Jess Jackson belongs with IEAH, Dutrow and all the others ruining the greatest game....I don't care how tired she is, if she is sound, she should be in the gate!...He comes in, picks off the Preakness and takes all flare out of the Belmont...LIke you, I love racing and will be at the Belmont regardless who is in the gate- but if the owners keep up with their shenanigans, horse racing will become dog racing in no time!- I thought Jess Jackson was different after his ambitious campaign of Curlin last year- but this is indefensible...I wish Jess Jackson wasn't even around quite frankly with his millions- then Rachel would never have run in the Preakness and the racing world would be on edge following Mine that Bird- I will never criticize Lukas, Zito or any of the old timers who run these "no hope" longshots- at least they put them in the gate and give all fans something to talk about...Rachel had a chance to go down in history- to be known by all casual fans of the sport as well as diehards- in 5 years- she will be no more memorable than Silverbulletday or Serena's Song- no matter what she wins this fall...

i love the triple crown races and just this cover that the racing season continue in 2007 and even when to race track for the firts time that year in the breeders cup in NJ, but i don't think Jackson is really not going to the belmont because he cares for the horse. i think he is not going because he don't think she could get the mile and half, he saw how she struggle in in the preakness knowing that if that race would have been mile and quater mine that bird would have won. so i'm still exicited and still going to the belmont this satuday, hopefully they try to redem their self in the travers.

If the racing season is over after the Belmont for the majority of "average" viewers, the blame should squarely be placed upon racing itself for sub-par marketing and advertising.

Yes, it is exciting when there is the potential for a triple crown sweep. But, it is definitely not the end of the sport, and the industry should be doing everything it can to promote other races, to make it clear that it is the entire year of racing that determines who wins eclipse awards, not just what a three year old does in the beginning of the season.

It's mind-boggling that other races are not as emphasized when the TC races compromise only a fraction of the rest of the year's races.  

Jason, I genuinely like your blog but I've got to read you words and wonder if your question isn't so much about RA, CB and MTB but if you're saying that the Triple Crown needs to stop being about horse racing and start being about the 'drama'.  

I mean, is the Triple Crown a reality TV show that should be scripted for maximum drama or is it about three races that make up a physical, emotional and mental challenge meant to crown a super horse?

Should that super horse be a genuinely bred specimen or are we throwing in the towel, saying that Thoroughbred breeders are no longer breeding such an animal and now we should 'script' the best outcome?

Will history look back and wonder about what RA could have done in the Derby, what MTB could have done in the Preakness?  Probably, just as we always look back and wondering who was going to win, Ruffian or Foolish Pleasure, could Barbaro have taken his Preakness, what if the Bid hadn't stepped on that pin.

We talk about the racing industry needing these dramatic storylines to draw in the casual fan but at what cost to racing and the horses?  Wouldn't it be better for the media to focus on what Calvin Borel is attempting to do (Oaks, Derby, Preakness, Belmont?) and use that as a springboard to educate the casual viewer on the fact that there is racing later in the season?

Draw those people in on the ways and means by which RA could/will meet the Derby winner or the other top boys again.  Discuss the races where MTB might continue to prove he's no fluke, build the stories forward to the Breeders Cup rather than keep looking back at 'what if'.

I for one applaud Jess Jackson for his decision.  I don't always see eye to eye with his philosophy, I know he pushes for 'the best run against the best' though I wonder sometimes if common sense doesn't get in the way of his 'high billed race-off' mentality.  That he and SA kept their filly back, despite all the push to race her means a lot to me because I'd rather be focused forward on her next races than see her get beat by a combination of distance, run back time and a grueling schedule that she wasn't initially trained up towards.

A lot of casual and not so casual fans are asking the same question your Dad did. It would have been better if RA didn't run in the Preakness then we would have a triple crown to look forward to with a good story behind it to boot.Running a Fresh Filly who didn't have a tough race all year against Males who ran tough Derby preps and a tough Derby itself just to make a point proves nothing. I'm sure they never had any intention to run in the Belmont so why run in the Preakness.

Jason, with all due respect I think you underestimate the exposure of this website to 'casual' viewers.

I can't count the number of times a Google search on a horse's name will bring you to an article here on Blood Horse.com.  I send a lot of 'non-racing' friends and family here when they have questions or if I see an article that might interest them.

As you say, the drop of the filly from the Belmont drops racing from the front lines of the mainstream media, which in turns leaves websites like Blood Horse as the primary 'go to' for people who just hit up good ole Google.

Toral you called it exactly right. When is racing going to get behind one another and market this amazing sport?

Feelings the same to all. For Jess Jackson to put Rachel in the Preakness was just for show. I was just as shocked as everyone to see Mind come through tha back like a freight train on speed and win the Derby. My fav was Old Fashioned until he got hurt at Oaklawn. But, to watch a long shot going for the second ring and and maybe win the Triple kept me watching until the filly was put in. Mind you yes, she is a great runner, but to the media it was Hollywood fame.

Now that she is not running and has made a hole in the Triple run for Mind your right. Will it be worth watching?

I think it will be and I think the match to watch will be Mind That Bird and Musket Man if he will be running.

I have Quarter horses with Native Dancer bloodlines and Count Giacomo and hope that someday I will have one of those babies pulling a Rachel.

Hi Jason..  Another blog?  LOL.  OK I hope everyone stays in line. :)

Teaser

I believe that RA should have run the Derby and the Preakness and the Belmont to make all of this fair.  :)  This whole thing sucks.  

TYler D

I agree :)

With all due respect L we need bodies to show up and bet the races. That's what drives the industry.

I think it is an error to use the words marketing and horse racing in the same sentence.  What have we had for the last decade?  Go Baby Go!  The worst ad campaign aside from the Hardee's commercials that imply that men are too stupid to feed themselves.  Hire a good ad agency and bring the sport back to life.

I think we see now that RA is simply a very talented filly; not a superhorse.  She won the Oaks stunningly; some said, in defense of her running against the boys in the Preakness, that she didn't even work for that Oaks victory.  (and lets not forget JJ and his "champions should run against champions")  Yes, she won the Preakness, and that was darn impressive; moreso because she really worked and earned that victory.  But I don't buy the RA camp now saying she needs a "well earned vacation."  To me, that sounds like either she is not "in great shape", as they claim; or they simply know that it is better to leave her in the barn and save face.  Sorry...but they said she was as good as the colts, and the colts are out there running the big races with little rest in between - isn't that part of the test of Champions?  Not only to string together these 3 victories, but to have the stamina and strength for the Triple Crown trail?  Now it seems as if RA wouldn't even have been fit to run the Filly Triple Crown and would have needed her "well earned vacation" in the middle of even that campaign.

Thats just the way it appears to me.  I would understand alot better if they said "hey, she got a little beat up, but she still won; now she needs a break; but she'll be back"...but don't tell me she's in great shape and they're just going to skip the last jewel of the Triple Crown on a lark....talk about unsportsmanlike.  I predicted from the moment JJ bought her, that this was just a grandstanding moment of his; ruin someone else's chance for the TC and crawl back under a rock.  If he really wanted to be a sportsman he would have kept her on the path she was being trained and conditioned for, and aimed her for a meet with the boys in the Breeders Cup - where she might have even had a shot at running down a TC champion - wouldn't that have been a bigger feather in her cap than going down in history as just another spoiler?

I am just a huge fan...it is hard for me to even pick a favorite when they break from the gate - they are all beautiful..truly poetry in motion..this year's "human drama" has really ruined the TC trail for me because it was no longer about the horses...it became about "look what money can buy" and ego and selfishness...the horses can run and compete against each other, but they couldn't compete against that.  But what the heck - Rachel's in Vogue...whoopie....

Frankly I won't be watching the Belmont because I'd have to get an extra cable package just to see it (we can't get the broadcast channel, and HRTV isn't in the main cable package around here).  Not at all worth the money when I can catch all the graded races within a couple hours on youtube.  

Racing wants to pick up fans, it needs to think about reaching out to people in new ways.  Live web streaming of the races would be a nice start.  Heck, I'd love a twitter feed (or something similar) of live racing, like a text version of the old radio broadcasts.

As it is, paying through the nose for maybe a half hour of programming a week... eh, no.

On the question of marketing; I approached the 2007 Belmont-my ticket purchased months in advance-with little enthusiasm due to the absence of Derby winner Street Sense.  My interest picked up with the announcement that Rags to Riches would contest the race; her win was most memorable, exciting, historic and sadly unheralded.  Again, leading up to the race the last days, I saw no promotions in the NY papers from NYRA or the NTRA.  The suits running (down) racing are followers, not leaders, and seem lacking in imagination- and initiative, except when its time to cash their bloated paychecks.

Tyler D,

    A tired horse has more chance of getting hurt than any other type of horse, except for a potentially unsound one. That is how horses take bad steps, stumble, break down, because they are not at their best. RA was in great shape for the preakness, so JJ put her there. This time she wasn't ready, so they pulled her which is better than what IEAH did by pushing BB through the year and having him finished dead last when he'd barely had any training at all. Also it is the owners with billions that drive this game. Do you have any idea how expensive this game is? Why don't you try it, some that do go bankrupt trying, because not everyone has the savy, the luck and the money to keep going. JJ did the right thing by pulling her from the Belmont, especially if RA decided to keep running when she shouldn't, remember Ruffian. I believe in one of her races she ran with a fracture. Remember the match, she kept going even with her leg flopping brokely. RA wants to run, and won't stop. I remember JJ saying she thought she could run through a brick wall. Thats not always good, because that could mean she could be running just fine, but she really is unsound, then you have another horse lying on the track being euthenized. Is that what you want, her lying on the track, with a screen sheilding her as they put her down, because she pushed herself beyond her limit. She's raced 5 times i believe in 13 weeks, one of those was a twenty length win, the other only two weaks later she ran a very trying race. Let you know five races in thirteen weeks is about a race per 2.5 weeks. She deserves a rest, so back off.

TO:TYLER D

You echo many fans,or so called that could care less about the horse. She's not a damn machine,get it! I was against her running in the Belmont after a taxing season already and although I don't like her new connections I'm glad they are doing something right by her. She needs a break,period!

If Jess Jackson had thought ahead further than two weeks, we could have a Triple Crown winner and a Triple Tiara winner facing off in one of the late summer stakes. But it was more important to him to let Rachel run against the boys, with less weight, than it was to look ahead and see what would have done a lot more for racing than stepping in to try and spoil another horse's Triple Crown chances. And it would have been good for racing to have a Triple Crown winner running for years after winning it instead of retiring to stud. If I can figure this out, Mr. Jackson should be able to as well. Too bad he didn't.

Frankly, I don't think it's because she "deserves a vacation", I think it's because they KNOW she can't get a mile and a half. And yes, I am still mad about this situation. It was very poorly thought through, in my opinion. And while Rachel will retire to the breeding shed in a year or so, the owners of Mine that Bird intend to keep running him until his legs say no more. They are hoping he will have as long a career as John Henry. Now THAT will be good for racing.

It would have been even better if he had won the Preakness and gone on to win the Belmont. It would have set up a scenario that has never been seen in racing before. A Triple Crown winner going against a Triple Tiara winner. We have all seen the girls beat the boys, and better girls than Rachel too. But who wouldn't like to see a Triple Crown winner coming to a track near you to run in a stakes race or handicap?? They will still come out to see Mine that Bird, he is a very good horse, but they won't have the thrill of seeing a live Triple Crown winner. That is going to have to wait at least another year, and chances are it will be a colt who will retire to stud soon after. How thrilling is that?

What we have in the end is the picture of the rich man coming in and buying a filly for a ridiculous amount of money and spoiling the chances of a small stable to win the Triple Crown. That just reinforces the idea that racing is only for the very rich, and they want to keep it that way. That isn't true, but that is how it looks and feels to the average viewer. And as a result, racing is going to lose a lot of fans that it would have kept if the "drama" had gone on longer on parallel lines until they met in the fall.

Racing takes some time for non-horse people to become enamored of it. If the scenario I described above, TC and TT winners against each other in the fall, the interest of the non-horse person would have been maintained long enough for them to start seeing what is so fascinating for the current fans. Jess Jackson blew that chance for a moment in the winner's circle. That is not how to get interest in racing going and maintained, that is how to wreck any chance we had of having a TC winner this year. It's been 31 years since the last one. That is a lifetime for many of the fans that Jess Jackson is trying to attract. Perhaps he should have thought of that too.

TO:LDP

Well said! Tylers' only interested in cashing a winning ticket,he doesn't care about the welfare of the horse! I agree w/ you!

I will still watch the Belmont but with a lot less interest - Rachel Alexandra is the only 3 year old that has caught my imagination this year and I am very disappointed she isn't running.

Non of my friends that most would consider 'casual' race fans are going to watch. They were only interested because of Rachel - I got lots of feed back about the Preakness. Now probably nothing.

The sport needs better marketing.

Wow, what a negative post. It's a week before the Belmont and you've already declared that no one outside the hardcore will be interested. I'm sure that there are a lot of "casual fans" who read your blog. How about trying to help them see why they should still tune in, instead of giving up?

CasualFan,

   First off, If you surf on the internet, you can watch almost all races at any given time, Goto Google, type in the track, goto their website, Some you have to Register, ALWAYS FREE, Some you don't have to Register, Take for instance Hollywood Park, They have live streaming video of their races, Goto Churchill Downs, They have a replay up about 5 minutes after each race, If you do a little work, you can pretty much see whatever you want. Goto ESPN, Click on the live racing page, they have selected tracks you can watch(Grant it, they only allow thirty minutes of free time). I didn't even mention Youtube and Bloodhorse, they have the replay's up fairly quickly.  With a little work, You can almost see every race possible(IMO)...

Toral,

   Great Comment, I feel exacty the same way, Yes, It is mind-boggling that after the Triple Crown is over, Almost no national coverage is devoted to the remaining season, Idiotic of them, How are they going to draw in the casual fan if this is the way they market this Great Sport?(It is a shame that we, the minority, know how great this sport is, But the Majority has no clue.)...

Jason,

   You are right, "What If....."

Casual Fan:  Wanted to let you know that the Belmont Stakes is being broadcast on network tv not cable.  Not sure if it is ABC or NBC, it is channel 15 in my area.  Hope you watch!

Tyler--what kind of responsible horseman would run a tired horse in a demanding 1-1/2 mile race? She is an animal not a machine. Why should she be jeopardized? If she is not running, it is because her connections feel it would not be in her best interests. This game often loses sight of the fact that it comes down to the individual animals and their welfare, not just our selfish desires. I love watching her run. But if she were mine, I would have done the exact same thing--skip the Belmont and point her for the Mother Goose and CCCA Oaks later on. There are plenty of future opportunities for her to take on the boys again--the Travers, for one.

To say she should be in the gate, no matter how tired she is, well that is just plain selfish and ignorant and mindless about the safety and welfare of such a magnificent creature.

I have been watching the races for 40 years, and I have seen too many horses ruined by selfish owners bowing to pressure form fans and racing officials to run horses who were not up to the task because of tiredness or minor injury. You may not remember Majestic Prince. He was exhausted following gruelling wins in the 1969 Derby and Preakness. His owner, Frank Mc Mahon did not heed the advice of trainer Johnny Longden to let the horse sit out the Belmont. He gave it a gallant effort, finished second, was injured, and never raced again. With no Triple Crown on the line, what is the urgency to run her. She spoiled a potential Triple Crown--boo-hoo. We have waited 31 years, we may wait another 31. I would much rather see a fantastic horse run to their best ability, and not be shoved into a race where they may not be able to run to their best.

Yeah, the interest in the Belmont from casual fans may be down, but to long-time horse lovers like me, having her around for later in the year keeps my interest going.

Jackson and Asmussen are doing right by their horse--they are putting her welfare first, not themselves or the fans--as it should be. They should be commended, not criticized.

Jason you are so right.  My wife is a perfect example of the casual fan and only watched the Preakness because A) She wanted to see the filly beat the boys and B) she knows I bet a lot on her to win.  My wife was getting excited to watch her run in the Belmont but now that she is not running my wife has no desire to watch a Charitable Man and a Dunkirk exacta.

If your blogging on here then your NOT the casual fan.   But, Jason is right.   The casual fan's season is over now.   At least untill Breeders Cup Day.

Personally I'm looking forward to the Belmont because to me it's a True Test for the Breed itself.   1 1/2 miles isn't for even the above average Thoroughbred.   It's for the "Best Of The Breed".

Also...IMO...Rachel ran a heck of a Preakness, but there was no way in the world she would've ever beat the Bird in the Belmont.   1 1/2 miles hits him right in the head.   And "IF" the Preakness would've been even a 1/16th of a mile further, the Bird would've had her.  

And Jess, Calvin and Steve all know it !!!

Why risk her Horse Of The Year title that she has the lead on right now in a race that they know she can be beat in...ya know ???

Let me defend myself...I care about the horses- whatever my stance is- but if we let the fear of a breakdown dictate everything- then, well the horses might as well never run...i'd argue that 99% of breakdowns occur because of reckless jockeying or simply unexplainable reasons (bad step, spook, etc..)....where is the proof that a tired horse is more apt to break down? (not to mention, that Jess Jackson says the horse is doing great- she is bigger than Mine that Bird and has 3 weeks to recover-declare out on race day if she is not "looking" good-not 1 week before) Should Mine that Bird not be running cause he might be tired? The fact is, the Triple Crown series is different-cherry picking races is just not sporting- the sport is not marketable because horses aren't in the gates anymore- rivalries don't exist- and marketing jockeys is a total crock- Borel and half the other jockeys are about as marketable as a nose bleed to the common sports fan...

 Man, I miss the good ol days from the 90's...Formal Gold/Skip Away/Will's Way, Cigar...legends battling month after month...I could go on and on...now 2 notorious breakdowns, these lame synthetic tracks and the fear of PETA reigns...

 In conclusion- I do care about the horses but I defy you to predict when a breakdown is going to occur...you just can't...everything in life is risk/reward and right now risk aversion is destroying this game...

Hi Jason.  I appreciate your thoughts and come down with Toral above.  It seems that the NTRA has gone into hiding.  I was enthused while in college in the 70's with the incredible horses of that era -Buckpasser, Dr. Fager, Secretariat.  I was enthused while at UKY to go out to Keeneland. I'm still enthused to travel across country to see the Belmont Stakes. But to think that NTRA and the game can't promote the sport outside of the Triple Crown is brutal.  I've tried to talk to those at ESPN, even they have pretty much given up.  What a shame.  There are still so many great stories, great horses, jockeys' stories to promote, but it seems the game has been passed by.

Unless the BloodHorse, the DRF, and the Thoroughbred Times don't try to kick it in gear, and talk to those promoters and marketers at NTRA, even the Breeders' Cup may lose interest.

Not me.  I'm flying from Seattle to NYC to cover the Belmont for a couple of publications.  I grew up on Long Island, about 15 minutes from the Park and wouldn't miss it.

And after June 6, there is the Travers, the Haskell, etc, etc. We still have Zenyatta.

Even without Rachel in the Belmont, surely an obvious loss, on the Belmont undercard fans have got a great match-up between Justwhistledixie and Doremifasolatido.  

NTRA can't sulk, they need to get their marketing/promotion departments off their damn backsides and do something!

       I think that Mr Jackson knows she probably cant get a mile and one half ! So why risk her getting hurt ! You could clearly see her getting tired at the end of the Preakness !!

Rachel's absence will affect the Belmont excitement for some, but the general public has developed a great deal of affection for Mine That Bird. My husband's business associates have been more concerned with knowing who the jockey might be for MTB than with knowing whether Rachel would even run. I am excited about the Belmont as always, and I think MTB gained a lot of exposure/recognition by being featured on the May 6 cover of Sports Illustrated. I think that helped him to attract a following in his own right. As you said in the blog, it should be a great race.

I don't think running RA in the Preakness was good for racing. It was good for Jackson to buy a ready made champion and in less than two weeks bought himself the Preakness trophy.  MTB would have won and now we would have a TC contender. I don't blame Jackson for this, he can afford it. I do take issue with those that see him as a grand sportsman. For that matter, he should run RA in the Belmont in the name of sportsmanship. Being a sportsman is about taking risks and playing the game even when you know you may not win. Running her in the Preakness might have taken alot out of her as any moron would have predicted. She is a filly and a baby! Yes, fillies run with the boys, but it is especially hard on them. They usually run one race and then they are through. Case in point, RA is not running in the Belmont. She struggled in the Preakness and MTB was hot on her tail. Is this putting the horse first? Why not run her against the likes of Zenyatta? Does a filly have to run against the boys to prove her worth? Gimme a break!

Running RA in the Preakness/Belmont would not have meant anything for the present state of racing. Many casual fans do not even know when the TC races are run because there is so little coverage on them. Not running her follows the pattern the casual fans have always seen from horse racing and that is the champions don't hang around for long. Oh well, same 'ol, same 'ol.

I don't know why people think getting a Triple Crown winner will suddenly revitalize the sport.  Sure, the casual fans would be excited for a bit, but within several months they'd move on and only the core fans would continue to follow the rest of the year.  It's going to take more than a Triple Crown to draw in more fans to the sport.

I can't believe all this gloom and doom. Just because the filly isn't running is no reason to give up on the Belmont. Its going to be a good race and for those casual fans; who needs them I don't think they bring that much to the sport. I'm sure if racing tried they could find a few more good stories to promote the Belmont.

CasualFan...I am not SURE but I think TVG.com shows live streming video of races.

Like Jason I watch racing all of the time, I have DISH network so I get TVG and HRTV and I watch them daily. I am still excited to watch the Belmont. I didn't expect RA to run and I didn't get the game JJ was playing. I think Woolley showed alot of class in waiting out the decision without complaint.

As for "ruining" the TC, Curlin "ruined" it for Street Sense, I haven't read a single post about that, maybe JJ wants to "ruin" all the TCs? Easy Goer fans sure think the Belmont is important, even though EG "ruined" Sunday Silence's TC. It took 2 horses to "ruin" things for Afleet Alex and I believe 4 for Point Given. Of course things have only NOT been "ruined" 11 itmes so I could go on and on.

Jason...I think Point Stanley meant the responses to the blog were negative, I agree.

I believe the first 2 races were on NBC, but the Belmont will be on ABC.

I've written on other blogs about the lack of marketing in this country for horse racing. Any marketing done in the US is usually aimed at gamblers, but you have only to look at Japan, Dubai & England to see what effect widening the audience has.

I knew when Jess Jackson bought RA he would run her in the Preakness, even said so in a previous blog. It's because the last two years of Jess Jackson's decisions have not been about the horse or the sport, but Jess Jackson and his ego. He is an excellent marketer of Jess Jackson. And if he's not running her in the Belmont, it's because they knew that if the Preakness were just a little longer, she would have been beat.

For those of you that said running a tired horse is wrong on every level, you are absolutely right. It doesn't matter that many of the injuries sustained in the past may have been due to causes other than fatigue. It's about what is best for the horse and not abusing the horse. It's about treating the horse well.

While running RA may have garnered many more viewers and interest, my response to that is "Oh well." They are not running her because they don't think she can win, but because they don't love what they see. She must be pretty clearly tired. I think they did want to run her. This is a very special horse and they are doing right by her so that she has a future in the sport. I respect that point of view.

As for the sport itself, I think there are problems with the public for several reasons. Really poor advertising, breakdowns, a poor economy (so decreased betting),  and the perception by some that it is a cruel sport and that the horses are not well cared for. This is wrong of course (that they are not well cared for), but I know some people feel that way. Some people compare it to dog racing, which is wrong in so many ways I can't even count them. But that's the perception. The economy issue is a reality unfortunately and people can't bet the way they used to or take time off of work.

I think a triple crown winner would have reinvigorated the sport to some degree, but that was not to be. I don't blame the people who ran RA in the Preakness for that. They had every right to run her and who are we to say they shouldn't? This is not some good old boy's closed club where only the invited can play and the outcome is set-up and pre-determined. In short, it is what it is, and playing the game of "what ifs" is a losing proposition. MTB and RA are both wonderful horses. If MTB wins the Belmont, his story goes on and we will see him again in some big races. That will give us three really top horses to watch the rest of the season-Zenyatta, RA and MTB. There also may be a late bloomer. It's not impossible.

The Belmont is a big race and I think New Yorkers wil show up. It's a really big state with a dense population so attendance will probably be good.

As for Rachel not being any more memorable than Serens's Song or Silverbulletday--neither won a Triple Crown race. By virtue of her win in the Preakness, Rachel has joined a very select group of fillies. There have 135 runnings of the Kentucky Derby,134 runnings of the Preakness, and and 140 of the Belmont Stakes. That is a total of 409 races. Of that, only ten fillies have won--three in the Derby, three in the Belmont, and five in the Preakness. By virtue of what Rachel Alexandra has accomplished this spring, she will be remembered always as a great filly. Her induction into the Hall of Fame is assured.

The racing media have a golden opportunity to keep her in the spotlight, whether or not she runs in the Belmont. She is the most exciting horse to come on the scene in years. The racing media can pick themselves up after the disappointment of not having her in the Belmont, and still let the public know about her career--news reports, not just in the trade journals, of her next races, what her competition among the colts are up to. Keep her in the news if she is doing well.

people say that the casual fan loses interest--whose fault is that. Racing needs better ambassadors to the media. We have a star for our sport; actively promote her, no matter where or when she runs. The racing media should not be wringing their hands and crying that she is not going to the Belmont--instead, promote her next race--if that be the Mother Goose, so be it. Work actively to get the race on national network TV, with commercials to highlight the return of Rachel Alexandra, "her first appearance in a race since beating the boys in her historic Preakness triumph." ESPN should be ashamed of themselves for dropping so much of their horse racing coverage.

When I was a lot younger, many of the big major races were on the network--especially when a star like Forego was performing--I saw his great victory in the 1976 Marlboro Cup under 137 pounds on national network TV. For a filly as exciting as Rachel, line up some sponsors to help promote and televise her races to a wider audience.

Her connections have done an admirable job in having her race in different areas--Kentucky, Arkansas, Lousiana, Maryland, and possibly New York. An appearance in Chicago would be nice--for me, as I live in southern Wisconsin--then California for the Breeders' Cup. That allows racing audiences a bigger opportunity to see her in person.

Lord, I would have the thrill of a lifetime just to be able to pat that filly and take pictures of her in the flesh. Here is hoping her connections let fans see her at the farm in retirement as long as we don't disturb her--I'd be happy just to see her graze in a field.

She is a treasure, and should be handled and treated. and promoted as such. her connections are doing right by her--hopefully the racing media will, too, and get out there and get more people hungering for more of such a special horse.  

I feel like asking Jess Jackson and Steve Asmussen for a job as her personal public relations director. She would wind up more popular than our president!!

The "average" fan?  I view the average fan as someone that is involved in horse racing more than once a year; or, even more than with the triple-crown races.  

What you seem to be referring to is the extraordinary or uncommon fan.  These fans come on the scene when something out of the ordinary or "special" occurs.  These fans want something special.  Without RA in this year's Belmont, there is nothing special about the race.

Why people want to gang up on RA's connections for passing the race is beyond belief.  They own the horse, they pay the freight and they earn the right to enter her on their terms in light of what's best for the horse.

I have to say, I too am disappointed. I am just as excited as anyone to watch the Belmont and I hope Mine That Bird can make it 2 for 3. The Rachel camp have their reasons and whatever they were, the hore is going to be safe. Still, I can't stop that nagging feeling of what might have been if Rachel hadn't run in the Preakness in the first place, now that she's skipping the Belmont, and MTB had won...

I agree, Jackson knows that RA doesn't have a mile and a half in her, and say what you want he did the right thing by her. He may have grandstanded in delaying the announcement but it is not his job to provide the "hype" so to speak, at the expense of his filly.

LDP, Mike Relva and Janesville Liz thanks for your extremely sensible words.

Tyler..... imagine me looking at you with lidded eyes and pursed lips, that's all I will say on you.

There was more interest in the previous decades, and like Obeahshope said everyone needs to band together. Out here in Cali I remember when Del Mar, HP, Santa Anita, Pomona (yes Pomona) were packed during their respective racing seasons, and going back even further Caliente was jam packed EVERY weekend. That's because there was room for everyone, not just certain people. I mean that all around, from the fan in the stands, to the ones in the background trying to get their horses on the track. The marketing was strong in each area for each track, but all the other tracks were promoted heavily, so that one wanted to travel the track circuit to keep up with their favorite horse, jockey,and trainer. Giveaways were a standard almost every weekend of the season. Right now, unless you are into the sport you would never know that HP is open and that Del Mar is opening in three weeks.There is a lot to compete for the intrest of the fans especially out here in So Cal where the ocean, mountains and desert are a short ride away.

I hope that shows like Jockeys on Animal Planet will revive the interest. The races need to be on reg TV to encourage new viewers. Once the interest is there then they can surf the internet if they choose, or go to the track to see the sport in person. I'm not sure what will happen but things are dire. HP seems doomed, DM SA and Pomona will have to pick up the pieces, but will SA be around?

Jason I know this went off track (kittens)sorry

TO:TYLER D

Spin it anyway you want! The fact of the matter is RA beat the boys already. There are other races ahead for her at a later date. Why risk her in the Belmont? The risk isn't worth the reward. You state you "care about horses". Doesn't seem that way!

I for one will be watching the Belmont, as I do any other race because I love this sport. One thing that is continually aggravating is the people saying that Rachel shouldn't have run in the Preakness and she ruined the TC for MTB. Firat off, being the shortest of the 3 TC races it was best suited for her, She should have been there and she proved it by winning.  Second, if MTB, or any horse, is ever going to win the TC, that horse needs to earn it by racing the best. I for one am glad Rachel isn't running in the Belmont as I don't think the distance suits her ( even though her dad finished 2nd in the race himself) and since there is no need to bring her back so quickly for such a long race.

I don't know if she is a superhorse or just a great filly. I know she does, IMO and many others, need to beat Zenyatta or the what if's will start flying again from the casual fans, etc. I have never been able to understand the thinking of many people who watch this sport. Sadly, it seems alot care more about what races are run by certain horses than they do about the health of the horses.

So RA won the Preakness and isn't going to the Belmont.....Big Deal. None of us are with her on a daily basis. We don't train her, we don't watch her eat, we don't see any of the behind the scenes stuff on a daily basis that is such a large part of rather a horse should run or not and when they do.

We can only hope that her best interest, as well as all the horses best interests are put first, (I for one would rest MTB as well).

I am happy Mr. Jackson ran RA in the Preakness, as unlike many people I want to see a TC winner because the horse than wins it deserves it, not because other top notch horses were held out just so the TC could be won. The 12th TC winner is going to forever be mentioned with the likes of Secretariat, Seattle Slew, Citation, etc..There's a reason its' only been done 11 times. It isn't easy and shouldn't be made that way. When it is finally won I hope the horse that does it deserves it, and doesn't have it basically handed to him. MTB wasn't good enough, period. Lets hope for next year.

I enjoy talking with you all, great blog Jason, as always, and until next time, enjoy the races, enjoy the horses, and lets hope they all come back safely.

Marketing and  public relations is the answer. Convince the public that racing is a must be, must see, must bet sport all the time. Any horse and jockey, owner or trainer can be turned into a celebrity. I know, easier said than done. I am not a casual fan so I too will be there for the Belmont but I have to be honest and say that I am not as interested in Calvin gaining a personal TC as I am in seeing MTB. I just love that little horse. I hesitate to be too hard on the Jackson team because I was very grateful that Curlin raced as a 4 year old and they took very good care of him. I want to see RA and Zenyatta face off. That match up deserves some mega hype. I agree with Rowner about the casual fan.

