Derby Dozen - March 10, 2014 - Presented by Shadwell Farm

re: Derby Dozen - March 10, 2014 - Presented by Shadwell Farm

Fran Loszynski — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 17:33:04 GMT

I say Tapiture wins the Rebel and the Arkansas Derby. So happy for Gainesway Farm with a moviestar, Birdstone the Dad on the premises with the movie of Mine That Bird 50-1 coming out. Next will be Afleet Alex's movie and believe you me I am working like a madwoman to do just that. These beautiful carte blanche racehorses of racing history deserve their legacies to be honored. Not to mention Tapit, oh Tapit. Go Tapiture. Like you picks Steve as always you are in the know!

re: Derby Dozen - March 10, 2014 - Presented by Shadwell Farm

Mary — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 23:34:04 GMT

El Kabong, I'm happy you agree with me. I do think that Mike Smith will likely commit to Intense Holiday. The horse is a deep closer, so with a couple of speedster's in the derby, it may set up nicely for him.

If you look at the dam's side of Intense Holiday's pedigree past the 5x, the stamina is there.

As for Tapiture, he is simply imploring his trainer to find a jockey who will give him a clean trip. I think that Asmussen will do that.

By the way, I have many pictures of Mike Smith aboard Intense Holiday at the Fair Grounds.

re: Derby Dozen - March 10, 2014 - Presented by Shadwell Farm

Paul Revere — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 21:43:46 GMT

Amazed that most comments here on Rebel do not take notice of the marked improvement by Ride on Curlin. This horse countinues to improve, and Kent D. said if he was outside instead of inside in the stretch it would have made a difference. Gowan/Desormeaux may have a live one come derby day.

re: Derby Dozen - March 10, 2014 - Presented by Shadwell Farm

GiddyUpBoyWhoa — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 19:55:26 GMT

Subject to change, and will.

(1) California chrome... The most impressive Derby prep winner yet.

(2) General A Rod ... Will unseat Cairo Prince from his top ranking after the Fl. Derby. If he can beat the one below.

(3) Constitution... Beat an field about as good as the FOY field on the undercard at GP with a 98 beyer in his first race of the year. No 2 year old foundation.

(4) Tapiture ...Looked good winning the Southwest with a 98 in first start of the year. I think his jockey got schooling by an older and much wiser jock( Mike Smith) in the Rebel when he got pinned on the rail. Still a good race for Tapiture, and maybe gave him a taste of the banging around he'll see in the Derby.

(5) Intense Holiday ... Nice beyer jump in the Risen Star to a 97, and he needed it. Hopefully he can improve on it in the La. Derby, because he'll need it also.

(6) Strong Mandate .. Expected to see more from him in the Rebel. He is hanging by a thread on my list, need vast improvement in the Ar. Derby, and he needs points. I still like him though. Out of Tiznow.

Still Looking for Improvement from : Rise Up ( really like this horse, hope to see a big improvement from him in La. Derby )....In Trouble ( I thought the NY race was weak, very weak, except maybe improvement from In Trouble since it was 1'st. off layoff.)...

Over Rated ... Cairo Prince, Honor Code ( Has lost too much critical time off, and I use to like him).. Candy Boy ( seems like a couple other " Candy " horses ran in recent Ky. Derby's and didn't pan out to be much.).

Steve Haskins, please tell us your going to pick one clear cut choice for the Ky Derby at trackside this year ? Thanks

re: Derby Dozen - March 10, 2014 - Presented by Shadwell Farm

The Deacon — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 19:25:09 GMT

Linda in Texas: I concur 100%, Ruffian was a once in a lifetime filly. In my humble opinion not only is she the greatest filly to ever run she is in my top 10 race horses of all time.

re: Derby Dozen - March 10, 2014 - Presented by Shadwell Farm

BelmontBarb — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 19:14:22 GMT

Linda in Texas ~ Thank you so much! It was Windolins post that moved me to bring up Ruffian and the "flowery" stuff! (re:Sceptre's post). And, Sceptre ~ if you are posting your comments, facts, details and opinion, you must be believing ~ or are you "sceptical" about that? We are believing our dream of the Derby Dozen ~ are we not! I do want to thank you for your positive comment in re of my writing and appreciate your critique. Taking the positive side always over-rides the negative.

