Hahahahahahahahaha!  Jason you are geat!  How did you get that clock to tick seconds like that?  This is soooooooo funny.  

As for the Birds.  Summer Bird was always in my mind for this Belmont and part of me thought he would win but I couldn't bring myself to go against MTB so I just put SB in my exacta and tri. Wouldn't you know that had Dunkirk not got in there, I would have hit both! Oh well.  That is why they say it isn't over until it is over. :)

Well said Jason, I agree that CB pulled the trigger to early. I was yelling at the TV as soon as I saw how early he was making his move. I really hope his connections find a rider that will be a fit for him and stick with him going forward. I think Dunkirk showed real heart and his connections should be proud of him.  And SB wow!! Bird was the word.

I thought Chocolate Candy was going to run alot better and I thought he would be alot closer to the pace.    Didn't look like a great ride by Gomez.

He ran alot better in the Derby on that sloppy track and getting bumped around than he did in the Belmont.   Strange.

Really thought he'd be a player in this race.

That's horse racing I guess.   Sometimes they don't feel like running.

While I do agree that Mine That Bird moved a bit soon in the Belmont,based on the horse weaving in the doorway of his stall in the security barn and dancing and prancing all the way to the saddling paddock, I don't think he was quite the same horse that showed up in the first two legs of the Triple Crown primarily because trainer Chip Woolley did not blow his horse out enough in his last work. Apparently, the horse is wound tight enough that he needed a little more from that work to be able to settle down to his normal calm and workman like performance.

Isn't hindsight beautiful?

How much to take out of your horse in the last workout is probably a

hard call that can very easily be wrong when both you and your horse are

facing a 1.5 mile race for the first time. If Calvin fought with the horse to rate him he would have used up the horse without gaining on the others. Chip Woolley has to take the credit for the way his horse came into the race. Maybe Calvin did the best he could with what he had. Or maybe his usual razor sharp instincts were just a bit dulled by a week of little more than signing autographs and not taking any mounts on a course he had precious little experience on. When questioned about this he claimed he was fit. I thought he had it wrong right there, because it wasn't about being fit, it was about having razor sharp instincts. If so, the perils of celebrity cost him the riding Triple Crown because he was a very contentious third.  

On the other hand, I am very very proud of that team. Wow. Taken as a whole, they danced every dance and snatched a piece of each one of the Triple Crown races. No one did better than they. While Mine That Bird proved what he is made of, Chip Woolley contributed a considerable amount of raw talent in his own right. That this was Woolley's first trip to any of these races is almost too much to comprehend. Together

they delivered the most exciting KY Derby, and contributed to the most

exciting Preakness that I can remember. In my heart of hearts, I will be

saying "THANK YOU!" for many years to come. And there is one more thing

that I will be saying. I will be saying "More, please."

And how about that Birdstone? Wish I had stock in that horse. Since May 2nd, he added a Kentucky Derby winner, a Belmont winner, a piece of the Belmont and a piece of the Preakness to his stallion resume`. I suspect

that the ladies will come calling like never before, and when they do, if they produce even half of the grit that Mine That Bird has, racing is in for a treat.

And yes, thank you for pointing out that the emperior has no clothes on. Harold Goldberg has been a disgrace for a long time. I have often thought that he must be related to someone important to be given airtime.

Good summary Jason and yes it was fun. I will be the first to admit that I did not pick or see Summer Bird. My hat's off to my fellow bloggers who cast enough votes to get him in the top 3. As you have noted, Dunkirk being eliglible for NW1, before yesterday so was Summer Bird. I have to admit I miss the days when the colts had a half dozen or more races as two year olds and at least 3 preps before the Derby.

And yes it seems like it has been a strange TC seasone this year.

It's nice to see kent finally win the Belmont. To me that's more exciting than seeing a second rate rider like Borel get all this attention because he wins a few Grade ones the past couple of years. Kent been winning Grade one's on a regular basis for two dozen years,not to mention he's in the HOF,he has two Eclipse Awards,and multiple riding titles and he's still going. I needed Charitable Man to hit the board but al well it's only money and it's worth losing just see my favorite jock finally win the Belmont.

Re: Goldberg...Holy cow you are right.  he doesn't get a thing right in racing or football.  hhe must have some pretty strong relatives somewhere.

Hats off the Desormeaux, as he ran a great race and timed his move perfectly after last year's debacle.

I had Summer Bird as the one to beat. I knew he was talented and I'm glad to see he is now proving it. If you look at his Derby from the blimp view you can see him flying on the outside he just ran out of time. Also I loved to see Dunkirk where he was and we will more then likely see him on the lead again soon. Mine That Bird gave it a good run so did Charitable Man, both tired before the wire, but it was a good race.

Jason... Why don't they allow people in the infield at the Belmont?  Is it because of Ruffian?

Bound or Sardom....

Nicanor beat Summer Bird not long ago.

Tim...

KD knows that track really really well.  We all should have thought of that.  I remembered it a couple of times.  Of course Prado knows it too.  Kent did very well yesterday and I believe it is his knowledge of the Belmont track.  :)

Jason..

What did you think about the inquiry on the Belmont?  I don't think you addressed that in your artice.  It is really early over here and my day just started.  :)

Mind That Bird.....

1rst Kentucky Derby

2nd Preakness

3rd Belmont

Has this EVER happened before?  Ain't no FLUKE gonna hit the board on all three TC races like that. :)

What are comments about Hank sentence?  He makes the handicapper and doesn't link it up.

Jason I agree.  I feel that it should have been the birds and CM. I watched that when they crashed into each other.  Hmmmmmmm strange.  Thanks.  :)

Every dog has his day and "The Blog" had its day yesterday.  I expected the Blog to choose CC, CM, and the Fluke.  That would set things up as a Dunkirk vs. Fluke contest and I felt strongly Dunkirk was the better horse.  Imagine my surprise when the Blog came up with its third pick Summer Bird. I still felt I was in good shape due to the modest pace that was expected.  Instead we got a strong pace from Dunkirk of all horses, who finished right where I thought he would...in front of the Fluke.  Let me discuss the Fluke with all of you for a moment. After this post I will no longer call him the Fluke I will call him the Derby mud winner.  I called him the Fluke because his Derby win was just that.  He has won one race all year for a trainer that is 2 for 41.  Is it really a stretch to call it a fluke win? Since his Derby win he has lost to a filly and a Maiden only winner and will not race again for months and may not get another win all year.  Calling him a fluke was my way of not buying into the EVEN money hype everyone else seemed to be buying into.  Like it or not I was right about the Derby mud winner and he continues winless since the Derby. I knew he was not good enough in the Preakness and I knew he was not good enough for the Belmont. 

The last thing I would like to talk about is this blog and its bloggers. Bloodhorse and Jason, I would like to thank you for a wonderful blog and allowing myself and others a forum to argue, cheer, and disagree. Jason you have you have been great and I have enjoyed the Triple Crown Series very much, thank you again.  To all the bloggers let me say I have relished  all the back and forth banter between us and you have made the sport I love so much even more enjoyable for me.  While I don't agree with many of you most of the time I have learned that talking about horse racing is almost as much fun as being there. Thanks to all of you that make this blog what it is.  One last thought,

I lost and the blog won, but I have a sneaky suspicion Jason that I lost only because of Summer Birds name.  So to prove that this was little more then a fluke win I want a rematch !  Well, I am off to the park with my dogs to serve my sentence faithfully.  I am gone for now but remember...I shall return ! lol... see you all in July.

The ticker is priceless!  If only it would continually re-set to keep the ban in place indefinitely!

Actually - just kidding on that - what would we do if we couldn't have our favorite target to tease as he picks the wrong chalky favorite again and again and again...

I have a tradition when watching ESPN - how quickly do I think to myself,"Hank's been drinking already?"  

Now, I don't actually know if Hank has actually ever had a drop - but his incoherence on camera is kind of sad if you don't excuse it somehow.  

He's a jovial soul - but I think ESPN uses him like the failing old uncle who's gotten loopy in old age and is brought out by family members at reunion gatherings.  A little sad, a little painful to watch and embarassing for for the family.  

I think the TC was pretty entertaining - even if it didn't subscribe to standard handicapping guestimates.  A lot of great storylines to take us into summer and fall!

And Marylou Whitney must be on cloud 9 and then some to see her little stallion sire 2/3 of the TC winners.  Congrats to her and to all who ran their hearts out.

Onto the Spa and Del Mar!  

Mine that Bird had by far the toughest campaign of any other. Rachel may have won the Preakness, however, MTB won it in my mind. The filly had a 5lb advantage, even though she is bigger than most of the boys. MTB was closing inspite of the troubled ride. I don't agree with the fact that horses can be entered that have not been on the same campaign. As far as MTB, its a tough call for a rider to fight a horse or let it roll, either way there might not be enough at the end. I think MTB should have arrived at Belmont earlier than what he did for the race. Calvin probably should have ridden a race over the track before and the trainer should have had MTB calmer going into it. However, they gave us one of the most exciting Triple Crowns in many years. Now, I pray that MTB gets the rest he deserves! and is not run into the ground because he's a gelding.

Jason,

Do you know of any other stallion that has had two different classic winners from his first crop? In addition to the place in the Kentucky Oaks (not that the race was really a contest for first). This seems like an inprobable statistic that should boost Birdstone's stock.  

Thanks.

I didn't think Kent knew the Belmont track so well when he stopped racing a quarter mile before the finish line in the 2008 Belmont.  While I didn't like that move or his explanation after the fact, I think Jeannine could have opened with a better question yesterday.  When you have eyes like hers, you probably get away with a lot of stuff.  I hope Dray uses his one post to post the blog he wrote for his victory lap. Can you picture Dray sitting in front of his TV yesterday with his Cheetos stained orange fingers and three dogs on his lap as Mine That Bird took the lead at the top of the stretch?

When I was racing home to catch the Belmont, it was already being broadcast via radio.  The announcers were talking about how "on edge" MTB was.  I thought, "uh oh".  Ditto about Calvin not riding on the undercard, he'll probably learn from this, but. . . . I was really surprised to see Dunkirk go to the lead, but perhaps his rider was smart enough to see the bias.  And he carried it.

I wonder if Mary Lou has heard from Darley yet?  

And Fabulous Strike!!!  I love when the jockey looks at the board after the wire, sees the time, shakes his head in awe and appreciatively strokes his neck.

Pretty tough year for analytical handingcapping in the Triple Crown. A gelding losing listed races in NM wins the Derby and two horses with four previous lifeime starts respectively complete the exacta in the Belmont. The Preakness was the only bright spot with Rachel laying down some honest fractions up front and holding on for the win.

Unfortunately, I think this is the wave of future and it will ultimately prove detrimental to the sport. Commendable (2004), Da Tara (2008) and Summer Bird (2009) weren't exactly champions coming into the Belmont which somewhat diminishes its claim as a "Test of Champions."

Great racing coming though throughout the summer at Belmont and CD beginning with the Stephen Foster next weekend which will hopefully reintroduce some sanity back into the picture.

I loved each race of the Triple Crown and the fact the bloggers won over the mighty Draynay.

I put together a winning trifecta along with three other cheaper defensive trifectas.  I wanted MTB to win because he was the little gelding who could and for Calvin.  I agree it looked like Calvin moved too soon and should have at least ridden in one race at Belmont.  Kent was correct in saying Calvin was naive about the Belmont stretch.  But its all good, it appears the horses finished sound.  I am sure we will see some great races coming up with the Birds, Dunkirk, Charitable Man, and Quality Road, not to mention Zenyetta and Rachel.

Jason, Fabulous Strike was just running locomotion, breathtaking.

Hank Goldberg?  Don't get me started!

No "yip-yip" for one month, which might prove to be as boring and lack-luster as yesterdays Belmont Stakes.  Haskin's article about the contenders only being worked 4 furlongs in 50 secs training up to the Belmont was spot on, as they all struggled to get the distance.  And, in a nutshell, Borel did not listen to advice offered to him by Kent D, and as a result gave Mine That Bird a poor ride.  Dunkirk did impress me, and in hindsight, asking Charitable Man to go 1 1/2 miles after a long layoff due to injury and only 2 prep races was a bit too much to ask... I hope to see good things from them in the future, as well as from SummerBird.  I was glad to see Flying Private complete the race safely, since that was his 9th start this year (typical Lukas).  Also, it was fun to see Steve Haskin in the lead-up segment.  Finally, if Rachel had been in the race she would have trounced that sorry bunch.

Hrsewld, very sad to hear about your Jada;  when my dog died suddenly I went out 2 weeks later and rescued a dog from the pound... best thing I could have done for myself, although I will always bear the pain of the one I lost.

By our exiled Cheeto King's own standards of what defines a "fluke" - labels Dunkirk as a fluke.  He has run 5 times - won once - a non-graded race.  He was far back in the Derby and a respected second (by multiple lengths) to Summer Bird.  He held second by a short neck to a $9,500 gelding who ran 3 races in 5 weeks to Dunkirk's 5 week layoff.

I fail to see the superiority one fluke over another - don't you think?

But I - a person who loves and respects the athletes who make this game - would never dimisish a horse with such a scant win record as Dunkirk's by calling him a fluke.

Ahh, Dray - where ever you are out in the ether - denial ain't just a river in Egypt.  You can't stand being shown up as wrong and so just keep on hitting yourself on the head again, and again, and again with your own misbegotten beliefs on what constitutes a good horse.

But listen!  For one month - we can cheer, the air is clear,....and Draynay isn't here!

:)

Where to start? Congrats to Kent D and Summer Bird, and a happy b-day for Tim Ice! It's nice to see the owner be the breeder, congrats to them as well. Dunkirk was also super impressive. I was pretty sure Calvin would have problems with the track. His comments about being fit weren't what got me, it was his comment that he's "been there done that"...what? No you haven't. His over-confidence was a big red flag for me. I would have been upset had they taken Dunkirk down, he did bump Charitable Man BUT CM was pretty much done anyway so IMO the bump didn't affect the outcome so no change. CM was a little bit disappointing for me but 4th is ok...better than 5th lol. The whole race ran differently than I expected...Dunkirk on the lead? Mr Hot Stuff third? So much for handicapping! LOL. For me the highlight of the day was Better Talk Now. He is so fabulous! We should all be hoping MTB has such a long and lovely career! And did anyone stay up late to watch Vodka? What a horse! I am hoping she comes over for the BC, she could be competitive in almost every race.

Ted...lol.

Jason:

Was Mine That Bird the only Belmont contender who ran in all 3 races?

Sounds like Draynay's being a pretty good sport.

I went back a couple of blogs and discovered that only 3 had the trifecta although the order was jumbled up. I guess that's why we like to box them...

Broken Tree had:

Mine That Bird

Summer Bird

Dunkirk

Dutch had:

Dunkirk

Mine That Bird

Summer Bird

Drifting Sage had:

Mine That Bird

Summer Bird

Dunkirk

Hats off to these 3 bloggers!!!

In addition, one blogger had the superfecta (also jumbled up).

Horswld had:

Charitable Man

Mine That Bird

Summer Bird

Dunkirk

Hope you boxed it Horswld. If not, you still have the honor of being almost right which is more than I can say about my picks...

Kat:

If Mary Lou hears from Darley, I bet she'll give them the Bird, and I don't mean Birdstone.

Dray is right, had SB not been picked and CC had been in the top three he would've won by a point. He would've had 15 and the blog 16. So, i can't even believe i'm saying this, he's not a bad handicapper. The blog isn't either, but others were luck that we had four more ppl on here who liked SB for the belmont.

Well what did we learn?  Birdstone's like 1 1/4 and beyond.  POTN can dirt or at least goo.  Being a full brother to someone does not mean your a good horse.  CC is better on synthetics.  Dunkirk has another dimension.  Jockey's jump to where ever they think they have the best shot (I thought of Go Go's decision to diss Dunkirk and his not  being invited back).  Fillys and geldings still have a place in the classics.  It is probably not a good idea to GUARANTEE A WIN (this seems to be the kiss of death). Speaking of commentary, I thought it was particularly telling when one of the "track side" specialists asked the connections of MTB if he would be retired like so many others or be brought back after the Triple Crown.  Apparently he did not realize the horse was a GELDING.  The connections just looked blankly at the man.  They should get that nice looking TVG gal (Olivaris) who looks like she is 14 (I'm impressed by her, she seems to do some homework).

StardustyRose:

I left you a reply comment on the previous blog (Belmont Contest Picks Are In) that you might be interested in. Thought I'd mention this in case everyone's moving over to the new Belmont Recap blog.

Just a couple of final thoughts.

Jason, I agree with you 100% -- Dunkirk should have been disqualified, and probably would have if it were not the Belmont Stakes. He cut off CM big time.

Second: to Stardusty, the reason I believe that they don't go to the infield at Belmont is that the physical plant is huge! They can  handle 80,000 without a second thought. I was there for Smarty's Belmont and with 120,000 it did seem a bit crowded. They also have a huge park behind the stands for overflow.

Lastly I like the horse and respect MTB for not only racing in all 3 races but also finishing in the money every time. I was rooting for him.  Nevertheless it seemed crazy to bet him at 6-5 odds in this race. Not much value there.

Now back to the Zenyatta vs. RA debate.  Five months and counting to "Alli vs. Frazier."  

I still need an answer to the infield question.  Is it Ruffian?  How many horses are put to rest in that infeild?  :)

Finally, someone speaks out about the awful Hank Goldberg. Is this a guy racing wants to be one of their frontmen? I can't even listen to him. Nobody I know who watches these shows likes him. Move on Espn.

We'll miss you dray.  

And for those wondering, the best 3 year old in the country is either Rachel Alexandra or Sea of Stars. Not your precious Fluke.  

Jason, I couldn't agree with you more as to Calvin not being on any mounts on the undercard yesterday. Didn't he spend five or six days in New York? I think he got caught up in all the hoopla of T.V. interviews and what not. Perhaps if he had kept his mind more at the task at hand instead of the clamor and glitz he has come into, the outcome may have been different.

Had they taken Dunkirk down I would have had the tri. Dunkirk and Flying Private were the two horses I was leary of. Having boxed four horses I chose Flying Private over Dunkirk on the fact he looked like he had improved at the Preakness and was hopefully sitting on a better race. My mistake.

Ted from LA:

The Kent D - Big Brown Belmont controversy will probably go away now, but yesterday was no redemption for Kent as far as I'm concerned.

I never bought the jockey's story that he thought something was wrong with Big Brown that day. When Kent dismounted, he never even paused to check on the horse. He simply walked away nonchalantly. Would any jockey truly concerned about an injury or other problem for his mount have done that?

YES! I agree Jason and Kat:

Well named Fabulous Strike, found more down deep and kept going when he looked like he was cooked! What a horse!

Thank you Jason for making this odd Triple Crown season the most fun for me. My friends' eyes glaze over when I talk about horse racing. I'm so glad I found a place to listen to other racing fans' opinion and give my own.

Now that the Triple Crown is over will this blog change its title?

Jason

I agree with you, that Charitable Man was interferd with, as Garica had to steady him as he was being cut off.

Dave the Draynay Fan,

You'd actually be worth a second glance if you had a modicum of geographic education.

You said:

"We'll miss you dray.  And for those wondering, the best 3 year old in the country is either Rachel Alexandra or Sea of Stars. Not your precious Fluke."  

Hate to break it to you - but Sea of Stars runs in Great Britain - which is a different country from the USA.  

And no fair picking up Dray's "fluke" fetish or else we'll have to spank you as hard as we did him.  Time off from him means time off for his lackey, too.

Come to think of it, though -it would be like shooting fish in a barrel.  If a person doesn't know the difference between countries - it's not worth the effort involved.

What - no one's going for their GED anymore in the Draynay fan club?

Jason I couldn't agree with you more regarding the inquiry. I have seen horses disqualified for much less offenses. (Big Drama). I thought for sure Dunkirk would be put behind CM. Not really sure how the decisions are made but it sure would be interesting to find out.

As far as MTB...what can you say about that tough little guy??? For those of you that still refuse to give him his due or call him a grade 1 horse.....you are either 1) blind as a bat 2) know nothing about horseracing or 3) have a hard time eating crow. MTB is one deserving little gelding. He has a lot of heart. That is what seperates him from the boys. He will forever be one of my all time favorites for his sheer determination. Furthermor, Calvin is not a second rate rider. He may have made a mistake by not taking a horse in the undercard but Calvin is for real. He had to take MTB 4 wide and let him go to soon. That proved to be a little much for MTB  but to still come within a neck of Dunkirk (who proved his weight in gold) is remarkable. All of the top horses were fresh except MTB. He has shown he can run with the best of them at any distance.

Dray...probably one of the most humble posts I have ever read from you but the fact that you still refuse to call MTB by his name and acknowledge his accomplishments takes away from it. He was within a neck of Dunkirk and Dunkirk skipped the Preakness. He smoked Everyone (including Dunkirk and Summer Bird) in the Derby and smoked everyone except RA in the Preakness. He got a piece of the pie in all three races. Even Dunkirk couldn't do that. Like it or not Dray...the performances speak for themselves. He is also a 2 year old champion...Dunkirk didn't race at 2. I realize I am wasting my breath but decided to take a shot at it while you are banned. Perhaps some time off will give you the opportunity to think about what you are seeing and what you are saying. Not every horse that wins is a fluke just because you didn't pick him. Now Summer Bird was a fluke???? comical.  Like it or not you are a part of these blogs....I just hope you come back with a little more class...a little more tact and a lot less blog bashing.  Have fun at the dog park!

StardustyRose:

I think Ruffian is the only horse buried in the Belmont infield. Although Go For Wand died at Belmont Park, she is buried at Saratoga.

I understand that Belmont Park is willing to arrange for the scattering of ashes in the infield for human funerals. Perhaps this is a factor.

Hey Draynay:

Too bad you're gone for awhile.  We'll all miss you.....not.

Seriously, I take exception with the fact that you still do not want to give MTB credit for what he is......a pretty good racehorse.  In my estimation, Calvin's ride and inexperience on the Belmont oval possibly  cost MTD the victory.  I strongly feel that if Kent D. would have riden him he would have won because Kent knows the track better and would have made a better tactical decision. (Why did Borel not have a ride on the undercard?)

Another thing.  The track was playing speed all day and that's why Dunkirk, normally a closer, raced on the front end.  It could possibly have been in the back of Calvin's mind to leave a little earlier for what might have been a tough grind so he could wear the speed down.

In any event, it was a pretty good race.  My feeling is that we will see MTB win a few.  However, without taking anything away from Summer Bird,I really feel the horse that showed the most was Dunkrik and will go out on a limb and say that he will be the dominant 3 year old from here on in.

One other thing that amazes:

Dunkirk cost 3.7 Mill at auction, MTD 9,500 and the two of them finished a head apart at the end of a mile and a half.  Then I thought a head difference and with the money paid for Dunkirk you could have brought about 390 MTB's.  

Soldier Course: I agree with you 100%!!!! I have never felt the same about Kent after last years disaster with BB. He did not redeem himself yesterday. What redemption? There was no crown on the  line. Kent folded under pressure last year. He pulled BB up because he didn't want to lose the race again. It was just to much for him. Of course this is just my opinion.

Jason...is there anyway to block Dave the Draynay fan??? He is either Dray's alter ego, friend of Dray's, his wife or a crazed blogging fan that wants to get in the spotlight like Dray did. He needs a restraining order LOL...

Hank Goldberg needs to go. He was babbling yesterday. He sounded souped up on pain meds or something. I was embarrassed for him.

Soldier Course,

    No, FP also ran in all three TC races, but that was it. So only MTB and FP ran in all three.

Congratulations to Birdstone for both the Birds! I really think Dunkirk would have been taken down on a different day, as well. He fought all the way, showing lots of heart.

Soldier Course---I believe Flying Private ran in all three Triple Crown races, too.

Cgriff,

    Dunkirk has won twice and run second twice, both seconds were in Grade ones. His only out of the money finish was the KY Derby, where he and others had horrible trips. If you discount the derby he has a 2-2 record out of 4 and even with the Derby he's in the money 80% of the time. That is hardly a fluke.

Dave the Draynay Fan,

Stop it! You may match Draynay's rudeness but your comments are tiresome (yawn). You are lacking in imagination. Can't you come up with an original thought?

Dunkirk's brush with Charitable Man:

The Stewards made the right decision.  They only brushed lightly and when you look at the head on shot it hardly looked like they touched at all.  I think that Garcia maybe reacted a little too timidly, like he knew he had no chance and was tying to embelish the situation. (in hockey they call it diving). Even without the bump, Charitable Man looked like he was no better than forth best.

You were kidding about the Dunkirk being around for another TWO YEARS, right?  He'll probably be gone 15 minutes after the Breeder's Cup Classic, ready to add to the roster of Ashford Stud at a ridiculous stud fee for another unproven stallion.

Jason, Karen2, and Cgriff,

Looks like we're onto something about Dave the Draynay Fan!

So he confused his geography about the USA and the UK? Sound familiar? Remember from the previous blog when I caught Draynay confusing Belmont, NY and Elmont, NY, when he was going on about the weather for the Belmont Stakes?

This is too much for a coincidence. They've got to be one and the same people.

Good points, Louisville Larry and helsbelles.

Larry, I'd add Sarava (2002) and Jazil (2006) to your list. If I remember correctly, Jazil was nw1x eligible when he won his Belmont, and I don't think Sarava's record was much better. Maybe the Belmont ain't what it used to be (Anyone else miss "Sidewalks of New York"?)

The only thing I was fairly certain of this season was that there would be a different winner in each leg of the Crown. I didn't think any of the survivors of the '09 3yo colt crop was good enough, or consistent enough, to even win 2 of 3.    

Hrswld -- my condolences on the loss of your Jada.  

Draynay -- I'll be watching the ticker and anxiously awaiting your return. You'll be missed. Looking forward to your rejuvenated sense of humor after the lay off.

Karen2:

If you have a videotape or DVD of ABC's coverage of the 2008 Belmont Stakes, you'll be able to find the moment when Kent dismounts and see what I'm talking about. I've played that segment over and over and still have the same conclusion.

The only way Kent can "redeem" himself about what he did to Big Brown is to tell the truth about it. Kent can't do it through Summer Bird.

Karen2

Damn right Mind That Bird is a deserved grade I geldng.  I totally agree.  :)

Cgriff your right i did make a mistake, i meant the world not country, sorry.  And if you are a stickler, i also said see of stars, not see the stars.  But you can't disagree with what i said.

As as for MTB, until he wins another race i still will feel that was a fluke win.

I hope Draynay has a nice vacation with his little pet doggies,but I hope that he doesn't get any of that nasty orange dust in their nice fur from his snacks.

I read in an article on ESPN that stated someone needs to post a sign at the Belmont half mile pole that states-"if you begin your run here, your toast."  I really think Calvin is a great,sincere person, but I was very worried before the race that he was taking the perils of the Belmont track too lightly.  It's certainly easy to Monday morning quarterback his ride not having been in the saddle, but he had so much riding on this race personally that I'm really surprised he didn't at least pick up a couple of mounts sometime before the race.  The article also said that Kent remarked after the race that he was very shocked to see MTB running so early. I know MTB seemed more ancy than usual so that probably affected things also, but I was really pulling for him to win.  Summer Bird really is a beautiful horse, and I'm happy for him and his connections. Too bad about the bumping incident but Dunkirk proved he's a fighter.

I was just joking around with my Hank post earlier.  I didn't even listen to him.  I was too busy winning money at the track.  I am guessing he has a medical problem and I hope he gets better.  For those of you assuming it's an alcohol problem, which I have no idea if that is the case, that is a medical problem too.  He's been good to the sport over the years and I believe he deserves better treatment.  Now Draynot, on the other hand, it's open season on him.  Fire when ready.

I agree that Calvin should have ridden the course at least once before the Belmont. Celebrity is fun, but nothing should take the place of preparation for the job ahead. Belmont is not only a huge track, the surface is deeper than most others and those turns seem to go on forever when you gallop them. And I think that Chip Woolley should have taken MTB to Belmont to train right after the Preakness. He could have gotten used to the track, gotten over any sore muscles he may have gotten from the deep going and been much more relaxed on race day.

I was rather taken aback by Kent's post-race interview, didn't mention the horse and compared the Belmont to his wife. Who does he think did the running in that race?? THE HORSE, not him, and surely not his wife. I also noticed something else, and some would say it's sentimental mush, but Kent never patted Summer Bird, who had just won a long hard race for him. Calvin, on the other hand, was patting Mine that Bird after the race. That tells me all I need to know about which jockey really appreciates a horse. Kent is a top rider, and deservedly so, but he should take a page from the great Willie Shoemaker, and make modesty a goal for post-race interviews. Oh, and mention the horse too.

I look forward to seeing Mine That Bird run for years to come. The rest of them will be off to stud as soon as they get some more credentials.

As for Hank Goldberg, he sure as hell isn't qualified for it. Why put someone like that on camera to ruin it for the viewers? I hope ESPN gets a ton of mail about his awful performance, and point out to them that the people doing commentary should have at least the brains found in the back end of the animals they are talking about. He doesn't.

Mine That Bird's connections have every right to be proud of their brave little horse. He ran a fine race. he may have moved a bit soon, but he was also nerved up, and that takes a lot of a horse. He proved he is a talented and formidable little racehorse who, if he stays healthy, will always be a force to be reckoned with in future races.

As for Birdstone, the sire--Hooray for him!! He received some criticism when he went to stud--he's little, looks like a runt, he was long-winded, his pedigree was not the bluest, and he was priced like a sale in a bargain basement. I for one thought he would make a nice little stallion,as he had the precocity to win a Grade I at two (the Champagne) and the stamina to win at ten and twelve furlongs at three (the Travers and Belmont Stakes). Mary Lou Whitney and her husband never pretended they had the next Mr. Prospector, and priced him reasonably to get him started. The are exceptional horsepeople, and I am happy for them and for the young stallion that he has turned out to be such a terrific sire. I only hope he stays a Whitney stallion at Gainesway--I am getting tired of the best horses seemingly always being sold to conglomerates like Darley who seem to want a monopoly on the terrific market. Not that I dislike Darley. I have visited their studs a number of times and always been treated wonderfully, but it is nice to have an up and coming young stallion get the spotlight who belongs to and old, established American racing family like the Whitneys.    

I thought Dunkirk ran a super race. i cant wait to watch his next ones i love the way he came back

Stephi S, and others on Kent D.

    I agree with those who do not believe he redeemed himself after this years Belmont. Last year in my mind was inexcusable. I remember after one race he yank BB to a halt shortly after the finish and barely let him gallop out. I too believe he made the whole Belmont thing up, and he just wanted to save face. His little interview w/ Baily after the race sounded fake and rehearsed to me, i almost muted the t.v. I also noticed he barely mentioned the horse who ran extemely well. What arrogence! For these reason i root against him in races.

