You left out Carter Winner Morning Line. Also, Baffert had a promising star in Alcindor, was favored in the Malibu but has vanished of the face of the earth? Any idea what happened to him?

Great post Jason.  It seems that every week a different horse is at the top of the heap.  Perhaps if our horses remained sound and healthy and raced on a regular basis (which I am sure most of them would like to do) we might see some of them rise to the top and stay there.  One who has been below my radar is Astrology.  The more I look at him the more I think that he'll be a force as the year progresses.  My only negative for him was the Sunland Derby, but the way he stepped up in the Rreakness is an indication that he has progressed and makes me want to see much more of him.

One older horse that I had expected to do well this year was Misremembered. I have not seen a specific reason for his retirement, although it was announced after he ran in Arkansas. Was he injured in that last race, or did something else happen? I think another of the Candy Rides, Twirling Candy, has star potential, as you mentioned, Jason.

How can you say Get Stormy is no Paddy O'Prado when he never even won an open G1 and Get Stormy has won two this year?

Jason;

I agree that Havre de Grace may just be the best horse in the country at this time. Perhaps the older males will sort themselves out soon -- if Aikenite wins the Met Mile, he could move to the top -- but at this time, I would vote for Havre de Grace as Horse of the Year.

Successful Mission might be a horse to watch. In his career, he has made seventeen starts. The first two were on dirt, in maiden special weight races at Saratoga. He finished sixth behind Munnings in one and fifth behind Regal Ransom in the other. His next fourteen starts came on turf or synthetic tracks.

Then he was entered in the Elkwood Stakes at Monmouth Park on May 21st. The race was taken off the turf, but Successful Mission ran anyway.

He went straight to the lead and set fractions of :23.21 and :46.11 en route to a 7 1/4 length victory in 1:35.01, an effort which earned him a Beyer speed figure of 108. If he can repeat this performance again -- time will tell if his strong effort was due more to a good trip than anything else -- he could be a major force later this year.

LAZMANNICK;

I was very impressed by Astrology in the Preakness. He cut the corner entering the homestretch extremely well and nearly poked his head in front of Shackleford before flattening out just a bit. I can't wait for his next start.

-Keelerman

Has anyone seen a trace of Gozzip Girl?  Her campaign last year was... poorly managed... to say the least, but I was hoping she would resurface this year.  Add Aggie Engineer to the older males too.  He's been working the lights out since is return from Dubai and looks ready to make a start soon.

Kellerman

I read your post re: Harvre de Grace.  So far she has proven without a doubt that she belongs at the top of her division, one of the few in any division so far.  However, what I'm sure we'll hear is a clamouring for her to take on the boys.  I hope they have patience with her and wait.  She is not three so if she takes on males it will be the older handicap division and that is not so easy this time of year.  

Paddy's retirement broke my heart. I cried like a baby. I was so looking forward to his return and that Dixie..my lordy he looked fabulous. Greys are my favorites and losing him to an injury like this was heartbreaking.  Right now I can't even think about another horse. My Superstar is retired and I'm too devastated to think  about another horse right now.

GOLDIKOVA should be horse of the year .My feelings for Blind Luck are 100% as she travels to the tracks to meet Havre de Grace and BL hasn't had time to rest .  

Misremembered was retired because of injury Karen. A shame. He was the best older horse, IMO.

Apajax6: No disprespect to Get Stormy intended. I just dont think he was as talented as Paddy.

Yes, Paddy was a huge loss to this years turf and/or handicap division. I was so looking forward to seeing him run this year. He was still able to gut out a victory in the Dixie with a fx sesamoid. I really do wonder if we will have any stars in the US this year. I guess I'll have to look to the UK for that, but it's not always easy to see their races. Goldikova made her 2011 debut and I can't find it anywhere to watch the race. She is a superstar and our horseracing networks should have those races when it comes to a horse like that. I haven't heard a thing about Gozzip in response to someone's question. I have always liked her too, I have a thing for Dynaformer filly's. I'm hoping Harmonious will be back on the worktab soon, she has a ton of talent. I guess we'll wait to see what happens.

Unfortunately, Jason, I have to agree with you, there no real stars out there right now. It's ashame that we see such talented horses sent to the breeding shed too early. Remember Kantharos? Retired as a 2 years old? No disrespect but that was way too early.

For the older males, who knows, Twirling candy is a nutcase and completely unpredictable and would be surprised if he puts in a string of wins (3 or more) against decent competition. He should have demolished the Big 'Cap crowd he ran against.

Animal Kingdom can certify himself a championship if he wins the Belmont, so can Shackelford.

Blind Luck and Havre De grace are the best older fillies.

Big Drama has been off for awhile now with no works, I heard he was being pointed to the Smile Sprint?

3 year old fillies are still up in the air, even more of a toss up that their male counterparts.

I have no idea, other than gio ponti, who would be on the turf other than Get Stormy and Fluke.

Goldikova is awesome and I cannot wait to see her at Churchill.

Jason, do you happen to have the specifics of the injury to Misremembered? Is it something that he could have healed from and returned to racing?

On the bright side, even with American racing lacking true stars at this point, there should be some really nice races in Europe this year, headlined by the superstar Goldikova, Canford Cliffs, and Frankel.

Some other reasons why

Another factor with really good racehorses is they try hard--a less classy horse won't. That said-

You got to love those who if in the right class will run their guts outs even if they are running in cheaper classes--I consider them classy too. Paddy won despite hurting himself during the race---(Take note MMM---nice horse but I hate repeated excuses from trainers--actually the only one that I believe was Afleet Alex a few years ago when JV rode him---obviously it was true)

Again with racing today which differs from the old days when claimers returned to the same barns---you never claimed the trainer's last horse--an unwritten rule---now it is rent a horse and burn them up--put anything into them that you can get away with--Inject here there and everywhere on a 10K claimer because he is running for a 20K purse.

"Although they mostly play by the rules" but take any legal edge they can. Any top barn has a top vet--(defy anyone to prove me wrong on this)enough top outfits even share the same ones. See the trainer's vet of a 30% stable then see what other 30% he services.  You won't see those same vets on the trainer's shedrow that has 3 10K claimers and living day to day with a 5% win percentage. The old system of ice ice ice and working on a horse’s legs is becoming a forgotten art. Does anyone think a Hall of Fame guy like Van Berg forgot how to train? Why does Mott do so well and his tutor hit at 3% after winning thousands of races and being on top yearly again and again in wins.--For the record I think Mott is a great trainer and horseman but the example fits.

It is a vet's world that most don't realize from the outside looking in-just like most don't realize a top agent makes a top jock and not the other way around. Is it a fluke that certain agents always have the top jocks? Hint--watch Alan Garcia's stock (if not this year-next) go up and Gomez's level out. Jara has done wonders since he made a change--from Breeder's Cup to claimers in FL.

I also think trainers-(although I don't own or train nowadays so it is their decision to make not mine)--map out nice horses races too carefully -because a race is worth any 5 works for conditioning sake--(KY Vet would disagree but he is neither a vet nor horseman)

Racing a horse into shape and giving them an easy one is frowned upon now in the game. Maybe we could look at the other racing game --harness--where a horse off a couple months no matter how good the horse is, is usually a throw out. They sometimes race 50 times a year--mind you at a slower speed without 120 lbs on their back but they also run on gravel on sorts and try running and training on a hard surface as a human---all the time--- and visit your doctor when you are my age. Harness horses can't do it either without ouch factors.

Maybe thoroughbred horses should get an easy one too before being asked for their best.

My favorite older horse this year has been and still is the owner trained (Luis Olivares) TACKLEBERRY.

Try and tell me why he dosen't Rock - he's a super work horse and I just adore his "ohnoyoudont pass me!" wins at GP.

This gutsy horse will bring it in the Met Mile Handicap on the 30th - he should like big sandy a damnsight better then the bull ring.  I say this is a fine Handicap horse, Luis is a class act and I wish them both the best of luck.

I have to say that I am NOT surprised by plucky older mare Goldikova winning her debut this year she is the bomb and if (I know its a LONG WAY TO NOVEMBER) she continues and winds up in a BC 4pete (at 6 years old) I will be hard pressed to want any one else for HOTY which she could have been awarded nearly anytime recently (one NA race and your eligible right?).

Why am I so out of the loop on Paddy being officially retired? - I had to find out on Steve Haskin's blog - no one could do a piece so I could get Bloodhorse news alert??!! SLACKERS, (just kidding) but I really am sorry to hear the injury is more significant that earlier thought. At LEAST he ran and did very well as a 4 year old.

Im all about Blind Luck too she brings it every time.

Can I mention also that Black Caviar is amazing she gives me chills and I wish she would come on over next spring and give us something to root for in the open sprint division.  I know shes from down under but I see lots of old  NA bred horses top and bottom on her pedigree and if they are going to show me Ausie racing on the TVG / HRTV night card - well then its a global fan base they are going to get...

Whats going on with Stonestreet's McLeans Music?  Just curious we all loved him in his debut.

I think Animal Kingdom could become a star. Sadly, however, at the moment all the real stars are elsewhere. Black Caviar (Aus), So You Think (formerly Aus, now Ireland), Frankel (UK), Canford Cliffs (UK), Goldikova (France), Workforce (UK), Ambitious Dragon (Hong Kong) & Rocket Man (Singapore).

Cal Nation is entered in the 6th at Belmont on the 26th PP 1 I think - Im looking forward to seeing him again too.

I've followed TC for awhile now,looking forward to his next race.

Let's hope it gets better. There is not that much to cheer for right now. I really don't see Shackleford winning the Belmont with his style of running - call me pessimist but I just don't see that coming. If he does, he'll prove to be at the top of his division. Based on last two classics, I think AK has got bigger chances to win Belmont. Astrology is the one to watch as well, nice effort.

As far as the older ones, Get Stormy is such a nice horse to watch, wish him best.

Does anybody know what's going on with Georgie Boy?? I haven't heard anything about him in a long, long time...

Morning Line should be on that list, and I think St. Trinians will make some noise. I also think Haynesfield bears watching.

I too was disheartened to learn of Paddy O Prado's inhury and retirement. I was looking forward to his campaign this season very much, I love gray horses and I think he would have been a turf dominator this year.

On the bright side, We can all look forward to his offspring hitting the track in 2014. I am already imagining the names, Peppermint Paddy, Paddy's my Daddy, Mud Paddy, and so on. I know it's silly but hey, at least its something to look forward to.

Jason, how bout that Flashpoint, huh ?  He looked like he hit a brick wall on the final turn.

Jimmy: Sorry, Im not sure of specific injury.

Zen's Auntie: Great point. Tackleberry is one I forgot. He's a gutsy, cool horse. He's so versatile, I think it almost hurts his popularity because he runs everywhere.

Criminal Type: That was a great pick I had with Flashpoint huh? Sad thing, I was closing out the late pick 4 with 7 horses in Preakness but no Shack. Im an idiot.

Talent-wise, Twirling Candy is unmatched this year, but unfortunately to be a great racehorse you need both ability and a level head. TC only has one of those. Havre De Grace has been good thus far, but with Blind Luck rounding back into form my money's on her to take this year's Ladies Classic. With the star power increasing around HDG, BL should go off at a descent price. Shackleford is an intriguing horse for races like the BCC because he seems to be one of the few front runners who runs better with quick fractions and with a slow pace being a rarity in the Classic it should only benefit him. Too bad about Misremembered. To think that had Baffert run him a day earlier than the Santana Mile he probably would have become the first horse to win back to back Santa Anita Handicaps...consecutively!

Dont be so hard on yourself, I had Shack, AK, MMM and Dialed In. Tri box...OOPS

As a Fan yeah I always looked forward to my favorite horse to run Z..

As a wager nothing could be better for your R.O.I.

I believe long term MMM is going to be a large player still only 2

Hi Jason,

My son had Shack,Animal Kingdom and Dialed In for trifecta. But he loved Shack and bet him across the board.

My husband said --will be a speed horse. For the Derby he had longshot with 6-1 shot. We didn't get the right combination.

We will miss Paddy--he is a neat horse. Anita

Mill Reef- your namesake was quite a horse.  I also agree with your assessment on the foreign horses this year.  You can add Midday, Snow Fairy and Sarafina to that list also.  

Jason, you are not an idiot, as far as you know.  However, from which village do you dwell?  Have you traveled recently?  If I had a dollar for every two dollars I've lost at the track, I'd have at least 30% more money.  Ted from LA wants a head count.  Who is going to the Belmont?  Jason, are you going to be there?  Bob from Boston needs to get his hands on a couple of good seats.

Goldikova, Black Caviar, Havre de Grace and Blind Luck-it's all about the girls once again. I am hoping Uncle Mo can come back. otherwise for the boys it's Animal Kingdom and Twirling Candy.

I wont be in NY Ted. I am not really complaining either, cant say Im excited about the race.

Mill Reef, I was lucky enough to meet your namesake just before he died in 1986, and fell deeply and madly in love. You probably know his son, Creator, lives at Old Friends in Georgetown, so hustle your bustle over to meet him sometime. He's quite a horse! If you'd like a fairly good pic of the Mill Reef statue at the National Stud I took one in 1990 when we were there...just e me at needler at ntelos dot net.

Stars?? Goldikova, Frankel, Black Caviar, Sarafina, Midday....they're all overseas and now we've lost Brass Hat the pickin's a pretty slim..........sad, sad.

Cheers and safe trips to the stars rising, at the zenith, and setting, as well.

ITS LIKE YOU PEOPLE ARE FROM OUTER SPACE!!!! HELLO?  UNCLE MO GETS NO MENTION!!! NOT 1? 108 BEYER AS 2 YR OLD!!! HOW MANY 2YR OLDS HAVE EVER DONE THAT AT A DISTANCE?  YOU PEOPLE THINK HE IS ON HIS DEATH BED?? HE JUST GOT SICK!!! HES FINE!!!!! YOU NAME ASTROLOGY? HES RUN ALW. HORSE FIGURES!!

SNIPER1... WHO TAUGHT YOU THESE HORSES ARE OUT OF SHAPE? YOU THINK THEY ONLY HAVE 5 WORKS? HORSES GALLOP MILES AND MILES , WORK MUCH MORE THAN YOU THINK...YOU KNOW MORE THAN THESE TRAINERS? RACING HURTS HORSES!!!! ESPECIALLY REALLY FAST ONES!!!! ITS MORE IMPORTANT TO KEEP THEM SOUND!! LEARN ABOUT HORSES!

KY VET- I thought this was primarily about older horses. Since UM is on hiatus he doesn't qualify as a current star. Hes on the DL not in the stable.

If racing hurts horses-What are we doing here?

Are you one of these KY vets that pumps them full of "legal drugs"?Why do they need to be sound if they can't race since its so bad for them?

You have really confused me here KY VET

Sometimes, we're pleasantly surprised by a race that didn't excite us too much ahead of time. Let's hope we see a great Belmont and that the rest of the year gets better and better as all the horses continue to grow up, mature and improve. The next super-stars may be right under our noses or may be about to burst on the scene.

I'm always a little deflated when a TC is not on the line for the Belmont but it doesn't take me long to get over it. I may be a hopeless optimist but I have more fun that way. :)

The only good thing about all caps comments is that it alerts me to skip over them and go to the next post. It saves me from reading a bunch of nonsense before I realize where it came from.

Amazingly ;-) 5-1 pays out the same green cash whether the race is a Grade 1 with "average" horses or filled with "superstars" or even just a $500 race at the Fair.

10 of 14 Preakness runners had at least one triple Beyer race...how fast are they supposed to be before they are "worthy?"

Animal Kingdom ran a faster 10F in his 5th race ever on a "cuppy" track than Blame and Zenyatta's "Superstar" BC race.

"Average" = "Normal" If you only climb on the bandwagon of a superstar you will miss the rest of the parade. It's love of the sport...it's not American Idol.

I realize I am "just a fan", but like any life-long fan of any sport, I watch as much as I can, read every issue of Blood-Horse cover to cover (as I have been since I was a teenager who skipped her school lunches sobs could save her pennies to renew as much as possible!), and, inevitably, form some pretty strong feelings and opinions.  Not the least of these is the lack of star power lately.

I believe much of the problems seem to be drawing on the ugly fact of over-medicated horses-- don't get me wrong: I'm not some liberal, racing-is-abuse type.... quite to the contrary.  I say, "Race 'em more!!"  Therein lies the problem for me.  The horses are running less and less. They are being "trained up" to races more now. You know how much fun it is to follow a horse training up to a race?? None. And then you get one that shows some star power, and he gets hurt... heartbreaking, even if he or she isn't catastrophic. And my most frustrating category, the star young horse whisked off to the breeding shed (i.e. Lookin at Lucky) after a great 3yo campaign.  All this leads to horses in the breeding shed that are either unsound or unproven, and I believe it's leading to a softer and softer horse. I know that's not always true, but it can't be helping. I used to LOVE the summer and fall races. Now, most of the horses running in the spring don't even make it to fall, except for the Breeders Cup.  

Like I said, I'm just a fan. I don't have a dog in this fight, and I'm a lifer, so you can't drive me away.  But awhile back you ran a great story on ways to improve the industry, and seeing this post brought this to mind.  Give me some horses that race awhile! Let me get attached, and follow their offspring!

My sentiments exactly!  Of course, I was probably more upset than most about Paddy's retirement, because he was far and away my favorite horse in training.  He was going to have a HUGE year...that comeback race was spectacular!  I already had visions of multiple Eclipse Awards dancing in my head.  I will miss him dearly.  I feel blessed to have seen him race twice in person last year, at the Blue Grass and Breeder's Cup.  They must name of of his babies Paddy Cake!  It's kind of been a year of more downs than ups so far, at least for me.  Archarcharch was my favorite 3 year old.  I guess my favorite horse now would be Get Stormy, and I also hope Mo can bounce back and have a big season.  I like a lot of horses, but can't say there is that one "big" horse I'm madly in love with, like I was with Paddy, and of course Zenyatta, Rachel, and Curlin before him.  Sigh...

Does anyone know what happened to Awesome Feather? I heard she had an injury earlier in the year but thought it was minor. I haven't heard a peep about her anywhere. As to the stars, I agree the Belmont might help sort that out (hoping for Animal Kingdom to win, since he seems to want the distance). Also, just watched several of Black Caviar's races on youtube. Wow. Too bad she's in Australia.

I think if the Animal comes back and wins the Belmont...in good / decent time, there you have it. He'd have run 1 - 2 - 1 in the classics. He'll need to take a summer classic or two AND the BC...not sure, but guessing because he's owned by a syndicate that they'll retire him this year and not "risk" their investment. I have to root for the Mike Repole's and any other Jess Jackson types to step up and hopefully run their successful 3 yr olds another year. We'll see. Hoping the Factor, Premier Peg, Jaycito and Mo make it back just to legitimize Animal Kingdom and Shackleford, since their slow times don't help their star power much.

I thought our top turf horse would be Paddy, but it is not to be.  Gio has lost a step or two this year, but Clemente knows how to train a horse to win.  I'm looking for Big Drama's return to racing.  He's always been one of my favorites, along with Apart and Giant Oak.  I love to see Oak's beautiful long stride.  There's such a majesty to it.  What I'm really missing are those royal battles I've seen from Einstein and Cowboy Cal.  Any surface; any time.  But we still have First Dude and Game On Dude.  And let's not gloss over Smiling Tiger and Bourbon Bay...2 top turf stars.  What about Mission Impazible? Apriority? I do believe we'll have older horses stepping in to fill the void.

As for the Ladies...Absinthe Minded, Lili FaPootz, Tar Hill Mom, Switch, Amazombie, Unrivaled Belle, Informed Decision.  Of course Havre De Drace and Blind Luck are leaders, but they do have honest competition.

I'm thinking we have a lot to look forward to, and I think I'll enjoy every second.

PS.  KY Vet...horses in the paddock suffer the same injuries as horses racing, even if they've never seen a track.  So poof goes another one of your paradigms.

From a fan perspective. The lack of unified long term vision for the sport hurts. All of my older favorites are pretty much retired who were graded stakes contenders. Thankfully I have Allowance/Claiming horses that are older I can still follow.

NEEDLER IN VA

Was at Old Friends last month,it's the best.

I always look forward to Del Mar and Saratoga.  Great racing, great atmosphere and lots of excitement.  The men will separate from the boys.

We do all know that ALL CAPS IS SHOUTING right?  When you constantly shout it deafens people to what you are saying.

Having our own opinions, substantiated or not is what makes this kind of fun.  Still etiquette does not need to be breached and other people’s idea’s constantly  derided to share our own thoughts. This wouldnt be nearly as interesting if we didnt get some passionate differences in opinions.  

KY Vet, whom I suspect is a “Veteran” of some kind to the Horse Game in KY and NOT a veterinarian, is like Maytag products – a dependable agitator.

Thanks to Jason and other blog hosts here and elsewhere we are all able to give our 2 cents for whatever it’s actually worth, and I think it’s great.  The smart play is to not get too excited about spouting off by individuals, weed thought the posts and take what you need and leave the rest.

There is so MUCH to learn from people on here and although it can be discouraging to have to deal with some nonsense and SHOUTING, the bulk of this stuff is excellent insight and good enough to tolerate the rest.

This may be a little off topic, but it melds with the overall message of Jason's article. It is upsetting that Jason does not even feel The Belmont is important enough to attend. Jason, i hope something changes your mind. We need your input as we don't have the stage you are privy to.

Going to say something here about the racetracks where so many claimers race. Not all horses get to race at the big named tracks.

I find myself watching Calder Races in the evening sometimes when the big tracks are closed.

i am always for the underdogs, as you all know. So understanding where i am coming from, i am pleasantly surprised often as i watch the claiming races. There are some wonderful horses who have no idea they are running for their lives, they do it because it is what they are bred to do. Not all of them are washed up and void of performing well.

So i say look to the smaller tracks for the next winners. You never know when one will catch you off guard and cause you to actually realize that they could be a star with just a little finesse in the training department.

i love the turf horses and feel that turf is the most natural racing surface for horses to run on. I also thought it was the safest and least compromising to the horses. But after watching Paddy run and then to learn of his sesamoid problem, i now don't trust that surface. So glad to know that i am not the only one who will miss Paddy O'Prado. Still missing Kip Deville as i write this.

And Brass Hat, what a complete racehorse, after 2 major injuries still racing, but now retired at 10 and he still looks great. And thanks to his owners, the Bradley's who have all but begged fans to come to their Indian Ridge Farm near Frankfort, KY and visit Brass Hat.  That is southern hospitality, the old fashioned way. Cheers to them and thanks and a salute to Brass Hat, job well done sir and you are a trooper par excellence!

How ironic that I saw this blog after I read about Brass Hat's retirement.

My opinion only- the "star" out there today is in Europe- Goldikova.  There arent a lot of carry overs from last year due to early retirement to stud or injury.  With emphasis still on speed in the bredding and auction world, rather than stamina, that is to be expected.  Hopefully we will see a couplegood 3 yr olds emerge this year:  AK, Shack, Nehro have the potential, maybe Pegasus will be back.  Let's see who shows up at the Travers.  

What a disappointment with Paddy retired due to injury. Tackleberry and Shackleford are the the Rodney Dangerfields of horse racing; they don't get any respect--lol. If you want good odds on a game horse, bet on those 2. Shackleford banged his head on the starting gate at the Fountain of Youth (at Gulfstream) and that race needs to be disgarded.

The undefeated filly that I am most upset about is Awesome Feather. The last news I could glean from Gulfstream officals   and insiders a few months ago was that she was improving and training under tack.             I saw her at Calder and she stared right through me (much like Secretariat and Smarty Jones have been famous for). She didn't stop staring until she left the paddock to run her race. Oh wow what a filly; she takes after Secretariat's daughters.

Isn't Chad Brown Awesome Feather's trainer? Perhaps you can find out she is doing.

Also, I saw on Gulfstream website that Christine Daee (sp) was being sold to some Keenland group after her last race. It was listed on the date of her race. When I saw her owner and trainer they didn't look very happy after her win at Gulfstream. Could you please find out about Christine as well.

Wishing you all the best and sorry for your loss.