I been following the Triple Crown trail since 1969 and I'm not about to break tradition simply because a filly isn't running in this years Belmont. They're is nothing casual about this loyal racing fan. I would like to see Mind the Bird win the Belmont. If he doesn't, the world won't stop spinning. There's plenty of racing between now and the end of the year. Enough with the doom and gloom already.

  I just want to say a quick comment.  IMO, To the people that keep saying Mine that Bird would have caught Rachel in the Preakness if it was longer, and that Mine that Bird would beat Rachel at the Mile and a half, Belmont.  I love both, Rachel and Mine that Bird, But I wish everyone would stop saying that.  It is like comparing Apples and Oranges.  Does anyone really think that Borel and Rachel would run the same exact race in the Belmont?, They raced to the Preakness finish line, they did what they had to do, WIN!(Even with Rachel not taking to the Preakness track).  The strategy in the Belmont is completely different, Do you really think Rachel would have run those fractions in the Belmont?, The Belmont is about buying your time, Not using your horse up too soon, and timing the kick at the exact moment. The Preakness is almost like a Sprint race compared to the Belmont, That extra 5/16, might not seem like alot to some people, but it is Forever for a horse.  I know we will never get to see it happen(Which, by the way, I am glad Mr. Jackson did right by Rachel, Saved her for the rest of the year, Kudos to him for doing what was in the best interest of the horse, it had nothing to do with him thinking she would lose if she ran, that is utter nonsense!). So people will speculate all they want, but please, You cannot compare the two races in the slighest!    

   And to people that say the ratings will take a hit, yes, but to the degree everyone is saying?, No Way!, Let me remind everyone, Rachel was not in the Derby, AND, The Kentucky Derby's television ratings were the highest in 17 years!!!!   Mine That Bird's win drew a 10.2 overnight rating and 22 share. That's up 7 percent from last year's 9.5/21.  It's the highest overnight rating since Lil E Tee won in 1992.  Mine that Bird was on the Cover of SI, The main stream media was all over it, So please, This Belmont still has alot of interesting stories to it, and will do just fine, with or without Rachel....

I think a sport is difficult to market when the winners of its marquee races, the TC races, are rushed off to the breeding shed or are done in by the rigors of the TC. Smarty Jones was so hugely popular, but off he goes. Afleet Alex was popular and heart warming, but off he goes. Street Sense vs. Curlin their 4YO year would have been fun to watch (and throw in Hard Sparn), but off two of them go. Big Brown was handsome and brilliant and even overcame his less than warm and fuzzy connections, but off he goes (which would have happened wvwn without the foot injury).

I think owners need to consider not taking their star older horses to Dubai because it kills half their racing year. Well Armed is a huge favorite of mine, but how can you build on his stunning performance (and I mean marketing) when he has to go for a lengthy (and well deserved) rest.

Whether Jess Jackson kept Curlin running at 4 because he's a sportsman or because he had legal problems, it sure was fun to watch him for more than one pitiful half year.

And that's why I appreciate the girls. If Dreaming of Anna had been a colt, she never would have run as long as she did after winning a 2YO championship. Ginger Punch going on at age five. Zenyattta continuing on after her championship year. For whatever reason, though, the more casual public doesn't latch on to the girls unless they run against and beat the boys. I hope Rachel runs at 4, and I hope she is allowed to test the boys a couple more times.

So...I have a question for those of you that keep saying that you're angry about him keeping her out for various reasons and saying he's doing it cause he's afraid she can't do the mile and a half and therefore "saving face".  Do you want him to put her in the race after having these huge races in a row...thinking she can't even get the distance...and knowing that she's a horse that's not just going to stop running when she tires?  Do you want to see a horse break down in the Belmont?  Seriously...think about your logic here if this is what you're saying.  Have you considered that if he thinks she can't actually do it and is not in shape for right now that he may have made the decision because he doesn't want to have a dead horse and a mountain of bad press on his hands?  Use your brains and not your heated little tempers folks or come up with something more intelligent to say.

I'm certainly happy with the Derby and the Preakness this year.  I won't bitch even if the Bird wins the Belmont.  It's given us exciting races and a ton of press for our flagging little sport (more than I've seen in a VERY long time).  Stop moaning over what could have been and be thankful for what we've seen (we don't need a Triple Crown winner for racing to be entertaining or enjoyable do we?).  The Belmont still has plenty of fun in store.  It's not over and done yet and the Bird can lose it (I for one was not impressed with his Preakness gallop out and thought that he should have passed Rachel up right after the wire with the run he had going).  If he wins it that's great!  We have a great future ahead with him to watch...and Calvin will have his Crown (which in my mind is no little feat).  If he loses we potentially have an even deeper and more exciting group of horses to watch...just consider if Dunkirk finally lives up to his potential.  What about any of the others?  Imagine a Mine That Bird and Summer Bird rivalry with both of them flying down the stretch battling out with each other.  How fun would that be?  What if Zito pulls off another upset with a longshot that never does anything else (joking...joking)?

I'm also excited at the thought of Quality Road, The Mousse, Fresian Fire, and I Want Revenge eventually coming back to racing if all goes well. I'm also excited about a horse that hasn't been given much credit...and should be getting his due...Musket Man.  He shouldn't have done so well as he did with his pedigree, his locals, his connections, but that horse is a tough one.  It angered me when during the broadcast it was said "the first and second place finishers are the real deal." I said out loud "and why not the third place finisher also?"  He'll give us a lot of good races to watch in the future.

This years crop has been great and full of excitement (much better than the boredom of last year).

And as for this blog...and everything that goes with it...racing needs better marketing...period.  A horse does not have to be the main event, take the Animal Planet show Jockeys for instance.  I know a lot of people that have been intrigued enough by that show to follow jockeys beyond it.  Stars can be human or animal. If they chose not to market the Belmont as Calivn's Crown...then its a foolish mistake with as much publicity as the man has been getting since the Derby. Though it may not be what YOU expect as an avid fan...plenty of excitement can be created through marketing for a casual fan base...and maybe some of you avid fans can lighten up and have some fun too.  It is a game.

What a phony excuse she needs a vacation.What has the horse been doing everyday in her stall pushups and jogging in place? She's resting at least 23 hrs a day and needs a vacation? -where to Hawaii or a cruise  around the islands?They are just ducking tough competition trying to get the horse of the year knowing a defeat would diminish her chances.She's a talented horse but this excuse is ridiculous. All top horses eat , sleep and get the best vet care , daily baths, rubdowns and great food and she is supposedly a super horse who needs a vacation?Citation ran 20 times[19 wins and a second] as a 3 year old without a vacation.Jesse you have the right as the owner to do as you want but this excuse is lame period.

They have a chance to make history but a vacation is more important.Didn't realize relaxing in a stall was so tiring!

I guess you could put me on the "casual fan" bench, though I've always been a huge fan of horses.  Haven't watched many races in recent years, so many heartbreaks; but like Karen in TX says, Mine That Bird has changed all that.

I was away and forgot to watch the Derby live, so googled it up and saw the rerun on youtube that evening.  Let me tell you, that little Bird raced right into my heart.  gobsmacked, I was.  The Susan Boyle of horses. ;-)

But here's the deal.  MTB brought me here, and to TTimes, and I've been studying bloodlines of not just the Bird but of all the competition and every other Tbred that I read about here and at the other websites & blogs I'm following.  At this rate, I'll be a horse genealogist in a couple of years and then you better look out!

I'm just sayin'...this is what can happen to a "casual fan" when one little horse captures her attention, and takes to the internet for more information -- and I seriously doubt I'm alone.  Surely, Jason, you've seen a huge surge in bloghits since the Derby?

About Rachel - I'm glad she's not running.  Mike Smith called it on Preakness day.  Another couple of furlongs and she may well have broken down.  You know, that would've hurt the sport way more than an outright loss.

Now let's hear it for the gelding and a long, healthy and prosperous career!  

Anyone that really thought JJ had any interest in running Rachel in the Belmont must not have been listening to Steve Ass. and JJ after the Preakness:  "there's not the sense of urgency there was for the Preakness"  HELLO!!  They ran her in the Preakness, off another trainer's conditioning and as Steve has said repeatedly--"he is still figuring her out."  They've decided that it is in her best interest not to run her--I don't believe they EVER had any intention of running her in the Belmont--they are aiming for the summer stakes and possibly the Breeder's Cup and then the breeding shed.  I wish she had not run in the Preakness, but it wasn't my decision and there will not be a Triple Crown--that said, Mine That Bird should have been able to beat her if he was going to earn the Triple Crown.  Anyway, I'm rooting for Calvin in the Belmont--he's a truly wonderful horseman and I've known him since he was 17--I don't watch racing for the "hot" story or the drama--I watch it because I love horses.  Yes, the average person doesn't have much interest after the Triple Crown races are over and I think it is the fault of the industry--I can still remember growing up and being able to watch some "big" race on one of the major networks almost every weekend--it was "the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat"--it's just too bad that doesn't make the money necessary to keep the industry on the map.  I think all of us fans could do more ourselves to talk it up--I know I pester all my friends and co-workers constantly and they check out this site just to keep up with me!!!!

Tyler D,

    It's common sence that if anyone is fatigued that there is a more likelyhood of injury. She has run 5 races in 13 weeks, thats a race per 2.5 weeks. SHE NEEDS A BREAK. She may look good, but if you look at what she worked before the Oaks and the Preakness and compare it to the work she just had, it should raise a red flag. Before the Oaks she went four furlongs in 46 seconds like it was nothing. Before the Preakness she has an easy four furlongs in 48 seconds. She normally works a bit faster, but this last work she went in 50 seconds. She's getting tired. She may not show it, but you can account that to the simple fact that this filly just loves to go, and will keep going until someone reigns her in or injury stops her dead in her tracks. I'm all for risks, but the should be taken with some caution. You have to wiegh things. In the Preakness RA was at her best, fit as a fiddle, no fatigue. She was ready to run. Could she have still lost yes, but this was the optimum chance to take on the boys, with a minimal chance of injury. The payoff if she wins would be great for JJ and racing itself, and the with how great she was doing the even if she lost, she'd still would've come out of the race fine. This time around, fatigue is a factor. Running a race every 2.5 weeks takes a toll, so to run her in a mile and a half race in three weeks turn around after she had to run her head off in the Preakness, doesn't make sence. The Preakness, was a hard race, and any 20 length win is an effort too. If i were JJ i'd look at all this and back off too. If she won great, but her chances of injury have gone up, and she has more chance of coming out of the race exausted, not being able to race for months, or she may lose and come out with an injury. The payoff in this race is not as high as the risks. Answer me this. If you had say 20mil dollars or so and bought RA from JJ, would you race her in the Belmont? This being after her preakness.

Jackson did the right thing for now. But rest assured he will plan an ambitious campaign the rest of the year. How's this....she will go in the Mother Goose, then perhaps the Haskell and Travers. Jackson likes doing things that are rare...and no filly has ever won the Haskell, and no filly since way back in 1915 has won the Travers.

After that we'll see what the Fall brings. The feeling here is Jackson will may not race another of his champions on the fake stuff again. He might not want to get burned again at Santa Anita. We'll see.

Exactly my sentiments Jason. I was

against RA running in the preakness for the same reason.

Racing would have been better served if she waited to tackle MTB in final leg of the TC. Somehow i was pretty sure MTB was going to win the P minus RA. And just like i said, the excitement wont be there except for real racing afficionados.

I am not sorry that RA spoiled MTB chance's to win the TC. The TRIPLE CROWN are won by champions. The fact that he could not beat a filly spoke volumes about his quality and class.

One other matter that irked me most is Wayne Lukas wanting to shorten the distance of the Belmont Stakes.

The English triple crown consist of 2000 GUINEAS (1600 Meters),

The EPSOM DERBY (2400 Meters) and The ST. LEGER (2800 Meters).

WEST AUSTRALIAN was the first English Triple Crown winner on 1863,  the last winner was NIJINSKY II in 1970. Only 15 horses has won since 1853, compared to 11 American Triple Crown winners since SIR BARTON won

in 1919.

I have not heard of any English trainers or owners wanting to shorten the ST. LEGER to make it easier for horses to win the coveted title.

Does this mean the English horses are superior than the American ones?

I am willing to wait as long as it takes, for the next truly deserving TC winner.

Rachel's well-being comes first. I don't care who watches or doesn't watch the Belmont - HER WELL-BEING COMES FIRST!!! Also, she's got nothing to prove by being in the Belmont.  Her performance in the Preakness speaks for itself (not to mention all her other races this year). There are many great races coming up. I'll wait until then to see her. But as for the Belmont, I'll watch it because I also love that wonderful Mine That Bird and what about Dunkirk? There's beauty and talent for you. And Chocolate Candy - he's a great talent too. I think it's going to be a great Belmont - it's the race that separates the "men" from the "boys".

Mike R,

    Thanks. You know that i was one of those ppl who said i would like her to run in the Preakness due to the fact more risks need to be taken. This is different though, she's not training as well as she was leading up to her previous two races, which tells me even though she may think she can keep on going, her body may be fatigued and it's time to pull back. Before the Preakness she was doing fantasiticly, if she were to run it made sence to run her when she was in good shape. This time she doesn't seem to be working as well, which would raise a red flag to me. Why would you run a horse who has had a race every 2.5 weeks, who is probably fatigued, in a race that is supposedly the hardest of the three TC races. As i said, a horse if tire if more likely to take a mistep or stumble, both of which can lead to injury. To run her doesn't make any sence. Also i hate that some are perdicting that w/o RA in the preakness MTB would've won. BD would've been the lone speed in the field, setting his own fractions, which probably would've been more sensible. In both the Derby and Preakness he sat last off of testing fractions and closed into them. Would he have been able to close like that if the fractions were slower? In the Belmont, i'm envisioning a pace like the 07 belmont, where the were pretty much crawling, litterally. I know the mile and a half will be to his advatage, but Dunkirk will enjoy it aswell, plus he's a fresh horse. Other who will like the dist just as much are CC and CM, who are both fresh aswell. I'm wondering can he close into slow fractions, against a lone, fresh speed horse, and agaist two others who can stalk or sit mid pack? He's guttsy, but i have my doubts. I would've had the same doubts had RA not been in the Preakness aswell, which is why it irks me to see ppl assuming he would've won w/o RA, because they assume that the race would be run the exact same, which it wouldn't.

All well and good.  Okay, RA is not in the Belmont.  But why did Jackson wreck the TRIPLE CROWN?

As far as I am concerned the little gelding got robbed.

Draynay your better half (who gives new meaning to the term "long suffering") had better put some mad money on Summer Bird as a saver....I think that cat's for real.....

Before the announcement a large percentage of people were saying " please don't run the filly!". Now that the announcement has been made not to run, Jackson is getting grief. Guess he can't win.  The Triple Crown is not the end all, look on the bright side.

1)The Derby winner will not be rushed off to stud at the end of the year.

2)We have a very good chance of seeing the Preakness winner race next year.

3)We have a chance of seeing some of these top 3 year olds back next year as they did not win the Derby and unless they step up and win the Travers, Jockey Club Gold Cup, or Breeders Cup Classic they may need to come back at 4 to show their worth at stud.

4.)You still have Mine That Bird in the Belmont with Calvin on him and that is still a good story.

   Congrats to Magical Fantasy and  her connections for winning the Gamely, What a great race!, Also, Congrats to Gozzip Girl in the Sands Point, I was surprised she went wire to wire, though, Magical Affair ran good, just not enough, Still well done....

In a nutshell, Josue555 said it. She was just about give out and Bird was right there. 2 more strides and it would have been Birds to take. But, But, But, She was a fresh horse, and on and on. You bet, i love the sport of kings and can enjoy it eventhough i will never be a member of royalty. I think the casual fan will be interested. Everyone is for an underdog. And Bird coming out of basically no where because no one had followed his successes, is interesting. And Karen In Texas i agree with you also,we were all more curious about who the heck was going to ride Bird than if the lady was going to run.And frankly i am glad she isn't. I don't want to see another Eight Belles or Ruffian ever. The Belmont will be a great race. And the casual fan ought to realize there are more than 3 races in the year. I watch horses trailering by on 377 North and South in fancy trailers and not so fancy trailers and they are on their way to races in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and New Mexico to name a few. I appreciate those horses and their trainers and owners even more than the ones from the east coast. They aren't the big folks of racing but if the horse wins, it doesn't matter how much money his 'owner' has or doesn't have or who he is. Horses are magnificent animals and with the right dedicated trainer will show you their hearts with a win or a place. Love'm and follow everything i can read about all during racing and the off season all year long. It's May and i cannot wait til Saratoga.

RA was put in the Preakness to make a point. Even though she won, had the race been Derby length the end would have been different. MTB came REAL close to and would have caught her with the extra distance. He is the real deal. The elite have to accept this. She would not have won the Belmont and her people know that. The horseracing industry needs to contact the people at Nascar and hire their advertising agency. They also need to get away from NBC. NBC is very poor with coverage, they were better off with ABC.

Dray,

   Are you already tipping your Hand?, "Charitable Man and a Dunkirk exacta", Or is it an early Bluff, lol.  Those actually sound like a decent top two, So, They must be a Bluff, Since we know you aren't capable of picking two(One, for that matter!) decent picks...

Tyler:

I'm sorry but I fully agree with Jess Jackson.  Yes it hurts racing in the eyes of the general public and ya know what, I feel we should have other horses that would make up RA's abscence in the Belmont.  For Jess Jackson, he's looking at the horse.  Maybe, despite how revved she looked in her workouts, she just didn't have that spark that helped win her all those grade ones she had under her girth strap.  Maybe he saw or didn't see what he wanted going into a race that is a 1 1/2 miles long.  I don't agree with your comments and know that, just like humans who push themselves further when they are tired, there is a much higher stake of injury.  Maybe Jess Jackson didn't think making a historical bid in the Belmont justified risking a mare that he just paid millions for--I'm sure his goal wasn't 'fly in' into the Preakness and then back out of the Belmont.  You want to lump him with IEAH and Dutrow, go right ahead.  As much as you love the horses like you have stated, you don't understand the mechanics of a tired animal.

Why is it left to Rachel Alexandra to carry the sport of horse racing at the moment??? Mine that Bird is an interesting story line, there other interesting storylines that could be picked up but they aren't because of Rachel Alexandra.  Now that she is resting and skipping the Belmont, everyone is acting like it's death to horse racing in the eyes of the general public.  Counteract that--find something that will help keep it on the front page.  While she is a Super Filly, she isn't a machine or the only horse racing.

I think all you people who say that rachel alexadra should be running in the belmont and throw her connections under the bus need to rethink your point of view.  THink a year ago when larry jones saddled eight belles.  Look at the heat he took for the outcome of that race.  I think he's retiring right?  one of the good true honest trainers in our sport is retiring and i'm sure the critics of that decision arent helping.  People said things like fillys are not built as solid as colts therefore should not run against colts.  Now this filly has run some big races including a gruling run in the preakness.  I want to know what half of you people will say if they run her and she goes down coming down the stretch?  Will you turn once again and say Jess Jackson made the wrong decision.  I bet half of you people would jump ship and critcize him for running the filly.  She ran a big race and she really has nothing to gain by running in the belmont.  They want to keep there filly sound, should they be criticized for that?  How many horses come out of the triple crown series these days that ran in all 3 races make it to be successful later in the year?  Even tho she had an easy win in the oaks, she would be essentially running the triple crown.  Stop being selfish, you'll be thankfull later when hopefully we all see the matchup we want to see.  The 2 best mares/fillys in the country go toe to toe.  Maybe the 2 best horses in the country.

The Belmont is an amazing race no matter who or how many run. I'm glad Rachel isn't going. She is an amazing filly & it was fun to watch in the Preakness, but she did appear to tire & I don't think the Belmont is best for her. I'd love to see Chocolate Candy win or even Mine That Bird. It's a shame racing needs the "casual fan" to survive. I'll be glued to the TV June 6!

I am wondering if some of you are really thinking of the horse. Thoroughbreds are a very unique breed.  All athletes have the same potential of injury due to over-stressed bones, ligaments, and tendons.  You have already seen the unfortunate injuries sustained by some really good horses this year and some were just out for a gallop. These animals like us are not indestructable.  The constant concussion on different racing surfaces may not show up for several years after the horse has been retired.  How many times have you heard of a young sire or broodmare being euthanized because of serious foot problems and arthritic conditions?  Too many! So for all of you who are disappointed because RA is not running, think about the saying, "What you don't see can kill you."  Get over it!! There are many greats out there and I for one am looking forward to seeing them all run in the future.  And, by the way, besides the Travers, the Belmont is my favorite race.  There are very good horses to be entered this year. It should be very exciting!! Stop the whinning and watch the races.

Greg J... not many casual fans are going to get very excited watching Dunkirk and Charitable Man fight it out to the wire.  AND GREG... let me remind you the FLUKE was not the attraction at the Derby so please stop trying to give him ANY credit for the ratings. Geez

LDP,

 Yes, I would run in her the Belmont (If I had Jess Jackson money- If this was my first "big horse"- surely, I would sell out and cash in and be EXTREMELY cautious" but at this point- the millions should be meaningless or at least far outweighed by other factors given his wealth)...As for the works, do you have Beyers on those works- I mean, they were on different tracks and everything- I wouldn't read much in to them...why does the owner say she is "doing great, etc..." As for the payoff- its more in this race- its exponential....this race is so much bigger for her because she won the Preakness---instead, she is going to beat a 4 horse field in the Mother Goose...absolutely meaningless...now there is no reward...he shouldn't even bother with that race- keep her in the barn till the Alabama/Haskell or Travers please...no need to pad his ego walking over the mother goose...

Dray,

    I never stated Mine That Bird's Win was the reason for the Rating's!(Heck, Nobody knew who the Bird was Before the Derby).  But, You cannot dispute two Facts(These are what I was trying to show)), The Derby Rating's were Great, even with out Rachel in the race, and Look at all the Positive Press and Coverage Mine that Bird brought to the Sport, Dray, You cannot dispute that, No matter what you think of your "Fluke", You have to admit it was great for the sport, A little Gelding at 50-1 wins the Derby...

Saratoga AJ---While JJ probably does plan an unusual campaign for Rachel, the Haskell has been won by a filly. In 1995, Serena's Song won, leading from gate to wire if I remember correctly.

Tyler D.,

     First off, They don't give Beyer's for work outs, lol.  Second, Saying you care about a horse is one thing, Meaning you care about a horse is another, By going by your comments, "I don't care how tired she is",  It seems to me you are just saying it...

   One more thing, Remember, Jess Jackson and Steve A. know this horse inside and out by now, They see her every moment of the day, I believe They know what they are doing when they say she needs a break, Then she will get her well deserved break!, Who are we to question that?, Seriously...

I say "thank you" to Rachel's connections for making a wise decision.  Racing a tired horse can only lead to injury or death.  If she can "run through a brick wall" as Ruffian thought she could, then keeping her out of a 1-1/2 mile event is best.  She would keep trying even if it meant her life and none of us want that to happen.  Let's remember, very few of todays Thoroughbreds are actually bred for stamina at this distance.  They are bred for speed which means taller, lighter boned animals that can run fast but not necessarily long.  I, for one, am looking for her in the Breeder's Cup or a match with Zenyatta and a long, safe journey through her life.

TO:DRAYNAY

Regarding your comments on Dunkirk. As usual you spend time flip flopping! I remember recently you picked Dunkirk,one of your hundred horses!

Jess Jackson a Sportsman? What a load! They said it themselves,  RA had been training well and fit and then suddenly this reasoning of needing a rest. Why did they ran her in the Preakness in the first place where RA just got a 2 week off. The reason is all too clear, Mine that Bird will inhale RA at the Belmont and they know it. Jess Jackson is a guy who only want to ran his horse when he sees he a has an advantage. That's the reason he is super rich and we are just mere bettors. this guy only knows how to take advantage and make us believe its also good for us. I really thought that he was one of old school racing , the ones with pride and dignity. Never believe this guy anymore if I were you.

And this Borel, who seems to be a nice guy. I know this is just business for him but choosing RA over the Derby winner to me is a great disrespect! Karma works and I would not be surprise if he does not ride a Derby winner again in his racing career.

Matthew, I'm with you on Summer Bird. His pedigree looks a bit better (imHo) on the dam side, he's much bigger & stronger-looking than his half-brother, and he appears to be maturing at exactly the right time for the Belmont.  Also, he's been at Elmont for over a week and getting used to the track.  

Still keeping hooves crossed for MTB, but wishing Woolley had taken him to train in NY a week ago, let him get acquainted with big sandy.

Jason and Obeahshope 30 May 2009 6:40 PM

I wish some journalist would expound more on why the NTRA did not take ESPN's offer to show races, or parts of races, in segments between major sporting events (or was the NTRA thinking about buying the air time?).  I know it is not ideal, but the more races shown with Tom Durkin getting excited about a winner, the more the names we fans of this blog know and love will become familiar to the average sport fan (that means some type of ball).  The ONLY WAY for racing to be revitalized is to be aired more on major networks and at this low point even showing segments of races will pique interest.

YouTube is a great example.  There are lots of tributes to horses from Secretariat to Zenyatta that show just the home stretch and it is still exciting to see.

BTW, I "bought" the Go Baby Go campaign and wondered why it was dropped.  I don't shout it when watch a race, more like "yes, yes, YES!" but that wouldn't work.

I agree that more pressure needs to be put on whoever to get racing put on ESPN in whatever way ESPN will air it.

Dray..

Your so called fluke has a name. It is Mine That Bird. At what point do you suck it up and admit when you are wrong?  Tyler D...can you be serious???? You don't care how tired she is...if she's sound she should be in the gate???? Give me a break. Even a casual racing fan can understand and respect for not running a horse in a certain race. I think MTB has made a lot of fans this year and folks will watch.

I am also getting a little sick of hearing how MTB almost caught RA and she was tired and if the race would have been longer he would have won.  She ran solid splits and stayed until the end. Big Drama couldn't even hang. Had the race been longer, it would have been run much different by all involved. Don't get me wrong, I love MTB, but RA deserves much respect for what she did. Calvin knew how long the race was and she was the best horse that day at that distance period.

Good grief! Some of you "casual racing fans" get exited over rivalry.

No matter how big and beautiful these hoses may be, they are still just babies, and fillies generally muture a little slower than colts.

Give Rachael a rest... she's got to get ready for Zenyatta!

How cool would it be to see Calvin Borel win the Triple Crown on two different horses?

Is it June 6th yet??  Hell, I'm ready!!  Bring it on!!  The Belmont is always a great race--a mile and half is tough whether you ran in the first 2 legs of the TC or if you are "fresh."  It's a race where strategy plays a large part and the true heart of a horse is tested!!  It's gonna be great and I can't wait to post my picks in the Blog vs. Draynay!!!  Thank goodness Jason is letting us ramble and argue and pretend we are "experts!!!!"  

Draynay, are you blogging as just no excuses? If not I think you have a admirer who's trying to emulate you. Like it or not MTB will be responsible for a good share of the ratings for the Belmont

Saratoga AJ,that will be interesting campaign

GregJ...I'm sure you meant Scott Blasi is with her every day, Steve has horses running all over the country every day and I'm sure he must spend ALOT of time travelling. He had 20 horses running today at 5 different tracks, just how "hands on" do you think he is? As for the training times SA works his horses slower than Hal Wiggins. The horse doesn't choose how fast they work, the trainer instructs the rider how fast to go. At least that is my understanding of it.

horse racing is dying because their stars retire after the triple crown races. a few race 2 or 3 more times and thats it off to breed. thats why the sport sucks for most people.

Suzanne, Calvin winning would be way too cool!! He's such a unassuming guy, extremely down to earth. How many other "name" jockeys do you see excersing little claimers. Why they wouldn't even be given the time of day by others, and they are just as deserving as the stakes winners.

The horse racing world is coming to an end. Or at least its what many business people I have met these past couple of years want my horse loving stubborn self to believe.  You see for every Darley, there are thousands like myself who year after year continue to breed thoroughbred racehorses, to get a Mine That Bird, a Rachel Alexandra,  a Peppers Pride, or simply the winner in the second race at a State Fair track.  Horse racing is a thrill, even without the betting.  Its a sport and it should be viewed as one, not as one where gambling is the only purpose.  The Triple Crown is the flagship of North American racing, and I have to say North America, because the horse racing industry is different in every corner of the world.  For instance in Mexico, a country that is rich in horsemen but poor in racehorses and racetracks, only has one racetrack in Mexico City.  At one time their Agua Caliente Racetrack in Tijuana was the host to the Worlds richest horse race.  Now there is no more Agua Caliente Racetrack, now there is the Caliente sportsbook and casino, where the only live action come from the hounds, but only because the concession states live racing has to be in operation in order for the license to be in effect.  That should tell you all where the future of horse racing in North America is headed if we continue to market it as a gambling tool.  So Hollywood Park´s livelyhood is hanging by a thread, rellying on a committees vote next week, and the end result could very well be that another development will go up with more shopping centers(like we need anymore in LA county), more apartments (like if the California real estate market is booming right now), oh wait but the casino stays, the ponies have to go.  The Bay Meadows people say the city of inglewood and the state will benefit from thousands of jobs(but for how long will those jobs be in operation), let me ask this, what about the thousands of jobs and businesses that relly on hollywood park being open.  This isn´t a bush track or a state fair this is one of the premier racing venues in the United States, the first ever track to host the Breeders Cup, and in all likelyhood its pretty much gone. So Rachel Alexandra isn´t running in the Belmont.  That should not be a bad thing, yeah so the ratings will falter a bit without her, but I prefer to enjoy her continue on with a succesful racing career then to have her become the next flash in the pan Winning Colors or Rags to Riches.  I rather have her be the Next Lady´s Secret or Personal Ensign.  The Broadcasting company should jump at the Mine That Bird/Borel reunion at this moment and let it roll with publicity.  The way the race is setting up its going to be quite exciting with the new shooters and old rivals coming for another shot at a classic race, which is what the Belmont is an AMERICAN CLASSIC and should be treated and promoted as one.  As for Wayne Lukas stating the races should be shortened, if that ever happenens that would kill any interest in the crown, The Triple Crown was not made for just any horse to win and it should not be cheapened either.  As for the Belmont not being a race that benefits the breed like he says, than what a hypocrite he is because his Thunder Gulch turned out to be a good stallion, and his Grindstone produced Birdstone who produced Mine That Bird, Lemon Drop Kid has Charitable Man this year,Touch Gold has been a good one. Medaglia D'Oro and Real Quiet who finished second have produces some fantastic runners.  D.Wayne you are great, but please man....  As for the people who continue to heckle me about horse racing being dead, I tell them '' Tell that to the people of the White Turf in St. Moritz Switzerland, or the people who run in the Palio de Siena in Italy,or the people in San Isidro in Argentina, or the people who run their horses in the thousands of bush tracks all over Mexico without a care that their being televised on NBC, or tell that to the people who bred and own the winner of the fourth race at Turf Paradise in late April when the heat hits over 100 degrees during the races.  Tell Them horse racing is dead, and they will tell you something that could very go like this- as long as the heart beats, nobody dies, and as long the horse runs I will ride.''  NOTE: My thoughts and prayers go to Rene Douglas and his family.  Rene is one of the few people in this sport who truly is the consumate professional, one of the most underrated, and most hard working riders in the industry, and for those people who say Jockeys are not athletes but passengers on a horse, its obvious they have never been on a horse. Like I said Horse Racing is a thrill, and to me it is also one, if not  the most dangerous of all professional sports, and a Jockey should be given respect for putting his life on the line every time he sits on top of one of these beautiful creatures.