Steve, your thoughts......

we need you out here today!

re: Derby Dozen - March 10, 2014 - Presented by Shadwell Farm

Ranagulzion — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 17:19:42 GMT

Tapiture was by far the best horse in the Rebel, allowing weight all around and compromised by being boxed in behind horses and roughed up in the stretch drive. He's a genuine Kentucky Derby contender and the one they'll all have to beat in the Arkansas Derby.

re: Derby Dozen - March 10, 2014 - Presented by Shadwell Farm

Linda in Texas — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 16:40:55 GMT

BelmontBarb - 17 March 2014, 1:16 A.M.- Beautifully stated. Ruffian - I was so crushed, disillusioned and upset watching her last race and ultimate euthanization after she woke up from her surgery and re injured the leg 'trying to run' that i did not follow horse racing for a very long time. It is in her honor and memory that i decided to once again follow the greatest sport of all. To me Ruffian was a once in a lifetime creation never to be duplicated.

re: Derby Dozen - March 10, 2014 - Presented by Shadwell Farm

sceptre — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 14:39:03 GMT

BelmontBarb:

A bit "flowery", fairly nicely written, but content counts too. Couldn't disagree more with your final (aside from the "thank you" to Steve) sentence. Why must we "...always believe..."? I, for one, almost never believe...

re: Derby Dozen - March 10, 2014 - Presented by Shadwell Farm

spades — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 14:00:01 GMT

Mike Smith rode a good race even though Tapiture managed to push him out and gained position but it was Hoppertunity digging in and fighting that made the difference. Remember, the jockey can never run faster than the horse but only gave the horse the best chance to win. We will see bigger things from Hoppertuniity in the upcoming weeks.

Cold Facts, questioned what people like Steve and myself saw in Hoppertunity to keep bringing him up in the derby conversation and I told him wait and see because the talent is there. And there is more improvement to come now that the switch is turned on.

re: Derby Dozen - March 10, 2014 - Presented by Shadwell Farm

spades — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 13:40:20 GMT

Mike Smith rode a good race even though Tapiture

re: Derby Dozen - March 10, 2014 - Presented by Shadwell Farm

JayJay — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 13:36:06 GMT

Just read Havana's quarter is supposedly healed but TP said he's being pointed to the Bay Shore which is not a points race...most likely he's going to the Preakness.

Chitu is probable for the Sunland Derby, looking forward to seeing him run there.

Ring Weekend to the Calder Derby ??? What's that's all about ?

re: Derby Dozen - March 10, 2014 - Presented by Shadwell Farm

BelmontBarb — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 05:16:55 GMT

The Rebel Stakes was exactly as its labeled name - what a ride Mike Smith had and shows the super ability of both the jockey and his very fresh and fit upcoming mount. Although the squeeze was on the focus was incredibly sharp and the performance of both jockey and colt professional and acredible. I could not imagine or find a reason after replay(s)of head ons that Hoppertunity would come down and be a ""Rebel" without a Cause"! Totally in agreement with you Steve. Mike Smith held here with steady hand and guidance to the wire and well deserved. Bravo!

A note: I was saddened too by the put down of Onlyforyou, and quite a few other recent losses, including Caixa Electronica as a result of an awful accident not too long ago. The loss of the great and beautiful Ruffian never quite leaves the heart or tongue - always mentioned in stories of recollection as I watched her hoist lifted off her legs at the back of the track....where stillness and sadness met each other and no breath could be heard...the silence of sound sweeping through every barn with broken heart ~ where only quickness of decision to put her down was expected and understood in an un-expected spectacle of a match race(I guess you can tell I disagreed with this one). I am sure we have learned much and there is much more to be learned and that there are many new discoveries and hopes in the future for our humble four-legged friends and champions they all are - courageous and willing and everyone a winner! We must always believe that the decision being made to run or not is in the best interest of the horse and we must be sensitive and respectful enough to accept it.......and its results.

Thank you Steve for your comments,compliments and clarity on a beautiful ride from Mike aboard Hoppertunity!

re: Derby Dozen - March 10, 2014 - Presented by Shadwell Farm

El Kabong — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 03:48:51 GMT

Mary,

You are right on the money with Mike Smith. He has been the master of his domain. His ride on Hopportunity was perfect. He took away Tapitures lane at the head of the stretch and made Santana foul his way into the contest. He held his lane in the stretch and kept Hopportunity focused. He rode Intense Holiday with the same brilliance in the Risen Star. He is riding exceptionally well and if I owned one of these Derby prospects, I'd be greasing the wheels to get a commitment from his agent right now. I hope he stays with Intense Holiday. LIke Hopportunity, IH needs this guy. He's farther off the pace and needs the skilled judgement of Smith to get it done. Your call on the ride in the Rebel, is spot on.

re: Derby Dozen - March 10, 2014 - Presented by Shadwell Farm

Mary — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 03:07:08 GMT

I love what Steve Asmussen said relative to Tapiture after the Rebel. "He didn't seem to mind not winning; he didn't get his feelings hurt. I wish we would have won, but we still have him, and that's a good thing."