I am not a regular participant in this blog but have enjoyed reading it from time to time. I'm certainly no handicapper---I love horse racing for the HORSES, not the betting aspect of it!!!---but maybe I should start getting in on this. I actually picked all four of the first four finishers in the Belmont, although in the wrong order. I had them:

1. Mine That Bird

2. Charitable Man

3. Dunkirk

4. Summer Bird

I think that means I should have placed a boxed superfecta bet?? Talk about a fluke...that was one!

I was disappointed that Mine That Bird didn't win....he is NO fluke, but one heck of a gutsy little guy....but I was very happy & relieved that all horses finished healthy and sound! That's the most important of all for me.

Dunkirk's brush was much less egregious than PON's fall to the right (after left handed whip. . .) against PC and then MM in the Derby.  And that one wasn't even questioned.

All three TC races were big wins for the cictors---MTB's Derby was STRONG---Rachel pushed a 46 and change 1/2 from the outside...and Summer Bird ran from behind on a glib track---injuries aside, the three year olds have represented themselves very well so far this year--and Summer Bird can be any kind yet....

LDP:

Dunkirk:

Maiden win - January 24, 2009

Allowance win - February 19, 2009

Florida Derby - second

Kentucky Derby - eleventh

Belmont Stakes - second.

Mine That Bird:

At 2 -

Maiden win - August 23, 2008

2-yr-old 7 furlong stake - won  Grade 3 - won

BCJuv. - 12th

Sunland Park - 2nd

Sunland Park Derby - 4th

Kentucky Derby - won

Preakness - 2nd

Belmont - 3rd.

That's a 10-5-2-1 record, including running in 4 Grade I races for MTB.

Dunkirk's is a 5-2-2-0 record, running in 3 grade I races.

My point is that - if you judge by Dray's criteria - Dunkirk is a fluke as much as MTB - he must be - all the stats points to it if you are using Draynay's logic.

(Draynay/logic - talk about your oximoron!)

You cannot call MTB a fluke unless you call Dunkirk one. if you apply Dray's model to both horses - both qualify.  

Also - as Dray and his lackey are so fond of saying - MTB hasn't won a race since the Derby.  

Well - guess what?  Dunkirk has never even won a graded stake race and hasn't won a race since February 19th.

So....call one a fluke only if you call both a fluke.  You cannot parse the results based on horses you like versus those you dislike.

Neither horses are flukes - that's my point.  You shouldn't assume - remember?  Good advice - but it cuts both ways.

I count on guys like Goldberg and Bataglia for last minute elimination (of their picks)...anyone remember "mutten-chops", who when describing Cigar, he pulls out a churchill then breaks it in two and says "Halling will CRUSH CIgar"---bad choice of metaphors as it reminded fans of what happened to Go For Wand a couple years earlier...no, I was more shook by Jerry-no-class Bailey saying Borel wins Preakness if he's on MTB..I thought Smith rode him well....

Freedom of speech, Jason.

LAZMANNICK

Bull,  That was no casual bump.  :)

Barthart

Don't you hate that when you had the super and didn't wager? Man what a payout that would have been.  Should have done it but then of course they probably would have not come in that way LOL!  :)

Jason I noticed in one of your answers that you would be talking about the BC starting in July.  Did you forget about all the fabulous racing at Saratga.  Just a question as I have only started reading this blog recently.  And as for MTB, kudos to the little guy who ran all three legs of the Triple Crown with a 1st, 2nd and 3rd, will be watching him closely down the road and as for Dunkirk he is going to be a source to reckon with as the year goes on.

Rather than comment on the race,  I would like to say thanks to Draynay for posting that "post of concession". While there are a good many of you who do not agree or like him, I'd like to give him credit as he did the right thing by first thanking Jason and secondly, by thanking us for participating in the exchanges.

I do believe that Calvin went out too early but I guess MTB was just chomping at the bit. Unfortunately, he did not have that drive like his previous two outings. Desormeaux should know this well enough. He couldn't control Big Brown last year.

Hank Goldberg? The less said, the better. He made the guys on the Capitol OTB channel (NY state) sound like Edward R. Murrow.

In my humble opinion, Hank Goldberg is the epitome of the stereotype horse player, gambler, loser that the outside world consider us to be. When I tell people that I'm a horse racing fan, they look at me funny. Maybe they assume I have a gambling problem...

I don't know about you, but when I go to the track (at Santa Anita) I see very few Hanks. The majority of the fans are much younger than he, are better spoken and a lot more fun to watch. Win or lose, they are an enthousiastic bunch!

MTB reminds me of Strike The Gold and Cryptoclearance. With that come from behind style it is essential for a well timed move by the jock which is the most difficult thing to do for a jockey.

I agree with a lot of the things people have said about yesterdays race and for the record I never thought that Mine That Bird's Derby win was a fluke because he was a 2 year old champion in Canada and had several wins under his belt before May 2nd that is the one thing about the first 2 races of the Triple Crown that annoyed me to death. People always saying he was a fluke. Congrats to Birdstone he may be quite a force on the TC trail for years to come as a stallion though I still don't like him for beating Smarty Jones in 2004. Here's wishing him a great stallion career and I will never count his progeny out again. Also Hank Goldberg get off the air same goes for Kenny Maine and his featurettes or whatever you call them I've had enough. Can't wait until next year for another great TC season!  

Timely Writer was buried in the infield at Belmont, in 1982 after he broke a foreleg in the Gold Cup.  I think those are the only 2 racehorses buried in the infield.

Technically speaking, Belmont doesn't have an infield, that is, a spot set aside by fencing from the rest of the inside-track area.  There is a party area out by the grandstand someplace, and a picnic area where you can bring coolers, but not alcohol.  I wonder if part of this is because Belmont has 2 grass tracks and 2 ponds so viewing the dirt track from the infield would be difficult (ok, I know, many people in the infield at Churchill and Pimlico don't watch a lot of the horses...).

Then again, Belmont asks people to adhere to a dress code, too, esp. in the winner's circle......

So do you think the NYRA would honor my ticket from the Derby, where I had Summer Bird to Place and Dunkirk to show......no?  didn't think so.....

it sure has been a good spring (and didn't you like that burst that Munnings put on in the Woody Stephens in the undercard.  My goodness!

To StardustyRose: besides Ruffian, the only other horse buried in the Belmont Park infield is Timely Writer. The colt shattered his left foreleg in the 1982 Jockey Club Gold Cup and was euthanized. I watched the race on TV and it was an absolutely terrible day for the sport.

Timely Writer was a very nice horse but had a star-crossed career. You can read more about him here: en.wikipedia.org/.../Timely_Writer

By the way, Charitable Man was a beaten horse when Dunkirk moved over on him. The stewards absolutely made the right decision, and even Kiaran McLaughlin agreed. "He ran well," McLaughlin said. "The last furlong he got squeezed, and it cost us some ground, but I don't disagree with the call. He was kind of empty after a mile and three-eighths."

Alex always has good things to say. :)  Good point Alex.  

"Stop being an apologist for him Ted. he's terrible, has always been. His presence on camera is embarrassing.

jshandler 07 Jun 2009 3:38 PM"

Too true Jason. Seems like he's getting worse though. It's uncomfortable and embarrassing to watch and listen to him. As a Dr I'm wondering if he has had a stroke or maybe some sort of substance issues. I was trying to figure out what in the heck he was talking about when he mentioned the jocks perception of Calvin not having a mount over the track. Was trying to help him from afar.

He and Battaglia are so much chalk they look like that guy from the movie 'POWDER'.

LDP, Drays opinionated taunting and throwing the gauntlet down is what got him banned. Is that your aim too? Seeking attention?

Even though he has that personna down pat, he does seem to have a little bit more life experience to back himself up.

My thought is, if you're trying to be Dray Jr to draw attention, it really doesn't work.

Like was said on the other blog, find a horse like Mine That Bird and pay your way through college, or retire early.

Soldier Course

I just answered you over there.  Yuppers we agree. :)

Anyone who calls Mine That Bird a fluke is stupid and loves to remind

us of this.  MTB danced every dance.  I feel Calvin lost the race

when he moved too soon.  What happened to his ride the rail? I believe he had begun to believe his press. Everyone knows why they call the Belmont the "grave yard of Champions".  Not to have ridden a race, checked out the conditions, and guaranted a win was

taking ones self a little too serious!  I only hope MTB will find

a jockey who appreciates him and stays with him like Jerry Bailey   on the great Cigar.  As far as KD is concerned I feel he should have

been suspended a year for the

"ride" he gave Big Brown last year.

I had to turn away when they showed it this year.  It hurt too much to watch.  All of you jockeys:

the HORSE wins the race - without them you would be on the mechanical

in the jocks room.  Appreciate and

respect them.

Stardusty Rose: I think on a normal day Dunkirk would have been taken down. He definately interfered with Charitable Man, IMO.

jshandler 07 Jun 2009 12:41

Jason, that's right on. Kiaran didn't say much, but then again Todd is his best friend and it was after the fact so....

Soldier Course, read my comment from yesterday? When Jason changed the handle from Draynay to Dave the Draynay Fan? That doesn't just happen by accident. I smell a dirty sock.

I'm not a huge fan of Kent, (that's a different Tim)but he did rid us of a fungus. Now if he could just help us out with one or two more. Actually most good athletes or competitors are somewhat arrongant. It's when it's unwarranted that it's obnoxious.

Used to be California's horses were looked down upon as being inferior to the horses of the mighty EAST. Now, not only are the horses discounted but also our "plastic" tracks.

Like it or not, the Breeders Cup is at Santa Anita again this year and the "superior" eastern horses better come early and get used to a kinder track or else the Europeans are going to clean our clocks again. The ace up OUR sleeve: ZENYATTA !!!:) :) :)

Cgriff,

    In your previous post you stated that Dunkirk won once, i corrected you. Also was MTB a good 2yr old yes, but when voting it is what you do this year that counts. MTB has had five starts with one win this year, two seconds, one third and a fourth. Dunkirk has five starts and has won twice and run second twice. You are right in saying that both in terms of paper look the same, but Dunkirk has way less experience and has run strong every time in his career exept once. MTB has put in less inspring performances before, like a fourth this year against NM stakes, and a last place finish against the BCJ feild last year. MTB is guttsy, but so is Dunkirk, who IMO shows a ton of talent for so early in his career. By the way shouldn't we be talking about how great a race the winner ran? Instead we make excuses for MTB's loss. That's fair.

Great race...Summer Bird was definitely a live longshot. Had the tri and exacta...just wish I had bet more than I did. I threw out Charitable Man...took a real chance there.

Birdstone's stud fee of only $5000 is looking like the bargain of the breeding industry. Marylou Whitney purposely set a low fee. And it's absolutely great that Birdstone is breeding back stamina in his offspring. That's important today with too much emphasis on speed which has led to more brittle runners.

And Yes, Jason, Hank Goldberg is a buffoon. I have often though the same thing...why is this guy on these broadcasts when their is so many more qualified handicappers / commentators available.

I have never liked Kent D. for the reasons stated by the other bloggers. No need to repeat. The man has never had empathy for any horse, which is strange since he makes a living riding them.

Goldberg... I always turn on "mute" when he's on air, with so many other qualified people out there, you're right, the guy must have connections.

IMO, the celebrity part of it got to Calvin, especially when he said in the jockey room when asked why he had not been on the track, "one track is just like any other", I figured he lost his focus. Which showed.

Draynay.... you weren't a spoil sport. Although you did manage to throw in the "f" word as much as possible! As much as you get under the skin of a lot of bloggers, I find you funny. Enjoy time with your ditty dot girls, especially Baby Betsy, treat her well. With you gone things won't be as wacky, but I know that some bloggers will get themselves all tangled in knots, and they won't have you to blame!!:) :) :)

Oh, BTW, thanks to everyone who picked Summer Bird for the Blog!!

Jason, love the countdown!!:)

Zookeeper...I don't know if I can agree with you about the age of the people I see at the track, granted I haven't been to SA(yet...see you for BC!) but I have been to Del Mar. I see fans of all ages but when I look back through my photos I see ALOT of gray hair. I also see Hank! I saw him last summer at Del Mar, lol. The people I have actually met and had conversations with have also mostly been older(than me anyway, I'll be 40 this Nov). The younger people I met were there on Pacific Classic day and were "casual" fans for sure. I like to talk to strangers at the track because I assume they will enjoy talking horses and not glaze over like the friends I drag to the track with me, lol. And everyone talks back so I see no reason to stop. One thing is certain, young or old, everyone at the track is optimistic. And who doesn't like an optimist?

I love Jerry Bailey on ESPN.  He's got a sense of humor (without having to be wacky) and adds a lot of depth to the commentary.  However, I thought his comment on Woody Stephens sending Conquistador Cielo out to the Met Mile before running in the 1982 Belmont as being "unusual" (forgot the word he used exactly) was misleading, like it never had been done before.  That's a page straight out of one of his contemporary's training methods.  Elliott Burch did that three times by sending out Sword Dancer, Quadrangle and Arts and Letters to the Met Mile to sharpen up before the Belmont and won the Belmont all three times with them.

I think Jerry would have been more accurate to say that it would be unusual now, but not back then.

Soldier Course - I agree with every word you've said about Kent D. He is a little guy with an ego the size of King Kong so I doubt very much that we will ever hear the truth about what happened with Big Brown.

As far as Birdstone, Jason, I'd like to know the answer to Hildegard's question also. I was wondering the same thing yesterday and what makes it more interesting is that this is his first 3 yr. old crop. His stud fee is $10,000 now, what do you think it will be next year?

Mine That Bird was keyed up more than we've seen him. I'm wondering if he just does better if he gets to the track earlier to get used to it. He had a week in Churchill before the KD, just 4 days at Pimlico and Chip Wooley said he never seemed comfortable and just 4 days at Belmont. Too much moving around in a short time period? Chip Wooley said they were going to give him a well-deserved break and then plan for the future. I look forward to seeing him again, he's a tough little guy! So who would be a good, dependable jockey for this guy, keeping in mind he should be running for years and it would need to be someone who isn't so committed to someone else they'd jump off him if there is a schedule conflict?

Perhaps I heard wrong, since none of the commentators mentioned this.  However, I THINK CB said in his post-race (on MTB) interview that the horses ahead were going too slow and kept "coming back" to MTB.  If this were true, he might have felt he needed to get MTB forward, since the front-runners would have plenty left.  But the times didn't seem that slow to me, and in Chip Wooley's first post-race interview, he indicated he was pleased with the pace and figured the front-runners would be vulnerable to a MTB rush.  Does anyone suppose the size of the Belmont track might have fouled up Borel's internal split clock?  Or did I just hear him wrong?

I can't help but fill a little sorry for Dray....OK over that now. Anyway, I think Dunkirk ran his best race, just wasn't good enough. Pletcher's instructions were to let him take the lead if that was what was presented him, and let him run his race the only way he can, which is one pace all the way for as long as the race is... a truly one dimensional type that will probably win some future races, but hardly looks like a great , up and coming type, more like a steady going plodder that can run all day, and heaven forbid someone gets in his way, for then its all over for this horse.

As for Mine That Bird, he is also a one run type of horse, that has one big close that has to be set up and timed perfectly, or he doesn't win.. a good horse for sure but not a great one by any means.

Which brings me to Summer Bird who I think will be the best of the these top three finishers as the year progresses. He shows he can close like gangbusters at just about any 2 turn distance, and will probably just get better with more racing experience, seems the most versatile of the three, but not a truly great horse, such as the type that can take control of the pace of a race, be it fast or moderate and still put away anyone that comes at him.

 All in all a pretty enjoyable Triple Crown experience, but doubt we have seen any horse in this years Triple that we will remember as being exceptional, except for maybe Rachel Alexander, and that still remains to be seen.

All in all , this years Triple Crown was about as good as Hank Goldberg trying to handicap a race for TV.

I also agree with everyone's comments on Hank Greenberg. :-) He couldn't even get the horse's names correct. I'd mute him everytime he was on. And I was worried by CB's lack of experience on the track and his brag about winning. I seem to recall a statement from a certain trainer last year that it was a foregone conclusion that Big Brown would win.

Dunkirk was impressive on saturday but he doesnt have another gear he is overrated if you ask me and he belongs on the grass, i keep hearing about sea of stars who is this mysterious horse you guys speak of?

Draynay, I will miss you. Comeback loaded for bear in July. A very gracious concession speech. By the way I have a mini-schnauzer AKA Ralph too.

MTB is one good horse and his connections should be very proud of him. This is only the beginning I hope and we see him again. I haven't seen the race yet as I am still in San Francisco in a hotel but will check it out on Youtube when I get back.

Great blog, thank you Jason.

In Kent's defense, he did pat Summer Bird a few times as he was pulling him up.  I thought it was cool that he waited until after the finish line this time to do so.

JASON: ROFLMAO re the ticker. Hilarious. I love your sense of humor. :)

HILDEGARD: Re the question about first-crop sires in your 07 Jun 2009 1:08pm post, that's an extremely difficult one to answer. There are more classics than just the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont. Also, some races that were once considered classics, such as the Lawrence Realization, are no longer run.

The Breeders' Cup is relatively new in racing history. Are all of those races now considered classics? Or is the raced named the "Breeders' Cup Classic" the only one considered a classic?

Traditional American classics historically were/are the Alabama, Belmont, Coaching Club American Oaks, Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks, Lawrence Realization, Mother Goose, Preakness, Travers, and Withers.

In England, birthplace of Thoroughbred racing, the traditional classics were/are the Ascot Gold Cup, Cambridgeshire Stakes Handicap, Cesarewitch Stakes Handicap, Epsom Derby, Doncaster Cup, Eclipse Stakes, Goodwood Cup, Jockey Club Cup, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Epsom Oaks, One Thousand Guineas, St. Leger, and Two Thousand Guineas.

Ireland, France, Australia, Canada, and all other countries with horse racing, have their own classics.

So you can see that your question is quite broad, unless you actually mean to restrict it only to our Derby, Preakness and Belmont. I do know that several sires got multiple winners of these three races.

Even though Jason said Dave Schmitz is working on figuring it out, your question does present an interesting opportunity for historical research. So, for fun, I'm digging into it also. :)

Totally agree on Goldberg.  Terrible.  I always watch his picks and PRAY he doesn't like my horse cause he always seems to be wrong.  

One big question I have is why do the networks never show or talk about the big turf race that precedes the Triple Crown race?  I mean they could devote 5-10 minutes to it and still have over an hour and a half to talk about the big race.  

Maybe its a contractual thing or something, but it would seem like it might go a bit of a way to getting some casual fans to realize that there are some good races other than the Triple Crown.  

At least I boxed the superfecta.  Didn't quite have the order right (Dunkirk, Charitable Man, MTB, Summer Bird was my order).  

Mine That Bird is no fluke.  He is a quality horse.  However, it does seem to me that he relies too heavily on getting the right pace to run at and the right ride.  Kind of needs things to fall into place.  

Dunkirk is gonna be nice.  He ran huge, and had he been able to get slower fractions who knows.  I still would like to see him try just stalking a pace and getting 1st run ... rather than leading or closing.  I do like Johnny V on as well.  Better fit than Gogo or Prado imo.  Also wouldn't mind seeing Leparoux on him.  

Lastly, the stewards made the right choice in not changing the order.  That bump was minimal and Charitable Man was done anyway.  I don't think that a change would have been made regardless of if it was a regular racing day or not.  

And Kieran Mclaughlin also thought it was the right decision as indicated when he said:

"He ran well," McLaughlin said. "The last furlong he got squeezed, and it cost us some ground, but I don't disagree with the call. He was kind of empty after a mile and three-eighths."

Congrats to Summer Bird and his connections. Another nice story in this year of surprises.

Dunkirk should have been taken down. The Stewards at Belmont need to grow a pair. It's a fluke that his 2nd place finish will be on record forever.

I was also surprised and dissapoinrted at Calvin Borels lack of class after the race. He was full of sour grapes even whining that he thought it was unbelievable how slow the pace was (and it was an honest pace anyway). For a jockey who shows so much joy at winning he's no different than a spoiled kid when he loses. He's a jockey who can take advantage when the others don't think he has a chance but they took his golden rail from him and he failed. His impatience and callous attitude in not riding over the track prior to the race caught up with him. At least MTB's trainer was gracious in defeat. I hope they find a much better jockey in the furure for MTB. Borel's outlived his usefulness for these guys.

Congrats to the blog who showed nay nay who the real fluke is. This is going to be the quickest month in history. He'll be back spewing his crap too soon. Thanks Jason for coming up with the way to be rid of him for a moment. Nice to see what he called a bunch of "rookies" take it to him.  

Jason,

nay nay has had his chance. There is no reason in the world to give him a second one. No rematch!!Someone so negative doesn't deserve the opportunity you gave him in the first place.

TO:TIM G

You're way outta line trying to lecture LDP. You aren't her dad,back off!

Speaking of the Breeders Cup...the folks over in the UK have posted revised on the Classic following the Belmont/Investec Derby. I bring this up only because the lowest priced 3YO is--Quality Road.

Funny reading about the infield.  My friend and I were talking about it during the card.  First is that, unlike CD or Pim, there is on tunnel leading under the track to the infield (at least to my knowledge).  Second...How may drunk kids would drown in the infield lakes after diving in half or totally naked?

Congratulations to Summer Bird and condolences to Dunkirk, MTB and Charitable Man.  All ran their guts out. What can you say about MTB?  This little gelding runs his heart out every time.  He certainly doesn't lose because of lack of effort.  Dunkirk ran a monster race and validated his ability.  This is one serious race horse.  Charitable Man tried hard, but seemingly got a little weary in the lane.  I'm not sure how much the incident with Dunkirk hurt him because I think he was one tired horse when that happened and I bet him to win so it's not like I was rooting for Dunkirk.   Summer Bird got the pace he was looking for and a great ride by Kent.  Nuff said.

There are times when a comment is called upon, THERE WERE NO ACCIDENTS IN THE 3 CROWN!!!!.... Racing won 4 a change. I love horses, but let us all realize they have been bred and exist at great expense for one purpose-- to run with the wind. Until the Saturday fans are educated that horses are injured in the paddock, stall, and the open range without great notoriety all the time we will be defending this great sport to no avail. Let us all keep Rene Douglas and his family close in our thoughts and please support PDJF IT DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!

Zookeeper:  Thank you for going back to research which horses each blogger put down to win this race. I was excited to have been one of the three who chose the top three, although out of order....especially since my studying of them is done right here on this web-site.  I have been lucky enough to choose a lot of them the last 3 yrs just from reading about them here and unlucky to have NOT BET a cent, therefore, not won a cent, but what an enjoyable time I have!

Only occasionally have I popped my head in to your blog, Jason, and found myself genuinely amused by the open and quite intelligent banter of the bloggers.  Draynay certainly caused some eyebrow raising in disbelief.  Although I think he’s just having fun getting everyone’s dander up, your solution is a witty one.  The countdown is a clever touch.

There must be a very good horse under a jockey to accomplish the enormous goals that they set for those beautiful creatures.  But it is the jockey who makes the good or bad driving decisions, since he holds the reins and the whip.  The use of both for good and bad has been much too evident this year.  How does the deliberate bumping of Charitable Man by Velazquez’s steering of Dunkirk differ from the bumping that disqualified Big Drama from his win and his record?  How does either action differ from the jockey maneuver that just recently permanently injured a man, killed a horse and “suspended” the jockey?  What rational purpose is there in allowing the importance of the race to decide the penalty of a potentially dangerous maneuver?

All four of those horses at the top of race 10 were breathtakingly good and brave.  There were four sets of jockey decisions and four different results.  All four of those horses are exciting, gutsy and talented and deserve no one’s abusive remarks.  They won their records, and aren’t we lucky to watch their futures?

We were treated yesterday to a full day of incredible performances too, and I hope you all enjoyed the day and will enjoy your summer!

Peeps

StardustyRose:

Seriously.  It wasn't much of a bump.  Often when one horse comes out into another, the other one lays back into the offender.  This didn't happen.  The jock pulled Charitable Man away.  When you look at it from a side shot it sure looks a lot more offensive than it actually was.

About the whole siring 2 classic winners in the first crop i do know that Count Fleet sired Count Turf to win the Derby and Counterpoint to win the Belmont, but idk if they were from his first crop

Dray,

    A somewhat humbling concession speech by you, I commend you, See you in a month!, If I can offer you a suggestion, Read some books on the great "Athletes" of the early Seventies while you are away, Then maybe your opinion of those Horses will change for the better, lol...

    I also want to say what an interesting Triple Crown Season this has been!  Despite all the injuries of some very talented Horses in the process, I am glad that it seems, none were more serious then they could have been, I am extremely glad that "Friesan Fire" didn't get hurt more seriously in the Preakness considering the injuries he was running with, Here is to seeing him make a full recovery and come back better then ever!

   I am forever a fan of the two "Birds", "Mine that Bird" and "Summer Bird".  I also will never leave "Musket Man" off any ticket in the future, lol.  

    Also, I want to thank "ALL" the knowledgable people that come here and provide such great insight and a wealth of information to this Blog!, It has enlightened me to areas of the Sport and industry that I wasn't as informed as I thought I was, So a Huge Thank you to all...

Jason,

     Thanks Again for providing this forum for this Great Sport!, I also owe you for the tip on "Munnings" Yesterday!, I had overlooked him, So after your comment, I went and placed a $20 win ticket on him, So thanks again...

    Here is to hoping that the rest of the year is as exciting as the first six months, And all the Great Athletes(Horses and Jockeys) come back safe and sound...

Lastly,

   I cannot wait for my Favorite, "Nicanor" , The Big little brother of the Great "Barbaro", To prove to the world that lightning can strike twice in this great family!  He is going to be a monster on the Turf!  After his Allowance race at Delaware, On to The Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs, Then Saratoga, Then the Breeder's Cup!, Mark my words...

Heck Jason, if I were any more relaxed I'd fall off the chair in a sound slumber.

Of course I realize there are Draynay wannabes on here. Although WHY? I couldn't say.

Was a bit of class to his concession speech though.

Calvin's fourth grade education finally caught up to him - he didn't realize a mile and a half is longer than a mile and a quarter.

And Mike Relva? You aren't mine.

I was only responding to her calling me out. Go back and re-read. My initial comment wasn't made to her and didn't warrant her lecturing ME like I was her little brother.

Know that the man in the industry whose opinions you said you admire  someone else she lectured, also didn't appreciate it.

FOLKS: As another Triple Crown passes into history, I'd like to add one footnote.

It's been 35 years, 11 months, and 29 days since Secretariat won the Belmont, completing the first Triple Crown since Citation in 1948. (See calculation here: www.timeanddate.com/.../durationresult.html)

Two Triple Crown winners and many other superb three-year-olds have come along since June 9, 1973, and yet Secretariat's Kentucky Derby and Belmont records still stand. Perhaps one day they will be broken, for, as the saying goes, records are made to be broken. But every year that goes by and those records remain standing, Red's legend is burnished all the more.

As we see wonderful racetracks (like Hollywood Park) demolished, and the sport struggling for survival, maybe the horse that will break those records is just around the corner. Maybe he will be the shot in the arm racing needs. Got to have hope, right? So on to the two-year-olds. Each year's babies are a promise of renewal.

s lee and Dutch:

Thanks for the information about Timely Writer and the fact that he is buried in the infield at Belmont Park.

Draynay:

My favorite comment of his leading up to the Derby was "to avoid any horse with Bird in its name"....Mine That Bird and Summer Bird cost him thousands of dollars in EACH race, but it was a very nice final post for him.

Tim G,

    Me trying to be Dray jr, ROTFLMAO. Wow. You should go back to last year and see just how many aruguments i got into with this guy. Our agreements are few and far between, that's why i haven't been noticed yet, because normally i agree with the blog, not him. Now that my opinion differs you notice it. I have always been in your face when i argue ask Mike R. Actually i'll do it. Mike when me and you argued in the past was i not very hot tempered and in your face? As i said now that my opinion differs people notice it. I'm not trying to get attention, i am defending my opinion, whether it be brash or blunt i don't care, it's mine, and until proven otherwise by facts i'm not budging.

TO ALISHA: Re your 07 Jun 2009 8:34pm post, Count Turf and Counterpoint were from Count Fleet's 1948 foal crop. It wasn't his first crop, though, but his third. Count Turf won the 1951 Kentucky Derby and Counterpoint won the 1951 Belmont.

Numerous stallions sired winners of two or more runnings of the Derby, Preakness and Belmont, including (but not limited to) Australian, Black Toney, Blenheim II, Bold Venture, Broomstick, Bull Lea, Fair Play, Falsetto, King Alfonso, Leamington, Lexington, Man o' War, Sir Gallahad III, St. Germans, Star Shoot and Virgil. Whether or not the winners were separate offspring, and from the stallion's first crop, will take some digging.

StardustyRose:

Thanks. Read your comment on the previous blog. We'll never know.

Now that the Belmont/Draynay competition has come to an end, can we have a competition to ban Stardustyspam for a few months?

Just "kidding", kinda.

Jason, I agree completely. The 5th on Friday $30,000 claimer? Dunkirk would have been down in a heartbeat.

Soldier, pretty much spot on for Ms. Whitney. What a lady she is!

Whoever said something about Mine That Bird finishing 4th in a "NM Stakes" ?  That NM Stake is an $800,000 purse. It's a travesty that it isn't graded, just like it's a joke that the Arkansas Derby is a Grade II running at a million $ and having had so many come out of it to either WIN the Derby or make an excellent showing.

Also I read a comment on the other blog about Quality Road giving MTB a run for his money, not backing down?

I've seen that quarter crack, he's a ways away yet. The nature of those, they just keep happening over and over. Knowing Jimmy? He'll do the right thing by the colt, even if he never runs again.

As far as the geldings running style?

There are all types of running styles. Some are front runners, some are stalkers and some are one move horses like MTB. Very rarely do you get a horse that is versatile enough to do it all the ways there are. Sort of like Zenyatta, she makes a mighty run at them from way back.

Instead of beating up on MTB, we should be celebrating the fact that he provided SOME kind of connection. All those cowboy hats in NY weren't in celebration of Calvin. I can only imagine what the heck would've happened if MTB hadn't been in the race, or Calvin on him. May not have been Boo's best ride ever, but Belmont can get to the very best of them.

The handle was alarming in it's drop off, I don't want to think what it would've been without the duo.

The industry would have been better served if we had a TC contender or at the very least, Rachel in the Belmont, but it didn't play out that way so, it is what it is.

Let's give credit to those two, Chip and Lukas, who stepped up to the plate and ran in all three.