Jess Jackson did not purchase RA as a pet to snuggle with by the fire. She does not live in his backyard. She is a commodity. He bought her to make money with, now on the racetrack and later with her babies(although if she does turn out to be a "superhorse" her babies may not run a step). His decisions may very well have to do with "helping" the sport but they also have to do with his bottom line. Please note that I do NOT feel that horses are commodities but to the $billionaire$ owners and breeders they are. That is why they call it a business.

Idk what to think here I mean... Rachel is in good hands but I dont think she should have ran in the Preakness, like some others on here said.. then everyone would be watching MTB who could possibly have won the triple crown. However, Rachel did good for the sport by being in the Preakness. The Belmont in my eyes I would think people would still be very interested because of MTB. Im completley stoked and cant wait to watch this powerful lil gelding run. This yr has been weird for the triple crown, but thankfully its been great thus far. Just kinda wish Rachel would have gone for the filly triple crown, I think she woulda done it and who knows, MTB may have won the triple crown this yr.. no one will kno till the Belmont how good this lil guy truly is and I think he has it in him.

TO TORAL: Your 30 May 2009 3:49pm post is terrific. I agree with it 100%.

TO TED FROM LA: Re your 30 May 2009 4:52pm post in which you concluded, "Hire a good ad agency and bring the sport back to life," spot on. There was a front-page article in a 1973 issue of the old "Thoroughbred Record" that proposed a full-blown public relations plan for the industry. Too bad industry leaders of the day never took it seriously. Perhaps the sport would not be in such dire condition today. My point in bringing this up is that the industry/sport's problems are very long-standing and have been neglected for decades even though the handwriting was on the wall as far back as 40 years ago. Sad.

Freetex, you have got to be kidding!! The little gelding ran a bang-up race to one of the most talented racehorses to come along in a long time. He was not robbed. Do you have no appreciation of what you witnessed in the Preakness--how rare her feat was? This is what bugs me. So many people moaning about a Triple Crown being spoiled. Yeah, I would like to see another one before I die, but in the meantime, I am content to watch courage and greatness, and in the Preakness, we saw both. The little gelding came up short to a better horse on that particular day. he ran a courageous race, and should be lauded for it. It is nothing but spoiled grapes to say he was robbed. How unsportsmanlike and childish.  

Mike Relva,  

Jess Jackson cleary stated: CHAMPIONS SHOULD RUN WITH CHAMPIONS.  Her next start will likely be in the mothergoose, against 3 yo fillies.  What champions will she face in there?

EmilioP - Your comment covered all the bases.  Gut-wrenching truths, but very well said.

Thank you.

TO EddieSr: Your 30 May 2009 8:31pm post is FABULOUS. Someone should point out to Wayne Lukas that anything cheaply earned is cheaply valued.

Unless you people are sleeping in the stall with RA and are right there watching her every breath, you don't know if she's tired or not.

After the unsportsmanlike conduct MTBs people pulled, trying to keep the filly out of the Preakness they shouldn't even be allowed on the Belmont grounds.

The decision on running Alexandra the Great in the Belmont was not made until after Charitable Man was announced as a starter in the Belmont, insuring that the filly would not be able to set the pace in early uncontested fractions. Couple that with the fact that Calvin Borel said Alexandra likes a hard packed surface and struggled in the deep at Pimlico the more he asked her. So the likelihood of contested early fractions on a deep, sandy surface at Belmont not to her liking may well have been deemed by her connections as a scenario that would have taken too much out of the filly for Alexandra to then challenge the colts in the Travers/Haskell   as well as to tangle with the sensational older filly Zenyatta  - and even Einstein - later in the year in races like the Woodward or Jockey Gold Cup. I have yet to hear Borel say she tired in the Preakness after a quick second quarter, and the fact is she did gallop out nicely after struggling with the racing surface. If this had been announced as the reason Alexandra the Great was bypassing the Belmont, it would have been more believable than for her connections to first state she would "run through a brick wall" and then announce that Alexandra was going to be given a well-deserved rest, bypassing the Third Jewel of the Triple Crown. Both Alexandra and MTB had pedestrian works in an off track at Churchill Downs, but MTB's work gave Chip Wooley no pause or concern about a Belmont start. Hard to believe that work convinced Jackson and Asmussen that they had a tired horse on their hands. I'll be pulling for MTB to win the Belmont for Wooley, but in a way I hope he loses. Otherwise, it will be a bittersweet victory with the racing public knowing, but for Jess Jackson, this brave, dead-game little race horse would have been a deserving Triple Crown winner. As expressed previously, a later in the year showdown between a TC and a TT winner would have been even more exciting than Alexandra contesting the Preakness with the colts. One thing Jess Jackson is undeniably right about though is the need to return to breeding for stamina instead of exclusively for speed. We'll never return to the days of Citation when great horses routinely raced every two weeks, but at least Jackson is trying to head the breeding industry back in that direction. I for one, despite Wayne Lukas, would like to see races again at a mile and 5/8ths, a mile and 3/4s, and even two miles as we had in the days of Kelso, Buckpasser, Damascus, Dr. Fager, and Forego as well as those of the Slew, Affirmed, and Spectacular Bid. I've had enough of these discussions about today's comparatively lightly- raced horses being tired and taxed by racing campaigns that the great handicap horses of old routinely handled w/o a whimper. I suspect others are too.

There was,nt even the slightest chance that Rachel Alexandra would run in the Belmont as neither the Breeders Cup Distaff or Classic is run at that distance.Of the two I hope both her and Zenyatta will run in the Classic against the boys.

I have already stated twice in these blogs that RA must run the Belmont if she can even walk out of the starting gate.  I agree, running her in the Preakness was all about JJ's ego.  I guess he wants to be sure he has the next TC winner.  And frankly MTB didn't need more distance, he needed to not have to check behing a wall of horses in almost mid-stretch.  WTF Mike?  Just commit and go around in the first place.  His action gets him there is he doesn't keep having to start & stop.

Ultimately, no RA shouldn't run in the Belmont because of the distance.  She (and not because she is a she) couldn't get the distance.  But it would've been more sporting to put her in the Belmont - and more sensible from the persepective of her previous training schedule, etc.  Indeed, she was never being trained up to the TC stretch so no surprise it would get to her.  Skip the Preakness & Belmont and go to the Haskell.  Big purse, reasonable distance.

Again, JJ better hope someone else wins Saturday.  No matter here, he has already lost this fan.

I think the racing indusry needs to expand its coverage during the three year old season. I mean, we should be seeing older horses racing on these days on undercards or at other tracks. We focus so much on the three years, we neglect every other horse for six months. I mean After Barbaro, Bernardini was consider a great horse but lost to Invasor. Invasor was undervalue by the casual fan because they had no clue. They knew Bernardini because of the preakness. Invasor ran the day before in the Pimlico special. They have to create some knid of fever starting in June and pushing until Breeders Cup. Then the casual fan can be around all year long

Mike Relva... remember the contest says I have to pick 3 horses and Dunkirk will finish ahead of the Fluke and that is all that matters.

Karen2 ... you are going to have to come to grips with the fact that the Flukes 15 minutes is up.

Audra... make no mistake I am a handicapping expert...lol.

Sweet Terchi... I only blog as Draynay if I am not bold enough to say it, I don't say it.

RS ...please please give it a rest dude.  nuts !

Well, "the savior of horse racing" has finally made his decision public. Borel will ride Mine That Bird in the Belmont. Rachel Alexandra will get a nice rest and come back later to thrill us some more. Zenyatta will continue to dazzle us for a while longer. There are some great late bloomers waiting in the wings. The Belmont is only a week away. I'm happy as can be. What a great sport! What a fantastic rest of the year to look forward to!

Good night fellow bloggers. I came in late and I'm worn out from reading all these posts.

Good night Mine That Bird. Hope to see you win the Belmont...

Just sticking in my two cents, but I think it's moderately unfair to the fans to keep Rachel out of the Derby, then run her in the Preakness and have her ruin Mine That Bird's bid, and then not put her in the Belmont. Even though I thortoughly enjoyed her win, I feel like Jess Jackson isn't giving the fans a fair shake. He puts her in the Preakness, takes out the drama of a potential Triple Crown, but meanwhile putting in more drama because of her Preakness suspense. So i was ok, and even a little glad that she won. But taking her out at this poin in the game? Speaking as  a fan, its reallt unfair, but speaking as an admirer of horses as the amazing athletes they are and respecting their needs for rest, i think it was good decision. She's had along campaign, and another race, especially a 1 1/2 like the Belmont, could prove to be too mch for her body to handle.

Karen in Texas:

You're right...I stand corrected, Serena did win the Haskell.

Janesvile Liz,

Haven't seen you post in quite a while and glad to see your spot on posts once again.  VA Horseman spoke volumes as well.

I love the Belmont!  I always have.  As for the spoiled TC, give me a break!  If MTB had beat RA there would be the possibility of a TC.  If only it had been longer but it wasn't, it was 1 3/16, she won, case closed. I believe that if he was going to be a TC winner he would have beat her because a TC winner is special, not just a good horse but a great horse.  

I love MTB too but he didn't win the Preakness but that's ok because he has a long career ahead of him and who wouldn't want to watch that gutsy little horse no matter where he races?

I don't believe that Jess Jackson and Steve Asmussen ever had any intention of running Rachel Alexandra in the Belmont Stakes.

Now that their "decision" has been made public, the sugar high is already starting to turn into a hangover.  

Tyler D:

Enjoyed your comment. Remember two of Nick Zito's recent "no-hope longshots"? Birdstone and Da'Tara.

Nick Zito might be an "old timer", but he sure is handsome!

TO:RS

Cry all you want,but I'll say it again RA needs a rest. Get over it!

For Big Red:

I think Lucas needs to decide if he wants to train Quarter Horses or Thoroughbreds.

On another note. How many Secretariat fans have held onto all three magazine covers he is on?

I have all three and I was wondering how many other fans have held onto the Newsweek, Times, and Sports Illustrated.  

EmilioP- Very eloquently stayed.  I certainly share your feelings.  I like to look at horse racing with the glass half full attitude.  Racing is beginning to make great positive strides in correcting its problems.  Just look around-racing isn't the only industry having problems.  Did you ever think you'd live to see the day that GM would be filing for bankrupcy for starters? My feeling is that man's love and relationship with the horse will always continue.  As far as the Belmont goes, I think it will be a very exciting race, and I've read that MTB is actually the most popular horse with fans currently.  Not to discredit Rachel.  She is awesome, but MTB's entire story is also quite awesome.  I think he will perform brilliantly in the Belmont.  I'm really looking forward to it.  If there are casual fans who would rather watch another sporting event, let them.  It will be their loss.

Gee, only MTB and Flying Private will have run the Triple Crown series..kudos to the horses and trainers who kept them fit and up to the 3-year old challenge.

I have mixed feelings about RA, the competitor in me says if she's fit, race her, that's what champions do...but, even though I love and admire her, I don't think she can get a mile and a half, even without it being 3 races in 5 weeks, and by not running in the Belmont, she will never have to face that challenge again in her career.

Eddie Sr, I don't think it spoke "volumes" about MTB's class, I mean he ran triple Beyer even in losing, what it did was speak volumes abour HER class. That race could be run over and over, and the result would always be the same 3 at the end, maybe in a different order, but always those 3, but on that day it was RA.

I'm disappointed a fit, ready to run through a brick wall champion who has demolished her filly competition and beat the boys will not be in the "Test of Champions"...I understand, maybe, the reasoning they've given us, but I will still watch 'cause I love horse racing and I love MTB!!!!

EmilioP, thanks, well said. I do respect the jockeys and to those who would think that the horse is the one who directs his path,just recently City on Line got loose en route to the gate, tossed his jockey, ran thru the tunnel and straight into Secretariats Bronze Statue and had to be euthanized. Terribly horrendous as it was, it does prove that the horse is totally dependent upon the jockey and all jockeys are darn sure risking their safety everytime they mount up. On another subject regarding getting more people interested in horseracing,somehow we all want to blame the media, yes i must admit the announcer on NBC for the Preakness was awful. I was listening as i did not have any access to watch the race, it wasn't until the last seconds it seems that the tv announcer even mentioned Bird coming up behind Rachel. I say move it from NBC and let someone who knows racing call it. Or turn off the mike and let us just hear the racetrack announcer. As for publicity, i really think that many years back it was thought that we 'casual fans' were maybe too nieve to 'enjoy' horseracing. It was to be kept among the elete.

Now the sport needs us and we cannot even help much as we want to. We need more Woolleys and Birds and people who can relate to us commoners (casual fans). Please support Equine Rehabilitation & Rescue, just google Horse Rescue and you can find them. They all do great service to hundreds of horses who cannot race anymore and deserve respect.

I'm rather enjoying reading these comments. Seems to me that I and only a handful of others realized what was quite likely to transpire and in fact has come to pass- JJ upsetting the applecart..this for the good of the game,blah,blah,blah, nonsense is just that..and anybody falling for it clearly lacks a functioning brain...he was out of the game,  he bought himself into the game, and now he's basically ruined the triple crown game this year-at least for hoping to revive racing..forget this minor filly story..can you imagine having the biggest longshot going for the triple crown this saturday..now that would have been HUGE!! on every front page, ESPN, Sports Illustrated,etc,etc..but so many of you were slobbering at the mouth at the filly superhorse story that you couldn't see the forest for the trees..once again- within Horse racing Rachel Alexandra is a superfreak story, outside of Horse Racing she's just a girl beats boys story with no staying power...the Triple Crown is where its at in the real world as far as reviving Horse racing and JJ has blown a king-size hole in it. As I blogged previously, if he had a little patience and kept the ego in check,we could have had a monster story,one for the ages,with MTB going for the triple crown w/ the filly trying to spoil it...as it stands we've got not much...except for those of us who hope to see MTB validate his superiority over this bunch.

da3hoss... I think it is very nice of Mr. Jackson to give the Fluke a chance to win another race this YEAR. Because if he doesn't get it Saturday when will he get it? Maybe back in New Mexico in an allowance race ?

As always, Mine That Bird is getting ignored.  He is the one that should be getting hyped for the Belmont, not the cliched filly vs. colt angle.  Yes, it was nice that she won the Preakness but since she'll be in the barn on Belmont day, let's focus on the contenders.  Mine That Bird is a gelding and probably will still be racing when Rachel Alexandra's first foal hits the track.  How about we focus on the horse that has the potential to create a long term fan base?  Seabiscuit, Forego, and John Henry didn't win the TC and that didn't make them any less popular with the "casual fan".  

As for Rachel Alexandra, I'll be surprised if she races again.  All the vacillating on the part of Jess Jackson, who's usually so straightforward, makes me wonder...

I never posted a comment on this blog (or any others for that matter) but I follow it religiously. For whatever reason, I felt compelled to weigh in this morning.

It seems that Eight Belles breakdown in the Derby last year has been deemed conclusive evidence that racing fillies against colts is dangerous. I am not one that buys into this logic, becaise I have seen way too many horses break down racing against their own sex.  George Washington broke down in the BC Classic, Landseer broke down in the BC Mile, Barbaro brokedown in the Preakness, Go For Wand broke down in the BC Distaff...all against their own sex.  Breakdowns unfortunately are the dark side of the sport and will continue to happen, regardless of what horses are running against.

Smarty Jones never ran past the Belmont, nor did Afleet Alex.  Big Brown certainly did not do post Belmont what he did pre Belmont. The Triple Crown Races are grueling, which is why only 11 immortals have ever been able to win them all.

I would be interested to hear people's thoughts if Mine that Bird had won the Preakness, and with a Triple Crown bid on the line his owners decided "The horse is tired and therefore we will not run in the Belmont."  Would we be sitting here saying "That's a wise decision"? I think there might be a few strong words for his connections.

The bottom line is this...if you put your horse on the Triple Crown Trail, you should probably be confident going in that the horse will be able to make it to the end of the journey, with a much deserved rest scheduled post Belmont.  Horses bred for speed and lacking any sort of stamina and durability do not belong on the Triple Crown Trail.  Jess Jackson should have thought about that before throwing the filly in the mix of things and changing her schedule mid-stream.

Will W i agree with you the horses today are weak wimps when it comes to comparing with the super horses of the 40's thur the 80's. Where have the high weight handicapp races gone[trainers would never enter a horse with 130lbs assigned]. The breeding has gone downhill and weakened the horses. As for she needs a rest can someone please tell me what she's been doing in her stall for the past 2 weeks after running a race for less then 2 minutes -dancing , jumping jacks ,weight training what ?She's resting 23 hours a day , isn't that enough time to recuperate! If a horse is that weak retire her now this is such a joke with today's horses.Trainers need to learn how the trainers of the past got horses ready and in tip top shape for racing up to 10 to 12 times a year in stakes competition .None of today's horses can be considered great ,are we to conclude resting in a stall doing nothing for 3 weeks is so tiring -what a joke the racing industry has turned into. Running her in the mother goose is like tiger Woods playing against amateurs.Better yet send her to new mexico and try and break Pepper's Pride's win streak against new mex breds. Fact is   any horse can breakdown anytime when they are on the track training or racing and its always a possibility . I watched the nba playoffs and think what great shape these guys are in playing games every other day at full speed,without taking a Vacation. Better to train hard get in the best possible condition and keep racing to improve that's what the great ones did in the past but nowadays its siesta time after a few races.weak breeding and questionable training methods make  don't make super horses and this goes for all horses not just Rachel.I know most of you reading this weren't fans yet when the great horses raced [didn't duck competition] and are so use to horses getting tired but ask yourself how did the trainers of the past get horses ready to run so many races in less then a year and give their best?I wish you's could have seen horses like Kelso, Forego, Citation, Dr Fager, Buckpasser, Damascus run with weights over 130lbs and WIN!

Would you people please give it a rest on the spoiled triple crown stuff. If MTB can't win against every horse thrown at him during it, like others have done in the past he doesn't deserve to be a TC winner. O well we should've given it to him, BS! Affirmed didn't have the TC handed to him, he and Alydar slugged it out every time, during those five weeks, and Affirmed could've gotten tired of him and just yeilded, but he didn't. I'm sorry if theres no story now, well actually there is, a filly won the Preakness, and was the first to do it in 85 years! Yes MTB had to overcome a troubled trip, but guess what, closers do that all the time. I don't remember an outcry when CC ran second to POTN when he went 5 wide on the turn. If a horse can't beat all that is thrown at him in the TC he doesn not deserve to be a TC winner end of story.

draynay, I must admit -- nice sense of humor. New Mexico allowance!

Anyway, is anybody really surprised that the filly is not running? As many have noted, she has already had 5 races in 13 weeks. The Preakness was a tough one, the first time that she saw the whip, and the Belmont is a grueling, demanding race for any horse. Plus not her best distance. Jackson did the right thing. RA still did a lot for the sport. Preakness ratings were high. Heck she is going to be in Vogue magazine!  So the sport got some good exposure. Now they have to take it from there. It may not excite the novice fan, but it has the potential to be a better than average race. Calvin and his triple bid. Lukas and Zito with their "no hope" longshots. (can anyone say "DaTara" "Birdstone" or "Commendable"?). Plus the usual rested up bunch who are back to take a shot. On with the show!

Sherpa, 'The Susan Boyle of horses.'

I love it. LOL!

I sincerely hope that the racing industry gets its ducks in a row soon...but I am not confident in their abilities at this point. I have started my own little "grass-roots" effort and have been turning some young folks into fans with nothing but my own enthusiasm.  I'm 26 and started hosting an annual Derby party about 5 years ago. My boyfriend no longer goes to the track because I drag him, but rather because a 50-1 longshot pacer made him some money a few weeks ago and now he's all about it!  My girlfriends love sipping mint juleps and wearing the gorgeous hats..I try to show them that racing has a little something for everyone (adrenaline, money, glamour). And they all now appreciate the excitement one cannot help but feel when you hear the thunder of the hooves hitting the ground as the field comes into the top of the stretch.  If we are all racing fans and love our sport, we have a reponsibility as well as the industry to get the word out and save it!  Belmont Party, Smallwood NY June 6th!!!  BYOB.

RS,

    The Mother Goose could be a prep for bigger things. How do you know that he's not going to prep her there then run her in the travers or haskel later down the road. She's being given a rest that is why a prep, which is a race to get a horse ready for a peak effor in something bigger, is probably going to be used.

To EmilioP: Well said!

Draynay-I'm surprised that your "Better Half" hasn't entererd you in an allowance race?  Do you think you'd win? I doubt it!!  Can't afford the airfare to New Mexico in these troubled times?  Perhaps the blogers would take up a collection to send you.  Have a nice trip!

Will W - I have my doubts about the reason given for RA not running. But, at the same time, a horse with a heart to win will 'run through a brick wall' because of that heart and in spite of their body's limits. Like Ruffian. So, if she really is tired, they are right in not running her. But I really think they just know she'll get beat.

I to would like to see a return of longer races. But longer races won't change the stamina of the horses. Changing training methods will. What other sport trains its athletes for 1/2 hour a day, tells them to take it easy for 22 hours a day and then expects them to be champions? The only reason I can see for that is that too many of the top trainers have too many horses to be able to spend the time with them that they need to have the stamina for longer races. There was a trainer a couple of decades ago, can't remember which one, who was thought of as strange because he trained his horses twice a day.

LPD wants us to "give it a rest on the spoiled Triple Crown stuff".

Why don't we give it a rest ... until after the Belmont Stakes.

If Mine That Bird wins the Belmont, we can resume commenting on the spoiler issue. If he loses, then the thing will speak for itself.

Tyler D,

    Then your willing to ruin a horse just because of pressure. YOU would belong in a league worse than IEAH. Beyers arent given for works, you'd know that if you knew anything about racing, and all three of those work were a CD. You'd know that two if you actually read the artical and not the times. The las one was on a muddy track, but she's run over mud before and done quite well, so it shouldn't have made a difference. The payoff does not equal in the least of what would happen if something went wrong during or after. Do you remember RTR. That was a fit and ready filly going against one of the best horses this decade, and now where is she. She won, yes, but she was so tired after that race she didn't come back for months, until the Gazell, ran second with a hairline fracture that knocked her out for the rest of the year. She tried to come back as a four yr old, but the injury resurfaced. RA is tired, this would be her only race at 1 1/2, it's the most demanding of the three TC races. Against the field she's facing, normally i'd say go for it, but when you've been racing once every 2.5 weeks, and have had two big efforts already, she in my mind is in a worse position than RTR was in when she raced. Yes she still may, win, but at what cost. If she race in this race there would be no way she'd be ready to race in the Haskel or Travers, only a couple of months away. She'd be worse than RTR. The belmont could and probably would knock her out for almost the rest of the year. The ready to run through a brick wall i've explained endlessly, and you obviously are either just being thick headed or are just to stupid to grasp the point. A horse can look ready, but because they just want to keep going and going, won't let on if something is wrong. This filly would give her life, just to keep running. A perfect example of another horse who thought she could run through a brick wall was Ruffian, and look what happen there. Her owners thought what she did, that she could just keep going and nothing would happen. Well she was killed if i remember correctly. She tried to keep running on a mangled leg. There is your equivelent to thinking they can run through a brick wall, w/o ppl there to hold them back. You get it now? If not you don't belong in horse racing.

EmilioP---Very touching, comprehensive post!

See, this is exactly what I was talking about on the last blog about whether or not Rachel should run in the Preakness.  I was against it...especially, if she wasn't going to run in the Belmont.  So, she comes in and "beats the boys" in the Preakness.  So what?!  Despite the same two-week layoff, her's was quite a bit different than the grueling nature of the Derby.  In the Oaks, she came turning for home and applied slight pressure to the gas pedal and she was gone.  Effortless.  The Derby, on the other hand, had more horses.  More mess.  More traffic.  More everything...and despite Mine That Bird's crusing victory, he had to have some luck on his side (Borel) to weave his way through traffic.  This is why it is extremely difficult to call any of these "new" horses great by comparing them to the Iron horses of yesteryear.  Rachel has already been slated as one of the "greatest fillies of all time".  Why?  She won the Oaks by an incredible margin and "beat the boys" in the Preakness.  Those two races make her "one of the greates of all time"?!  Come on, people, she hasn't even raced Zenyatta yet.  It's okay, however, if these new horses need more care and attention and pampering.  Perhaps they aren't built to last due to steroids or other drugs.  That's fine.  But, having said that, don't ever compare them to one of the greats of the past until they have proven comparable results.  Last year, Big Brown could have been an easy Triple Crown winner.  However, woulda, coulda, shoulda don't get it done...and he was retired shortly after that.  You gotta play to win.  Assumptions are for day-dreamers.    

Mike Relva

I am not crying.  I just stated the exact quote that came from Jess Jackson himself. You should probaly pay better attention.  

I am a big fan of MTB but the concern I have is after the Belmont is over and he reverts back to races of 1 and 1/8, since very few races are now run at more than that distance other than turf,is he going to be able to use the come from behind strategy in those shorter distances? Will it work as well? Does he have sufficient speed to keep close enough to make his style work? I have my doubts that it will work at those shorter distances. Im hoping.....but.....time will tell

LDP

 When someone proclaims "Champions should run with Champions" and then doesn't follow through on their proclomation, I think he jumped the gun a little.  Sure, the MG could be used as a prep, but I defer back to the above quote.

If MTB wins the Belmont, he will be only the 12th horse to win the Derby & Belmont.  (excluding TC winners)  So that is just as exclusive a feat as the Triple Crown itself.  Watch the Belmont!

I think The Belmont will still be an interest to the casual fan because of all the "drama" that has taken place so far.  They will all want to see if Mine That Bird can win it.  Many will be pulling for him to win again and in the future.

Key words here...common sense...Jackson is thinking of the filly and of her future.

If the news was reported in more detail...down to the nitty-gritty...instead of just an announcement, maybe more people would be more interested in horse racing...not just us horse lovers and fans of the great sport.

IT WILL BE A GREAT RACE!

I love that horse racing,but I must say, that I was upset with the way things were going on this year TC. First, You have this little unknown 50-1 shot in the derby that wins. Then, you have RA that comes into the picture.I was happy for RA to beat the colts,but I felt this was nothing but a power play to knock Mind that Bird out of the triple crown. It was like saying, Oh, We cannot have a nobody win a TC . Well, First of all, Mind that Bird ALMOST beat her. Second, she is a talented horse, but put her up against zanetta,and see what happens.

I do not no much about the business of horse racing, but what I do no is, this was a money power play. Shame on you Mr. Jackson!!! You new what you were doing. As for Skip. HOLD YOUR HEAD UP HIGH. You have the best horse, and anybody with any sense knows that!!!

K.

I could never be called a casual fan in any way. Hearing all this disappointment and even disgust that the filly isn't running is starting to wear on me. I figured she wasn't going to enter the Belmont, so Jackson's choice came as no surprise to me. I'm actually grateful to him for doing what others would not.

LET THE PREAKNESS GO, already. Rachel denied Bird the Triple Crown. She silenced the critics by proving that she could run with males. She did what she had to do. Why does she need to do it again right away? If the "casual fan" is only interested if a filly is racing, why doesn't racing televise the Triple Tiara and push marketing that series toward the "casual fans"? Then they could have two series of races to follow. I, for one, do not care what the casual fan thinks. It's the opinion of the diehards like me that I'll listen to with interest. Sure, racing needs a few changes and different promotional methods. Why is Mine That Bird, (a TRUE rags to riches story) any less exciting to watch than a horse with a different gender? Rachel is not in the Belmont, so let's focus on those who ARE going to the post. THAT'S what is most important now.

During the Belmont coverage, I want to see a story about Calvin's personal Triple Crown quest, Mine That Bird's story as well as one about his sire, Birdstone. And every longshot in the field should be mentioned before the fact that Rachel Alexandra is not there. Give the real entrants their due.

Enough already with "the Triple Crown is too hard" - that's ridiculous. We've had a record number of near misses. How does that translate into a need for change? The trainers need to condition their TC hopefuls for stamina right off the bat. Look at Afleet Alex? He was going out to the track 3 times a day for exercise. HE had stamina, and he was 8 feet shy of winning the Crown, only because of a crazy KY Derby. He made the Belmont look easy that year. Any horse can be LUCKY enough to win the triple crown, but I would rather see one truly good enough run in it and claim what has eluded so many.

I am an avid fan of horse racing.Quite frankly i'm glad RA is not running in the Belmont.A fresh RA facing Zenyatta later in the racing season is a much more intriguing scenario for me.With proper marketing,a race with these 2 champions in it could be bigger even for the casual fan.With tv stations such as ESPN devoted to sports,if national networks would'nt want it i'm sure they would.The fans are out there.People like to gamble for entertainment.The marriage of casinos and racetracks is a good one,as casino goers are a ripe source of new fans for horseracing.As a huge fan of racing I am frustrated by the ineptness of the industry to get things right.I am just a $2 to $5 bettor,but I do it several times a week,year round.I placed over 12k in bets last year,while losing just around 2k.As much as i play,thats cheap entertainment,with an occasional thrill of a nice payday.H'mm,kinda like a casino.Horse racing is a great sport,with marvelous athletes,both running and riding.Do whats right for the horses(safer tracks,no drugs,no whips,extra week between triple crown races,etc.)Give the fans what they want(hassle free betting at whatever track they want,full fields,hi-def tv,free handicapping info,etc).The ability to make horse racing big again exists,if only the industry can look past it's own agenda's and get together as one entity,to take advantage of the possibilities that are indeed out there.

Lester B:

A heartfelt thanks for a heartfelt comment.(31 May 09 9:42)

I too have been surprised at how few commenters could see through the RA sideshow and its consequences, intended or unintended.

We had a big filly-beats-the-boys story just two years ago. We had a Triple Crown winner ... 31 years ago.

You do the math.

RS--She did run with champions--in the Preakness, the Kentucky Derby champion--and defeated him.

She has run two brilliant races in two weeks. her Kentucky Oaks performance was one of the most riveting I have seen in many years--true brilliance and domination. It gave me goose bumps. Her Preakness was gameness and courage, as well as brilliance. Her connections know more about her health, fitness, and mental attitude than any of us, and if they feel the Belmont would not be in her best interests, who are we to second guess them. This is not the Spend A Buck situation of 1985, where he won the Derby and then skipped the last two legs to pursue a richer purse offer in New Jersey. This is a decision based on her well-being. If they want to give her a freshening, so what? They are thinking of her and not their own self-interest.

And for all those of you who think the Belmont will be a dud without her and bemoan the lack of respect for Mine That Bird because he is not being hyped, aren't you disrespecting him, as well? He is a courageous little racehorse, as tough and genuine as they come. I think the little guy will put in a fine performance in the Belmont and make it worthwhile watching. And I must say his trainer has been a class act throughout this waiting game. He gave Borel every opportunity to get back on Mine That Bird.  

Jess Jackson is a master in the sport - a master at spewing hyperbole - Curlin is the greatest, Rachel Alexandra is one of the greatest fillies of all time! Just because someone says something over and over doesn't make it true. Curlin is a very good horse, but his record is 16-11-2-2. By comparison, Tiznow's record is 15-8-4-2. Sure, Curlin won Dubai, but Tiznow won the Breeders Cup Classic twice. They're pretty much the same. Rachel Alexandra's record is 11-8-2-0, Zenyatta's is 10-10-0-0, with the difference that RA beat the boys once. Both Curlin and RA are very good horses, but ...