I was certain at one point that Brass Hat was going to be our next Forego or John Henry. His come-back after his first injury was truly amazing and he handed their hats to some 'high profile' sorts in the Donn Hcp, on a speed-favoring sloppy Gulfstream track, no less. He looked like a star at that point and his second in the World Cup did not disabuse me of that conviction. But it was downhill after that. Yes, he occasionally showed signs of that old brilliance now and then, but the consistency wasn't there any more. I still sigh for what might have been. I will certainly get over the Frankfort to say hello.

Tapizar is back in training at the Saratoga. He breezed a half-mile in :50.04 on Monday. Hard to say for sure when he will be back to the races, but he might just be a force later this fall.

I've been looking back on the wonderful career that Brass Hat had. . . he has been a part of racing for so many years, it just won't be the same without him heading to post. To put in perspective how long he has been racing: he won the Indiana and Ohio Derbies the same year that Smarty Jones bid for the Triple Crown.

Now that he has been retired, it makes his Sycamore victory last fall that much more special. For him to win a grade III race at age nine in his final year of racing is simply amazing.

Brass Hat may be retired, but his rival Musketier is still around. The nine-year-old horse -- yes, he's not a gelding -- has been in fine form this year, and recently won the Elkhorn Stakes at Keeneland for the second straight year, leaving Rahy's Attorney and Telling far behind.

Windy City;

I'm afraid that I couldn't find anything on Georgie Boy. He doesn't seem to have been retired, and I believe that he was still eyeing a comeback as late as January 2011, but that's all I know. I wish I could tell you more.

-Keelerman

awesome feather is back on the work tab. She worked 36 and 4 today. good news.

Where there are top horses still going are in the Sprint category

The Aussy mare and and the Dubai Flash aside were are strong there with elder horses. Gio is very good, not great and we may see the French mare again BC time.

I will go out on a limb with a horse flying far under the radar who I think with make a big mark this year and is my early pick for the BC Sprint or Mile---"Noble Promise"---no Derby or Europe trips this year---let him do what he does best and watch the results. Vet--he needed his return race---couldn't do it off works against that kind.

Another thought on keeping a horse going---Saratoga Red--tried to make the Derby-Preakness? When you can't get in either you throw him to the wolves anyway. Why? Really Mr. Lucas? 20-1 in his maiden win so he couldn't have been showing that much in the mornings. Thrown in to stakes competition since---that is how you ruin a nice horse and break them down trying to compete over their class. Maybe if Dublin had gone the IL, PA, TX, and WV Derbies he would have made a million and would still be around and a force in the older handicap ranks. -IF? Not Just Lucas--you run a horse where he belongs when younger they can go on and get better as they age. In case anyone missed the fact--I HATE---when people destroy nice horses running them over their head.

Everything seem to be get it as 2-3 and lets not let the pinhookers and 2 yr old 10 second and change works slide by on why horses don't last. I don't take my 4 yr old son out with me when I run 5 miles. (AND WHEN we race he "always" beats Daddy---something to be said for confidence in any creature's make-up)

On another why question? Off Topic

Ky Vet (Foghorn-Leghorn really fits as does Donkey for Dray) are you a veteran? My hats off to you if you are for serving our country. You are not a "real vet" (All the tea in China bet Mr. Foghorn Leghorn on that) and as asked have you ever owned or trained a racehorse? You gave no reply. You know seem very little about the game.

I don't give out too much personal info but I was around arguably the best 2 yr old filly filly "ever"--yes she was Filly of the Year in her category and got votes for "Horse of the Year". I also worked for 2 trainers that one won many major (actually both)and another that led in the wins category. I also had a license and did OK although I never trained any other than my own. I have owned a number as well. I certainly don't claim to be a great trainer but I know a number of them and have talked at great lengths about it with them.

Unlike a master like you who knows everything I had no problems asking for ideas and help from people that knew more than me (You are definitely not one of those)

Although as mentioned trainers and owners can do what ever they desire with their horses preparation. A work never is equal to a race, nor 2 or 3. "Of course" I am quoting directly a trainer I knew that actually won the KY Derby---(Vet- you-I'm sure know more than him)

I asked him for advice from time to time.

Sniper: Probably my favorite horse in training is Fabulous Strike. He runs again this weekend in a sprint at Penn Nat. Im still hopeful he will make the BC Sprint. What a story that would be.

Feel bad for Paddy he was one of my favorites best of luck to him..Im hoping to see the return of P Pegasus..and as for the 3yr olds..Nehro shld be on the radar but is never mentioned,did we forget he was 2cond in the derby.With 6 starts he is 1-3-0 we have not seen the best of him yet.And when Macho Man grows into his own look out,we may just have a rivalary between these to. I have a question. What happened to Fusa Code?  Good Luck to Brass Hat been there with him for 10 yrs, Live a good life pal and thanks for the great memories.....

Everyone knew that this season would be less exciting than last year...you simply cannot replace a star of Zenyatta's stature. Maybe this should be the year we finally give the blue collar grinders some credit. Just because they may have less ability doesn't mean they lack the desire to succeed.

Jason,

From the stable one of the top training families in the game---he is certainly a good enough horse if he can ever get to run a few races together, and not go into the cup short.

I like seeing good B track trainers get good horses that are nationally seen.

May be the year to route for the euro stars and hope they come to the Breeder's Cup.  Frankel looks tough as does Goldikova and it would be the race of the year if they met in the Breeder's Cup Mile.

Am I the only one who would like to see Animal Kingdom run on the Turf.  After the Belmont, get him ready for the Arlington Million or Secretariat Stakes and then run him in the Arc.  Obviously he would have to improve quite a bit to factor in the Arc but boy would that be fun.

Jason:

Off the subject.

Master Of Hounds, fifth in the Kentucky Derby, is "on target" for the Belmont Stakes - the third and final leg ofthe US Triple Crown - on June 11.

Trained by Aidan O'Brien, the son of Kingmambo began 2011 by finishing second in the UAE Derby at Meydan and was only five and half lengths behind Animal Kingdom at Churchill Downs this month.

He could again meet Animal Kingdom, who was denied the second leg of the Triple Crown by Shackleford in Saturday's Preakness Stakes.

2:24 - what a wonderful scenario! I have always hoped for another crack at the Arc by a North Am. horse!  Only problem: looks like (as others have already stated) the Euros have us beat re: stars this year (except for maybe Wesley Ward and his 2YO's at Royal Ascot -- looking forward to that too!)

tcc: I too am salivating over Master of Hounds / Animal Kingdom in the Belmont.

And re: the subject of this blog: let's look on the bright side.  Maybe this year will be the year of the 2yo's - another Buckpasser/ Mocassin, Secretariat/ La Prevoyante year!

(Re-reading before I post: I mean to say Euros AND Australians, etc. have us beat -- didn't mean to diss Black Caviar!!)

Don't forget Goldikova! :)

(I wish to apologize for my 3:19pm post.  Too many exclamation marks!  What am I, 12?)

Where are the stars? Ask draynay, every week he's naming the newest superstar. Then they run again and get whipped.

You can lose a Big Brown or Rachael Alexandra and still find stars but when you lose Zenyatta there is a huge void. The best thing to happen to horseracing in years. No other has captured the attention of fans and media alike. They don't waste time on 60 minutes and the like for anything less than Zenyatta.

Stop with the Zenyatta stuff please. She lost. Get over it.

Mr. Shandler: you just HAD to say it, didn't you -- too bad; I hope we don't have to endure another bunch of THOSE posts as a result.

...and I forgot another couple of 2YO HOY's: Favorite Trick and Viceregal (in Canada): all of these give us hope for 2011.  Also, when did Tiznow start his run to the stars?  Wasn't it later in the summer?

Mike Relva, I saw from the Old Friends blog page that you had just been there, and isn't Creator a ticket? He's grumpier than his sire, but not by much. The upcoming Memorial service is gonna be so painful this year, I just can't go and water any more flowers in the garden. Michael and Diane have chosen to be the best friends of these retirees and, as a result, watch over them as their stars descend. All kudos to them for their courage and determination. The world is a MUCH better place for Michael and Old Friends, don't you think??

I still think the stars of racing, right now at least, are overseas. Sad to say for Yanks.........

Cheers and safe trips to all.

mz!!!

I liked your post!!  You never have to like, apologize around here!!!  It's not, like, you don't, like, add more to this blog than anyone else here to, like, begin with!!!  I found it fitting that Oprah had Oprah on for her last guest!!!  That was a beautiful hour long love letter she wrote to herself.

Jason, she lost ONCE, by a HEAD. One loss won't hurt her legacy in the slightest. She is a legend, Blame is an answer to a trivia question.

Get over it!

JASON

Noticed when listing the horses that's retired in the past yr. you placed Zenyatta last. Why am I not suprised? Especially a horse that garnered you 900,1000+ hits. Kinda like biting the hand that feeds you.

I am going to the Breeders Cup this year just to see Goldikova set another Breeders Cup record.  Winning 3 in a row seemed impossible but she did it.  The thought of this amazing mare winning 4 in a row and setting the standard for which all mares in the future will be compared is exciting and historic.

Just wanted to say that Zenyatta did'nt lose anything, she gained everything, the world. But you are right Jason her time is over never to be forgotten. We do need a new hero.

Here's to hoping for a two-year-old standout because so far, everytime a promising horse be it a three year old, older horse or turf horse, they either get injured or falter.  At least Blind Luck appears to have return to something like her previous form.  Hopeful it took a couple of starts for her to get back on track.  I can remember Affirmed's 4-year old year taking a couple before he started winning again.

What happened to Maclean's Music, he ran away and hid in his debut and is no longer on the work tab.  Has he been injured?

Mike: They were listed in alphabetical order. You're clueless.

Stevebiscuit, The trivia question is: What horse did Blame dust to win his fourth OPEN grade I of 2010?

STEVEBISKIT

Agreed! Kinda doubt tv ratings tripled during the Classic cause of Blame. That would be a hard sell.

STEVEBISKIT

Yeah,we didn't see Sixty Minutes doing a feature TWICE on Blame,did we?

Actually, she won.

Answer to your trivia question, Jason: Blame dusted Quality Road. As to the horse who came in second, to be FAIR, a mere nose is hardly a dusting.

Jason

I am not Stevebiscuit---But did Blame even win 4 grade 1's in his career? I thought it was 3 Haynefield beat him or it would have been 4---I could be wrong I not sure?

How could I forget...what's happening with Champ Pegasus since Dubai?  He's one our top turfers.  Losing Paddy to an injury sure seems to put a dent in our outlook, but I think we have a lot of talent out there just itching to take the title.

Jason: and how many G1's did big Z win?  And who was HOY last year?  Sour grapes is simply not a meal to be enjoyed by anyone....maybe it's time you let it go.

PS I know you were trying to bust the Z mare---I don't agree with your thought's on her talent level but I do agree that's ancient history and move on to present and racing horses not retired ones.

If not Z fans who I think ONE the best mareS I saw run Why Not Makybe Diva, Dalhia, All Along and toughest to fight the mare the dusted Goldikova and remained UNDEFEATED *****Zarkava*****

Thanks for your concern Slew. I havent "let it go." The $2k I made on Blame is still gaining interest in the bank. She won a total of one OPEN G1 to answer you question.

Jason, thank you... we can finally talk about my favorite division - which is anything for horses over 3 years of age! LOL

I totally agree... the stars are falling like flies.  I was so let down with the loss of Paddy, one of my favorites.  He was an especially beautiful animal and his win off the layoff was exciting.

Early in the year I liked a horse that I thought was starting to show some promise and then he went to the sidelines: Successful Dan.  However, I see he is back on the work tab so I'm hopeful he can come back in good form.

I love First Dude, he had potential to be a star but he just hasn't gotten there yet.  I was encouraged by his recent allowance and stakes win, curious to see where he ends up next.

Someone else mentioned Tackleberry - a good talented horse who merits watching.

Others I'm keen on are Sidney's Candy, Caracortado and Fluke.

Havre de Grace, Blind Luck, Switch, and Shared Account all bear watching.  I agree with the thought that H de G might be as good as any horse racing in the states right now.

Also, I saw that Fabulous Strike made a successful return to the races but have not heard another thing about him.  And old fan favorite...

Just rewatched the 2005 Preakness for the 1000th time.  Still get goose bumps.  Long live Afleet Alex.

Dray - Agreed on Goldikova.  A fourth straight Breeder's Cup Mile would be one of the greatest achievements in horse racing history.  I can't wait.  Hope it happens.

I just have to comment on Shackleford.  Who would have thought a horse that looks like a Clydesdale, runs like an egg beater and has a name like some old fictional detective would win a classic?  I didn't.  But the horse has some guts I'll give him that!!

Unzip Me!

Yes...watch the 2009 Preakness again.  Mine that Bird was flying at the end and almost caught the future HOY winner.  Turned out he was just another ho-hum Derby winner.  Kind of reminds me of Animal Kingdom's drive against Shakleford.

Not much in the fleet this year.

Jason, it seems a shame that your REALLY good idea becomes submerged in your campaign to make everyone forget there ever was a Zenyatta. That's like trying to pretend that a big red horse who won the Triple Crown in 1973, really did NOT exist because you were a fan of Sham. Whether it sticks in your craw or not, Zenyatta really does exist, she did win 19 in a row, and she really did win HOY. Why not move on and let's talk about the stars that now reside overseas and not in American barns? And why would that be??? Maybe one of the reasons is what's brought about all these race day meds round tables and conferences and meetings and skull sessions??? Whatcha think?? And can you forget the Big Mare for a bit so we can bemoan the loss of a whole ton of our heroes in the last week or so??? PLEASE, PLEASE, PRETTY PLEASE?

Cheers and safe trips to almost everyone..........

Others brought it up Needler, I was just reciting the facts.

I look forward to watching Fabulous Strike take another step this weekend. After this, its on to NY for him.

OK...is it over yet?  

Can we talk about Goldikova and her sister, Galikova both doing wonderful things this year?  Can we wonder whether Black Caviar will make it to England or France, never mind the Breeders Cup?  Can we discuss Havre de Grace vs. Blind Luck?  What about Thelma and Louise?

THOSE are the mares I want to talk about this year!!!!

(4 exclamation points in honour of Bob!)

Was I right about 3 not 4?

LIKE I STATED ALTHOUGH SOME WILL NEVER ADMIT,MOSS GOT THE LAST LAUGH,AND NO WAY OF GETTING AROUND THAT.

JASON

Yeah,as I several times gave you credit for calling  correct regarding Blame,but you were wrong on HOY. Like I said Moss gained the last laugh.

How did Moss get the last laugh?? His horse lost the last race of her career. Nobody cares about SOY. It was a popularity contest, evryone knows that. The last laugh went to horse that won on the track. But, Mike, if you need to tell yourself something other than that so that you can go to sleep at night, I understand.

sniper1- thanks for mentioning Zarkava, who was light years better than Goldikova.  Also add Allez France and Miesque to your list.  

mz- the only plans outside of Australia for Black Caviar this year is a tentative foray to Hong Kong according to her connections.  Maybe England next year.

My greatest consolation in all of this is knowing that Jason and others soiled their underwear as they watched the mare coming down the track like a great, big train. Ha! Priceless! :)

I wanna see Black C run in the states.

JASON

You never give credit and then you lecture some about not being objective. I remember you stating to Soda Pop Kid after the Classic no way she wins HOY. Then she does and you do the usual of undercutting the accomplishment,we both know if Blame had won  you wouldn't have downplayed it,but he didn't. Please. The entire goal of bringing her back last year was WINNING HOY. And,from the expression on Seth's face when the award was announced,it looked like someone got the last laugh.

I think the lightly raced 3 year old Bind could be a star. His debut at FG was sensational, can't remember the exact time but i think it was better than 1:09. I'm also a big fan of Al Stall, he's from my home state. I was hoping Zenyatta would go 20-0 too but at least she lost to a classy horse with a classy trainer.

Mike Relva, Stevebiscuit et al. don't bother. Last year Jason had a tenuous grip on reality where Zenyatta was concerned and it seems to have carried over to this year. I am thinking we need an intervention with Dr. Phil. mz I laughed out loud at Thelma and Louise, too funny. As to the person who mentioned Zarkava, you got that right. One of the greatest horses to ever race anywhere. Up there with Zenny in many respects.

I guess Jason just can't accept the fact that the voters realized Blame's win had more to do with luck than anything! lol. And I agree Paula, some just don't get it, though part of me feels Jason doesn't believe much of what he says. He had nothing but praise for Zenyatta after she won last year's Classic, and now he refers to her as an "above average mare". lol

Draynay

You make me laugh.  You really are amusing.  Based on one of your comments above, if your expertise and horse knowledge could be measured in quarter of mile segments, you might get as far as a mile (maybe an 8th more), while most others on here would definitely get the full mile and a quarter.

Does Shackleford remind anyone of another high cruising speed horse on the Triple Crown Trail a few years ago?   Hard Spun.   He was disrespect too...ran against a high level crop...never won a TC race, but equivalent respect.

SteveB, the point is the California Poly Champion never won anything big outside the state and never won a race east of the Mississippi.  The greats have won at Churchill, Belmont, Saratoga, etc.  The California poly champion never did.  I rank her right up there with Pepper's Pride who never lost and did it on dirt.

Zookeeper, loved that!! Yup, as Zenny hauled down that stretch in the Breeders Cup 2010, I could  hear Jason and Draynay saying "Oh crap." Mike Relva, I send a donation to Old Friends almost every paycheck. Would love to visit there someday. It's such a worthy cause.

Dynamic Knight.  Churchill.

LOL @ dusting.  The racing world finally got it right and he calls it a popularity contest.  The fact is, there's him and Draynay that can't get over the fact that the HOTY went to the true champion...and everyone knows that.  This blog shows it.  I don't see any blogs about Havre De Grace needing to run against the boys, in a year where there's no standout, he claims HDG the best male or female without DEMANDING she runs against the boys....funny that.

No standouts this year, agreed.  I don't think there will be a standout the rest of the year either.  It's good for betting, but for the industry as a whole, it really is sad.

So in Jason world Z was a nose away from being a good horse?

LOL

Jason I will bet you what ever you want we will never in our life time see another grade 1 winner at any level go 19-1.

Man you gave Uncle Mo more kudos than Z and what has he accomplished?

WOW won 4 races!!! One was a paid workout..

Flashpoint LOL

Ida Lee:

You can always visit Paddy O' that might help a little. And think up names for his first foals. A racehorse may leave the rail but he never leaves your heart. Take a trip to Kentucky and watch the young foals prancing in the wind and someday you'll see Paddy's quick step and turn of foot in another little foal and you'll say "he reminds me of Paddy!" you'll see you'll be back on the rail again and cheering. (A note to the tornado victims in the Midwest; I know alot of the fans live there of horseracing. I hope you can find a T.V. and watch the Belmomt; you may not have a home to live in but you have a place to live in our hearts and well wishes to you all)

what about General Quarters and Ice Box

Oh goody! I log in today and we are discussing my favorite "Niece"...

I have a little something to share - I was watching Inside Information or Across the Board or one of those shows and they had a special on Joe Torre and his relationship with Bobby Frankel and Joes ownership of some fine horses and Vinyard Haven and lots of good stuff. Anyway...

They asked Joe T - what is your most memorable moment in racing? Now this is a guy who has had some great horses and been to some BIG races - what is the quintisential top most exciting moment in racing for you? Joe said HANDS DOWN the 2009 Breeders Cup Classic.

He was all gushing about how he never saw anything like it, How amazing She was - Weaving and passing horses. Joe related how he was sitting next to the Moss's and how that amazing situation led to him and the Moss's becoming partners in a horse, JT Safe at Home (great cause behind the whole thing too worth learning about). You could just see the enthusiasm in his face as he told the story - I really enjoyed Joe sharing it.

It illustrates clearly, once again, how many of the top names in the sport view the 2010 Horse of the Year and her accomplishments in a category above the realm of ordinary Horses and acheivements.  

Speaking of Stars (**STARS!**), I just have to congratulate Woodbine for doing it right.  From tomorrow (May 27th) and into June, they will be celebrating Northern Dancer, who would have turned 50 on May 27th (some of us know what that feels like ... some of us can only WISH to feel the feeling).

Tomorrow, there will be a cake at the track -- sadly, I must work but I will be there in spirit (and will probably have a dessert or a beverage in his honour later)(not that I need a reason, but still).

I have already put a call out to the kidlets to see who I can drag out to Oshawa and his gravesite on the weekend to drop a rose there - these are the same poor kidlets who have been dragged to every horse movie ever made since they were born.  THEY know who Northern Dancer is: the Greatest Canadian of the 20th Century.

I guess Jason wants to know if any of this year's horses will engender this type of devotion in the future.  We can only hope that some flying filly or some beautiful big/small red/black/grey/bay colt gets us going.  

Here's to hope!

What horse did Blame dust to win his fourth OPEN grade I of 2010?

Jason Shandler 25 May 2011 6:58 PM

The answer would be draynay's super horse Quality Road. Now that was a dusting.

I will tell you who a Star is and where she is, that’s Europe’s Goldikova

As was stated in this Article days before the BC: www.drf.com/.../goldikova-rules-world

And it is Zenyatta, of course, to whom Goldikova is being compared. But in fact, there is """"little""""" comparison between the two, save in the total number of Group or Grade 1 victories each of them has corralled. In the matter of Group/Grade 1 competition, Goldikova holds a decided edge where it counts most, against males (8 wins vs. 1 for Zenyatta) and in foreign countries (5-0).

But there is more to Goldikova’s superiority than Breeders’ Cup or Group 1 victories. The quality of the competition the two mares have faced this year illustrates the reason that Goldikova must be considered the best horse in the world in terms of overall achievement.

Both Goldikova and Zenyatta won five Group or Grade 1 races in 2010, but there is little resemblance in the quality of the fields the two were beating in those races.

In her four Group 1 victories in Europe and her Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Mile triumph, Goldikova was beating ((((((((((((((16 winners of 37 Group or Grade 1 races. The overall Group/Grade 1 record of her competition in those five races is 157-37-25-19.))))))))

In her five Grade 1 victories this year, Zenyatta was ""beating not a single Grade 1 winner"". The overall Group/Grade 1 record of her competition in those five races is ((((((((((((28-0-1-2. Moreover, Zenyatta beat just two Grade 2 winners in those five races, St Trinians in the Vanity Handicap and Switch in the Lady's Secret.))))))))))))

In fact, while Zenyatta’s five victories this year were all technically Grade 1’s, the quality of the competition indicates that they were no better than Grade 3’s.

When whittled down to the precise conditions of their respective Breeders’ Cup races, Goldikova again comes out as clearly superior. In the Mile, she was beating four winners of nine Group or Grade 1 races at a mile on turf. In the Classic, Zenyatta was facing a single winner of a Grade 1 race going 1 1/4 miles on dirt, that being Haynesfield.

One of the finest fillies or mares to grace the American turf in history, Zenyatta falls well short of ranking as one of the all-time greats. In the Classic, she failed to run the full race and it cost her dearly. The two little hopping steps she made passing the stands the first time around made one think that she was about to pull a Life At Ten. No credence can be given to the complaint that she had to angle out to avoid a weakening Quality Road midway through the stretch. Goldikova had to check behind a drifting out Courageous Cat much later in the stretch in last year’s Mile and still got the job done.

The key Is the confidence in their mare to take on open company time and again, no one can control who races in open company, but there is control in running in the Filly & Mare division 18 times . Goldikova is an all time great, no doubt about it, we know its been proven on the track, there are those that question the greatness of a horse put in open company twice with a win on synthetics and a loss on dirt.  Not many all time greats have a 0% record in dirt racing against open company competition and not many HOY’s defeat Zero Grade 1 winners during their championship season.  Comparing the Cartier award to the HOY which voters gave to a sentimental favorite is not fair and embarrassing to the U S Horse of the Year award and most likely the reason the Europeans laugh at American racing.

