Be Viewed

ksweatman9 — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 02:47:57 GMT

In response to a previous comment that the Dude "quit" yesterday in the Gold Cup because he "didn't get his way". I saw a 7 year old horse who lost too much energy attempting to get the lead at the start of the race. He just didn't have enough gas left in his tank to hold off the closers. Funny how we see the same thing, and each viewer puts a different spin on it. Game on Dude was outrun. The spirit was there, but the legs weren't. Quit, as meaning "gave up", no. Some people just can't help but throw a jab at this wonderful gelding.

A word on the comment concerning Seabiscuit and the Admiral, I've entertained the idea that War Admiral could've been less than 100% the day of that match race, but after seeing old photos of the Biscuit afterwards, I now feel he simply outrun his highly esteemed opponent. The photos depicted a horse who emptied the contents of his soul on the track. Seabiscuit ran the greatest race of his life, his big heart and indomitable spirit won that day. I don't believe War Admiral was any less his great self against Seabiscuit.

This post is about the Dude, so I'll say this. Baffert once said "just when everyone is thinking this horse doesn't have it anymore, he pulls off a big one". Seems after his losses this year, this is a good time to shoot for the BC again. No one expects him to win, so he just might. It's perfect.

One more thing, the commentator during the Gold Cup stated that GOD was no longer the big cheese on the west coast {my words} and that the east coast horses like Will Take Charge and Mucho Macho Man will dominate the BC this year. Did he FORGET California Chrome or was it an intentional slight directed at his owners? Just struck me as strange, since it's pretty hard to overlook CC as a big threat from none other than, the west coast. Who can ignore the winner of the the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness? CC should be the focus, not an afterthought when thinking of the Breeder's Cup.

re: How 'Dude' Should Be Viewed

Paula Higgins — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 22:45:35 GMT

Lisa123, your comment was condescending. So you will remain amused and I will remain unimpressed. Every person on here gets that too. People can make their points, whether we agree with them or not, without being condescending.

re: How 'Dude' Should Be Viewed

food fight — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 17:47:07 GMT

This comment is for Pedigree Ann i am shocked that you would even mention Game On Dude and Dr Fager in the same sentence. There is no comparison what so ever Dr Fager won 4 titles in one year and set or broke track and world records through out his distinguished career while carrying as much as 140lbs on his back and running into the fastest horses of his generation.

re: How 'Dude' Should Be Viewed

Ta Wee — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 17:00:06 GMT

To lisa 123,

Your comment on Dr. Fager and the Dude were right on. I was thinking the exact thing when I saw your eloquently put words to perfectly sum up the difference. Being chased with the aid of rabbits by the likes of Damascus and Buckpasser is just a bit different than what's out there now. I like Game On Dude and respect what he's done. His style of running is to be commended also. I'm happy to see him still performing at a high level. Dr. Fager however was a level of horse I only dream of seeing again.

re: How 'Dude' Should Be Viewed

lisa123 — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 15:39:18 GMT

Paula Higgins, I never said that a poster here said Dude and Dr. Fager are on the same level of greatness. I said I was amused that someone compared their running styles and basically assessed them both to be vulnerable to decent pace pressure when obviously, Dr. Fager was vulnerable ONLY when other extremely high-class horses (champions in every case) were also in the race ready to pounce. Dude, OTOH, has finished well behind mediocre horses a number of times. Every single other person who posts here understands the difference. I remain amused, despite your command that I not be.

Dude's flop yesterday against clearly inferior horses illustrates my point. He tends to quit when he doesn't get his own way.

re: How 'Dude' Should Be Viewed

GunBow — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 08:00:07 GMT

Dude should have been champion older male last year. He should make the Hallof Fame based on the breadth of his accomplishments. In the long history of the Big Cap and H Gold Cup, only Lava Man dominated his era like Dude has. He's been remarkably durable and has made a lot of money. He's just not a great horse, an all-timer like Cigar or Skip Away.

East Coast people might not like this, but I see a lot of similarities between Dude and Slew o' Gold in terms of their accolishments. Dude has won 8 grade 1 races, Slew 7. Dude has won 3 Big Caps, 2 H Gold Cups, and a Pacific Classic, dominating the Cali Handicap series. Slew dominated Belmont's Fall Championship series for two years in 83 and 84, winning 2 Jockey Club Gold Cups, 2 Woodwards, and a Marlboro Cup. Yet, he lost the 3 biggest races of his career, the Derby, Belmont, and 84 BC Classic, and was 6-times a beaten favorite.

re: How 'Dude' Should Be Viewed

Old Timer — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 18:20:02 GMT

If I could add one more comment, I know that the Dude is a gelding and he has been running and winning races when many other horses have been put out to pasture. However please do not ever compare him to Kelso; Forego; and/or John Henry. I know that I'm an old geezer, but it just makes me cringe. I saw Kelso in his prime and he won races on grass and dirt and carried huge weight imposts in handicap races and he won at distances from 7 furlongs to 2 miles (even breaking a world record for the 2 mile distance). Not to mention winning the horse of the year 5 years in a row. That is a record that is like DiMaggio's 56 game hit streak... I do not ever expect that any horse will ever equal it, much less break it. Then again I do not mean to preach, as Steve you wrote the book on Kelso (literally) and it sits in a place of honor in my bookcase. Just saying.

re: How 'Dude' Should Be Viewed

Old Timer — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 11:36:51 GMT

Good article as always Steve. One telling sentence is where you mentioned that Will Take Charge beat the Dude by a head at Churchill in the Clark but just a few weeks before that Dude lost to him by 10+ lengths in the BCC. He certainly seems to be at his worst for the big ones.

I say bring back Chantal!