I just spoke with a friend who had been to her high school reunion in Virginia this weekend. On Saturday the cocktail party-dinner festivities stopped so that everyone could watch the Belmont Stakes.

This is the first time since Smarty Jones's 2004 run that I have heard about a big social event pausing for the race. Back then a friend was at a wedding that came to a halt for the Belmont. Even the priest was engrossed!

This has to be good news for racing.

Yeah Tim, i am not Dray, just a fan, obviously the reason i am a fan is because a) i find him funny, and b) i believe some of the things he believes.  Not all, but some. To be honest i rated Summer Bird's chances in the Belmont higher than i did Dunkirk, as well as MTB. I had them at 4th best chance for SB, MTB 5th best, and Dunkirk 6th best.  That was mainly based on the fact that i didn't see a son of U Song getting the 1 1/2 distance.  So as you can see i wouldn't have put Dunkirk getting the money.  Hopefully that clears up the confusion.

One last thing on the Belmont

The security barn gets to more than one of them. They're creatures of habit and no matter how calm they may seem in that barn, no one really knows how it affects them.

THE Bird is still my boy! He gave his fantastic, unbelievable, all-out closing drive, but he didn't know that it was too early. I was a little shocked that Calvin didn't pick up rides on Belmont before the race. It would be like me not practicing on barrels in OK when I ride in TX, or something :) Overconfidence, I think, trumped the early move, but it did CAUSE the early move. I still think Calvin's going places, but he needs to watch himself. As for THE Bird, I want to see him join his half-bro (biologically, if not in racing tech, he's still half-bro) Summer, in the Classic, along with Rachel.

I don't think anyone really likes Hank Goldberg.... Yes, Dunkirk SHOULD have been disqualified. I'm really happy for Kent! He had the experience, Calvin didn't.. But BooBoo will get 'em next time! Mine That Bird is awesome... Can't wait to see more of him, Quality Road, Rachel and ZENYATTA..

Wow!  I have to agree with everyone's comments that this is awesome for Birdstone.

Did CB move too soon - yes?  I have to watch the replay some more, but I just don't recall seeing any signs of rankness from MTB.  I will say sure the pace was honest the first quarter but slowed considerably after that.  I agree with those that say get this colt a jockey that will stick with him - why not Chantal Sutherland?  CB got a little taste of karma yesterday.  Hate it for the horse.  Did anyone notice how often Jerry Bailey commented that he couldn't fathom winning the Derby and taking a different mount in the Preakness?

Some seemed to think the race wasn't that exciting - not so.  Who expected Dunkirk on the lead and Charitable Man & Miners Escape not?  Good move on Johnny's part - set an honest 1st quarter, then slow it down.

And did you notice the commentators that kept saying 'Why is everyone betting Chocolate Candy?  Horse is only proven on synthetics.'  They were paying better attention than most of us.

My husband can't stand to listen to Goldberg either. He loves those commetns.  He is very new at following the sport (asked why the jockey on Birdstone coulnd't let Smarty win in 04.  How cute<g>) - but even he knows Goldberg is clueless.

Hope the MTB connections plan on getting him synthetic experience too.  For those that don't like the horse - sorry, but I think as long as he has 4 good legs under him, we will be seeing him for years to come.

And finally, Fabulous Strike!  Just impressive, he even drew off some in mid-stretch before Benny finally cut into his lead at the end.  Just breathtaking.

MTB ran a great race. He is a fan favorite and always will be. But, I think it is time for a new rider. Borel has made it clear that he would dump MTB for RA at a moments notice. However I have a feeling RAs connections will be doing some Calvin dumping of their own. Just a feeling. Congrats to Summer Bird on his connections. As for KD I would rather have seen another jockey win. I agree with Soldier Course  and all the others re his "adgenda". I never watch ABC because as a tv network I feel they are just awful.

A GREAT RACE FROM A REMARKABLE CROP OF THREE YEAR OLD, SUMMER BIRD,CHARITABLE,MTB,AND DUNKIRK ARE SOLID GOOD HORSES, PERHAPS ONE OF THE BEST CROPS IN RECENT YEARS. IF YOU LOOK AT SUMMER BIRD, HE HAD THAT THICK STURDY BUILD TO WIN THE BELMONT. I TEND TO DISAGREE WITH ESPN'S VIEW ON THE DISCRIPTION OF THE IDEAL BELMONT WINNER ALONGSIDE D.WAYNE LUKAS AND OTHERS. FOUR HORSES HAVE A PERFECT FIT FOR A BELMONT WINNER, A.P. INDY,SECRETARIAT,EASY GOER, AND SUMMER BIRD, STURDY, STRONG IN THE BACKSIDE,POWERFUL IN THE FRONT AND NOT LANKY OR SKINNY LIKE THEY DESCRIBED ON ESPN. THOSE FOUR HORSES HAVE THE TOP FASTEST TIMES IN THE BELMONT. A SKINNY HORSE STRUGGLES IN THE BELMONT BECAUSE THE GRIND ON THE BIG SANDY IS LONG AND EXHAUSTING, A POWERFUL HORSE IS NEEDED SO DON'T BE SURPRISE THAT SUMMER BIRD CONTINUES TO IMPROVE. AS FOR HANK, HE KNOWS HIS STUFF MAYBE HE IS GETTING A BIT OLD BUT DOWN HERE IN MIAMI,FL HE WAS ON THE RADIO AND HIS KNOWLEDGE OF FOOTBALL AND HORSE RACING WAS GREAT,SORRY TO DISAGREE...

I think it would have helped Borel to have had a mount or two in the days leading up to the Belmont. Desormeaux was right--Borel was and is naive about the 1-1/2 mile course at Belmont. Experience counts, and Desormeaux had it.

I do like Borel, but sometimes he does irritate me, as when he did that show-boating aboard Rachel Alexandra as she was winning the Fair Grounds Oaks, and by his blatant predictions of a Mine That Bird victory in the Belmont. Rick Dutrow was that arrogant last year, and he wound up with egg all over his face when Big Brown struggled home last and eased. You just don't do that. It is good to have the utmost confidence in your horse, but don't make promises on something you have no control of--they are animals not machines and their form can be compromised at a moment's notice--remember the infamous safety pin that derailed Spectacular Bid, fillies can come into heat, horses get hot and excited in pre-race preliminaries, not feel well, whatever.  

Borel is a good jockey, but made some mistakes yesterday. Hopefully, he will earn from them and eat some humble pie,a s well.  

For Dave the Draynay Fan for the last time Mine That Bird is NOT A FLUKE!!!! here's why

starts: 11

wins: 5

seconds: 2

thirds: 1

Does that look like the record of a fluke to you? I think he's proved himself he has a better record than most other horses all over the world will ever have. So leave him alone already!

Yes!  Ba-bye Dray!!!  Definitely will not be missing you.

Thank you Jason for a wonderful 2009 Triple Crown season on this blog.  It's been entertaining and fun, definitely a way to relieve stress from a full day of work and college studies throughout my second semester.

Kudos to those who got the three top picks!  Those are amazing handicapping skills that you guys accomplished.  My picks were just random, and as I didn't have the time to really think about it until Saturday morning, I just went with my sentimental favorites.  Again, congratulations, because you guys helped to keep the blog at peace for a month!

I wasn't paying attention, but I found out that Charitable Man is a Virginia-bred.  I root for Virginia-breds all the time, and I'm proud that he was able to get up for fourth in the Belmont Stakes, even though he looked spent when he reached the homestretch.  I'm a Virginia-bred, and have been living here for 10 years ever since my family and I moved back here in 1997.

Speaking about Virginia...

Greg J., I, too, am excited about the prospect of Nicanor possibly coming to Colonial Downs.  That is my home track, and it's a very lovely place to go.  Sadly, my family and I weren't able to get the tickets for this year's Virginia Derby and may not be able to go there for various reasons.  However, I will not miss it on TV, as I think CBS will still televise it like they did the last two years.

And one last thing about Draynay.  I'm sorry, but what peeves me more is that you don't even have the guts to call Mine That Bird by his real name (I would like to say a five letter word - guess people - instead of guts but I'm trying to be as nice as possible).  Sounds like you have a really bad case of an anger management issue that needs to be addressed by some doctor (or at least a sore loser who can’t take a bad bet with honor when he gets one).  I know he's a horse, but at least call him by his name, because people that are new to the sport may not understand the connection at all.  How would you like to be called by something else and no one not acknowledge you by your name?  It's actually really degrading, especially when the "name-calling" goes a bit too far...  You are a good handicapper, but not one to take full and complete advice from.  A name is someone's personal identity, even for an animal, because that's what completely sets them apart from others.  One thing’s for sure, if the Birds defeat you again, the best scene that will describe your loss is in the Alfred Hitchcock (sp?) film, "The Birds," when the birds attack the humans furiously.  And I hope the Birds do that throughout the rest of the 2009 year...because that will be THE most entertaining sight to see.

Jason, one thing’s for sure, you must make Draynay have to say Mine That Bird's name instead of all the other lame excuses to call the gelding otherwise.  That would be most fair, because all of us on here don't go around referring to someone else, or to some other horse, by a different name.  If I want to read intelligent conversation, as I would like to know everyone's opinion, I don't want to be confused, or have the new racing fan reading all of this, be befuddled over the nonsense spewed by Draynay.  I think it should be a definite must, for the new fans' sake, that Draynay shall say Mine That Bird's name, as well as other horses' names.

…It does get confusing at times...but then again, when has Draynay made complete, perfect, and clear sense at the time :)?

HG:

Jerry Bailey's comment about Calvin Borel taking off Mine That Bird after the Derby was staggering, not so much for its substance but for the fact that he made it ... publicly. Jerry wanted to give all of us something to think about.    

Please don't think this is Hank Goldberg using an alias...but MTB may have pulled his own trigger.  

Belmont may possibly be as deceptive to inexperienced horses as inexperienced riders.  

Reason I think this....  back in the day ... after

riding a couple years in Europe, I returned to USA -

Belmont. I was to work a horse 3/8...I worked him 5/8 because of where the pole was....and I had no idea until I got back to the barn....maybe MTB felt the same way.

Mine that Bird/Pioneer of the Nile rematch in the Swaps at Hollywood?  Where does MTB go now, back to New Mexico?

Wow no Draynay for about a month, rejoice all. Somebody should gag Randy Moss, always dissing on the California horses because of synthetics, like it's the horses fault. POTN did run 2nd in the Derby and IWR won the Wood Memorial. Moss brings nothing to the telecast, keep Jerry Bailey and bring in Gary Stevens and Chris McCarron.

I for one am not a Desormeaux fan. I have seen him blow more big races then anyone. He blew the Triple Crown on Real Quiet, messed Big Brown up last year and I have seen him make many premature moves in huge races. He just got lucky on Saturday that he was on the best horse.

Great blog Jason...........

Dunkirk suprised me a bit, I thought he would be somewhere in the top four at the wire.  I just did not think it would be in second.  

This year's Triple Crown was exciting to watch even though it would have been nice to see a horse crowned after a 31 year drought.  

I was the **s that bet Birdstone to win in the Belmont and pissed off another handicapper at my local track. So I got a little kick out of another Birdstone son taking away Borel's jockey triple crown >:D Guess that is why I placed Summer Bird in my top 3, just that little history from his sire. I like to look at those angles sometimes for a good kick.

Looking forward to some smaller stakes at my local smaller track and on to the Breeders Cup.  Good luck to all in their future handicapping and maybe I won't lurk until the end this time. I think reading a few Draynay comments ticked me off and I knew that my thoughts were not PC towards him, so I just sat back and watched these blogs unfold.

Wished my local track would add a blog to their site, I would have a hay day on it XD

For Big Red -

My mare is being bred to a son of Secretariat ... the foal may or may not ever go to the racetrack... but to have a piece of the Greatest is enough for me

I Agree that Borel Should have rode some before the Race>>To not Ride a horse since Mon. A.M.and then Go 1 1/2 ????? BUT the Horse Mine That Bird>>> What a RUNNER>>He's the ONLY Horse who Showed UP>>>>> BIG Time for ALL of the Crown Races>> He'll see all of Ya at the SPA With the Same time Between Races!! He WILL be the HOSS to BEAT$$$ and the WINNER$$$

HG

MTB has lots of synthetic experience.  Woodbine is a synthetic track and he won a lot of races there.

Chantel Sutherland ha improved tremendously as a jockey.  It took her several trips to the States and being schooled by top trainers and jocks to get where she is now.  She is second leading rider at Woodbine and won three races on Sunday (Disqualified froma forth)

Her ride on MTB in the BC Juvenile can be foregiven.  It was her first BC mount (she was overwhelmed) and the horse was up to close in the biginning.  MTB is obvioulsy a much better hrse now.

I still think MTB will be an awesome grass horse and was disappointed when his trainr said that his races for the remainer of the year will be on dirt/synthetic.

The draynay ban should include not talking about or even mentioning his name.

I really don't see all of the complaints about splits.  Dunkirk went out the opening quarter in 23.41 and the second quarter in 23.72.  Yes he slowed somewhat in the third and fourth going 25.30 and 25.43.  Mine that bird made his move, and had the lead at 1 1/4 in 2:01.66, a full second faster than he ran the Derby in the slop.  The last 2 quarters were 24.00 and 25.88.  Obviously that is misleading because at 1 1/4 Summer Bird was 4th and moved at that time. Generally, horses seem to know when its time to go and they do not understand that there is an extra quarter mile this time.  MTB was obviously a little too full of himself on the way to the track and all horses do not show their rankness the same way.  I used to have a mare that would throw her head, dance, etc when she was full of herself.  One look told you her frame of mind.  Her son, was the opposite.  He would just pull on you until he had given you an extra 2 - 3 inches of arm.  Finally you had to give because there was nothing else to do.  Jocks are stronger than the casual rider, but they know when the horse is fighting rather than relaxing.

Sharp observations above - May I add to one, that, yes, Bailey showed no class in his Preakness comment about Borel v. Smith.  However, he did bring up the premature move which seemed to elude the TVG guys, including the ever tipsy Frank.  But, Frank did say that he thought MTB was overbet.

Goldberg reminds me of a type Al Waterhouse used to let sit for free in the box seat section of SA.  The guy never brought anything - He would, constantly, want to use someone's glasses, or their form or Racing Digest, etc.  Loud mouth in the boxes and always touting the chalk.  One day the 3 was a mortal lock, if there ever was one.  As I walked into the betting section, at the last minute, he was walking towards me.  He looked quickly around, gave me a wink and held up three fingers on his chest.  WOW!  He had, finally, nailed one.

Cordero has said that more Belmonts are lost on the backstretch than anyother place - So much is pounded into the heads of jockies about the long distance, and the backstretch, suddenly, becomes so quiet, that jockies begin to lose their clocks.  Premature moves or moving far too late.  Yes, Superman Kent was correct in saying Calvin was naiive about riding Belmont.  As it is tough for anyone to ship to Saratoga and not work over the Oklahoma, it is equally tough to not have some experience racing over the track at Belmont.  Now, with Gabby winning the Acorn, can Sunland, finally, be recognized by some having their Derby and Oaks upgraded to Graded Stakes?

ole lord leave the HAMMER alone,  the guy getting old but he loves horses racin and I like him.

I would say  there a bunch on here that can out cap him, but the hammer is a blast to watch along with kenny maine.

lay off BORAIL,  if he waits 14 lengths back he doesnt win either.  he made the move on what he thought was the best horse and came up short.  SUMMER BIRD was winning no matter what.

Kent was in hand and when he said go the SUMMER B  just coasted by.

really what you want borail to do come running for 3rd maybe a 4th.  cause if he waits like some of you say that exactly what he would done anyway.

Jason ole FAB STRIKE ran one of the best races in a sprint ive seen in awhile.  I dont care how the track was playin that horse ran SCIENCE FICTION speed,  shout out to mountain man mark with that refreence.

in closing Charitble Man was fast enough to get the lead.  Dunkirk didnt let him.

Just a few more thoughts: Kent used to be called "superman" when he was a record breaking apprentice at the Maryland tracks.  I vividly remember his fans greeting him in many a winner's circle shouting "superman, superman!"  Now, if you don't have a big ego to begin with you will after that.  I guess he began to believe his fans were on to something.  Another thought: Who knew the pace would be set by Dunkirk and that it would be more than honest??  All of the pundits believed it would be a paceless race.  Goes to show you how difficult a thing pace is to predict in the Belmont.  If you knew that you would have probably cashed...

lol, what a joke.  DUNKIRK should been DQ, are you all blind...

that would have been a travisty if he was taken down,  CMAN was dead and as well there wasnt enough there anyway to take down.

lord sometimes I wonder.  that just my opinion though.

Well said to Janesville Liz, 07 Jun 2009 11:37 PM

I find Hank Greenberg useful - as to what NOT to bet on - he's never been right whenever I've been watching.  But he needs to be got rid of and replaced by some hottie (and not that goofous Matt Caruthers of TVG) who wil attract more young people - even old people like me like to look at studs, both literaly and figuratively.

I think the point of the Belmont is: 1. Don't brag on a sure thing, Calvin (and what's with the waxed eyebrows?); and 2. You can't bet until the day of the race because you have to see who the jockey is that is in the zone that day - June 6th it was Desormeaux.  

Thank God I won't have to cancel my subscription to Bloodhorse for rewarding bad behavior if Draynay had won - which like the bragadocious Calvin was the kiss of defeat.

What to expect for the rest of the year. Best four year old Einstein.

Vying for top 3 year old.

Dunkirk, Mine That, Bird Quality Road. B/C Classic could be up for grabs probably by a foreign horse because of  turf to poly angle.

Rachel/Zenyatta too early to tell but expect a great one when they meet.

Wow, did you see what Silverfoot's owner, Stephanie Clark, did when he won the Timan Stakes? Donated the whole purse to Rene Douglas...now that's class.

Geesh, I didn't even realize Silverfoot was still running, how clueless am I...please don't answer...

*Timan...Tinman Stakes

Greg J

 I doubt you will see Nicanor in the Breeders Cup. His time in the race at Del. Park was 146.3, against slow maidens.

 Since then there has been 5 races

won in 142.05 - 143.31. He would have been 15 - 20 lengths behind these horses.

 I love the Nicanor family but I think he will be an average race horse.

Sorry,

   I was reading past comments and this caught my eye, Sorry again, This will be my last mention of Dray for the next, 30 days 13 hours 17 minutes and 35 seconds(Love the ticker, Jason!)...

This is Dray responding to why I loved Summer Bird(Too Funny!):

"Greg J.  you are so right !  I can see it now Summer Bird and the Fluke sitting back and waiting for all the other horse to tire and then unleashing their awesome late running kicks and the Fluke and Summer Bird running right past Charitable Man and Dunkirk.  Lol... how dumb does that sound if you say it out loud? Summer Bird ? Has he won a race all year ? Summer Bird ? Geez."

draynay 02 Jun 2009 11:41 AM

Draynay's logic, lol...

LDP, I don't know HOW it's going to be proven to you.

Calvin said immediately after the race that the pace was too soft.

Chip said his horse may have moved too soon but he'd still pat Calvin on the back.

The analysts, who have been in racing their whole lives? Consensus is he made his move too soon for the geldings running style.

Calvin's after race press conference? He said he may have moved too soon but knew the horses in front of him wouldn't beat him and didn't think anything would come running from behind and catch him. He was wrong on both counts, the oh so often fatal flaw in judgment when riding in the Belmont.

I do not have a CLUE what would PROVE this to you. Scientific formulas?  Who better than the guy who was on the horses back?

Who better than the guy who knows this horse like the back of his hand, figured him out and got the rider he KNEW was patient and would follow his instructions? I'm not sure if you just want to ignore the fact that these people who train these horses are with them constantly and know every little nuance about their behavior.

May not have expressed his concerns before the race, but the walk over and the behavior in the paddock could have been the sign of two things. One the fact that the horse had started to react to the crowds and the human emotion around him or most likely the effects of the security barn.

Trainers have been saying for a while that they think there should be individual security with each horse and they'd even pay for it. Both Bobby Frankel and Wayne Lukas addressed it in an article here in the Blood Horse. Said they could do it like Churchill Downs. Security on either end of the horses barn/shedrow. Each horse had an individual guard with him in the paddock and the walk out to the track, is it all for show? Why not do what is most humane and beneficial to the horse's well being?

Even though Summer Bird apparently was most affected while IN the barn, who knows what it does to the psyche of the horse when he leaves the barn.

We know the quirks of every horse we have at the track and even those we have at the training and breaking facility. It takes a while to figure out their running style and if they have a definitive one, you better stick with it if you want them to succeed.

HAPPY WITH THE RACE, I HAD MINE THAT BIRD AND SUMMER BIRD DEAD HEATED BECAUSE I COULD NOT MAKE UP MY MIND WHICH TO PLACE FIRST.

A LITTLE DISAPPOINTED WITH MR HOT STUFF, BUT A GOOD RACE TO WATCH.

KENT D HAD EXPERIENCE IN THE BELMONT STAKES ALONG WITH EDGAR PRADO, WHO I THOUGHT SHOULD HAVE RIDDEN MTB, BUT NO SENSE IN THAT DISCUSSION NOW.

Dany, good analysis.

But, on Hank? He may know his stuff, but he's a terrible handicapper.

Also I'm not making fun of him, I'm concerned about his slurring of words, stumbling over them, sometimes incoherent speech and inability to carry through a thought process.

My guess is, if you asked ANY medical professional they'd see warning signs there. Especially from anyone who has watched him for so many years and know as a case study one would never say this is happening as part of the normal aging process.

Wow, people are tough! Replay critics! MTB is a good horse, maybe not a great horse, however, none of the others are great horses either. I will continue to say as I did before the race, there has been some strategic errors made prior to race by the MTB team. The horse should have been at Belmont earlier for training and CB should have ridden over the track, either in the mornings or the afternoon of.

However, Calvin said his agent didn't think it was necessary? This team went from zero to sixty overnight after the Derby. They did their best with limited experience of handling the press, shipping a horse etc. Perhaps being too nice and allowing themselves to be sucked up with all of the publicity they lost their focus on the actual degree of difficulty the task at hand was. In Calvin's defense, he is a rider, period. And a good rider. He is not a sports commentator,  his confidence shouldn't be confused with arrogance. I wish he had received better advice in preparing for the race and dealing with the press. However, he spoke from his heart, which was actually refreshing, but unfortunately has allowed a feeding frenzy for replay critics. Every rider must feel they are going to win, anything less would be defeatist. As far as the race unfolded, he did his best(the rail was protected) his horse wasn't calm (evident in the post parade)and tired(didn't have fresh legs)tough tough situation.

Now, you want to talk about arrogance, self-serving and  manipulating and playing the press you can look at the winning jock- Kent, his comments, his actions are as phony as they come. His performance last year would have called for a year suspension for an incomplete ride. In any other jurisdiction he wouldn't even been riding in this year's Belmont.

Calvin absolutely deserves to remain as the rider for MTB, he alone is not totally responsible for the end result. What about Mike Smith's ride on MTB in the Preakness, he did everything but run the horse into a wall a number of times. Not much said about that, and they sure didn't ask Mike about the race immediately after crossing the wire. I wonder what he would have said?  

I had two of the top three finishers but not Summer Bird. Ouch I guess I should have listned to the bloggers and what a day Kent was having leading up to the race. My bad I should have known thats the way Birdstone won the belmont he ran in the derby took the preakness off and won the belmont. That was my first year I got into horse racing and was a huge Birdstone fan in the derby but was an even bigger smarty fan when the belmont rolled around. I was playing with gi joes the last time a triple crown was captured I didn't even have Birdstone just smarty Jones and after Birdstone won I became a fan for life.

p.s. The way dray handicaps it looks like he is still playing with G I JOES...

Janesville Liz

Yeah to say that your horse is going to win for sure is a little out there.  

Greg J.  Nicanor is running soon and didn't he beat Summer Bird?  If I recall, he did.  :)

i was really glad to see summer bird win. i knew it would be one of the birds. i was there and watched a GREAT day of racing. gabbys golden gal also did great=] it was no surpirse summer bird won, he has the pedigree talent and athleticism=] dujnkirk was so brave and gutsy and mine that bird aslo did fantastic=] what a great birthday present for tim ice<3

This triple crown season was a welcome relief from the stress of last years. Thank goodness!

First I would to say that Mine That Bird is a future great gelding,and that I hope he has a great couple of years to come. His connections are great folk. Second I too was concerned about the lack of experience with the Belmont track with Calvin. I wish someone could have changed his mind about not riding a few races last week. I would also say I am still not a fan of Kent. Not for the Big Brown thing, but the last Belmont I attended was Real Quiets and I will never believe Kent was not at fault in that race. I do wish Calvin had listened to him thu.

Lets hope the rest of the year is this interesting. MTB, Summer Bird, Dunkirk, and Charitable Man should only improve as they go. Please bring those and the other fine three year olds to Monmouth to run in the Haskell, it fits in most everyones schedule and 1 million isn't anything to sneeze at.

Hey Blog! I knew we could do it! One comment about the Belmont, I think Calvin forgot which horse he was on, and it wasn't Rachel!

Congratulations to Summer Bird, Tim Ice, and Kent D. Summer Bird winning a Triple Crown Race after never been raced until March this year is sur-real. What a talent to pull that off and what a job his Trainer did. Kent D. finally gets his Belmont. I'm happy for him after the way big brown forgot to show up last year and when they opened the gate sealed his own fate by blowing the start and breaking into Guadacanal. Kent deserved a better fate than to be blamed for the loss when the horse started the chain reaction of trouble in the first place.

The year is young and already so many surprises. Makes you wonder what is in store for the rest of the year.

Jason,

Didn't Gallant Fox sire Omaha in his first crop? (TC winner to sire a TC winner)

FYI for HG who wrote "Hope the MTB connections plan on getting him synthetic experience too." Mine That Bird made his first six starts over synthetic tracks. He was voted Canada's champion 2 year old in 2008 after winning four out of five starts on the polytrack at Woodbine. He finished the year with a start in the Breeders Cup Juvenile at Santa Anita over pro-ride.

I "watched" the two hour ABC broadcast, and found the talking heads quite annoying and cringe-worthy for the most part. I taped over the Belmont and didn't get a chance to check, but I thought that I heard a major flub when Jerry Bailey announced that Big Brown never won a race after the Belmont. (Did anyone else notice this?)

ABC also dropped the ball when it had two hours to show live or at least taped versions of some of the undercard races. Prior to the Belmont telecast, I watched a two hour local broadcast featuring races from Woodbine, and they showed the Truth North and the Just a Game.

Overall, Borel's inexperience may have cost him the race, but the normally mellow "Bird" was unsually wound up that day. Borel was between a rock and a hard place. He may have pulled the trigger too soon, but MTB was eager to go. And if Borel fought him, he may have just spit the bit and said "To heck with you. First you dump me in the Preakness, now you won't let me run?"

Mine That Bird has proven himself to be a game, durable, solid, and classy racehorse. If the Racing Gods are kind, I believe we will be hearing more from him over the next few seasons.

P.S. Is it just me, or does it look like CB plucks his eyebrows?

Soldier Course. Stopping a high school reunion is swell.

But read the headlines. The handle was down and only 52,861 attended cmpared to the 94,000+ last year who wagered nearly 4 million $ more than this year. The off track handle was down from last year by 10 million. The TV viewership was nearly HALF what it was last year.

The TV ratings were much better apparently than they'd been in other non TC years, as was the handle. But even though the economy is down, it was last year as well.

I just have one thought on that. If Jess Jackson were the sportsman he proclaims, who wants the VERY BEST for horseracing , he would have waited to run Rachel in the

Belmont, off of 5 weeks rest. Setting up a real showdown, or if she couldn't get the distance, at least providing a potential TC nail biter. Summer Bird probably still would have won and we'd have had no TC winner but we needed THAT shot in the arm. We still would've had the Preakness pretty highly bet and rated because of MTB and his connections (characters all, still love the comment about the Bucket List, Leonard reminding all of us older folks that we have one)plus the lovefest going on for Boo, who challenged the racing gods with that bold proclamation. Saw how Belmont humbled Ricky, should've learned but the pre race hype would've been terrific anyway.

When all is said and done, if that's Jess' version of helping the industry, no more help please.

Congrats to the blog for winning the contest!  It certainly was a very interesting Triple Crown.  And I agree 100% with you, Jason.  Hank Goldberg should write down his picks for someone else to read on the air.  How someone with such terrible public speaking ability has managed to hold a job on a major network for so long is completely beyond me.

Thanks for the great articles!

Zookeeper,

Yes, I did box the superfecta. Had some pretty darn good luck all day. Thanks for going back to see who had the tri's and super and bringing it to attention. That was cool. Glad I put Dunkirk in there at the last minute.

Helsbelles and just lurking,

Thank you for the kind words on Jada. There were quite a few responses about her and it has helped me to bare the burdon of her loss alot easier, so a big THANK YOU to everyone and much love to you also. Don't forget to hug your pet and tell them you love them EVERYDAY!

amph44,

If you get TVG, they recapped Sea of Stars race on The Finish Line and they will replay The Finish Line several times during the week.

How about Vodka? She's something!

Thanks, Jason, for telling it like it is about Goldberg. He appears to be very ill and adds nothing of value to the broadcast. Didn't Calvin Borel say in his post-race interview that he had to move early because the pace was so slow? In fact, the fractions were fairly fast for 12 furlongs. The clock in Calvin's head wasn't working correctly on Saturday.

Congratulations To:

Summer Bird - Keeping it in the Family

The Bloggers - Dray, better luck in the Breeder's Cup

Fabulous Strike - PA bred from that little track Penn National

Thanks Jason - can't wait for the BC Blog!

Jason any truth to the rumor draynay "kicked the dog" when it hit him the blog blew him away?

Isn't it sickening how draynay spins things? He completely leaves out MTB in his top 3 and then in his "concession" b.s. he spouts how he "knew" MTB wasn't good enough leaving out the fact that MTB WAS good enough to bury him in your contest. I bet he was crapping cheetos when MTB took the lead in the stretch.

Jason you let him off the hook to easily when you stated that if the blog had gone with CC ( it was close between SB and CC) draynay would have won. Take a look at how he still berates MTB because his Dunkirk was able to beat him by a whisker. He makes it sound like Dunkirk was many lengths better. To him close don't matter when his horse beats the one he wants to belittle. The contest wasn't close, don't give him any breaks because the voting was. He got beat by you all in a big way.