Just a note: The Penn Central Race with Fabulous Strike, Pennsylvania Bred (winner of $1,436,000 winning 15 of 25 races, 12 stakes) is favored in The Changing Times Stakes at Penn Central on Friday and Jason, allow me to mention a gray, Quantum Miss, another Pennsylvania Bred also running at Penn Central in The

Wonders Delight Stakes, daughter of Smoke Glacken. Post time for the beginning of Penn's races is 6 pm est, Friday, May 27.

i looked up racetracks and was totally blown away by the number of smaller racetracks there are around the country and then i looked up jockeys. To see that list was amazing also. Check them out, never know when a racetrack may be nearer to you than expected.

Scott C

Bind was defeated by Prime Cut in his next start and Prime Cut has gone on to do nothing to distinguish himself.  I agree Bind is a very good looking horse and would like him to develop into a nice horse but nothing has happened so far to to show him as nothing other than another promising maiden winner that when asked to step up did not.

Draynay is right, Goldikova is probably the best mare miler there is in Europe, I doubt Quality Road would enter the gate if there was a match race...and yes I'm talking about on dirt.  Oh yeah, thanks for remembering Zenyatta, you obviously can't forget about her, and how she beat you so bad.  Two things that will make her a legend, the few people like you who keeps talking about her, trying to convince people she's nothing and then the rest of the world that knows what she has accomplished.  Blame gets mentioned as a desperate argument to undermine her.

A nose, a neck, a head, a length, five lengths, who cares? A loss is a loss is a loss. Nobody remembers how much a horse lost by, only that they lost. How many will remember how much AK lost by in the Preakness a year from now? Not many. You either had the winner or the loser in the 2010 BC Classic. Close only counts in horseshoes and in the 2010 SOY voting. She lost folks. Its time to move on.

Just for the record (and not defense of Jason) as much as I LOVED watching Zenyatta, however she did lose the BCC, but gained a lot from it. Jason's right, accept the reality that she lost, regardless of how much she lost by, (trust me, I hate watching the replay, I also bet against Zenyatta on BC day so the money won kind of makes up for it) and move on! It's another year, Zenyatta was recognized for her accomplishments and was voted HOY. Let's be done with this already!

So,you will tell me no one remembers that Real Quiet lost by a nose?

Call it SOY voting all you want but it garnered 900+ hits on several times that now we don't see any longer.

AAF

Nice,You always find the time to trash Z since your own blog draws less than a dozen readers.

Dray nay making a mile, only in claiming, nonwinners at a county fair track.  He's not even cheap speed. He'd probably throw a fit at the gate just like Quality Road as soon as he saw decent competition.  

Jason>  In re: your response at 12:52 May 26:  Like I previously blogged to you...."Here we go again"!  What does every article have to result in the same-old/same-old ?

You are so wrong, Jason. Everybody will remember and, as much it infuriates you, it wiil be her unwordly effort that will live forever in the minds of people who saw it.

"It's time to move on."??? With all due respect, shouldn't you follow your own advice?

Oh come on now Jason, I betcha if AK wins the Belmont we will ALL  remember exactly how much he lost the Preakness by. Go Cal Nation!

Nice ride Nice response - wins like 2/5 should in 1:10 flat.

We can come up with about 17,000 reasons why a loss is a loss.  Who cares?  At least the Big Mare made the effort.  Not her fault that some question her handling and campaign.

Jason's right.  Let's move on.

Jason, the answer to the AK question will always be half a length. In my opinion Shackleford has no shot at the Belmont, He was very good at less then a mile and quarter but he wont win going further. It is Animal Kingdoms race to win. That being said, If Master of Hounds comes back, he too can get 1.5 miles. Nehro may be a threat but I don't think 1.5 miles will suit him either. Mucho Macho Man should also be able to get the distance if he goes.

About Zenyatta, She will be remembered FOREVER as one of the best, if not the best mare to ever step foot on a track.  Like her or not, you have to respect her at the very least for the crowds of fans she brought out to the track.

The Vandel, regarding Hard Spun, He may not have won any TC races but you sure as hell knew he was there. He ran his heart out every time he raced. I will never forget his Kings Bishop win.What a battle. I LOVE this horse and am enthusiastically following his offspring as they hit the track. In my opinion he is going to be the best son of Danzig yet. You can pick his foals out in a crowd too, they look very much like him. He is proving himself in the auction ring too with a couple sale toppers recently. Watch for the 2 yr old half brother to Lost in the Fog owned by IEAH. He is a gray colt in florida with Eddie Woods but will be going to Wesley Ward soon. He is as yet un named.

Cal Nation just won at Belmont by 5.5 lengths.

Boy--talk about the beating a dead horse---OK one who thought Zenyatta was great with some thoughts.

Watch the reply near the wire---Blame got "game"---I love the mare but she might not have gotten by in another 1/16 after Gomez wisely moved out showed Blame her coming at him. He gave more. He won.

That said-- Dray talks and irks knocking a mare that gave the game so much and helped bring new fans in --that is his game-- as much as Ward's is 2 yr. olds--do you really care? Did you box his 6 maybe 8 in the Derby---come on--is he an authority? A God sent judge of horse racing---if you think so and can read a racing form and put it to charts you were viewing on his comments you have a 5000K claimer with 25 starts and in a NW of 2L. Those kind win occasionally but if you come up with that kind??

Jason's love for Blame is admirable but those in the Z's camp should find solace that his star won't go into the history books EVER as one of the greats although a very nice horse.

Note he/Blame was best on that day---get over it, just as Haynesfield was on his day beating Blame---you can maybe think that Haynesfield never would have beat Zenyatta and sooooo easily at that but that's never to be proven. Horse of the Year???? If Blame won he would have deserved it, just as Zenyatta the year before. Note he "3" Grade 1's not 4 although a couple of the 2's could be thought of as ones given the toughness of the races---might keep that in mind Jason when trying to prove a point ---have your facts right

As to Goldikova fantastic mare certainly one of the best ever---no doubt---but brainiacs--- IF! She got beaten by Zarkava at her distance fair and square and the other mare won the toughest to win race in the world "the ARC" to complete a perfect lifetime record---where is the comparison of the two?

Penalized because there was nothing she could accomplish more in the racing world and retired----please---- not mentioning her or saying Goldikova is better shows complete lack of knowledge in the sport and how to read facts.

The Diva down under did something every bit amazing as winning a BC Mile 3 times, but most wouldn't even know what I was talking about.

They are all GREAT--- just some greater. (and I didn't even mention Ruffian or Personal Ensign or Hoist the Flag on the Male side)

TheVandal

  He has reminded me of Hard Spun for awhile but I see Hard Spun as having a faster cruising speed, and Shackleford as being gamer. I'm looking forward to some Hard Spun colts that I think will be outstanding. Two years old this year. I love Hard Spun and Shackleford and both are a little underrated considering the talent they have exhibited. With Hard Spun's colts there are some with a strong stamina pedigree on the bottom that I think are going to be a nice combo for The Classics.

jayjay, Zookeeper

   You both have a strong determination to continue to fight for the truth that I admire. Reminds me of Superman. Truth, justice, and the American way. Is it a plane, is it a bird, no it's Superbloggers !!!!!!

Lazmannick, do me a favor and handicap the 8th race at Churchill on Saturday and tell who you think will win and WHY.  Show me how much you claim to know.

Something tells me AK won't be nearly as revered as Zenyatta. Nobody remembers how much a horse lost by? They remember that Native Dancer's only loss was by a head. Perhaps you don't pay that much attention to detail and judging by your diminishing $ in THS, you don't. History will remember her forever. It's funny that the only person who ever talks about Blame nowadays is Jason! Ya, some legacy he'll leave behind! lol

Dude - you've really got issues Jason. You need to move on and let it go.

You disparage Zenyatta like she was a $30,000 claimer who got lucky to win every race she ran except one.

Yes, she lost the Classic. Glad to see you bragging about the $2k you won. Very gentlemanly.

You act like your twelve Jason. YOU let it go!

The second half is always better than the first half.  I'm anxious to see what one(s) of Baffert's three year olds are going to step up; if Bind is going to develope and; if First Dude and Game On Dude are both going to continue to improve.  However, anyway we look at it, they all have a tough act to follow.  Now if only Uncle Mo will come back stronger than ever, who knows.

Jason, what rubbish. There is losing by a nose and LOSING BY YARDS. There is a difference. Especially when the one that loses by a nose is a 6 year old female passing all the other males as if they were standing still down the stretch, and that was AFTER she comes from 18-20 back. You, Draynay/AfleetAlexForver have to give this a rest. You lack credibility and perspective on this subject, IF you really mean what you say and I am not toally sure you do. Goldikova is a great horse and great miler. But we are talking apples and oranges when you compare her with Zenyatta. By the way, take a good look at Zenyatta's ears at the finish and Blame's. Zenny's are standing straight up  per ususal, and Blame's are pinned back. Easy to see which one was all out and which one had more in the tank at the end of the race. What people remember about tbis race Jason is how she ran them down at the end, from 20 lengths back to almost win by a nose. Most people in the business consider it her greatest race.

John: It was actually a little over $2k. What a nice score huh? That Blame was a game son of gun wasnt he? What a superhorse!!

Workforce is, very obviously, back.

Also kudos to Wesley Ward - TWO 2YO winners in Europe on the same day.  I love this man.

Draynay

Do you want me to hadicap this coming Saturday's 8th at Churchill or be like you and handicap last Saturday's 8th?

Also, do you want me to use a form ro give you an educated opinion?

I predict Jason's "Superhorse" will be standing in Japan or Argentina in ten years.

JOSH

You mentioned accepting the reality Z lost,maybe some needs to accept the fact she didn't finish last and losing by four inches isn't a dusting.

The last few years, the question wasn't whether there were any stars, it was if and when the stars would meet on the racetrack.

As you mentioned Jason, the biggest names in racing the last few years are in the breeding shed or on the sidelines, not on the track; one can't underestimate the talent that we lost with retirements the last 8 months.  Zenyatta was arguably the greatest female in modern North American history, Rachel put togehter possibly the greatest season ever by a 3 year old filly, Lookin at Lucky won 5 gr.1 races and was the first horse since Spectacular Bid to be the champion male at 2 and 3, Blame was an amazingly consistent  3-time gr.1 winner, and Quality Road was a 4-time gr.1 winner and multiple track record holder.

Injuries and illness have also taken stars off the track.  Uncle Mo was one of the more exciting 2 year olds of recent memory, but illness has so far deprived him of showing his best form.  Awesome Feather was close to being retired over the winter and there are few if any reports indicating a return any time soon.  Pluck, the dominant BC Juvenile Turf winner, has been all out of sorts so far this year.  And recently, injuries have forced the retirement of arguably the best older male in Misremembered and the best male turf horse in Paddy.  Then, there is Richard's Kid who because of a change in ownership is now stabled in the Middle East, and Rail Trip, whose once promising career has pretty much gone down the toilet.(In an aside, Rail Trip's fall from grace has been amazingly quick, puncuated by a series of mistakes from his human connections-from Ron Ellis maybe trying too hard to make him a "true" 10 furlong horse by training him to run off the pace, to Bejarano's awful ride in the Hollywood Gold Cup, and finally to Jay Em Ess' overreaction to that loss, in which they took him out of Ellis' barn, relocated him all the way across the country, and forced him to run on dirt.)

Of the horses that have actually been running and are currently training, I concur that Havre de Grace should be viewed as the #1 overall horse in the country right now.  A very good 3 year old filly, Havre has taken her game to the next level, with her Oaklawn wins on par with stars of the past like Heavenly Prize, Banshee Breeze and champions of that caliber.  Even so, I do not think Havre should be viewed as a SUPERstar.  After all, she has won just 2 races so far this year, and has won only 1 gr.1 race in her career; and in her most important win last year, the gr.2 Cotillion, she benefitted from carrying 10 lbs less than Blind Luck.  I really believe Havre has the ability to put together a Hall of Fame level season, but she needs to win a few more biggies before her accomplishments catch up to her talent.

Looking at both accomplishments and current form, there really isn't a true superstar running right now. The two possible exceptions, in my opinion, are Gio Ponti and the aforementioned Blind Luck.  

Gio Ponti has 3 Eclipse Awards, 6 gr.1s, and over $5 million to his name.  The big question for him is whether he can still be effective at age 6(after declining from 4 to 5) and after a 2nd trip to Dubai.  Blind Luck is probably not as good as Havre de Grace anymore, but her accomplishments are so strong and her current form good enough to warrant the marque above that rival.  The 2nd best 2 year old filly of 09', Blind Luck was dominant last year at 3, racing across the country on a variety of surfaces while never running worse than 3rd.  For her career, Blind Luck has won 5 gr.1 races and 3 gr.2 races, and never run out of the money.  And while the career scoreboard with Havre reads 2-2, the tiebreaker goes to Blind Luck because she finished ahead of Havre in the BC Ladies Classic when they came in 2nd-3rd behind Unrivaled Belle.  But, after having lost 5 of her last 6, Blind Luck needs to string together some more 1s.

LAZ

Tell you what,perhaps Dray can already give you the winner for next yrs Derby.

Paula you are not being honest.   You and others that love the California poly champion will not give Goldikova the credit she deserves no matter what she does.  When you compare their careers side by side its not even a contest.  The fact is she never beat males on dirt.  Rachel did it 3 times as a 3 year old.  Rachel won a G1 at Churchill and the California poly champion failed to win at Churchill.  Goldikova has traveled the world to take on the best again and again and TCPC couldn't make it out of California but 3 times her entire career.  The one time she faced the best on dirt she failed.  Winning on dirt vs. males is hard and makes what Rachel did at 3 even more amazing.

Paula,

Your're absolutely right.  

I've heard from several horseracing 'oldtimers' saying that it just isn't the same without Zenyatta.  

In fact, many around Churchill Downs are saying what Zenyatta brought to racing that one special night in November last year (the reason for the all time record attendance this year) has now fallen to the depths of despair.

We'll never see anything close to her ever again.

On to Churchill and the Louisville.  I am going with Simmard because of the change of jockey and the post position is much better than Musketier who is hung out wide.  The sharp 5 furlong workout looks good and Simmard seems to be running healthy and fit for the first time in a long time.  Good luck.

Jason,

I got a queation for you.  You said you won $2K on Blame on the Classic.  I didn't take your bet.

How much money did you lose when Blame lost the HOY to Zenyatta?

Let me know when this is done, please.

spider;

General Quarters has been breezing regularly at Churchill Downs, most recently working five furlongs in 1:02 2/5 on May 18th. As for Ice Box, he was working toward a return to the races earlier this spring, but has not breezed since April 9th. Apparently, a setback of some sort has occurred, but I'm sure he'll be back sometime this year.

-Keelerman

Dr Drunkinbum,

No, it's Superfan!!!

What is the status of Take Control?

Criminal,

Thanks for the heads up on the half to Lost in the Fog - curiously enough, Lost in the Fog is my favorite horse of all time.  Hope we see the same lightning strike that produced Fog.

I too remember the King's Bishop Hard Spun won...beautiful performance, gutsy to the end.  It was great fun watching Lost in the Fog dust the field in the KB, as well.

Dr. Drunk,

I also am looking forward to the Hard Spun 2-year olds...looking forward to more from the Corinithian crop, as well. Have a feeling Corinithian will make a great sire.

Laz, this Saturday the 8th race at Churchill who wins and WHY in your opinion.

Didnt lose a dime John because I didnt care enough to bet it. I knew it was going to be a SOY award so I expected the result. You didnt win or lose a dime on it either, nobody did. That's because it wasnt a race. The only thing that mattered was Nov. 6, 2010 at Churchill Downs. As I said, nose or five lengths, it makes no difference. The result was the same and my tickets were cashed. Do yo you stll have your souvenir ticket?

I think Shack and Animal Kingdom will become real star/favs over time -- I am glad that they have trainers who are new to Triple Crown success, and I am rooting for them.  Hopefully, they return in the Belmont.

I think The Factor will be a star, and hopefully won't be retired as a 3 year old.  I am not too sure that we will see Mo on the track again, but he is the best of his crop.  I am also eagerly looking for Maclean's Music  Music to return.

I would say that the superstars are overseas:  Goldikova, the best Breeder's Cup performer ever, Frankel, and Black Caviar.   Hope they come to the US this year.

There's no way I'm getting back into gear about Zenyatta. Those of us who know what we saw and respect it will remember it long after the others have forgotten what they had for breakfast.

I WILL, however, throw yet another clod in the churn with this.........just because Uncle Mo was two year old champion does that mean he is a hero in waiting or a legend in training or WHAT? All I see is yet another VERY talented two year old who isn't at three............ comments? arguments? opinions?

At least almost everyone here agrees that Goldikova is just about the best thing since pockets, Black Caviar is a thriller, and Frankel may be the best three year old colt anywhere? Fair???

Cheers and safe trips.

JASON

How can a win by four inches be labled a dusting?

I love this man.

mz 26 May 2011 5:38 PM

This hurts me to my core.  How many Oaks tickets did he have for you mz?  Watching Khloe and Lamar.  And here I always thought the cast from Friends were the dumbest people in television history.

NEEDLER IN VA

You said it! We need many more like Michael Blowen and less like some that I know.

AAF, a lot of facts in your post!!  Lets hope Goldikova stays sound and is at Churchill in the fall!  

I didn't want to weigh in on this but I can't help it.  There is no viable argument that Zenyatta is the greatest race mare in North American history.  She certainly could have been, but her connections dropped the ball.

I would place Zenyatta, based on her accomplishments, somewhere ahead of Genuine Risk and Azeri but behind Rachel Alexandra, Lady's Secret, Winning Colors, and Personal Ensign (I'm only including post 1980 fillies/mares).  Certainly nothing Zenyatta accomplished was as good as Winning Colors winning the Santa Anita Derby and then beating the likes of Risen Star and Forty Niner in the Derby.  Personal Ensign beat males in open company on dirt and beat Winning Colors in the Distaff. Both of these accomplishments are greater than Zenyatta's.  Hell, Goldikova has raced three times in America, all versus open company and stellar fields, and has accomplished more than Zenyatta in North America.

Listen, Z was a great, great racehorse.  She may have become the best but she got few chances to prove herself because her connections were scared.

TheVandal, Criminal Type

  I don't think that's curious at all. Lost In The Fog is in my top three alltime. It's true that Hard Spun ran some game races also. And I also think there is a great chance he will be the top Danzig sire, probably successful on all surfaces. Street Sense and Any Given Saturday will be interesting too. There are numerous progeny of Hard Spun that I like. The ped I like from Any Given Saturday is 2yo Galactico. I still think Runflatout is going to win some big races sprinting. I also think that Gilchrist could be coaxed out of retirement with the right horse and right owner. We're going to have stars galore by year's end. Paddy definitely will be missed but he's alive and well. Animal Kingdom and Shackleford are already stars in my book and we'll see a few others winning some big races as 3yo, maybe starting with the Belmont. Nothing wrong with Late bloomers like Summer Bird.

Draynay

So maiden Draynay needs ol’ Laz to pick a winner for him.  Sounds good to me, but you have to post your pick for the same race before noon EST on Saturday and with an explanation also.  I’ll go easy on you.  If you lose, you can’t blog until Sunday.

Footlick:

I like you wonder when it will all end.  Zen won HOY, she won 19 of 20, she lost a single race by 4 inches and she finished in front of something like 120 or so horses and only one finished in front of her.  I guess she wasn't all that good and most certainly is not due the accolades many have heaped on her.   I guess I’m as guilty as anyone else, but we scream for stars and when we get them we spend a lot of time and energy trashing them.

2:24

You obviously have the right to your opinion as everyone. Fact is many that's actually in racing don't share your premise.

Thank you John from Seattle, ITA with you. Draynay, it's a good thing we share a love for miniature schnauzers (mine happens to be sitting next to me right now) or I would let you have it. I am being honest, geesh. Goldikova is a GREAT horse. We have no disagreement there. But she was also beaten, by Zarkava for instance. Zenyatta and Goldikova raced at different distances. No way Goldikova was going to beat her at longer distances and no way Zenyatta would beat her at a mile. Forget this nonsense about dirt versus synthetics. It's disingenuous and she was not just a synthetic specialist. She won on dirt and she narrowly missed beating Blame on dirt, but ran down everyone else. By the way 2:24, SPORTS ILLUSTRATED compiled a list of the greatest U.S. female horses of all time and Zenyatta was number one. Needler in Virginia said it very well, to paraphrase, we know what we saw. So did the people who will write the history of horse racing. She is a living legend, incomparable, and nothing the naysayers say will change that fact.

She wasnt even the best filly of her era. Rachel was better. That was pretty easy to see.

Don't worry Bob (and Ted): I have not become fickle just because we turned out to be ships meeting in the night at Churchill.  I still [heart] Ted from LA (and as soon as my more tech-enabled friends get me the pictures, I will somehow whine my way into uploading me-and-the-sign-and-the-hat proof).

BTW: how are Carol and Alice?

Where else but in America can a horse defeat Da'Tara, Munnings, Summer Bird (at his wrong distance), Mine That Bird, Macho Again and Bullsbay and win HOY?

I think our Blog Meister is auditioning for a stint on Letterman or Conan.  If that works out there is always a chance for The Hangover III.

The same world where a mare cannot defeat a SINGLE grade I winner or  a SINGLE male in victory and still be named SOY. Not one. Zero. Nada. Name a HOY that can say that. At least the horses you named are G1 winners Laz. Back to the drawing board for you. Next.

Good night Gracie, Good night George.

Hope we all wake up on the right side of the bed tomorrow!

Love them all. Not one is better than the other. Some have a better opportunity. They come and they

go and some never leave our thoughts. That is life and we have to deal with it.

You all are good people. A shame we aren't talking about something else that could help the racing industry instead of rehashing last year. And a shame that we are talking about how great horses are from across the pond instead of our own. That is troublesome to me.

Buenos Noches.

I have not become fickle just because we turned out to be ships meeting in the night at Churchill.  I still [heart] Ted from LA (and as soon as my more tech-enabled friends get me the pictures, I will somehow whine my way into uploading me-and-the-sign-and-the-hat proof).

BTW: how are Carol and Alice?

mz 26 May 2011 11:31 PM

Passing in the night, mz, passing in the night.  Send the proof.  I am giving Jason permission to post photos on this one issue.  I trust you and I hope you trust me.  Dr. DIB, it's like we don't even know each other anymore.  Is Ted from LA the only blog member going to the Belmont?

I always take comfort when individuals like Shug,Baffert,Mike Mitchell,Jerkens, Cassidy,Van Berg,Lukas,plus a host of well known writers,etc label her a "once in a lifetime". That's good enough for me. lol

Titanic / Calefornian

NOT

Titanic / Iceburg

Got it. Thx Bob.

LMAO

Laz- I just won't get into it anymore.

Nothing better reflects the lack of stars in the game now than retreading the Zenyatta debate.  Suffice to say, no horse currently running stirs up even half the passions, both positive and negative, that Big Z does.

2:24 : Blame could've been remembered but his owners decided to take the breeding money instead of racing him another year.  The same with QR...at least QR is charging for a good sum of money for his services having finished last.  Oh wait, Blame charges for the SAME amount.  Yeah, I guess he really needed that HOTY award.

You are all really talking about this? Boring!! Old News! I was on the finish line the day of the BC Classic. I am certain that Blame won, the mare lost, she then got sympathy votes, and now the racing world is happy again b/c she finally got the HOY. Story book ending, yeahhhhhhhhhhh. Puke in mouth.

I want in on the handicapping bet at CD in the 8th

Jason I understand your fustration..

You made a statememnt and now it is hard to reflect and releize you may be wrong..

Ego it is a terrible thing to waste..

Z is the best horse you will see yes better than R.A record proves it. R.A is and was a 6 month wonder! What she did she did and cannot be taken away from her.

Z what she did she did and cannot be taken away from her.

Jackson could of ran her in the BCC but chose not to..

Sure is Z fault..

I understand that Z lost by a nose coming from 20 lenghts back such a disgrace man she is terrible a plastic specialist..

LOL

NEVER NEVER NEVER again in this lifetime.

You just do not get it.

Oh yeah congrats on hitting a 5-1 shot..

Thanks Johnny. When you have an $11 horse 200 times, it's pretty nice. Question: How much did you get for your souvenir ticket on Ebay?

