The Dirt on the (Dirt) Mile

re: The Dirt on the (Dirt) Mile

dana — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:06:06 GMT

Slew's Tizzy is really one to watch in my opinion too. After his big win in last year's Blue Grass it was shame they didn't recognize that he's more of a synth specialist (something I yammered about all last year).

I was pretty happy when they finally transferred him to a west coast barn because it meant he would get a shot to improve, and it looks like that's exactly what he's doing. When I saw him back on the work tab a few months ago I was hoping they were pointing him towards the BC.

greenbutgame.org

re: The Dirt on the (Dirt) Mile

Debbie — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:38:19 GMT

I managed to wade through the first 4 long paragraphs of complaining before finally getting to the point of the first sentence of the blog.

I love all the new races, regardless of all the skepticism and contempt you seem to have for the entire Breeders Cup program this year. Yes, it isn't perfect, but what an exciting challenge to try to pick winners this year! This is something different. Fun! The Unknown, certainly not the same old dull handicapping routine, so many more factors.

They could drag Breeders Cup races out for a week if they want to. A couple of races a day? I'm in. Too many in a day or two? I'll take it, any way they want it, I love it!

re: The Dirt on the (Dirt) Mile

o_crunk — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 22:27:44 GMT

Slew's Tizzy showed a lot of promise as a 2 YO. Don't know much about what was in his last race, but it's tough to win after being on the shelf for almost a year. Certainly has a right to improve off of that effort. The more enticing of the sibs from the AE list, IMHO.

re: The Dirt on the (Dirt) Mile

David C — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 20:00:47 GMT

I have to take excption to a few of those points you make here.

First, I agree that many very important races take a backseat to the Classic with the current BC format. BUT, offered as stand-alone races the general public isn't going to get excited over most of these races.

Secondly, I don't love betting on dirt marathons either, but in the case of this race I really do see it as an important addition to the BC menu. In and of itself a BC Dirt Marathon can't change the industry. BUT, thanks in large part to this addition there have been other long distance races carded nationwide in the months leading up to this event. As this is a division that normally attracts geldings and older horses it could become a very interesting division of racing with real rivalries and lasting appeal, in addition to providing SOME reason to breed for endurance (which I think polytrack is helping with as well.)

Finally, the handicapper in me is a little disappointed...it seems like you picked four horses.

re: The Dirt on the (Dirt) Mile

Mike S — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 19:41:56 GMT

LEWIS MICHAEL ran lights-out at Del Mar, around one turn, and I think he is slightly less effective around two turns. However, he is a horse to be reckoned with, and has a good shot. ALBERTUS MAXIMUS ran a good third in the Goodwood, so he's probably dangerous as well.

When I thought WELL ARMED would go in the Classic I thought this race was all about SLEW'S TIZNOW, but now that WELL ARMED is in I think it's all about WELL ARMED. He is in great form right now and I think he'll get the win. But I also think that SLEW'S TIZNOW is going to be TIZNOW's next "big" horse, so I am expecting him to run huge as well. SLEW'S TIZZY sure ran a good race opening week at Santa Anita as well...interesting.