The Answer Man to the Rescue

re: The Answer Man to the Rescue

bsinboots — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 19:47:43 GMT

Just have to respond to the people saying the Eclipse Awards are for the body of work for the year...then explain why so many Europeans have won based on a single BC race in the past? Why Goldikova will win this year? Zenyatta won the biggest race of the year, beating many of the same males Rachel beat plus better older ones. That's it...period. Synthetics should not be a factor...if the BC choses to hold the championships on synthetic, they should not be discounted in the voting. I hate 'em myself, but that you have to play it where it lays. Get rid of them, or live with it.

re: The Answer Man to the Rescue

Judy Loves John Henry — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 07:19:24 GMT

To all the posters who acknowledge "shaggy" - move on! He's got jealousy issues LOL. As the saying goes: you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink!:-)

YAWN YAWN YAWN. I am so bored with the mentality of "let's tear down one horse to build up the other". It's like a disease. Your insecurities are showing. Get a life, folks!!

re: The Answer Man to the Rescue

charlie — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 04:45:23 GMT

Carry Back and Saratoga AJ:

Just a nod from another racing fan who was initiated into the sport by Carry Back. A very tough, versatile horse that showed up for every tough stake under any and all conditions and always gave it his best shot, and produced some of the most thrilling stretch runs ever.

re: The Answer Man to the Rescue

Footlick — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 15:11:34 GMT

Marc- I have no problems with any of the three, and Dr Fager at 4 was almost otherworldly! I know that Cruget maintained that Hoist the Flag was the best he ever rode and he said if he wasn't injured he would have proved it. I only mention Baeza's comments to put some perspective on what kind of animal Buckpasser was. His laziness was almost as legendary as his race record. And Baeza wasn't the regular rider of Buckpasser until after he came back from his quarter crack. He was Graustark's regular jock. Shoemaker said he wasn't impressed the only time he rode Buckpasser, and Shoemaker told Nerud that Dr Fager scared him and didn't want to ride him again. Baeza wouldn't say which horse was better, Dr Fager or Buckpasser. I never knew Baeza to say much to the press or make wild statements. But then he never rode Rock Hard Ten-lol!

re: The Answer Man to the Rescue

K-swiss — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:57:28 GMT

LAZ, LICK-FOOT:

Shaggy is right. The connections waited until Zen is 5 years old, BEFORE taking on boys in the BC Classic..shows you boys how difficult it is to win against MALES, does it? And Rachel did it not once, but THRICE.. AND SHE'S ONLY 3!! what a GIRL!!!!

STEVE, you are soo right!

OAKTREE's re-naming of the Lady's Secret into the ZENYATTA STAKES is a bad mistake. They just shot Zen's HOY campaign in the foot!!..more like in the HEAD too. LOL

Zenyatta doesn't have a race campaign, she has a HOY campaign (e.g. "Zenyatta" day, "Rachel Who?" shirts, and Zenyatta stakes, etc.)!! LOL. LOL

Actually, Zen's connections are CUNNING: They "cut corners" on Zen's 2009 campaign by making her win ONLY one big race, the BC, and then they "PLAY UP" that ONE WIN by orchestrating all this HOY HOOPLA over nothing--HILARIOUS!

They know it, as well as I do, THEIR horse DIDN'T DO ENOUGH to even contest HOY honors, much LESS win it..Zenyatta's ONLY claim to HOY rests on her SINGLE win at the BC Classic. Nothing more.

That's the reason why Moss is so desperate-- all this "OAKTREE faux-pas" happened with HIS blessings, of course. This POLITICAL MANEUVERING happened As Bloodhorse's Steve Haskin said, "..just two weeks after the BC win, and at the expense of Lady's Secret.." HOW GROSS!!

Moss couldn't postpone this TRAVESTY coz Zenyatta's ONLY chance to seize HOY is NOW when people are STILL CRAZY over her BC win-- so before the "people" can come to their senses, Moss has to make them "sign on the dotted line" and get Zen to be HOY. Regrets can come later.. at the public's (AND Lady's Secret's)expense.