I feel this is shaping up to be an excellent year in racing, *because* there isn't one "great" horse or rivalry to focus on - it makes us seek and appreciate a wider sample.  I agree with Dr. D. that by the end of the year we will be discussing a lot of great horses - I think we have more than the usual number of late bloomers this year, and like Johnny think (hope) MMM will be a major player later in the year as he grows into that 17 hand frame.  If the ones that were sick or injured (and not retired) all recover and come back healthy, it could be one heck of a late summer/fall.  I have no personal feeling one way or the other about Uncle Mo, but for racing's sake, I hope he is correctly diagnosed, recovers, and comes back to racing and proves himself not just a 2 yo wunderkind.  Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!

For the Record- the best 3 yr old filly in the last 20 years, maybe even longer, is Zarkava.  Hands down.  Better record, ran from 7 furlongs to 12 furlongs, beat older fillies/mares and older males, and ran against much stronger competition.  Set a stakes record in the 12 furlong Vermeille after dwelling at the start and spotting the field 5 lengths.  She won the Arc coming from 17th after a rough, troubled trip.  Soumillon never even uncocked his whip.  She was the best filly/mare in the era imo.  And I am a fan of Zenyatta, and Rachel was stellar, but Zarkava was top in the era, again just my opinion.

90% of the stuff we worry about is stuff we can't change because it already happened. Time to move on folks. We can't change the past, but you can change the subject.

Night racing tonight at CD. I will be at Zac Brown Band concert, going to track tomorrow and Sunday! Happy Memorial Day.

POOLS OPEN this weekdend.

Get your back waxed! GROSSS!

JAYJAY

Exactly. When I mentioned the fact to Jason that would've been great if they brought Blame back for another year,he said didn't have a problem with him retiring. There you go.

There you go Footlick. Problem solved. Argument over... But did she win on dirt at Saratoga? ;)

Footlick

I call it non-Zense

She defeats all the so called big handicap stars, save one, all the top three year olds, and in fact they are all strung out behind her and she was running away from them and because she beat herself, more than Blame beat her, and finishes second by a few pathetic inches, none of that matters.  If she would have finished about four inches faster, and she would have if she would have had even one less problem in the race, then all the rest would be validated (unless of course something else would be heavily researched and brought forward).

I call it non-Zense.

Horse lover's aside.

I made my un-bias call on the BC I think if they went 1/16 Blame still would have won that day (Watch 3 or 4 strides after the finish he is 1/2 in front not a head) His home track and he ran great--great ride. Better of the 2? The mare. (I am definitely in her camp rather than Blames--but I respect him greatly)

Even Trever got the call wrong as I he thought Zenyatta would pass. BUT

As a gambler I went to the next race as I suggest you all do. I can't bet on races with Zenyatta or Blame. Nor can you change HOY vote.

Having touted Shackleford (posted) I can't go back and put Astrology for 3rd in my tickets costing me 1000's---its ancient history.

Pick the Belmont and let the past go.

One other thought and I wish this went into politics as well

IF you are the back-up quarterback but feel you are deserving on a team and they are in a game---do you wish the starter to get hurt or do well and win for the team as a whole?   Think about it.

Mr. Shandler, can you please tell me the status of Take Control? I'm also keeping an eye out for Wilburn.

Golden Give: Take Control has not worked this year. I dont know any more than that.

GOLDENGIVEN

Wondering myself about Take Control,it's too bad that injuries have gotten in the way. Haven't heard anything.

Zookeeper- that is all that matters, isn't it......

Now they have to lie about how far the plastic champion from California lost by.  She lost by a head or about 2 feet.  Not a nose and not a few inches.  She came late when the race was already over.  Big Deal.  She faced top competition on dirt and lost.  Imagine how many she would have lost had she faced tough competition more often.  Zarkava won 7 races how many did she win at 4 or 5 or 6 ?  If you just look at what a horse does at 3 Rachel is the greatest ever.

i am so hungover my eyes are going crossed! Damn Woodford Reserve all you can drink at Senior PGA at Valhalla. Play was suspended yesterday, so there was only one thing left to do. DRINK. And drink I did. Time to start round 2.

Have a great holiday too Billy, and everyone else.  It is a Guinness weekend, a Tres Cepas weekend, an absinthe weekend, well, maybe all those at once will be a little excessive......  Everyone be safe and remember what this holiday is celebrating.  If you know veterans or people serving in the Armed Forces, please thank them!

Jason you know the answer to that..

Never said I hit every race I bet on.

Since we are on the subject I had $50 across the board when Birdstone beat Smarty Jones my biggest ROI since I started playing this game.

Also had $50 across the board on Schack in the Fl Derby..

No one hits them all but to get crazy because a 5-1 shot beat a 5-2?

I believe this is more about your ego then anything else..

No matter what she got a well deserved HOY..

Part Duex:

I am willing to guess if she beat him you still would not of given her,her fair due.

She is was and will be the only horse that will capture the fans like she did.

19-1 WOW what a career..

I'm done with this Johnny. Bottom line: She lost, Blame won. I cashed my ticket, you didn't. Thanks.

Johnny: I am now (stupidly) entering into this "discussion" to say: "pththththt!!!"

Please note that there have been MANY horses that "capture the fans".  

(Those who do not remember history are condemned to repeat it)

OK, now I am bowing out again, having contributed my very adult comments on this whole mess AGAIN.  

CAN WE PLEASE STOP THIS NOW?

I am getting bored.

A bored Me is a terrible thing.

MOVE ON!

(and I do know that CAPITALS MEAN SCREAMING)

Its good to see that the love affair has transitioned over from NTRA to Bloodhorse's blog, never in all my years of racing have I seen people feel that they have to piggy back and be such followers of each other. Its ok to have differing opinions about horses and their abilities especially when we see horses like Big Brown and Zenyatta campaigned to avoid the top competition all year long and then try to sneak awards with wins in the BC.  Unfortunately thats not what the term "my horse is faster than your horse" really means, it means anywhere and anytime, not just on my surface or yours or on 1 day when its supposed to be a championship venue.  BC day has changed the whole outlook on racing for some, some feel being in mediocre company all year long and winning a BC race with a fresh horse means HOY or eclipse awards, that is the reason why American racing is not respected by europeans and why they dont feel it necessary to come over and contest the BC.  Why, in Europe they contest championship races from jan-Dec, never avoiding each other, garnering respect over there means a series of races and the best horse with the best record wins.  Could you see or imagine Freddie head running Goldikova in races restricted only to females, to prove what, to try to keep a high win percentage. win percentage matters at the lower levels i would guess Moss found this to be so running Zenyatta in allowance quality races all year long against the worst available.  I believe the stats showed the horses she faced in 2010 in races she won went 0/28 in Grade 1 races, add Switch's win in Cali in a G1 late in dec and it was 1/29, thats pathetic and if you can find the ability to appreciate the lack of competition involved in that fine.  But keep that to a low roar, I celebrate a Brilliant horse in Goldikova who can bring it every time, I applaude any horse that is put in tough and asked to perform above ability previously seen, I do not applaude connections who drops an amazing horse in class to take on horses sporting records like (1/15, 1/12) that is not a challenge.  During the BC the anticipation of seeing Goldikova was electric before that race, it was the greatest feeling imaginable, and to see her handle the worlds best males at her discipline again, well leaves you speechless.  She showed up and won no excuses needed, other horses that lost BC races well the excuses abound.  Horses lose when they run in Grade 1 and open company so be a hater of the few losses but i will applaude the 9 open company G1 wins she has. the  7 open company G1 wins by Makybe Diva, the 6 by Black Caviar and the 3 by Rachel Alexandra, and even 2 by Winning Colors, further down the list is Zenyatta with only 1 win and it was a nice win but in no way does she measure up to those that won in open company at the highest level of the game on a consistent basis.  Just remember when Goldikova comes back across the pond she will be doing so against the best available, not Rinterval, Moon De French or Pretty Katherine.  But true G1 horses, this is why she is a SuperStar.

Footlick - you are so thoughtful. Indeed we have a moral duty to thank all who serve now and served in the past, all the way back to before the turn of the previous century. My Grandpa served in The Spanish American War, died in 1971 at 96. My dad was a Doc fresh out of interning in Georgia just about to open his private practice in San Antonio when Uncle Sam requested his presence for 5 years in the Phillipines and Okinawa, etc. during WW II, he went in a Major (had graduated from NMMI) and discharged as a Lt. Col. He died in 1977 of cancer from smoking which was a habit he picked up when the meals were passed out on the battlegrounds where he was a MASH type doc. A package of Lucky Strikes was in each one. He called them 'coughing nails.' He could not kick the habit and knew how bad they were for your health.

So to all who have such history of your own relatives who have served, perhaps lost their lives, we all say thank you and thank them.

Have a great week end Jason and everyone.

Thanks for sharing those comments Linda. My grandfather also served in the Phillipines in WWII. He will be remembered this weekend, as will all the veterans.

Did not mean to get Draynay on everyone..

I am done.

Good luck to everyone this week end..

Nice use of well deserved Caps they are mz

Lets talk racing today shall we? Since all NA horses rank no higher than tied for 13th in the world, one race is as good as another to look at.

Who will comment won the BN ROTD the 10th at Churchil today? 1 mile on the Turf. PT 7:24 EDST

I cannot figure out what is going on with #8 Awesome Act - I want to like him, but his 2011 debut was poor and I forgot what exactly happened to him after the KD last year..??

Im going with #1 Ronin Dax as every thing else is so ... chalky or hard to believe in.

Unless they come off Turf and I guess its #2 The Program or Maybe #4 Tanzana (better price) Romans Horse #3 Deprice is 3:1 ML but never routed anbd is a dirt horse... lets hear some handicapping here bloggers...

Dray you are ignorant.  Do you know anything about Zarkava?  Find out how long it has taken Goldikova to reach Zarkava's timeform rating.  Oh wait... did you know that as a two year old Zarkava want from a maiden win to a gr 1 win on Arc day as a two year old?  It was the Marcel Boussac, the traditional French two year old filly championship race.  What did you say about a two year old that can do that?  You had never seen one who could?  Wow, it must mean that Zarkava was one of the greatest two year olds ever!  And she set a new record for the Pouliches (research how long they have been running the Pouliches and who has won it) and equalled the stakes record for the Vermeille (maybe research that one too and see who has won it also) after dwelling at the start.  And of course there is her Arc win (maybe if it isn't too much reading already try to read up on that too and the winners).  And then research her competition and the strength of the Arc field compared to the strength of the Woodward.  When you weigh everything, I think the choice is clear who the top 3 yr old filly of the era is.  Goldikova could not even warm her up when they raced together as 3 yr olds, but she might have been competitive with Rachel...............  And now since I broke my rule and responded to Dray, I will let him spew whatever he wants without another response.  Sorry guys, but I just couldn't let it go.

OK Johnny.  Accepted.

Jason and Everybody: We have Remembrance Day on November 11th, not "Memorial Day" but it's essentially the same thing. Growing up with my family stories, however, it sounds funny to hear Jason talk about his "grandfather" and "WWII".  My Father spent his late teens trying to avoid being picked up by the Germans to be sent to the Russian front (from which few, if any, ever returned).  My Mother still to this day (60 yrs later!) sometimes shivers when she hears planes going overhead.  My assistant's mother-in-law was in Auschwitz.  I hope you pay attention to the stories.  Remember: "those who do not remember history are condemned to repeat it".

(wow! synchronicity!)

Memorial Day is special for all of us.  We all owe so much to so many.

Our Family lost a 92 year old Navy Vet Last week.  a good long life to be proud of... The Navy sent an Honor Guard to do the flag ceremony.  It meant a lot to my Aunt - we got talking about WW II vets and how we have so few left - If you know one make a point to go see them! Or you know what, ANY Vet for that matter.

Yes lets all remember why we are free to be doing any of this fun stuff in the first place.  

I went to high school with lots of guys who went to VietNam and came back but were never the same.  I still visit as many as I can.  Seeing them all the time makes me realize how much our military does and what sacrifices they make.  They deserve all the respect and love we can give, imo.  Again, everyone have a great holiday.

Footlick - since you're so educated but well you ruin all credibility with personal attacks with your fifth grade manner of speaking to Dray, please advise of us Zenyatta's 2 year old and 3 year old form and championship racing, please advise of of her top races at this time.  Or even better yet list the top five wins of her career.  Dont worry, i'll wait.

Footlick, 7 races and never raced as a older horse.  Goldikova has been great at 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.  I am not going to put a horse with 7 lifetime races ahead of a career like Goldikova has had.  Her Breeders Cup Championships speak for themselves.  Goldikova has twice as many G1 wins as Zarkava has wins.  A great 3 year old yes but what would she have been at 4 and 5 ? We will never know but the PROOF is there with Goldikova.  Next time you come to battle have some ammunition you're shooting blanks.  

Tizway at the wire and Winter Memories rolls on.

Looking for something more interesting, I found out that Brass Hat will be celebrated at CD tomorrow, Animal Kingdom's connections said that the Belmont is a GO and I read an article from our dear Jason, telling us about the Met Mile... and much, much more. There's got to be something we can talk about as we're searching for the next stars!

The Met Mile is very intriguing, would love to hear some thoughts on it. Who do you like in that race, Jason or anybody? Or would you rather talk about the Louisville Handicap? Will Keertana show the boys how it's done?  

LOL @ drayneigh and RA being the BEST EVER...I beg to differ, remember a horse named Spectacular Bid ? He won 5 stakes races from 7 starts as a 2 year old and set a track record in the gr I Laurel futurity. He also had one second and one off the board finish as a 2 yr old.

At 3 he won the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Meadowlands Cup, Marlboro Cup Invitational, Blue Grass Stakes, Florida Derby, Fountain Of Youth Stakes finished 3rd in the Belmont and 2nd in the Jockey Club Gold Cup.

He went on to race at 4 and WON Charles Handicap, Strub Stakes, Santa Anita Handicap, Woodward S. a rare walkover because NO ONE wanted to face him, Californian Stakes, Mervyn Leroy Handicap, Malibu Stakes, San Fernando Stakes, Amory L. Haskell Handicap. When is the last time there was a walkover ? 26 wins in 30 starts ! He was a beast on the track.

Come on Dray

i hate to be captain obvious but you know though there is no clear cut definition on HotY. thats was the whole controversy last year. blame was clearly the best on the track and zenyatta did more for the sport. anyway lets put this aside and think about this years HotY. if Goldikova wins her 4th BC in a row i would say she has a big shot to win it, because others won eclipse awards for just making 1 start in america so why not HotY.if she doesn't win HotY then ill say one of the 3YO will win it. Older male as of now i'll say C.O.T(i would say big drama but thats why theres a sprint award) or gio ponti believe it or not lol. i don't see apart being much a factor this year.

AAF

Don't think you've reached 5th grade level yet.

Or AAF, perhaps you can tell how well Rachel A 's form was at 4, 5 or 6....oh wait...you really can't!  Moral...don't ask stupid quesions!  (And don't suggest a 5th grade mentality when you cannot rise that high).

And everyone, please take a moment to remember those who died in service for this country.  Our debt to them is greater than we can ever repay.

The difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day is..in May we honor those who died in their service to this country.  In November we remember all Veterans who have served, living and dead.

mz,

Two ships meeting in the night?  And now "condemned" to repeat it instead of "doomed" to repeat it?  I want to be your assistant.  What is the pay?  Do I have Wednesdays-Mondays off?  I'll ask you everyday if you've lost weight.  Can I work from the home?  I am a misanthrope.  Ted from LA is a loyal employee.

Draynay

Every time you post something you confirm what we already know.

How bout that Ronin Dax, up like that to win?

Im in with my man Tackleberry in the Met Mile Only Haynesfield outclasses him and Duke OM took him @ the bullring but Tackleberry WILL bring it.  

Can you imagine an American Horse starting 13 times and winning Grade 2 stakes not using lasix up till now? Why? Because he didn't need it till now.  What??! That makes just too much sense, what could Luis have been thinking? ;^)

Spectacular Bid is one of my all time favorites.  Best 4 year old ever.  But no horse was better than Rachel at 3.  Not even the Bid.  She was perfect while beating G1 winning males 3 times.

Agreed Criminal Type, Spectacular Bid was very likely the greatest ever. Secretariat was amazing too, but the only race I could see him besting The Bid was his Belmont Stakes. Pound for pound though, SB was probably better. I'd place Zenyatta probably at number 10, right next to the likes of Native Dancer, Kelso, Affirmed, Forego and so on. She truly is one of the greats!

Wow, Gun Bow post of two sentences!  concise is good!

 Anyone know if there is a next generation Z?  Can't wait for the debate on:   RA v. Z 1st gen youndsters...  I don't think Bernardini is all that so far this year, considering the mares he was bred to...l

ITA with everyone who mentioned Memorial Day. A special day to thank those who made our freedom and quality of life possible. We owe them everything.

Bob mon amour: dites-moi pourquoi tu dois toujours reprendre mes fautes de citation de passage?

Il n'y a si bon cheval qui ne bronche.

...

ha!

correct that!

...

But seriously, Ted gets paid?

Draynay

Yep.  After reading what you and AAF have had to say I can honestly say that I have done some soul searching and re-evaluated my feelings about Rachel.  Her three year old year was certainly sensational, so much so that in all time ranking I would probably put her ahead of the Bid and for sure horses like Affirmed, Forego, Buckpasser and Dr. Fager.  Even Native Dancer.  How does tied with Citation as third best all time behind Man O’ War and Secretariat seem to you?  It certainly seems realistic to me don’t you think?  I just don’t know why it took me so long to realize how wrong I’ve been.

Don’t forget to post your pick for the 8th at CD tomorrow.  We will all be waiting patiently for a chance at some easy money.  In fact, maybe you could be extra kind and post a pick on another race for us also.

AFF/Dubby30- I made no mention of Zenyatta, so why ask me a question about her?  And your friend deserves much worse the way he acts toward people here.  I was being nice.

Don't mind if I join the handicapping challenge for CD's 8th tomorrow.  I'll play a $2 trifecta box 1-3-6.  Those numbers are pretty, odd odd even, there's just something magical about those 3 numbers.  I like the names of the horses too, it's so pretty.

Draynay : Your argument about Zarkava applies very much with Rachel Alexandra.  She won 8 races at 3 but why don't you talk about her 4 yr old season ?  No, figures.

Next time you go to battle, don't bring a water pistol, you end up wetting yourself.  I'm not going to claim I know anything about Zarkava but I will always always go with Footlick's knowledge over yours.

ON TO THE BELMONT!!!!

Anybody else think today's American Handicap could end up being a make-it-or-break-it race for Sidney's Candy?

Finally, Sidney's Candy is back doing what most feel he is best at, running a mile on turf.  Sidney's Candy has only run twice on turf, but his first start on the surface in the La Jolla was jaw-dropping.  I'm willing to give him a pass for his 6th in the BC Mile; that day, Sidney led a world-class field to deep stretch before faltering while making his first start in about 3 months(since the La Jolla).

The American came up a salty race, and Sidney is likely to face pace pressure from Liberian Freighter and Ryehill Dreamer.  One would have to believe, however, that if he can't handle this spot he is unlikely to ever become the type of horse that can serious challenge Goldikova for the BC Mile title.

Seriously Dray, The statistics prove BID was better at 3 then Rachel was. The more definitive stat would be that BID went on to demolish all commers at 4 when Rachel failed miserably at 4. The connections destroyed her at 3.

Dr D, and anyone else who is following Hard Spun's stud career. He got another winner last night when his daughter Yvete Sangelo won a 5 furlong MSW at Lone Star Park. It was her second start. YAY! to all the little Hard Spun's !

Yep, Rachel Alexandra was the greatest.  No doubt about it.  How could anyone forget.

She will always be the trivia answer for most purse money ducked ($12 million for 2009 BC Classic, 2009 JCGC, and 2010 Apple Blossom).

AND, most races (3) lost in one year at 1-10 odds or LOWER.

God, how could anyone forget.

Zookeeper;

I can see just about any horse winning the Met Mile. Haynesfield might return to his best form, or perhaps Caxia Electronica will continue improving, or maybe Tizway, Yawanna Twist, Tackleberry, Ibboyee, Aikenite, or Soaring Empire will cross the wire first! Interestingly, Trackleberry will be running on Lasix for the first time, which makes me wonder if perhaps he might have bled a bit when fourth in the Charles Town Classic.

In the Louisville Handicap, I believe that Musketier will win his second straight graded stakes race. I will be cheering for him and Keertana to run 1-2.

-Keelerman

Draynay

The 8th race at CD on Saturday would normally be a throw out for me, but I’ll tell you what I think anyway.  I’ll go with the one horse, Goodnessgraciousme at 8-1, the 2nd longest odds on the Morning Line, with probable real time odds of from 8 to 12 to 1.  The horse is taking a jump in class from a Starter Allowance 25K to a $75K optional claimer, NW1.  She is dropping back in distance from a mile to 6F, a distance which appears to be more to her liking, the recent hike to a mile more for endurance purposes than anything.  She also had a 4F maintenance work to keep her on her toes.

I don’t have a lot of confidence in her and might be picking her one race before she is ready to fire, which might be in another starter.  The bet for you would be $20 to win, but if I did bet (which I won’t) it would be more like $200 to show.

I really feel that the horse to beat is the 7, Golden Phoenix, a three time winner with two wins at CD.  I’m impressed with Castanon’s horse, the 6, but she seems destined to be a grass horse with a race on turf and two that were taken off it.

AAf- I apologie for getting your initials wrong.  Sorry for that!

and  I can't spell today..... apologize is what it was supposed to be.

I see Runflatout put in a nice 47:20 this moring.

Tell me Zoo, where is he pointed next do you know yet?  I can't wait to see him again.  

Who else likes Bearpath today?  Anyone?  

I have no problem with anyone arguing The Bid as the greatest horse of all time.  I personally rank him second behind Secretariat.  I will argue a certain degree with the statement that Secretariat would have only beaten Bid in the Belmont.  Secretariat's Kentucky Derby, Preakness,  Gotham, Marlboro Cup, Man O War and Canadian International were all time great performances as well.  I don't know that anyone was beating him in those races.

I think Rachel's three year old campaign was the best ever by a filly and should be ranked in the top 10 three year old campaigns of all time.  I also think Rachel's top 3 races, the Preakness, Haskell and Woodward were better performances than Zenyatta's best three performances.

To any who have been at Jason regarding Blame or in any way downgrading Blame, I don't think anyone has argued that Blame was a "superhorse" or even an all time great.  He was, however, an extremely nice horse and a fine performer.

 For the blogger who sarcastically said that Jason's superhorse Blame would be standing in Japan or  elsewhere in two years, I'll take that bet.  The Claiborne  breeding operation doesn't work like that.  And what does that have to do with what type of racehorse he is?  Was Sunday Silence less of a legend? Is Cigar tainted by his infertility?  That comment made no sense.

I'm still waiting for a filly or mare to enter the 5 million dollar "Breeders Cup Classic" two years in a row.

I'm holding my breath. Hopefully I don't sufficate.

Wonder why Eugene Klein didn't enter Lady's Secret into the Breeders Cup Classic?

I think we all know the answer to that (a.k.a: Not good enough).

Any exceptional filly or mare can beat aged males in a race but when the best aged males (across the globe) meet in one particular race (ex: Breeders Cup Classic), the whole ballgame changes. Ask Eugene Klein and Jess Jackson.

Keelerman,

Thank you,... I think. Seems like you can't figure out the Met Mile either.lol! But at least you're showing interest in what's on the tracks THIS WEEKEND.

Musketier will probably win but I'll root for Keertana.

GunBow,

I'm looking forward to Sidney's Candy blowing our socks off today at HP. There's several good horses in that race so it won't be a walk-over, I don't think.

Came home just in time to see Brass Hat being honored at Churchill Downs. Wishing him a long and happy retirement. He so deserves it. What a game horse!

mz,

You know the old saying, you win some and you don't win some.

Wow! What a performance by Keertana in the Louisville Handicap! She rallied courageously along the rail to defeat Bearpath and Guys Reward in a simply spectacular performance. In deep stretch, I thought that she was beaten, for she lacked racing room and Guys Reward was still going strong after setting a very, very slow (1:19 and change) pace. However, she proved to be just too game, putting her nose in front at the last possible second to hold off Bearpath and catch Guys Reward in a three-way photo finish. What a race!