Brandi,

     FYI, On "Nicanor", First off, His race was the first of the year at Delaware Park on the Turf. I spoke to a gentleman who worked on the track, and he said it was a slow track due to it being the first race, The grass was higher then normal, Hence the slower times.  Second,  if you put any stock in Speed Rating's, "Nicanor's" Rating was a Solid 100, Since that race on the Turf, There has not been another horse with a rating higher then "Nicanor's".  I believe the highest rating since then has been a 97.  He is progressing well, I threw out his first race, due to him grabbing a quarter, Since then he has two Second places(Lost to "Custom for Carlos", who won an allowance at Churchill on May 29, and in his five starts, has 2 wins, 1 second, 1 third, His third was in the Swale Stakes, Came in Second to "Glittermans Cartel", who has 4 starts, 1 win, 1 second, 1 third, and he was scratched last week in a Allowance race at Churchill).  They are two Horses with potential, and Nicanor was still learning when he barely lost to both.  Nicanor's Speed Rating in his last three races are 92, 92, 100.  When he broke his Maiden it was by a impressive 15 1/2 lengths, Whenever you win a race by over 15 lengths, It is impressive, regardless of who you beat.  Lastly, One has to remember also, When he won that race, It was first time with Blinkers, First time on Turf, First time going two turns, First time with Rosie N. as his Jockey.  So, Bottom line, Yes, Only time will tell how good he will become, But from my Humble opinion(Maybe a little biased on my part because he is my favorite), I think I am Spot on regarding Him, He will show his Champion Bloodlines in the coming months...

Lastly, Look at how different the Turf conditions are in the following, The First is Barbaro's Maiden Victory on 10/04/05, Turf is short and Dry, Second Video is Nicanor's Maiden Victory on 05/13/09, Turf is long and deep, Enjoy:

Barbaro Maiden Win:

www.youtube.com/watch

Nicanor Maiden Win:

www.youtube.com/watch

*I can say this post is not off subject due to the fact that Kent Desormeaux was on Both Horses that beat Nicanor, Glittermans Cartel and Custom for Carlos, lol...

Calvin Borrel did have to move early because the pace WAS WAS WAS siow.

VERY DISAPOINTED in dunkirk run,HE SOULD HAVE WON BY DAYLIGHT.

I had a "Bird Sandwich", but the wrong filling(Flying Private), and wrong order! If only Borel could have settled THE Bird down, but if you are going to loose to someone, it might as well be your brother.

I checked out the Gainsway website, and lo and behold, the front page says that Birdstone is booked for 2009. I bet their phone has been ringing off the hook! I would hedge to bet that his $10,000 stud fee will be a wee bit higher for 2010.

To Soldier, Lazmannick, DL (and anyone else interested)

Solier - exactly on target with the Bailey comment.  Not the content - but that he all but called  CB out on national TV like that - all day long, 2 channels. (I know some of it was a part of pre-taped stuff, but still  . . . pretty interesting)

LazMannick & DL - please forgive me lack of total knowledge of the Woodbine course.  I knew it had turf, wasn't sure if dirt of synthetic.  I live & work near a track converted over for dogs only.  In fact, I drive past it everyday.  Needless to say, we don get much coverage of horse racing here.  I have to do a lot of digging to attempt to stay on top of anything in the sport.

I did know that the last time MTB ran on sythetics - it didn't turn out so well, but I think Laz's comments were on target about that.(BC)

DL - The True North & Just A Game were shown nationwide on ESPN, prior to coverage switching to ABC.  It certainly wasn't going to be on local coverage here.  To give you an idea of how bad it has been - there have been days I had set the TV up to record the BC and went to a (college) football game - only to come home to a tape full of old movies sponsored by paid advertising.  I believe it was our local NBC affiliate that was the worst about this.  Thank goodness that finally quit happening.

And as far as seeing MTB on grass - give it time.  Again, he is a gelding so as long as he is healthy, he should be around a while.  He has proven he can hang in top company so hopefully his team will continue to put him there.

Roll Tide!<g>

Jason, playing hookY? Or another well deserved vacation on a beach in the Caribbean?

Hank? One of our first conversations was about him, I think. Him, Battaglia and Neumie couldn't handicap their way out of a paper bag.

But, sadly you are right about Hank. It's painful to listen to him. I think it's a further disservice to our industry to have him on these broadcasts.

Saying he's aging is no excuse. Just listen to Jess Jackson (heck, like him or not, he's nearly 80), Wayne Lukas, Tom McCarthy, Barclay Tagg, Tom McCarthy, Alan Jerkens. All are older than Hank is and all are more well spoken, though some say more than others, they still are articulate and knowledgable.

I just cringe when he opens his mouth and I know when I watch TV, I won't watch someone who makes me feel like that.

Some on here have talked about various trainers retiring because they say things people don't want to hear or train in a way they don't like or may not be as prominent as they once were and are at an age where people think they're no longer useful. However, I still find those guys to be vibrant, energetic, still great trainers with maybe lesser stables and able to converse, unlike Hank.

DL,

OMG - I thought I was the only person who wondered that!

His eyebrows are very fine and thin, but when I caught a good look at his brother, Cecil, his also were pretty light and sparse (but shorter horizontally than Calvin's).

I think it's just a family trait - but it did make me give a second and third glance!

LDP - you've been trying to scrap with me over the last two editions of this blog.  

So - final word because I've got things to do -  I'm not disagreeing with you regarding Dunkirk's ability - and I don't even mind if you think that MTB is good, not great.  My issue was the use of the word "fluke".  

By definition (Webster's), a fluke is:

1. A stroke of good luck.

2. A chance occurrence; an accident.

The term is being ill used here to indicate a horse who got lucky and doesn't have the talent to ever win again.  I think you'd have to agree (if you are serious about it) that both MTB and Dunkirk have wins coming in the future.  

I don't know where you were coming from with year end votes and 2-yr-old versus 3-yr-old recoreds and the like...I was only - ever - talking about the fact that fluke is a derrogatory and incorrect term for such an accomplished horse.

No - I don't agree with you regarding the record comparison.  I'll take a horse with graded wins in the column over a horse who has none.  You may think differently - and that's your right.  But like it or not - Dunkirk's record on its own is no more impressive than MTB.  I'd give it to MTB for just having more seasoning, for that matter.  What a concept - a horse that runs full campaigns at 2 and 3!

So....why are we debating this? It's not even a point of argument.  As you said - this is a blog about the winner of the Belmont, after all.

And I totally agree - Summer Bird ran a great race and was a deserving winner.  His connections are cool stories - as cool as MTB's.  Congrats to all three of the Triple Crown winners.

Random Comments:

Jason: great timer thingy!  (I'm gonna miss ole what's his name, tho, with his goofy comments.)

For the person asking earlier: Sea the Stars won the Epsom Derby ("Darby"), the granddaddy of 3yo races, over the weekend.  He is a 1/2 to quite a few great runners, including Galileo, who also won the Derby.  His dam, Urban Sea, won the Arc de Triomphe, another BIG race, in the 80's or 90's.  If Sea the Stars gets to the Breeders' Cup, look out!

Remember all: not all great horses are born or run in the States.

RE: the Triple Crown: fun races.  Let's see where everyone goes after this.  who's gonna take the Travers?  And will RA run?  (And what's up with Stardom Bound?)

And: Eye of the Leopard in the Queen's Plate (with more to come later in the year in your part of the world.)

RE: the Blogs: more fun than a barrel of Labradors.  (See, Jason, even tho I'm a cat person, I can be nice to dogs.)

(p.s. I only had the two Birds and not Dunkirk.  I think I started to turn against Dunkirk when He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named started to like him.  From now on, that is NOT going to be something that matters with me.  Dunkirk is one good looking horse.... But MTB is one better running horse!)

To the Rock--

In answer to your question about Gallant Man, I was just reading about him. Omaha was from his first crop.

If he runs, Hold Me Back will win the Travers.

TimG, you are so right about the security situation there. People keep making excuses for horses winning two legs and then blowing the Belmont and they are tired and it is a hard campaign. But last year, when I looked at the odds before the race, you could have bet as much as you wanted on ALL the other horses in the field and as long as Big Brown didn't win, you would not loose money. And then his behavior was uncharacteristic. Mine That Bird's behavior was not his usual self. Spectacular Bid just so happened to step on an open safety pin. One or two weird things - o.k. But when all is said and done, if I had a horse (not sure about a jockey) as the favorite going for a Triple Crown, I'd be glued to his side 24/7. Call me paranoid, but better safe than sorry. It would be a lot of temptation and all it would take is one wrong person.

I find it funny that you all now love Birdstone so much, seeing as you all probably hated him when he beat SJ. I think Dray is right that the majority of you took Summer Bird in the belmont purely on the fact that he is MTB's brother.

And another thing that makes me mad is the naming of that Yonaguska son, the half brother to MTB that was recently bought.  They named him Brother Bird. I find it to be a shameless attempt to cash in on MTB's popularity.  It is not even as if he is by Birdstone. If you want to pay homage to MTB, why don't you name him something with mine in it for their mother Mining My Own, like Mine MY Brother or something like that.

Barbara,

Thanks. Well there's something that'll never happen again. A TC winner siring another TC winner. Especially one from their first crop.

Greg J.

With all due respect, lets keep the Nicanor talk within his respective looney blog until the horse does something worth talking about.

What an awesome first crop for Birdstone!! Wish I had a mare in foal to him. Hats off to Kent for getting the job done! I give Calvin a E for not riding all week, not riding the Belmont course, and pulling the trigger on MTB too soon, they should have put Julien Lepraoux on.

StardustyRose Nicanor never beat Summer Bird.  Summer Bird before the Derby had only raced at Oaklawn and I don't remember Nicanor ever being there.  Nicanor did beat a Birdstone though, but his name was Birdrun

Tim G,

    That pace was anything but slow. There is an artical on Bloodhorse and it even says Dunkirk was setting quick fractions. I don't know how you or Calvin can call 1.12 and 2 for the first 6 furlongs in a mile and a half race slow. That is close to a 12 clip, and to try that in the Belmont is suicidal. The only horse ever to keep up a 12 clip in the Belmont was Secretariat, 2.24. So ovbiously it's not easy to do. Calvin may have move to soon because he felt the pace was slow than it was, but it wasn't slow at all. The mile and a quarter time was like 2.01. Thats not slow, the mile was the only fractional time a person could consider slow, which was 1.37, but still for a mile and a half, it's still solid. I'm not disrespecting anyone, but when i look at the times of the race i can't see how you call times like 23, 47, 1.12,1.37, 2.01 slow. Those are as solid as can get in the Belmont. If you want soft fractions go back and look at the 07 Belmont, i believe it's six furlong time was 1.15 or so. That is slow, 1.12 is not slow. Calvin was mistaken, which most humans do, not everyone is perfect, no matter how great they may look.

I have to say, Summer Bird, earned his Belmont win, and Mine That Bird has nothing to be ashame of.(Hey, Curlin only won the Preakness, and he was two time Horse of the Year.) I saw a little horse who ran heart out again, and I am a Mine That Bird fan, I don't care what anybody else thinks of him.  I wish him the best, and Please give him a rest.

To Mary Lou Whitney and Birdstone, you rock. The great thing about her owning Birdstone is I can guarantee you he will not be sold to Darley or anyone else. Now, maybe he will get the respect he never got while he was running. (And has anyone notice, all his babies run almost the same, with the awesome closing kick.)  

FYI Barbara and The Rock: Flying Fox won the 1899 English Triple Crown. His grandsire, Ormonde, won it in 1886.  Not a father-son combo but a grandfather-son combo.

I just like racing history.

Does that make me a horse nerd? (or a (h)erd)?

TO JASON, THE ROCK and BARBARA: Re The Rock's question in his 12:09pm post, Gallant Fox did sire Triple Crown winner and Horse of the Year, Omaha, in his first crop of foals, which were born in 1932. Also in that small first crop of what may have been only 14 named foals were stakes winners Calumet Dick and Gallant Prince, as well as a remarkable horse named South Gallant. He raced 118 times, with 11 wins, 11 seconds and 13 thirds.

Belmont winner and Horse of the Year, Granville, came along in Gallant Fox's second foal crop.

LDP, right. My statement from the get go. Calvin THOUGHT the pace was soft.

Most great jocks have a clock in their head. Whether the adrenalin was pumping, just like it has done to jock after jock who runs at the Big Sandy, he thought the pace was soft. Therefore, like Chip said, HE MOVED TOO SOON.

MTB has afterburners, he was flying at the end of the Derby. That is his SOP now that Chip has him figured out.

Not sure if you tivo'd, DVR'd the build up to the race. But if so watch the part where he was explaining to Jeanine the horses previous and current running style and it all comes together.

No excuses were made, but an explanation as to what happened.

Basically Summer Bird ran the race that MTB should have run. Kent, back in 1998 on Real Quiet, ran up on the lead, faded. Chris Antley 99 ran up on the lead trying to run with Silverbulletday, took Charismatic out of his running style and the colt overstressed himself and fractured a leg. You see it over and over again, THAT is why they call this a riders race.

Let something, ANYTHING get into their head and it becomes real and they take the horse out of the normal running style, overtax them, run too hot of a pace or make their move at the wrong time.

Karen. Most of these big time guys have people who stay with their horses 24/7 and get an extra guard when they're in a big race or if they're a horse like Curlin, they have an entourage of security always. So I just don't get it either.

If NYRA doesn't trust them to not administer drugs or fear someone will tamper with the horse then put two guards in front of the stall as well as the trainers own security people. It would be a lot to get that many people to compromise that situation IMHO.

But you always have the big gamblers who would try, but hopefully they'd keep each other honest.

My personal opinion and discussions with some friends who train back there? That wasn't the only problem Big Brown had, but I won't go through that again.

Just to say Summer Bird apparently pitched a fit similar to BB, but then settled and didn't continue on, on the walkover or in the paddock.

The Rock,

    With all due respect back, Wouldn't it have been nice if people were talking about "Mine that Bird" before he did something?  If more people talked up about what Mine that Bird accomplished as a two year old in Canada, Would they have received the same comment?  My point is there are alot Horses that haven't accomplished much yet but have all the potential there, but we can't mention them?, or reference their potential?, or make some fans aware of their potential?  So does that logic go for some other favorites of mine?, Just because they don't meet your qualification's to be mentioned?  So, Going by your comment, "until the horse does something worth talking about", I guess then I am not allowed to mention Gator Prowl, Proud Monkey, Zip in Time, Up in Lights, Zensational, Until they meet your standards?, No offense, but I would rather people mention up and coming Horses with all the potential in the world to better everyone's awareness of them.  I, for one, Like to follow all these Horses so I can see their progression as they learn and get better.  I like to follow "ALL" of there careers from day one, not just when they "Do something worth talking about"...

Greg J,

Another thing to note about Nicanor's maiden win - the rail was set way, WAY out from it's normal position ( somthing like 35 feet).  That race was just as close to 1 1/8 miles as it was to 1 1/16.  I believe this also played into the "slow" time.  Most important thing from the time was that he closed his last 16th in 6 2/5 with no pressure or urging.

Also, good to see Mission Impazible back on the work ticket at Churchill.  Can't wait for the Bashford Manor.

Greg J

Thanks for the info. on the turf at Del. Park. Also enjoyed the 2 races.

I have two suggestions:

1.  Get rid of the counter - it's too depressing to think how soon the naysayer will be back  (He calls MTB the Fluke, I call him he naysayer)

2.  Get rid on Hank Goldberg and replace him with Jason.  Now that's not depressing.

To LDP 08 Jun 2009 5:33 PM

When I heard 23 and then 47 from Durkin I thought "Wow, that's too fast, MTB is going to get tired."  That track is just too big to judge normally, but what do I know, I'm not a jock,  just an armchair rider.  

It was Desormeaux's day anyway.

May I just inject one thought ref: Hank.  I have watched him for a number of years and it seems that this year the speech was different and thoughts could not be held.  Before we say horrid things about the guy there may be an underlying problem that we know nothing about so please don't be that harsh to maybe something that is beyond his control and that is all I am saying on the subject. Sometimes loyality counts for something.

    I have to agree with most of the comments concerning Hammerin' Hank.  He's not a TV personality, that's for sure and his picks hit at about the same rate that mine do, which makes him far from an "expert" handicapper.  I'm a casual handicapper that loves horse racing, that's it and he's supposed to be an expert, WOW!

    Anyway, I've read a lot about the whole Dunkirk/Charitable Man bumping incident.  As I see it, it's not so much about the bump as it is about how Dunkirk impeded the path of Charitable Man.  Had Garcia tried to squeeze CM through a hole that wasn't there, I would agree there should have been no DQ.  However, there was a wide path b/w MTB & Dunkirk when Garcia was moving CM through the hole.  Dunkirk moved out 3 or 4 paths and closed the hole and it caused Garcia to check CM.  Had JV moved Dunkirk out only a little bit, but still left a small hole and caused Garcia to check, that's one thing, but he shut the hole off completely.  That's completely different.  I honestly think that JV thought he was clear of CM and was trying to move Dunkirk out as close to MTB as possible in order to let Dunkirk "eye" MTB.  A lot of jockeys do this.  It allows their mount to get a good look at their competition and see if they have another gear or a little bit of extra heart, which obviously Dunkikr had.  As for saying CM was already a beaten horse, I agree to a point.  Was he going to win, no.  Was he going to possibly place higher than 4th, maybe.  That is cause for a DQ.  It's not that CM might have won or finished 2nd, it's the fact that Dunkirk could have cost CM the show spot.  As I understand it, when stewards look at inquiries and objections, they're suppose to ask themselves if the act in question affected the outcome of the race.  I guess they thought it didn't and their opinion is the only one that mattered.  All I know is the top 4 horses all have nice races ahead of them.  I'm looking forward to the rest of the racing season with this crop, regardless of how mediocre some feel they are especially once FF & QR come back healthy.  Hopefully The Pamplemousse and IWR can make a comeback to the track.  Throw in horses like MM and we all have a lot to look forward to the rest of the year.

Back to the infield question about Belmont - I don't know if there's a tunnel or not, but it occurred to me that once upon a time there was a racetrack in that "infield".  The Widener Chute ran diagonally across the infield.  It was either 6 or 7 furlongs long.  I believe Native Dancer raced and won on it, among other greats, but I think they gave it up in the 60's or 70's.

So since they designed that lovely old park with another racetrack cutting across the middle, they sure weren't planning to have parties there!

Dave the Draynay Fan:

I think you and Dray are half right about most people picking Summer Bird because he was MTB's brother.

BUT...

First off...in Thoroughbreds, just because a horse has the same sire doesn't really consider him to be a brother to MTB.   It's only if they are from the same Dam (In Thoroughbreds anyways).

Secondly...your right about me picking Summer Bird because of Birdstone.   But, I also picked him because of his Classic winning broodmare sires line of Summer Squall, Alydar and Nijinsky II.   Which I actually mentioned in a previous blog about 5 weeks ago shortly after the Derby.

And I also picked Victory Gallop in a similar manner because of Cryptoclearance.   Because in a 1 1/2 mile race your not going to pick someone who has a straight up Sprinters pedigree.

Also...I did hate Birdstone because we never really got a chance to be a fan of his since he had 3 good wins in only 9 total starts.   And the same with his sire Grindstone having only 2 good wins in only 6 total starts.

But, I think from a breeding standpoint ya gotta give it to the lineage for throwing some good long distance runners that this Industry is crying out for more of these days.

LADY RUFFIAN -

A Baby for the Blog - it gives me something to look forward to reading about. :-)  How fantastic to have the DNA of Secretariat in your coming foal.  PLEASE let us know how your baby is developing.  Have any names yet?  Jason said we will be changing to the Breeders Cup, so maybe we can talk about this breeding too.

Again, A Baby for the Blog - it gives me something to look forward to reading about. :-)

To Zookeeper:  How do you think our big runners are going to fare against Europe's horses at this year's Breeders Cup?  

I certainly hope it is not a repeat of last year's results.

TO:THE ROCK

For your information,Nicanor has done something,he's won a race already. Maybe you were on vacation!lol

Hold Me Back in the Travers????....From here on out, there's a NEW sherrif in town, and his name is Summer Bird!!!!! Steadied twice, then passed horses over a glib track where that really wasn't happening that much.....

JASON:

The primary reason I read your blog is I find what you have to say accurate and interesting,despite having to put up w/some,including Draynay. Your knowledge on racing should be commended. Regarding Hank I understand your point,but will tell you in all honesty that I would tolerate a hundred of him before I would one Mike Watchmaker! He's someone that's cornered the market on being rude. Also,he's "in love with his on voice',simple as that! Look at Jeff S. and the other guy on HR TV. They make their points without the hint of"I know more than you" concept. Can't stand Watchmaker,simple as that!

Wouldn't you agree that having the very best consideration for your horse is more important than the very best for horse racing? I really thought Mr.Jackson was thinking of the horse.  He had just given to the fans and horse racing when he entered Rachel Alexandra in the Preakness. He also kept Curlin racing as a 4 yr old instead of rushing him off to the stud barn with the rest of them.

Maybe Calvin's eyebrows are like that naturally or maybe when he was doing all the TV shows the make-up people waxed his brows or plucked them a bit.

And why aren't we talking more about Summer Bird?  He's the one who just won the Belmont.  In fact, I have only seen one article on here about him since the race...the one where it was announced that he won it. Where'd he go?  Where's he going? Did I miss something?

It has been fun and tough to choose this year with so many good ones out there...that is, until they started dropping out with injuries...injuries that could possibly be prevented if they weren't raced so young.  I know, I know, that's the way it has always been done, but that doesn't mean it's the best way for these big babies with their underdeveloped bones.  Enough said...I 'gotta' get to the barn and feed my gals.      

HG:

You're right about MTB possibly trying the turf next year.  It is the logical thing to keep him on dirt/synthetics while they work towards the BC this year.  The fact he is going to race for a few years should give them a chance to switch surfaces.  The reason I think he will be great on turf is the fact the many of the grass horses at Woodbine race very well on synthetics and vice versa.  Only time will tell.

Good luck.

TIM G

Yes,I do respect the guy you mentioned,no doubt. I can detect that you have a very solid foundation of knowledge regarding racing. All I'm saying is don't expect to attack LDP  without someone responding. That's the way it is. Yes,she has a temper and very outspoken. Last yr. we didn't agree regarding Curlin and Zenyatta up for HOY. I love Zenyatta and as much as I like Curlin I despise his trainer. Wanted Zenyatta to win,but knew really little chance. Point is I challenged LDP and she certainly can defend herself. Funny thing was she was right. Unlike Draynay and others' whom will be nameless I can admit when I find error in myself. Later I told her she was correct about stating Curlin should win instead. No one on here has all the answers. LDP's thought process is pure regarding racing. Many times she's "on" really does her homework. She's like myself,doesn't show disrespect unless she's pushed. Again,I see your points and LDP isn't my daughter. I have a five yr. old and I can say without a single doubt,if I felt my kid was disrespected now or later at 17 I wouldn't just stand by idle,that's for sure!

Dave The Draynay Fan:  Hate to break it to you, but I bet a $2 WPS for Birdstone in the Belmont.  I was excited last year to see his first crop run and look forward to more of his babies running.  I thought he was a great colt in 2004 and still think he is great in 2009.  

PLEEEEEASE PLEEEEEASE PLEEEEASE TAKE DRAYNAY BACK!!!!

Horseracingtalk.com is going crazy with the upturn in DRAMENTS.  draments is draynay statements that tee everyone off. LOL

TO HILDEGARD, JASON, THE ROCK, and BARBARA: Re the question as to whether or not any stallion has sired two classic winners from his first crop, I'm very much looking forward to what Dave Schmitz may write in his column. In the meantime, from the limited research material available to me (and only looking at American classics), I've been able to discover that the answer is yes.

In his first crop of foals, born in 1877, King Alfonso sired Fonso, 1880 Kentucky Derby winner, and Grenada, 1880 Preakness and Belmont winner.

From his first crop born in 1941, Bull Lea sired 1943 Champion 2-year-old filly, Durazna, as well as:

1944 Horse of the Year, Twilight Tear, winner of the Acorn and Coaching Club American Oaks. One of the greatest fillies of all time, and the first to be named Horse of the Year, Twilight Tear was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1963.

1947 Horse of the Year Armed, who won the Suburban Handicap. The Suburban, Manhattan and Brooklyn comprised the handicap Triple Crown for most of the 20th Century. Armed was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1963.

Bull Lea, of course, was one of the most important U.S. sires of the 20th Century. Among his offspring were Triple Crown winner Citation, Kentucky Derby winners Hill Gail and Iron Liege, and Preakness winner Faultless. Bull Lea was also the broodmare sire of Derby and Preakness winner Tim Tam, and Derby winner Gate Dancer.

BONUS INFO: Remarkably, 134 years after his death, Lexington, the #1 American-bred sire of all time, still holds pride of place as the stallion who sired the most individual winners of our Triple Crown races. This despite the fact that the Kentucky Derby was first run in 1875, the year Lexington died. His foals included Preakness and Belmont winner Duke of Magenta, Preakness winners Tom Ochiltree and Shirley, and Belmont winners General Duke (f. 1865), Kingfisher, and Harry Bassett.

Several of Lexington's sons sired classic winners, and Lexington was also the broodmare sire of: Aristides (1st Kentucky Derby winner), Day Star (Derby), Hindoo (Derby), Ben Ali (Derby), Belmar (Preakness & Belmont), Grenada (Preakness & Belmont), Saunterer (Preakness & Belmont), Montague (Preakness), Survivor (Preakness), and Vanguard (Preakness).

The British, jealous of Lexington's enormous success, declared him to not be a purebred. Outrageous, considering the fact that Lexington was a direct male-line descendant of the first Epsom Derby winner, Diomed. Lexington's broodmare sire was a direct male-line descendant of Eclipse, and his female family is descended from the Beyerly Turk and Godolphin Arabian. Even so, the British parliament actually passed the infamous Jersey Act of 1913, which officially designated all horses descended from Lexington as "half-breds." The British Jockey Club then limited registration to horses who traced 100% to names in their General Stud Book. This is the primary reason Lexington's line is lost to us today. In 1955, Lexington was in the first group of horses inducted into the U.S. National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. I don't know if the British ever rectified the harm they did to this great horse's legacy.

Amen Greg J...... I don't believe there is a horse alive that isn't worth talking about.

Whoever thinks the Belmont pace was "soft" wasn't watching the same race I was.  That was a good solid pace....splits seen in shorter distances. I for one thought Dunkirk would be cooked but to my amazement, he dug in and held on and I found a new respect for him. Calvin moved a little to soon and I was screaming at the T.V but in hindsight he probably didn't have much choice. It was either move or be to far back to catch the front runners if you have a chance at all. He also took MTB 4 wide which deserves a mention. Going wide at the big sandy is hardly desirable. I can't wait to see whats next for this hardy crop of 3 year olds. I have thoroughly enjoyed every one of them.

Dave the Draynay stalker: The blog picked Summer Bird because the blog is smart. Clearly smarter than your idol. Time to get past it and move along....

Sat. at Belmont was just a great day of racing all around.  All came home safe and there were some great performances outside the Belmont Stakes.  I was thrilled with Better Talk Now - what a grand old man.  He was magnificent.  We made some money on an exacta on the Acorn and Munnings and Fabulous Strike were wonderful!

I have to agree with most all the comments about Calvin.  I just love him because he so obviously loves the horses; never fails to pat them many times, give them credit for the race and he doesn't interfere with them any more than he absolutely has to.  But his inexperience at Belmont did him in.  He should've ridden a couple races or at least gone out to exercise a horse to get the feel of those turns.  We said to each other afterward exactly what someone said earlier on this blog. Summer Bird ran the race Mine That Bird needed to run.  But still it was a wonderful race and I love that courageous gelding with the huge heart.  Can't wait to see him run again.  I was also impressed with Chip Wooley.  He was gracious and always spoke with obvious pride and affection for his horse without ever bragging or slighting anyone else.  A true class act, especially for someone not used to being in the spotlight.  

I wanted MTB to win but he ran a complete and true race giving it all his effort so it wasn't the monsterous disappointment of last year.  Kent D can never redeem himself.  I will never understand why he yanked Big Brown up and he total unconcern when it was over was appalling.  He even stated out loud that there was nothing wrong with the horse.  He fought with BB at the beginning of the race and then sawed on his poor delicate mouth in the turn.  I have watched him ride very carefully and he often fights with horses that he rides, is rough, uses the whip in an extreme manner and  longer than necessary.  And, as previously mentioned, never appears to enjoy the horse or acknowledge the effort any horse makes.  So, while I can sincerely congratulate Summer Bird for his win, I wish it had been any other jockey.

And,please please please - does anyone know what's going on with Stardom Bound?  I have asked several times on these blogs and no one seems to know but mz a few comments up just asked the same question.  Where is Stardom Bound?

So a huge congratulations to MTB who found a place in each of the 3 big races, wow for Dunkirk who looked awesome and kudos to Summer Bird for following in his daddy's footsteps.  I guess for all the pleasure he's given up in his babies so far we'll have to forgive Birdstone the huge upset of 2004.  

A few postscripts on MTB: If any doubters remain (& we all know who you are), it is premature to dismiss this horse. Throughout the Triple Crown he displayed courage, tenacity & the will to win. That's more than what 95% of the horses in contention demonstrated. Borel said it best, "Don't take anything away from the little horse." It is absurd & irrational to say that MTB will not win another grade 1 race. Of course, if you possess a crystal ball then we'd all like to know the date we'll be out of this financial meltdown.

Greg J.  

I wish I would have known about Mind That Bird before the Derby. I talked to my dad today and he hates horseracing but he told me he almost put a hundred bucks on him cause he was a gelding.  :)

I do not want to be a Calvin apologist, but I see a fairly large gray area when it comes to his ride in the Belmont.

Fist, Calvin wasnt the only jockey who underestimated the Belmont pace. I'm sure Johnnie V on Dunkirk did not want to be on a 47 half, and probably didnt think he was going that fast. Same thing for Prado on Mr Hot Stuff, who clearly anticipated a much slower pace than what actually unfolded, and then was a little slow to respond to the updated information, keeping MHS up near the lead.

None of this is meant as a condemnation of Prado, Borel, Johnnie V, and others in the Belmont. I can only imagine how difficult it is to be a jockey, and be expected to be exact when calculating the pace of a race. Correctly judging pace is a very specialized skill, and sometimes jockeys make slight errors. My point is that Calvin was not alone in thinking the pace of the Belmont was much slower than it actually was. As I wrote on the blog's previous topic, I bet Johnnie V wishes he had that first half mile back, particularly given how well Dunkirk lasted.