NTRA is RIGHT: Why not wait for AFTER the HOY awards to rename ANY race into Zenyatta? Why "JUMP THE GUN"?? None of RA's connections, nor the racetracks she raced in, ever stepped up and announced RA will be HOY and should have races named after her. It is PRESUMPTUOUS, on OAKTREE's part, and Moss's part too, to do something like this. They should somehow "rein in" their OVER-ZEALOUS AMBITION for their mare.

As for me, I have always been "RACHEL FOR HOY 2009". Rachel is an OUTSTANDING filly, and her magnificent constitution, coupled with her brilliant 2009 victories against G1 males and fillies, are ONE-OF-A-KIND. She TRULY deserves HOY, coz she earned it. Consistently. Repeatedly. Undeniably..

re: The Answer Man to the Rescue

Marc — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 01:53:37 GMT

Footlick

Like I said in the earlier post the race Dr Fager, Damascus, and Buckpasser ran I thought it was the race with the 3 of the best if not the best, ran in the same race.

I have no problems with Buckpasser or Damascus people taking their side.

One point about jockeys though---Gary Stevens saying Hard Hard Ten was the best horse he rode?????

Although I can understand it--John Cruget saying Hoist The Flag was the best he rode---But the point would be if Seattle Slew wasn't as good --how good was HTF?

One thing I do know that we saw two of the best mares ever this year in my 50 years of watching horse racing.

re: The Answer Man to the Rescue

Aluminaut — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 18:43:27 GMT

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

I have a correction for my last post.

It was the March 2008 Barrett's 2 year old in training sale where Jess Jackson bought a filly by Harlan's Holiday. Sorry for the misinfo.

re: The Answer Man to the Rescue

BK1 — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 01:36:17 GMT

Thanks, Steve, for a great piece of writing, as always. I'm too far down in this list for anyone to read my post anyway - but here goes. I'm getting a headache from reading all this smack talk. Here's my take on things: I think Rachel & Zenyatta are equally awesome & I'm glad I don't have the burden of having to vote for real - because I couldn't vote against either one. We should all count ourselves incredibly lucky that we got to witness such class & greatness all in the same year - how often is that going to happen?

re: The Answer Man to the Rescue

Soldier Course — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:58:05 GMT

Eric:

Opinions are one thing. Foregone conclusions are another.

re: The Answer Man to the Rescue

Tiznowbaby — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:41:45 GMT

Have a happy Thanksgiving, y'all.

Yeah, even you, Draynay :)

re: The Answer Man to the Rescue

Eric — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:54:25 GMT

Both are exceptional. It's too bad that Rachel came along this year to steal Zenyatta's crown, but she did. Zenyatta is an all-time great filly. I think she should have won HOY over Curlin last year. Rachel had the better '09 campaign, however.

re: The Answer Man to the Rescue

Footlick — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:44:29 GMT

Marc- I have nothing but admiration for Dr Fager amd he was truly a brilliant horse. It's just my opinion, but Buckpasser was the most amazing horse I ever watched, and I saw him twice live. I also saw Dr Fager live, all at Arlington Park. But Baeza said they couldn't be compared. Dr Fager was a machine and Buckpasser never gave him more than 60% of what he had. He also said Buckpasser was the fastest horse he ever rode. But I have no problem with your answer. I also wonder why we never mention Kelso. It does seem interesting but he is always slighted by us when talking about great horses.

re: The Answer Man to the Rescue

Saratoga AJ — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:30:57 GMT

CarryBack:

First of all, let me tell you it was your namesake that got me into horse racing as a kid and made me a forever fan of the "Sport of Kings". I lived and died with each of the little guy's races. And his come from way behind style. Would he fire today? Or not. He was so plainly bred, yet so determined. He was truly the "People's Horse", a rags to riches story.

His breeder/owner/trainer Jack Price was a real character too. He took over ownership of the old mare Saggy in satisfaction of a $300 overdue stable rent bill, and bred her to Joppy, an obscure sprinter who's only claim to fame was he handed Citation his only loss in his 18 for 19 Triple Crown season of 1948 in a 6 furlong dash in Maryland that April. Somehow the racing Gods produced a little horse with some talent and a big heart.