-Keelerman

Just what I thought.....good pick Laz the horse came in dead last.  I chose this race because it was a very easy race to handicap.  Garnet Crystals was CLEARLY the horse to beat here and it was easy to get to the horse.  March 26th she ran in a stakes race and finished 2nd to a very good Grand Lioness.  Coming back to that distance after a try at 7 furlongs looked very good.  The 1 horse was a toss with a Route/Sprint % of .09.  Not to mention she broke her maiden in a 15k claiming race?  PASS !  

Jayjay, just as I thought.  You were no where near the winner at Churchill in the 8th.  You were not even close just like Laz.  But Laz had the guts to explain his picks regardless of how far off he was.  Jayjay, no horse I have ever seen including The Bid was BETTER than Rachel at 3.  The owner had guts to bring her back to see if she could keep it going but it was clear to many she wasn't going to return to her form that she had at 3.  She dominated like no filly ever has and probably ever will at 3.  But I digress. The point is simple don't compare a mare like Goldikova or a filly like Zarkava to the poly horse in California that was basically a state champion and won very few races outside the State of California.

The American Handicap was:

1. Another race in Cali in which the so-called stars came up short.

2. Yet another tough stakes defeat for John Sadler.

3. Another final sixteenth gag-job by Sidney's Candy.

  Yes, Sidney was given a tough task, forced to run solid fractions while being hounded by multiple graded stakes winner Liberian Freigher.  After putting that one away, Sidney was just caught at the wire to drop what turned out to be a closer photo than what it appeared to be from the naked eye. But, how many times must Sidney drop a close decision before one concludes he just isn't a truly elite horse?  Every time a horse has been able to get within a length of Sidney by the sixteenth pole of a stakes race, Sidney has let the horse go by.  A legit great horse would have dug down deep, and risen to the challenge.  Sidney, on the other hand, lets horses pass without all that much resistance; in the last year he's been caught by Skipshot, Crown of Thorns, and Ryehill Dreamer, horses that outside of their wins over Sidney have combined for a grand total of 1 stakes win.

4. Sidney's Candy and Twirling Candy have still yet to win a stakes outside of their age group.

And I'm in no way bitter.  I took a stand against Sidney in the Mervyn LeRoy and American, correctly predicting he would cough it up late in both.  I had Crown of Thorns but not Ryehill.

On Memorial Day weekend, just thought I'd direct everyone to Sgt. Reckless, a horse in the Marine Corps during the Korean War, who was named as one of the 100 best American War Heroes in one of the magazines or something.  

Check out on Google.

As an added bonus:  was a former race horse in Korea.

Wow, John Sadler is not a happy camper after the American.  He complained about the weights, perhaps a valid point, with Sidney's Candy having to give 7 lbs to Ryehill Dreamer.  

But then, Sadler ranted about the ride Martin Garcia gave Liberian Freighter.  By going out and pressing Sidney early, Sadler claimed Garcia wasn't riding to win the race, but riding against Sidney.  Sadler mentioned that Garcia had done the same think in the 10' Kentucky Derby(on Conveyance)and La Jolla(on Macias).

I'm sorry John(Sadler), but is it possible Garcia and others who have been watching Sidney's races have recognized that if you put some pressure on him early, he'll fold in the stretch?  I don't think it's a secret.

No one can prove who is best if they don't run against each other or in the same years. Period!

My Pick for the hell of it

Dr. Fager-- partly because simply he was the fastest- 106 for 6f on his lines--NO ONE could beat him up to a mile. 1:32 eased up not on a down hill turf course. He raced with one of the greatest Damascus and even was in a race with Buckpasser--best 3 horses to run in a same race ever. Beat the best turfer of his day @1 1/4 miles and suppositly hated the turf and only raced once on it.

If you want to put Secretariat Citation Spectactular Bid on top of him no problem- good cause and great cases to be made like I said no one can prove it. Just think like everyone I am right. How good was Candy Ride unbeaten with track records, Hoist the Flag--John Cruguet said he was better than Seattle Slew and rode both so how good was he?

If you want to go on longevity why not Kelso? Five straight years 3 -4-5-6-7 the Horse of the Year -- top 3yr old-Turf (don't know how many times he won that too) and 5 times handicap horse--could win @ 6F or 2 miles any course -sloppy- fast -firm -yeilding with 135 pounds and more. After that a good steeplechaser I believe.

Pretty good case for him too,

and in todays dollars would have won 25 million or more.

If you think Dray is being serious??? He knows he isn't and pulling your legs, and I have gone on record of my thoughts of his talents. He isn't that silly, even he is not that bad of of an horse racing historian to know better, but it gets your goat.

Hope he picked the favorite in the 8th another "under" $6 winner and is buying another Lexus with his winnings---He did come up with the winner didn't he? He didn't post.

Sniper1 - I certainly agree with you that an argument can be made for Dr. Fager.  What a horse.  I definitely rank him in my top 5.

Laz and JayJay- thanks for posting your picks before the race was run.  Even though they weren't right, they were clearly posted before the race for everybody to see.  

Keertana was nothing short of brilliant, Jose had her there first as she bobbed at the wire. I thought Bearpath had it at first. And viewing it as a great horse race, as it was for a change, it was truly exciting. She is 5 years old since 'years old' seems to get the attention of so many. If time allows,go to horseracingnation.com and look up Keertana's campaign beginning April 19, 2009. It will amaze you, or it sure did me. She is surely not a lightly raced mare.  

And Brass Hat, may he live a long lovely green paddocked life. He looked charming and at attention!

His groomer had him looking so spiffed up and shiny. And thanks to Churchill Downs for taking a few minutes to honor and salute him as he retires. A nice Memorial Day Weekend Event, don't think any of us will forget when Brass Hat retired.

Be safe everyone.

DRAYNAY

Tell you what,"that state cahampion" will be remembered long after your QR is forgotten. Trust me,will bet the house no one in racing contacts you for your racing insight.

Zookeeper;

I've always though that this weekend is one of the best of the year for horse racing. I just love watching the Memorial day card at Lone Star. . . one great race after another. One of my favorite horses, Awesome Gem, is racing in the Lone Star Handicap. I'll be cheering for him!

For the record, I'll pick Tizway to win the Met Mile. He ran nicely in this race last year against Quality Road, has has shown an affinity for the Belmont Park main track. But I honestly wouldn't be surprised to see anyone win.

I was so pleased to see Keertana win the Louisville Handicap yesterday. I thought that she had missed it when they crossed the wire, but upon watching the slow-motion replays it appeared as though she might have gotten her nose down first. Which of course, she did.

I find it interesting that the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf will be held over the same Churchill Downs turf course which the Louisville was run over. I believe that Keertana is going to have a great chance at the Breeders' Cup this fall, as long as she remains healthy.

-Keelerman

mz,

As I suspected, you're a rank sentimentalist.

GunBow,

Those were harsh words towards Sidney's Candy. He's not my favorite horse in the whole world but he's talented and exciting. I don't think that he "folded" yesterday. Losing by a nostril is hardly folding, or maybe I have a different understanding of the term.

Keelerman,

My rooting for Keertana caused me to lose my voice. What a tremendous finish by all 3 horses!!!

In closing,

As a tribute and with gratitude to all who have died in the service of our country, here's a great performance by a 14 yr. old:

www.flixxy.com/trumpet-solo-melissa-venema.htm

Draynay : Just like I said to Laz, you can't pick a winner so you have to ask him for pointers.  Just like every other race, big or small, you have to rely on someone else's pick.

Rachel will always be remembered by her fans for her 3 yr old.  Some of them jumped off the wagon after her 4 yr old season.  Don't insult the BID.  IMO, Rachel had one good year, that's not even close to being a great horse, and that's mostly can be blamed on her connections.  She could've been a great one but they ruined her.  They avoided Zenyatta 3 times (2009 classic, 2010 apple blossom and 2010 classic).  Don't even dramatize her connections having the "guts" to bring her back.  They brought her back because they were so confident she would dominate, then she didn't, then they act like they care for Rachel.  They were so desperate in 2010 that they picked and choose the easiest races for her.  Give me a break, everyone knew it, even Jason.

Your point is pointless, you can't pick winners, big or small race.  Zenyatta will always be remembered, regardless of what you and Jason thinks.  You two are with a very very small percentage of people who can't admire her greatness.  

Oh and yeah, with the 8th race at CD, I'll go back to looking at the pretty horses.  The numbers and pretty names didn't work out.  Where were your picks ?? Again, you manage to "pick" the winner AFTER the race.  You're a joke LOL.

Draynay

I told you that in real life to me the race was a throw.  This was the type of race where you either bet the favorite, Garnet Crystals, and hope for the best or else use a hat pin.  I didn't see where you picked anything, but seeing that you always bet favorites you should have simply posted that you would bet whatever horse was favorite.  My bet was the second longest shot, and I told you that I thought that this was a race before they would really try with her.  Unfortunately something went wrong and she finished 30 lengths behind the 2nd last horse or did you see her walk across the line.  At least I take solace in the fact that I never bet nor would I.  I can also take solace in posting that Animal Kingdom would win the Derby and posted the reasons why.  What happened?  I’ve also bet and won on six double digit horses the past two days.  Tell us what you did and better yet, post the winning tickets on you face book page.

I also see where you picked Sway Away in the Preakness.

Regarding Rachel versus the Bid, I’m not going to get into it.  Whatever you tell yourself you can take great pleasure in believing it.  I think that Rachel has taken enough bashing for the past year or so without you trying to incite more bashing with your inane statements.  She had a great year when you consider the races she won, maybe not the competition, but at least the races.  The Bid won 6 G1 races at 3, Rachel 5.  The Bid won a Rachelesque type Mother Goose in an allowance win by 17 lengths.   Rachel won her Mother Goose by 19 against two hopeless and strung out opponents.  The Bid won the Kentucky Derby against a tough field and Rachel won the Kentucky Oaks against no competition.  The Bid won the Marlboro Cup in 1.46.3 beating the Belmont winner while he was at it in an invitational with only the top horses that year invited to participate.  Rachel won the Mother Goose against those same two pathetically over challenged 3 year old fillies in 1.46.1.  The Bid won the Preakness against General Assembly cantering home eased up by better than 5L In 1.54.1, where as Rachel was all out to beat MTB in 1.55.  The Bid faced top quality older horses three times, won two and lost by 3/4L in the 12F JCGC to TC winner Affirmed.  Rachel faced older horses once and struggled again Macho Again to win by a nose.  Put the Bid in rachel’s races and put Rachel in the Bids.  What do you think would happen?

If I was in anyway connected with Rachel the first thing I would do would be to issue a gag order preventing you from commentating in any way about Rachel.  All you do is pit most people against her.  In other words SHUUUUDUP.

Jayjay

See what I mean.  Once again he is all over the winner (a favorite of course) and gives us his analogy, after the fact.

mz (and Ted from LA who seems to have morphed into Bob from Boston?)

  I'm really sorry I didn't get to CD.  A major family emergency hit and I spent the end of Apr and all of May either visiting the hospital or conveying someone to rehab.  And then my computer pooped out.  As Robert Heinlein said, "if it isn't one thing, it's two things".

  I also found out how much I count on Bloodhorse to feed my addiction.  Without the computer there was NO horse info out there until the day before the Derby and the Preakness!

Jean: Binderdonedat.  Hope your family member is now out of the hospital and getting better.

Don't worry.  Ted and I met in the night/passed in the night* (potaytoe / potattoe) and considering the herds wandering Churchill Downs (most of them in an alcoholic or other haze --remember, I DID grow up in the late 60's/early 70's and how come those young whippersnappers think THEY invented alternate substances?), it would probably be better if we set up a meet at some other meet anyways.  

Not this year but next year: Saratoga?  Always wanted to go.

And Bob (and Ted and Carol and Alice): nothing wrong with celebrating war heroes, two-footed or four-footed. Of COURSE I'm a sentimenilist/sentimentalist/sentamentalist...sucker for horses.

*pictures possible in the next couple of weeks!

mz, I googled Sgt. Reckless and also found a wonderful Youtube video dedicated to her"Sgt Reckless-Korean War Hero."What an amazing horse and an incredible story AND she was a girl!!! Thanks for telling us about her. A true war hero.

As for Rachel Alexandra, she is a great horse. Her 3 year old season speaks for itself. Forget her 4 year old season. It's irrelevant. She is one incredible horse. I place her right after Zenyatta in the hierarchy but I realize some of you would place her ahead and that's fine.

Jean in Chicago,

Are you really in Chicago?  I go to the Million every year.  As for Derby, sorry to hear you were having a difficult time.  Don't worry too much, mz and I were two ships driving by each other in the afternoon.  I'll make it up to you at the Million.  Ted likes Jean and mz.

jayjay

   Some people don't know anything about the Monarchy. Zenyatta is the Queen, has been the Queen since she was born, and will always be the Queen. Long Live The Queen.

Jean In Chicago

   Glad you're back. Sorry about your ordeal. I hope all is well.

Zoo - the Melissa Venema trumpet solo was stunning...awe-inspiring. Thank you very much for posting that link.  

LAZ : I still remember asking him to post one of his famous $10 P3s, he posts one with two heavy favorites BEFORE the race and got 1 out of 3 LOL.  He never posted anything since and even funnier, he stopped talking about those pics of winning tickets.  He does his job very well as a blog clown.

Who's the Belmont winner ??  I'm kind of high on MMM right now but I can't stop looking at AK as possibly the one to beat.  I think AK will only get better as the race gets longer and I think he'll really love the deeper track at Belmont.  Now I just need to find the longshot to go with AK and MMM.  Nehro will probably take the 2nd favorite role so MMM might actually run at 9-2 or even 6-1, that's juicy for me on the win.

Laz you and jayjay proved you have no idea how to handicap.  Laz your horse is STILL running.  I will handicap a tough race to show you how it's done.  The Met Mile has Haynesfield as the favorite but he is a toss for me here.  He was very good in the past and he loves Belmont but I don't believe he is ready to take on the best yet.  I think they are looking for him to be at his best later on in the year.   Caxia was MUCH better last time out and is a threat here again but his last race was against much easier and I think he is a G2 horse at best.  Aikenite is very good and will be around the wire again but I think he is going a little further than he wants against these kind.  Tackleberry will be running on the front but I believe he is a tired horse and the pressure here will be too much.  He is a toss for me.  The horse I like for the win and upset is Tizway.  His works at Saratoga look very good and he is cutting back in distance AND is coming in 3rd off a layoff.  He has a great win at the track at the distance and looks like he will be the horse in the lead when he passes Tackleberry at the top of the stretch.  He lost to a monster last year in this race and the two who finished in front of him are not in the race.  Tizway for the win !  100 W/P Good luck.

Laz, please stop trying to pretend you bet and win.  Based on how you handicapped the 8th race you would have better luck throwing darts.  Rookie.

Love that Keertana.  What an exiting finish!

By the way.  I had 100 W/P on Bearpath for the win and he would have won easy had El Crespo not knocked him off stride in deep stretch.  He STILL almost came back for the win.  Keertana got lucky.

Zookeeper:

Yes, I was harsh with Sidney's Candy.  True, he didn't completely fold in the American; Liberian Freighter folded, and finished up the track.  By fold I was specifically refering to the final sixteenth, when Ryehill Dreamer came up to Sidney's flank.  Ryehill issed this final challenge, and Sidney let him go by.  

Yes, Sidney was still running hard, like he had the entire race.  But the really, really good ones give it that extra little something when challenged, even if they were already running hard.  And this extra effort is often visible; we see this when the leader "sticks" to the horse that appears ready to run by it, like Keertana in the Louisville.  I just don't see Sidney doing this, giving that extra, desperate effort.

But I might me wrong.  I'm making his recent losses aboout, at least partially, heart.  Maybe Sidney just isn't as much of a physical talent as some had believed?  Either way, he's lost 5 of his last 7 races, and is 1 for 4 in races determined by 1.25 lengths or less.  And in the one close race Sidney won, the San Felipe, he had opened up by 3 in midstretch before Interactif made a belated run at him to close within a half length.

As for Sadler's comments toawrds Martin Garcia, I think they are so absurd as to be laughable.  Of course Martin rode trying to beat Sidney; Sidney was the heavy favorite.  However, Martin didn't ride to beat Sidney at the exclusion of trying to beat the other horses.  

Martin rode to beat Sidney AND the other horses, and he did so following the blueprint laid out by Skipshot and Crown of Thorns.  He didn't let Sidney get out to an uncontested lead, and instead kept Liberian Freighter within a length.  The strategy made sense given Freighter is a frontrunner, so Martin wasn't asking the horse to do something he doesn't want to do.  The only difference between Skipshot and Crown of Thorns on one hand and Liberian Freighter on the other is that Freighter just didn't have the guns in the arsenal to translate the strategy into victory.  

I like Sidney's Candy, and without a dog in the photo would have liked to have seen him get the win.  But, I knew at the eighth pole, even though Sidney had a 2 length lead, that Ryehill Dreamer was going to get up.  

Sidney built his reputation beating up on a thin group of Cali 3 year olds last year.  The one really serious horse Sidney beat, Lookin at Lucky, had a disastrous trip that race.  Just imagine had Lookin at Lucky been able to get through that hole entering the stretch of the Santa Anita Derby.  Who would you have taken in a stretch duel, Lucky or Sidney?  Like stablemate Twirling Candy, Sidney has feasted on his own age group but has not been able to win a stakes outside of it(they're 0 for 5 combined).  Twirling Candy will get a chance next week in the Californian, a race he absolutely should win if he's truly the best older horse in the country, while Sidney should get another shot in the gr.1 Shoemaker.  I very much wish both the best of luck.

Memorial weekend has always been one of my favorite times for racing.  Back when I first started going to the track, the Memorial Day feature at Hollywood Park was the gr.1 Hollywood Turf Handicap(now the Charlie Whittingham).

The 1990 and 91' Hollywood Truf Handicaps were special races.  In the 90' edition, the champion Steinlen ran down the multiple gr.1 winner and world record holder Hawkster, with future Arlington Million and Japan Cup winner Golden Pheasant in 4th and past Japan Cup winner Pay the Butler 6th.  In the 91' running, the brilliant but ill-fated Exbourne ran down champion Itallgreektome to an electric stretch run, with Breeder's Cup Turf champ Prized in 3rd.

Not only was the on-track racing on Memorial Day great, but I also enjoyed getting to see the Met Mile.  The 1990 Met Mile was about as epic as a race can get, with Criminal Type nailing Housebuster on the wire while the great Easy Goer ran a lethargic 3rd.  

When I lived in Michigan I made the trip to NYC for the 2003 Met Mile. It rained absolute buckets earlier in the day, and Met Mile favorite, 5-time Gr.1 winner Congaree, clearly didn't like the mud that day.  But, with Congaree running so poorly, what turned out to be a rather unispiring result looked better by years end when the Met Mile winner, Aldebaran, was awarded the Eclipse as champion sprinter.  What is more, an undercard race, the Jaipur, featured the next year's champion sprinter, Speightstown.

Gun Bow my friend,

Sidney's Candy is returning from injury and needs a little time to round into top form.  I say he's still the best horse in California up to nine furlongs on turf or dirt.  It takes a very good horse to run those fast fractions and keep going.  In the American he got caught by a good horse, Ryehill Dreamer, that has finally come to hand and will be making his mark on turf this year.  Now that he's healthy and fitter I expect to see Sidney's Candy run up a sequence of victories.  He's so versatile in terms of racing surface that I hope they ship him to Saratoga for races like the Whitney and Woodward.

Keelerman,

In the Met Mile Tizway isn't the only horse that enjoys the Belmont surface.  The real bear on that track is Haynesfield and he's the one that they all have to beat.  He has more back class than Tizway and should be at the top of his game after his season's pipeopener when beaten last time out by Caixa Electronica. The latter could prove that he's for real in here but I'm not yet a believer so I'm tossing him out.  Tackleberry is as tough as nails and is sure to make the frame.  Having said all that, I'm picking the 'dark horse' in the race, Rodman.  He's potentially a very good horse that's been plagued by soundness issues but might be cherry-ripe to spring a surprise in here.  This is a tough race as always and only the very good ones can win it.  I think that Rodman can make a big mid race move and hang tough to the wire.  Have fun.  

Draynay : You realize no one really believes you right ?  You're down to me and Laz paying attn to you only because I find it a lot of fun making fun of you.  You have no skills at all at picking winners, you proved that many many times.  I told ya, play the Quarter horses, try it and see if you can pick a winner there.  Just cause you can't in thoroughbreds doesn't mean you can't do it in QH.  You might just have better luck.  You're not cut out to play the thoroughbred races, you just don't have it.  You can pretend all you want, imagination is free.

The Rock :  If  you're around, here's my picks for the Met Mile.  I'd love to see yours, not sure if you're going with Haynesfield or not....I'm not entirely comfortable not picking him but I figured he'd be the favorite and I'm looking for value on this race.  I'll let him beat me :

CE, SE / CE,SE,Tackleberry / CE, SE, Tackleberry, Aikenite, Ibboyee, Kensei, Haynesfield and Tizway.

Draynay:

One thing I don’t do is BS about what I bet on.  Why would I?  When I bet it isn’t to impress anyone, it’s to try and make a few bucks.  When I said I had 6 double digit horses over the weekend I did.  I also had two really long shots that finished second.  Big deal.  Nice bet on Bearpath BTW.  If I can remember correctly your original bet was Simard without any mention of Bearpath.  Since Simard was scratched you obviously had another look at the race.

I like your analogy for the Met Mile.  The only problem, at least for me, is that I already touted Tizway on another blog, so now that you’ve touted him (you probably read my blog somewhere), his chance of winning just decreased by about 50%.  What I really like about him is that he won the Kelso on the same track and at the same distance before the Breeders Cup, has never missed the board at Belmont and he appears to be sitting on a race.

However, I’ll let you keep Tizway and I’ll look elsewhere.  There should be a blistering pace up front with all this speed so I think I’ll look for a stalker.  I think that Yawanna Twist just might sit off the pace and if he does, he has a pretty good finishing kick at times and just might be the one.  He shows three consecutive 6F works and is coming in off a very sharp 3F work, all at Aqueduct.  A concern is that he has never raced at Belmont and hasn’t been working on it, but I’ll overlook that.  He also won his only start at a mile.

Just for the record, I consider this race too up and down to actually put money on.  Other than Haynesfield there are no proven G1 winners and his win was at 10F.  He has also failed miserably in his last two.  There is also too many that can show speed and too many closers that take turns out finishing each other.  Good luck on your bet.

GunBow,

I agree that "heart" is not Sidney's Candy's strong point. His main asset is brilliant speed. Racing against him puts the opposing jockeys in a quandry: if you go with him or press him, chances are your horse is going to get cooked in the process; if you let him get loose on the lead, he may get so far ahead that nobody can catch him. Garcia had no choice, Libarian Freighter is a front runner himself (not an advantage when going against Sidney). I agree with you that Garcia only did all he could to win the race, he always does.

sherpa,

Glad you enjoyed the performance. Much talent in a 13 yr. old young lady who actually looks her age. How refreshing and inspiring!

Happy Memorial Day my friends...and Jayjay too!

DRAYNAY

Have you kept up with the news regarding your hero Dutrow?

watch out for celestial kitten in the sands point. chad brown and castellano always do well together. the horse is by kittens joy and was bred by the ramseys. kittens joy has been hot lately.

the met mile im going to use soaring empire, tackleberry, tizway and haynesfield in an exacta box. good luck every one.

jayjay

There's always harness horses.

Jason and everyone else......have a great Memorial Day.

Ranagulzion;

I agree entirely regarding Rodman. Making his third start off of a lengthy layoff, I would not be surprised at all if he were to win. At 20-1 on the morning line, he could offer great value.

Haynesfield is indeed a true Belmont Park horse, and should be sharper this time around than he was in the Westchester. I respect him greatly, but feel that Tizway will be sharper.

It's going to be a great race!