I really think Calvin should be given the benefit of the doubt for his Belmont ride on Mine That Bird. Did he move a little too soon? Probably. One reason he did so is that, as just discussed, he was one of a handful of jockeys in the Belmont who thought the pace was much slower than it actually was. All week, there had been much talk about the lack of speed horses, and about how the closers would have to be asked to run  sooner than normal to counteract the pace adavantage of those on the lead. One also needs to keep in mind that Belmont was extremely fast on Saturday, so that 47 first half was possibly like a :48 on a more normal track; still, however, the pace was solid, and most certainly faster than what many of the jockeys were expecting and calculating in their heads.

The final thing to keep in mind when evaluating Calvin's ride is that in Mind That Bird, he was riding a very good, but not great horse. In no way do I want to diminish Mine That Bird's accomplishments this spring, nor dismiss how wonderful he has been for this sport. Mine That Bird is a valiant, courageous, and talented horse, and he has engaging human connections. However, he is not a horse like Spectacular Bid or Secretariat who can make 3 or 4 moves in a race. Nor can he sustain his explosive run for an extended distance.

While Mine That Bird has a tremendous turn of foot, his run is limited, and very finite; unlike Secretariat in the 73' Derby, Mine That Bird cannot be put into an extended drive and then, for furlong after furlong, either maintain his speed or run progressively faster. Mine That Bird, as a horse with little early pace and a finite burst of speed, requires the jockey riding him to be extremely precise in timing that late run. Perhaps, Calvin overestimated Mine That Bird's kick, and thought Bird could sustain his brilliant turn of foot longer than he actually can. Thus, in addition to (incorrectly) trying to counteract what he thought was a slow pace, Borel could have let Bird loose a little early under the expectation that the gutsy gelding would be able to maintain his kick all the way to the wire. And, perhaps at a shorter distance or on another track, Mine That Bird could have been able to meet Calvin's expectations. However, at 12 furlongs, after 3 races in 5 weeks, after a first half in :47, and at Belmont this Saturday, Mine That Bird's run came up a sixteenth of a mile short.

In hindsight, having learned something about Mine That Bird's kick and having been made aware that the early pace of the Belmont was actually fairly quick, I'm sure Calvin would have ridden Bird differently, and waited a sixteenth of a mile later until he pushed the button. However, given what Calvin believed at the time, I, for one, am not going to be overly critical of his ride.   Unless we are talking about truly great horses that can overcome less than perfect rides, slight miscalculations on the part of jockeys are simply a part of the game. At least SOME of the criticism for the Belmont (and Preakness) result must be placed with the horse. Already, there has been vocal criticism that Mike Smith moved TOO LATE on Mine That Bird in the Preakness and that Borel moved TOO SOON in the Belmont. Again, I think there is some validity to both critiques. However, a horse like Mine That Bird, with little early speed and an explosive but finite/limited kick can present certain challenges for a jockey. Throw in traffic issues, like being forced wide or forced to slow or check, that most late runners face, and the task of Borel, Smith or anyone else on Mine That Bird can be quite demanding. Personally, I believe Mine That Bird has the talent to win a number of important races in the months and years to come. However, with his very good but not great talent level and late-running style, and the demands both place on his jockey, I imagine there will also be many more races like the Preakness and Belmont that leave alot of "what iffs".

I want to stress that this is not meant to be an attack on Mine That Bird. I am a Mine That Bird fan, and fully respect what he has done.  Although money is tight, I was able to make it to Churchill for the Oaks and Derby and cherish being able to see Mine That Bird, Rachel Alexandra, Musket Man, Summer Bird, Dunkirk, Pioneer of the Nile, Papa Clem, Flying Private, Einstein, Court Vision, Cowboy Cal, Informed Decision, Gabby's Golden Gal, and all the great horses, jockeys, trainers, and owners. I know that some of the early Mine That Bird fans are still a little upset about how many "experts" and participants on this and other blogs continued to disrespect him prior to the Preakness. However, I do think it is now time for us Mine That Bird Fans to chill out just a little and realize that there really are only two people, one  of whom  is now banned (for a month)on this blog and the other his apparent quisling, who do not acknowldge Mine That Bird to be a legitimate gr.1 horse, and one of the leading members of this crop. 99.5% of people recognize that the Eclipse Award for champion 3 year old male goes through Mine That Bird.

I posted this last topic, but think it is worth repeating.

2004 Belmont: Birdstone- 2:27 and 2,   102 Beyer Speed Figure.

2009 Belmont: Summer Bird- 2:27 and 2,   100 Beyer.

The Beyer for Summer Bird was the second lowest for a Belmont since 1991. Mine That Bird's Belmont Beyer was 96.

Expect this crop to improve throughout the year.  Summer Bird and Dunkirk, who happen to both be maternal great-grandsons of the Secretariat mare Weekend Surprise, were each only making their 5th career start. Also making his 5th career start, Charitable Man(from Steven Crist).

It was an interesting Triple Crown this year. I am very thankful that all the horses raced safely and that they all were able to return to their stalls after the races were over. I loved Mine That Bird and his thrilling Derby win. He is an easy horse to root for. Rachel Alexandra's Preakness shows that a filly can run with and defeat the boys, and Summer Bird's Belmont win was another win for a Bird. I am just glad Rick Dutrow wasn't front and center this year as he was last year. His drugging horses way of training has left me rooting against him and I wish he and others who have been caught doing this would be banned from participating in racing for life.

Greg J., thank you for talking about Nicanor.  I agree with you that he is potentially one to be reckoned with.  I'm not quite sure he'll be ready in time for the Breederscup Turf, but of course, that's just my thinking and not the actual future.  For all I know, he could turn out to be a Kitten's Joy or even better and blow them all away in the fall.  I also concur that we should all be allowed to inform potential prospects.  My favorite hobby throughout the summer is to try to follow the two-year-old races.  No, not the stakes races, their maiden races.  Their very beginnings.  I like to see them perform well and think that a colt or a filly or a gelding could possibly win that race or that race.  I secretly watch the colts/ geldings run thinking that I might one day witness history by potentially seeing a future Triple Crown winner.  I know, but I like to remain optimistic the longer the drought continues ^_^.  Thank you for posting those two lovely videos of Barbaro's and Nicanor's maiden wins.  One thing is for sure, one of the Barbaro Royalty will be absolutely great the racetrack.  Who knows, it could be Barbaro, it could be Letenor, or all of them.  I refuse to remain pessimistic, so I stand that I believe all of them will truly do wondrous things at the track during their careers.

Atthebarn2, I absolutely agree with you in your post 08 Jun 2009 12:19 PM regarding the so-called "sportsmanship" of Jess Jackson.  I didn't want to say anything about it, thinking that I'll be shot down.  I mean, obviously Mine that Bird didn't win the Triple Crown, but there's always that "IF" factor that he potentially could have.  If Jess Jackson talks the talk so much, why can't he walk the walk?  After all, last year he was all about trying everything and anything with his "super" colt in Curlin, facing anyone while even playing with the thought of running in the Prix de le Arc de Triomphe (sp?).  This year, he brought Rachel Alexandra in much haste into the Preakness, as if trying to prove some point.  I'm not being mean about him, I'm just skeptical about his contradiction in beliefs.  Grant it, he has the every right to make decisions he so pleases, but he talks so much, it makes you wonder whether he stands on those beliefs whole-heartedly.  Yes, Rachel Alexandra deserves a well-earned break, but how long of a break will that be, or will it just end up being another potential superhorse being rushed into the breeding shed?

I say a "potential superhorse" for Rachel Alexandra because I think that the word "superhorse" is loosely used.  Yes, she won the Oaks by a distance that showed her being a great horse, but I won't place her as a "superhorse" because she beat the boys in the Preakness stakes by a length, and only once.  Jess Jackson should run her, if he preaches about sportsmanship, against the boys again, and this time, against the older crowd.  I may be a bit biased because she is a Secretariat daughter, but by virtue of her accomplishments, Lady's Secret towers over Rachel Alexandra.  She faced the boys more than once.  One thing though, I can't knock off Rachel Alexandra because she isn't finished yet.  That wouldn’t be fair to the horse.  I hope to see her become a "superhorse," because that would mean a lot for the sport, and to see her run beyond her three-year-old campaign.  Unfortunately, Jess Jackson might be in too much of a hurry to rush her off to Curlin to get that "superhorse" he wants so much.  As far as I'm concerned, not very many "supermares" or "super fillys" produced much at the breeding shed...Lady's Secret being a prime example.  I just hope that Rachel Alexandra can prove beyond what she has already accomplished and raise the bar again for what a true "superfilly" should be.  And I honest to God do hope that she remains safe and sound throughout all of her endeavors.  I’m not a big fan of Rachel Alexandra, but she, indefinitely, has my respect, and I’ll relish watching her run each race.   She still has to face the older ranks and the boys again to prove my point, but I do know one fact:  she does have the talent to accomplish much, but I would love to see her show her heart out in a head-to-head duel, something that she hasn’t faced yet (correct me if I’m wrong on this one).

Mz, thank you for mentioning other horses outside the States in your post 08 Jun 2009 2:48 PM.  Ever since I got into the European racing two years ago, I just love it!  Those horses are amazingly bred for distances, and their explosiveness is astounding.  I know they are mostly turf runners, but whenever I do get the chance, I try to watch their races.  Soldier of Fortune in his Irish Derby triumph caught my heart instantly.  The sheer determination is absolutely scintillating!  And of course, like you said, not all great horses are born in the States.  Look at Phar Lap, and I’m pretty sure there are others, but I can’t think of any at the top of my head.  Too bad that I missed Sea of the Stars’ win in the Epsom Derby.  Is there a video on Youtube of his accomplishment?   And where is Stardom Bound?  I don’t know what’s going on with her at all...  I’m actually really excited about Eye of the Leopard going into the Queen’s Plate.  I think it will be an interesting race to watch.  I hope I can catch the race on TV (hopefully TVG or HRTV will show it).  If not, then I’ll have to be patient (more like be anxious) and wait for the results and the video to be up.  

As for that, I can't wait for Stephen Foster weekend coming up :).  I think it'll be great to see Einstein run again and be glad to see another Tiznow run in Bullsbay.

Cgriff,

    I'm not trying to scrap with anyone. You kinda ticked me off when you just assumed that i was mad about getting burned in a bet, which makes me look like a sore looser. That was not the case seeing as how i won the bet. My thing with the two year old/ three year old deal was that it is what a horse has done this year that counts, not the year before. MTB may have won stakes last year and been voted Champion two yr old in Canada, but, War Pass was unbeatable as a two year old, but was not as good as a three year old. This year both horses have i think five starts. MTB has one win, a big one, but he's never truely mirrored that performance this year. Dunkirk has won twice, and in two out of three of his grade one trys he has gotten second. His Derby was a toss out pretty much. Dunkirk to me is more appealing because he's shown to be right up with the top of his class, putting in a great performance in his fifth start, while MTB has twice the experience he does. If Dunkirk is managed correctly, and gets a bit more experience, he's going to be even harder to beat. Now your free to disagree if you wish, right now frankly i'm to tired to argue, so your in luck, lol.

A civility check might be a good idea about now:

Hank Goldberg may have medical or other problems we don't know about. He deserves respect as a person, regardless of his poor performances on television.

Draynay has been vanned off for a month. It's not fair to take potshots at him while he's away.

When a commenter issues a "warning" to another commenter (previous blog), I get a little uncomfortable.

We all share a love for racing and the horses. We represent different ages, genders, locales, educational levels, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, and other demographics. We can either embrace these differences or exploit them, but the choice we make becomes part of the "consensus" of who we are here, racing fans.

In discussing the possible mistake Borel made in moving Mine That Bird too soon in the Belmont, I have to admit that in watching the race unfold live, I believed Calvin was making the right move. It was only after Bird faded somewhat in the stretch and dropped to 3rd that I began to think he moved too soon.

First, I should preface that while I had no money on the race, I was definitely rooting for Mine That Bird and Calvin.

I was just as surprised as Borel probably was that Mine That Bird was caught in the stretch. Possibly like Borel, I overestimated what kind of late kick Mine That Bird would have.

When Borel pushed the button on the turn, and Mine That Bird just cruised by horses up to 3rd, I was feeling very confident that he had the race won. I had hoped, and at that moment was convinced, that I was watching a replay of Afleet Alex's 2005 Belmont romp. Given how Mine That Bird had powered home in the Derby and Preakness, I was feeling confident that he was about to kick it into the same gear. And for a few moments, the race unfolded as I had anticipated. Bird easily dispatched Charitable Man and then swooped past Dunkirk. Then, however, to the surprise of myself and likely Calvin, Bird's kick started to sputter. Instead of blowing clear, Bird found himself in a dogfight with the horse he had just passed, Dunkirk, as the fresher Summer Bird rolled out widest of all.

In addition to misjudging the pace, I truly believe Calvin made the same error I had made, and overestimated Mine That Bird's late kick(and possibly underestimated Dunkirk's fight and Summer Bird's stamina). At 12 furlongs, at Belmont, on this particular Saturday, Mine That Bird's late kick came up a sixteenth of a mile shorter than Calvin had probably estimated. In an earlier post, I speculated that with perfect information (100% understanding of truth/reality), Calvin would have waited a sixteenth of a mile longer before asking Bird'. Yet, there is no guarantee that had Calvin done so Bird would have won. It's possible that had he waited longer, with Bird apparently keen to run, the resulting wrestling would have expended too much of Bird's energy. And even had Bird not wrestled with Calvin as he held him up a sixteenth of a mile longer, it is possible that having had to run that extra bit would have diluted Bird's kick to an even greater extent than what he showed. Just like many late running sprinters are unable to reproduce their kicks when asked to run over a mile, it could be that Mine That Bird's kick is  weaker at 12 furlongs than at 10. Borel, however, might not have held this suspicion prior to the Belmont.

This is all speculation though. The only thing that appears fairly clear is that Mine That Bird just wasnt as explosive at 12 furlongs, at Belmont, on June 6th, as he was at 10 furlongs, at Churchill, on May 2nd. Even so, the Belmont was another good effort by Bird, and he and his connections should be applauded for running in all 3 legs of the Triple Crown. I certainly do not believe horses should be forced to run in all 3, or even 2, if they start in one of the Triple Crown races. However, it is nice, as a fan, when owners and trainers try to make as many of the 3 races as possible. So, thank you Mine That Bird, Calvin Borel, Chip Woolley, Mark Allen, and Leonard Blach.

    Jason, dray is definitely cheating on you or at least the TC blog.  I was on another website and you wouldn't believe the stuff he's saying.  He now is saying Dunkirk is the best 3 year old colt this year.  No mention of the can't miss Vineyard Haven, Stardom Bound, Quality Road, etc.  Regardless of which forum it's on, he still changes his mind like I change my 2 year old daughter's diapers.  I'm actually starting to grow quite fond of that guy.  Hold on a second, I'm getting teary eyed.........Okay I'm back.  Can you set the timer to count forward? LOL  Just kidding Dray because I know you're reading these posts and just itching to respond!

I think MTB will improve with age..hopefully at least give us the pleasure of an Evening Attire or a Tinman or Better Talk Now, maybe even improve with age as Forego did, after doing nothing in his Derby bid and actually his 3 year-old year, or John Henry...maybe even our generation's own little "Seabiscuit".

If nothing else, he gave us a wonderful TC series, and Chip Woolly? Playing with the kids at Anna's House, signing every autograph even on way to his seat before the Belmont, on his crutches, giving away the actual roses to the fans from the Kentucky Derby wreath...he's my lasting image of this years TC series...I love cowboys...(I married one)...they have a code of their own.

Can't wait for this year's MassCap, now that it's graded, whoohoo! C'mon up to New England!

I just love your clock ticking, Jason! - brilliant idea! And fun!

Good riddance, Draynay! At least for a month! No baffoon unloading on innocent horses running their hearts out! Maybe the Baffoon will return with more heart, respect,  and compassion for horses and fellow bloggers! We can always hope - although I'm sceptic! At least, we can enjoy this otherwise enjoyable and informative blog  till then! Mostly, I'm happy that all horses came through the Triple Crown races whole and sound! It was an enjoyable trip; and I'm looking forward to the rest of the year to follow these horses and their races right through to the Breeders Cup. May the rest of the year be enjoyable for us all; we love these magnificent athletes and their beauty. Let's respect them all and give the winners their due! Enjoy!

The thing that surprised me most was how the California contingent thinned out and got worse through the TC series.

I Want Revenge never made it to the gate.  The Pamplemousse never made it to the gate.  In the Derby POTN, Papa Clem, Chocolate Candy finished 2, 4 and 5.   Mr. Hot Stuff was 15th.

In the Preakness, only POTN and Papa Clem raced, and finished 7th adn 9th.

Come Belmont time the only two who entered were Mr. Hot Stuff and Chocolate Candy.  They finished 8th and 9th.

I guess this is all moot if POTN wins the Derby, and Papa Clem and Chocolate Candy finish 3 and 4 instead of 4 and 5,  but that's not what happened.

You could almost say the sloppy track at Churchill helped move them forward more than anyone else.  When they caught fast tracks at Pimlico and Belmont, the results were disastrous.

Now that we've pretty much discussed all the particulars of the race, I want to ask a question. This may show my ignorance, but one doesn't learn if one doesn't ask, I was intrigued by all the comments about KD's Belmont ride last year on BB and the questioning of his not being suspended. There must be more to the story that I don't know. All I know is that he said he "had no horse" and pulled him up, not knowing what was wrong. Then I saw the photo of the shoe that was coming off. What is the piece of the puzzle I'm missing? Thanks.

I have a question that I hope someone can answer.  Shantal Sutherland rode Mine That Bird in the Breeders Cup Juvenile.  The TV show Jockeys on Animal Planet had a storyline that featured her riding a horse shipped in from Canada.  I believe this race was featured as part of the show.  Was that horse Mine That Bird?  I don't remember if the name of the horse was mentioned.  Sure would appreciate a response if anyone knows the answer to this. Thanks.

FYI,

    News about Dunkirk, He has "Non-displaced condylar fracture of left hind. He has surgery scheduled today...

Terible & Sad News...

Does anyone know how severe this is?, Thanks...

Barbara, I can understand your confusion. In view of the fact that BB was stepped on early in the race and tried to run with a bent shoe that was half off his hoof, I don't see how anyone can blame KD for easing him.  In fact, he did his job: protect the horse if you feel something is wrong.  You made a good point with your question.

Mike R. I like Mike Watchmaker I watch him on blinkers off every friday mourning at 11:30 a.m. on tvg with Matt C. love the show as they go thru some of the weekends big races. I do not get hrtv unfortunately but i used to and they do cover bigger and better tracks but in my opinion Hank is not in the same league as Mike.

The excellent racing of all 3 races aside, not only is Hank Goldberg a waste, but so is the entire NBC team. Why can't ABC, with their professional, knowledgeable commentators (all with racing backgrounds!) broadcast all 3 races? I mute more of the NBC telecast than I actually listen to. They are pitiful!

But 2009 was still a terrific year for racing fans! Thank you all.

For all of you Dunkirk fans, me included........I just heard that he suffered a condylar fracture and is going to be operated on today.  According to Todd Pletcher they expect a full recovery and he might be racing again as soon as this fall.  Persoanlly, given his value they want to get a graded stakes win on his resume for the breeding shed, but I wouldn't be surprised if we don't see him on the track again

What is it with so many injuries to horses at key times in their careers that takes away some of the lustre from important races and deprives us of what potentially could be great rivalries?  This to me is one of the greatest problems/tragedies of racing and is one of the reasons why people don't follow horse racing like they used to.

Dunkirk is out with a fracture. Doesn't that mean that every single Unbridled's Song that started the TC trail is now out with injuries?

Just in,  Dunkirk (by Unbridled's Song) fractured his hind leg,  will need surgery.  Now,  what offspring of unbridled's Song doesn't need surgery at some point or has to be retired early because of injury.? This industry needs sound stallions that produce sound offspring,  but what do I know.

Sorry to hear about Dunkirk, but being by Unbridled Song it's not surprising.  How many of his offspring have suffered similar injuries, or worse, which have ended their careers?  Unbridled Song, himself, was plagued with hoof problems throughout his shortened career. What can we expect from such a sire???

TerriV,

The horse Chantal rode in the Breeders Cup last year was Van Lear Rose in the Juvenile Fillies race and was featured on Jockeys on Animal Planet.

Still would like to know about Stardom Bound and when she is planning on returning?!

I just read about Dunkirk and hope for the best and that he does come back for racing in the fall.

But while we're talking sire statistics that makes at least 3 high profile Unbridled Song get who have broken down over the course of the Triple Crown campaign (I count the 3 year old preps as part of the campaign.)

Yes, before anyone goes there, horses get hurt in this game and maybe it's just his crop size and their precocity that makes them so visible but it just seems to me that these days I read alot of 'fragility' coming out of the Unbridled Song line.

Freetex,

With the California's horses being somewhat dissapointing in the Triple Crown(some will say I'm being too kind)and the eastern horses disliking synthetics, I think we are in for another European success at the BC.

That's why I suggested, in an earlier post, that the owners & trainers who want to be competitive should come to Santa Anita early so their horses get acclimated to the track.

Of course it would have an added advantage to the CA racing fans. We would get a chance to see more horses of great talent prior to the BC.

The mighty east is forever demanding that the CA best horses come and race on their tracks before they consider them champions. As far as the BC is concerned, the shoe is on the other foot. :)

Of course, I have no self interest in mind when I suggest this...LOL

TO FOR BIG RED ET AL: The British started to keep a "Half-Breed" Stud Book during the Jersey Act times and then began to find that the "half-bred" horses were winning the Classics - I think it started with some of the French horses, who kept allowing  American-breds in their stud book (I think it was Djebel or something but I can't be sure who started the ball rolling from France).

In the meantime, since the Jersey Act had a particular cut-off date (the early 1900's or 1910's or something), horses born BEFORE the cut-off date were still considered "full-bred" even though they had the same American antecedents as the ones who were excluded.  This started to get too twilight-zone even for the British and they finally repealed the Jersey Act, in the late 40's I think.

I don't know if anyone ever "apologized" for the whole thing but I think the best revenge was how race horses just went about their business and showed it to be a silly rule.

Remember, however, that this whole thing started because the Americans were passing laws outlawing betting and the British were worried the Americans would flood their market with American horses.  Hmmmm.  Any connection to present day problems?

Also a Question: so does Dunkirk's wacky move to impede Charitable Man have anything to do with his injury?  Does anyone know when it happened?

To me Dunkirk's injury is just another case of rushing a promising colt into the Triple Crown fray to increase his stallion value. This is a big consequence of the "new" mindset where horses are thrust into top level competition before thay are physically ready (we see less and less foundation). What happened to bringing them along by gradually increasing distances and level of competition? The answer is that it's like any other "business" and it's all about the money. Follow the money trail and it lands at the Breeding Shed. That is where the pot of gold lies. Get them a Graded Stakes win or big showing then retire them out to stud. We see all to often horses at a young age going straight from a Maiden or First Level Allowance win to Stakes Level Competition then to retirement so they can be bred. This is what it has come to and we can expect more of the same in the future. Some Owners and Trainers just seem to have little patience to get a return on their investment.

Greg J. It's sort of like a hairline fracture, it means it "cracked" but did not split, separate or splinter...someone else can probably describe it much better.

I've never doubted Unbridled's Song's progeny's stamina, but I do have problems with their soundness...is it just me?

barbara,

Anyone who said KD should have been suspended doesn't know what they are talking about. big brown was his own worst enemy on that day beginning with acting up in the detention barn before the race. When they opened the gates he broke into the horse next to him causing the bumping and ultimately his being stepped on. It was his own fault. He then proceeded to be rank and tried to run up the rail and almost into the horse in front of him. It was then KD had to alter his course and bring him out to avoid a collision. KD was forced to deal with a horse who wasn't in the right frame of mind to begin the race with. The lack of training leading to the race also left KD with a "short" horse who after being passed by ALL the others in the race made the decision to ease big brown for fear something was physically wrong or worse yet was about to happen. KD knew he was not on the same horse he was used to and should be given credit for doing the right thing. big brown wasn't himself that day and you can't blame the jockey who was trying to do what he thought was best for the horse. Does anyone really think KD wanted to lose the race and a Triple Crown? I don't think so.

Soldier Course, very well stated, I agree. Once in a while it turns into "can you top this", but you hit the nail on the head, so to speak.

Greg J. your blog is one I enjoy reading, very informative.

Unfortunate injury but one with a high probability of success. Personal Ensign ran with two screws in her rear cannon bone.

I don't know, it always kind of bothers me when jockeys are critiqued for their ride.  I realize that there are blaring errors made now and then but good grief, I wouldn't want to have the job of jockey in a triple crown race!  I really don't know how they do it but they all have to have nerves of steel!  Here they are with so much on the line and when that gate opens, they are sitting on a 1200 pound animal with all the others shooting out of the gate and bumping and what have you and then they have to hussle the horse for position and split second decisions must be made and on top of all that, one false move and it could mean disaster to the horse or to the jockey.  This is a serious business and they have to react as best they can.  They can't always be right but how can they be?  

as for sunner bird here is my take on this i saw him adn that jockey hit the bord atleast 3 times before the belmont stakes i kinda knew something wierd was going to happen but heart still goes out to calvin but maybe next time he will chose to do the right thing nad not garentee vitory before the race i honestly believe he missed timed it i think if he would have waited to further down the treach we might have been having a different conversation by the way i read an artical about the tv rating onthe belmont thats what happens when you dont have a tripple crown possiblilies as for the guy of espn i alwas though the guy didnt have a brain in his head he knows nothing and if you ever noticed he most generally goes for the favorite anyone can do that i remember the 2007 breaders cup when everybody on that telecast didnt give curlin a chance and i think we know what happen there so i dont read to much into what they are saying as for the situation with dunkirk this morning im not suprised he is having surgery because of an injury that happen on the track we have had that alot this year suprised we havent had worse that should tell you how bad the crop is this year all leave you with one final thought judging by the current situation i do believe that rachel alexander if she would have ran would have been in contention for the belmont adn ill always what would have happen is she really that good? i dont know yet only time will tell i think calvin will rebound from his bad race at the belmont and there is a horse that will do it for him  

Greg J., it's a fracture at the end of the cannon bone that fits into the fetlock joint.

Thanks to Bill and gw_bushwacker for answering my questions about KD and BB. I thought I had been on another planet there for a while.

draynay picks are good i just dont go with them.

Sad to hear about Dunkirk, but I'm glad that its not life or career threatening.

It seems like Unbridled Song is the modern day Northern Dancer; brilliant foals... when theyre sound.

I have to agree with Lazmannick. They might not race him again. If I remember correctly it takes 2 to 6 mos (depending on the severity) of paddock rest, and oodles and oodles of walking, and one still isn't sure if it will take. Gutsy little guy though, to keep running in that type of pain.

Hey Zookeeper,

how about instead of having them come to california, we just not race the BC on synthetics.  I love how the Breeder's Cup Dirt Mile isn't even run on dirt. (I mention the Dirt Mile because that is the only dirt race that it is expressly stated in the Races name.)

Sea the Stars will win it if he runs.  

Summer Bird had almost the exact same foundation as Dunkirk did going into The Belmont.  Same number of races, similar timing, etc.

Summer Bird beat Dunkirk both times they faced each other.  And in The Belmont, as in the KY Derby, the two Birdstone colts improved their positions (passing 11 and 9 rivals in the last quarter mile in The Derby).  In The Belmont, they passed the field on a track that was clearly favoring front running speed.  The difference in The Belmont was Calvin's clearly premature move.  Woolley wanted MTB "covered up."  Not in the clear on the outside...especially if he was a little more keen to go.  Calvin should have just STARTED his move at the top of the stretch, not taken the lead!

Dunkirk...hope he gets back to the track.  However, I don't care if he comes back and wins The Breeder's Cup Classic, I wouldn't breed to him.  I'm extremely happy with our four mares in foal to Birdstone.

But how can Dunkirk run what many say was the race of his life and get a what...a 97 Beyer?  Does anyone besides Mike Watchmaker pay attention to Andy anymore?

And Crist over on the DRF.  Greatness only appeared with Rachel in this Triple Crown...What?  She barely beat MTB and Musket Man being given 5 pounds with the perfect post and a great trip (she could determine her own destiny from that post).  Sounds like very sour grapes to me Steve.

Calvin just plain screwed up.  In some other blog I had predicted the two Birds would be battling for the win in The Belmont.  Close.  Other than that, things played out like we figured they would.  Birdstone colts showed up, affirmative action filly foiled Triple Crown hopes, fled scene, and none of the over priced Unbridled Songs made it through unscathed.  I am very, very glad we didn't have another break down on TV though.  Dodged a bullet there.

Congratulations to all the connections.  The story that was emerging after the KY Derby should have been the main story of the Triple Crown.  Good horses (NOT flukes) can come from anywhere.  There are very good horsemen and women all over the country.  Dreams can and do come true for the "little guys".  And if the connections are not really "little", than at least they are the "littler guys".  It gives the rest of us the incentive to keep pumping our time and money into this game.  

Maybe if some of these turf writers pick up on that, and herald that message, and quit being so negative, it would BE GOOD FOR THE GAME for a change.  My wife made a great point...all these turf writers need to buy or breed a reasonably priced horse, put all their money and love into them, and then see how they like it when the "talking heads" discount every horse that doesn't cost 7 figures regardless of performance!!!  Dunkirk is the next best thing to sliced bread, but where's the love for Musket Man?  I see the effort Dunkirk has displayed.  I'm not disrespecting the horse.  But get a grip.  He's not even a stakes winner yet.  Look at the surfaces he's performed well on.  Gulf Stream Park when there were several records set on or coming up to his race day, and Belmont when it was favoring front running speed.  The Birds and Musket Man performed well regardless of track bias.  And Musket Man has won on what...6 different tracks now?

I know...I know.  But look, if these turf writers are too mad to see the facts, and they instead just keep making excuses for their preferred connections and pedigrees, they will not learn.  The general public likes an underdog...a Seabiscuit.  They want to see the little guy win.  I do too, because in the end, that's how more people come into the game...in every capacity...owner, breeder and bettor.      

But hey, if you want to keep shelling out 6 and 7 figures for some of these horses, more power to ya!  I would advise investing in the sound ones though.

BH Staff, thanks for the article on Lou Rondinello. Boy did that bring back lot's of memories!! He always looked at the potential of a horse, expounded on that, and was able to bring forth a fine racehorse. When Darby Dan brushed him out the door (literally), to make room for John Veitch, (who had lost his private trainer status when Calumet imploded) it was a sad day. But as they say, business is business. What a classy guy, may he have many more years ahead of him!

TO LADY RUFFIAN: Congratulations on breeding your mare to a son of Secretariat. I hope she gets in foal (you didn't mention if she is), and I hope the foal is all you could possibly wish for in a horse.