But it's hard to say he ever deserved HOTY over Kelso. He did beat Kelso twice, and it took track records in both the 1962 Metropolitan H'Cap at Belmont and 1962 Monmouth Handicap to do it. But Kelso finished ahead of old Carry Back in 5 of their 7 lifetime meetings overall and had won more races and more money. Kelso was the better horse, as much as I hated to admit it back then. Even the 1961 year when CB won the Derby and Preakness, Kelso defeated him in the showdown for HOTY in the '61 Woodward. And both Kelso and CB had their hands full with with Allen Jerken's very first "Giant Killer", Beau Purple when he was on his game. BP beat them both 3 times. Those were some of the great days of racing when 50,000 plus would show up on weekends at The Big A or Belmont to see them meet in the big races.

You have a great namesake...a name that remains close to my heart still today. After his first season at stud Price brought him back to the races in late Summer 1963. He did not do well in his comeback, and the racing public was begging Price to return him to stud. But Price gave him one more race and he went out a winner, defeating favored Mongo in the 1963 Trenton Handicap at Monmouth in November 1963 at unheard of for CB 7-1 odds. It brought tears to my eyes.

Not the best quality films, but fun to watch:

www.youtube.com/watch

re: The Answer Man to the Rescue

Aluminaut — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 03:49:29 GMT

In America we breed for speed. It's refreshing to see a horse (Zenyatta)who can beat the best at 10 furlongs, and she probably can run all day. The Mosses did what was best for their horse, staying in California to prep for the Breeder's Cup.

Jess Jackson campaigned Rachel where speed holds and she was brilliant. Can she win against the best at 10 furlongs? If she were mine, I wouldn't make her try.

The Mosses and the Jacksons are good for racing and properly showcased their horses. I saw Jess Jackson at the Barrett's yearling auction a year ago, and he purchased a filly I was interested in. Haven't heard what happened to her, but these people keep the industry going. Thanks.

re: The Answer Man to the Rescue

LAZMANNICK — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 03:44:23 GMT

Mary in VT

Zenyatta destroyed the best males in the country this year......Where would you like to send for a new group.......What about Europe or maybe Japan.

re: The Answer Man to the Rescue

Marc — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:41:50 GMT

Longer post above but again as a BIG ZENYATTA FAN and thinking she is the "better" of the two. I would give the HOY to Rachel. Her body of work this year was more detailed. I don't bet or handicap with my heart so looking without bias I would pick what I see as a superhorse (RA) but a little less super than the mare than shouldn't win (Z). Had she traveled, beat the males a few more times (and she would have)the vote would go to her. There will always be a question of surface, although I doubt it would have mattered.

Point 2

To a few above

Hal Wiggins is a great horseman and he developed RA and it is sad to see him lose her. BUT! Those who haven't trained or been around the horses have no idea how hard it is to keep a horse at their peak for a whole year. Give Stevie A his props. He has done it with a few horses in the last few years---Over the years I have seen more than a few great trainers have great horses that had let- downs---it is an art to keep then constantly on edge. JS deserves big credit also no matter how good his horse was. All 3 did masterful jobs.

Footlick-answer is Dr. Fager--in my almost 60 years and coming from a racetrack father it is my belief that "no horse" could ever beat him up to a mile, and only with help could you beat him at a 1 1/4. He also beat a Hall Member/HOY and the best turfer in training in his only turf race.

Just a thought--if Kelso had run in the modern era of million dollar races--Would he have won $25-$30 million in purses? A great stayer he could win in short races as well and any surface. 5 x HOY. Why do people never mention him? Again just a thought off topic.

RA should win HOY. Zenyatta best horse.

re: The Answer Man to the Rescue

aleesa4 — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 01:20:30 GMT

I have the solution to this debate.

Zenyatta HOY and champion older female.

RA champion filly an champion sprinter.

re: The Answer Man to the Rescue

Soldier Course — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:44:23 GMT

To the son of Saggy and Joppy:

What a GORGEOUS post. You said it all, and with a fresh perspective. Thank you.

re: The Answer Man to the Rescue

Track Records — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:05:24 GMT

Has Rachel Alexandra ever set a track record in her career?