-Keelerman

Congrats to Ranagulzion and Kellerman and others for touting Rodman.  Dray your quick post pushed me out of a winner, but the truth is I wouldn’t have bet that race in real time anyway.  By my calculations you made a $460 profit on the race.  The trick now is to see if it will still be in your pocket by the weekend.   I did make a few bucks by catching the ex in the Sands Point race though.  The winner was a cinch and I like to bet on longshots to be second in a race with an odds-on favorite.  Castellano riding the 4 horse cinched it for me.  

Regarding the Met Mile and the Lone Star Handicap, this just shows how pathetic the older handicap division has become.  That might be harsh criticism, but we continue to slide backwards and the rest of the racing world goes forward.  Today we get an eight year old disciple of Zenyatta, (probably watched how she did it) winning against one of the so called leaders of the division at Lone Star.  In the Met, Haynesfield showed the effect of wind burn from Zenyatta in the BCC and is zero for three in three races since.  Tizway shows that he is a Belmont horse and maybe the top miler in N/A by tying Honor and Glory’s stakes record running the Met faster than Quality Road, Ghostzapper and a ton of greats from the past.  Unfortunately he is not a 10F horse and though he is probably an early favorite for the BC Dirt Mile, the BCC is totally up in the air.

Jayjay…….I wonder if Dray will share a shrimp cocktail with us or maybe buy us a crow dinner.  One thing for certain, he sure knows his horses.

Nice work on the Met Mile Dray.  You nailed it with your bet and handicapped the hell out of it having the 1, 3 and 4 finishers in your analysis.  Well done.

Also, nice work on Rodman, Ranagulzion.

Congrats to Keelerman and yes, Draynay for picking Tizway in the Met Mile.  Tizway won as much the best.  Now, we'll see if he can translate that form outside of Belmont.

Congrats also to Keelerman and Ranagulzion for picking Rodman as the live longshot.

It was fun to see oldie but goodie Awesome Gem win the Lone Star Cap'.  Hopefully, he stays helathy and can be back out to Hollywood to defend his Gold Cup crown.

It was also fun seeing Wasted Tears win another Ouija Board.  I believe it was her first race since running 2nd out at Hollywood in the Matriarch.

Tough luck for Blod Chieftain losing the gr.3 Berkeley by a nose.

I was at Hollywood Park for Memorial Day.

The Amazombie dq was the worst dq I've ever seen in person.

Happy Memorial day to everyone and to our veterans most of all. Mike Relva, there is a part of me that feels very bad for Rick Dutrow. As far as I know he has always taken good care of his horses and the people who he works for, and some of the jockeys, feel like he is getting a "bum rap." Yes, I know he has had a huge number of drug violations. I get that. But so have many of the others too. I also feel like he has tried to clean up his act personally. I guess the bottom line for me is that I would hate to see him lose his livelyhood. He is gifted, he cares about his horses, the people he works for support him, and if he stays clean, I wish they would give him another chance. I think they should be explicit as to what they expect from him and tell him that any further drug violations means he's toast in horse racing. Then if there are further problems he can't say he was treated differently than other people and that he wasn't warned. Maybe I am wrong here, maybe I don't know the full story, but I really hope he doesn't lose his license. It's pretty much all he has.

Keelerman,

You were right about Tizway. As a big fan of Tiznow, I'm always delighted to see one of his progeny win. And what a win it was!

Kudos also to the "old warrior" Awesome Gem in the Lone Star Handicap. There's still some fight in this 8 yr. old gelding who was making his 43rd start. Imagine that!

Not thrilled with the decision to take down Amazombie in the Los Angeles Handicap. Just as in the Big Cap, Sutherland starts the problem and gets off unscathed. I didn't bet on that race so I'm not a sour-grape. I was rooting for Cost of Freedom though. His name is so appropriate to this Holiday and I guess I have a soft spot for the "old guys". :)

    This is great.  I've been away for a while and come back to see some things don't change a bit, lol.  Dray still posting his "expert" opinions and everyone else still bashing him.  Jason and Dray still bashing Zenyatta and everyone telling them their wrong.  Only thing different is this KY VET.  I had no idea Dray had a twin sibling.  I guess it could be his alter ego, doesn't alter mean different?  They sure sound the same to me.

    Anyway, I've always like Mucho Macho Man and still think he will win some big races before his time is over, but is it me or does all the excuses he seems to have remind anyone else of Dollar Bill?

    As rapidly as he's improving, Nehro is a horse that might carry the banner as the top handicap horse this year.  But if he wins the Belmont, he may never race again.  Injury or not, Zayat has a tendency to retire horses early if they have any potential value at stud and Nehro would have just that with a Classic win under his belt and his pedigree.

    Finally, with the retirement of good ol' Brass Hat, it was good to see another ageless horse like  Awesome Gem take a GIII today.  Even if you don't wager a single dollar on him, you have to root for an old horse like him.

Had to work memorial day but hope everyone else had a great memorial day!  And that includes you Jason.  Please say thanks to your Grandpa, for serving in the Philippines, where I'm from.  I've always thought those guys gave up their lives travelling to save an unknown country, I can't comprehend that, and I don't know if I'm capable of doing that.  Thanks again.

Draynay : Normally I would say that you picked the favorite again but I can't this time, you picked Tizway way before he ran as a favorite.  I hope your $100 WP bet got you closer to being even this year, at least then you can really go shopping lol.

The only reason I didn't pick Tizway was because I was sure your curse to doom the horse but it was his day and he won impressively.  Your curse cost me the P4 so you can celebrate lol.  I had 4 horses in the MMile and didn't put Tizway in there.

The kudos really goes to those who picked Rodman.  I wasn't going to hit the MMile regardless of who came in 2nd, 3rd or 4th because I never played Tizway in any of my tickets at all.  Hope some of you hit the exacta, tri and super!  That was some juicy price on that 3 horse.

Belmont :  I'll have to see how Nehro looks now, I'm not going to play that "curse" thing with Draynay anymore.  If Nehro looks good on Belmont day, I'll play him.  I'm still on MMM and AK at this time.

2:24,

I made the comment about Blame standing in Japan in ten years. You want to compare Blame with Sunday Silence ? I'm not buyin it and. Blame did not win 2/3rds of the Triple Crown. THAT makes no sense. There is no comparison.

Claiborne has been known to sell stallions that are not producing winning offspring. Case in point, Spectacular Bid. Thankfully, he did not end up in Japan, but rather New York.

The Japanese breeders are producing some very nice horses these days, as you pointed out by mentioning Sunday Silence as a leading influence on their bloodlines. God knows they have boat loads of bucks with which to purchase bloodstock. I'm sure Blame will be very well received when he gets there.  

Giving the devil his due, Draynay posted on May 27, before the race,  "Tizway at the wire and Winter Memories rolls on." Posted 27 May 5:03 PM. Draynay was correct on these 2 and i wanted to acknowledge him. For a change his picks did not doom the horses!

However, reserving the right to disagree with Draynay, i say his statement

"Keertana got lucky" is laughable.

She won. What is it about mares and fillies who win, only did so barely, or by a whisker or a nose? A win is a win. She won, and what made it distasteful for Draynay is he had Bearpath. Take it out on your betting, not the horse who beat your choice. That race was the most exciting one i watched for 4 days.

Criminal Type - did you read my post.  In no way did I compare Blame's achievements on the race track with Sunday Silence's achievements.  I think Sunday Silence is an all-time legend, a deserving HOF horse.  I rate Blame as a nice horse, a horse that deserved to win Horse of the Year, but certainly not an all-time great.  My comment was in response to your comment that was meant to degrade Blame because you believe he would be standing in Japan or elsewhere.  That was clearly your intention.  And my response was meant to say "does the fact that Sunday Silence stood in Japan have anything at all to do with his on track accomplishments?"  The answer is no.

As for breeding, I will still take that bet about Claiborne sticking with Blame.  Blame brings soundness and stamina to the breed and I think Claiborne is one of the few operations that understands that.  And if they fall for the same thing as other American breeders and export Blame because his 2 year olds don't win first time out or don't run 9 seconds at auctions then so be it.  Japan will get one hell of a horse.

I don't know if Blame will be standing in Japan in ten years or not, but Claiborne did sell Forty Niner to Japan in the nineties. I remember it being a controversial decision at the time. I believe he had been a champion freshman sire for them.

Congratulations to Wasted Tears on her third Ouija Board win at Lone Star!

Linda, I will just say this.  Bearpath was the best horse that day and getting swiped badly in deep stretch saved the race for her.  Our table I believe changed Tizway's odds.  We all liked Winter Memories so we all put down big DD bets with her and Tizway.  We were shocked to see we would be getting 16.00 bucks back for every 2. I took a picture of our win tickets but I did not take a picture of how many we had.  And we had a LOT.  The race went off as expected and Tizway was much the best. Our table hit the super for a dollar and we split it 5 ways.  A wonderful day at the track Summer here we come.

Had Tacklebarry but he faded thinking a horse for the course with gulfstream..

However on a good note I hit the pick 3 so I broke even..

Somebody that goes by DiscreetCat spent a ton of time explaining why Naples Bay was going to win the Sands.  I guess he believed she was good because she won a Maiden race and a cheap 50k Optional Claiming race.  He told me Winter Memories wasn't that good and her last time was slow.  This guy actually charges for his advice !  All year long as Winter Memories wins again and again I am going to remind this guy he has no business charging anyone for his terrible handicapping.  Does anyone know where Winter Memories will be going next ?

 Off topic I know so I apologize in advance.  If the picture I saw in the Bloodhorse was any indication Nehro ran second again in his six furlong workout the other day.  For all the buzz he gets at some point he's going to need to put another horse away.  Just saying.  He is a real nice colt and I with he was mine.

Hmmm,

Dray picked some winners???---I truly hope he cashed well---seriously

If people actually took note and actually bet the Dray's picks I hope they put money in their pockets as well.

No knocks or slighting him when he picks ONE HORSE in a race rather than 6 and he pays $8

My own thought is I am quite confident in my own handicapping and if I am not betting another horse I hope whomever wins. I make my imaginary odds line and if a horse I like is -5-2 and I peg him @ 4-5 I double or triple my bet and might not bet in the reverse. I cashed a $200 win bet on Sunday @ Louisiana Downs on a horse I liked and thought would be value @ 3-1 or better--- "only" because I wasn't able to cancel the ticket in time---A 2 minutes to post my pick was 4-1 earlier when I bet @5 minutes to post he was 7-1 and good value so double my original thought of a $100 bet--- somebody bet late and his off odds were 9-5 on the last two flashes from 7-2. I was in line trying to cancel when they started the race. Sometimes you win in spite of yourself. For realism sake I dropped $350 in the previous visit---I hardly profess to win all the time. I always tell my wife I only have to win 1 of 3 to show good profit the way I bet.

I bet 5 horses all day 3 won $7.40 (fair bet), $10 (small-$25w and exotics which I hit $209 tri 1/2) and $5.80 ($200 win as mentioned) my 16-1 (small-$10-10 and exotics for a $12 key) ran a well beaten 3rd and the other was a chalk exactor box ($75/25 in reverse) top heavy the longer way that ran 1-3 (Ran longer way---Chorus Music was trapped on the rail and couldn't grab 2nd)---I don't always pick bombs a $16.00 exactor is the same as a 7-1 shot. Of course I wouldn't tell anyone to bet them. The odds board was giving them to you, you didn't need me.

One other thought---if I think a heavy favorite is going to win--it is my thinking that most can pick a obvious chalk and don't need my thoughts on that race. I never tout a horse that won't pay $8 or more and I did "once" on these blogs and immediately "apologized" when he lost. "Thats where" Dray, I and others differ. I don't boast about having chalk win. Dray actually picked a $8 horse so let him have his (deserved)glory. The other mare--who didn't have her?

Lazmannick, Gunbow, & Zookeeper;

Thank you all for the congratulations!

Zookeeper;

I too was cheering for Cost of Freedom. He tired a bit at the finish, but he wasn't too badly beaten. It's beginning to look as though the distance at which he is truly best is five furlongs, even though his sheer brilliance and class can carry him further at times. I'm sure that we'll see him in the winner's circle again soon!

I've always been fond of old geldings who head to the starting gate time after time, year after year. I've found that these horses are everywhere at little tracks such as Beulah Park or River Downs. There is one horse I follow named Quick American, an eleven-year-old gelding who has made 102 starts since his first in March 2003. He's still competitive in claiming races, and has finished in the top three in four of his eight starts this year, including a sharp victory in early March.

Then there is an amazing horse named Rapid Redux, a five-year-old gelding who has made 32 starts. What is amazing about him is not his age, but the fact that he has won twelve straight races and is 10-for-10 this year. He has been racing every couple of weeks and just dominates his opponents. If he stays healthy, it's possible that he could break the 19-race winning streak held by Zenyatta and Pepper's Pride. That would be amazing!

-Keelerman

Love Amazombie but is Mike Smith the right jockey for him?  There is/was another...

On May 12, 1936, jockey Ralph Neves was involved in a racing accident at Bay Meadows and was pronounced dead. He was later revived at the morgue and returned to the racetrack the same day. He was ordered to sit out the remainder of the racing card and so missed a 1/2 day of work because of his "death."

The dead/undead Ralph Neves and Amazombie = a deadly duo.

(Thanks to the NTRA for the racing history.)

Great to see the old man Awesome Gem win the Lone Star Handicap! To think that this was one of the weaker horses Zenyatta beat and he's a Hollywood Gold Cup winner! Competition-wise, few stack up! She may be the most underrated racehorse of all time! In 30 years we may never see another with even half her talent. It was good to hear that the queen of racing is finally in foal!

John from Seattle – Here is a trivia question for you, Which filly or mare in the last 10 years has multiple Grade 1 wins against males. And also, which California synthetic  specialist skipped the running in the synthetic run $10 million dollar world cup to run in the $150k Santa Margarita.  Which mare skipped or ducked the 2009 Woodward open to all comers, the $1million Santa Anita Derby 08-09-2010, Hollywood Gold Cup 08-09-2010, Pacific Classic 08-09-2010, Goodwood 08-09-2010, personal Ensign 08-09-2010, Beldame 08-09-2010.  Why would it be, could it be the best horse running in California, No Richard’s Kid contested many of these races and won 3. Where was Zenyatta, still wading in the Kiddie pool ehh.

How about we start a list of the most over hyped horses that have run in the past few years.

1. Zenyatta

2. Twirling Candy

3. Sidney’s Candy

4. Brother Derek

5. Stardom Bound

Do you see a pattern of West Coast horses not showing up on the biggest day. lol

Isnt overrated and over hyped the same as 20 starts 1 synthetic win against males & 1 loss against males on dirt (0% winning percentage on dirt), compared to 19 starts and 3 wins against males, or 3 starts in the US and 3 wins against males.

Isnt overrated having to list the Vanity as one of a horse’s top 5 career wins, lol

Im with you Zoo Awesome Gem Rules.

My pal Tackleberry needs to go home to Fl maybe Calder. He is a FL star and Fl form is not translating well up North this year Spring.

Im glad for Tizway and his supporters that he seems to be finally coming into his own in NY - good on him...

To Criminal Type regarding Blame and Japan:

If Blame goes to Japan and has fertility problems heaven help him; remember their disposal of  Ferdinand.

A very classy owner, Penny Chennery, of Secretariat fame, no longer keeps any horses at Claiborne. She boards her horses at Calumet. That speaks volumes of her opinion on the matter.

Pat Chapman, owner of Smarty Jones, won't even permit Smarty to visit Japan.

And why would anyone expose their animal to possible harm by radiation due to leaking nuclear power plants?

Stevebiscuit, you are so right and yes, it is wonderful Zenyatta is in foal. It is rare for a superhorse to pass on superhorse genes to their foal, but I would love to see it happen here. Then we could continue to drive Draynay, Jason and Afleet Alex nuts for another 3-6 years.

This not to excuse or defend what happened to Ferdinand:

In our country we resort to rendition, allowing the transportation of unwanted horses across our two borders, to meet the same fate Ferdinand suffered in Japan and Exceller in Sweden.

War Emblem was sold to Japan and experienced great difficulty breeding. His new owners spent years trying to solve the problem and last I heard, he was doing a little better but would still be trying the patience of most breeders (here or abroad).

We cannot paint everybody with the same broad brush and we should solve our own problems before we point the finger at some other nation.

I agree with 2:24 as far as Blame is concerned in that: if lost to some foreign country, our breeding industry would suffer greatly because not only was he an excellent race horse but he carries greatly needed soundness and stamina in his genes. So I wish him much success at stud here, in this country.

Speaking of great genes, where is the concern about Victory Gallop at stud in Turkey, enriching their breeding operations with his Belmont winning stamina?

OK, I'm off my soapbox now...

OK, time for me to weigh in again with my usual adult comments:

TerriZ: you were making a point (which some of us can disagree with -- and do) about all Japanese horse owners being bad for "our" horses.  Fine.  

But your last sentence about exposing horses to leaking nuclear power plants is, in my respectful opinion, just plain dumb.

Following your logic, you must then, of course, also question how anyone could expose their animals to tornadoes, hurricanes, the San Andreas Fault and Republicans (sorry, couldn't resist -- everyone just fill in your own horrific entity here).

The Japanese people as a whole did not choose to cause the on-going problems with their plants.  They had an earthquake. You don't kick suffering people when they're down.

Now as to the main point, I believe this all started because someone wanted to diss Blame and thought that the worst thing they could say about him is that he might never make a good sire and would therefore be sent far, far away to some "lesser market".

Yeah.  The "lesser market" with Northern Taste, Sunday Silence, Deep Impact, and a host of recent runners who just happened to give the world some kick-ass results in Dubai, Europe and Australia.

(where is a sarcastic emoticon when you need it?)

And just for the record, TerriZ and I are not related, even though we both have the same last name (pronounced "zed").

Rant over (for now -- I'm always up for a good rant)

Sniper1 you talk a good game like Laz and Jayjay but when they tried to show their handicapping skills they failed just like you will I'm sure.  This Saturday 8th race at Belmont give us the winner and WHY you are picking the horse.  Show us all just how much you know.

AfleetAlexforever, please stop it.  There is no way fans of the California State poly champion can handle all those facts.  They live in a dream world that some mare who is 0 for 1 on dirt vs. males is some super horse.  Laughable.

Goldikova to take on Canford Cliffs.  That is why Goldi is the greatest mare of her time.  She takes on the very best colts again and again. ( and wins )

2:24, Laz, Gun Bow,

Congrats acknowledged re: spotting Rodman's surprise performance at odds of 36/1 in the Met Mile.  If he remains sound, he's sure to make some noise at Saratoga later on.

AfleetAlexForever,

Will you give Zenyatta a break for heaven's sake?  That ship has sailed my friend.  Next time we will be issuing a cease and desist order and we may have to call in Coldfacts and Ted from La to enforce it.  Seriously, enough!!!

AAF : You're trying so hard man, get over it LOL.  You wasted blog space trying to bash Zenyatta and it has gotten you nowhere.

Draynay : Regarding your post about DiscreetCat, at least now you know how most of us feel LOL.

Keelerman,

Loved to read the info on some of the "great old geldings".

Go Rapid Redux and take care!!!

AAF, Congratulations.You are well on your way to nabbing the HOY(Hater Of the Year)award.You better hope the reigning Champ Draynay doesn't get any of those "sympathy" votes, while the new up-and-coming Hater Nation prospect JasonS. tries to make a name for himself.    

Draynay

I'm still waiting for my shrimp cocktail.  If you can't afford it I'll buy you one from my winnings on the Winter Memories Ex (my $50 ex wasn't bad actually. A $695 profit).  Of course none of us won $1500 on the super on the Met Mile like you but at least we're trying.

Regarding the 8th at Belmont this Saturday, do you already know who the favorite is?

Gee Dray I even finally gave you credit and you attack---OK Einstein (real smooth ex-lax)

First as a "true gambler" I pick my spots I don't care if it is the 4th at Finger Lakes or 7th at Lone Star. I rarely bet Synthetic. All comments made in previous posts.

Also mentioned I am a weekend warrior and grab a form might watch a race or two after leaving work on Friday. I THEN pick my spots for Saturday after my boy goes to sleep. I now am married have a 4 yr old.  I lived and breathed the industry for 40 plus years in about every function and job there was in racing--- which may I add led to my present position out of racing. An opportunity I was blessed to get.

You give a  M$25 claimer to pick---"to be a sport I will take a challenge"--- but--- since forms don't come out to Friday here and I will be on a plane tomorrow I will "try" to give a selection if I think of it since I will have my Laptop but you may just keep in mind if I don't this week or next (will be in Denver--- as mentioned-I have a non racing industry job now) I would love a challenge (If you have Jason's private email he might tell you how much? Of course that is up to him since it was never posted and he was right not to)

What if I asked you to pick the 5th @ Balmoral since I will be in Chicago on business and again I don't bet Synthetic and have already visited Arlington a few in my horse business days with with a few I bought to race. (note won with 2 of 3 I went with for a trainer on one day the other ran second) I have never been to Balmoral and try to add tracks where ever I go even if harness. Ky Downs will be another I visit this year because I have never been, only ones of note I have never gone to and still desire are Emerald and Del Mar.

IF YOU HAD READ ANY BUT YOUR OWN MUSINGS ---early in the discussion I mentioned Shackleford right after the Derby and latter as my bet. (Before the race and posted day before again). I also noted I missed the tri only had a $20 Double and $5 exactor--The amounts I post are real not inflated for effect. I would never post or suggest a selection to some one if not betting real money on the same. It has been noted you change horses depending on which blog you post. Not Me.

Draynay

I find it amusing that you consider Zen a poly champ when Rachel is an undefeated SPRINT POLY CHAMP herself, having won her only race on synthetics at Keeneland and in good time, in 1.09.3.  In fact, Hal Wiggins told Jason in an interview that if he still had her she probably would have run in the Breeders Cup because of her ability on synthetics, but it would have been the Distaff.  I guess the waters were too deep where Zen was treading.

PS 2pm and I tried to get the trackmaster program or DRF site just to answer your challenge but it isn't available for Saturday yet

I if can't get it and you posted at 1 AM or 13hrs before the time I can't download are you picking blind?????????????

Figures from your posts and win %

That of course  that also figures because they are maiden claimers and you may like to keep with your own kind.

AAF

Your game is way old,you're limited. No one cares about your comments.

Geez Laz its nice to talk to you again.  After reading all that garbage Sniper1 posted its nice to talk to someone who isn't completely full of it.  I don't know who the favorite is yet in the 8th race Saturday but I believe I have a pretty good handle on it.  Would you like to try again since Sniper1 has decided to run and hide ?  Give us the winner and why and maybe you can redeem yourself from your last pick.

Sniper1, I meet people like you all the time.  Ask them a very simple question like who will win and why and suddenly they talk about everything but the race.  There are a lot of people that handicap races and many have been doing it a long time but based on the FACT that after each race so few cash tickets I can come to no other conclusion that most are doing it WRONG.  

Draynay : You hit a 100 W/P bet on a 3-1 horse.  What's that 300.00 on the win?  You take out the 100 W/P bet you put on bearpath and where does that leave you ?  You can't even make a decent profit on a 3-1.  I guess making a pick on a 3-1 horse made you think you're have skills handicapping and now you're back to taking pics of winning tickets.  The "table" won DDs LOL.

Let's see you put down your future picks again, let's see you go on a roll with your blazing hot handicapping.  Someone mentioned before, if you ever pick a winner this year, it will be a fluke.  How about you show 'em you're not a fluke ??  Keep posting your picks and show us how it's done.  Otherwise, we'll start believing it is a FLUKE and as you have stated many many times, remember MTB?? LOL

LAZ :  For the poly champ, she sure scared the hell out of the "best" horses out there.  

Speaking of over-hyped horses, what about that "beast" of the east last year ?

Carlos in Cali

LMAO!