The posters who are saying that MTB is the horse that has captured the non-horse public's attention - that's what people I work with and know are interested in. Out of all of them, only one has said the girl running in 'that horse race' was why they paid any attention.

IMO the opposite of winning a Triple Crown is losing a Triple Crown, not spoiling a Triple Crown.  There were never ground rules that only 3YO's who already ran in one of the races can run in any other one of the races.  Wasn't the whole idea that one estraordinary 3YO can be at the top of its game for about a month and a half in the spring and can take on all comers and win three particular races?  Isn't that why the Triple Crown is so difficult to win?  Who the heck would want to water that down and make it easier to win just to get media attention?

p.s.  MTB on Sports Illustrated.  RA on Vogue.  Comments on horse racing in the strangest of places: eg The Daily Show.....don't you all think we are getting more attention than usual?  Now if we could just keep the horsies running past three so that the general public gets to remember some names from year to year.  Then maybe there wouldn't be so much emphasis on the Triple Crown to save the sport!

Jesse Jackson Chose the Preakness over the Belmont because of the distance. He could of "rested" her and waited for the Belmont to prove she is better than the Colts. She never would have beaten the boys at that distance and they knew this. Has she raced Zenyatta or any filly of this quality? The real story was a 50 to 1 longshot by the name of Mind that Bird and it still is the real story. I think most of the audience wanted to see if Mind That Bird was real or a fluke. He was fantastic in his derby win. He would have won the Preakness if he had been asked to move a bit sooner. Rachel Alexander did not have to run a hard race like the colts did in that huge Derby field and get bounced around and cut up. I do not think Jackson is thinking of the filly when he says he wants to rest her. He knows she will get beaten by the colts at this distance. They use to race horses once a week in the old days.

KenfromRI:

It's not the distance itself, but the pace scenario. It's harder for a closer to come from behind in the slower fractions a 12 furlong race dictates. He'll probably be a little closer to the pace up front. The feeling here is their is still enough in the tank after the Derby and Preakness to run this bunch down. But it won't be easy.

If he wins this race, maybe he's on his way to be a champion gelding that stays around for years like  Kelso and Forego did. (and Funny Cide didn't) That would be great for racing. You got to root for him.

I beg to differ with many of these posters. I could care less about Mind that Bird - there is no interest to me other than he upset a mediocre derby field. He doesn't have that special quality that Big Brown or Rachael Alexandra has.

The casual fan recognizes that star quality and flocked to Rachel - and I did too. Her victory in the Oaks was the best race I have seen in a long time.

Not having her in the Belmont is really going to depress attendance and TV ratings. After all, Mind that Bird did not get a Vogue photo shoot - Rachel Alexandra did - and that is more the indication of where the general public has interest.

I do believe this is the first time in the last 45 years of following racing that I have heard that a horse didn't win a race but ruined something for another horse.  What is this?  Did Birdstone ruin Smarty's TC?  No, he won the Belmont.  There is no rule in horse racing that states a horse must be in all 3 races of the TC.  RA winning the Preakness and not running in the Belmont is no worse than Birdstone, MTB's sire, skipping the Preakness and coming into the Belmont to win.  

Same results but all perfectly legal.  Zito may have another upset waiting this year.  That's horse racing.  The TC is the ultimate in horseracing because of the 11 superhorses who won it.  A horse has to be in the same league as those horses.  Nobody spoiled their TC's because no one could and that is why we are still waiting for a TC after 31 years and believe me, if we have the good luck of seeing another you won't have to worry about anyone spoiling a TC because no horse will be able to no matter what.  JJ and RA haven't done ant damage to anything.  RA won.  There was no conspiracy to ruin anything for MTB or his connections it was a great race and I'm glad to have seen it.  MTB ran a great race and proved his tenacity and that doesn't diminish him one bit nor does it diminisg RA for not running the Belmont.

Karen in Indiana: Everyone here knows I am NOT the biggest Curlin fan but to suggest Zenyatta's Pride is in his league is just plain CRAZY. Zenyatta's Pride is nothing more then a lightly raced poly specialist. Curlin was a WORLD champion and Zenyatta's Pride is a state champion... AND for the record Rachel has beaten the Kentucky Derby winner and a host of G1 winning males and won a Triple Crown Race while going undefeated in 5 races this year and your horse Zenyatta's Pride has one win all year a G2 against her stablemate...lol...give me a break...

Give Emilio P a guest blog - now there's a deserving and knowledgeable horseman.  I'd like to hear more of what he has to say.

Linda in Texas 31 May 2009 9:22 AM

You are right that the industry needs to pay more attention to its unwanted horses.

TheAnimalRescueSite.com has a $100K contest to give a way to a shelter.  Habitat for Horses in Texas is on the list, but not the top ten - they still could get $20K, not as much in feed and vet bills but better than nothing.

Thoroughbreds rescued from slaughter are all to common for HabitatForHorses.org.  Willie Nelson has gotten horses from HfH.  To vote got to www.theanimalrescuesite.com/.../shelterchallenge.faces

Draynay,31 May 2009 1:42 PM

Even if Zenyatta has only raced in a G2 against her stablemate this year - just watching her run is as the announcer says "pure perfection," even if it is "only on poly."

Why do you need to take away the joy or ridicule the pride others have in their heroes or heroines?  If you bad mouth the few stars we have, one day you may not have any race horses at all to complain about when racing is done and gone (which I doubt), but the sport certainly doesn't need naysayers.

DRAYNAY: There's news this morning that your old flame, Quality Road, is back in training. No word, yet, on what races they'll point him toward, but Mr. Jerkens was quoted as saying he's in no hurry with the colt.

If all goes well, we could see some fine races for older horses next year if QR and FF come back as 4-year-olds. Being a gelding, Mine That Bird should race again next year if he remains sound. I'd love to see these horses meet up sometime in 2010, if not late this year.

Rachel has such a high cruising speed she would have been far more suited to the Belmont...I think Charitable Man, Dunkirk and Summer Bird all look tough, I'm going to go with Summer Bird as my Belmont Hoss--I think he has huge upside and looks the part of a real nice three year old...I think he'll run  big Sat and I also think he'll be prominent in The Travers later on as i think this is a good horse with real upside....

Hey mister I know everything, Zenyatta & Peppers Pride are two different horses.

Karen in Indiana

Karen, Enjoy your insightful posts..as I've experienced the exact same thing. "casual fans" that know I'm involved in horseracing have made numerous comments about MTB and his story...but I can maybe remember one,maybe one, comment about RA. I'm not one to say JJ didn't have every right to run her..he did..I'm just a little sick of "I'm doing it for the good of the game" angle. That would have been to wait for the Belmont and hope for the possibility of the BIG story... but I also figure he wasn't sure she could get the mile and a half,plus knew the derby horses were coming off a brutal race. Not to say she didn't race 2 weeks before,but it was nothing like the derby. I think something to be remembered here is how much jockeys do make a difference...those riding in NM vs the big timers. (and thanks soldier course)

Dray point taken, but by your logic if Rachel doesn't get purchased by Jess she isn't a great horse???

Draynay--her name is ZENYATTA, not Zenyatta's Pride.

Draynay, I was not comparing Zenyatta and Curlin. I was comparing Curlin and Tiznow. Curlin did something Tiznow didn't (Dubai) and Tiznow did something Curlin didn't (BC Classic twice).

I was comparing Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra.

Yes your Drayness, We ALL agree with your opinion of Rachel's EXTREME superiority over Z.....But can we at least see them head to head in the BC, I mean, if it's ok by your Royal Drayness, just a petty request that they actually figure things out on the track, how bout two? Please come early for the Lady's Secret!

You know, I love this site. I blog on a figure skating site as well and they don't have half the intelligence, personality or wit that the bloggers have here. Everyone makes really good points. Sometimes it's hard for me to know who I really agree with.

I get it that MTB, a 50-1 longshot, could have possibly been in triple crown contention. Yes, it's a bigger deal than a filly vs. a colt. Yes again, it would have been great for the sport. But I agree with LDP that we need to wait until AFTER the Belmont and see if he can do it again. It's a moot point until then. I am rooting for MTB. I just love this little guy. I hope, Draynay, his story doesn't end in an allowance race in New Mexico. Geesh. Personally, I think they had every right to run RA. But I will save that for later.

Monica, I DID think Birdstone ruined Smarty's TC bid and I was mad as hell. But you know what, I was wrong. It was disappointing but my attitude waa wrong. They had every right to run Birdstone and you are exactly right.

I agree with all the posters who said that keeping horses running longer over several years would be great for the sport. It would allow the public to develop a favorite horse. As it is, they are come and gone to the breeding shed. Unless you have the return of Secretariat, you need time to build up public interest in a horse. So if MTB wins the Belmont it would be really good for the sport. They would have an incentive to keep him running as long as he remains healthy. Owners may eventually get the connection that if they want the sport to thrive and not be on life support, they need to keep their horses out there longer so the public has time to acquire a favorite they want to watch.

MZ, I had to laugh. The picture in my mind of MTB on SPORTS ILLUSTRATED and then RA in VOGUE  was a hoot. I am not sure what message that sends. But you are right, at least they are out there.

Draynay, I agree that Zenyatta needs to run against the  G1 boys to be in truly rareified air. I hope that happens because I am certain she could beat many of them, if not all. On the other hand, how about if she beats just RA who has BEAT THE BOYS??????

That's the race I really want to see. A race for the ages. Seabiscuit vs. War Admiral. The American Women's soccer team vs. the Chinese Women's soccer team. You get then point.

I am not bemoaning RA's win in the Preakness or not running in the Belmont.

My house will still be full of racing fans and just horse people for the Belmont, because we love HORSES.

However,  I believe after Mine That Bird won the Kentuckty Derby, the media jumped on the bandwagon, bigtime.  I couldn't believe MTB was on the cover of Sports Illustrated!  

I am  not taking anything away from RA's accomplishments or the excitement she brought to the Preakness. Her future looks spectacular no matter where she runs.

However, my original point was and still is, the possiblity of a long shot Triple Crown Winner would have elevated the sport in the public's view to a level not seen in many, many, years.  Now RA is out of the Belmont and most likely the interest of the regular public.

Tracks are going bust all over the place.  Racing could have gotten further media attention from the Belmont.  But now, that's over.  

Emilio P. you are so right about jockeys being athletes. To do what they do requires tremendous strength (way out of proportion to their body weight), resilience, stamina, balance, and intelligence. It is heartbreaking to see a jockey get injured. This is a very risky sport for any jockey.

Karen in Indiana,

   Winning Dubia World Cup by almost 8 is impressive, better than Cigar did. Winning the BC Classic by four, in only his first 8 or 9 months of racing is also impressive aswell and more than any other horse in history, other than Secretariat has ever done. This horse basicly did in his four year old year what Cigar did. He went to Dubai won, came back and kept winning, even though it was against mediocer fields, he went on poly agaist one hell of a feild for the Classic and got forth beaten by less than three lengths on a surface that plays more like grass. Had the Classic been run on dirt we'd see Curlin as only the second horse to ever win the Classic in twice. You could say this horse did more than Cigar did, since i'm pretty sure Cigar was not ever close to being grade one placed on grass. RA is unbeaten this year, and in the running for horse of the year, this year is all that counts. Zenyatta has raced in 1 grade 2, against fillies in her own confort zone in Cali again, and doesn't look like she's going to leave anytime soon. RA has run unbeaten this year in five starts, ridingi a winning six race winning streak, and has two grade one wins this year on a variety of tracks. Zen is nowhere near in the running for HOTY until she wins a couple of grade ones, and even then with Einstein being Mister versite, with two grade ones on two surfaces, and possibley another on dirt Zen has to pick up her game, period. Whether RA is her main competion or not a two grade on wins on two surfaces, a being grade one placed on dirt, puts Einstien ahead of either RA or Zen. Einstein is the frontrunner for HOTY, RA is second. Zen needs to play a ton of catch up before even being considered.

Jess Jackson is a sportsman much like Michael Jackson is a ladies man.  Whoo, whoo, whoo...

RS,

    Well she just beat the derby champ and runner up. The runner up had won the SA derby, she beat MM who was third in the derby and won the Il Derby. I can go on. So JJ was true to his word. RA ran with the best and beat the best. He was true to his word last year when he ran Culin on turf and in the BCC when he didn't want to. He had Curlin run in open company every time and only running in Grade 1 races. So tell me again how this man has ever gone back on his word. RA need a rest, she gonna get it. She going to have a prep to get her back into racing mode for the second half of the season, then kick some a// against the boys the rest of the year.

Soldier Course,

    Even if he wins the belmont, which i doubt he will, you still need to stop with o his TC bid was spoiled. Why because, he wasnt good enough to get in the first place. Why do i say this because the TC is made for the best to face the best, and they can come in whenever they want. If MTB can't beat everything thrown at him during the TC, then he doesn't deserve it, plain and simple. He lost to another horse, that was pretty much on the same playing feild. I know some on hear say the derby was a harder race. Not for MTB it wasn't. He sat like twenty freakin lengths off the lead got a rail trip, only ran the last three furlongs, was never really bumped or jostled, and came out of the in perfect shape. So he and RA both had easy races, the difference, she almost set a track record, and he didn't. Setting a track record or getting as close as she did is going to take some effort, no matter how easlily you win. They both had hard trips in the Preakness, but again there was a hot pace for him to close into. Did he go seven wide, yes, but i believe that RA had to clear the field went wide into the first turn and take all the heat on the front end. All this and all that happend to MTB was he had to go wide, and he still couldn't catch her. He won't win the belmont with the fractions being slow, and if any closer is to win it will be Mr. Hot Stuff who is fresh. Dunkirk is fresh and will love the dist and can race closer up. He'll beat MTB too. CC will love the added dist, and will finish ahead of MTB. In my mind MTB finishes forth or fifth. What excuse will you people come up with when he loses this time?

I'd like to express my dissapointment with the connections of Musket Man for bypassing the third place triple crown.  He would have been the first horse since Mane Minister in 1991 to pull it off and only the second horse in history.

Freetex...

I agree :) Oh well can't win em all.  

draynay

NO NO the rules are that YOU pick the first three IN ORDER.  I read the article.  :)

LDP, you are right on. Everyone needs to give the "spoiler" thing a rest. To win the triple crown, a horse has to cross the finish line first in three different races. It is grueling and difficult. However MTB does not deserve the triple crown for the simple reason that he finished second! What difference if he was beat by a colt, gelding, filly or whatever? He has to win the race. He'll still be a sure thing for champion 3 year old if he can pull off the Belmont.

Secondly, give credit where credit is due. RA had a tough assignment, first having to go hard to get to the first turn from the outside post and then running with Big Drama the first half. Again, give Calvin credit for slowing the pace just enough down the backstretch so that he had some horse left at the end. Can anyone tell me, has any other horse, male or female, won the Preakness from the 13 post?

Jason, sadly I have to agree with you.  I am a die hard fan that watches TVG regularly (even though I can't bet in my state) and every other race I can find.  But there are not enough of us out there these days I'm afraid. We need lots more GOOD publicity!

I agree LDP and Old Timer!  In my opinion, a horse is not even a legitimate triple crown contender until they have won the first TWO races not just the Derby.  Everyone seems to be forgetting that in 135 Derbies there are only 11 triple crown winners.  So winning the Derby in NO way ensures a triple crown!  There also seems to be the assumption that if Rachel didn't run in the Preakness MTB would have won.  However, nobody can know that for sure since the race may have played out differently!  All the boohooing and excuses are getting a little old to me.

Old Timer,

No.

On a side note, my palmist said it will never be done again.

Old Timer,

No, nobody except Rachel Alexandra has won the Preakness from the 13 hole.

StardustyRose ... What ? Please read the rules its simple, my horses have to finish in front of your horses.  The order means nothing.

TO EVERYONE... As much as you would like to think the Fluke would have won had RA not been in the race may I remind you that pace makes the race and a softer pace gives MM the win.

Janesville Liz... I confuse the two all the time I mean they are both state champions and they both just kept beating the same horses again and again.

To All... Understand that Rachel Alexandra will have HOY all sewn up long before they run on the plastic at the Breeders Cup. Zenyatta's Pride will have to beat the boys this year for this year to really mean anything for her.

To:

LesterB, Karen in Indiana, Soldier Course, and StardustyRose,

Thank you for your comments. It is nice to feel validated, especially when the historical facts of the Triple Crown are so obvious.

My view was not exactly childish as another implied.  

Onward to the Belmont.

There's hardly any comparison between RACHEL ALEXANDRA and ZENYATTA. ZENYATTA is clearly the superior racehorse. That could change in the future...but I doubt it.

I know, eh Paula Higgins.....Vogue!

I guess this now officially makes RA a (clothes)horse of a differnt colour.

TO:LDP

Great work! I agree a hundred per cent!

Boy the life of a horse is tough...I sit around in my stall 23 hours a day, eating hay and being admired... I ran 2 weeks ago and yet I still know I am going to be too tired to run in a week...that extra 5/16 of a mile is just so far- i won't make it... I worked 2 seconds slower than my previous work- so they think I am tailing off...boy did i fool them...maybe Calvin had a large T-bone in his stomach and was weighing me down...i have a chance at being remembered as the only filly to ever win 2 triple crown races- the entire nation would love to see me run- my owner declares I am doing "great" but alas the fear of defeat has them keeping me in my barn...in 3 years I'll be a nobody...Jog me the day before the race, then declare I am tired- not 1 week before...my owner wants to me walk over those cream puffs in some no name filly race...

 Rachel Alexandra

Tyler D,

    It's not my fault trainers train differently, and horses are made more frail. If your ticked off about that sorry, but to run as much as she has in this era is nothing short of fantastic. Name me another horse this year who has done that much. These are not the horses of yesteryear, it's not my fault. The way horses are babied are part of it too. The fact that they are in there stalls for so much and the go out and work for 15 min in explosive bursts is what causes injuries. If they were out there more than once a day or for longer periods it might help them become more sound, until then horses get tired easily. There bodies are fatigued easily, and they are at more risk to break down when tired. JJ did not annouce her exclusion a day before the race, it was about a week before hand so, i don't know where the heck your reading your news at. Also if you want to talk about staying in your confort zone and not ever coming out, why don't you yell at Zenyatta's owners? If you want to go and break a horse be my guest, but don't go and make comments like i'd go and race her when you obviously have no experience. And before you ask yes i have experience i work on a racing farm, so i should know something. Not to mention i own two thoroughbreds, and have been around horses since i was 8. Get over yourself.

Janesville Liz

I beleive the Belmont is known as the true test of champions.

Draynay, by putting Pride after Zenyatta's name is no big deal. Call her what you want, and no matter what you say she is still a CHAMPION...Zenyatta!!!! I bet you got a curdled mouth when you read the espn article. And MTB is a contender, as all the horses are. I bet you're upset 'cause he came out of nowhere and you never seen him with your one eye

Mike S:

"There's hardly any comparison between RACHEL ALEXANDRA and ZENYATTA. ZENYATTA is clearly the superior racehorse".

My that is a bit of exaggeration, isn't it? You won't get many racing fans, experts or writers to agree with that.

By the way, Rachel has already posted two 108 Beyers (Kentucky Oaks, Preakness) while Zenyatta's race last week wasn't even close. But I believe she did have a few decently high Beyers last year just not sure as high as 108. Does anyone have access to Zenyatta's best Beyers? If what Mike says is true, then Zen's Beyers should be much higher than 108.:)

Thank you Paula, Mike R, Old Timer, and Racing Fan. I'm glad to know that my point is validated.

To prove RC's Beyer ratings:

Top Beyer this year to date one mile and up (Source DRF Website):

Dirt: more than one mile

through 05/30/2009 All Ages

HORSE   TRK     DATE  DIST    BEYER

I Want Revenge AQU 07Mar1 1/16M 113

Quality Road GP 28 Mar 1 1/8M 111

Solar Flare  MTH 24 May 1 1/16M 110

Dunkirk GP 28 Mar 1 1/8M 108

Rachel Alex.(f) CD 01 May1 1/8M 108

Rachel Alex.(f)PIM 16 May13/16M 108

LDP

 It is very nice that you defend JJ's honor.  But they were his words, not MINE!  He said it!  I just pointed it out.  Are you aware that Winning Colors and Genuine Risk, both KY DBY winners finished 3rd and 2nd in the Preakness and BOTH went on to run in the Belmont.  I guess their connections put their money where their mouth was.

I give Beyer figures very little validity, honestly. MINE THAT BIRD supposedly was running 77's all last year...and even until March of this year. Now, suddenly, miraculously, he is running in the 100's. MINE THAT BIRD was a good horse all along, and I think his Beyers from last year are not correct. There are so many examples I could post here about Andy Beyer and his figures but I don't want to waste the whole night.

I think it's pretty indisputable that ZENYATTA is a better horse than RACHEL ALEXANDRA. ZENYATTA has beaten every good female runner around (COCOA BEACH, GINGER PUNCH, HYSTERICALADY, TOUGH TIZ'S SIS, MUSIC NOTE and BEAR NOW) while RACHEL ALEXANDRA has defeated only one good field of runners (in the Preakness) after spending the winter beating up on pretty bad competition, including a not so fantastic field in the Kentucky Oaks. Still, RACHEL ALEXANDRA is obviously a very good horse. However, while ZENYATTA has not lost, and hasn't even come close to losing, RACHEL ALEXANDRA has already lost three times. They both have raced 10 times, by the way. It's as clear as day, to me at least, which is the superior racehorse...and that's ZENYATTA.

Draynay....

I did read the rules.  You have to pick the top three finishers IN ORDER (that is what I read).  He is going by points.  I don't have the rules right now.  Jason?????????????  :)

Oh Draynay, as usual you take so much for granted. Remember last year when you said Big Brown had the TC sewn up. Now you say Rachel has HOTY sewn up. What will you do, if for some reason, she doesn't run another race this year? Will you then say that two G1s in the span of two weeks is enough?

I hope Rachel has a short and happy siesta then comes out like gangbusters for the rest of the year. But, we shall see.

And, Saratoga AJ, since Beyer does such a (poor) job of estimating numbers for synth, of course Zenyata's numbers aren't as high.

To LDP

I don't know your background, but you sure do know your horse racing.  You sound right that Zenyatta needs to do some catching up to get HOY.  But for getting excited about watching a horse run, and even better watching her go to post with that Spanish dancing that she does and Mike Smith lovingly soothing her, you can't get better TV than that.  Zen is both a race horse and a show horse.  Racing needs her.  It won't matter to the 'casual fan' if she is HOY or not.  All that will matter is that she will be seen/raced and stay sound.

To those who are pissed about RA winning Preakness and denying MTB the possibility of being a Triple Crown winner..My feelings are to be a true Triple Crown winner you have to beat everyone in the three races period..No excuses. If a fresh horse enters and beats you..YOU DO NOT DESERVE THE RIGHT TO BE A TRIPLE CROWN CHAMPION. I do agree we need way better marketing. We also need to get more stamina in the pedigrees so we can see more Forego's, Kelso's etc..As for JJ and RA..I would never run my horse in a race if I thought they would not be at their best..I wouldn't give a damn what anyone thought, the welfare of my horse would be my only concern.

Okay a question for all you experts.

If you were offered any single one of the horses you've been trashing, would you refuse them?

You know it's one thing to give opinions, but to trash people like you all do is pure hot air, uninformed tripe. So much of it on here I won't have to watch the Hot Air Balloon show or eat menudo again for the rest of my life.

It's really irrelevant to most of us, but for all you saying racing should promote itself etc, what do you think a casual fan would think if they happened to stumble onto this blog?

Probably think if this represents the industry we're all a bunch of fruitcakes. Imagine the surprise when they find out that it's just people giving their opinion and blowing smoke?

IMO this is why so many people are questioning the effort to run RA. It has nothing to do with the horse. I think she is fantastic and I loved watching her in the Oaks.  But, when four days after the Derby, JJ offers her connections money, they couldn't refuse-- promptly removed her from her barn, trainer etc., and then entered her in a race a week and a half later, all the while saying he sees no difference between colts and filly's. (Then why the five pound allowance). I couldn't believe anyone would purchase a horse and enter them in a race with the prestige of the Preakness with no strategy or true realistic preparation with such a short time span.  Why not let her settle in and point her toward the Belmont, if a TC race was the objective. Give her five weeks rest.  

So, while declaring this was good for racing, he puts her into the race that he knew was her best chance because of the distance. He then proceeds to posture for the next week and half FOR THE PRESS!!. He chose to wait and see how she recovered from the race to deside if he will run her in the Belmont. Right. BS. He knew from the getgo that he would not run her in the Belmont,-- that she had no chance at the distance.  He just wanted the press coverage to feed his EGO!! I really thought JJ was really a sportsman, as exemplified with Curlin last year, but I question this call. If he really wanted to promote the sport, he would have entered her in the Belmont, and promoted all the pr heading into it. I am a long time true fan of this sport, and I am disapointed that this owner is NOT looking out for the sport, but supporting his ego. BTW I have 40 people that work with me that are not even casual fans. What they were excited about was MTB winning the TC, they didn't have a clue about RA even being in the race.

Wow, I never cease to be amazed by some people. RA is a wonderful filly who deserved to be in the Preakness, obviously since she won it. MTB was not robbed of a TC, had he been good enough he would have beaten her at Pimlico. Don't get me wrong, I like MTB and look forward to seeing his future races, but get over it please. Another thing that is aggravating is that after losing the Preakness, had they decided to rest MTB, no one would be saying anything about it. He's a nice colt, she's a nice filly, lets enjoy them both, along with the other horses out there.

As for the few comments I have seen saying that she shouldn't have run in the Preakness because she wasn't in the Derby, remember, she was under 2 different owners during those 2 races.....IE, don't blame JJ for not running her in the Derby since he didn't own her at the time.

Also it seems like alot of people are mad because she beat MTB without running in the Derby and "spoiled his TC bid". Lots of horses don't run in the Derby and run in the Preakness, Some wait for the Belmont, some run in the Derby and Belmont and skip the Preakness, etc. Remember Red Bullet? Fusaichi Pegasus was "a sure thing" RB wasn't in the Derby, he won the Preakness, "TC bid ruined" I guess. PLEASE......earn it, beat whoever shows up in the gate for a given race. And lets stop blaming or bashing horses for things....I guarantee you MTB has no ill will toward RA. It's not her fault she was better that day.

Once again I enjoy chatting with you all, and lets look forward to the Belmont, and many other great races to come this year. here's wishing you all good luck at the races and lets bring them all back safely.

TO:RS

You need to get over the fact RA isn't running in the Belmont. She needs a rest. Maybe if you think it's so easy you need to run 1.5 miles with a saddle on your back!

One question to all of you RA and JJ haters who feel that they spoiled the TC. That MTB would have won the Preakness had it not been for RA, leaving it a forgone conclusion that MTB is going to win the Belmont. What say you to my theory, which is shared by most who actually know something about this sport, that the best horses were hurt and didn't make it to the Derby. Although he ran a creditable 2nd, Pioneer' was the only real accomplished consistent horse who got to run.  Yes MTB beat him and all others but for me it was a let down even before the bell rang. We didn't get to see the best vs. the best. Not only absent were the top prospects due to injuries but others chose to wait, being patient for the sake of the animal. This weekend will showcase the best 3 yo "currently" running, although I believe against the best at their best he'd still beat 'em all. Thinking MTB...? Think again. So what will you all say about Charitable Man when he beats MTB? What will you say about RA? What will you say about MTB getting beat possibly by Dunkirk? Charitable Man "WILL" win Saturday. And most of you will have to eat every piece of crow on your plate which you ordered. You guys really asked for it with all your hyperbole about MTB would have won if RA wasn't in there. You'd have to ask if he'd still have won if the more promising colts made it in either race also. Meet the best new 3yo everyone will become more acquainted with CM. So what will you say? What excuses?

I can hear it now... "one track wonder", "no pace", "3 races in 6 weeks took it's toll", wha wha wha.  Stop crying, you know the saying, "if the queen had b's she'd be king"? Well please don't feel compelled to whine about it after the race like your typical armchair quarterbacks do. Why if, what if. Dinner is on me everyone, so save your appetite, enjoy the crow. Bon apetit !!!!!!  Let's hear it please so I know who to write to after the Belmont. Forgive me you average fans this is not geared towards you, more so for the die hards who believe drama is the only way for there to be substance in racing. No TC  drama this year!!! Let's not act like spoiled little brats who didn't get what they wanted. There is next year though :) just enjoy this great sport.    

Rachel is still scheduled to work tomorrow at Churchill Downs...guess that's part of her well-deserved "rest."  

Bring on the Belmont!!

Atthebarn your right again their just blowing smoke cause they found a place they can do it and nobody knows who they are. I can't believe the slamming that goes on here.Some of you should be ashamed of yourselves. Just because we're not face to face doesn't mean you should go on like you are. You want to be treated with respect then give respect it's not a one way street. Please think about what you are going to say before you pull that keyboard over okay?

I'd like to change tack for a moment and comment on something that my mother and I have noticed over the last few years of enjoying our beloved sport. Because I have something so positive to say here, I hope this blog community will forgive the divergence.

We should all be proud of the intelligence and professionalism shown by most of the connections representing our sport. We could not ask for a more polished group of ambassadors of good sportsmanship and goodwill. Our folks are well-grounded, well-spoken, well-informed, well-groomed, and well-behaved. They respect the difference between self-esteem and self-possession. In restaurant parlance, nothing's "flown in" or contrived. We don't have to make excuses for profanity and criminal conduct very often.

I would like to mention some special names who have inspired this comment: John Servis, Richard Mandella, Robin Smullen, Edgar Prado, Patricia Chapman, Nick Zito, Randy Romero, Ogden "Dinny" Phipps, Eddie Delahoussaye, Jack Knowlton, Carl Nafzger, John Shirreffs, Shug McGaughey, Kristin Mulhall, D. Wayne Lukas, and Bob Baffert.      

merrywriter,

    Wow, thanks for the compliment, glad i'm not sounding like an idiot. To be truthful i saw my first race, the Belmont when War Emblem ran eighth. I forget what year that was, but then i watched Empire Maker and Funny Cide, I was an EM fan. Next i believe i watched the Smarty Party take over, before him i actually like Lion Heart, but soon started rooting for the little horse. Since then i've watched all the preps, Breeders Cups, and Triple Crown races i can, learning all possible. So you could say i really started to learn about racing about five years ago. I've been riding horses for around ten. So in short your compliment means a lot. I hold only respect for Zen, though i know my post can seem at times degrading. I do think she is great, and that dance she does is so cool. If racing would just promote her then we may see some ppl come out to watch her, and why not she is captivating. I know greatness when i see it, and she has it, i just wish her connections would let her show it to the world. I would love nothing more than for her to silence anyone who says shes not great, cause she can, she just needs to be unleashed.

StardustyRose,

    Dray must pick three horses, and whatever place they come in you add their placings togeather and thats the score, for example if his horses come in first, third and fifth he has nine points. The same rules apply to the community pick. As Jason said it's like golf, the lowest score wins. So in this case Dray is correct he does not have to choose the top three in order.

Mike Relva and all the rest of you.

Do you KNOW for a fact that Rachel is tired and needs a rest?

Are you communicating with Scott? Have you seen her in person, or seen her work?

I would be very disappointed if the new connections ruined all that hard work put in to getting her fit. She was about as fit as one could be when she breezed in the Oaks. Not even the WORST trainer in the world could have ruined her in 4 weeks unless they crippled her and she sure didn't look tired or unfit the last time I saw her work. Didn't look much worse than she did a few weeks ago.