Which Secretariat son did you breed her to? There aren't many around anymore, but there are a few.

TO MZ: Grin...re your sort-of defense for the British in your 09 Jun 2009 10:50am post.

You wrote, "Remember, however, that this whole thing started because the Americans were passing laws outlawing betting and the British were worried the Americans would flood their market with American horses."

Although it's true that the "progressive" era in the U.S. did lead to some pretty tyrannical legislation here, the British reaction, in the case of Lexington, was just plain stupid. But that was 100 years ago. I guess it's time to let bygones be bygones. LOL!

Well, thinking about the proven link between diuretics and increase of bone loss/brittle bones in people...and lasix being a diuretic that virtually every horse in the USA uses...and so many young horses with bone problems nowadays...I'm no rocket scientist...

Monica, as far as critiquing a jockey, that's part of a trainers job. Part of what I spoke of is the jockey's, Calvin in this case, critique of himself. He said he may have moved too soon, that he thought the pace was soft.

As far as the criticism of Kent by so many on here? Well, the early part of the race was his undoing and since he had no horse and was probably going to finish off the board, said he wasn't sure WHY he had no horse, he pulled him up. That's what he says, so there you have it right or wrong. No physical damage done to the animal by him, so he just ends up where he was headed at the beginning of his 3 year old season. Sold as a Stallion prospect for the multi millions IEAH needed to reach their 'goals'.

As far as Dunkirk? Todd didn't rush that colt at ALL. He gives his horses the best of everything and quite frankly as much money as the Coolmore group has and as many horses, they really aren't too concerned with 'rushing' a horse to the TC races. Anyone who could give the 16 million $ fiasco as much time as they did, baby him to the max, doesn't rush horses to the track for ANY race.

As far as Unbridled Song and his hoof problems (propensity for quarter cracks) vs a condylar fracture of the cannon bone, huh?

Analagous to horses it would be sort of like saying if you lose a  nail it'll cause a condylar fracture of the distal end of your humerus (funny bone). Now it might cause a condylar fracture of the phalanx if the nail loss is a result of traumatic injury to the nail like jamming it or slamming the whold finger in a car door. But if your nail just splits as they sometimes do, don't think a condylar fracture would occur.

In horse or human that's quite a referred injury.

Don't believe Dunkirk had any underlying hoof problems that would have caused an injury of this nature. Such as being off in his gait etc, anything as far as the hoof that would cause him to step awkwardly.

Actually condylar fractures seem to be pretty commonplace.

Afleet Alex, Stevie Wonderboy, Chelokee etc, etc etc.

Mike Relva, LDP and I have a truce and aren't on the outs, as far as I know. However, the first blow wasn't struck by me. No more to say about that.

Soldier Course,

    The warning i gave wan not meant in violent terms. To throw that kind of insult at me was unwarrented. Horses and horseracing come only behind my religon and family, and are my true passion. And to throw that insult out there when i've clearly stated before i wish to work in this area was about as rude as it can get. The warning was basicly meant to say i won't hold back anymore. Many of you think i don't hold back, but i have a very sharp tounge when i want to, and she wants to get into a mini battle of wills she can bring it, because that was a rude biting and vindictive comment.

IF CALVIN SAYS THE PACE WAS SLOW IT WAS SLOW.DID YOU NOT WATCH THE EARLY RACES.talk about a super highway

Pioneerof The Nile ran lights out in the Derby! He was the ONLY guy with a wide trip who was around at the finish---he should not have run in the Preakness as he was plum tuckered out after the Derby--I really hoped he would've skipped the Preakness--he is a horse that wants to beat ya---there's no telling how his Preakness fade affected his psyche! This year the Derby quagmire "knocked out" MANY--save MTB, who benefitted from the huge rail bias...I'm not saying POTN is #1, that to me is Rachel Alexandra, also MTB and Summer Bird are right there--but don't take anything away from Pioneer, he fits with those guys--right alongside them at the top of the rankings.....

DAHOSS - NO, it's not just you!  It seems to me there is ALOT of broken horses coming out of Unbridled Song, you almost can't count how many.  Add Dunkirk to the list.  When I see a horse I like that is running well, and it's from US, I always wonder just how long it will last.  He produces absolutely BEAUTIFUL horses to look at.   They are precious and full of speed early on.  But then, well you know.  

Mike R

    Thanks. With how well help me out, i'm sure you are a great father to your five year old. I was just on ESPN's website, and Bill Finely had an artical on a dream race or RA vs Zen. He said he thought it should be in the go for wand. I like the idea for the race, which so does everyone else, but i wish they'd also take on the top older horse and possibly top three year old, which to me is wide open. Personally if QR does come back i feel he'll make himself know in that division and rise to the top. I was thinking why not the JCGC. The younger horses will have had their chance to grow, fill out and mature, and you have a set up for the best in each division to face off. The mile and a quarter is a classic distance, and i feel at that distance is where the best should be decided. If Einstien wins on Sat. then we would know that all horses in the race like dirt, where as if they met in CA on pro ride we would not really know what to expect. RA has race on synthetics, but, at a lower level and not on pro ride. If MTB were to be the top three year old, he ran last over the pro ride last year, so he'd probably wouldn't even come. If QR were to be the top three year old he'd be alien to the surface, and give the others an advantage. Zen has won on dirt, Einstein beat Commentator on dirt last year, RA does dirt, and both possibilities for three year old colt are proven on the dirt. What do you think?

There were three horses in the Belmont stakes that I was worried about -- Flying Private who was being asked to run his 9th race this year, Charitable Man with his prior serious injury, and Dunkirk with that fragile Unbridleds Song pedigree.  Of the horses that ran in the Belmont stakes, Dunkirk and Charitable Man were the ones that I most wanted to see again, so I am distraught, but not surprised, over Dunkirks injury.  It's just ridiculous;  you get interested in a horse, and immediately he/she is swept away from you either by injury or retirement.  I do think Summer Bird is a gorgeous horse, but I am not all that excited about him just yet.  It is interesting that Birdstone and Summer Bird won the race in approximately equal times.  I expected Mine That Bird to regress off his two big races, and anticipated a shoddy ride by the inexperienced and naive jockey Borel.  I am sure that Calvin, like Kent before him, has learned his painful lesson and will never take the Big Sandy lightly again.

A condylar fracture is a fracture of the bottom of the cannon bone where it fits into the fetlock joint.  Generally they run up the cannon bone where the two sides separate.  The sources that I looked at said that they are extremely common in pleasure horses, hunters, jumpers, and race horses.  They frequently start as a simple stress fracture at that point and undetected may actually become a condylar fracture.  They occur with equal frequency in young and older horses and present more of a problem when they occur in older horses due to slower healing.  Obviously a rear fracture is less of a problem than one in front since horses carry 70% of their weight in front anyway.

About the disappointing performances of the California horses -- Chocolate Candy's hope of being forwardly placed was lost when he stumbled leaving the starting gate, and Mr Hot Stuff was way to close to the pace.  Also, I would have loved to see Papa Clem in the Belmont Stakes, since he did beat Summer Bird in the Arkansas Derby, and the day before the Belmont classic he had a blistering 1/40 bullet 4f work at Santa Anita in 45.80 sec (yes, you read that right).  

A condyle is the knuckle of any joint, the rounded articular area.

The cannon bone is just above the fetlock. To somewhat compare it t a human, the fracture occurs in the 'knuckle' of the fetlock and can have varying degrees of severity. I believe his was non-displaced so that's always a positive.

WHERE WAS MINE THAT BIRD HUGE KICK,27 SECONDs COME HOME TIME. dont blame CALVIN. he closed around 23 sec in KD

For Big Red -

my mare is being bred to Country Side. My mare is built like a quarter horse & country side has a very similar build. I really would love a winner but if he / she is bound to be a pasture pet so be it... as I said to have one related to Big Red is more than good enough for me.

Lets face it Calvin made his move way too soon, if he waited till the 3 and a 1/2 furlong to move he MTB would have galloped, but Calvin is not the 1st to do that I done the same thing in 1965 with Tom Rolfe and got beat by a head and I also should have galloped, but the worst ridein I've seen in the Belmont was in the 2008 Belmont by Kent D. and I can also point out to the early move in the 1998 Belmont that costReal Quiet the Triple Crown,Ronnie Franklin also made his move way way too early and it caused him the Triple crown, and I can find many many more that have done the same thing. RJT

Thanks for the info ALB about VanLear Rose.  Still no information from anyone about Stardom Bound.  Ok, everyone - An expert has spoken!!

Thanks Ron.  I enjoyed talking to you Sat at the Secretariat booth.  It was such a thrill for me to meet you and to see the emotion from all three of you whenever Big Red is mentioned.  Thank you for the extraordinary memory of 1973.

Wow,  if it's really him, what an honor to have the great Ron Turcotte speak up.

Doesn't hurt that he's backing what a lot of us are saying. The Belmont gets in the head of these jocks.

Far as I'm concerned? No matter what way any other horse was ever ridden, the performance on Secreteriat eclipses any other bad ride by Ron or great ride by any other jock.

Ron Turcotte!! Thanks for your insight, and thanks for joining us!! You'll probably get bombarded with questions!

By the way, I saw that ride on Tom Rolfe, couldn't bet so all is forgiven.

Must say I almost had a condylar fracture of the Tempomandibular joint when my jaw hit the floor when I saw who made that comment. LOL

Ron Turcotte! :) Thank you for your insight on Calvin's ride. Very exciting to have you join this blog.

anyone else think Draynay is somewhere out there fuming that he isn't allowed to post now? hehe ;)

Gun Bow thanks for the info on the Belmont Beyer...and good to hear fromya as you were absent of late....I think the Beyers can get a bit squewed at longer distances over glib-fast tracks---sure they went 47 but they were fairly crawling, and Summer Bird closed big time, I think they got that # wrong....maybe that's up to Summer Bird to prove!

Ron,

   It is a Honor, And thanks for the insight...

Talk about perfect timing, This is recently converted  super 8 footage of Secretariat, Seattle Slew and Affirmed in their Triple Crown stretch runs in the Belmont!!

Amazing footage!...

Mr. Turcotte,

    Since you lived this, I am sure you have seen this footage, but if not recently, then I hope you enjoy it, and it brings back some incredible menories!

www.youtube.com/watch

LDP, let it go. You're coming across as a bully and whether you realize it or not you did it again, "bring it on". Please..., then you trot out your liteny of reasons of as to why you're that way. You have a long way to go to even reach a little of the wealth of knowledge and experience that some of these bloggers have. Tough times, boo-hoo, we can all drag out our rougher times than you will ever know, and yet we are courteous to one another. No matter how much you read up on things it's not the same as actually going through it. You have some good points at times. Look at the positive instead of focusing on the negative. Aches and pains? Well you can ride a horse can't you. Think of how many people can't, or even have the opportunity to own one. Anger issues? Don't take it out on the blog, get therapy. You say you're shy and reserved in school, but come here  to vent. Why is that? A self confident person says what they need to at whatever time, and if they are corrected they accept it with a thank you. We can never stop learning no matter what our age. One of the bloggers hit it correctly when he stated whatever happened to watching, listening and learning by youngsters. And that is what you are, a youngster who has a long road of life ahead of her. A lot of these bloggers are willing to help you learn if you will allow them too, instead of going on the offensive. One thing you need to keep in mind......the majority of us are NOT your peers.

Also, invest in a dictionary and really look at the difference between having a opinion and being opiniated. Jason probably will not post this, but I finally had to have my say, although I already know that you will not grasp one word of what was written here and you will get your tail feathers in a huge knot, and tell me to bring it on. In which case sorry, I have no time for spoiled self centered children. I wrote this because when Soldier Course noted the hostility that was coming across, she was not being rude and vindictive, she was stating a fact. But you never did see that. If you want to aim a arrow at me, start out by explaining the difference between the two words I threw out there.  

Lady Ruffian, my thought exactly!! :)

For those of you who don't think Mine That Bird is for real, consider this. He came out of the triple crown series with the same record as the mighty Curlin. One each- 1st, 2nd, 3rd.

Sweet terich,

    I actually don't just read up. I may be young but i've gotten to see the rough side of horses from every angle in life and have every reason to drop out. Also if you want to go back to the other blog Katsan and i've already made up. I was not be hostile towards anyone, i explained that, i also was not rude to Soldier Course. I never said she was rude or vidictive about Solier Course, i said it about the comment Katsan made. When she explained it, and i explained mine to her we got it. I will admit i'm wrong when i'm wrong, if i don't think i am i'm not going to, just like anyone else. I don't sugar coat things, in fact my bluntness often comes over as rudness which is not my intent. I may get angry, but therepy, i'm not getting because i can't stand head shrinks, and all the crap they go through. I'm also not spilling my guts to a stranger. Now i'm not shooting an arrow at you because i promised i'd try to keep my temper in check, and honestly i don't feel like fighting another person. I did tell Katsan, and i'll tell you, if you want to help me, don't come across harsh, because i will imediatly go on offence, because i hate being talked down to. I'm almost an adult, not some 12 year old, and i don't like to be treated as such yes. Am i perfect no, i have huge faults that i've laid on the table, but tell me who on here is perfect. If you wish to help me great, i'm all ears, but talk to me like an adult. Now i think i've been decent in this post, but i'll await the quick responces of other to tell me.

TO MINE THAT BIRD'S FAMILY:

1) I loved this horse the minute he came along with rail in the Derby & kicked colt butt.

2) I believe he will be a cherished gelding for years to come!

3) Mr. Woolley - you are a class act. I like your style in handling the whole Triple Crown situation. I hope to meet you and MTB at the Breeders' since I live in California.

4) Calvin - I love you dearly - but next time, don't be so SURE of yourself. The track was a factor that you didn't seen to take into consideration. And, I cringed when I saw you start to make your move so soon.... :-(

Bless you all. Safe racing!

Judy loves MINE THAT BIRD!! :-)

Ron...

I will never forget that Triple Crown.  The thing that alway comes to my mind when I think of you in that race is your horse telling you "hey Ron you can remove the blinkers, I don't see any horses around us" :)  Brilliant ride and welcome to the blog.  

I too agree with you about Calvin.  

Greg J.  Thanks for the vid.  Man that was some legendary day aye?  Did you see that race in 73  :) I was just  kid but I will never forget it.  EVER!  Then of course we had SS and Affirmed.  Loved that decade.  

TO RON TURCOTTE: Wow! Thanks for joining this blog. I'm a huge fan of yours and, of course, the great red horse.

In the 1990's, I wrote inviting you to an event in Southern California honoring Secretariat. Although you couldn't come, Mr. Laurin did, and you were kind enough to send me an autographed, numbered lithograph of you and Secretariat winning the Derby. That lithograph is next to my desk as I type this. :)

Ron I have to say this.  I am so glad that you said that about Kent in the Belmont.  I have been saying that for a year and getting slammed all different directions.  Woooooooooo Hooooooo.  I am so glad you agree.  :)

sweet t,

    Not being rude, i'm guessing the definitions off the top of my head. An opinion is what a person feels and thinks, or believes. It however is not a fact, until proven otherwise. Opinionated is basicly an adjective describing a person that doesn't hold back what they feel, they feel strongly on a subject and have no problem showing there belief. A sentence for opinion is, Janes opinion on abortion was that it was not right and a law should be made to ban it. A sentence for opinionated, The trainer was an opinionate man, and had no trouble in expressing his belief that the breeding of today is why horses were more unsound than those 25-30 years ago. Again, not being rude, i'm really good at English as a subject and couldn't resist a challenge.

In case he Ron doesn't return, one of his favorite jockey's today is Shaun Bridgmohan.  At least that is what he told me last year.  I still think Ron should have an Eclipse Award.

gw_bushwacker

You may want to re think your idea about KD in the Belmont.  :)

If that was really the great Ron Turcotte (and I believe it was) we were in the presence of racing royalty.  It goes as proof that when you talk to strangers at the racetrack, you never know who you're talking to and what great things they may have achieved in the history of horseracing.  Mr. Turcotte, to this day when I watch that clip of Secretariat and you in the stretch in the Belmont Stakes I tear up... always.  One of my regrets in life is that I never went to see Secretariat in retirement, and now of course it is too late.

Ron Turcotte you are correct!---Mine That Bird moved too soon/is not a true stayer....But I disagree with you about winning easy---Summer Bird will prove the best cuz he WAS the best on Sat...look out in the Travers foe Summer Bird, ie "watch those birdies" in the Travers! (I hope!)....ps quit looking behind at them in the Belmont stretch (with Big Red)...you're makin' them all look bad!!

By the way Ron, I think you moved too early on Secretariat too:)

How cool is that?  Thanks for logging in Mr. Turcotte.

Anybody hear how Dunkirk's surgery went?  I hope he's ok and recovers well, whether he races again or not.

Ron: I and all of Canada are STILL disappointed that you couldn't ride Secretariat when he ran in  the Cdn International Championship at Woodbine.

Meanwhile...back at the blog:

We all like to blather about many things on these blogs, not the least of which how we think a rider did or did not ride a race.

Thanks for comments from the pro.

And now I can say that ha! the expert is on my side about Kent D's ride last year.  I don't care how many times anyone mumbles about shoes and stuff, BB was expressly pulled up BECAUSE HE WAS GOING TO LOSE.

TO GREG J.: Here is a good illustration of a condylar fracture with pins in it (horsecentric.i42.com/.../condylar-fracture.gif). With Dunkirk, they said the fracture is non-displaced, which means the broken part of the bone did not move out of place. If you're going to get a fracture, a non-displaced one is the best type, because there is less damage to soft tissue.

Hey Dave the D......fan,

I suppose the dirt horses could stay home if their connections do not want them on Pro Ride, however that would be a shame and a great loss to racing fans. Like it or not, the BC IS at Santa Anita this year...probably for the last time. I thought it was a good idea to move the Cup around. It gives more people the chance to enjoy it in person every so often. But the racing elite will probably change this and install the BC at Churchill Downs and/or Belmont exclusively. So don't fret my friend, you will get your dirt mile next year and every year after that.

As for me, I will enjoy this year's "synthetic mile" and all the other great races. I will also get to see, up close & personal, all the best horses (who show up),be they from Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia or the Americas.

Reading all the comments with great interest. I was rooting for MTB even though I couldn't bet him at those odds, especially when I saw he was a bit worked up.

For those interested in checking out Sea the Stars and other Brits, the best place I know is http://www.racinguk.com/ where they do have a free race replay area. On YouTube, subscribe to RUKTV1.

TO:SWEET TERCHI

Since you wanna lecture LDP,might as well lecture seventy five per cent of this blog also!

TIM G

I'm done also. I think I said everything on my mind from the last post!

Mr Turcotte:

Thank you for posting. Wow! I so do hope it is THE Ron Turcotte. Invaluable to read another jockey's take on this and a few other Belmonts.

Matthew W:

Thanks. Things just got a little too raw here the last few weeks. Anyways, I had fairly much exhausted myself after having posted a zillion times in the week and a half immediately after the Preakness. The Beyer for Summer Bird really was similar to Birdstone's. Had that 2004 Belmont been a 10 furlong race, it's 2:00 fraction would have earned a 110 figure. However, since Smarty understandably tired, and the final quarter was run in :27, the Beyer dropped to 102. To be honest, I was expecting the same 102 figure for Summer Bird. However, I don't think Summer Bird ran any worse than Editor's Note in 1996, and I think he received a 104 or 106 Beyer. For me, Beyers mean a lot less in the Belmont and in other 12 furlong+ races; at such a distance, it is more about class and stamina.

The million dollar question for Ron.  

Do you feel that Mind That Bird is a fluke or a good racehorse.  :)  

What sad news about Overbrook! However it will give others a opportunity to purchase some very fine horses.

TO:JB STONED

You've got your opinion,I've got mine! That's why it's called a democracy.

TO:RON

Thanks for your insight.

Lady Ruffian:

What's this about Northern Dancer.

This is the first I've ever heard about his get having soundness problems.

He sired many of the great sires that came after him and I don't know of any of them that had a reputation for soundness problems.

Forevertogeather,

   I'm not being rude, but Curlin was making his fourth fifth and sixth start in the TC, while i think MTB was making his ninth tenth and eleventh. Curlin also faced one of the best crops when facing SS and HS in those two races. To compare the just the two records does not do Curlin justice, since he completed the feat while much less seasoned and against better horses. Do not misunderstand me, this is a good crop, but the best horses, exept for RA did not show up do to injury. To me you cannot compare the two, seeing as how each horses entered the TC was completely different.

Mike R,

    You don't have to fight anymore the main ppl i was getting into it with are cool now, and i'm not going to respond rudely to Sweet T, even though that seems to be what she's assuming i will do. IMO i don't think i was rude, i didn't sugar coat anything but i don't think i went overboard. Thank you for standing up for me in all of this though, it is very appreciated.

Mr. Turcotte:  what were you thinking to move Secretariat that early on the backstretch of the Preakness Stakes??  What could you have been thinking sir?  Funny stuff Ted for LA.  Long gone are those days of those incredible horses that could sustain a run... without fracturing something or the other... God Bless Mr. Turcotte, I love you and the greatest horse ever... Secretariat.

I was giving a race call to some people over a cell phone and it really seemed weird as you said when Calvin made his premature ride on Mine that Bird. But i guess it just wasn't his day because he was tired in the stretch.

Also i have and interesting belmont story. I have a friend who is ironically from a town named Belmont and she and a friend from her work had a bet on the race. She doesn't know much about horse racing and she picked Summer Bird thinking that he was the Derby winner. So when she watched the race she found out that she had picked the wrong horse but was then amazed by the fact that her wrong pick had won! How lucky was she!!!

Very good LDP, you are coming along. Opinion also means your personal belief which may or not be based on fact, opiniated is narrow minded, and obstinate. You are a really bright girl LPD, don't get bogged down in wanting to know all in such a hurry. Open your mind, take off your blinkers, see what's around you and you will really go places. Remember for every negative there is a positive.

Mike R. 75% of the blog does not need lecturing. I only posted it to her because she really is trying.

As my trainer and I were watching the race we commented while MTB was on the backstretch that CB moved too soon, then when they made the turn we said oh no too soon again. He was beat in the last furlong and then came SB to win. I had them both at the window so it was a good day for me. I knew one of the Birdstones would win a big race and said it for months and got dismissed as a crazy Birdstone lover....I guess after two classic wins by his first crop Im no longer the crazy lady....

helsbelles,

For those of you who haven't seen Secretariat's move in the first turn of the Preakness you must youtube it.  It's still the greatest move I've ever seen in a horse race and the fact that it was in the first turn rather than at the end of the race makes it all the more remarkable.  His move in the Belmont was the second greatest move I've ever seen.  Arcanques move in the Breeders' Cup Classic was my third favorite move ever... because I had a Hail Mary $20 on him to win that day.

"IF CALVIN SAYS THE PACE WAS SLOW IT WAS SLOW.DID YOU NOT WATCH THE EARLY RACES.talk about a super highway"

Steve S, I hate to tell you, but :47 for the 1st 1/2 mile in a 1 1/2 mile race isn't slow no matter how fast the other races were run on the undercard.  Besides, you can't compare the Belmont Stakes to any other race on the undercard considering the farthest run dirt race on the undercard was a mile.

mz

Yeah I am in so agreement wth you about BB and KD last year.  That poor horse.  I think that Seattle Slews trainer said the same thing.  When you have a legendary jockey that rode the Almighty Secretariat to victory by 31 lengths saying the same thing, then it should shut everyone up.  It is funny how one person can change attitudes around.  You know though, we always have to remember that we don't know who is on these blogs.  That is why it is important to be nice to everyone!  Just imagine had he come in under a different name, no one knew it and he gets slammed.  Yeah maybe people will think before they put others down here and anywhere for that matter.  :-)

Mike Relva

How ya doing?  How are your horses? :)

Zookeeper,

I am not saying that they should stay at home, i just feel it is a shame that they have to run on that if they wish to run in the breeder's cup, instead of dirt as it was intended. Personally i feel that synthetics are more like turf, instead of dirt so it is doubly irratating that they run the dirt races on it.

Personally i like that they move it around the country, but it should never again go to a track with the synthetics.  

Seeing that it is on the synthetics again this year, i think we could see, See the Stars run in the classic. If that is the case, and lets say for arguements sake that RA and Zen run in the distaff, who do you all feel would win the Classic.

Ron Turcotte.  Is it true?  This blog is so honored.  

And Greg J.  Thank you for the video from youtube.  Fabulous.

Jason, who's next?  Wow!

sweet terchi

I hear ya.  

As for Secretariat and the Belmont Stakes.  A lot of people were are not old enough to have actually watched that race.   The ones that did, it will probably be one of their finest memories.  Ones that didn't, well the replays are there. I am in aaaaaahhhhhhhh everytime I see them both at the wire of that race.  I don't think we will EVER see another race or horse like that again.  Barbaro was on his way to becoming one of the greatest racehorses (actually he was) but Secretariat and Seattle Slew were from a different era.  As for some of the people on this blog that think they know it all, well none of us know it all.  The young people always think they know it all.  Didn't we when we were young LOL?  Come on when you are under 18 years old, you really have a lot of life ahead of ya and although at that time a person thinks they have all the answers until later on in life when they figure out how crazy they sounded.  

It isn't until later on in life that we start to figure things out. Kids do know things but give them 30 to 40 years and they will know a hell of a lot more.  :)

Mike Relva

I will email you OK?  :)  You need to know something.  

I am just sick about Dunkirk.

Must see TV.  www.youtube.com/watch

Nervous Jason?

And if I recall, Sham is one of only three horses to break 2:00 minutes in the Derby.  Check out where Secretariat is as they go by the grandstands and where he is after the first turn.  He reminds me so much of Draynay as a high school track runner.

Sure nice to see Ronnie on here, never will forget poor Lucien nearly having apoplexy with worry that he'd fall off (yes he really did say that, so did Penny).

With that being said, I've been trying to gather my thoughts for a bit now.

Today is one of the saddest days in racing in a very long time. The announcement that Bill Young Jr is dispersing Overbrook's stock and leasing the farm out actually brought tears to my eyes.

Now I know we can't stop father time, but I'm sure Bill Sr is probably up in heaven shedding a few tears right along with some of us. A finer gentleman you'd never meet if you lived to be a hundred and ten. It just makes me pure dee sad to see all these old farms falling by the wayside.

The son doesn't have the passion that Mr. Young had and that is truly our loss.

All the rest of this stuff is falderal, nonsense and pettiness. It surely is a waste of time when you look at the big picture and what is happening to those of us who know nothing else in life.

I didn't think it was possible to be any sadder than I was the day Bill passed, but this is a crushing blow to all of us in the industry and particularly those in Kentucky.

Makes it sort of tiring and depressing to read all these folks on here trying to 'talk the talk' when people like Mr. Young, NEVER talked the talk, he walked the walk.

All of you who feel 'involved' in racing just keep on talking, while those of us up at 3 or 4 every morning are not only watching those who made the game great, pass on. But are watching as farm after farm is being dispersed and life as we know it is slipping away.

Makes hearing from Ronnie that much more meaningful to the old guard like me.

LDP, What can be said to you? I just don't know.

I really wish you'd find someone to hire you on at the track. I don't know where you are but that's the best thing you could do.

This comment coming from ANYONE let alone a very young and relatively inexperienced horeswoman is just bewildering:

"I may be young but i've gotten to see the rough side of horses from every angle in life and have every reason to drop out."  

Now I'm not trying to be rude, or harsh or anything else you seem to think people are being when they point this stuff out. But, the sheer arrogance I guess I'd call it, of that statemtent is mind boggling.

Ive been around horses all of my life, being ranch raised. Ive been working with them every day for 60 years and I would NEVER make a statement like that.

That is a dangerous assumption because just when you think you've seen it all, they'll throw you a curve and THAT is when people get hurt.

A friendly word here. Unless you are filthy stinking rich and can field an awesome winning stable of your own, you'll have to start somewhere and I really fear you will make a lot of enemies.

If you are Really serious about being a part of this industry, learning some people skills will be in order.  

As tough as it's getting and as tough as it's going to get, trainers will be able to  pick and choose who they want to hire, owners already do.

 A bad attitude is bad for the game and frankly I'm not sure you could pass the trainers test or pass muster with the stewards with the way you talk and come off to people.

I'm telling you this because I'd like to see you succeed, if we're still around when you get to doing it.

You probably know that you don't just walk up to the track and bring a horse saying here I am, ready to train.

Just a little heads up? Most trainers start at the bottom, even the best of them. They work their way up become assistants and then go out on their own. Years back, some guys just came up on the track and took their knocks as trainers but that is getting hard to do.

Now if you want to be an owner? Well, you'll probably fire more trainers than anyone in the history of racing and be fired by a few.

If you're your own trainer? Be ready for some hard lessons, you'll have a rough go of it for sure. The other trainers will be out to show you just how little you really do know and the stewards will fine you daily for display of temper and conduct detrimental to racing.

My advice to you, even though you didn't ask, but if you REALLY want to be part of this game?

Learn to control your temper.

Like you told me, take your own advice and watch what you say.

I'd have to tell you far more people have said your way of speaking is much more offensive than mine.

The other thing? Finish your schooling and work on your grammar, spelling, take bookeeping and computer classes. There's much more to it than just being good with a horse.

You also need to know the ins and outs of condition books, the bookeeping, the on line account access etc.

I knew a guy who could tell the racing secretary all the mistakes he made in a condition book, but did it in such a way that the secretary was thanking him. Talk to him/her like you do to people on here? You'll never get a race written that one of yours can run in and succeed.

It's basically a small community and a person's reputation and actions follow them EVERYWHERE.

Just saw the Belmont on Youtube after flying in from S.F.

Borel did move MTB a little early, but it didn't matter. I don't think MTB had the strong late kick he had in the Derby and Preakness. Summer Bird was going to win regardless. I bet MTB is one tired horse. He always gives it his best and I think he is a wonderful,  gutsy, "you just gotta love" horse. I also think he needs a rest and then bring him back and he will win again, including Grade 1's.

As for Hank Goldberg, he isn't a spring chicken and he does the best he can. I am kind of fond of him.

ITA that the greatest move I have ever seen was Secretariat's and Ron Turcotte's at the Preakness. To me, it ranks up there with their Belmont. I watch that Preakness run on Youtube with my mouth open and jaw dropped. I am always in awe when I watch them make that move and I don't awe easily.

Lets not forget that ESPN and ABC have a habit of not using horse racing experts on the telecasts. It's not just Goldberg. They have joe tessetore,Kenny Mayne, and Randy Moss making fools of themselves also. Tessetore isn't even good on Friday Night Fights.There website is even worse. Dan Rafael knows nothing about boxing. Jay Cronley knows nothing about horse racing. I just read his column because it's funny even though it has nothing to do with racing. Remember Disney owns ESPN and ABC and they feel the four major team sports is where yhe money lies and they're right but don't make a mockery of the smaler sports. But that's what you get from conservatives. Disney makes large donations to the GOP so in essence they are against expanded gaming.