Actually Laz as has been explained many times Rachel was asked to do things Zenyatta never was, like run early and often in the year.  Remember the 09 started in Feb for Raitch and at the end of May for the Pro-ride Cali state champion Zenyatta.  Then she was asked to run against boys off 2 weeks rest when Zenyatta needed 6 weeks rest after most races, tired from running down horses exiting optional claiming races in California’s ever so deep Filly and Mare restricted division of racing. Scared to face Misremembered and Awesome Gem, and Rail Trip, remember Moss said we’re scared to climb the highest mountain just yet. Only once per year man, running against males would be asking to much of her, or running while its sprinkling at Churchill is too much she would get distracted, or running in the top races in California isn’t fair to ask her because she is the people’s horse and she doesn’t have to prove it on the track, its just what people feel in their hearts and minds that matters.   Remember 8.5f was her best distance she ran in 8.5f races 11 of 20 times even skipping what Moss termed their target races 9f Grade 1’s, well the Goodwood fit the bill, why keep playing In the kiddy pool, well Richard’s Kid was there and what is a gurl to do but go over there and defeat Switch the 3 year old sprinter, it added more to Zenyatta’s legacy and HOF credentials to beat switch than Rail trip and richard’s Kid, who knew, and then along came BLAME, much the best on BC day, Gomez barely went to the stick on Blame that day, while Mike Smith was into Zen looking for those imaginary extra gear. If you can’t beat Blame, you can’t be mentioned with greats like Personal Ensign and Rachel who never lost to a male racehorse.  I’m Just Saying.

How about this laz, maybe had Zenyatta run a different schedule than June –Nov then it would be easier for us to listen to you criticize Rachel.  But until you bring her back out of retirement, here are the final scores.

HOY vote head to head: Rachel 1 Zenyatta 0

Defeating males Rachel 3 Zenyatta 1

Defeating males on dirt Rachel 3 Zenyatta 0

10f Race record on dirt Rachel 0-1 Zenyatta 0-1

Running in Races of national significance during the calendar year. Rachel 4 Zenyatta 1

hmmmmmmmmm

AfleetAlexForever:

Before trying to "bring it" with your anti-West arguments, how about you do some research and get your facts straight?

So, Zenyatta and Stardom Bound didn't bring it in the biggest races?  What is your definition of a big race?  The Breeder's Cup races are not big races?  

The biggest race Stardom Bound ever ran in was the 09' Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies.  SHE WON.  In fact, Stardom Bound won 5 gr.1 races, a total that puts her among the elite gr.1 winners of the last 11 years.  She's simply a case of a really good 2 year old that didn't get better with age.

Then there is Zenyatta.  The 3 biggest races she ran in were the 08' BC Ladies Classic, 09' BC Classic, and 10' BC Classic.  SHE WON 2 of them and lost the other by a head.  Yep, she sure didn't show up.  And, Zenyatta was in the starting gate for what should have been the $5 million Apple Blossom last year, but Team Rachel pulled out of their scheduled appearance because they knew Rachel was not close to being where she needed to be to run with Zenyatta.  This, even though Rachel was physically sound, and would run the following month.  

I think Team Zenyatta could have been more innovative in their scheduling, especially in 2010, but the FACT is she was in the starting gate for the biggest races of 08', 09, and 2010.  She ran in the 08' Ladies Classic, she then jumped up to run in the 09' BC Classic against males, made her scheduled appearance in what SHOULD have been the showdown we all had been waiting for against Rachel in the 10' Apple Blossom, and then again faced the males in the 10' BC Classic.  

In the last 2 years there were two $5 million races in North America, the richest races on the continent, and Zenyatta RAN IN BOTH! There would have been a 3rd $5 Million race, the Apple Blossom, but it was Rachel, not Zenyatta, that didn't show.  

Rachel was arguably the greatest 3 year old filly ever, but you can't bash Zenyatta and praise Rachel for showing up in the biggest races when it was Rachel that didn't run in the 09' Breeder's Cup(synthetics not an excuse given she had won on synthetics), the 10' Apple Blossom, and 10' Breeder's Cup.

As for Brother Derek, he was never really that good and did beat what was inferior competiton, AT THE TIME, in California.  He ran ok in the Derby(4th), Preakness(4th), and BC Classic(5th) when facing better.  

I agree that Twirling Candy and Sidney's Candy have been overhyped.

Draynay

I'm thinking about it but I'm also thinking about another race or two, if you are up to it of course.

Right now I'm dining on Alaskan Crab and am thinking about going to may favorite restaurant to dine on Italian White Alba truffles.  They’re expensive, but I can afford it.  I still have a ton of Animal Kingdom money to spend.  In fact, I might even take another trip to the Caribbean after the Belmont.   MMMM.  These truffles are delicious.

Alex

I'm snoring.

jayjay, unlike you I have PICTURES of some of my winning tickets.  I send a few to Jason ALL THE TIME.  Including one of my 100 dollar win tickets on Tizway and one of my 100 dollar DD on Winter/Tizway. Now play nice and help Laz and maybe you too can do better than you did last time.  The 8th race Saturday at Belmont.  On your mark, get set, HANDICAP.  Let me know when you send Jason a single win ticket of any kind.

I'll correct myself before one numerical error distracts from my point.

Stardom Bound's biggest race was the 08' BC Juvy Fillies, not 09'.  She won.

Gunbow, please stop it.  The State Restricted Poly Champion didn't even run in the toughest races in her state.  The one time she faced top talent on dirt she lost.  She was a poly horse face facts.

Jason, the older mare/filly division is loaded this year. Havre De Grace has established herself as the best and Awesome Maria displaying she's one to reckon with as well. Blind Luck is not in their league this year. Oh yeah, all you Zenyatta fans....GET OVER IT!  I always said once they shipped her to the East Coast and put her in a legitimate grade 1 field against either gender she would lose.  I was right.  Move on.  The 2010 Farce of the Year!  

Afleetalexforever.  Here we go again with your selective memory.

The west fails to show up for the big one.

Blind Luck flies into Albany from Ontario CA, takes a fifteen hour van ride to Saratoga and beats the best 3 year old filly in training (Devil May Care) on her home track at 1 1/4.

I Want Revenge falls out of the gate at Aqueduct and takes the Wood by how many lengths?

It's your turn.  You want to talk about Curlin's loss and synthetics?  RA had too difficult an early season and her battles with Mine that Bird and Macho to make it to Oaklawn?  How about the world beating filly that was so rank that ran off by 20 lengths in the BC Distaff at Santa Anita.  Nice.  Quality Road summers at the Spa.  For what?  To end up getting in Zenyatta's way?  

Your East vs. West argument is weak.  

I am sorry, I forgot that the Breeders Cup races were the only races run in the United States, or maybe they are the only ones that matter, is it true that you are to duck all serious competition in an attempt to get to the BC with a horse that is fit and much more rested than the rest who have had to run challenging campaigns.  Respect the connections if you may but you can’t have it both ways, If Zenyatta can scratch out of facing Nashoba’s Key, out of the Louisville due to light sprinkling and not contest any of the top races in the US other than the BC, let me not stand in the way of the Coward Moss Klan for doing what they feel is “best for their horse”.  Jess Jackson being a sportsman recognized with Curlin and Rachel that Championships are won throughout the calendar year, therefore his 3 HOY trophy mantle.  My opinion is that the mare is over rated because she couldn’t find form enough to be fit to run in top competition more than once per year.  Fact is her schedule agrees with me, have all the respect you want for her connections for ducking races that they felt would be too much for their horse.  Rachel was put in tough during a campaign in 2009 that Zenyatta’s people wouldn’t have ever thought to put her through.  Why because she couldn’t handle it.  As for the statement about my Anti-West argument, I go back to Sunday Silence – Lava Man, Nashoba’s Key, Zensational, Lookin At Lucky and many others that I’ve enjoyed and rooted on to victory.  I have no issue with Cali or its horses or connections the problem I have is when a horse out there wins a 1 mile race in a good time he’s all of a sudden the top older horse running – misremembered, or wins a 9f race in a good time he’s the top horse in the world – Twirling Candy, or wins a grass race in a good time at a mile he’s the top grass horse in the world and is going to run Goldikova out of the US – Sidney’s Candy, or she is the best horse to run in 30 years, just she doesn’t have to win races on a consistent basis that back up the claim, its ok if she is just the people’s horse in their hearts and she can waltz through defeating horses that went what was that 29-1-1-2- that win being by a sprinter a 3 year old at that.  Little known fact, Most horse of the year winners usually win at least 1 open division race, and don’t mettle or play in the kiddy pool or lose to horses by the name of Blame in the biggest races of their lives.  When tested in earnest, Rachel came thru gang busters, no horse Let me repeat what was said: No horse could have withstood what they threw at Rachel.  Rachel set the bar, Zenyatta and her connections walked under it.  There is nothing wrong with West Coast racing except those horses find out when they come out they are not as good as publicized.  Ask Sidney’s Candy what Goldikova’s Butt Looks like.

Afleetalexforever.

Thanks for you "Over Hyped" list.  How about an "Under hyped" list since you obviously spent the last 3 years trying to beat Zenyatta and have lost some money.  Sorry Ginger Punch lost despite what Jason said would happen. It's racing. Get over it.

1.  Draynay's favorite:  Dakota Phone's BC Dirt Mile.  

2.  The Usual QT.  Not too far off Goldikova in the BC Turf Mile, who continues to dominate males.

3.  Un Zip Me.  Right after Goldi and Zenyatta, the best performance by a filly against the boys in the BC Turf Sprint.  

AAF

Your comments are not worth arguing about especially since I have continuously kicked your butt on other blogs.  What I find strange is that you continuously try to pass yourself off as a journalist of some type and yet you take greater pleasure in bashing horses instead of looking for a reason to praise them.  Now you not only confine this to horses, but to owners, trainers and even racing jurisdictions as well.

Here’s something for you.  I find that a horse that loses a race at five cents to the dollar and another at 20 cents to the dollar and another race at 45 cents to the dollar, and this in a five race period, to be over rated.  I find that with all the hype that a certain wonder horse had, that for him to lose a Travers as the favorite, a JCGC as a close second favorite, a Whitney as a 1 -2 favorite and finish last as highly regarded participant in a BCC to be slightly over rated.   But only you would try to call a horse that won 19 out of 20 races, a lifetime 95% win average, and a filly that won five consecutive G1’s, to be over rated.

Dray--1)-Ask Jason in secret my challenge on the side that didn't get posted.

2) Who makes you "Blog God" to pick the race of the challenge? Last I looked it was Jason's blog and he picked the topics. Why not let him make the challenge races and open them up???? (hopefully when I am not in a strange city on my company's expense) Not that I wasn't trying to meet your challenge even if I am in transit tomorrow 700 miles from home---YOU HAVEN'T ANSWERED MY CHALLENGES TWICE-cluck cluck-cluck

Nor did you even post last time "you" challenged someone else---"That's a great contest"--- telling the other person pick this race --then he lost and not making your pick known--Sure-

--- Heads I win, tales you lose---like I said smooooooth ex-lax

And if I could have got a trackmaster program or downloaded a DRF I would have humored you--- A FORM OR PROGRAM 3 DAYS EARLY when you made the challenge which means you are betting somewhat blind-when only overnights are drawn unless you are the printer.

What track do you go to? I travel for my company all over.  I would love a shot at booking your money. Maybe you could take pic's and post them you giving me your cash as I book your action.

PS if ever anyone needed proof of your incompetence--------------------- it is the stupid stupid stupid comment-------- of taking pics and posting your winning tickets "absolutely proves" you have no fear of the IRS which means "you don't win enough for them to care"--

The IRS came after me for track winnings not reported and tried to get $28K out of me for 2005 track winnings-ONLY A MORON WOULD POST WINNING TICKETS of any serious value. They put me and my accountant through 10 hours of grilling----NOT FUN!

Let's see what you know without looking them up horse/gambling terms. 1-9 odds Dray will cheat or not know more than 3 of 10

What is

1) acey duecy?

2) a cross?

3) Round Robin?

4) An in 10 if 20 in reverse? Hint its a bet

5) oscelots?

6) Describe a run out bit

7) Carry Back- What was different about him than most Derby Winners or great horses---don't cheat

8) Who was leading rider in wins last year---hint is wasn't Russel but don't cheat

9)Name a Lucas horse that went on to be a great sire?

10) Trick question---How many winners had Jason picked on his blog since Blame?

Answers after there posted by Dray or who ever wants to try---there are only 2 tough 2 trick questions there. The trick questions are easy.

When I think it's finally run its course... it starts all over again!GRRRR!!!

AAF

How come trainers and many writers don't share your twisted viewpoint about Zenyatta? You continue to call connections "cowards". You know what that word is about from experience.

The more you respond, the more legitimate they feel.

AAF

Regarding West Coast horses,what about Plum Pretty? You need to a find hobby like repeating six grade or something. Zenyatta/RA are no longer racing.

Draynay:

I was 5x more upset with Amazombie being dq'd in the LA Cap than with Zenyatta losing the 2010 Classic.  

Zenyatta ran a fantastic race, better than I expected, but Blame was just a little better on the day, as I predicted(on this blog, before the race).  

Amazombie, on the other hand, was the best horse, displayed great courage and determination, didn't cost another horse a placing, but had victory in what would have been his 4th stakes of the year taken away by 3 humans.

Great title on this article, Jason.  That seems to be the million dollar question, just where are they?  We need stars who can show consistency and those back-to-back wins.  What?  Oh no, Jason not at Belmont?  Not excited?  C'mon Jason we need you there or I'll be scratching my head standing at the rail thinking, "Where are all the star writers?!"  The two chestnuts have gotten me, I love them now, AK and Shack.  Maybe we'll get the battle of the chestnuts again like in the Preakness.  It will be interesting to see if Shack can sustain his run on the long, sweeping oval that is Belmont.  And I can't wait to see this world traveler Master of Hounds.  And I gotta see "Muchos Zapatos" (MMM) who is just adorable.  I am getting really excited, hopefully it is contagious.............

How can Rachel Alexandra be the best 3-year-old ever if she never raced at 10 furlongs?? Only a little girl would say something like that. The big 3-year-old races are the Ky Derby and Travers, then they step up to the BC Classic. Rachel didn't even attempt to win any of those races because she had no chance to. She wasn't even the best 3-year-old of 2009. Summer Bird was. Everyone knows that, except little girls.

this is so much fun. Please keep talking about this. It accomplishes so much meaningful dialogue that I am just overwhelmed by the knowledge and history of these two mares.

Sniper

1) acey duecy? Playing blackjack when you double down, get an ace, and drop a duece?

2) a cross? many things, a right cross in boxing, the one you wear on your neck, or the one a jockey throws on his horse

3) Round Robin? tennis anyone?

4) An in 10 if 20 in reverse? Hint its a bet! Hint, who cares?

5) oscelots? Angry Birds?

6) Describe a run out bit.

Add CH, you have an old evicted hooker

7) Carry Back- What was different about him than most Derby Winners or great horses---don't cheat He ran 21 times as a 2yo?

8) Who was leading rider in wins last year---hint is wasn't Russel but don't cheat Everyone knows Deshauwn Parker bro, really?

9)Name a Lucas horse that went on to be a great sire? Trick Question. There are NONE.

10) Trick question---How many winners had Jason picked on his blog since Blame? Jason does not care, he is playing with Jayjay's money.

JJW, Rachel Whooped Summer Bird! Thanks for coming out and making yourself look foolish. Good Day

Lol. Thanks Billy.  You must of had 5 minutes you were willing to kill.  Although the Acey Duecy I am sure he was talking about was the card game we played when I was 9 in New Jersey.  Backgammon?  I was once a top ranked Jr. player.  Even now I can't find anyone willing to play me.

Any update on MacClean's Music next start? Could become a major player if his maiden race was not a fluke.

Billy :  If you read the context of JJW's post, he was talking about at 10F.  Understanding the post isn't rocket science.  Thanks for playing.

Draynay : We all know you rank.  Also, where's your Belmont 8th picks and analysis ??  For someone who reads the form, and relies on the Beyer formula, you're 0 for many this year.  Let's see them great analysis of your picks.  Stop posting crap after the race, to borrow a line from your fan, it makes you look foolish.

Billy pretty good answers--noticed Dray passed---AGAIN! I guess his challenge or none.

To finish your pretty good answers

Acey Duecy is when a rider has one stirrup lower than the other

Oscelots are a deposits on the horses leg--I have two racehorses with them that ran well with them--it is also a kind of cat

10-if 20 is a bet the if both win gives you 30 on each--Round is a bet to maximize winning if you pick 3 winners somewhat like a parlay but not exactly---rounds, if comes, teasers et are bets you can make with bookies to entice you. Worked for a bookie when I went back to University to have an income answering the phones (horrors and also with Harness horses because that was the only racing where I went to school)

D.Parker --you would be surprised how many (so called) fans of the game would miss that (Dray)

As for Lucas ---with so many royally bred horses with great racetrack form always left me suspicious why (Capote was probably the best sire-up for debate) they didn't do well in the breeding shed. I am reasonably well versed in breeding. Maybe their testicles shrunk???? No facts, just??????

Add one of my CA favorites to the "Under Estimated" list.

Well Armed.  

A Lukas trained horse that has gone on to be a good sire (maybe not great) would be Dynaformer, in my opinion. Thunder Gulch has not done badly either. Capote died in 2007 at the age of 23, and had 62SW. Dynaformer, at age 24 in 2009, had reached 100SW. Thunder Gulch, now age 19, has at least 79SW, including Point Given.

Also why would someone talk about the 2 mares? I commented but prove it.

I saw Secretariat run live twice, The Bid twice and Northern Dancer 3 times run 2 of 3 he lost--I think Dr.Fager was the best ever Da Hoss ran "the one" gamest race I ever saw. I think Zenyatta was better than Blame and absolutely better than Rachel--but I can't prove it nor a knock on either.

I had one horse I owned  at a class at least 5 times more than another I owned--but one of them gave their best then couldn't walk sound for a week after racing. The other I won money with purse wise but never bet him because I never knew when he would show up. Ask me who my favorite horse I ever owned, and the one I found a good home for after he just couldn't race anymore because he wasn't ever going to be dog meat on my watch. (the other was claimed--I have no idea nor do I care)

It's all opinion without conclusive fact.

Famous favorite--Megahertz--she was smaller than most kid's ponies and ran her heart out every time.

Hey some of us have been watching the fillies/mares for some time.

Landaluce had a pretty good 2 year old season.

I seem to recall Winning Colors taking 3 weeks rest after her Santa Anita Oaks score and blasting the boys in the Santa Anita Derby by 10, setting her up for her Kentucky Derby win.  And come on, how close was she in the BC  Distaff to Personal Ensign? (who herself came back from near death).

But probably one of the best, would have to be Lady Secret's four year old season.  She takes 10 of 15 races (8 Grade Is: A single season record???) defeating the best older males 4 times capped off by a Breeder's Cup Distaff blaze at 1 1/4 miles.  You want speed over a distance of ground Youtube the 1986 Distaff.  It was not hard to tell who her daddy was.  

Bayakoa's 18 months of terrorizing the Distaff division nationwide also would serve as an honorable mention.  

Jayjay my analysis of the Met Mile was spot on and the DD I gave you of Winter/Tiz paid 16.00.  Let me know when you provide us a double.  Let me give you my thoughts at Churchill tomorrow.  I am going with a Borel DD.  In the first race he has a speedy type in a race with no real speed in it.  I like the fact that his horse Thankfulness is cutting back in distance and has a outside post.  The horse inside him is likely to be the favorite but they paid big money for this horse and it seems like they are in a hurry to give up on him.  Borel for the win.  In the 2nd race it looks like Borel AGAIN.  He gets outside speed again in a very cheap race and in a race like this it's important to put you money on a horse that is running well.  Lava Fire woke up big last time out and won by 10 in a hand ride.  Any improvement and this horse goes wire to wire with ease.  Good luck.

Don’t forget Lucas’ Thunder Gulch who sired some top ones:

Balance – 1 M (3-G1); Circular Quay – 1.5M (1 G1); Mystic Lady 1.1M (6 graded stakes); Point Given – 3.9M (6 G1 HOY); Sense of Style .5M (2G1 in 8 Sts): Spain 3.5M (2 G1 BC Distaff)

Billy's Empire,

Dude, You did a follow up on Summer Bird.  Now let's complete the thought.  Summer Bird finished fourth to Zenyatta in the BC Classic and second to Rachel Alexandra in the Haskell.  Someone asked Summer Bird's trainer, Tim Ice, whom should be Horse of the Year, RA or Z.  He flat out said Zenyatta.

Now that completes the thought.  

Again, Draynay, where's your Belmont 8th race picks ?  You asked people about this race, now you're going to Churchill ??  You do know they are two different tracks right ?

Jayjay. Your pal stated that Summer Bird was the best 3yo old 2009. You can go back and read it. Last time I checked, Rachel beat him when they raced and she won HOY, not SOY. You need to get a grip and worry about yourself and your terrible handicapping.

John from Seattle, guess what, Everyone has opinions. Tim Ice was wrong, and so are you. Where is Tim Ice now? Why are all the good horses being taken from him. I have not heard from that guy all year. I am glad you and Relva and the others ride on the coattails and opinions of trainers. Make your own argument. Have an orignial thought.

I am not getting into this pissing contest again, but I saw every race of R/A in 2009, was in her barn the week of the Oaks with Hal Wiggins, and IMO, she was the best horse in 2009. She proved it on the track, on dirt, against males. No one will sway my opinion of the real champ v the poly champ. Now I'm done!!`

Also it was pretty obvious that Summer Bird's strength was 10 furlongs or more, and Rachel was a superior 9 furlong horse.  It was a speed favoring track and he was coming off the American "marathon" distance of 12 furlongs.  Speed was not his game.  It was not really a race he could have ever won, imo, even in top form because of the distance and the way Monmouth played.  Unfortunately they never met at 10 furlongs for the rubber match at a distance that was his strength.  

Nice race by SNA to defeat Midday in the Coronation after she headed him in the straight.  He is building on the promise he showed at two after being off for a year.  

draynay nobody gives a rat's patoot about pics you send of "winning" tickets. Any egomaniac who feels he needs to prove something to the world to boost his self worth can bet every horse in a race, take a pic of all the tickets, return to the window and cancel them, then send a pic to Jason of the cancelled ticket with the winning number on it. You are a horrible handicapper and have proven it without a doubt over and over again. Quit trying to convince people you know what you are doing. You are only fooling yourself.

Draynot, you have a excuse ? Imagine that.  No pictures of ANY winners ? Imagine that.  Blah blah blah you're another with a excuse.  You can't send in one winning ticket ?  Sad.

Jayjay I got the picks from Laz and basically he admitted he couldn't pick a winner how about you ?

Where is your race analysis and picks ?

I would not be shcoked at all if here Comes Ben and Noble Promise run 1-2 in at CD tomorrow.

BILLY'S EMPIRE

So,in other words many HOF trainers that hold an opinion opposite to yours regarding Zenyatta are wrong?

Billy- I know your comment wasn't directed at me, but I just wanted to state for the record that I only said he was a better 10-12 furlong horse than he was a 9 furlong horse.  I actually never want to discuss Rachel and Zenyatta ever agaion, that is what these "pissing" matches have done.  But if people don't want these "pissing" (I just like to type that-sorry) matches, then stop with the dergoatory monikers of the horses.  Because it inflames peoples emotions to see their favorite horse called any derogatory or insulting names.  And the "pissing" matches will start again.  Thaanks for giving me the opportunity to type that word over znd over again.  It was fun!  

Ted from LA

   What About Bob? Go Mo Go, get better and better !!!!! So glad they found out what was wrong. It was obvious in The Wood that he was sick, and those that had watched him on other races knew that his loss had nothing to do with the distance. He looked nothing like the Mo I had seen in all of his other races. Do either of your split personalities concur?

DRAYNAY

You shouldn't lecture Draynot on excuses. Foolish!

Yeah Draynay, just like your great analysis of that P3 you posted, and that double with Uncle Mo right ?

Yeah, the Met Mile DD was really really tough.  I'm still wondering how you managed to figure out Winter Memories is a lock.  How about you tell me how you handicapped it?  Edumacate me some more.  I bet WM as well, but it was all a gut pick. The horse looked really pretty.

Put your picks out BEFORE tomorrow, instead of AFTER the race.  You're the one that issued the challenge, why won't you put out your picks ?