Have my theories on the filly and why she isn't running, but then again that's not pure speculation so I figure it would be discounted and ignored.

First some are saying Wayne should shut up about shortening the Belmont, the others are saying one of the best 3 year olds in a while is too tired to run the race.

Would she get the distance? Who knows? More than one person on here and in racing believes that a mile and a half race doesn't suit the majority of modern day horses. But, there's two sides to every argument and some of you seem to take both sides, depending on the position of the sun and which way the wind is blowing.

RS,

    JJ has too, he ran her in the Preakness, i'm sorry if she's too tired to run in the Belmont, get over it. JJ did what he said he'd do last year, and he did it this year when he ran RA in the Preakness, and will do it again when she runs the boys over in the Travers or Haskel. Does anybody on hear know the meaning of patience?

Yeah Tiz we all should have known that Big Brown was going to get stepped on... boy do I feel silly.

STARDUSTYROSE... I am going to pick 3 horses where they finish determines my points if they finish 2nd, 4th, and 5th I get 11 points if the blogs horses finish 1st, 3rd, and 8th the blog gets 12 points and loses.  Do you understand now?

Mike S.

YOU might not consider Beyers important, but the betters and handicappers and turf writers do. That says it all. Get real.

As long as Zenyatta does not beat males, and stays in California and only runs on the fake stuff, she is being shortchanged.  Her connections don't want to take any chances apparently. All they want to do is better Personal Ensign's 13 for 13. Fine. But that alone won't get her HOTY if RC continues to win at Belmont, Saratoga and wherever else Jackson sends her. That's why Zenyatta lost HOTY to Curlin last year. Jackson/Asmussen may beat her again.

Seatariat..that was the best and most accurate post of the day! My feelings exactly. And for those that keep trashing MTB, I look forward to reading their posts after the Belmont. As for the condescending blogs that refer to their personal knowledge,experience, ownership,etc,etc,..I suspect that most of us on this site have integral relationships with racing..seems that some just can't get over the fact that MTB is an "outsider". At least that's how it seems.

Wanda and Atthebarn---Not everyone is trashing horses or people or the industry.

TO:SPEEDBALL

Nice point! I'm willing to buy him a one way ticket!

TO:WANDA

Since you're the "voice of reason" here's something to think about,the only instance that I slam people is if they are slamming some horse,that's it. Maybe you should direct your supreme advice toward Draynay!

BO-RAIL LET #12 SLIP THREW HIS FINGERS!!!...LONG LIVE THE GELDING!!!...

If the racing industry wants to keep horses going strong and have less injuries. Why don't they wait to train these babies when they are three and run them at four years. If you know much about horse confirmation their legs are not mature until they hit fours and up. Most of the horses that race and have problems are due to weak bones not properly strong enough to handle the stress of racing and different track surfaces. Would it kill the racing industry to let them grow up a little more?

Well said Soldier Course.

Well Karen, as they say, if the shoe doesn't fit, then you're not wearing it.

Trust me we appreciate the ones who aren't. Probably realize they wouldn't want that happening to them or to one of the animals they train or own.

Mike Relva? The same advice applies to you. If you weren't slamming then why get huffy with Wanda?

IF you REALLY do own horses, tell me, how would YOU feel if someone who knows NOTHING about your horse, told you when and how to run it? Someone writing on a blog about the condition of your horse when it's ALL speculation and contradictory to what you said publically?

I think most of us are talking about the disrespect being shown to a Derby winner, and a lot of other fillies and colts and even a mare or two. As well as people calling out certain trainers who don't happen to think the same way as they do.

Since those trainers are actually working with the horses and entering them, then why does anyone who isn't CARE what their philosophy is?

Wayne thinks the Triple Crown should be revamped. Like he says, that's HIS take on it. But notice it didn't stop him from running 2 this year, after he made sure they were fit and energetic. A lot of other guys think that too, they just aren't as outspoken as him or even have any attention paid to what they say.

He'll tell you his opinion about just about anything, he'll tell you stories till your ears fall off (if he likes you), think he still has that right in the USA.

Karen in Texas: I said "some of you people" not all you people. For those that don't like the "voice of reason" to bad cause that's what adults do and apparently some people missed the lesson on respect. I know how I should treat people I have never met but then I had a mother who made sure we learned those lessons well.

If you work around horses at all you would know that they sense a lot of what your feeling and respond in kind.

By the way, you all is just a version of y'all. A southern expression, not to be taken literally as meaning every single living soul.

Semantics.

Athebarn2,

Mmmmmmmmmmm, menudo. Good cure for a hangover.

Oh Dray. Getting stepped on didn't get Brownie beat. It was that quartercrack that kept him in the barn and not training (not to mention that pedigree). You, as a handicapper par excellence, should know that.

rs--

The Belmont got that name because of its distance.

The point is we can all talk till we're blue in the face--they are planning a very conservative campaign for Zenyatta and they are not concerned about HOY.....That alone is NOT Zenyatta's "fault"---you still haveta judge a horse by what you see....like I said, it's just not about HOY for team Z.....

As far as Zenyatta being shortchanged, last years BCup was the strongest up and down filly race they'vd ever had...Europe loves the pro ride and last years Classic was tough for that reason...Zenyatta is not ducking ANYONE in the Breeders Cup--on a track her trainer says she does not like---this is a GREAT time for fillies in the annals of racing--If they all come we're in for quite a race, surely the best field of fillies and mares ever assembled.....

I only got through the first couple of post on here and heard 3 people say they think JJ didnt enter RA because they dont think she can get mile and a half. So let me get this straight, if any of you just spent a crap load of millions on a horse you would enter said horse in a race you didnt think that horse could win?? Some people should stop and think about what they are saying! I for one think she could get the distance but the addition of a horse like charitable man and his running style probablly would make it tough for her to run her ideal race. Jess Jacson doesnt owe anybody anything. Also, some people think her running in the Belmont would help the sport attract fans and  help the sport get regognition in mainstream america, and it probably would. But what is best for the sport isnt always best for the horse. Lets remember the horses are the most important part of this sport, not the fans,the owners,trainers,hotwalkers,stewards,etc. Jess Jackson has done alot of good for this sport and his horses, I applaud him! Just running Curlin as a 4yr old was probablly the biggest thing any owner has done for the sport in the last 10 years. Every other 3 yr old from that fabulous crop retired to stud and and the best one of them all kept on running. I applaud JJ again!

SoldierCourse...I couldn't agree more. As an "industry" I have never come across a nicer group of people. Granted I have had very limited exposure to it as I am "just" a fan. I have gone to Del Mar the past 3 summers and was exposed to the "stars" of the sport and they were uniformly nice. Last summer I was at my boldest and approached many people for autographs and was not turned down once. If I wasn't so star-struck I am sure they would be happy to talk to me (my friend asked why I don't "talk" to them I said "All I can think to say is 'I love you. Tell me a story' LOL). I would give a special "shout-out" to Ron Ellis who saw me trying to get a photo of Laffit Pincay Jr in the paddock and came over and got me and took me to meet Laffit and he took a photo of me and Laffit!! Super cool!!! Also I shoved my camera at some stranger and made him take a picture of me and Gogo, so Thanks to that guy too. I also met Pat Day that trip and I am almost positive that he is the NICEST man I have ever met. I also met Mike Smith, Alex Solis, Victor Espinoza, Raphael Bejarano, Corey Nakatani, Russell Baze, Gary Stevens, Julio Canani, Walther Solis, Doug O'Neill, and Jon White(from HRTV) and they were ALL nice and friendly. A couple of them I was tempted to put in my purse and bring home...LOL. This summer I am going to Hollywood Park and am hoping to meet some nice person to give me a tour so I can get a good look before it is gone forever. It would be fun to meet someone from the blogs too. I would encourage anyone in the LA area to attend the public meeting this week (I sent an e-mail to the Inglewood city council). I mean really, who is going to make a trip to Inglewood to go to the movies??? There is also a website( SaveHollywoodPark.com) for more info.

Dunkirk had a great work.  Summer Bird is looking fantastic.  Charitable Man posted a nice 4 furlong maintenance work,and Flying Private will probably be an overlay.  Mine That Bird will not have it easy.

As much as the anticpated fun would have been, there never was a single reason to fun RA in the Belmont. There's not much to gain and a whole lot to lose and to ask a filly to do basically what no male has been able to in 31 years is asking a bit much. I am a devoted supporter of running class horses as much as possible for the good of the sport, but in this case this decision is most appropriate. I'm not so sure that Zenyatta is not stronger than any of these 3 year old males, or maybe the existing older males for that matter, and RA needs to prepare for that hopefully eventual confrontation. After watching the recent Milady, I think that the advantage goes to Zenyatta, but time will tell.

I want to give all the respect in the world to ZENYATTA and RACHEL ALEXANDRA, they're both awesome and spectacular. I don't think ZENYATTA has to leave California in order to prove that she's the best, she can continue doing that right here. Thank goodness, though, that the East Coast bias isn't as strong in racing today as it was in the 1970's. COUGAR II and EXCELLER, both trained by Charlie Whittingham and both based in California, were robbed of Champion Turf Horse in 1972 and 1978, respectively, and the eastern cabal of voters towed the party line by voting for RUN THE GANTLET (72) and MAC DIARMIDA (78). How ridiculous. Also, there was one year (1975?) where TIZNA really should have been voted Champion Older Mare, but SUSAN'S GIRL got it because she was more of an Eastern based horse. Don't get me wrong, though, I loved SUSAN'S GIRL, so I wasn't entirely bitter, but she had already won 2 Eclipse Awards, at 3 and 4, and I felt that TIZNA should have won in 1975 because TIZNA had beaten her in something like 5 of 6 matches. But you couldn't fight the East Coast bias back then! Thank goodness that unfair stranglehold is almost dead! Now a horse can stay right here in California and win a championship. By the way, how come you never hear someone say, "This New York runner needs to go out to California and win some races out there to prove he's a champion"?

D. Wayne Lukas' opinion about the Triple Crown doesn't count. Most of his horses only last long enough to be on the track for about a year. Sometimes I think he's a great trainer, because he has won everything, multiple times, and sometimes I think he's a horrible trainer because of how many of his horses break down or die. To me, his opinion about the Triple Crown is irrevelant because he, and trainers like him, are part of what's wrong with racing and the ever-increasing delicate nature of our racehorses. You don't see too many 4 year olds trained by Lukas - they're all "done" by the time they're 3 years old! The average racehorse's average number of starts is decreasing drastically and it may not be long before 1 or 2 starts will be the norm...and then we won't have a sport.

TO:ATTHEBARN2

Why? Because many times she gives the attitude of knowing everything. Last month I told her that,her reply was,"how do I know she doesn't know everything". Give me a break! Also,no I'm not in communication with RA's trainer,but if logic doesn't present the impression that maybe she's tired,then I don't know what to say. Don't you think the Preakness took something out of her? I know Randy Moss thought so. I'll say it again horses aren't machines! There's other races later.

TO:KAREN IN TEXAS

Well said!

I WOULD NOT CONSIDER MYSELF A CASUAL FAN, I HAVE SUBSCIRBED TO THE BLOOD HORSE FOR OVER 17 YRS. BUT I DO NOT LIVE NEAR A RACETRACK, I DO NOT KNOW, NOR HAVE I MET ANY TRAINERS, OR JOCKEYS; EXCEPT JOE PETERSON, THAT IS BECAUSE HE IS ORIGINALLY FROM SW KANSAS AND HIS WIFE AND I WENT TO GRADE SCHOOL TOGETHER.

 I DID LIVE IN OK FOR TWO YEARS AND MANAGED TO GET TO REMINGTON PARK A TIME OR TWO. MOSTLY FOR MY FIRST BET ON THE 95 DERBY, I HAD

$20 TO WIN ON THUNDER GULCH.

 HOWEVER, MY BARREL RACING SEASON STARTS UP NOW, AND I HAVE LITTLE TIME FOR TV.  I TRY TO WATCH HOL NIGHT RACING, BUT WITH IT GETTING HOT, I DO NOT RIDE, OR WORK MY TWO YEARLINGS TIL AFTER 6PM.

 I ONCE BOUGHT A RESCUED THOROUGHBRED, HER NAME WAS 'TRIP TO WONDERLAND', UNFORTUNALTELY HER LIFE WAS NOT AS SUCH.  SUPPOSEDLY, I SAY THIS BECAUSE THIS IS THE STORY THAT CAME WITH HER, AND I HAVE TRIED TO VERIFY WITH THE JOCKEY CLUB. SHE WAS GOING BLIND IN ONE EYE, BECAUSE HER JOCK WAS TRYING TO KEEP HER FROM LUGGING OUT, HE MISSED AND HIT HER EYE.

SHE WAS CONTINUALLY RUN ON HER BAD LEG, BUSH TRACK TO BUSH TRACK. THEN SHE BECAME TRAPPED IN A STARTING GATE, FROM THEN ON, WOULD LITERALLY SIT OR THROW HERSELF OVER BACKWARD.

 IT COST A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF MONEY JUST TO KEEP HER SOUND, SHE HAD SEVERE ISSUES OF TRUST, SHE  HAD NEVER BEEN ALONE, SHE FREAKED OUT WHEN I RODE HER IN AN INDOOR ARENA WHERE SHE COULD NOT SEE ANOTHER HORSE.  TRYING TO GET HER HOOVES BACK INTO SHAPE, LOOKED TERRIBLE WITH ALL OF THOSE FLARES.

IT IS SAD TO SAY, I WOULD NEVER RESUCE ONE AGAIN, JUST TOO HARD, BUT ALOT COME THRU THE MIDWEST SALE AUCTIONS, AND BARNS. ESPECIALLY THE LOWER ONES, WHERE THE BLIND, CRIPPLED, BUTED, AND SUCH ARE RUN THRU THE RING.

THIS IS MY EXPERIENCE, NOT SUCH A GOOD ONE, BUT IT DOES MAKE IT HARD TO WATCH THE LOWER LEVEL CLAIMINGS,AND OTHER RACES AT LOS ALAMITOS.

I HAVE PERSONALLY WITNESSED WHERE SOME OF THOSE WHO HAVE RUN, HAVE ENDED.

SAD

I want my house back!! I can't wait for this week to be over with. Please let my dear boy win, it's better you are saddled with his rantings than me.

Everything around here has turned to being a "fluke". I got the grape juice stain out of his bib and he said that was a fluke, I made him his favorite cookies and they turned out really well and he called that a fluke, why he's even calling the dog "the fluke" now.

Save me people from the monster you have created. For the love of god let him win!!!!

Mike Relva- Thanks for offering to buy Draynay's one way ticket to New Mexico.  You won't have to pay for the entire amount as I'm sure may other bloggers would gladly contribute to a worthy cause.  Who are your picks for the Belmont?

Zenyatta has posted 108 Beyer twice, back to back, in Lady's Secret, Clement Hirsch, 3 more times 103 or higher, I don't know what she got in the Milady when she cantered home after taking the lead...so maybe it's 4 more times 103 or better...

LDP,

In reference to Zenyatta's dance. I was at Hollywood Park to watch her run in the Milady Handicap. The dance that you mentioned. I saw it too and was stunned. In all my years of watching horse racing I have never seen a racehorse do what she does with her front legs. The show Zenyatta puts on when she first comes onto the track is breathtaking. She is truly something special and reminds me why I photograph and draw racehorses for a living.

Enough on Rachel.... probably a good idea not to try the boys again but I agree that the connections are managing her career to try for horse of the year as some talking heads on TVG are already promoting. The best thing for racing now is to follow closely the best horse currently in training and the one Rachel MUST beat to achieve horse of the year.... Zanyeta. Until she is beaten or even tested she is the best now.

I also agree with the comments of some of the high dollar owners now in racing who are buying their way along. The entire IEAH bunch oufgt to go now and I am not refering to the character flaws involved. They sold Curlin to the horse of the year crowd when English Channel and Zanyeta should have had his two titles!!!

There, now I feel better!!!!!

Barb,

   Thanks, I should have stated that Steve A. and Mr. Jackson are made aware of Rachel's every move by Scott Blasi, When they are busy tending to their other Horses in their barn, Thanks for correcting me  :)

I don't blame jess jackson for not running his filly. I would not run her either. i don't understand the anger toward him.As far a ratings and what is best for racing. You run the horses that need to be ran on the given day. Hope calvin borel and mine that  bird make history together.

I will say it again do we really need the casual fan who is only there for a few races and otherwise could care less. Please to those who keep saying RA ruined the TC for MTB. I don't think MTB's connections thought of it that way. MTB got beat by the better horse ON THAT DAY ONLY!! RA's connections have the right to race her whenever or where ever they determine. The down fall of racing is not because we are losing these one time fans but on a industry that hasn't promoted itself properly.  The only thing they have been promoting in many years is gambling and to many people (i.e some casual fans) gambling is a sin. I'm sure if the NTRA would just look even mildly they could find a couple of good stories to tell people about therefore drawing in that casual fan. We really haven't had that since ABC and Wide World of Sports. I think some one said above its The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.  The only thing we get now is the sour grapes when someone doesn't cash a winning ticket. This is not the planned out crown but the The Triple Crown. A TC winner won't save racing the people will and if there are enough of us that are interested in bringing racing back we can. The casual fans come because of the human interest stories maybe its about time horse racing/NTRA ect.. started utilizing this again. The fans can't follow if there is no coverage so all of us need to demand from whatever sources, that we desire more coverage in a more thoughtful way not just a proponent of gambling. You can get that with live streaming video on the intranet.

I actually saw a commercial yesterday for the Belmont.

And it WASN'T on HRTV - it was on NBC - AND it was in primetime.

Marketing 101 - make the product desirable, make the product known.

Mine That Bird, Charitable Man, Dunkirk and Brave Victory, Chocolate Candy, Flying Private, Luv Gov, Miner’s Escape, Mr. Hot Stuff, Nowhere to Hide, and Summer Bird and anybody else headed to The Belmont Stakes - it IS a great race onto itself.  Man O'War.  Native Dancer.  Damascus.  Easy Goer.  Afleet Alex.  Rags to Riches.  You don't have to be a Triple Crown winner to make the Belmont Stakes special!

Can't wait!!!!

Steve Asmussen tends to ask his charges for a bit less in the a.m. than Rachaels previous connections.  Therefore, I believe the slower work since the Preakness is inconclusive!

Also, I am a big big fan of racing.  I think racing has always gone through some of the same things we are seeing today.  Remember, the Seabisquit, War Admiral setup?  WA's connections wanted no part of SB, except on their own conditions?  Things don't change much, really.

There are a lot of slams on this blog but not everyone partiticipates in the slams.  I don't know why they are necessary especially about people the posters don't know and how proud they are about "figuring" out JJ's motive for everything he does.  The fact is, none of us has any idea what his motives are but it would seem that most think his motives are evil.  The man can't win no matter what with some of these people.  Everyone has a right to their own opinions but must we say things that we have no idea are true or not just because it feels good to blame somebody?  Someone on here said that JJ put RA in the Preakness to spoil MTB's TC!!!!!  That's laughable.  Really?? How would you know that and why on earth would he target MTB?  He probably doesn't know the connections or the horse and I really don't think that would even enter his mind.  Why must we believe the worst about everyone?  I even read that JJ was waiting for Calvin to commit to MTB so he could put Albarado on RA for the Belmont!!!  Then you have people who know absolutely nothing about racing spouting off about a horse that rests in it's stall for two weeks and why can't they run l 1/2?  The reason RA isn't running is because her owner and trainer chose not to for whatever reason.  Being in a stall for two weeks doesn't mean that the horse is resting, she also gets out of the stall and gallops.  None of it is our call because we don't train the horses and we sure as hell don't foot the bills which are astronomical.  They also have the right to say the horse came out of the race fine even if they don't choose to run her.  I'm quite sure that her welfare is the first concern because she is high profile and she is a vety expensive horse and I truly believe that both Jackson and Asumussen put the horse's welfare first.  Curlin went through a two year campaign without injury or illness and I'm sure the same will happen with RA.  I just don't think that Jess Jackson is ruining horse racing.

On another note, I would like to say that most of us don't say things to be disrespectful to anyone, it's just an opinion and nothing more.  It's not meant to belittle anyone or to say we know more than anyone.  I would say that 85% of the people posting here are truly horse lovers and love this sport and we get passionate about it but most remarks are not intended to gainsay anyone or to hurt anyone but this blog is on the Bloodhorse site so anyone could be reading it but I am positive that most of us mean no harm.  I guess these blogs are an outlet for frustration, I know that's true for Draynay because he doesn't care who he slams but he just does that to get people hopping and it works.

Attthebarn2:  I just wanted you to know that I see where you're coming from because this is your life, your heart and soul and that is sacred.  Thanks for posting because I have always enjoyed your posts.

A filly touted as the next Ruffian drops in to win the Preakness then disappears for the Belmont.  Yeah,  that's the next Ruffian alright.  I wanted to see if she could run a mile and a half in two minutes and twenty seven seconds,  like Ruffian did 34 years ago in the CCA. No triple crown attempt and no re-match, this really will help the sport attract new fans by making the Belmont Stakes a boring spectators event this year..  I'm going to watch the Rays this year in Tampa instead of the Belmont Stakes. I don't want to give the race any rating because it doesn't deserve it. There's nothing to watch thanks to Jess Jackson.  Wow,  I wonder what else Jess Jackson is going to do for horseracing..?

onalark01, probably would. Racing has always been a business, but it is now run like a  commercial business, put in the investment - expect the big return. In the late eighties a lot of heavy weights got out of the business, people like Nelson Bunker Hunt,Warner Jones Jr., Eugene Klein, etc. Along with the farms Tartan, ( John Nerud),Ryehill, Kinghaven, Warnerton, etc.. The reasons were numerous. But when they got out it was not good news for breeders, trainers and racetrack operators. So syndication began in full force. I say full force because businessmen and business procedures were noted as far back as 1960.( I remember reading a article that said the US no longer had any descendants of the Belmont, Keene and Jerome families who at one time dominated the sport.) In the late '80's early 90's TOBA had seminars at Del Mar and several other tracks to promote ownership through syndication. The old timers would and did accept losses for years in order to achieve fleeting glory. Calumet is a good example of that. As a matter of fact Calumet is a good example of a lot of things that went wrong after Mrs. Markey died. That's why it is good to see that some owners along with their trainers will put the welfare of their horse first rather than run them into the ground. Barring unforseen circumstances a  well thought out campaign either on the west coast, middle America,  or the east coast will give us these fine horses to enjoy for many years. Some syndications brought in good people to the sport. If I remember correctly, the owner of Meadow Star,  the 1991 Comely stakes winner, would donate all her winnings to underprivileged children. Some people, after being brought in by syndication would branch out on their own like the owner of  Fly So Free, and the owner of Coolawin & Top Snob who wanted to call his own shots.

Can we get back to horseracing please. Can we remember why we all come here in the first place? To chit chat with fellow bloggers who LOVE these horses and this industry. To give our opinions and openly listen to the observant, knowledgable posts of MOST other bloggers and to keep up with our favorite equines. We all have different ones but they can't race alone.

RA doesn't need to run in the Belmont IMO. She has nothing to prove. Perhaps they have a different course set for her. Its all good. Lots of horses ruin the TC. Its the name of the game. Remember Birdstone anyone??? He was 8th to Smarty in the Derby. Skipped the Preakness and went into the Belmont fresh and clearly bred for the distance. Zito ruined the TC. Even the jockey apologized for his win. This is horse racing folks. A horse going for the TC must face all horses thrown at them and beat them. Some trainers have trained specifically for the Belmont and have skipped the other races. If and when another horse can face and beat every horse thrown into the Derby, Preakness and Belmont..he/she will be deserving of the crown.

Beyers are very useful,but in IMO you have to look at the overall numbers not just one. There are a lot of variables involved, the track location - was it fast, loose, sloppy, synthetic, dirt etc.?  Weather, hot, humid, cool, cold, rainy ? Was the horse on his or her game? (They have good and bad days too). Depending on the answers Beyers can give an indication of how the horse will perform on a similar track on race day, which is extremely useful. But as always, we never know the result until the race is won! :) :)

Everyone who commented on here seems to be a big fan of horse racing.  And several have commented that horse racing needs more marketing and a greater emphasis on stamina and soundness.  The problem is that no one who can change the way racing is run is listening.  Why would the breeders breed strong horses with stamina when the tracks almost never card a race longer that 1 1/16 miles?  I have a horse that needs 1 1/8 miles, and he's been in the barn for almost 2 months because every race we've put him in has not gone (even though he's fit and ready to race).  And as for marketing, there is no "racing industry".  There are just a bunch of tracks whose managers don't try to work with the other tracks to build an industry.  In fact, many of the tracks are more focused on being enemies with the other tracks; not coodinating meetings, penalizing trainers who ship their horses etc.  And the state governments care only about how much in taxes they can squeeze out of the tracks and the fans.  Racing is not being run as a coordinated sport and until that changes, it will continue to decline.

Draynay I really have to stuggle to say this LOL.  I know that you are right on that sense but I could have sworn that Jason said they had to be in order.  The top three finishers.  OK so you pick three horses; one for first, one for second and one for third, right?  If they come in backwards then how the hell does that work.  I am confused here because if you pick the top three and they do come in but not in the order that you put them in then what?  

Jason???????????????  :)

onalark01

THAT was the most intelligent post I have read for months.  :)

Mike Relva....

Hey my friend what are you mad at Wanda for?  She hasn't done anything has she?  I really don't read everything on here but that kind of shocked me.  I'll go back and try to find out what pissed you off.  :)  How are your horses doing?  

How many people would have watched the Preakness if Rachel had not run?  Even on it's great days, racing has a hard time capturing casual fan interest.  Having the story lines on both Mine That Bird and Rachel Alexandra can only be good for the sport because they both drew interest.  

What's really a shame is that for the not so casual fans, and the racing press, unless a filly runs in the Triple Crown races or against the boys there is little interest at any time.  This apathy is from the same people who continually complain that the boys don't hang around long enough after the Triple Crown.  Well the fillies and mares do and have provided us with some of the best racing in past years.  What does it take to wake the sport up to that?  

EmilioP,

   Perfectly Stated!, Kudos to you...

Tyler D,

   WOW, I was going to write a long detailed, educated response to some of your nonsensical comments, but, I stopped myself because it would be pointless...

Hello Mike Relva & For Big Red,

   Hope everything is well, Only five days to big race, Cannot Wait, Should be exciting...

Jason,

   Honestly, I don't know how you do it!, If I were in your shoes and was reading some of these comments, I would be beside myself!, I would be writing a response to so many, it isn't even funny!, But, That is why you are the consummate pro at this, I would NEVER have the patience you have, lol...

"Eye of the Leopard" & "Zensational", Two horses everyone should have their eye on....

Lastly,

    Off topic here, But if anyone gets a chance on Friday, Watch the INCREDIBLE Filly, "Rainbow View"(Dynaformer/No Matter What) in the Investec Oaks in the U.K.(Epsom)(Yes, Across the Pond, lol) at over a Mile and a Half, I know for one, I will be watching, Great Filly...

"Rainbow View":

www.racingpost.com/.../horse_home.sd

Tyler D   LOL!  Hey I am on this train...

Man I am really tired of people arguing about my talent.  Yeah I haven't won as many races as Zenyatta but I did beat the boys in the 2nd leg of the TC.  Now only if they would just let me run the Belmont and prove that I can beat them there, all this nonsense would stop.  No they won't run me cause they don't want me to get beat?  How do they even know I will get beat.  They don't!!!!  I want to run on Saturday and show everyone what I am really like but nobody will let me.  Hmmmm maybe I'll escape out of my barn and go to the gate myself.  I need a jockey though.  I am so sad. :(  I want to run the Belmont and who knows, maybe everyone would be saying "if only they would have run her in the Derby".  I would have been the next TC winner.  But nobody is looking at it that way.  I feel great and I want to run and show the world that I could have won the TC.  Well those darn humans.  If they only knew how good of shape I am in.  I just don't know how to tell them.  I think I need to take lessons from Mr. Ed.  Then I can tell my humans that I am fine to run.  I am sick and tired of hanging around.  I am a racehorse.  I want to prove that I can win the Belmont.  THEN I want to tell everyone to suck up and say they are sorry for all the crap they put me through.  Oh no, my humans won't let me do that.  It would be the best thing for the industry if I won Saturday.  My job sucks.  I want to be the one to make the decisions.  Why won't anyone listen?  

RACHEL ALEXANDRA

I feel that Jess Jackson is making a good move with the filly. I truly believe that Rachel Alexandra is NOT in the greatest shape.  Her previous owner and trainer were pointing her towards filly races and she has proven that she doesn't have to work at beating most of the filly crop, therefore she was not being trained like a colt she was being kept fit enough to race against easier fields.  Now that Jackson has her and he is planning on putting her in races against the colts she must be trained like a colt - she needs to get stronger.  I think she is incredibly talented and very gritty as proven in the Preakness.  I also think the Preakness proved that she needs a little more fitness to her.  I also believe that if Jackson ran this filly and she finished up the track or even worse was injured he would be attacked for having run her just as he is being attacked for not running her.  

I know lots of people who are not regular racing fans who will be watching on Saturday to see if Mine That Bird can win another big one.  The filly added great fun to the Preakness - but I know alot of people are still interested in the little New Mexico gelding.  

It would be nice to see racing get a marketing scheme together - however in the day and age of PETA I doubt that it would last too long.  Most people don't understand the sporting aspect and the history behind the Sport of Kings.  

Grow up Mike R who are you trying to impress? I got 20$ says I DO know more than you based on your snappy comments.Prove me wrong and post something more than I agree or on point.You pick the subject as long as it's about racing and we'll go toe to toe. Breeding, racing, training,day money,I don't care. Put up or shut up.

I want to correct my prior post!

It was 1971 that RUN THE GANTLET got Turf Horse of the year over COUGAR II, not 1972. COUGAR II actually did win it in 1972, although he should have gotten it in 1971 as well.

Draynay: You're on. Something tells me you are going to pick every favorite. Based on what we already know about you, your nickname might as well be, "Mr. Chalk."

jshandler 11 May 2008 12:34 PM"

Déjà vu all over again.

Jason, is Draynay really Mike Battaglia in disguise? He just speaks in W.O.W. draenei language! aha!

"And I guess we can call you Mr. I didn't cash my ticket again....

draynay 11 May 2008 12:45 PM"

Obviously he hasn't read your bio, that you aren't a professional handicapper but have cashed in a few LARGE exotics!

"Draynay: lol...good one. You're right, I didnt cash on Derby Day. I was trying to beat the favorite and win some real money, unlike you, who was happy getting his $6.80 back and buying a pack of cigarettes.

jshandler 11 May 2008 12:52 PM"

He got to be a chalk player because he can't pick a real horse.

When he loses he resorts to booing the horses who beat him and making derogatory remarks to deflect focus from his ineptitude. Ever notice that's who he takes on? The ones who make him look like the fool he is?

Better believe this guy is NO handicapper and any real handicapper who reads these blogs just rolls around laughing at his picks, repicks, re-repicks ad infinitum.

According to him The Big Red Colt was a fluke, remember his repeated comparison of BB to BR?

Just as one race didn't make MTB a super horse, one race didn't make RA a super horse. But win or lose the Belmont, tell me which horse will be remembered as the Preakness winner in a few years?