re: Derby Dozen - March 10, 2014 - Presented by Shadwell Farm

Racingfan — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 02:18:37 GMT

Coldfacts - Native Dancer also sired the "unfairly" disqualified 1968 Derby winner Dancer's Image and was grandsire to 1969 Derby winner Majestic Prince. The Grey Ghost "owned" the 60's as a direct descendant won the Derby in 1964, 1966, 1968 and 1969....not to mention he was great grandsire to triple crown winner Affirmed and...well the list is too long to mention all his other great grandsons, etc to win triple crown races..... He was awesome!!! As for Hoppertunity, I LOVED Any Given Saturday when he was racing, but I cannot get myself to really like this horse because I just HATE his name...! LOL Love his connections too, but in order for me to fall in love with a horse, I have to at least be able to stand the name....! LOL

re: Derby Dozen - March 10, 2014 - Presented by Shadwell Farm

Scott's Rail — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 23:33:40 GMT

What a race..All four finishers showed grit and determination worthy of the victory. Again, Mike Smith shows why he is th "Go to Guy". And Bob Baffert is "The Man." As your friend Steve Byk says, 24's, 48's....will win most KDerby's. Hoppertunity fits that bill to a tee. His pedigree is just how I would draw up a KD winner. I reasoned S.Asmussen wouldn't have Tapiture wound too tight. He just forgot to tell his horse that. (what a great performance). And Strong Mandate may be poised for a next out monster...This is Fun...

re: Derby Dozen - March 10, 2014 - Presented by Shadwell Farm

TerriV — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 23:28:12 GMT

The Rebel was probably the most interesting, revealing race so far. Wow! Really impressive. First off, stewards called it right on. But, Tapiture was raring to go and I think he would have won the race if his jockey could have gotten him out. But this race was won, in large part, because Mike Smith is such a pro. If I had a horse I'd want Mike on him (or Gary Stevens). Hopportunity has emerged as a true talent but Tapiture had a really tough race and never lost his drive or heart.

re: Derby Dozen - March 10, 2014 - Presented by Shadwell Farm

sceptre — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 21:40:49 GMT

Hoppertunity looks to be a really nice colt. Good-looking, nice way of going, and seems to have a great mind. In only his 4th start he ran a huge race after shipping a long ways and running on a track, and off surface, unfamiliar to him. Overall, I think his performance was the best of any I've seen this year. I just wish he was by a better sire-re his chances for further improvement. Credit to Baffert for buying him, and bringing him along so well...Kobe's Back race was a toss, he'll probably later prove to be a better horse than say California Chrome, but doubt he'll be up to the Derby.

re: Derby Dozen - March 10, 2014 - Presented by Shadwell Farm

Sail On — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 21:33:53 GMT

Bill Rinker

I do believe that Tapiture would be well served by a jockey change. I posted as much on the story on the Rebel finish.

Today I went back and reviewed all the 'tape' I have on Tapiture, and I have observed his jockey to be immature, and make several; dubious decisions.

re: Derby Dozen - March 10, 2014 - Presented by Shadwell Farm

Davids — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 20:42:06 GMT

Mike Smith won the Rebel Stakes for his mount, great ride, he knew Tapiture would have exploded past the pack if given room.

If the Rebel was run in France - 2, 3, and 4 finishers would all have been disqualified. It was a good, bad, and ugly race..

re: Derby Dozen - March 10, 2014 - Presented by Shadwell Farm

Windolin — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 20:27:42 GMT

The breakdowns and euthanization of the horses is the hardest thing about racing for me. When I read about If Only For You on Saturday, I cried. Horses are the most beautiful and majestic creatures on this earth and seeing one down and having to make the decision to end their life is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. Someone described the Thoroughbreds as million dollar horses on ten cent legs and that is so true. I think there needs to be more research into what causes these breakdowns and more medical research money into developing life saving surgeries. Not every breakdown is the result of bad inbreeding or drugs or poor training, but most are. Horses do have accidents that result in a fracture. It happened to one of my horses many years ago. She took a tumble for some unknown reason in the pasture and fractured a vertebra in her back. She somehow managed to walk over a half mile to get to her feed bucket and then collapsed and after two days of trying to save her, I had to put her down. It was heartbreaking. So the point is, accidents happen, but if there is something we can or should be doing to prevent fractures and colics and laminitis then we need research into that. And we need treatments for all three that go beyond where we have progressed in the past 25 years. I know that this is way off topic for this blog, but these losses on the track are happening way too often. If for no other reason the business should be concerned, they need to realize that many Americans have turned away from watching horse racing and in turn betting because of the breakdowns.

re: Derby Dozen - March 10, 2014 - Presented by Shadwell Farm

JayJay — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 19:16:57 GMT

I had a feeling that jockey switch might be the key to Hoppertunity getting up. Mike Smith doesn't get many mounts but when he rides a horse, you have to pay attention.

re: Derby Dozen - March 10, 2014 - Presented by Shadwell Farm

Sail On — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 18:11:29 GMT

Can any of the Derby Trail colts run a mile 1/16 in 1:40 or under?

re: Derby Dozen - March 10, 2014 - Presented by Shadwell Farm

Sail On — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 18:09:29 GMT

Steve, is Vicar's In Trouble injured? How bad is it? Did it contribute to his fade in the Risen? Can he reasonable be expected to run in the Louisiana Derby?