I know that Zenyatta set a track record at Del Mar (2008 Clement Hirsch).

re: The Answer Man to the Rescue

The Phantom — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:46:14 GMT

Joanie, the owners took the races that were avaible regardless of distance you say, you can't be serious,RA couldn't run in the Belmont, Travers[summer derby] or Gold Cup, weren't they available? All 3 at longer distances , tougher comp. without a doubt.Zen also had easy races, no star there but she did run in the Classic and won!You really can't believe that statement you made , your in the minority if you do.Rags to Riches won the Belmont at a mile and a half as a 3 yr old beating Curlin who won HOTY, until RA goes at least a mile and a quarter there is a great doubt she'll win at a longer distance.I made the same comments about Zen,until she proved herself.

re: The Answer Man to the Rescue

LEON — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:04:44 GMT

Mike S:

HOTY is defined by the challenges taken throughout the year; it is decided by who runs and wins the typical campaign, and who runs &

wins the ATYPICAL campaign.

The Mosses always managed their big mare keeping her undefeated record in mind, and in doing so, they designed an over-conservative campaign that did not include a race against males until her very last.

She lost HOTY vs Curlin in 2008 because he won major races in two different countries, travelling and winning all over the US as well, and even had a very respectable stakes race on grass.

IMO, her staying in SoCal all 2009, without facing boys all year except for the BCC, is gonna cost her again, because one big race, a horse of the year does not make.

This is unfortunate, because after watching her BCC win, I could only dream about what she could have accomplished in the Goodwood, Hollywood GC or the Pacific Classic...

re: The Answer Man to the Rescue

Assault — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:48:10 GMT

The Grade I "Lady's Secret" renamed in the honor of the great racemare Zenyatta:

www.bloodhorse.com/.../oak-tree-honors-zenyatta-with-grade-i-race

re: The Answer Man to the Rescue

CarryBack — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:49:35 GMT

Fun column. I believe Zenyatta should be Horse of the Year because her Classic win was a race for the ages. It will go down, I think with Seabiscuit's win over War Admiral, Personal Ensign's over Winning Colors, Affirmed over Aldyar in the Belmont, Sunday Silence and Easy Goer's Preakness duel..... Also, Zenyatta probably deserved the HOY honor last year and Rachel has another chance next year. And admittedly, I like Zenyatta's connections better. But the real winner is racing and both these incredible horses! If only one horse is selected, we all will survive. The debate makes racing the sport it is. It is Mr. Haskin's own words re Damascus vs. Dr. Fager who quotes PEB's cartoon "two survivors of a shipwreck floating on debris. While clutching to their “buoys,” one says to the other, “You’re crazy, I still say Damascus was better than Dr. Fager.” I still hate Dr. Fager and it took me years to forgive Kelso. Forgive the horse but not those "racing experts" who awarded Kelly Horse of the Year the year that Carry Back beat him more!! The "mess' we are in of Zenyatta vs. Rachel is what drives this sport. The main loser though is RACING because the Breeders' Cup has become an industry event. And with the exception of the Preakness, Rachels' races were not televised. Our sport will contine when some pre-teen girl falls in love with either horse or some young adult 'working on Wall Street" like Steve Haskin decides to follow either Zenyatta or Rachel. That this debate has little relevance-or is even known! - outside the industry is the real loser for Horse of the Year this year.

re: The Answer Man to the Rescue

Footlick — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:33:55 GMT

Hey Tiznowbaby- Vineyard Haven is in the Cigar. I think that Quality Road is the best on numbers, but I like Vineyard Haven alot. I think he'll have to step up again in order to win. Bribon and Kodiak Cowboy are in there too. And Pyro could even wake up.

re: The Answer Man to the Rescue

Footlick — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:28:23 GMT

Ranagulzion- I know that Timeform isn't infallable- they hate ranking French horses highly if they haven't run in England-lol. They even had to adjust Zarkava's timeform for her Arc because of the bad trip she had, and I'm sure they did it grudgingly. But I wouldn't call the 1000 and the Prix de Diane over Goldikova, the Vermeille after spotting the field lengths over DarReMi and the Arc over older males as easier, but she didn't run as often, that is a fact. I think Sea the Stars an amazing horse, I just think Zarkava would have beaten him. I just don't believe that the amount of races are a measuring stick to difficulty. Goldikova was a match for any miler in Europe and the US as a 3 yr old. She didn't warm Zarkava up in the 1000, nor in the Diane. But, Sea the Stars did have an historic campaign. They were two wonderful, top class horses.