Bet most couldn't name the last number of winners without looking it up. Same people could tell you the Derby winners off the top of their heads.

Any old time class handicapper should know that Charitable Man is not Classy enough. HE only win if no one else can go the distance.Also jess Jackson knows it not wise to run agood horse in the belmont remember CURLIN.

somethingroyal, I posted before that before Zen is retired to the life of a broodmare it would be something if she entered the world of dressage, (those are the steps), and isn't she a magnificent sight. She would most certainly be a champion in that field. Wouldn't that be something to have success in two entirely different careers?  

CHARITABLE MAN WINS THE BELMONT!

Someone commented that NBC ran a promo for the Belmont?

The race is on ABC so I can't figure that one out. They're even more territorial than most businesses.

Looks as if MTB is better than ever judging by his work today. I also agree that SA and JJ made up their mind when CM was declared a definite. RA had NO chance finishing strong with that horse breathing down her neck. Also I don't know why Belmont is considered a deep track. On Belmont day that track will Be souped up like every other track on stakes day.

TO:WANDA

Did I strike a nerve? Look,I'm not the one that made the remark last month of,"how do I know that you don't know everything". Unlike you,Draynay and a few others' I don't think my word is gold. You posted yesterday regarding that people pretty much hide on this blog without disclosing their names. I've always included my name,I sure as hell have nothing to hide behind,on blogs or in person. You also misquoted Jason recently,remember? Also,last week you made the foolish remark,something to the point that "people are jealous of Jackson's money. That was one for the ages,that you  could lump  everyone together as being jealous. I think you take alot for granted. And,I've never met in my lifetime anyone that "knows everything".

Mike S I remember the bias--West Coast horses had to go East---When the shoe is on the other foot, the East gets a small taste of what it was like to campaign, say, Exceller, whom I saw win the 1978 Hol Gold Cup, he looked shiny red in the post parade, he stood out in that crack field, made a huge rail run down the stretch to go by Jo Tobin, Vigors, Text...Exceller had a dominating year and got beat in the Eclipse voting by a talented three year old Mac Diarmida---but nobody in their right mind would've bet on him to beat Exceller at 1 1/2 miles, which is the classic distance...

I'm with you StardustyRose, I know zilch about golf, so  I'm not clear on the score results. Anyone?

FourCats, EXACTLY!! Well said.

draynays better half, you haven't booted him out?! :)

well, try giving him his pacifier and and a rattle maybe that will help! :)  BTW, shouldn't he be busy with his smoke and mirrors to pick the winners?

Mike S, First and foremost I doubt Wayne cares what you think about him.

But, if you knew as much as you think, you'd know he has a bunch of older horses running. You are speaking of the days when the guy had hundreds of horses and the % didn't outweigh the numbers. He's like any of us that has a particularly good one, the owners decide to retire them to stud and that's it.

Plus, this is JUST what I'm speaking about. Do you know him? Do you know his training methods or ever been at his barn?

Horses break down, it happens.

Actually it just so happens that he is thinks Jess is doing the right thing by resting the filly, doesn't want anything to happen to her and wants to protect the superstars of racing. The main thing is, he isn't here to discuss this with you. My guess is you'd be like barb, starstruck and stepping on your tongue. I just don't get people who publically call out someone they don't know and would never say the same things to if they met them.

barb? You should've got the jocks to give you a pair of signed goggles! A fan like you I bet they'd have been happy to do so.

I have to go see her dance next time---I saw the Cougar II stare...anyone remember that?

TO:SPEEDBALL

Yes,I would gladly purchase a first class ticket if he would use it. I respect all horses,having said that I like MTB for

Saturday. If he were to win watch Draynay try to "spin it",instead of saying he's wrong. When's he ever wrong,right?lol

TO:STARDUSTY ROSE

I can't explain it in detail on here,but if you want my email I'll give it.

HI GREG J

How's it going? Who do you like Saturday? I hope FF will be able to race again.

Wanda---My one sentence post at 10:19 P.M. last night was just to maybe jog things back into perspective, hoping the blog wasn't going to implode into the sort of anger that occurred here on Friday. I never meant to offend or counter-offend you or anyone, least of all anyone in the industry. You and I have had quite a few pleasant exchanges and conversations over approximately the past year. We have frequently supported each other's positions. I have appreciated your input on the blogs because of your "insider's knowledge". I'm sorry if my comment was inadvertently inflammatory.

So, anyway, regardless of why RA's connections decided not to run her in the Belmont; that race will still be very exciting for me next Saturday.

Mike Relva, I'm not saying she should run. The Preakness was harder on her than a lot think but she's fit. If Jess doesn't want to run her then so be it.

To me? If she could get the distance and they wanted to run her againts the boys then the ideal thing would have been to run her in the Belmont. THINK what THAT would have done to help racing!

I've had a lot of discussions with Wanda, she seems very knowledgeable and doesn't seem to have an agenda like so many on here do. Know you two have had some set to's. Maybe you should stop by the barn and discuss it?

Just wondering if your trainer has to stay in constant contact with you on your 'horses'? Or, do you let him do the job he has the expertise to do and what you hired him for?

Amy Rooney, I'm just being nosy here but where do you barrel race?

Are you a divisional racer, WPRA, or Futurity/Derby racer?

Reason for my curiosity is my kin who do that, never stop. Just lay off one horse and take one of the 20 or so others they have. It's year round. Do know there's two HUGE divisional races coming up here in the next week. If you're in one of them, good luck to you.

As for those wanting to send Dray to NM?  They definitely don't want him there. Racing is alive and well in that State, not struggling or cutting days like all the rest, don't want his negative influence there.my bet. Plus Katsan would probably kill him. Got my start there eons ago and those folks are real pioneer spirited folks.

Vincent O'Brien passed away. What a truly great trainer, my sympathy to the family.

Bighorsefan you have no idea what you are talking about. You're like an old AM station... you know its there but few are listening. You will have your chance to show everyone how smart you are and pick the Belmont winners just like everyone else.  Maybe you are excited about a horse with one win all year but it doesn't do much for me until he wins another race this year. Until he does he is a Derby fluke.  AND I don't think anyone will have a problem remembering Rachel Alexandra now or 10 years from now as the Preakness champ.  Move along...

Summertime...and the winnin' is EEEE--ZZZZ.....goin with Summer Bird this Sat....they sorta rushed him into the Derby quagmire then did right by skipping Preakness....he's still "any kind" of horse, and that's the punter's chance an ol longshot player like myself needs! I can see him stalking, much closer this time, maybe six lengths off, then pouncing at the top of the lane and "fly birdie fly".....This is a real "Kent kinda horse"---he loves to throw a cross or six on a good closer---Go Kent Go! Seeya in the winners circle.....

Regarding publicity for the sport's casual fan, whatever happened to The American Racing Championship Series that was supposed to bridge the gap between The Belmont and The Breeders Cups? It was supposed to retain fan interest during the lull.

I am so sick of Jess Jackson and his vacillating BS. Last year it was Curlin...might run in the Arc...oh wait, no, I've changed my mind. It just enrages me the way he's constantly hemming and hawwing and deceiving his fans. Just because he's uber-rich and he knows he can get away with it. It infuriates me when people talk about his great "sportsmanship". How sportsmanlike is it for someone to swoop in, buy someone else's horse for an "undisclosed amount", completely change her intended course and run her in a TC race, benefit from someone else's conditioning, and then give us this crap about how "fit" RA is, and still decide not to run her in the Belmont?

I'm not angry so much that she's not running, but that he gave us all this crap about how great she feels and how she could run through a brick wall. And then he does an about-face and says she needs a well-earned vacation. Why not just tell us straight up that she's tired and needs a rest?

I'm not by any means diminishing what Rachel accomplished in the Preakness. It was history-making. But it seems like Jackson did it just to make a point - that he's got the hot commodity and he could shell out all that money to get her. It was all about his ego to begin with and he doesn't give a d*** about the Triple Crown or the fans or the good of the sport.

You tell me whether it's better for the sport to have a potential TC spoiled in the second race just because the owner didn't have a little patience or if it would be better to have a gelding TC winner and the super-filly facing off in the Travers or the BC. MTB is one of the greatest stories in TC history; he would've been going for a TC Saturday if JJ didn't have to prove his point.

I don't care how you sugar coat it Mike R you call me out on my knowledge of racing so I say again put up or shut up.

Karen in Texas no worries.

Hi "Atthebarn2"...thanks for your comments. I don't care what Wayne Lukas cares about, or if he cares about my comments. I don't care about his comments. I have met him, at Del Mar, maybe 15 years ago, and he's a nice man. His training methods, however, are another story. And if I meet him again I will be sure to ask him why so many of his horses are either broken down by the end of December of their 2 year old year or dead by the time they're 3 years old. I have never seen a trainer in my entire life who has had the frequency of death and destruction that D. Wayne Lukas has, and I think it all cannot be half-heartedly dismissed as "it just happens." Oh, and I really don't care that Mr. Lukas isn't here to discuss this with me, his record speaks for itself. It's actually indefensible.

Look, RA should not run in the race for a few reasons.

1. She did what she needed to do when she was bought by Jackson, win the Preakness.

2. She is not a 1 1/2 mile filly, and is better suited for 1 1/8 to a 1 1/4 with her pedigree and running style.

3. What is the point? Race her against fillies until shie comes up against Zenyatta, maybe at the SPA over the summer. The connections have no plan to run her in the BC b/c they run on the plastic in California. The long term goal should be the BC classic next year on a real track at Churchill Downs.

Best 1 1/4 mile horse this Decade. Smarty Jones. Did he win the TC. NO, could not get the distance after three races in 5 weeks.

This year's winner. Charitable Man

Come on Mike R what's your answer? Smart horse owner like you should be able to answer a few questions.

Just as I thought talk the talk can't walk the walk.

IMO Atthebarn is right. The filly is dead fit, why would she be tired? The Oaks was a work and the Preakness was the first time she ever had to run. Maybe they think 1 1/2 is beyond her scope against nice colts. They have all been on the trail since early spring so I guess their all tired.

Struck a nerve Dray?

Sorry if it p.o's you that Jason and I are like minded on your handicapping abilities. Some in my circle, asked for you to show your W2G's or the portion of your Tax return that validates your amazing handicapping abilities, since you sure haven't shown that on here.

I DO know that several times last year when my buddy Jordan made his picks known, you claimed them as your own, after you had selected several others in a given race.

Jason is known as a pretty decent handicapper can't say the same for you, you're a joke to most of us. Jason, who is like all REAL handicappers and those who aren't willing to collect .10 cents on their $2 bets,

actually wants to MAKE money at it. If you lose trying to beat the favorite? So what? The money we make on REAL handicapping and trying to beat those dead favorites more than compensates.

Plus, never said I was all in on MTB. Me, like a lot of REAL gamblers? We don't go around giving our picks, screws up the odds. You? You're like the guy who touts people on a horse then hides when they never win or berates the jock, horse and especially trainers.

Go back to playing your WOW video games and the BC horse racing game which always makes you a winner.

P.S. I almost am starting to wonder how many on here bought that game and talk about those horses as being their real stable.

Mike Relva? you have horses running? Why can't I pull you up ANYWHERE as a horse owner?

Last but not least? Mike S, I'd like to set up a celebrity throw down between you and Wayne, problem is he's the only celebrity in the match.

LOL

Seriously though, can't wait to see Jason's picks.

If MR. HOT STUFF wins the Belmont Stakes it will be the coolest thing to happen in racing since WELL ARMED won the Dubai World Cup.

FYI,

   To the few that say Mine That Bird should have been at Belmont training, Well, Here is why not, from Mr. Wooley Himself:

   “My horse gets over the ground really easy… he just kind of bounces over the top of it, I really don’t have too much concern about it. If he doesn’t like it, he doesn’t like it. Training him on it isn’t going to make him like it any better. It would just give him more time to hate it worse. I don’t believe in going up there and training and believing it’s going to improve his chances.”

    From Calvin Bo-rail After Mine That Bird's Work this morning:

   "Perfect, He’s ready. We’re going to win. No questions asked.”

   Here is a head's up to everybody who shows no respect to this little big guy, Make sure you have all your excuses ready, Because once he wins the Belmont, Those same people will still be making excuses for him, Instead of giving him his due and showing him respect!!!(Mark my words, If and when the Bird wins the Belmont, The Number one Excuse will be, "WELL, If Rachel was in it, Mine that Bird would have easily been beat", lol....).

    Showing my Cards five days early Dray!, Mine that Bird is going to win the third leg of the Triple Crown!!!(1. Kentucky Derby, 2. Preakness, 1. Belmont), If right, Then not too shabby for a Gelding "Fluke" Dray, lol...

Mike S. Right you met him. You are quoting what has been written 15 years ago about him. Period. Met him? You mean saw him in the paddock?

In my day and age, you don't call out someone who you don't know, who isn't talking to you and who doesn't want to be in a conversation with you. However, like some of the friends I've made on here have talked about, we could probably arrange for you to REALLY meet him and tell him to his face, not that he'd think much of someone who calls him out anonymously, has NO experience in the industry other than what they read and their own hot air. If you don't care what he thinks or says why bring it up? You're the one who looks like an a** here. With your second hand information and taking potshots at someone.

Any fool knows that if you have 400 horses in your barn, the percentages will catch up with you, it's inevitable. Do you KNOW how he trains a horse, or any of us for that matter?  It's well known that his horses get the best of everything.

What's your training record? How many have YOU trained?

The discussion wasn't about him or any other trainer, until some of the blowhards on here who hide behind a monitor decided to take him on. Why don't you go after the guys who have issues RIGHT NOW?

Fact is, your quote is almost verbatim to one I read by one of the 'cockroaches' in the early 90's get some originality at least.

By the way, Hi Monica V.

Billy? You hit the nail on the head with #2 I'm afraid.

But, like some others I don't quite know what winning the Preakness 'proved' exactly. Now the Derby? Think she would have won it. Maybe sounds delusional but in my heart I really think so.

Mike Relva,

    I think this race is perfect for Mine that Bird.  I hate to say this, It could come back to haunt me, But, I really don't see him losing!, I know it is early in the week, but I don't seeing the PP hurting him no matter what position, Track condition won't matter for him, He is training great, The only problem I have is that Mr. Wooley is flying him in to New York rather then getting in his truck and driving him there, lol.  I think he will glide over the "Sand Pit" of Belmont, I think it will be slow splits, which works in his favor, He will be closer to the front at the stretch, which will make it easier for his Kick to the finish line.  Even in the worst case scenario, Fast pace, Fast splits, that still doesn't bother me in the least, Just means he will be fresher at the end and pass everyone as if they were standing still...Still working on others, but, My mind is made up on the Bird...

   Who do you like to Win?

Mike S.....Sorry, I just don't agree with you.

It's got nothing to do with "East Coast Bias". I don't care where she goes, but it definitely hurts her legacy if she just runs on fake surfaces in ONE state at two tracks.

You know, if Lava Man never left the happy confines of the California tracks, he may have considered one of the greats of all time. But once he left the left coast, he fizzled. I am not saying Zenyatta would suffer the same fate...I doubt she would after winning ONCE last year away home. I just trying to make a point.

If she stays there, I for one will consider that a negative no matter what her record ends up being. Go to Chicago. Go to Kentucky. To Belmont. Or to the greatest racing meet in the world, Saratoga Springs. What other North American meet offers more stakes $ or draws between 800,000-over 1 million paid attendance in only 36 days of racing.

You can bet Jackson will try to get RA exposure at the Spa..."The August Place to Be".

That is what helped Curlin win HOTY over her last year. Many of the voters favor a diversified schedule. Prove it all over, not just on you home track.

If Zenyatta were to take her show on the road and race at some of those tracks mentioned above and run well..and win...AND also defeat colts at least once, her name would become legend. One of the all time greats.

If not, **asterisk** time.  And no HOTY if RA keeps winning all over or, say if MTB ran the table.

As I said earlier, Zenyatta is getting shortchanged.

I tried to make this point on several blogs and either get ridiculed or have my comment not posted. The fact is racing is for bettors not sports fans. You can't blame a 20 year old for not wanting a favorite athlete that doesn't speak and walks on four legs. The Belmont is pretty much a prep for the Breeders Cup Dirt Marathon. They may as well change the conditions to include older horses. Times are changing and the promoters of the Triple Crown need to realize that. The Breeders Cup did.

Wow! How incredibly, outrageously nasty and rude. And you're calling me an "a**"? If I ran this blog you wouldn't be allowed to use that kind of language. You're out of line. And you have the nerve to say, "in my day and age you don't call out someone you don't know"? You don't know me! And you're calling me out! And you're doing it "anonymously" as well. What an incredible hypocrite.

Yes, I did meet D. Wayne Lukas a long time ago at Del Mar and I talked to him and he was nice. So what? He's a nice man. He's still a trainer who is NOTORIOUS for how he has handled his horses. If you aren't aware of this reputation, that's too bad, but your defensiveness, for whatever reason, tells us all that you are aware of his reputation. And if you think it's unfair that people think his horses don't last too long, that's too bad as well.

BIGHORSEFAN: You did some checking too? It's amazing what you can look up on the internet now. Do you know that the HBPA can look up any owner that's licenced in NA? That's what my friend at the HBPA of Alta says.

I just had a thought about Zenyatta not leaving California. Maybe she's not a good shipper. Remember that huge filly that broke her pelvis? She never left Cal cause she was a really bad shipper.

ok, you're right, it was ABC, not NBC.  SOMEBODY (won't say who, but not me) was channel surfing........

ABC is broadcasting the Belmont Stakes.

Sweet Terchi,

I agree Zenyatta would be a natural in dressage. I took a photo of her during the post parade of the Milady. And the image of her doing her signature dance still gives me goose bumps.

I AM NOT CALLING ANYONE OUT, OR DISAGREEING WITH ANYONE. BUT SOMETIMES WHEN A "SOMEBODY" THINKS YOU ARE A "NOBODY", COMMENTS CAN SLIP.

I WAS TALKING WITH A LADY WHO SHOWS AQHA, I AM NOT KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT BITS,TWISTED WIRE, RAISED COPPER SNAFFLE, ETC; SHE WAS SHOWING ME SOME AND THE USES FOR THEM. SHE SHOWED ME A BIT THAT LOOKED LIKE TWO NEW SCREWS WERE PUT TOGETHER WITH A BIT. SHE SAID, THESE YOU HIDE IN THE BACK.  I GETS A HORSE THAT IS GETTING HIGH HEADED AND NOSING OUT TO COLLECT BACK, BE SOFT AT THE POLL AND GIVE THE NICE "WESTERN PLEASURE FACE" BUT ONLY USE IT A DAY OR TWO BEFORE THE SHOW, BECAUSE AT THE SHOW YOU HAVE TO DROP YOU BIT TO PROVE IT IS NOT THE SEVERITY OF THE BIT THAT IS MAKING THE HORSE GIVE.

ON THE OTHER HAND, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE 400 HORSES IN A BARN TO HAVE YOUR FARE SHARE OF BAD LUCK. MY FRIEND TERRI HAD A GEORGEOUS PALOMINO MARE BY THE QH STALLION, ON THE MONEY RED, I WAS NOT THERE BUT SHE TOLD ME WHEN THE MARE WENT AROUND THE THIRD BARREL SHE SLIPPED, TRIED TO CATCH HERSELF, THEN SHE HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A SHOTGUN. GABBY HAD SNAPPED HER BACK,LEFT LEG.

TERRI ONLY HAD 3 HORSES IN HER BARN.

 KENDRA F. HER HORSE HAD A HEART ATTACK G0ING TO THE SECOND BARREL. SHE ONLY HAS 2 HORSES.

 IT IS NOT WITH INDIFFERENCE TO ANY HORSE THAT HAS LOST ITS LIFE, BUT TRYING FOR DAYS TO FIGURE OUT WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN DONE DIFFERENT, MOST THERE IS NO ANSWER, IN MY ABOVE POST THE T BRED LOST HER LIFE IN A STORM WHEN SOME DEBRI CUT HER LEG SO SEVERLY SHE HAD TO BE PUT DOWN.  DO NOT THINK I DID NOT AGONIZE FOR DAYS, WHAT COULD I HAVE DONE DIFFERENT?

 WHEN SOMEONE STATES " IT HAPPENS, THEY ARE NOT MINIMALIZING THE LIFE OF THE HORSE, OR HORSES THEY HAVE KNOWN OR WATCHED, SOMETIMES UNFORTUNATELY,"IT HAPPENS".

BREAK DOWNS ARE A FACT OF HAVING HORSES, WHETHER 3 OR 300 IN YOUR BARN. MY HORSE CUT HIS SHOULDER WIDE OPEN BECUASE HE WAS RUNNING  IN THE RAIN, HIT A SLICK MUD SPOT AND CRASHED INTO THE FENCE. A FOOT HIGHER, IT COULD HAVE BEEN HIS JUGULAR.

 NO TRAINER WANTS HIS HORSES TO BREAKDOWN, MOST ARE GLAD FOR THE LOWER LEVEL RACEHORSES BECAUSE 'BIG HORSES' REALLY DO NOT COME AROUND THAT OFTEN.

THANK GOODNES CHARLIE WHITTINGHAM AND BILL SHOEMAKER WERE NOT ALIVE TO HEAR HOW FERDINAND ENDED HIS LIFE.

Mike S- I think MHS has a real shot of at least getting on the board.  I think he could give MTB all he wants.

Uhmm... TIM your statements probably don't get posted if they convey the same type of stuff that your last comment at 2:52 on June 01 did.

Im one of the youngest on this blog (23) my husband (25) and my friends 23 and up, are all into horse racing and know that the Belmont is not just a T.C. race, but the history of the Belmont race is one of the most prestigeous and long running in the country.

yea, horse racing is changing and marketing needs to change too; i agree there. But including older horses in a historically significant race is not just illogical and won't attract more viewers, it would simply diminish the significance of the race all together.

Some of you ppl on here, and i'm not being rude, but i don't understand why you say RA needs to beat a horse for HOTY, that has race once all year, and didn't even get the title last year. IMO the title is up in the air and anybody can get it. If Zen had gotten the title last year, i'd say RA need to beat her to dethrone her but she didn't. RA needs to go for the front runner of the title some time this year, and as of now that horse is Einstien. He has two grade one wins, one on synthetic, the other on turf. He also is grade one placed on dirt, and has become the only horse to win the Woodford Reserve two years in a row. Zenyatta this year has only won one race that was a grade two against fillies, again in her home state, and probably on her favorite track in CA. Zenyatta as of now can't possibly be considered for HOTY. If Einstien wins the Stephen Foster Zenyatta must seek him out or do something out of the ordinary to look better than him, which would be hard to do since he'd be the only horse other than lava man to win grade one races on every surface, plus he has will have done the feat on differnt tracks. RA has beaten boys, and is riding a six race winning streak, that includes the Preakness and a 20 length win in the KY oaks. The next horse in line if he wins Sat is MTB. Zen is nowhere near the top. IMO the title is up for grabs, and the horse that does the most, meaning taking more risks, will be the winner.

For Big Red

THANKS!!

I think we should all relax now and wait for the big B day.

MTB, SUMMER BIRD and CC have equal chances to win. But they have to reckon with CHARITABLE MAN. This horse has won twice on this surface and his Peter Pan win was impressive. I like CC for reason that he is an X-FACTOR ( Crownette being a double copy mare ) and also a RASMUSSEN FACTOR (inbred to Alanesian ). I think the distance will suit him. SUMMER BIRD was my

Kentucky Derby fluke. Just like MTB, he will be part of the "late

brigade".

I know i'll be ridiculed for this idea, but why not make a new triple crown that involves all surfaces? The first jewl could be the SA Derby, the second the Man o War and the third the Travers. I know the spacing is way different, but the distances are not way off. My reasoning for this is because it may prod breeders into producing more versitle horses with the ability to stay in top form for as long as possible, since they have to pretty much run the course of the year to win it. The traveling also will make it tougher since you pretty much have to bring your horses from coast to coast. The main reason in my mind this may be harder to win than the crown we have now is because there is a huge oppertunity for late bloomers to rise and challenge others. Plus to have a win all all three surfaces, all on different tracks, in different states makes it tough as well. The reason i bring this up is because i've hear a lot of cotreversy over changing the TC, but the changes wanted would make it easier. Well these are changes towards the gerneral timing of the races, and surfaces run on, but the way i look at it a horse who can win all three of my make believe TC would have to be just a tough or more than those who have won the TC now. What do you all think?

Mike R & Atthebarn2- Atthebarn says they won't take him in New Mexico.  I guess we're stuck with him for the time being.  I like MTB also but I think MHS could get on the board this time.  You can bet that they'll say it's because Rachel didn't run if MTB wins.  The only thing that bothers me about the MTB camp is their lack of concern for Belmont track and surface.  I just keep remembering Smarty Jones losing which seemed in part to be due to the ride he

received from a jockey who'd never raced there.  I guess if MTB could win in the slop at Churchill, the Big Sandy shouldn't bother him.

"I think the other Birdstone colt has a good chance as well, Summerbird, b/c his owner has a cool name"

That is an example of how Dray handicaps the races.

As for me, I have to turn in that damn 1099 every friggin year for taxable tickets. Hell, my buddies and I hit the pick 6 the Wednesday after derby for 33k, and the pick 4 in races 4-7 on derby day for $7900. I had it myself for a buck, $3946.00 to be exact. Dray is all bark, no bite. If any of you read this and would like to add a horse to your virtual stable, the name is Ready to Strike, and he will be working at Churchill, Calvin up, and Hal is the trainer on thursday...

I totally understand the people who want ZENYATTA to face males and/or go to New York for some races. That's what I wanted as well, until her owners decided against it. I don't know why they're so reluctant to go outside the division or go back east because this is one great mare and I think she would win almost anything. If she were mine I think I would at least tackle the boys in the Whitney Handicap and then come back against the girls in the Ruffian Handicap or Beldame, just to put on a show for the New Yorkers. But her connections don't want to go, what can you do? It's disappointing, you're right.

LAVA MAN! Wow! What a horse. What an enigma. He ran well for so long in California. But whenever they sent him out of town he would totally fall apart. I don't think this can be attributed to him not being good enough to compete in these out of town ventures. He was definitely a great horse. But something totally weird happened to him whenever he left California, and I have to wonder if it was some sort of horsey "psychological issue." Any horse that can win the Santa Anita Handicap, Hollywood Gold Cup and Pacific Classic over and over again, and then goes out of town and loses by 30 to 50 lengths is not running his race when he goes out of town. You know what I'm saying? It's not like he was running his true, legitimate and best race when he went to New York, Kentucky, Dubai or Japan. In fact, he wasn't running at all! And I still wonder why.

RS said that Winning Colors connections "put their money where their mouth is" and ran her in the Belmont stakes.  Yep, and some would counter that that's precisely what ruined her;  they never should have run Winning Colors in the Belmont.  And I'm grateful that Rachels connections (Asmussen/Blasi, at least) are more sensible, because I want her around to enjoy for a long time.

Saratoga AJ,

Zenyatta is not being shortchanged. She is loved by her owners, trainer, groom and the fans who appreciate the heck out of her. She knows nothing of "racing legends" and does not care if you consider her one or not. She's a happy horse.

Tim,

Considering the dismal behavior of some human athletes, a 20yr old would be lucky to have an equine hero or heroine to follow and root for.

Tim,

 Is that why the Breeders Cup is doing so well?

Dressage is quite a bit more complex than "piaffing in hand".  Any horse can and will do that when excited.  

Back to regularly scheduled program.

EDDIE SR 5-31 8:31, Greg J 5-31 8:06, LDP 5-31 10:31, MonicaV 5-31 1:22, Vahorseman 5-31 9:05, Feed Lady and Atthebarn2 - I AGREE!

Racinglover 5-30 10:34,  WOW! how long have you known Jess Jackson? If all that you say about him is true you must know him very well!  I have never met him, but his actions tell me that you have never met him either. He has shown with Curlin that he doesn't just play it safe.  He put him to the test trying different things not knowing how it would turn out.  It was not always favorable but he still gave it a shot and that is a sportsman to me!

Also, like many of you I truly hope Zenyatta and Rachel meet each other this year but I have to say I am not too optimistic.  I read an article that mapped out Zenyatta's planned races this year and it did not include running outside of California or against the boys. Of course they could always change the plan....  So that would mean Rachel has to go to Santa Anita for the Ladies Classic for them to meet.  I truly hope it happens!!!

Mike Relva

 Hey, I run a lot more than 1.5 miles daily.  So don't talk down me like I am clueless.  I have owned race horses for sometime now and I know their physical limitations.  Don't put words in my mouth either, I couldn't care less if the filly runs in the Belmont, I never gave the opinion that I thought she should.  I would never put one of my runners in harms way. In my previous posts, I stated FACT, not opinion.  There is a difference.

AMY ROONEY, your story about your rescued racehorse got to me.  There is a certain filly I fell in love with 2 years ago, and wanted to do the insane thing of claiming her.  Of course I did not claim her at that time, and now 2 years later she is running cheap claiming races on a bush track.  It is so depressing; I just want to buy her to save her life, but don't have the facilities to keep her.  As you said... so sad.  I can't watch those cheap claiming races either.

Zenyatta's connections are after Personal Ensign's perfect record not HOY.  I think Personal Ensign beat the 1988 Kentucky Derby winner twice, once in the Breeder's Cup Distaff picking up Older Female mare allowing Winning Colors the best filly eclipse.  I see the same scenario unfolding.  If RA does not run in the Breeder's Cup she will have no chance of getting HOY.  If she does run, she gets beat.  History has not been kind to Winning Colors despite winning the Kentucky Derby (completely left off the top 100 of all time).  History has been kind to Personal Ensign (ranks 40-50 on the all time greats list).  Undefeated vs. a Kentucky Derby winnner...which is more important?  

I do admire that D. Wayne Lukas is a sensitive person. He cried when LANDALUCE died. And he was not afraid to show his emotions when his son had that horrible accident. Lukas is emotional about that, in public, to this day. I think his humanity is commendable and wonderful. And, as I said, he's a nice man to talk to, very polite and friendly. I like the guy. I apologize to him if I was harsh (not that he cares what I think) in my comments about the longevity of most of his horses. Maybe he has improved over the last few years. I think there were just so many breakdowns in the 80's and 90's that I stopped paying attention to him in the last few years. But, whatever, he's a friendly and outgoing man, a real human being, and I like those qualities in a person.

Excuse me? You can't watch cheap claiming races because why? Do you realize that 80-90% of races run in NA are for a tag. Do you realize that most people training racehorses may never have a stakes horse. Do you know for sure that the people that run these horses don't look after them as good as the ones who make millions? Do you know that many cheap horses run until they are 10 and up and are still competitive because they have been looked after all their lives?

LDP,

   Spot on regarding HOY, As of right now(I know, Long way to go), I have the same top three, 1. Einstein, 2.Rachel 3.Mine that Bird, BUT, When MTB wins Saturday, He flys(Pun intended!) to the lead, Second, On your idea on new Triple Crown, I will pass, good idea in theory, but the Triple Crown Needs to stay the same, for the history of the sport.  

What the casual race fan does not know in regards to Jackson's decision is this...Rachel runs and some "freakish" thing happens and then the Matchup of ALL matchups would NEVER happen. What I'm referencing is a showdown of the 2 Greatest Fillies to EVER "bite a bridle" in The Classic in Oct. This would be the 1st time that Colts would be running for Place. Zenyatta and Rachel is exactly what The Sport of Kings needs and Marketed PROPERLY!!! From a realist perspective the Draw alone would be of the grandest of stages not to mention the story lines. I commend Mr. Jackson and his fortuitiveness and I'm sure agonizing Decision. The only way Z-girl and Rach do not run 1-2 is if Curlin or BROWN come out of Retirement!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bet against THAT exacta...I triple-dog dare ya!!!!!