Lazmannick,

    I think it was Native Dancer whom had the soundness problems if i recall correctly. In my book i think they said his issues could've been caused by how hard he struck the ground with his feet while running. I also remeber he had a few ankle problems earlier on.

Sweet t,

    Don't get on Mike, he is really a good guy. He's just trying to defend me, and to defend a friend is always a good thing to do. This post is not specificly for sweet t, but any others that Mike has defended me from. Don't get on him, when all he is doing is defending me.

I stand by my opinion and add that big brown would have lost the belmont regardless of the ride. He was under trained and not in the right frame of mind that day. He alone caused the incident where he was stepped on.  

How can anybody leave out Shoemaker misjudging the finish in the KY Derby when talking about worst rides ever. Shoe clearly was on the best horse and cruising to a win. There was no fault to place on the horse there. It was all jockey error and it cost a KY Derby win. How could it get any worse than that?

last year big brown had alot to do with how things turned out including being at all fault of getting stepped on. KD didn't ride him into Guadacanal and get him stepped on loosening the shoe, it was big browns fault totally. The biggest "excuse" for losing the race has been the loose shoe and the fault for that lies squarely on big brown. Get off the KD crap, the horse wasn't good enough that day.

sweet terchi,

Enough with the preaching, it's not your place and totally uncalled for. If you haven't figured out by now that the world is made up of very different people and they don't all act the way you want them to you never will. I'm sure like the rest of us you aren't perfect.

I do not agree with you stardustyrose that one man's opinion should be taken as gospel. As much as I respect RT for what he did as a jock he's not always right as nobody is. Ask him who in his opinion he thought would win the Derby this year. I can almost guarentee he didn't pick MTB. I'm sure there are just as many "expert" opinions that expressed the other side of the coin. What it comes down to is people are entitled to believe what they want.

MR TURCOTTE,

WONDERFUL TO SEE ANY INSIGHT FROM YOU. ESPECIALLY SINCE YOU HAVE BEEN THERE AND DONE THAT. I CAN ONLY SURMISE WHAT YOU ACTUALLY KNOW TO BE A FACT.

WITH BB LAST YEAR, SOME PEOPLE THOUGHT GREEN CHANGED HANDS.

BUT I SEEM TO REMEMBER, THOUGH I AM GETTING OLD, THAT DUTROW CHANGED SOMTHING MID TRIPLE CROWN BID, EITHER MEDS OR VITAMINS AND MINERALS.  I THOUGHT THAT IS MAYBE WHAT AFFECTED HIM, MANY STILL BELIEVE LASIX AND OTHER MEDS COST TC WINNERS IN THE 80'S LIKE ALYSHEBA WHEN HE HAD TO GO OFF OF IT BECAUSE LASIX WAS NOT ALLOWED IN NEW YORK AT THAT TIME. IF I REMEMBER CORRECTLY. HOW MUCH DOES A MED OR VITAMIN CHANGE A HORSE IF DONE SUDDENLY? I WOULD THINK IT WOULD LEAVE HIM LETHARGIC, LIKE BB AT BELMONT.

Thank you, Mr. Turcotte, for joining us, and please come back soon.

Dave the D....y fan,

I don't have a crystal ball. A lot of water will run under the bridge between now and the BC...

Atthebarn2,

Your post about the passing of time and the changes in the industry really touched my heart. You sound so sad. I'm sending you big hugs through this blog and hope you feel better soon. There is still a lot of "good" all around. In time you will see it again. :)  

With all due respect to Barbaro he did not breath the same air that Secretariat and Seattle Slew did.

Wow.... Dave the Draynay fan... I actually agree with you for once!!!!! Can't stand synthetic and the Breeders cup should NOT be on a synthetic track. Horses race on dirt and grass. This of course is just my opinion.

The great Ron T on this blog???? Wow.......

Atthebarn2....I can feel the saddness when I read your post. I'm sure it is very sad to see Overbrook disperse.

Why is LDP the subject of so many comments, including her own?

I don't mean to restrict content but, I find horses and horse racing much more interesting subjects.

Lazmannick -

I re read my comment, and I had mistyped. Native Dancer .. not Northern Dancer as I had originally put in my post passed on soundness isues to his offspring. Sorry for the type-o. :)

I have to agree with Schabelli and GW_Bushwacker.  I have the utmost respect for Ron Turcotte, but I firmly believe that Kent is not to blame for what happened to Big Brown last year at the Belmont.  Everybody is entitled to their opinion and in my opinion getting stepped on and trying to run around the track with a shoe that was bent, twisted and half off his hoof was the ultimate undoing of the horse.   He may have been undertrained as well, but I am not a trainer and I will certainly defer to Richard Dutrow in such matters. It's time to get off Kent's case for that Belmont.

Tim (the other Tim)

Actually, Kenny Mayne is a big time, long term fan of horse racing. He's done a lot for the industry as a promoter and lover of the game.

He's actually pretty knowledgeable, disguised in a goofy personality.

Paula, Hank on the other hand, is 68 years old. Have you ever heard Jess Jackson speak? Like him or not, the man is 79 years old and is very concise and can say what he means. Harry Aleo, John Nerud, Charlie Whittingham and many others much older than he at the time they were interviewed were/are well spoken and coherent. Wayne Lukas, one of the best storytellers around and as you may have seen on TVG, he can speak articulately, whether you agree with his opinions or not he can at least state them and he is 73.

Many others Hank's age or older out of the industry are well spoken. Morgan Freeman, Jack Nicholson(there may be a similar substance issue there) all speak well.

Remember 60 is the new 50, 50 the new 40. That isn't a lot of bull either, it's a medical fact based on longevity.

Hank has some kind of issue. Whether it's medical or behavioral I don't know. Just know if I had a patient who speaks as he does, I'd be running some tests on him/her.

TO MZ & RON TURCOTTE (hope you're still watching this blog): This American is also disappointed Ron couldn't ride Secretariat in his last race. Eddie Maple did a fine job, though, except he went to the whip when he didn't have to. Nerves, I guess. If Ron is still reading this thread, and if he has a moment to answer, I wonder if he gave Eddie any tips on how to ride Secretariat. (For those who don't know, both Ron and Eddie are in the Hall of Fame.)

The following video links are for everyone who ever loved a racehorse. The program (in two parts) shows clearly the immense excitement Secretariat generated among horsemen and the general public alike. The program begins with photographers, police and others waiting for the plane carrying Secretariat to arrive in Canada, then takes the story of his last race all the way from the time he stepped off the plane until he wore the blanket of flowers with the Canadian maple leaf. In between, there are wonderful backstretch scenes, as well as scenes of Secretariat and Kennedy Road working for the International. It was Secretariat's last work out ever. There are interviews with some of the top horsemen of the time, including E.P. Taylor, who bred Northern Dancer. There are even clips of Man o' War on the occasion of his 25th birthday. For people who never saw him race, perhaps these videos will help explain why Secretariat is still held in such enormous regard all these years later.

SECRETARIAT - Big Red's Last Race - Part I: www.youtube.com/watch

SECRETARIAT - Big Red's Last Race - Part II: www.youtube.com/watch

I recommend clicking the HD button and watching these videos full screen.

I am sick about Dunkirk too.  Such a beautiful horse.  Love the grays.  

Greg J.  and For Big Red and Mike Relva..

Do you guys think that he will be OK?  

LDP,

   I am sure you have "Crown of Thorns" in your Virtual Stable, If you don't, Just to let you know, He had another work today, his third since coming back from his injury(05/29, 06/04, 06/10).  Maybe he is getting close?, Today he went 4F in 50.6

GW Bushwacker,

     I agree on Big brown, While I respect Mr. Turcotte on his opinion on Kent's ride, But, One cannot overlook Big Brown's loose shoe as a contributing factor...

Sweet Terchi & For Big Red,

      Thanks for the illustration of a condylar fracture and explaining it.  Thanks for the kind words also, Sweet terchi...

schabelli, aren't you the warmblood guy? Or something like that?

Well, just to let you know, most of the racing experts and people who actually do/did this for a living are of a consensus on Calvin and MTB, even Calvin himself suggested that.

As far as Kent? Old news, he's taken his lumps for his ride within the industry, just like he took them when he got so arrogant a number of years ago.

On the comment about preaching? Pot calling kettle.

LOL, like somebody said opinions are like belly buttons, everybody has one.

However, in the true sense of the word straight from the dictionary, it's a belief or judgment that rests on grounds insufficient to produce complete certainty.

A personal view, attitude, or appraisal.

But then, you have "the formal expression of a professional judgment: to ask for a second medical opinion. or   Law. the formal statement a judge or court of the reasoning and the principles of law used in reaching a decision of a case.  

The first applies to those on here who have no basis for factual information, merely observation.

The last two are usually with all of the facts, expertise and comparable knowledge in the field.

Thus an expert medical opinion (going rate about $3,000) or expert legal opinion.

I'd guess Ron, having actually RIDDEN race horses, WON the TC and ADMITTING to a judgement error himself in the heat of the moment, is probably giving an EXPERT opinion not just a notion or idea.

TO ATTHEBARN2: Re your 12:48am post today, please let me assure you that "those of [you] up at 3 or 4 every morning" are not alone in grieving for what is happening to racing in this country. Not only are we losing people like Mr. Young, and important farms like Overbrook, but we're losing historic racetracks like Hollywood Park. The future of Santa Anita and Del Mar are in doubt, as is that of Pimlico, and probably others around the country. It's entirely possible that there will be no major racetracks in California in a few years.

The birth of the Kentucky horse breeding industry pre-dates the American Revolution. It's a national treasure, in my opinion, and should not be allowed to fade away.

I'm only one person, with few resources, but I wish it were possible for me to knock some sense into all of the major players in the sport/industry today, including all those blood-sucking politicians who easily pass legislation taking so much from racing, but giving so little in return.

BTW, Jason, would you consider making something like "the future of racing and what to do about it" a topic for a future blog? Thanks.

For Big Red

Did you get this one?

www.youtube.com/watch

MikeM

WRONG!  Barbaro was the FIRST horse to come close to SS.  :)  No he didn't breath the same air, the air was a lot cleaner back in the 70's.  

StardustyRose: Not being a vet, nor close to the situation, I couldn't answer your question as to whether or not Dunkirk will be OK.

As a layman reading the news reports, my guess is that he will be fine, assuming his recovery goes according to what the vets expect.

Tim G, I get your point but remember someone's 78 may be better than someone else's 68. I am a R.N. and I see patients every day that run the gamut of the health (or lack of) spectrum and age is only one of the variables. It is true people are living longer and in general have better health, but any one individual can vary from the norm. I am 56 and trust me, I am not what I was even 10 years ago. Stuff is happening, so to speak. Hank could have issues we don't know about. But I do understand your point.

Yes what is the 'expert' medical/veterinary opinion on here as far as Dunkirk, folks?

Loose shoe/ smoose shoe. You have two things here, Either Kent gave the horse a terrible ride, or the horse wasn't 'all that'.

More 'expert opinions'?

Heck if I got paid for giving opinions on all the stuff I have no practical experience in, like I do for that which I do have, I'd be richer than Jess Jackson and could have bought RA for myself. Better yet, if I got paid for all the 'expert opinions' from people on here who have no practical experience in horse racing, I could buy Kentucky and every horse in it. LOL:)

I don't recall BB shoe dangling while he ran. The picture in the form showed it was bent slightly down on one side and loosened. No way that caused the ugly effort by BB. Horses run and win with that problem all the time. Maybe you could make a case for a couple of lengths but not 50.

For Big Red:

Thanks for the photo of a condylar fracture.  I found several descriptions, but no picture and tried to describe what I read further up.  As they say, A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS!

For Big Red--

Thank you for directing us to those marvelous videos!

Tim G: 60 is the new 50?   (ACK*!!!!) I thought 60 was the new 40!

Please note that I am not 60 but 60 seems much, much closer than it used to be when I was 20 or 30!

**not Ack Ack, HOY in the 70's

To Lazmannick: thank you for defending the greatest Cdn of the 20th Century.

Also: if Ron Turcotte is still reading this blog (or if anyone else knows): who the heck rode Tom Rolfe in the Arc de Triomphe in 1965?  (being the last time -- I think -- that an American horse went over for the Arc -- I was so excited last year when it was possible that Curlin might do it again)

Speaking of which, I will be watching Wesley Ward's group of North American horses who will be running at Royal Ascot soon with great interest.

Finally (and to belabor the point in a strictly adult manner) "loose shoe, schmoosh shoe".  He was gonna lose.

The last time Ron Turcotte rode Secretariat in a race was the Man o' War Stakes. Final time was 2:24 4/5, a new stakes and course record. The race was shortened to 1 3/8 miles a few years later, so no horse has ever won the Man o' War at 1 1/2 miles faster than Secretariat. It took 28 years for a horse to break the course record. (Fantastic Light, 2:24 1/5 in 2001.)

www.youtube.com/watch

Atthebarn2, I've never been to Overbrook, just known it through the horses, but it brought a huge lump to my throat, too..so much work, so much heritage.

I'm sad thinking about DelMar, too, I pass it everytime my son leaves or comes back from Iraq/Afghanistan but the timing hasn't been when they're running (dang) and when I drive by looking longingly over where history has run and now to think I may never get to go...I guess we all need to call the governator!

Regarding the Secretariat film.  Excellent stuff.  Not many people can pull off that blue coat with the white fur around the neck.  I wouldn't want me wife to wear that to a knife fight.

Karen, it isn't just Overbrook although I admired Bill Sr more than almost anyone I've ever known.

If you read the article by Jennie Rees about the breeding industry being in trouble you'll read about Lansdon Robbins moving his operation back East, Lewis Lakin sending his mares out of state and as the article says, he'd move it all if he was younger. That's just a few moving OUT of KY, not to mention those like Bob McNair,  etc dispersing and selling their places. Trainers getting out of the business or moving out of KY, tracks closing and being 'developed' (the new catch phrase for demolished and sitting there in a pile of rubble).

zookeeper? the conversations with LDP, start about racing and just go a little left of center. Plus, most of this has been talked to death already. Referencing my comment above. New blood in the industry is good, even if they need a little helpful advice.

Otherwise, no new blood, nothing for you guys to talk about.

bill.....

Big Brown did NOT have his steroid shot either.  The races following the Belmont were not at all as impressive as the races that he won while on drugs.  :)  I believe that KD should have sucked up and let him at least finish the race.  He probaby would not have won, but he "could have" hit the board.  I also believe that hitting the board was just not good enough for KD and that is why he pulled him up.  That horse was NOT lame.  :)

For Big Red -

Thank you for posting the videos. I really wish i was around to have seen Secretariat run in person. I wonder if the sport will ever see true greatness like that again. For Me (i know this is subject to heated debate) I think the best of today is Zenyatta.. but I know she wouldn't be in the same league Big Red. Still, I can't wait to see her run again

For those of you advocating what D. Wayne Lucas said..... He is a BIG part of the problem. Just look at his training methods and the type of horse he favors.... Back in the mid 90's, when the "elite stallions" of today where bred, he (Lucas) was one of the biggest buyers in the market and every commercial breeding planned their matings to suit Lucas's taste. Now that he can't win a decent claiming race, he wants to have a second of fame and spills this garbage. Leave the TC as is, it will force breeders, buyers to start concentrating on breeding soundness again and thus save our sport and our livelihoods.... Leave "has beens" like Lucas out of it.......

TO:STARDUSTY ROSE

I think Dunkirk will be ok,yes. I just got on here,I'll check my email,thanks.

TO:GW_ BUSHWACKER

I totally agree with you regarding BB. I felt that Kent last yr. took too much heat. Many don't understand he had a split sec. to make a decision. He should have been praised,not slammed. The horse came out in good order,that's what counts. Thanks for saying what you said!

MIKE M

Yes,that goes for about 99.5% of the horse population that don't "breathe the same air".

Atthe,

    The point of the statement was not to be arrogant, it was to say that, even though i'm young, i've been hurt, physicly and mentally in my ten years of riding. I don't want to get into them, but over the pas maybe four years, i've gone through enough for me to see that horses arent fun and games, there are ppl out there who just want your money and even though you may think they care about you, they'll drop you at a moments notice. I've seen what happens when money runs tight and a stable goes to the pits, or you have to sell a horse or two. In my case we had to sell my morgan Pixie, and that still hurts to talk about because she was that one horse for me. She was literally my heart and soul, that horse that is suppose to take you years to find, i had to sell. I've seen horse get sick and put down, i've seen broken legs, injuries. Basicly i've seen how unfair this industry can be, even with how young i am. The reason i said drop out was because i went from an unbelievable high, where everything was perfect, i was the best rider on the circut, with the best horse, and seemed to have the most potential of moving up, this is what i was told by others at least, and then everything went so wrong. I went from cloud nine to a virtual h/// in a matter of weeks, and it hasn't really gotten to much better. I'll get a glimmer of hope then something snatches it away. The only reason i haven't left is because i truely love horses and could not live without them. The comment was not meant in arrogence at all, and i am sorry it came across like that.

For Big Red: Thank for finding the fatastic videos of Secretariat. He was truly magnificient.

Greg J,

    I don't have a virtual stable, so any info you have regaurding Crown of Thorns would be absolutely great. Thank you for the update.

Zookeeper,

   With all due respect, and i'm not trying to be rude at all, but if you don't want to read my posts i'm not obligating you to read them. If you want to talk horses, you can choose the topic and we can talk. I'll be glad to rid myself of all the attention, lol.

It just goes to show how damaging last year was that it is so hard to let it go.

StardustyRose:  Exactly - if the horse isn't hurt, let him finish the race.

And to all those who want to keep talking about Kent D as if what he did was ok:

regardless of what happened at the beginning of the race, loose shoe, lost training etc... Big Brown was running 3rd all down the backstretch and almost through the final turn.  He was right where he needed to be.  He didn't get to finish the race because he was harshly yanked up and walked across the finish line.  Even Secretariat couldn't win a race if he was yanked to a stop.  BB was not hurt; Kent D himself stated this as soon as he dismounted and walked off.  

THIS IS THE POINT, NOTHING ELSE MEANS ANYTHING BECAUSE OF THIS: BIG BROWN DID NOT GET TO FINISH THE RACE SO WE WILL NEVER KNOW WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED.

If he had finished and lost then there is a point to discussing the shoe, the training, the quarter crack etc...

And as far as the rest of his races went - he won them: which took a lot of heart and courage on his part after what had happened to him in the Belmont.  All of you people out there who work with or ride horses know how long their memory is for pain, and his memory of being jerked to a stop at the point at which he had only known to begin that amazing surge of power and having his poor, soft mouth sawed to pieces for no reason is probably still in his head to this day.

I have no sympathy at all for Kent D; my sympathy is for Big Brown.

Daylami, who is this LUCAS (sic)guy?

That as somebody says has been talked to death. You have your opinion but I guarantee you others in the industry don't believe as you do.

What happened to him is what has happened to so many, like Atthebarn said, their main owners passed away, his great assistants took over a lot of his owners, with his suggestion and blessing.

I'll be LMAO when he starts jumping up and winning with his new crop, ones actually bought at auction and not the homebreds of Overbrook or MaryLou. Also, he was down to 40 horses, how do you compete with guys who have hundreds on a day to day basis? Same thing they used ot say about him. Strength in #'s. Now he's back up to around a hundred.

I've seen some of his new stock owned by the Fords (Alltell) and those 13 from the Legends group and he has some really nice young horses.

Yes, absolutely, I'll take the word of an anonymous poster. Ummmm you've trained how many champions and you stand where in the trainer standings?

My comment was, HE can have a conversation that a person can understand and to a person, almost EVERYONE who has actually spoken to him says he has a lot of good information in that brain, even at 73.

I actually am warming up to his idea of more time between the races, keeping the fields together, having a group of horses that can draw a fanbase and some interest. All the horse lovers like the idea of not overtaxing them and giving them some rest in between. Like has been said, the dates of the other two races have been at various times other than what they are now.

Your comments are churlish and out of place. The whole point was a sampling of older people IN racing  more articulate, knowledgeable and easier to understand than Hank.

On the part about the breeders tailoring the matches to what Lukas would buy? What a laugh. Back at the time when he was buying for Klein, French, Beal et al NONE of those guys were breeders.

It's well known that Klein bought them to run races and WIN, he would sell them when their racing was done, wasn't interested in breeding ANY of them, not even Winning Colors.

Paula, yes, and I've been a physician for 32 years, so I do know that each person ages at a different rate. I'm saying that his problems do not seem to be age related.

Mike, too early to tell. Relatively minor as these things go from what I've been told. But as with humans, complications are the issue usually.

Todd should be able to give a little more info in a few days from what I've heard.

MZ, sorry. Oh my favorite commercial is that one 'never trust anyone over 90' cracks me up (play on the days of never trust anyone over 30?)

mz,

I believe The Shoe had the mount on Tom Rolfe in the Arc.

For Big Red,

   Thanks for the Videos of Secretariat!, It just never gets old watching pure perfection in motion...

   Just read about "Happy Ticket" passing away on May 3.  She was found dead in her pasture at Glencrest Farm in Lexington, Just eight days after delivering her second foal(A Empire Maker filly born on April 24).  Her owner, Stewart Madison said this about her, "She was a once-in-a-lifetime horse. Happy Ticket never disappointed. She had what you can’t breed into them. She had the heart. She loved to run, She likes to do what she does. Hopefully she passed that along".  I saw her win at Saratoga in 2005, A Beautiful Filly, Hope her baby foal will be in good hands, Which I am sure she will be,  R.I.P. "Happy Ticket"...

TimG.,

     Just to point out the obvious to you.  This is a "Blog", which is a forum for various opinions, from beginner to novice to some very knowledgable and expert opinions.  That's why people ask questions, to get feedback from all types, then try to decipher them and hopefully get their question answered in the best way possible. How do you possibly know who does and doesn't have "practical experience"?  If you actually read the majority of the opinions here, it is quite obvious that there is plenty of "practical experience".  If you go through life without asking questions, that must mean you must know everything there is to know, seems pretty haughty to me(IMO)...

 If our illustrious people in Washington can bail our Chrysler, Fanny Mae, the banks and all the other messes than I think it is time that they also bail out the horse industry, what is fair is fair or that is the way I think.  You bloggers are correct, California will have no great tracks in a few years but only commercial property and slowly so slowly Kentucky racing and breeding is going in the same direction.  Now tis time for Congress to open up their pocketbooks and doing some more bailing before it's to late.

TO: TIM

Ok,tell me how Randy Moss made a fool of himself? I agree regarding Kenny Mane,but not Randy or Joe. You and me should  know as much as Randy!

STARDUSTYROSE, re your 2:16pm post, thanks for the link. Although I have seen it before, I never get tired of it. :)

LADY RUFFIAN, re your 3:46pm post, you're welcome. May I gently say that every era has its own great horses. I'm glad you love Zenyatta. She doesn't have to be compared to Secretariat to be great in her own right. In the United States, the 20th Century produced a lot of great horses, but only two, possibly three, who are worthy of whatever adjective means another level beyond great. Those two were Man o' War and Secretariat, and many would add Citation. Horses like that are so rare as to be comparable to the Hope Diamond in the gem world. But all of the other horses who thrill us while we're waiting for those rare gems to come along are certainly great and worthy of having loyal fans who will love them forever. Just the romantic in me talking. BTW, Secretariat had a lovely, sweet disposition for a stallion, and he passed that on to many of his offspring. Even many of his grandkids have sweet personalities. So your foal might very well be a sweetheart. Hopefully, a winning sweetheart. :)

TED FROM LA, SPRINGSMOM83 and BARBARA: You're welcome. :)

So, who does everyone like for the Stephen Foster? For once i'll go with my heart and say i want Einstien to pull it off. This horse doesn't get half the recognition he deserves. To be a seven year old stallion and still racing is a rarity that should be taken advantage of, plus what he's going for has never been done, at least not over the course of one year. The only horse ever to win Grade ones on each surface was Lava Man, and all his wins i believe came in CA. Einstien has been traveling I think his turf score was also in KY, i'm not sure, but his synthetic win came at SA, so to do this in two different states over the course of two years would stamp him as something truely special, and he deserves that recognition. This horse has such heart, i really hope he wins. Go Einstien!

Tim,

I will second Mike Relva. Randy Moss doesn't know horse racing and makes a fool of himself? Your kidding right?

LDP, I like Einstein in the Stephen Foster too. I also like his pedigree and hope he gets a chance at stud.

You're welcome, FREETEX. :)

Hey Guys:

My favorite horse was always Northern Dancer.  I grew up with him and followed his career closely.

The best horse I ever saw of course was Secretariet.  Being a Canadian I was fortunate to be at Woodbine when he ran in the Championship in his last race.

I kept a $2.00 win ticket and still have it (mint condition).

It's dated Oct. 28, 1973.  The program number was 12 and Woodbine was so honored in having Secretariat in the race they printed 'Big Red' right on the ticket.

I have a few keepsakes from racing, but I will always cherish this the most.

GREG J.: My pleasure. They greeted him up in Canada like he was a visiting head of state. Also, can you imagine all the business of a racetrack, front and backstretch, closing down these days just because everyone wanted to watch the workout of one horse?

Sigh. I don't know if racing in this country can ever recapture that kind of magic again, but I hope so.

Tim G: I'm still stunned over the fact that McCartney can now sing AND BE older, losing his hair and over 65.

And unhappily, I haven't been able to trust myself for many many years already.

Thx Tiznowbaby.  

I like Einstein as well. I think it's great that he is 7 and still holding his own and then some.

Dr. Tim G. I haven't seen Hank Goldberg recently, so if he is having MORE problems on camera speaking, I haven't seen them. His speech has always been somewhat garbled in my opinion. But he has had that issue for awhile. Could be something else going on or not. I just got an email from a friend showing a guy in his 80's, sitting on an examining table, and looking like death warmed over. The M.D. tells him "Remember the 20 extra years you got by living healthy? Well these are them." I loved it.

TO:LDP

How are you? I'm a fan of Einstein,he should win. LDP,am I correct he's  black not brown?

It sounds as if the decision about Overbrook Farm is more about new family goals in particular than about declines in the Thoroughbred industry in general. After Storm Cat was pensioned, a dramatic change seemed inevitable for the farm.

Does anyone have any word about Wes Lanter, Overbrook's stallion manager? My cousin and I visited the farm in 2005, and Wes went out of his way to make us feel welcome. I am so glad that I got to see Storm Cat, Grindstone, and Jump Start that day.  

Mike R,

    Hey i'm good, all considered. I'm not sure on Einstein. He looks black to me, but i havent looked hard for any brown points. I can't remember seeing any brown on his flanks, which would leave his nose, but i can't remember. I do think he's black though, from what i remember. I can't wait till this weekend for the race, lets just hope i dont injure myself saturday and miss it, that would make me mad, lol. I hope he wins, his Clark and other performances on dirt tell me he's got a real good shot at winning, so i'm keeping my fingers crossed.

According to the profile on the Bloodhorse website (here: www.bloodhorse.com/.../2002 ), Einstein is technically "dark bay or brown".  You can see the brown in his coat in many photographs, so he's probably not even "almost black". You don't see many true black horses - they don't have any brown on them at all, even around their eyes or muzzles.  I've been around horses most of my life, and I don't remember ever meeting a black horse.  Nor a true white one.

Even though he's not black, I'm rooting for Einstein in the Stephen Foster!  I'm a big fan of the old man.  

Man I hope you guys are talking to the other Tim, one of us needs to change our handle. Randy might mistake that for me and bust my chops. Randy's a handicapper and he knows his stuff. A little too much drama once in a while but if you don't have the Cary Grant (how do you like that one MZ?) looks, then you have to be a character actor or a comedian.

Paula, yes he seems to be getting progressively more garbled. I'm just sitting there saying please spit it out. I know he's never been the debate team captain but it's totally painful to watch now.

Good one, I have a lot of those told/emailed to me. Most I can't repeat.

mz, Really? I DID NOT KNOW THAT! Paul lost his hair?

Are you saying you're over 90? Wow, Hank really is in big trouble, you seem amazing for that age!

Greg J

"How do you possibly know who does and doesn't have "practical experience"?  If you actually read the majority of the opinions here, it is quite obvious that there is plenty of "practical experience".  If you go through life without asking questions, that must mean you must know everything there is to know, seems pretty haughty to me(IMO

Greg J. 10 Jun 2009 6:44 PM"

It's pretty easy to tell, first from the fact that people are willing to say if they work in the industry, own race horses, etc. and a fellow race tracker can spot it as legit.

Lots have given their background.

To me, someone like Ron Turcotte? He has 'practical experience' that I doubt anyone on here has.

Correcting him when I will just about guarantee you haven't ridden in the Belmont, won a Triple Crown Etc.

THAT seems far more haughty to me.

Like I said and like others have said before me? I ask questions all the time, I listen to what people say. I just happen to listen to people who have actually DONE or DO what they're talking about. Whether that be an inservice from a pharmacist on medications, or another physicians publication on a treatment or a jockey, trainer or owner who has been through it and DONE it.

I think it's presumptuous and 'haughty' to think my opinion holds more weight than that of a Ron Turcotte on riding a TC race.

Opinions are interesting enough, but I don't think I'd make any serious life choices based on opinions of people who haven't BEEN in a given situation. And I've seen that those on here who have 'DONE' it, don't hold back that info.  Like Mike Relva has said about a few on here, it becomes pretty easy to tell what's real and what's bogus.

Think you have an expert opinion? I can't really tell that, I think you're a huge fan, historian and student of the game but owner, trainer or TC jockey, don't  really get that vibe. If I'm wrong please give me some clue as to what that direct connection is, I didn't pick up on it.

As far as having practical experience? That would be like saying someone who has read any number of case studies and listened to lectures about a particular type of injury or treatment can go give an 'expert opinion'. Problem is you have to provide proof of how many case studies you've reviewed, how many times you've BEEN an expert witness in court and any number of criteria to meet. THAT is what I'm saying.

THAT definition I gave? It is the true definition of 'opinion'. Yes it's a blog, but when people actually 'in the know' speak I listen. The rest? I may agree or disagree, say 'hmm that's an interesing point of view'.

I agree with Mr. Turcotte.  Desormeaux's ride in the 2008 Belmont was the worst I've ever seen.  I'm not talking about pulling up, I'm talking about the way he was riding before the first turn.  As Dutrow said after the race, Desormeaux was "switching [Big Brown] all over the damn track".  I don't think Desormeaux ever explained what that was about.