Mike S.

I didn't call you an a**. Jason didn't edit it with the asterisk, I did. Meeting a man once doesn't make you 'know' him, I've read your posts, sort of similar to listening to someone talk on a day to day basis so I probably 'know' you better than you 'know' Wayne.

Reputation? Defensive? No he's a friend of mine, I've been in the industry long enough to know that a lot of what people 'say' or report is slanted depending on their feelings about the guy in question. The odds are more against you the bigger your barn, that's a fact. Plus, if you were on here bashing ANY of my colleagues who have had things happen beyond their control or when they thought a horse was okay, I'd defend them. Mostly because if they aren't guilty of heavy duty drug positives year after year like some we know of, then bad things just happen all the time like Amy said. Thoroughbreds are fragile animals.

Finally, I'm not 'calling you out', you called yourself out. WE are having a heated conversation one to one albeit via a blog commentary. I'm who I say I am so I'm discussing this with you one on one.

Not too much fun being questioned (even when your comments were FAR MORE offensive to Wayne and anyone who is a friend of his) is it? How would YOU feel if I was doing it to you in absentia with your REAL name, based strictly on my perception of you from what I've read?

I've never appreciated anyone who talks about someone who is nowhere in sight, especially when the person doing the talking isn't basing it on personal experience. Ever think that some of what you READ is slanted to settle old scores? Sort of like every single expert saying that Eight Belles tragic end was a fluke, an accident never seen by even the most experienced vets. Yet there are those who can't stand to not sensationalize it and make it a conspiracy theory.

Amy when you mentioned barrel racing, you just reminded me of the kinfolk who rodeo and I remembered the big barrel races in Tulsa and Vegas coming up. I love to watch that event, some FAST horse there and can turn on a dime, sure are powerful animals. Kind of like coming out of the starting gate 4 times isn't it?

You ride a thoroughbred or an appendix? Hope you have some good luck. I know nowadays with the new way they do it they sure have a lot more barrel races than in the old days.

158 days until Zenyatta's Breeder's Cup Distaff win.  I just bought my tickets.

IS RACHEL ALEXANDRA GOING TO RUN ON THE 27TH AT BELMONT PARK?  IF SHE CAN'T DO NOW WHAT MAKES YOU THINK SHE WILL IN THREE WEEKS! IT'S STILL BELMONT! GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS I DON'T GET IT! I WOULD LIKE TO SEE RACHEL ALEXANDRA GET HORSE OF YEAR AND THE BELMONT STAKES WOULD HAVE PUT HER OVER THE TOP! I LOVE RACHEL ALEXANDRA WITH ALL I GOT!

Somethingroyal,

     I am jealous of you and others who got the chance to see Zenyatta in California!, She is one Beautiful Filly, Striking!, Anyways, Thought that you and others that appreciate her greatness, Would love this video(I know I did!), Her "Little Dance" starts around the two minute mark, and continues throughout...Rather then Post a video of her winning a race(Umm, Which, by the way,  would be all of them, lol), I thought this would remind some people here, What pure poetry in motion these great Athletes are, Enjoy:

www.youtube.com/watch

Wanda, I appreciate your educated input, as always.  I would like to believe that my cheap claimer is being looked after as well as if she was a stakes winner... but, the reality is she is a maiden claimer who is dropping lower and lower in class; she lost her last race by over 10 lengths and they raced her again 12 days later.  Now, in my uneducated opinion, they should find another profession for this incredibly beautiful creature, who clearly does not want to be a race horse, and stop trying to make her into something she is not.  And, I wish someone other than myself would give a hoot about her.

Greg J-  

thank you for the link to the Zenyatta video. Theres another video from a fan thats filming that I think im in for about 1/2 a second. lolol

i wish i would have taken a video of her but i'll do that for the vanity!

Bloodhorse, THANK YOU!! Just got this week's mag in the mail and Zen's picture is BEAUTIFUL!!

Greg, I did see her run in Cali every time, and at Oaklawn. She's something to see for sure.

Saw Rachel at the Oaks, she ran well on her home track. She struggled a little at the Preakness IMHO and also according to Hal.

On this thing with Wayne? Someone, (she knows who she is, knowledgable and nice), asked me if I met Paris Hilton once wouldn't I say I 'met' her and might talk about her. Said I didn't 'care' to meet her and I'm not one for analyzing what celebrities do, I'm not a teenage girl.

But truthfully, the battles he had with the press in years past, when doing the same exact things others like Baffert did (he ran Silverbulletday in waaay over herself and ran her into the ground)only he challenged the press and they didn't like him for that, everyone in racing knows that. Bob has had a lot break down, a lot of guys less well known have too. The tracks in Cali, where Lukas based for years, were notorious for being speed biased and likened to running on concrete, that's one reason they went to all synthetics. Not that it helped much at the beginning of the SA winter meet.

But it seems to me, as a gambler and a fan, that the question here is how Rachel not being in the race is affecting the viewership and attendance at the race. In less than a week all that will be answered and most of you will go back to talking and waiting for the Haskell or the Travers or probably even the BC.

To me? The reason some on here get really upset and passionate is they don't like their lives dissected by people who don't really know everything that goes on inside their world.

The ones saying the stuff? Maybe envy, jealousy and wishing they could be inside that world, not just speculating on what goes on.

TO:RS

Fine! Whatever!

To:Wanda

You don't get it! I don't behave as If I'm an expert,never have. You continue to try to make a contest of proving your knowlege is greater than mine.Don't recall stating that I know more than you. You can quote fractions,Beyer numbers all day for what I care. Some on this blog and others' come as if their opinions are the only opinions that matter. I'm done!

In regard to the posts about lower level claimers...I reccommended this book on the blog about older horses and I'll do it again here. The Eagle & The Plum by Gene McCormick. It is a great read. The (true) story of 2 TBs who race til they are 13 and 14 and the people who love them.

Atthebarn2...This year I will try for some goggles! I will be going to the Hollywood Gold Cup(I will be there thurs-sun) and hope to get to see the backside of HP before it is gone. I also plan to go to this years BC (it's my 40th b-day present to myself). I will try to meet as many people as I can, like I said I get bolder every year, lol. P.S. I would love D. Wayne if you could arrange it...:).

Atthebarn2: First of all, you engaged me in conversation by attacking me. And you broke all your own rules when you did it. What happened to your rules you posted earlier about how "In my day and age, you don't call out someone who you don't know, who isn't talking to you and who doesn't want to be in a conversation with you"?

I DID NOT POST ANYTHING TO YOU OR ABOUT YOU. So you definitely are out of line, and you're definitely in the wrong, and you definitely broke your own hypocritical and self-righteous "rule" that you, apparently, hang only on others. What happened to "in my day and age you don't call out someone who isn't talking to you?" Why would you call me out then? I wasn't talking to you!. So that makes you a hypocrite, just for starters. And how about the part where you said, "and doesn't want to be in a conversation with you"? It looks like you violated that part, too, because your comments to me were uninvited and unappreciated.

I posted something about D. Wayne Lukas. I didn't say I "know" him! I said he's a really good trainer, because he has won everything there is to win, and he's also, at the same time, not a very good trainer, because so many of his horses either broke down or died, or just didn't last very long, for whatever reason. I have a right to say that, as that has been my observation over the last 30 years. I posted about Lukas, a very public figure.

What were you suggesting by this comment? "However, like some of the friends I've made on here have talked about, we could probably arrange for you to REALLY meet him and tell him to his face"?

You said "I am who I say I am," and I have NO IDEA who that is, nor do I give a hoot! And you most definitely tried "calling me out," but you failed, of course, because you made yourself the perfect hypocrite while trying. If you wanted to "defend" Lukas you should have done it, instead of attacking me. Why don't you write a post extolling his virtues and try doing it without being ugly and offensive?

The world-wide web, by and large, is anonymous, whether you like it or not. I'm not going to post my name and address on the internet, especially not with all the crazy people on here (I won't name names). This is a forum where people, mostly anonymously, post their opinions, good and bad, about famous people and famous horses. If you can't handle it, that's too bad. And if you can't refrain from attacking people for their opinions, then you probably need to find another way to spend your recreational time because your belligerence is not suited to these discussions.

I've seen many horses "piaffing in hand" as one blogger said, and none ever looked like her. I've watched dressage competitions,and with her structered moves those are trained steps. Anyone out there ever see a Antonio Aguilar or Vincente Fernandez show as they tour the US with their horses? (They are Mexican singers) Their horses are taught the same moves in order to dance while they sing. A lot of work involved. So I disagree that Zen is excited. And yes I know all about it, one of my old boyfriends traveled with Antonio Aguilar for 6 years.

Now back to the arguing.........:)

Householder(and Anyone else)...I do not care about haveing a seat at the BC, I will spend most of the day(s) in the paddock, but I am worried about waiting to buy tickets at the gate (I will be travelling down from Oregon). Did you go last year and do you know if there is a danger of them "selling out" at the gate? I am willing to purchase seats to make sure I get in. Do you(or does anyone) have any advice?

Mike Relva... relax...relax everyone knows I am the expert around here.

LDP, that's what they have in Canada - one race each of dirt, turf & synthetic. I like it. It looks like versatility is going to be more and more important in the future and in breeding. I think that's why Einstein is still running. He's a wonderful horse, but he doesn't have the 'in' bloodlines. The only horse to have Grade I wins on all three surfaces right now is Lava Man and he's a gelding. If Einstein wins his next one, he'll be the only horse at stud who can say he has too.

Can't stand it, got to wade in. Don't know what stinks more, a closed mind or fact intolerant!

1. Since when is Arkansas a suburb of California?  Zenyatta won the Apple Blossom at Oaklawn last year, kicking butt as usual. Last time I heard, it was run on dirt

but hey keep your opinion of her, facts and truth be dammed!

2. She was shipped to Kentucky to run on May 1st. Sloppy track, her first time out this year and the connections passed. The whole purpose was to showcase her for the racing world but the weather didn't cooperate. Her owners, the Mosses, apologized but would not take a chance with her. Doing what's best for the horse, priceless.

I think Rachel Alexandra is a real

nice filly and she has the Preakness to prove it but Zenyatta is Zenyatta. 10 for 10 against the best fillys that challenge her is something entirely different. Until someone beats her, Zenyatta is the Queen! She dances like a show horse before every race. It's like a prize fighter shadow boxing before entering the ring. Awesome thing to see.  

Some say Rachel won't run in the Belmont because it's a mile and a half. Hogwash! She has the conformation and pedigree to run all day. Has it occured to anyone that her prior training might play a part in her lack of conditioning for the Belmont? The race is very kind to tactical speed, which she certainly has and is not kind to come from behind closers like Mind the Bird. I believe the race is perfect for her but I don't believe she's ready for that distance. I also believe Mr. Jackson is not going to run her because we had a "Filly in the Belmont", and he is all about careful placement for her to attain the most bragging rights. The Traverse or the Jockey Gold Cup, then maybe the Classic. Thus giving her a Curlin equivalency.

3. Cigar won more races than Curlin entered! Sixteen in a row! How can you say Curlins record is better than Cigars? Curlin was a very good horse, carefully placed for maxium return. The only record available to him was Cigars and that's what they went for. Oh, it was the money record, not the wins in a row record. Look at the purse differences, if Cigar was winning the amounts Curlin did, they never would have touched his record.

Where did this "if" thinking come from? If Rachel wasn't in the Preakness, Mind the Bird would be aiming for a Tripple Crown. What are you? A dreamer, a schemer or an idiot thinker? Before the Preakness all you heard was "yeah, wait till she hooks up with Big Drama. A real world class speed horse". Well, she did just that  and still beat Mind the Bird. Play it over and over and she still wins. Get over it.

All this weeping and wailing and nashing of teeth over Mind the Bird. Who guaranteed a win by him? Last time I looked, other horses were entered in the Belmont and this girl thinks Mind the Bird will be given a bird by a Musket Man!

Greg J,

    Thanks. I would not move MTB up to front runner if he wins the belmont, but i'd tie him with RA. My reasoning is because coming in the 1 2 1 in the TC is a great accomplishment, but a six race winning streak, including a 20 length Oaks and a gritty Preakness win evens them up. They both need to face Einstien or older horses and win to one up einstien, especially if he pulls of the Grade one on three surfaces deal. If they both do beat older horses, i'd run them both in the Classic to settle it. The classic in this case would be the deciding factor, because they are so close. Einstien is going to be there to, so that will really be a heck of a race. Can you imagine that race, the ever so versitle, hard knocking seven year old Einstien, the Oaks and Derby winner facing off with the Euros! Think of the marketing in that race. All horses have been on poly and won to, and i think most of the tracks play turflike, like SA, and Einstien already has a win over the pro ride. Zenyatta if she want the title this year needs to either be in the Classic or just do something way extordinary. By that i mean even better than an unbeaten record.

    The new TC thing was just what you stated, theory. I had just been on another blog, where some wanted change, others argued that it would take away from the level of accomplishment by making them easier. I agree with the latter. The reason i came up with that is one it sounded interesting, two it kind of went with both sides, i changed the time, kinda the distances, but i maintained the level of hardness, or i think i did. But again thanks for the compliment.

I love the Belmont Stakes, it's always such an exciting and spectacular contest. I have been to see 5 Belmonts "live" and each time it was awesome. Too bad I wasn't there for DA' TARA's tour de force (the only one of his life) last year, though. I'm torn between MINE THAT BIRD and MR. HOT STUFF this year, but CHARITABLE MAN, being the probable lone speed, is gaining my interest a bit now.

Also this weekend I hear that LIQUIDITY is likely to move to the turf for the Charlie Whittingham (Gr-1) at Hollywood Park. I would love to see him win that race. He is a spectacular looking horse, all grown up and looking good.

And I think TIZAQUEENA is going to keep right on rolling (and winning) this weekend at Churchill Downs.

Zookeeper:

Yes, a happy horse that never gets a chance to reach her potential. If they keep her in LA and don't beat colts, she probably won't get HOTY even if she wins them all. IF RA continues to win all over and beat the colts one more time, she gets HOTY. It's over.

Hoseholder:

They CAN'T duplicate what Personal Ensign did. PE raced in NY, Saratoga, New Jersey and Kentucky, beat the Derby winner, and beat the males in the Whitney. Her record will not be matched by    wins over the same bunch of females, all in California by Zenyatta, even if she tops Personal Ensign's 13 for 13.

Rachel Alexandra is the star right now. More people know who she is than know Zenyatta. HELL, SHE'S GONNA BE ON THE COVER OF VOGUE MAGAZINE next week!

Zenyatta? You won't see her there.

Get her on the road and maybe she will get more ink. What a waste to just stay in La La Land.

Karen in Indiana,

    Wow. I didn't know that Canada had something like that. Do you know the distances and spacing between the races? Better yet what races are they that way i can look them up myself, i love research. I hate all the crap about in bloodlines, it's rediculous. To be bred to a horse that has a grade two win on dirt, and was third in a grade one on dirt, and has won grade ones on the other two surfaces is a privelege. To also get some new blood in the lines would be fantastic. He's also been a sound horse for years, theres the longevity. IMO bloodlines don't mean that much, do they help, yes, but not that much. I believe one of the TC, no a couple of them came from modest backgrounds, i think two were Assult and Affirmed.

Mike R you were done a long long long time ago.

To funny Draynay!

Donna,

    Curlin may not have 16 wins in a row, but name me another horse other than secretariat to go from maiden to HOTY in one year. Name me a horse that went from maiden to Classic winner in 8 months. Curlin was grade one place on grass, Cigar hated grass. Curlin came back from Dubai and won five more grade one races. His only two losses came on surfaces he'd never raced over. How is going on grass, then racing in a race you didn't want to careful placing for max return? How is going in Grade ones all year long careful at all?! He was out there, in open company all the time, anybody that wanted to could race him. It's not his fault they didn't come. Had Curlin had his races carefully picked, and had the Classic been on dirt Curlin would have had an unbeaten season, and two BCC wins. That is why Curlin's record is at least equal to Cigars.

If you treat RA, as stunning & awesome as she is (make no mistake - I love her wildly!)as a  sort of an anomaly that spontaneously occured in the Preakness, and if you simply subtract her from that picture in order to focus more clearly on what else happened, then MTB - should he win the Belmont - should truly be considered a Triple Crown champion, having endured the entire contest & having prevailed  in all three races. Sad, then, that he will only be credited for 2 11/12ths victories in the record books...but I, for one, will think of him that way...as a TC champion whose title was denied by the presence of another horse from another world, who dropped in and out of one race, and spoiled his accomplishment by her brilliance.

"D. Wayne Lukas' opinion about the Triple Crown doesn't count. Most of his horses only last long enough to be on the track for about a year. Sometimes I think he's a great trainer, because he has won everything, multiple times, and sometimes I think he's a horrible trainer because of how many of his horses break down or die. To me, his opinion about the Triple Crown is irrevelant because he, and trainers like him, are part of what's wrong with racing and the ever-increasing delicate nature of our racehorses. You don't see too many 4 year olds trained by Lukas - they're all "done" by the time they're 3 years old! The average racehorse's average number of starts is decreasing drastically and it may not be long before 1 or 2 starts will be the norm...and then we won't have a sport.

Mike S 01 Jun 2009 2:16 AM "

My last comment on the subject.

First, you posted this comment on a board where we are ALL part of the conversation. To me you did it in response to my defense of Wayne's stance on the subject to some others and it came across as trash talking to me and a few others. My comment was saying he has every right to give his opinion, just like anyone who has been there and done it.

Second, I explained that he had a lot of horses in his barn at that time so the %'s are against a guy as far as break downs go. Plus the fact that a lot of his colts met the same fate as so many good colts, they were retired to stud, saying if you don't own the colt there's only so much you can do to stop them going to the breeding shed.

I called you out as you refer to it only because I was defending the character of the man as a trainer, a colleague and a friend.

I couldn't possibly quote on here all the horses he has done great things with as opposed to the ones he has had break down.

IF you were only speaking to ONE person on here, and not opening up your comment to discussion then you should have made that clear. Although I doubt anyone in racing or anyone who knows him could have restrained themselves in the face of those nasty little remarks.

I only commented to you when you let things get pretty meanspirited.

No you aren't talking about me, but how did you really know that?

I certainly hope if you had a friend and someone spoke about you like you did about Wayne, that they would come to your defense.

You said he's what's wrong with racing? Many of the greatest trainers in the game think if he hadn't been in it, it would have died a long time ago. Just his assistants, like Kiaran, Mike, Becky, Dallas, Todd etc make his contribution worthwhile.

Maybe you should re-read your comments, see if it was someone you know, really know, if it wouldn't tick you off.

Would it have been better for him to come on here and tell you off, denegrate your character like you did his? Would that make you feel important, or is it better to anonymously insult a man who isn't defending himself?

I personally just don't see what your comments accomplished.

As I explained, you made yourself fair game when you made the comment to all of us on here. If you think I was half as rude or nasty as you were you need to rethink that.

Also as I said, I was talking straight to your FACE, you opened yourself up for it when you put your comments on here. I didn't make an unwarranted, out of left field attack on you, YOU did that to someone in the industry and someone who I know who wasn't here to defend themselves.

The first one is the Queens Plate at 1 1/4 on poly at Woodbine, the second is the Prince of Wales at 1 3/16 on dirt at Ft. Erie & the third is the Breeders Stake at 1 1/2 on turf at Woodbine. No, I don't have them memorized, had to look them up. :-) They've been running their races since I think 1853 and they only have seven winners. Of course, the poly is a recent change, but it kind of puts our TC in perspective. We have 11 winners in a shorter time period. Einstein is one of my favorites & I'm planning on seeing him June 13th at Churchill.

LDP Google Woodbine Racetrack. There are 3 races, The Queens Plate on poly, The Prince of Wales at Fort Erie on dirt and The Breeders Stakes at Woodbine on grass. The Queens Plate is the oldest running Stakes in NA.

LDP: The Queen's Plate, the Prince of Wales and the Breeders' Stakes - Cdn Triple Crown.  The Queen's Plate is up soon -- our Kentucky Derby (Eye of the Leopard looks good for this now)

BTW, when Queen Elizabeth dies and Charles or William become King, it'll change to be called the King's Plate.

(and we've already had a filly triple crown winner - look it up)

ps Mike S, what really saddens me is you seem like a fan, you seem like you know what you're talking about with the horses and really are interested in the game. Some of your opinions and mine even coincide with each other.

Why ruin it all with something that had no place on here and was just a infinitesimal part of the whole story, and piled on.

If you want to get real technical about it? YOU barged in and attacked my two comments made initially to Emilio P and a couple others about Wayne having a right to his opinion. Sure it might not have been me you attacked, but it was my comment way before yours that precipitated it.

So just double check your facts on MORE than just one thing next time.

Barb,

I was at the Cup last year(2008) and they did not sell out of entrance tickets.

Good idea to spend most of the time in the paddocks area. You can really see the horses up close. That's what I did in 2003. That area of Santa Anita is in the sun and the heat really got to me. It was nearly 100degrees. It was really crowded and very, very hot.

So, last year I purchases a seat, in the shade and I bought one for this year also.

Remember it's two days. I don't know if they plan to have Friday "Ladies Day" as they did last year.

If people come only on Saturday they will miss Zenyatta in a possible race with Rachel Alexandra. That should be GREAT!!!

Greg J,

Thank you for posting the video of Zenyatta. What a beauty. I hope to make the drive up from San Diego on the 27th to watch her run in the Vanity. I can't wait to see her again.  

re: Zenyatta and her "dressage"

It's not a piaffe, as that is pretty much an in-place movement at a trot with plenty of engagment behind.

It's also not a passage, as that is a trot with a period of suspension. She doesn't have any engagement in the hind legs, and that's required.

It's more of a Spanish walk that you'll see Andalusians do. She's reaching out with her feet, not just lifting her knees.

From some of the video I've seen, she'd be a natural at half-pass and full-pass. She does get good extension when she reaches out sideways.

My head is spinning...Oh please don't compare Arkansas to Cali. I will have to move..and I like my Oaklawn track..lol :)

As for Jess Jackson as I rememeber pre race. He was asked what he was going to do with his Super filly. He stated that he was going to breed her to Curlin and have a Super baby by these two Super horses in the future. Maybe he is holding her back so as not to have any problems to her so he can have his Super baby and and start more of this wonderful commercialization of Super Bionic runners. God love the dreamers and the horses who fly for them...

Wow, you miss a day, you miss a lot on this blog.  For starters, it's easy to buy tickets outside of all the major horse racing events.  Breeders' Cup is one of the easiest.  I have sat in the 3rd floor clubhouse the last 15 Derbies after arriving with no tickets in hand each time.  Don't buy from scalpers.   Buy from rich people who have extra tickets.  They tend to have better seats and not care about the money as much.  I sat in the same box as D. Wayne Lucas during last year's Derby.  He is a very kind man.  Perhaps his detractors need to count the number of horses he trains and see if there is a statistically significant difference in the number of breakdowns he has compared to other trainers.  In addition, I think some of his horses had depression issues and may have killed themselves.  Lastly, whey not show the footage of Secretariat "moving like a TREMENDOUS machine" and then superimpose Mind That Bird winning the Derby for a commercial leading up to the Belmont?  The horse racing industry is its own worst enemy.  You have to spend money to make money.  A bleee, a bleeeee, a bleeeee, that's all folks.

LDP,IMO bloodlines are important. That's where the traits come from of what the breeders are trying to accomplish in their horses.  (Notice I post "trying").  Breeders try for the best crosses, but as always it is totally up to nature. In "modest" horses, the traits were there,and everything gells at the right time with the right cross.

First some responses to some prev posts...

1. Steve S - class is something that is accomplished not born with. That's called breeding. Which poses the question, explain why Charitable Man doesn't have the class. 3 for 3 on dirt with 2 "impressive" graded stakes wins. Untested on dirt. Wanna know who your pick is.

2. Pam- do you think racing benefits from a gelding winning  any of the TC races not to mention just the Derby. How about lineage and legacy, does that mean anything to you?

Yes we all remember Funny Cide, a great story all around but we'll never see a foal from him. RA's purchase was no guarantee, there aren't any in any sport forget racing. JJ is a gambler, a visionary, someone who looks and thinks outside the box. What else do you do with a $10 million filly? He stuck his neck out there not only in reputation but the real thing, money. Give credit where it's due, they saw greatness in something ( albeit it wasn't that hard ), and your still blind if you can't.

3. jr and Billys Empire- you are the only two posts I've seen  talking of one of my best picks of the year, CM. I'd like to know what u like about him. His price is going to take a huge hit without RA running. RA was my previous pick of the year but oddly enough CM would still be my pick of the year even with RA.

4. Matthew W- I agree with your assesment of Summerbird. Although a lot of upside, think he'll need another race or two. But a punchers chance at a price. Definite exoctics must use. Looks like a grinder !!!

5. Jason- where is Gun Bow? Always enjoy his insights. Haven't seen any posts, please call him out to us, we need some of his experience in here. Thanks.

Now some rants and raves.

The whole RA vs. Zen' arguement brings to mind a filly I thought was unbeatable. That is until she left NY. I remind you of Sky Beauty, and that she was. Trained by one of the greatest horsemen of all our time H.A. Jerkins.  Did anyone who remembers all the lead up to the BC Distaff think she was beatable in their heart of hearts? She couldn't carry her track with her as much as I hate to admit it because she is one of my top 3 fillys of all time. Which leads me to Zen', fools once shame on you, fool me twice...!!!! So prove your the best, race on more than 2 surfaces, quit beating up the same fillys and mares. Even if she eclipses Personal Ensigns mark of undefeated races I won't put her in the same breath as her. I think she is great, but you have to do something extrodinary to get in the RHOF. So come on East young lady, please. That prerace dance is something in all my years I've never before. I thought she couldve beaten the boys last year and this year looks no different. But only because where the BC is held. Solidify, without arguement, your place in history and come east against RA or beat some boys and you'll have my nod. Opinion- RA and Zen' equal right now.

And lastly the Belmont.

From my experience rangey horses with long strides are most successful at Belmont. Now more than ever a more unique surface with the intro of poly and cushion surfaces I believe a proven affinity for this particular surface is crucial.

That being said CM will reign "The Tests" champ. In my years in observance of a great trainers, only equaled by some, K. McLaughlins modesty and verbage with his predictions and confidence of his horses has been just that. Have you heard of him talk of CM? This is the only horse I've ever heard him so boastful about, and it didn't just recently start. Rewind any tapes of interviews with him and you'll find his enthusiasm with CM started before Cm's first race. Asked" who's your top prospect", his answer- CM. This even before he started. Before the BlueGrass he almost conceitedly all but exclaimed CM's chances of not just winning that but being a formidable force in the Derby. This from such a modest, reserved individual. His own brother even called him out on his being pompose about CM's chances, an implied Shhhhhh. He just can't contain himself. Never heard him so confident and to me that with CM's resume, breeding, upside, affinity for surface and pace scenario he's a cinch. Unfortunately I believe even if he beats MTB and everone else he won't be taken seriously. Ppl will make their excuse why he won, or more so why any of the others didn't. That's ok because he'll continue to prove that he is the best 3yo now actively racing. We'll see if I'm right about all this soon enough. But my $ will be far exceding my mouth and thoughts. At 3-1 he's my pick of the year so far. Who will, if any, crown me if correct? Not only about the Belmont but for the remainder of his season? Looking forward to some rebutles, and reinforcements.  Here's to a safe race above all else.  

How do you criticize a team that takes care of their horse to the tune of huge moves in every race---AND runs in the championship race v all comers?.....You still have to look at the horse...she's running four more times...try her....

Just have a spare moment, ill relative.

Anyway, they're really pushing the Calvin Borel personal TC angle. I'm just not sure he's as well liked as he was just before the Derby, judging from what I've read on different boards.

Other than Mark Allen the connections of MTB came off as much more likeable, down to earth and good sportsmen than the others did.

Kind of interesting to see who vanned to Belmont and who flew, kind of a reversal of fortune.

The big thing is, most of the trainers, handicappers and even the 'commentators' like Randy Moss (although I liked him much better before he became a 'star') say that this is a riders race. Basically if you look at Stewart, Kent, Robby, Jose even back to Chris Antley you'll see that the length of the race seems to make them do things out of character. They can be given instructions but they can't be stopped from engaging in a speed duel, which really seems to get them or other riding that just kills their horses chances.

Guess either one who is savvy and won't fall for the fools prize, like a Stevens or a newbi like a Mena, Garcia etc who might be inclined to listen to what the boss tells them to do may just jump up and win one.

Should be an interesting race to handicap, the long race, wide sweeping turns may help some horses that seemed to be on the move in the Preakness.

Unfortunately I just don't see this being a big sale to the casual fan, or even the avid FAN.

To me it's more of a gamblers race, that and a race trackers race.

Hey Wanda, will catch up when I'm back. Hang in and keep up the good work!

Some random comments:

LDP: Not that I would rate him anywhere near Curlin or Cigar but wasn't Fantastic Trick a 2yo HOY?

Ted from LA: I'm still giggling over some of your comments: depression issues and Jesse Jackson = Michael Jackson analogy.

Finally: what the heck is going on with all the "you attacked me" stuff running back and forth?   What with all the in-fighting, I'm missing out on my daily dose of information, facts and funny.  Enough already.  Leave the attack dog stuff to Draynay (at least until the Belmont, when he loses the Draynay-Against-The-World Challenge because he can't bring himself to believe, really believe in MTB).

Saratoga AJ.  Yes I enjoyed Personal Ensign's Whitney as she kicked but over 2 horses.  It was not her fault that no one showed up.  However, I think Lady's Secret's Whitney was even more spetacular.  RA's speed reminds me a bit of the Iron Lady who also won the BC Distaff at a then 1 1/4 mile distance setting some pretty wicked fractions.  Lukas knew when to crank her up and probably one of the best horses that Pat Day ever rode.

And, Zenyatta as a dressage horse?

Somehow I just can't see a mare worth what she will be worth as a brood mare ending up in dressage.

I think her career and her life after racing is pretty well set.

Jerry and Ann won't let her go without the very best.

Again, with the warmbloods, dressage et al??????

Has anyone else bought their Breeder's Cup tickets yet?? :)

barb.  I bought a ticket at the gate last year for my father who decided to come.  I think it was $20.00 to see Zenyatta.  Both days I sat on some stairs at the top of the stretch for free.  I could see just as well as the $200.00 seats just above me. I wiggled my way down to the paddock (It's a bit strange with 1-7 being saddled on one side and 8-13 on another so know who you want to see before heading down there.  As for the walking ring forget it.  Can't see over the crowd.  Last year Friday was the best kept secret.  I think the crowd was estimated at 40,000 which leaves plenty of room to move.  SA has a huge infield which they use.  I don't think it would ever sell out.

Rich D: Jess Jackson will only gain my respect when he actually comes clean with the media and with the fans.

Now, what are you implying about geldings? Just because MTB is a gelding, he doesn't deserve to win any TC races? Just because he cannot sire foals does not mean he cannot make a name for himself at the very top echelon of racing. Frankly, you sound like you're saying you'd prefer either a colt wins the TC or nobody at all.

You talk about lineage and legacy and maybe twenty or thirty years ago, I would agree with you. But frankly, I feel that breeders have taken over the sport. And since they have, the sport has gone DOWNHILL. It has become more about the cash than sportsmanship or the fans. You asked if I think a gelding winning the TC would be good for racing and my answer is yes. DEFINITELY. And I'll tell you why.

If a colt wins the TC, I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that once his, the owners will maybe campaign him to the end of his 3-year-old season and then retire him, so they can pick up a big fat paycheck in the breeding shed. Greed ultimately runs this game and I think breeders have only added to that, to the detriment of the average racing fan. So if a gelding wins and obviously has no prospects in the breeding shed, he will keep competing as long as he is sound, and give racing fans a REAL, LONG-LIVED HERO to follow.

I'd rather have a proven TC winner in a gelding than some flashy million-dollar yearling (whose worth is measured ONLY by his sire) who never makes it to his four-year-old season. Has it ever occurred to you that a horse's legacy might be determined by more than just his bloodlines? MTB will always have a place in the history books, even though he will never have sons or daughters.

They don't give many HOY honors to girls.  Just as they don't give them out to many spinters or turf milers.  Take a look at Lady's Secret's 1986 Distaff win and you can see why she beat out HOY favorites Precisionist and Turkoman.  Not to mention her 4 wins, including the aformentioned Whitney, against the boys.  Let RA come on out to California run some Lady Secret fractions (23, 46, 110, 134) beat Zenyatta, and then we will talk HOY.  Until then, I think history will judge her (right or wrong) along side the likes of Winning Colors ( a winner of just one leg of the Triple Crown).  Didn't Lukas also have a late hand in training Azeri?  

LDP - I like your idea of adding another type of triple crown - in addition to but not instead of - the established one.  I would rather see it be for 4 year olds and up though (since the 3 year olds are already pretty busy and there is talk that things are already too tough on them-which I do not agree with). I would also really love to see the "Handicap Triple Crown", (the Metropolitan, Brooklyn and Suburban) return to prominence -  only 4 horses have ever won that.  Anything that will promote racing and perhaps encourage owners to keep horses in training would be amazing!

When I made my initial comments about D. Wayne Lukas I was making my comments only about and in reference to D. Wayne Lukas and not in "answer" to anyone at all. I just thought I would chime in what I think of him. My first post about him was slightly harsh, but I made subsequent posts giving him credit for "winning everything" (all the major races) and for having a caring and compassionate side and for being a friendly guy. The guy has accomplished some amazing things! I forgot to include those good points in that first post. I have met so many people, like at Clocker's Corner (Santa Anita) who say that Lukas is "really hard on horses." I don't apologize for my conclusion, after 30+ years of observation that Lukas is, indeed, "hard on his horses." By the way, he trained some of my all-time favorites, such as: LADY'S SECRET, SERENA'S SONG, ALTHEA and STEINLEN...and did a great job!

I don't attack people, but I sure do take them to task when they attack me. You absolutely attacked me, personally, so you should just admit that, because it's a fact. Anyway, we'll just have to disagree, won't we? Thank you for the few complimentary words, I appreciate those.

You know who was a great horseman who was really in touch with his horses? Charlie Whittingham. I remember when GATO DEL SOL came back to race at the age of 6 and was 2nd and then won, in stakes races, and was being pointed to the Hollywood Turf Invitational just 9 days after the win. Charlie said, "This horse can't take another race and needs to be retired." As much as I wanted to see the horse run I totally respected Whittingham for doing the right thing. I think some other trainers would have just ran the horse, saying, "Oh, he's fine!" all the way to the horse's grave.

To me, a great horseman is one who not only wins races, but also actually has a living and sound horse to retire, instead of a carcass. Yes, horses break down. Yes, things happen. I know. I don't blame trainers for horses breaking down, generally, but when it happens with great frequency it just gives one a serious moment of pause and concern.

Here's some comic relief (not to be confused with dressage).  It is classic, though.  ;)

www.youtube.com/watch

LDP...Please pull up a copy of Cigar's past performances and really look at it. His 16 race win streak contained 10 G1s,the Dubai World Cup and 2 Mass Caps. He won the Donn and the Woodward twice. He was a two time HOY. He ran for 4 years racing 33 times and retired as the leading money earner. All of your "IFs" about Curlin are moot. You could "IF" ANY horse into a "great" career. But you can't change what REALLY happened with "IF". And what really happened is that Cigar had a MUCH better career than Curlin. There is a great book about Cigar by Jay Hovdey. I can reccommend MANY books,lol. Also I am not saying that Curlin wasn't a very good horse, I just don't believe he compares to Cigar. I really liked Curlin but I was IN LOVE with Cigar. P.S. "IF" the purses were the same Curlin would still be several million short of Cigar in $.

Zookeeper...Thanks for the response. I am not much of a worrywart but I would hate to make the trip to Cali and watch the races in my hotel! Maybe all of the commenters on here who go can wear green ribbons or something and meet up.

Rich D...If KM is higher on CM than he was on Invasor(who IMO was the best we've seen this century), then I'm on board. :)

Atthebarn2...Of course I meant I would love to meet D Wayne...not have him...lol.

sweet terchi,

    I never said bloodlines arent important, i said they can help, but don't alway mean everything. My reason is bloodlines don't make a classic winner or a TC winner. Yes you have traits from both sides inherited, a horse may have everything you want them to, heart speed stamina, but they my want to use those traits somewhere unrelated to racing, like eventing. Are you telling me that beacause both my parents like sports and did well that i'm going to grow up to be an athlete? Well, sorry but that aint happening. I am athletic, i do ride and show horses, but thats not what i want to do. That is my biggest point on blood lines, they don't decide a horses future.

mz, Wanda thanks,

    I googled it last night.

Rich D.,

I think Prince Harry is coming to New York.  Perhaps he can crown you if you're correct.

Horse racing in peril? Casual fans not tuning in? Betting patrons becoming frustrated? All 3 answers are yes & in my opinion, this is why, in no particular order.

1) Owners of the "stars" of racing can hardly wait to get their prize winners to the breeding shed to make the big money. This leaves the public with no "star" to follow. What other sport gets rid of the main attractions that gets people's attention? Can you say greed?

2. Integrity is of utmost concern for those in every profession except horse racing it seems. How many trainers, jockeys, owners, or others involved with the horse get a slap on the wrist for actions that should bring years of imprisonment? They get a small fine, a 7, 10, 30 day suspension?  Then, those guilty, are allowed right back into the game to do whatever they did again. They are at every track. Even the jockeys who did jail time are riding again! What the heck is that all about?

3. Fans of anything love a good product but when they are subjected to the greed & shenanigans of the selfish, unscrupulous charlatans of horse racing and continually watch as they walk free from the misdeeds they have performed, they will jump ship & find something better to fill the need for some excitement in their lives.

4. This is my favorite one. No one is in charge!! Rules vary from state to state. There isn't any conformity. It's do what you want where you want because there is no governing board & what happens in one state has no bearing on what happens in another state!! It's the wild west, a loose circus, and a mosh pit of derilects!! To the general public, it looks like no one cares.

No wonder no one cares, it's true!!

And let us not forget I WANT REVENGE. Did he really win the Wood Memorial on his own, or did that Mullins character administer some sort of performance enhancement? Couldn't he get it into the horse before the Kentucky Derby? Was he being watched too closely? Was the horse really too injured to run? << These are questions I heard at the track and you wonder why racing is in peril. Give me a break! The entire sport reeks with accusations, half truths, and people who are very questionable to say the least.

But hey, I'm a lifer. I am not going anywhere. :)

Rich D, I disagree that a gelding winning TC races doesn't move bloodlines foward. Funny Cide's two victories definitely enhanced Distorted Humor, and now Mine That Bird is going to move the well-bred but not fashionable Birdstone forward. (throw in a strong performance by Summer Bird and look out).

TO:WANDA

One of your problems is that you can slam but you can't take it. As long as you are the one doing the attacking you have no problem. I noticed yesterday you didn't comment on anything I wrote regarding stating incorrectly that people are jealous of Jackson,also your comment on people hiding behind user names,etc. I NEVER SAID you don't know about racing,but so do many others'. Trust me,you're not the only individual that knows alot!

WANDA, BARB,

NO NEED TO BE RUDE.  NO ONE HAS STATED THAT THERE SHOULD BE NO CLAIMING RACES, OR THAT THERE ARE NO SUCCESS STORIES.

BUT THERE ARE JUST AS MANY STORIES LIKE MINE, JUST LOOK AT THE BOOK THE BLOOD HORSE IS SELLING THE STORY OF SKIPINGO. WHAT ABOUT THOSE WHO SIMPLY DISAPPEAR FROM THE TRACK. A THOROUGHBRED IS ONLY REPORTED DEAD IF PAPERS ARE TURNED IN TO THE JOCKEY CLUB. JUST LIKE AQHA, ARABIAN ASSOC AND SUCH.

T BRED HORSES END UP IN ALL KINDS OF SITUATIONS. GREAT FOR THE ONES THAT GO ON. BUT HELBELLES AND I ARE TALKING ABOUT THE ONES THAT DO NOT.

ATTHE BARN2,

I LOVE CROSSES, ESPECIALLY ARAB AND QH. MY GOOD BARREL HORSE WAS A QH MARE BRED TO A POLISH IMPORTED ARABIAN RACING STALLION. I WON AROUND $600 TOTAL ON HER AND A SADDLE.  MY SECOND CROSS IS ONLY A YEARLING.

 I DO NOT HAVE ANY TURBO CHARGED OR HI POWERED HORSES, MAINLY BECAUSE I DO NOT FEEL I AM THAT GOOD OF A RIDER. WATCHING SOME OF THOSE GIRLS LIKE DELORES TOOLE (NFR QUALIFIER) AND AMY TURNER WHO WON THE BBR IN OKC, I AM JUST AMAZED HOW THEY STAY IN THE SADDLE.

I DO NOT KNOW BO HILL WELL, NOT TO GET INTO ANOTHER ARGUMENT LIKE OTHERS, BUT SHE HAS ALL DASH TO FAME HORSES. THERE ARE JUST SOOOO IMPRESSIVE!! COST THAT MUCH TOO.

MAYBE SOMEDAY I WILL GET SOMETHING WITH MORE POWER.

WHAT I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO DO IS CLAIM A QH MARE AT LOS ALAMITOS, OR LONE STAR. WITH GOOD BLOOD, BUT BETTER CONFORMATION, ADD IN THE SOUNDNESS OF THE ARAB AND BEST OF BOTH WORLDS.

 I WOULD LIKE TO TRY ANOTHER T BRED, CINDY RIJFKOGEL WILL NOT RIDE ANYTHING ELSE.

BUT I AM 5' SO IT IS HARDER TO GO TRAIL RIDING ON A LARGER HORSE, AND DO OTHER THINGS.

ALTHOUGH THE RESCUE(3/4 ARAB,AND ASB) I HAVE NOW IS 16 HANDS AND STEP STOOL BROKE.

Well, for my superfecta, I have to go with the old saying "A Bird in the race is worth two in the Belmont and there's always room for Chocolate and we all know a little Charity goes a long way."

I am thinking if MTB wins the Belmont, how wonderful it would have been for racing to have a TC esp. one that will probably run for a few more years and not rush off to the breeding shed. I would have loved  to see RA stay in the filly races and win all of them, to face off with Zenyatta later on. As for racing and the lack of interest, it is the industries own demise. We have never had good marketing and until we do, we will continue to shrink. Nascar and the NFL has great marketing and they flourish.

I BELIEVE THAT THE TC RACES ARE A SHOWCASE FOR STALLIONS.

MEANING EACH ENTRANTS SIRE. EVEN IF MTB WAS A COLT, IF I HAD A MARE  I WOULD BREED TO BIRDSTONE FIRST, WHO IS A PROVEN SIRE, THEN MTB WHO IS NOT.

 OTHER TC WINNERS WHO WERE COLTS THEN STALLIONS DID NOT PASS ON MANY QUALITIES,AND I BELIEVE OMAHA WAS STERILE?

IF A TC WINNER IS A PROLIFIC SIRE OR BROODMARE SIRE, IT IS BECUASE HIS BLOODLINE. WAR ADMIRAL WAS STILL ON THE TOP 100 BROODMARE SIRE LIST ALMOST 30 YRS AFTER HIS DEATH.  MTB AND SUMMER BIRD ARE GIVING BIRDSTONE A REAL BOOST. WHAT A WAY TO SHOWCASE A 'PROVEN' STALLION THAN A FOAL WINNING A TC RACE.

Pam,

    I agree with you 100 percent!, When and if a Gelding ever wins the Triple Crown, It will have nothing but an upside to it.  The legions of fans that would follow a gelding(Due to the fact, Remaining healthy of course, that he would stay on the track for years) would be overwhelming.  Like stated, A colt who won the Triple Crown, More likely then not, would be retired at the end of his(or hers!) third year, if not sooner!  Their are plenty of Sires and Mares to go around to breed.  This sport needs Heroes, Which IMO, A hero needs to be seen, And how possibly could a gelding that runs for 4, 5, even 6 years be detrimental to the Sport?, I just don't get that logic!  Mine that Bird is a great story, I don't think anyone can dispute that fact.  Say what you want about him, But being a gelding and an underdog just adds to him being great for the sport.  If, and when, He wins the Belmont, there can be no more disputing the fact that he is a true champion through and through!  Then to have the luxury and privilege to actually see him run for three of four more years is what this sport begs for!  I really don't see how anyone who loves this sport can disagree with that logic...

Many interesting comments, but many that miss the point.  Racing is still about the "pot", the gold at the end of the rainbow.  speculation about psychological motives, the "marketing" of the sport, and the potential of a still bigger race had JJ not entered RA is a load for the compost pile.  Jackson made an investment in a filly, won the Preakness, and got a chunk of change and is now protecting his lovely filly.  It is his money and his racemare:  he won the pot.  Not a bad rate of return, and a smart move.  The issues of this sport vis a vis other sports is moot.  Take the money, and let them all talk, talk, talk...

A lovely example of Piaffe, Passage', Spanish walk, a "spanish walk type movement" at the trot, Side-Pass Passage', half-halt in the Passage and a happy, listening, no tail-wringing or pinned ears athelete and rider.

www.youtube.com/watch

I dont care what you all say....but we DONT need another eightbells or ruffian or even barbaro. The horse is more important then the race. If the filly is tired let her relax...I would be tired too if I had to run against the boys.

Those of you who say " well she is in her stall most of the day, and well if i was them i would run her" I work at a track and the horses remain tired for some time...especially if they had to run with just a weeks rest. I have seen horses put down on the track because owners are stupid. I think jess is doing a good thing with Rachel. She needs a rest. We dont need more "good" horses dead... as it is we should be thankful that the horse will be able to run again.... she will be remembered because she was the first filly in 85 years to win the preakness. so those of you who say she wont be remembered thats bull... just think back to a few years ago and more.....think of all the horses who lost their lives on and away( in the hospital) the track. be grateful that this is still a sport

Rich D- What's up man. There are a few reason's why I really like Charitable Man.

1. He is 2-2 on the Belmont oval, broke his maiden there, and won the Peter Pan in hand 3 weeks ago.

2. CM is 3-3 on dirt, his only loss coming on the plastic, at Keeneland, after a 4-5 month layoff.

3. Third start off of a layoff, with a win in his second, and now he is ready to roll.

4. His sire, Lemon Drop Kid, won the Belomont in 99, but this is forgotten b/c Birdstone won in 04 and had two other horses entered in the race.

5. He is a fresh horse relative to other's that have been on the TC trail, excpet for Summer Bird(derby was 4th or 5th start.) His first race of the year was in April.

6. He will not be the favorite, and we should get a great price on him of 5-1 or higher. IMO, he will be 3rd or 4th choice, behind MTB, CC, and maybe dunkirk.

7. KM loves him, maybe even more than INVASOR, who was a monster! So with that said, I got $100 to win on CM

Amy, if you claim one off the track and you're inexperienced? You best get you a great barrel horse trainer.

My kin has had a few and the last one took a couple years to really start to fire and she's been riding since she could walk, breaking race horses and rodeoing since she was 7 or 8.

They have a Dash Ta Fame and some other high powered horses but they're real serious about it and belong to the WPRA etc.

You know that Dash Ta Fame stands in the dreaded New Mexico?

Lots of nice QH studs there.

When I was there in the old days, knew Walter Merrick real well and also Bubba Cascio who trained Dssh For Cash, but I knew him before that.

I understand there are some nice sons of Dash Ta Fame, a young up and comer in NM who has a reasonable fee a nice disposition. He's kinda little apparently but you being no bigger than a minute yourself, his progeny would probably suit you. Better yet a nice finished horse for divisional racing sounds perfect for you.

Prices are going down on them a bit too, just like the TB's.

For those who like the Belmont history, TVG had a little program about the Belmonts of the past I think earlier today.

For the guy talking about Jess getting the money? Heck that purse is pocket change to him. He's a billionaire.

Pearly, I'm not quite sure what track you work at or in what capacity but most horses are in the tub that night and on their toes in a day or two if they're as fit as Rachel. She was on her toes,bouncing on the track and  Mine That Bird is too.

I think that fellas point was, in 15 years she'll be a footnote to anybody but the avid fan. Records don't mean too much to the casual fan and frankly, people are correct when they say the racing fan is an aging one.

Guess until we get a horse that can rap, mug for the camera like LeBron and his crew then we won't get popular with the kids who crave constant action. I really don't think you'll see any people in the industry doing a lot of that. Baffert did for a while and he was seen at Lakers games but we're too much about hard work and business to have that go over too well. Also, some of us are so dang old we'd break something if we tried to jump in the air or whatever.

Mike,

I agree with you...but not sure about the "rate of return" quite yet. Reports are he paid more than $10 million for RA. He's got the money for sure, but may have over paid somewhat. I guess at 77, he's "shooting the works"...and wants the right girl for his beloved Curlin!

Not to change the subject, but I see Jimmy Jerkens's monster of a colt (17+ hands) is back in training. The feeling here is Quality Road is going to make some noise, and lots of it before this year is over. Jimmy's father, the great Allen Jerkens, is probably involved in getting him ready to return to the races. Did I hear Travers? BC Classic?  

LDP, but they DO help. Like I posted, all up to nature.

da3hoss & Tiznowbaby, well said, I may not know all the correct terms of the steps, (or rather I know them in another language), but that Zen Is one cool lady! :)

Mike S how many of those people that you met at clockers corner who told you tales about Wayne, had repeated butt whuppins by the guy?

One of the most common things in racing are the jealousies that go on. These guys are competitors, competing for the owners the horses and the purse money. Of course they're going to bash on the guy who is the winningest trainer of all time, he was taking food out of their mouths and a lot of them resented him.

But according to my friends who knew the great Charlie Whittingham and know John Nerud, they both said Wayne Lukas was the hardest working man in racing. Something I read once said that Nerud (one of the greatest horsemen ever IMHO) said Wayne worked like a dog, the reason he turned Codex over to him.

Tell me, when you have a person at work who gets all the accolades, all the bonuses and promotions, even if they're well deserved aren't you the teeniest bit jealous? Especially if your wife was needing a new car or a couch or had to cut down on groceries?

I'd say get off that ship, it's already sailed and has been discussed to death.

Oh by the way Mike R? You're feud with Wanda is getting old. Until you can back up your claims? Lay off, it's unbecoming of a gentleman. I know Wanda's background and have substantiated proof of that. Just like I do Mr. Lukas, Katsan, Atthebarn and a few others.

Greg, Funny Cide won two legs of the TC. He was a gelding. What does he do now? He is a stable pony. The common race fan may be intrigued by this, but in the end, it is all about money, and geldings bring you no money. If you look at the last few Derby winners, how much are their stud fee's? SJ is $100,000, Steet Sense is $60,000. Big Brown is $65,000, and then you have Crapamo, $7500. My point is, if you breed 120 mares to these colts, have 100 stand and feed, you just made between 6 and 10 million dollars from a horse that won between 6-9 races in their lifetime.  A gelding can not do that.

ATTTHEBARN,

I SAID IF I WAS EVER TO CLAIM ONE, THEN I WOULD BREED HER, NOT RIDE HER.

ALSO, I DID NOT KNOW WHERE DASH TA FAME STANDS BECAUSE I HAVE NO INTEREST IN HAVING A HORSE OF THAT CALIBUR. NOT EVERYONE STRIVES TO RUN IN THE WPRA.  IT TAKES REAL MONEY, SERIOUS MONEY TO DO ANYTHING PROFESSIONALLY.

THANKS FOR THE PUT DOWN.

I AM SURE YOU MEANT WELL.

barb? whew!!!!! Thanks for clarifying that. I really didn't want to be involved in your first request. He does alright with that himself too (oops, sorry). Don't want an angry girlfriend or your mad husband/boyfriend attacking me or have something worse happen.

Actually if he's there just go up and talk to him!

Barb,

    Cigar race for four years, but out of those how many was he a champion? Was he ever a champion three year old, no, did he ever lift a hoof on grass, no. Curlin was the last horse since Affirmed to do the Champ three and older horse, and he, like Cigar also was two time HOTY. Cigar ran for two years before he ever became a champion. Curlin in his two years of racing was champion in both years. Both won the Dubai, Curlin won the JCGC two years in a row, won the woodward and the Stephen Foster. He was unbeaten on dirt his four year old year. Was Cigar? Curlin ran in a stream of grade one races after his AK Derby. He was never out of the money no matter the surface, can Cigar say that. Curlin i believe is only the second horse to go from maiden to HOTY, and probably the only horse to go from maiden to BC Classic winner. Curlin as i said may not have a 16 win streak, but his accompishment that took him only two years to achieve stand along side of Cigar, who took four years to achieve.

Sweet Terchi,

    I never said they don't help, in fact i said in one of my posts that they can help, but IMO they are overated, and don't determine the outcome as much as ppl make them out to.

mz,

    He might have been, so Curlin, Secretariat, and Fantastic Trick. Wow only three horses to accompish such a feat, that sounds great to me.

Billy's Empire,

     Point taken, But, On the flip side, Mr. Wooley's exposure from Mine that Bird will bring him alot more quality horses to train, which relates to more money for him and all of his connections.  Every race that Mine that Bird enters will bring bigger gates to those tracks, more money.  Ad revenue generated in Mine that Bird's Races in the future, more money.  Owners of Mine that Bird will make a pretty penny if Mine that Bird goes on to have a great career, more money.  More casual fans interest in the sport will expand due to Mine that Bird, more money.  One less Stud fee is not the end of the world, There is still money to be made all around.

    And when it is all said and done, I don't think Mine that Bird will mind being a "Stable Pony", Just like, I am sure, "Funny Side" doesn't mind...

Billy's Empire:

Funny Cide is not a stable pony anymore. He resides with honor at the Hall of Champions at the Kentucky Horse Park, which you have probably never visited. No, Funny Cide won't make between 6 and 10 million dollars in the breeding shed. He'll do something even more valuable. He will make that many racing fans happy when they visit him in his new home.

Smarty Jones's fee has been "private" for over a year.

Stop counting your money. Learn something. Read The Blood-Horse.

Racingfan,

    Thanks. I too would love for an older horse TC. Maybe that would offer some insentive to owners to keep there horses in training longer.

da3hoss:

Love your superfecta. Very clever!

I am glad that Rachel is not going to the Belmont.

Remember Ruffian is all I can say.

Mine that Bird is a wonderful horse as they all are and they will do racing proud.

Billy's Empire, it's obviously not all about the money for Sackatoga, who bought Funny Cide already gelded (and incidently, he's no longer a stable pony -- he's a star attraction for the Kentucky Horse Park). They paid $75,000 for him, he returned $3.2 million. Yes there are no stud fees, but they knew that when they bought him. So again, it apparently wasn't all about the money.

ID RA remains healthy, we could have a 3 yr old filly as the favorite in the Breeders Cup Classic. How will the ratings and interest be that day?

Watching the 3rd on a thursday at PHILLY PARK?Jason you have been away from philly too long.There is no thursday racing there.As for the belmont i am looking for the other bird to surprise.SUMMER BIRD that is.

I will agree with Jordan L, the feud between Mike and Wanda is getting old. Wanda if you don't like mike don't read his posts. I for a while couldn't stand him, now he's one of my friends on the blogs. Mike is not being insulting from what i read, so can you both take a chill pill?

I am DEFINITELY still watching!!

Soldier Course & Tiznowbaby,

      Thanks, I to agree 100 percent about the money, Thanks also on "Funny Cide".  I am sure that all the money in the world couldn't match the joy of meeting a Champion, Such as Funny Cide, in person...

    Also, If you want to make it all about the "Money", Take Mine That Bird's Total Purchase Price of $ 409,500, His Earning's(So far!) of $ 2,011,581. That is a Net Profit of $1,602,081.  

    So, As I have stated numberous times before, The little "Gelding" is great for this Sport...

I spent a month at Philly Park one day.  On my tombstone it will read, "Upon his death, Ted from LA went straight to heaven.  He's already been to Philadelphia Park."

LDP,

   Ditto that....

LDP: Oops! Favorite Trick, not Fantastic Trick.

And didn't he finally end up in New Mexico, or am I dreaming that too?

Greg J, I'm one of those that will go to see Mine That Bird and I'm sure I can get some friends who aren't fans now to go along. Obligations kept me from going to Churchill to watch him work out, but I will make very sure to go see him if he's racing anywhere near here. And I will be at the Indiana Derby for sure if Musket Man, an underappreciated horse, is there. Or any of a number of very good horses this year. This is a better year for getting others interested in racing than last year - lots of good racing, there have been improvements in safety and to regulate the drug use, and so far not too many controversies. At least not when compared to last year.

Householder...Thanks for the response. Thanks for the paddock tip too! I have never been to SA so I hope to go for a few days before the BC and check it all out. And trust me, I'll be wherever Z is on Fri! With everyone else, :( trying to get a good photo of the back of some guys head,lol.

charitable man is weak,allready had surgery.better retire him.

mz---Yes, he was in New Mexico, where he died in a barn fire in (I think) 1996. Favorite Trick and Saratoga Six both were lost in that fire. Very sad!

summer bird has a better beyer than charitable man.atleast summer bird will get a trip,

Speaking of trainers, congrats to Gary Stevens on his new venture!! I don't have access to HRTV, so I am stuck with whichever of the big 3 are going to show important races. They spend more time going over fashion and celebrities than actual horse stuff. But I always turn off the mute button when he's talking 'cause at least he knows what he's talking about!!

LDP...Will Curlin ever be HOY at 5 or 6? No. So he can't do that. Curlin was not HOY at 2 like Favorite Trick and Secretariat...he was HOY at 3 like so many others. You argue like Draynay, all what if's and ridiculous comparisons (but unlike with Draynay, I can't seem to ignore you,lol). If you want to list all of the things one did that the other didn't I'll still take Cigar. I'd love to see another Allen Paulson too.

mz...Yes, Favorite Trick retired to stud in NM, where he died in a barn fire.

Atthebarn2...LOL, don't want to get anyone in trouble!

You all missed my point. All I am saying is that the people who make money in this sport, the only people who make money, are breeders and pinhookers. A gelding is no value to them. Gelding's are quite valuable to their sire when they win and do well at the track, hell one of Mine that Bird's brothers was just bought for $425,000 b/c of his recent success.

As for Soldier Course, you have no friggin idea who I am, where I live or what I do, so to fill you in, I live in KY, I own horses, my family owns horses, I go to the track to watch workouts a few times a week. I read the bloodhorse everyday, so have a nice day

Stephanie S. said it all. I totally agree with her assessment.

Steve S,

 How does Summer Bird get a better trip than CM leading the entire race all the way to the finish line?

Barb,

You will love Santa Anita! It's a magnificent track with the mountains as a backdrop. The grandstand is huge and it was really wonderful to see it almost full during last year's BC.

The extreme hot weather experienced in 2003 is unusual for that time of year. 2008 was much better. Warm but confortable.

I love the idea of the bloggers wearing something to identify themselves to fellow bloggers... although as big and crowded as Santa Anita will be, it would be a miracle if we spotted each other.

It's still would be fun to try!

mz---Sorry! Duh, I meant 2006 regarding Favorite Trick.

Fans are fans.  I went to see John Henry as I went to see Best Pal and Lava Man.  I wanted to see great horses and did not particularly care if they were geldings.  As I recall the tracks  were also pretty good at promoting and capitalizing on their longevity. I think I still have the free Best Pal glass somewhere.

"will agree with Jordan L, the feud between Mike and Wanda is getting old. Wanda if you don't like mike don't read his posts. I for a while couldn't stand him, now he's one of my friends on the blogs. Mike is not being insulting from what i read, so can you both take a chill pill?

LDP 02 Jun 2009 12:44 PM

Actually LDP, there's a history there. I'm siding with the Lady on this.

Jason, When are the picks due for the beatdown of Dray? Is it Friday?

Thanks

By the way aren't you a Philly boy?

Wow, better not go home to the block parties!

Still LOL about Mrs. Atthe!

TO:JORDAN L

Let's see if I understand. You want me to lay off,but it's ok for certain people to say anything they please regardless? Good luck with that! lol

Santa Anita is my home track, not too far from the home.

I personally can't wait for it to get back to Churchill Downs myself.

barb.  I got within 6 feet of Zenyatta at the BC.  She looked right into the camera.  In hindsight I think she was telling me to bet big!  

I think this year's Belmont will really be a rider's race--who makes the right decisions and when.  There are many talented 3 year-olds this year and the Belmont will prove to be very competitive.  I'll be pulling for Calvin and Mine That Bird--BTW, could everyone please stop calling him MIND That Bird?  It's MINE, thanks.

It's clear that those who believe that owning a racehorse is all about money and greed have never owned a racehorse.  Approximately 80-90% of racehorses lose money.  A typical horse may win, on average, about $16,000 a year while costing roughly $30,000-$40,000 a year.  Why do you think it's so difficult to get new owners?  And the purchase price is usually much less that the accumulated training costs unless you purchase a very expensive horse. Of course, the few big names that make mega-millions get all the press, but they are few and far between.  

BARB:

I think Curlin is without a doubt a great horse,but I'm a huge fan of Cigar,always have been. I visit him usually three times a year and he was and is a "superhorse". I mostly agree with you on this one.

WHO IS SAYING THAT Charitable man is going to lead.MOST likley DUNKIRK will beat that horse out of the gate. DUNKIRK sire is UNBRIded SONG

only one reason Rachel was pulled out.  they knew she wouldn't win.  at the Preakness if the track was longer, MTB would have caught her.  she was wearing out as Calvin said.  wouldn't want to see her hurt.  it's best.  half to watch every race I can.  I'm not a casual fan.  the Derby and Preakness were great~~no one was hurt.  and that's the important.  go MTB and Calvin!!!

Wow Amy, cool down.

I was just conversing with you. I didn't issue a put down at all. Just from what you said was agreeing that you don't want to get something that might hurt you.

The reason I mentioned a son of Dash that you could breed to and get something that you like since you mentioned him. The comment about New Mexico was tongue in cheek to those putting down MTB or wanting to send Draynay there.

A suggestion if you were interested in running right away the 4D and 5D formats are for everyone from beginner to pro, a lot of fun and everyone has a shot even if they don't have a high $ horse. Thought you were like most barrel racers who can talk about every part of it from sunup til sundown.

Sorry, won't try to be friendly again. You just reminded me of a young kin who dreams of being a barrel racer like the others some day.

Billy's Empire - I'd like to add bloodstock agents to that list. Buy or sell horses for clients and be paid 5%+ commission. Of course you have to have t