But at least Desormeaux prepped for the race.  Borel's ride wasn't as bad, but I fault him more because IMO he screwed up from  being ill-prepared.  He decided to do some ridiculous Hugh Hefner routine on Belmont day (lounging around in his bathrobe signing autographs) instead of riding the undercard to see how the track was playing.  

Hey LDP, just a curiosity question, but, what 'circuit' did you ride in?

What type of riding was it? I'm just interested to know. enquiring minds and all that rot.

Thanks.

Mike R., Einstein is officially listed as a dk b (Dark Bay).

I like Helen, very much. Amazing horsewoman. Midnight Cry?  MMMMM not so much. Have a real hard time with that. A different owner, Helen as trainer? Perfect.

For Big Red. I appreciate the distress of people like you, all the fans on here.

My comment was the huge difference for those of us whose very existence is wrapped up in the industry. Sense of panic like the guy who goes to work and the factory is closed, or the Doc who delivered all the babies in town now told he's superfluous. Not to discount anyone's feelings, and we appreciate the support. Just kind of a different feeling for us, seeing our lives slip away.

Cal racing? Been in trouble for years. I'm afraid the Terminator may just be that.

For Big Red:

I agree with you 100% that Man O War, Citation & Secretariat are the three super horses who have set the bar for all to be compared with... Forego coming in a not so distant fourth. :)

My mare has a spade like star and a thin blaze. country side has three white socks  ... so I'm hoping for a foal with with three white socks and a blaze (girl can dream right?!)

I also like Einstein for the Stephen Foster this weekend. He's such a rarity today and an incredibly classy horse who really gives every race his very best. I don't see him being beaten Saturday. I can't wait until he runs out on the west coast again!

LDP...Go to equibase.com. You can set up a virtual stable for free. You just put in the horses you like and they will send you e-mails when those horses workout and when they are entered in a race(they also send a link to the results). It is very cool. You can also follow trainers.

For Big Red...I agree with your comments about "beyond great" horses. I think people use the word great too often. Of course I have my own definition of "great" horses, lol. And Citation DEFINENTLY belongs in the same category as the Big Reds. I can't hardly seperate the 3. But way deep down in my heart I suspect Cy was the best of them all. We are definently past due for another one. Invasor could've been the one.

Lava Man got his grade 1's on the 3 surfaces in different years, if Einstein wins he'll be the first to win 3 grade 1's on 3 surfaces in the same year, (Santa Anita Handicap March 7, Woodford Reserve May 2,).

Mike R, technically Einstein is "dark bay or brown".

Also, re: my statement about Einstein, he will be the first to win a grade 1 on all three surfaces in 3 consecutive races...

Rose,

Barbaro wasnt even the best 3 year old that year.  It was Bernardini by a country mile. Had he not got hurt in the preakness he would have gotten stomped by bernardini just like the rest of them.  So please keep your Barbaro and Nicanor "love" on their own blog.

For Big Red,

    You probably already aware of this horse, but if not, Secretariet's Grandson, "Whispered Hope", A gelding born to a last crop mare, "Whispered Secret" ran his first race yesterday at Woodbine, Race #3, with Chantel Sutherland on him, He came in 5th, but was later DQ to eight for interference in the stretch, Here is a link to Chart:

www.horseplayerinteractive.com/.../RaceInfo.aspx

    As far as the Stephen Foster Handicap, Even though "Einstein" with Julien Leparoux on board will have to concede 2-11 pounds by being at the high weight of 124

pounds, and drawing the 3rd post, I still see him pulling it off, Being the Amazing Athlete that he is.  I think the wildcard is "Asiatic Boy" with Kiaran McLaughlin training him for his American debut and on lasix for the first time, and carrying 122 pounds, and drawing the 7th post.  I also like "Macho Again", Having only 117 pounds, and drawing the 2 post, especially if it is an off track(50 percent chance of T-Storms on Saturday).  So, If it is an off track I will say Einstein, Macho Again, and Asiatic Boy in a Tri Box, If not an off track, I will replace Macho Again with Researcher with Calvin on board...

LDP, not only does Einstein not get all the recognition he deserves, but his trainer, Helen Pitts, likewise doesn't seem to get much love.  She had Curlin briefly and then lost him to Asmussen through no fault of hers.  I believe she has done one outstanding job with this horse.  If I had the money to own racehorses she would be high on my list as a trainer candidate.

Mike Relva - Guess I was stating the obvious but I couldn't help it.

Hey!  I'm not even within miles, kilometres or furlongs (explain that measure to someone who doesn't follow horse racing) of 90 but:

a) I had a crafting moment (craft = can't remember a thing) and forgot that "when I get older, losing my hair..." leads to "when I'm 64" and not 65

b)  for a brief moment, I thought Atthebarn2 was referring to "Cat racing" instead of "Cal racing" and man, was that a weird picture

c)  I'm more of a George Clooney gal myself (every woman can dream)

and Greg J: I'm with you about Asiatic Boy.  

Dave the Draynay Fan

The only comment I have to yours is "it is my belief that you don't know the difference between  a horse and a kangaroo.  :)

I don't think you know much if even at all anything about horses.  

ATTHEBARN: Re your 12:34am post today, may I gently say that I think you're mistaken. People not directly involved with the work you do most definitely can understand what you're going through. Millions have seen and are seeing the industries they work/worked in dry up and disappear. If not disappear, then they are seeing their jobs shipped overseas. This isn't a policial blog, so I won't go any further, but folks in the racing industry are by no means alone.

In racing, there are solutions if only people with the power to do something would act in concert to make things happen.

Einstein is listed as a dk b on the nominations for THE STEPHEN FOSTER HANDICAP (GI).

"EINSTEIN (BRZ) dk b/.h.7 Midnight Cry Stable Helen Pitts-Blasi"

Bill,

Not sure Helen is TOO upset with the Curlin camp, she married Greg Blasi, Scott's brother who as we all know is Asmussen's longtime assistant.

Plus she married him AFTER the Curlin deal. Hey maybe Curlin was a matchmaker?

As for Cali racing? Yes we've been in trouble out here for several years.

For the guy who discounted Lukas? He said years ago when he started moving away from Cal racing and was sill considered one of the premier trainers in the business that we were in trouble and it was going to get worse, said it again a couple years ago. Guess he isn't as irrelevant as that guy thinks.

Tim G,

    Not very big circuts, i was going to move up soon, though. The main circut i rode on for about three years was CBHSA, or Chesapeak Bay  Horse Show Association. I showed once or twice in MHSA, Maryland Horse Show Association, showed one season on the MSA, Maryland Saddle Association, and showed once or twice at a stable called Swan Lake. I didn't show this last year. All the crash courses me and my horse were getting wasn't helping him develope right or me really get over previous experieces, so i took the year off to kind of let things settle and let Tray grow a bit.

Tim G,

   Sorry i forgot to say this. You asked what kind of riding was it. I do hunter/jumper and equitation. Most my trainers put me in equitation classes. If i have a more relaxed easy going horse i'll either go in pleasure which is judged 50% on my form on the horse and 50% on the horse itself. My best thing is equitation though.

Soldier,

That's Bill Jrs story and he's sticking to it.

But I know Chris has real passion for it. So, whatever.

40-45 employees will be laid off, no stallions so putting 2 and 2 together? Coming up with no stallion manager.

Forevertogether:

Your brief comment from June 9th about Mine That Bird and Curlin both coming in 1-2-3 in and among the three Triple Crown classics was an eye-popper. It's the best comment in the Blog Stable about what Mine That Bird truly accomplished this season, especially when you consider that his #1 was in the Kentucky Derby but Curlin's #1 was not. I don't see how anyone could discount Mine That Bird after reading your comment. Thanks for putting this into perspective. What a pithy punch!    

DAVE THE DRAYNAY FAN

Do you really believe that? You've got to be kidding!

Dave The Draynay Fan - I agree with you 110% about Bernardini.

Stardusty - Come on now let's not get crazy. What air are you breathing?

Rose,

"The only comment I have to yours is "it is my belief that you don't know the difference between  a horse and a kangaroo.  :)"

yeah, and i am the one calling Barbaro one of the greatest.  

And Mike Relva, you can't be serious Bernardini would have beaten Barbaro with ease, of that i have not doubt.

Like i said keep your Barbaro "love" (i would perfer to go with something else, but i wont't)on his own blog, that is what it's there for.

Im with you STARDUSTYROSE in believing that Barbaro was the best 3y/o in 06. It's too bad the outcome of the Preakness had Barbaro finnished will never be known, only speculated. His story is still heartbreaking to me, but I honestly believe that Bernardini was deserving of the Eclipse award he won based on the races he ran later in the season (Shouldn't this be talked about on Barbaro's Brothers Blog?)

I still don't know why people are blaming Kent D. for Big Brown not winning the Belmont. The colt was backing up and was pulled up as a precaution. Kent didn't jump off and check on him because he didn't feel anything go wrong with him. He has explained that over and over again. Even in the Haskell Big Brown beared out on the final turn but he didn't drop to last like he did in the Belmont so Kent persevered with him. When a horse goes from contention to last common sense says wrap up on him and save him for another day.

I got sidetracked and forget to mention that obviously Big Brown bearing out coming offthe turn was a health problem. How is that Kent's fault? Without mentioning any names I still haven't seen proof from the blogger who Claims that Desoemeaux is a cheat. He has never been accused by the stewards at any track of any wrong doing.

"ATTHEBARN: Re your 12:34am post today, may I gently say that I think you're mistaken. People not directly involved with the work you do most definitely can understand what you're going through. Millions have seen and are seeing the industries they work/worked in dry up and disappear. If not disappear, then they are seeing their jobs shipped overseas. This isn't a policial blog, so I won't go any further, but folks in the racing industry are by no means alone.

In racing, there are solutions if only people with the power to do something would act in concert to make things happen.

For Big Red 11 Jun 2009 11:41 AM"

For Big Red, on behalf of my friend, who is probably working right about now. It seems

that you are reiterating just what he is saying.

Those of us who are fans of the game can empathize, those who have friends out of work in the various industries like education etc can empathize. Understand? Maybe not exactly, how can we understand what something means to someone else?

Just as I have NO idea how the people who are being forced to close car dealerships which they've family owned for 100 years, I can empathize. But STILL I CANNOT know just how they FEEL.

That is what Atthe is saying, I've heard it from him and others.

He and others are saying this in relationship to the way THEY feel about THEIR industry.

You are commenting on a board about horse racing, if you were on a blog about Real Estate, and not an agent or builder, you could commiserate there as well, just that you wouldn't actually KNOW or understand how we feel about not being able to create what I consider works of art when we build.

Considering that the people in the racing industry are working with a living breathing creature, then THEIR PERSONAL anguish is tenfold.

He made an analogy, maybe not specific to YOUR particular line of work, but it was there.

I assure you, even though I own a couple of retirees and recently got in on partnership of a couple of runners, have been a gambler for years. I would NEVER say I KNOW how the people who have been training horses for 40-60 years and really haven't known any other life, actually FEEL about watching their lifes work disappear. Understand? Man I can't even comprehend what it would feel like.

Can't believe ANYONE with any understanding of human nature could. Or could liken being a fan and student of the game with understanding how they feel.

These people are somewhat different than other fields. Because unlike most others they are 24/7 with their job/passion.

Dr's do the same thing because most of them are on call a lot and the most compassionate always have their patients at least in the back of their minds, my Dr friends all are like that.

Those two professions lay waste to most families, because the devotion and dedication to the profession usually interrupts family life time after time.

Do something about it?

They're trying. They're talking, meeting, demonstrating, begging and pleading in KY right now, also in Maryland and so on.

But the sad fact is, economics are hitting them really hard. People who are just in racing for fun, don't have the money it takes to feed and care for a horse in these hard times. Actually a lot of people in ALL the horse industries are having to prioritize, food and housing for their families, or food and equipment, stabling etc for their Western Pleasure horse?

The other thing is, these are independent contractors, no matter how many organizations there are. Most of THEM, can't get the powers that be in racing to listen to them. If they refuse to run, refuse to ride etc to get something done? They're called greedy. Just like trying to get your boss to do something that would save the company, like my girlfriend is going through right now with her CEO. It's nearly impossible.

NOTHING bothers me more than when someone says "I know how you feel" or "i understand how you feel" (to me knowing and understanding are virtually interchangeable here) when, for example, a family member passes away, your dog gets run over, you lose your job, business etc.

NO you DON'T know how they feel. You know how YOU feel about it from your somewhat removed perspective and you can empathize with them. But, please don't play it like it's going to devastate you the same way it will people like Atthe, Katsan or any of the others on here who do this for not just a job or a living, but as a way of life.

Understand actually means you comprehend, know, are thoroughly familiar with. Personally I don't think any of us not faced with it DO understand. Now accept and sympathize as the dictionary says, as to why someone can't do something? That really doesn't fit here.

Tim:

Have you forgotten that the very first story that Big Brown's connections floated about the Belmont debacle was that Kent thought something was wrong with the horse?  

Of course, that farce was quickly followed by a series of other tales-du-jour until the public finally despaired of ever learning the truth about Big Brown's Belmont.

You know, change the subject and wear 'em down ...

Bill,

    I'm not sure if your angry at me in your post. I never said anything bad in reguards to Pitts. In fact I agree that she does not get the recognition she deserves. I was just stating in my post that Einstein isn't respected enough and deserves the win. I don't know why you adressed me specificly in your post, can you tell me why, so i'm not at a total loss.

LDP...A while back in one of our talks you asked if any horse had gone from maiden to winning a TC race to year end honors besides Curlin...Bernardini did. He didn't race at 2, won the Preakness and was 3y/o of the year(over Barbaro) and he lost HOY to Invasor(who IMO is the best to race this century). And to the folks suggesting this topic go on the Barbaro blog...have you ever mentioned Bernardini there??? It isn't pretty...lol.

Soldier Course,

   IMO i don't think you can compare the TC season of Curlin and MTB togeather. Curlin was much less experienced going in and faced much better horses. Had MTB beaten QR and IWR, along with RA the argument may make morse scence. Curlin was making his forth start in the Derby, had a horrible trip and still got third. Then he comes back and beats both HS and SS, the horses who beat him in the Derby, in the Preakness. After two hard races in two weeks in only his forth and fifth start he runs second to RTR by a head. MTB was making his ninth tenth and eleventh starts i believe. In the Derby he relished a surface everyone hated and go the perfect trip by a jock who knows the track like the back of his hand. In the Preakness he beat a tired POTN, and was duking it out with MM, and was beaten by the only real competion he'd faced in RA. His Belmont had a total of one grade one winners combind in it and that one grade one was his own. You are comparing two different situations. I am not being rude just stating my opinion on the matter.

Barb,

    maybe i mistyped, but i think i asked had any other horse gone from maiden to BCC winner in the history of racing. Even if, we can see it takes a special horse to go from a maiden to Classic winner, especially if Bernardini is the only one besides Curlin to do so. In regaurds to my actual question i don't think any other horse has gone form maiden to BCC winner in the same year.

Barb,

    Why do you think i don't go on that blog often. I believe Barbaro was a great horse, but on dirt Birnardini was the better of the two. On grass Barbaro was unbeatable by any horse. IMO Bernardini ranks over invasor. I believe his jock moved him too soon in the Classic, and that long stretch did not help him, so by the time invasor was rolling Bernardini was running out of gas. If his jock had waited a bit longer i think Bernardini would've been able to hold invasor off. Just showing you how much i think of Bernardini, i rank him beside Curlin, even though i like Curlin more, i think both were very close in ability.

LDP:

The commenter Forevertogether made the comparison between Mine That Bird and Curlin. I just happened to agree with her very astute comment, for which she deserves full credit.  

A free moment.

LDP, Okay. I thought maybe you were an eventer. Also a dangerous deal like racing from what I've read and seen.

Some retired TB race horses make really good hunterjumpers.

The Other Tim,

Kent gave the horse a not so great ride, but the horse gave a not so great run. I guess we'll never know unless we give all the parties involved truth serum.

mz, OH that McCartney song.....a senior moment.

George Clooney? Aha! 40 something? Right, not close to 90. Oh well you struck out as my dream girl.

LDP,

I believe Tiz Now did. He did not start racing until June of 2000. Missed the TC completely. Came second in the Pacific Classic at Del Mar and won the BCClassic over Giants Causeway. He was voted Horse of the Year. I'm a BIG, BIG FAN of Tiz Now and have a soft spot for his progeny.

Tim,

    The cross country part of eventing doesn't appeal to me. Tray, my horse, is prbably big and powerful enough to do it, but not brave enough. I've done some dressage, and think i may like it more than jumping. Either way both are fun.

LDP, also on circuits, for some reason I thought you meant racing circuit.

Now realize it's a horse show circuit.

Know some who've gone through their circuits and onto the AQHA World Show and Jr Worlds.

Also pro rodeo has circuits and a circuit finals so just a duh moment for me.

Soldier Course,

   I had seen earlier that Forevertogeather had made the comment, and said about the same general thing to her. I don't mean any disrespect at all towards her or you in my last post or this one. I was just stating my opinion.

i agree LDP.  Castellano moved berardini to soon in the classic and that is what got him beat.  But i disagree that curlin was better than him.  Could you imagine the best he would have been at age 4, instead of retiring him to stud. I do believe that he will be his father's heir though at stud.

Dave,

    He would't have been beaten as a four year old IMO, not even by my favorite horse Curlin. I never said Curlin was better i said i think they were about equal. In fact Bernardini might have been the better of the two. I wish they would've race him at four, because i think in a match up between him and Invasor in the Donn or the DWC would've been one heck of a race. As i said i still believe Bernardini was better than invasor, as do i believe Curlin was. Invasor though great just never really jumped out at me like Barbaro, Curlin or Bernardini did.

LDP...I am probably mis-remembering your question/comparison...you have said so many things about Curlin,lol. I agree that Bernardini was super but he only raced 6 times and all at 3 so for me he is a "what if". Invasor won all of his races with his ears pricked under the wire, he never had to try to beat anyone. He only lost once, in the UAE Derby to Discreet Cat, another very good horse. He also won the Uraguyan(sp?) Triple Crown(whoo hoo!). I have to go to the dentist now so i will check on maiden to Classic winners when I get home. :)

Zookeeper,

    Another incredible horse that Curlin stands with. I have watch both of Tiznow's Classics, and each time he just amazes me. He may not be the best ever, but he's one of the guttsiest most determined horses i have ever seen.

mz, that cat racing is an exciting sport. The way it's going we may be watching just that.

They have Weiner Dog racing, greyhound racing,camel racing, pig racing, ostrich racing, frog racing, turtle racing, baby crawling racing (oops got carried away) why not Cat racing?

Tim G,

    Thats ok, i have plenty of those "duh" moments. A few weeks ago when i went to work i parked my truck in front of one of our storage buildings, not in back like i normally do. I came out went around back, before i relize i went the wrong way. I came back aroung, and everyone was laughing. My boss even asked me " are you sure you aren't part blonde", lol. That was embarassing, but funny too.

barb,

    No harm no foul, i mistype all the time. I tend to do it especially when i type a lot or am passionate about something. Sorry if i bore you with all my Curlin talk, you got to give me credit for being persistant, lol. I agree Bernardini was a what if, he just seemed to jump out at me when invasor never did. Don't get me wrong, i have nothing against him, he just never really had that extra factor i saw in Curlin, Barbaro, or Bernardini. I think some call it the look of the Eagles. I just never saw that in him.

mz and Tim G:

Remember that old movie, "The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing"?

What about making "The Girl Who Loved Cat Racing"?

LDP,

Tiz Now was all THAT and more!!!

I visited him at Winstar Farm in 2005. What a presence he has as a stallion. I fed him peppermints and stared at him in amazement...however, his interest in me was limited to peppermints.

TO:DAVE THE DRAYNAY FAN

Well,guess Invasor took care of him in the Breeders',right? lol

Sorry LDP, i read it that you said you thought that curlin was better, but after rereading it, you only said that you liked him better.  

I can't say that Bernardini was a what if, because he was already a beast at three, at 4 he would have been untouchable.

I just can't wait to see his progeny hit the track, i think they will be something special.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who knows that Bernardini was going to win the Preakness even if Barbaro didn't break down. In 2006 Bernardini was the second best horse in the country behind Invasor. The saddest thing about horse racing is that if Barbaro stayed healthy he wouldn't have a fan club. I stopped going on the FOB site because they get nasty when you point out that most of them never even heard of Barbaro before he won the Derby. I'm a bodybuilder so I don't take it seriously but I've had a woman on that blog go nuts and threaten me. She was very serious and I'm just wondering who moderates the moderator over there because she's the one who allowed the nasty posts to be put up.

Lady Ruffian

You are right :)  I skimmed through some of the posts but I don't agree.  Not a big deal.  I just consider the source.  :)  See ya over on the Barbaro turf.......

Very few true "black" horses. I have a 2 year old that is black as night but has a little brown around his muzzle and flanks. He is registerd as a dark bay. Regardless, I am cheering for Einstien....LOVE him............

There are lots of TRUE blacks for sale in the QH world. Lots specialize in selling ONLY Black QH's.

Remember one from the old days, became a nice foundation sire.

Completely off the wall but the RCMP (Royal Cdn Mounted Police) breed for blacks and even sent the Queen a couple of horses for her to ride -- all black.

Hey Drayway Wannabe:

How can you say Bernardini was better than Barbaro? I actually bet him in the Preakness only because I was taking a shot and believed he had the only chance of upsetting Barbaro.

You can argue that Casgtellano left too early in the Classic, but what stuck with me was that he had no fight when Invasor came up along side.  He's a good horse, but it took an awful accident for Barbaro to be defeted.

Laz you and all the other FOB make me laugh.

How can i say that Bernardini was better than Barbaro?  Simple, he was.  

And why do you think he didn't he have any fight in him when invasor came along side?  Simple, because Castellano went to early.

And to address your last point, that it took an accident for Barbaro to be beat, wrong, it just took a superior horse.  Funny how only you FOB seem to think Barbaro was better than Bernardini.

Drayway Wannabe:

That's a pretty dumb assessment.  If a horse is as good as you say he is then he will at least show some desire to fight back.  That's what the really goo ones do.

Dunkirk did it and managaed to get second, unfortunately Bernardini did not.

Laz,

    Barbaro was not as good on dirt as he was on turf. It the Preakness had been on turf Barbaro would win no questions asked, but on dirt Bernardini was better. The only reason he had no fight for invasor was because that jock moved way too soon. Had he waited longer, maybe until they actually hit the top of the stretch to ask Bernardini to run, Bernardini would've had plenty of fight.

Tim,

   So glad you "Know" who was going to win the 2006 Preakness!, Nobody knows who is going to win any race before it starts, you can hope or think a horse is going to win, But NOBODY knows for sure on the outcome before a race is run.  I thought Barbaro was going to win, You thought Bernardini was going to win, Fair enough, We both had different opinions on that day, But, Bottom line, It is a mute point, because, Tragically, It never transpired with them going against each other...

    I also love how you can foresee the future about Barbaro not having a fan club if he hadn't broken down.

    So, Seeing that you are a clairvoyant, A couple of things, Are my Patriots and Red Sox going to win the Super Bowl and World Series this year?, And what is the Trifecta in Einstein's Race tomorrow?...Thanks

Wow there jay.

The pats are winning the super bowl. Tom is back and we are better than ever.

Jason,

    lol, Please don't tell me you like the Bengals, If so, I lost all respect for you!  You are seeing a Preview of the World Series Tonight, Red Sox Vs. Phillies(How about Sox taking 8 straight against the Yankees and A-Roid, lol), And like Dave said, The Best Quarterback in the NFL is back, Mr. Tom Brady, So enough said, Future Bet???, Before I answer that, I would like to know who your Favorite teams in both, NFL and MLB, Jason?

Laz,

    If what you say is true why didn't MTB fight back when SB flew up on his outside? Was he tired? Same with Bernardini, he was tired. It's not a dumb assement. CD has a huge stretch, thats why during the last furlong Bernardini was sputtering, and Invasor who had waited was under a full head of steam. Are you going to tell me SJ in the Belmont didn't fight back when Birdstone came up? He couldn't he, like Bernardini had nothing left to give, even though he wanted to. Curlin moved way to early last year, are you going to tell me after watching his Preakness and JCGC that he didn't try to fight back. Bernardini tried, but couldn't. Just because he didn't make it a nail biter doesn't mean he didn't fight, it just means after making a early move he had nothing left to give.

    The Patriots are the team of this decade if not history if they Win this year, Umm, Let's See, Champions in 2001, 2003, 2004, 2009???  Two things in my life I will never get over, Smarty Jones losing the Belmont and the Giants beating my Patriots on Feb. 03, 2008...

    So must be Eagles(You guys need a new QB, Mcnabb needs to go!), Phillies, Flyers, It must have been so depressing going all those years with NO titles in each sport until the Phillies rescued you, lol...

Jason,

     OUCH!, "Touche" Jason, lol, Maybe a whole generation, but not mine!  Come on now, Bill and Randy maybe aren't the most friendly guys out there, But they sure do know how to win, no matter what the cost, lol...

LPD:

I for one was hoping that Bernardini would have won the Classic and I was really upset that he didn't.  What I do remember is that he didn't put up even the slightest bit of resistance.  I still like the horse (a lot), but he wasn't the second coming like some bloggers suggest.

When MTB was passed in the Belmont I was disappointed too.  But,a)I don't consider him as good a horse as Bernardini,b)it was his third tough race in five weeks and the horses that finished ahead of him weren't asked to do what he was asked, and when he didn't fight back it really didn't surprise me.

As for saying that Bernarini is better than Barbaro, I'll be kind and say that simply put, that is a totally unqualified statement.  Barbarboro won the derby, was undefeated, won on different surfaces and the only way he lost was from an injury that eventualy cost him his life, and he still wanted to go on.

TO:DAVE THE DRAY FAN

You and I both know Invasor took care of Bernardini in the Breeders. Yes,he's was a very good horse,but he's no Invasor. No way! Oh yea,you better hold your collective breath that Tom Bradys' knee holds up.

LPD

As far as SJ in the Belmont, you're talking two diffrent things.  SJ was pushed a good part of the way, in fact, I remember JR pushing his mount to stay with him early.  Of course he didn't have anything left.  When you stop like he did in the last 1/8th going 1-1/2 M it was because he was totally spent from his early eforts.

Bernardini (remember I really like this horse) didn't have the same pressures that SJ had.

I'm from Revere and I'm watching the Sox and Phillies right now but I'm not a dreamer. The Patriots aren't going go undefeated and win the Superbowl. I'm battling a shoulder injury myself so I know what it's like and don't expect Brady to be the same QB he was before the injury. They really took a gamble giving up Cassel because as much as a homer as I am I don't think Brady will be back on top for couple years. The Sox have a great bullpen but their starting pitching has an ERA of nearly 6.00. It boggles the mind why they haven't brought up Buchholz. He HAS recovered from his shoulder injury but look how long it took him. As for that tri I'll go 3-7-2.

Laz,

    SJ didnt make the lead until five furlongs out. My point is it was a fast pace i believe the day of the Classic, and Bernardini made a huge move way before the stretch. I can't remember, but i don't think they were even half way through the final turn. Then he's asked not only for all he's got early, but to sustain it through one of the longest stretches in America. You do that and tell me your not going to be tired. When a horse, unless it's Secretariat, does that, it's not going to have anything left to fight with. To say he had no fight may not be true is my point. Had Bernardini move later and then offered no response to Invasor, then i'd say he had no fight, but the horse was tired after making a huge move. He fought, he just had no more to give.

Laz,

    I also said Bernardini was better than Barbaro on dirt. On turf Barbaro was untouchable. I also just got done watching a replay of the Classic. Bernardini was asked with four furlongs left in the race after a 1.11 half. Then Brother Derek starts to fight back so Bernardini out slugs him when they get to the stretch after going wide. Then Invasor starts coming up and after all Invasor didn't just swoop by. He only won by what looked like to me a little over a length. Bernardini still faught after doing most of the dirty work. As i said you can't do what he did and not be tired. I ran track this spring, and if i was in a longer race it gets darn tiring. If your battling it out with some one and your dead tired, it doesn't matter how much you want to win, your legs won't go faster. You can try all you want, it aint gonna happen, especially if you've made your run, and the other person is just begining their's. Thats probably what happened with Bernardini. He makes this huge run finally gets the lead, but inside the final furlong he hits a wall while Invasor, who waited is just getting started. It wasn't that he had no fight, it was that he'd hit the wall and there was nothing else there to give, no matter how much he may have wanted.

LPD

Peace.  We each have our own thoughts.  In any event, I was always a Bernardini fan and I REALLY WAS disappointed when he didn't win the Classic.

LPD

Not that I'm trying to prolong our discusion, but SJ might not have actually made the lead until into the backstretch but he was three wide around the clubhouse turn while he remained within a length of the lead, took the lead and was pressed (Durken even made a comment that he was not going to get a breather today).  He didn't really make open daylight until the top of the stretch when he opened up by four and yes he did fight right to the end.  Birdstone had a very easy trip, but was staggering at the end when SJ finally gave up.  I doubt he would have given up if his race up to that point hadn't been so demanding.  A 1/16th of a mile shorter and there would have been another triple crown winner.

LAZMANNICK...

Amen. :)

Stardusty Rose:

Whatever you say.

Laz,

   Darn you, i like debates, they're fun. I guess I can call a truce. I was having so much fun too. Are you sure you don't want to keep going? lol.

    What a tough trip for Einstein in the foster!, I am amazed he still got third, he had nowhere to go after Asiatic Boy beat him to that hole, But considering his start, checking up, bumped, etc., Just an incredibly tough race for him, everything that could have gone wrong did, Just goes to show you the heart he has to still finish third.  I have to give credit to Macho Again and Asiatic Boy, but still think that was a very tough run for Einstein...

Jason,

     Did you see the Ninth race(Fleur De Lis Handicap) with "Miss Isella" and Calvin BO-RAIL?, For the life of me, I don't know how she (Miss Isella) hung on, She got SLAMMED into that rail hard!, Amazing, Then she stayed up, looked like she was going to get passed but she dug in and held on, Great race!, Kudos for Calvin for hanging on, I honestly thought he was nuts trying to squeeze her through that small gap, but he and his filly did it, Wow...

Hey LPD:

I had to stop.  Stardusty Rose said she would hit me with her purse if I didn't.

I'll get back to you about something else for sure.  LOL

Has it been a week already? My how time flies.

Laz,

    Lol. C'mon stardusty, i won't steal from you, just borrow. As i said i love debates. When you think of something, Laz let me know.