Late Pick 4 at Churchill.  8th race is a 2 horse race.  The track is a closing one and speed will fail.  Take the 2 and 8.  Both should be coming late.  9th race is a single.  Might is the one to beat here and not even Salty Strike can put a scare into her here.  Go with the 1.  Capt Candy is good, very good but he gave it up in his last and I can't forgive him.  Noble is a monster and is my second choice behind Here Comes Ben.  He beat everyone last year and I think this race he gets back on track.  3 good works at Keeneland have him ready.  Take the 1 and 8.  The last race looks easy with the 8 horse the clear favorite but there is a lot of well bread horses here.  I am going with the 1,4, 5, and 8 looking for value if the favorite falters.  Good luck.

Let's go off here since knocking seems the way we go on here class suffers can just say we saw two special mares

OK--the ONLY truly good horse Rachel ever beat was Big Drama and that was 1 3/16 miles

She was beaten by a """3rd""" not 2nd and definitely not the Big Z mare herself from the Sheriff's barn

If she beat tough G1 type colts fine--MTBird may not have been a fluke and he with a trip might very well have won the Preakness---but he is hardly a going down as horse of the ages--Oh he never won again.

Blame on the other hand probably would have dominated this year if returned--nice classy horse beats Rachel by 10. Sara Louise couldn't stay sound enough to beat her again.

Those are the only pissy comments I have ever made about Rachel--mainly because she was the best of her generation. Like Big Brown it wasn't his fault there were no good 3 yr olds when he raced in the Derby and Preakness unless you called the one he destroyed that almost beat Rachel. Again to be fair the key word is almost--then again Z made it close always and whomever her competition only winning as much as she had to. Rachel won by twenty when see ran against horses she was 20 better than.

Dummies- we were lucky to see both run and both are worthy of the Racing HOF. I was just evening things up. In 2009 if I had a vote even never for moment thinking Zenyatta was by far the best of the 2 I would have voted Rachel HOY--

BUT remember the second stringer won the BC Distaff that year and I think she would have beaten any horse Rachel beat that year male or female if they ran or could have in the Distaff(obviously males couldn't)

PS Jay Jay get serious he/Dray picked--- and if its right-----  you look at his posting time before the entries came out for Bel Sat 8th race Wed night---they draw Thursday morning for Sat.

He had no clue and probably doesn't now who is running. I looked at the race only a m-r-n would bet it

Nicely done Draynay, how much did 2 out of 4 pay ?  It's starting to look like your favorite bet Tizway at 3-1 is a fluke.  Oh wait, I forgot, the "table" hit the P4 right ?  Like 50 times right ?

Salty Strike got so scared of Might, she ran away from her...like really far away.  She hid in front of 3 horses cause Might was so scary.

Billy : I was indeed shocked that you picked HCB, with no analysis whatsoever.  Could it be that you...nah, there's no way you would pick the same horse that Draynay was touting.  No way.  I guess it's not such a "terrible" way to handicap, pick one that your hero picks.

Billy's Empire,

My opinion is this.  Zenyatta should have been a three time Horse of the Year.  I believe that Zenyatta is not only the greatest female racehorse of all time but probably around in 8th place of alltime American thoroughbreds just ahead of Kelso and Forego.

I also believe that Rachel Alexandra is perhaps one of the most overrated horses of all time.

That's my opinion.

I moved my pick 4 ticket around a little adding Salty but I didn't hit the first race but I did hit the pick 3 for a few bucks adding Salty.  Amirahy was clearly the horse to beat at Belmont in the 8th but you and Sniper just couldn't figure it out somehow.  It doesn't get much easier or simple.  I have been doing well at Churchill but Belmont was a little harder to figure out this week.  Monmouth has been a piece a cake for a speed handicapper like me.  Now is the time to cheer for Master of Hounds and his Belmont win.

jayjay, for you and sniper I picked a easy race for you.  Belmont on Thursday the 8th race.  I am giving you one more chance because I know you can do it.

Sure you did, keep lying to yourself.  As always, you hit everything AFTER the race LOL.  You couldn't post anything about the 8th race in Belmont BEFORE it ran. You're a joke.  You have proven it time and again.  You should stop posting anything about handicapping races.  I told you man, give up and switch to Quarter Horse or as Laz said, Harness racing.  You can try and see if you can pick winners there.  Take Billy with you, he'll be checking out the horses workouts for you and get your drinks while you handicap lol.

JOHN FROM SEATTLE

Some of the haters want to ignore the fact in many of her races,she had no pace and how difficult to come from the back each time and win 19 of 20.

I stand corrected with Dynaformer---I forgot Lucas trained him. Very good stud.

Thunder Gulch is similar to Holy Bull with the right mares he can produce a top horse. Like others Buckpasser as an example the horses can be very good or dregs with very little in between.

My thought on Lucas was he spent untold millions and to his credit did well with many of them but I always wondered why with both sires and mares they didn't produce better---yes there were exceptions.

I also realize horses like Secretariat, Dr Fager, and Damascus although great animals on the track didn't really do well in the breeding shed. But Lucas had so many champions that were bred in the purple, a guy like Shug and Jimmy Day had the same and they did so much better after their racing careers ended-just saying.

Mike- although a big fan of the Z Mare--She created her own poison by coming from so far out of it. I don't put that in the reason or excuse--that was her way and if she made it tougher don't blame her competition for using it. (They used rabbits to beat Fager because he wanted the lead--I would have too given the opportunity--that was the only way you could beat him)

Any one that can find fault isn't a racing fan of a horse that goes 19 of 20 in top company over a number of years. It also is a great tribute to her connections that they kept her at her peak for so long. I have ---over the years seen some horses peak to an extent that they could of beaten any horse on one day or a few races but couldn't stay on top for long. My best example I think would be Funny Cide---in the Derby and Preakness he was just the best horse for those 2 races and never came back to them although a really nice horse throughout his career---just not a superstar--ancient history would have Prove Out---he was the best one race horse of all time, and a good horse the rest of his career. I question when he ran a few races if any previous or recent great could have beaten him on his best days--but he didn't show up 19 of 20--actually 20 of 20.

SNIPER1

Yes,she was WAY far back and too much too do in her last race.

JAYJAY

Your right,it's ALWAYS easy to pick the winner after the race. lmao

sniper1----Thanks for acknowledging Dynaformer. I honestly thought that was the obvious answer to the #9 question on your June 1 query. I'm not defending D. Wayne Lukas nor trying to justify his seemingly mismatched ratios from training to the breeding shed. Dynaformer, the horse himself, deserved a mention.

SNIPER1

Wish you would explain that to AAF that has nothing but hatred for her and connections.

Mike Revla.  Yes, one of my favorite Zenyatta moments was from the 2008 Lady's Secret vs. Hysericalady who had just come up a head short of Ginger Punch in the Breeder's Cup Distaff goo at Monmouth.  Santa Teresita (who would later take a Grade 1 was also in the race...but I digress).  

Hystericalady would go out front at even money and try to dictate and slow the pace running a 24 and a 48.32.  Smith, sensing slow fractions from the Grade 1 winner, goes after her and positions Zenyatta 1/2 lenghth off Hystericalady after the half and finishes up in 140.30 in a hand ride.  Hystericalady tried to hang with her the last 1/8 but Z was too much.  

Hardly a "Silky Sullivan."

I think Smith had the ability to put Zenyatta anywhere at anytime.  She just liked to run from behind.  

Peppers Pride never lost and did it on dirt.

Just checked out Zenyatta's spits in the 2008 Lady Secret (She set the stakes record in 140.30)

24:4, 23:4, 23:1, 22:3, and :06 sec flat for the last 1/16th! That's spinter's speed in reverse.

Talk about a "grinding" locamotive.

I was talking to a friend who is an Animal Behaviorist, and I wanted to test something out.  So I showed him many races of Zenyatta and interspersed among them I showed him her two BCC races, so he could compare and contrast how she broke and ran in the early stages of those two races compared to her others.  He said exactly what I had always thought.  The way she broke in both of those races and the disorientated state she seemed to be in for the first quarters of those races clearly showed that she was not comfortable running males.  He was amazed how she regrouped to run well in each of the BBC races.  I just wanted to throw this out, since once again Zenyatta is being talked about.  But, I will not respond or contribute to the back and forth fighting.  Thought his take on her was interesting.

Jayjay, unlike you I have pictures of many of my winners.  You have not produced a single one.

Draynay : Yes, she's great.  It's June 2011 and she's still being mentioned together with Zenyatta.  It just goes to show how important it is to show that a horse can run year after year with proper care.  Zenyatta, Goldikova and Pepper's Pride has carried this industry with their girl power for the last 6 years.  These 3 will forever be remembered.

Sniper I'm a wee bit late to the party but most of your terms can be found in horse racing terms on the internet.

It isn't Ocelots it's osselets

It isn't Lucas it's LUKAS and by modern day standards Dynaformer, Grand Slam (58 SW) Thunder Gulch (79SW -42 Graded), Grindstone etc aren't too shabby. Also Lukas is a trainer of race horses, not a developer of sires.  The horses are prolific if not super successful sires of champions so your shrinkage theory and dig don't fly. Like it or not for a period of time most horses in the sale had a sire,grandsire or damsire that traced back to a Lukas trainee.

What did you think about Point Given?

Shug basically trains for a breeder. Lukas doesn't.

I think we've been blessed with Curlin, Rachel, Zenyatta and any horse who has brought much needed attention to racing. It surely has changed a lot since we had our first winner in 1963.

Yep.  Pepper's Pride.  Her record is even better than Secretariat's.  

Jayjay, please don't mention any Mare from the last 20 years in the same sentence with 3 time Breeders Cup champion Goldikova.  It just sounds silly.

For a hundred years the test of a filly or mare is to run against the boys on dirt.  Rachel passed with flying colors 3 times.  The California mare poly champion tried it once and failed.  It is hard to beat G1 winning males on dirt.

Skip you are late but that's OK

I admitted to be a bad speller on another post (next topic on Jason's Blog) and my spelling mistakes I made. I have a degree but always was bad at it. One professor refused to mark my papers in University---I had so many mistakes---Now I have Word but don't always check nor is good on names

I also said I stand corrected on Dynaformer--I forgot "Lukas" had him ----as also posted

--Thunder Gulch if you remember was late foal (June) and didn't train as much with Lukas as some of his other greats---same for Capote didn't go through I tremendous amount of racing in his care before retirement.

Grindstone's record at stud is somewhat shabby--I stand by that--

one or two good horses doesn't make a career or Crytoclearance wouldn't be standing for $2000 at last check--I don't know if he still standing or alive. What does Grinestone stand for?

I also mentioned Thunder Gulch as being one of those studs that with the right mare can produce but is hardly consistent--- above.--- I likened him to Holy Bull.

As for training for a breeder vs bought horses--a horse is a horse is a horse---although one trainer might do it a different way from another it should have no baring on the breeding shed.---unless???

Do you really want to breed to Big Brown knowing his trainer or a horse like Tiznow who you knew ran clean? I'll let BB prove me wrong--and actually hope he does and improves the breed.

AND! for the record it just may be--- also as mentioned--- it just happened that way for "Lukas" as it did for Lucien Lauren and the horses just couldn't reproduce themselves. Bid for another. "My point" is Lukas just had such great numbers of the best bred most talented horses for years and the numbers don't jive as well as they should. Remember Oscar???? Or is he before your time?

Not that I think LuKus was anything like him--I just always thought he might have had an edge during his heyday even if it was completely legal at the time--I have seen many a horse shaked and it really did no harm but it did make them run better--When they got tests for it certain trainers went very cold.

No I am "NOT" saying that was what happened ---but there are other edges that certain trainers have had before the general population has the same---it just could have been his great help of that era which are the who's who the games talent now on their own and his son who got hurt. Either way giving credit where it is due he changed the game and deserved to be in the HOF my suspicions aside. I (my family but my choice) have only bred 1 mare and hardly an expert as the horse never made it to the races---the sire I bred to was a first year stud called Vice Regent and although he stood for $5K at the time with deals available. At the time I thought his full brother was the best horse I had ever seen run---actually although I never would be stupid enough to try to plead my case---I still think if given the chance he might have been.

Lukas trained Thunder Gulch from his 2 year old season. Same with Capote.

Grindstone? Sire of sires (at least one, Birdstone who has had some impressive get).  If you aren't in the breeding and racing game the bloodlines are probably not your area of expertise.

Stud fees were way overblown for years. Storm Cat? How do you think his stud fee got so high?

Humm who was it who trained his Dam?

Lukas had too many good horses for too many years to attribute it to what you're trying to do. He had the cream of the crop for a long long time.250-350 horses at a given time.  

Maybe it's best to take a look at his drug violation record as compared to some others?  

Steroids just affect the physicality of a horse, they don't make a slow horse run fast just by the interraction of the drug.

I'm not sure what TESTS you're talking about but for a couple of decades he was THE trainer that everyone wanted and he had great horses that he got to run big in big races.  That's what a trainer is supposed to do.

The greats of today that worked for him? They credit him with teaching them how to be good trainers.

To compare Dutrow to any trainer who hasn't had suspensions, embarrassed the industry isn't too fair. In my opinion, whatever it's worth, I'd say that there are maybe 4 or 5 trainers in the upper echelon who could be compared to Dutrow and Lukas isn't or wasn't one of them.

Draynay, you have many pictures of your winners?  We have many, many of them as well. I find that they get more difficult to preserve as they get older. Some of our older stakes race winners pictures we have had restored.

I assume you're speaking about the only pictures of winners that really count?

Draynay : And what was the test for males in the last hundred years ?  Run against inferior horses ?  Run against whoever shows up ?

Filly or Mares DO NOT NEED to run against boys to be proven worthy of a championship.  YOU, you're not capable of understanding that.

I think Goldikova would be proud to be mentioned alongside the great Zenyatta.  I know Citation and Cigar is looking up to her and most likely admiring her.

Just checked out Zenyatta's spits in the 2008 Lady Secret (She set the stakes record in 140.30)

24:4, 23:4, 23:1, 22:3, and :06 sec flat for the last 1/16th! That's spinter's speed in reverse.

Talk about a "grinding" locamotive.

Householder 06 Jun 2011 3:58 PM

Doesn't that kind of remind you of another great one called Secretariat when he ran his splits in his Derby?  How many great horses or any horses for that matter run each quarter mile faster than the predeeding one?

Draynay

We just received a fax from Rachel.......she wants you to shut up already.  she also said the Pepper's Pride was sensational.

DRAYNAY

Do you already have "a surefire lock" to win next yrs Triple Crown? Right.

Skip,

While sitting calmly in a airport---I read your piece. First thing in handicapping is LEARNING TO READ A FORM--or learning in some cases to read period.

AGAIN AS NOTED--from above

No I am "NOT" saying that was what happened ---but there are other edges that certain trainers have had before the general population has the same---it just could have been his great help of that era which are the who's who the games talent now on their own and his son who got hurt. Either way giving credit where it is due he changed the game and deserved to be in the HOF my suspicions aside.

ADDED---As in my handicapping I am not always right--maybe it was completely legit--I just have my suspicions doesn't everyone at some time? --- he has good start to this year--but he still has and always has had big money behind him. I also know a shake trainer that never won races in any numbers more of a 2% man then was 2nd leading trainer at a major track one meet, then they tested for it and he disappeared again. Things are not always what they seem. Sage you put on your food in a another form has recently been made illegal---but for years it wasn't. It was much quicker acting and more powerful than grass or alcohol---but legal and not monitored.

Please do not lecture about breeding because I suspect you are not a match unless sitting at your computer (I rarely check and go on memory and as in the case of Dynaformer my memory lapsed and I am sure it will again in the future)--quite willing to admit there are more knowledgeable than me--but I am very well versed. I come from a horse racing family and have met, worked with, and for some very well known people in the game. There very many positions in racing I tried I started at 6 yrs old going to the track and was going to yearling sales as well. Did you know Windfields didn't auction at one time -just put a price on their horses and it was first come-first serve and Northern Dancer was up for $25K with no takers they raced the ones that didn't sell--one trainer had him as a buy as well as another who turned out a stakes winner called Brockton Boy and went the wrong way--he was a drinking buddy of my dad so I heard the story 1500 times--I was at that sale---I am pushing 60---last 10/12 years I took a different path doesn't mean I don't follow my first love closely. I also know a man "I personally don't like" nevertheless who wouldn't cheat or drug a horse illegally if his life depended on it. He had his horse disqualified from a VERY major race

PS I was Edward Plunkett Taylor's personal messenger in the Turf Club at one time for a year- he bred a few good horses in the day if you know of whom I talk. I used to spot his horses during races and tell him how they were running on the overpass between the Turf Club and Grandstand he also made a $10 wager on all his horses that ran---not a $100 not $50 always $10. He was very nice to me. (not so his Heir who was a legacy a-h ) I asked questions then as I still do today as I am as curious as I have ever been. I don't know everything nor claim to--I am not that pompous---but I am to the extent I think I know more and have more experience than most.

sniper1

Impressed that you know Brockton Boy.  Do you know why they named him Brockton Boy?  Do you remember what he was best at?  Do you remember Pierlou and Later Mel and Arctic Hills?  Also, E.P. used to put his horses up for a pre-price with a reserve bid and when half were sold it was his practice to keep the other half for racing and if they didn’t race, for breeding.  It was standard practice for many years, but it was still an auction.  Nijinsky was put up for auction also and sold for $84K to Charles Englehard.  E.P. himself was quite the story, how he legitimized Canadian racing by forming the Jockey club, building Woodbine and taking Canadian racing out of the leaky roof circuit and building it into one of the most respected racing organizations in the world.

Do you remember Stafford Farms.  When I used to live in Toronto in the sixties and seventies I went to the track just about every day, even if it was for the last two races.  Stafford used to race a horse called Port Master who was out of the mare Bel Sheba.  It took many years before I realized the Bel Sheba happened to be the dam of Alysheba.  Lots of great Canadian racing history.  One of my favorites will always be Windfield’s Regal Embrace.  This guy was crippled but he still won the plate and I always thought that if he was totally sound, he would have made a big splash on the US TC scene.  He had lots of class.  The same for Cool Reception, a good Canadian horse that had the lead in the stretch and finished second to Damascus in the Belmont and finished the race on a broken leg.  He had successful surgery, but thrashed about when coming too and they had to put him down.  Like I say, lots of good Canadian memories, though I’m hard pressed to tell you much about the sport in Canada now.

Skip-Newbie I am to this breeding and racing thing

is a May/2008 post I could still find--here on Bloodhorse

I saw ND ran 3 times in Canada and twice he was beaten. Once in a 2 furlong race. The horse that beat him at 2 furlongs was a nice horse and very fast the other only ordinary. Rambling Road (good sprinter) and Garcon d' Or I think was the second horses name to beat him in Canada who was nothing special-Dancer was a great stud who especially sired great turfers as well as dirt. He himself was better racing on dirt.

I agree there are too many from his line and anybody with a Storm Cat colt in the last ten/fifteen years thinks they own a stud. If they weeded out the bad ones and average runners it wouldn't be so bad.

Windfields got rid of ND's full brother Northern Native and sent him to Mich. and oblivion. Nostrum was OK but nothing special in Maryland as a 1/2 brother stud to ND. His full sister Arctic Dancer produced a champion NA 2yr old filly I actually worked with La P. Arctic Dancer ran well but skipped maiden and went directly into stakes. I am not sure I remember her winning.

Except in a few cases (Some horses like Silver Deputy-I thought he was going to be one of the best ever when I saw him run and Danzig were  meant to be superstars and didn't race more than a few starts due to breakdowns) No matter how well bred the horse is-if they doesn't race well the foals don't normally as well. By sending so many non-preforming well bred horses to stud the lines have been diminished and expanded them too much. YES, THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS TO THE RULE. Viceregal from ND's first crop I still say is the best horse I ever saw run regularly in person (Dr. Fager would be my pick otherwise) yet he was basically a dud at stud and was sent to France -then disappeared, but his full brother Vice Regent was probably one of the most underrated studs of all time and he only broke his Maiden and failed to hit the board in his other races.

It was a good thing they gave him a chance.

Bottom line if they don't produce get them to somewhere they can't do damage to the line.--Turkey or somewhere.

15 May 2008 2:46 PM-

I also in the past on "Breeding" was very high on 3 studs going to the breeding shed

Tiznow, Candy Ride, and Yankee Gentleman --two of three isn't bad.

Search hard enough computer breeding expert and I am sure you will find those posts---I also pushed for a breeder friend to buy shares in Silver Deputy but that is only my word with no proof. The person is dead now.

Laz--I met Jack Stafford in the Turf Club and disliked Gil Roundtree his trainer when I worked in various Jockey Club and backstretch postions-- Jack's son married a groom who I saw in the raw as did a lot of people no idea if that marriage lasted just hope she didn't wear white at her wedding. What ever happened to their ketchup and mustard empire? You could see their plant from the QEW.

I cashed one of my biggest tickets of my youth on Stafford's Chocolate Candy in the Queens Plate but I was betting on the other half of the entry Good Port and won by default.

Pierlou was a Lévesque horse I believe was trained by my friend Jacque Dumas (his 2nd trainer who got the lesser horses but he trained La Prevoyante when she went to FL -Starr didn't go although she ran in his name--) rather the Yonnie (Johnny) Star who I knew quite well and joked with often but I wouldn't call a friend like Dumas because I also knew his wife and family.

Later Mel I remember I believe as a horse that came from the clouds and had a lot of 2nds and 3rds in good company but didn't win often. I believe maybe a Mann trainee? Wouldn't bet my life on that. I also think the horse was quite large.

Arctic Hills---I may again be wrong here- was a Mort Hardy trainee that liked to lead in turf races and would win wire to wire. Cairns used to ride him---one of his few winners--but he was a nice kid. As a kid Mort or Richard Grubb would pick me up when the races were in Fort Erie and take me to the track to walk hots. My dad worked for the Ontario Jockey Club in the afternoon and wasn't about to wake up early and it was 2 miles to the track

sniper1

I think you got your distances mixed up with the Dancer.  He never raced in a 2F race.  He did race in a 5.5F race which he won and lost the Vandal at 6.5F to Ramblin Road (I still have some of Road’s PP’s).  Ramblin Road was a crack sprinter along with E Day and later raced in the mid west circuit.  The Garcon that defeated ND in the Cup and Saucer on turf was Grand Garcon who wore him down when the Dancer tried to stay on the lead pretty well for the entire race.

The Dancer’s full brother, Northern Native was basically a dud, but his half brother Native Victor, one of only two geldings from Natalma, won a few races.  I believe that Arctic Dancer was owned by JL Levesque who also owned Franfreluche.  Arctic Dancer also was the dam of La Prevoyante.  

Very possible-- I go from memory only I do know Doug Davis later  and I believe Gord Huntley had RR when he beat him -best 2 yr old trainer ever until W Ward came along. E Day was basically a one horse stable and he was claimed or ran for for $2500 before he got good.

Remember a horse called Blue Snow?---first one I ever owned

sniper1

Great memories eh?  The eh is a Canadian pun, but of course you know that.  You forgot about Brockton Boy.  He turned out to be a better sprinter than router, but he was named after Rocky Marciano who was from Brockton Mass.  I mentioned Later Mel because she was a filly and I believe raced in the Dancer’s Plate.  I also remember Royal Chocolate.  I bet him in the Plate and if I remember correctly it was a muddy track and his jockey was Colangello (I know the spelling it wrong).  I also remember some pretty good hard hitters back in the sixties like Titled Hero a Can. HOY I believe and Stevie B good his arch rival though I believe he was an American bred, Chillicoot which won the Highlander in Canada but I believe one year had the distinction of winning the most races in N/A that particular year, something like 16 races.  I’m probably boring you, but I could go on for years.

sniper1

I can't say I remember Blue Snow right off.  If she/he raced past the late seventies I wouldn't know (I kept up with the top stakes horses but not the entire horse colony).  If your horse race when I was around I probably might remember because i knew virtually every horse that raced back then.  Back when I followed the JC Circuit horses they raced a lot and we followed the claimers just like we folloed the top stakes horses.  

Laz

Chillicoot went from a $2500 claimer "directly" and won a stake---at one time--no stepping up the ladder--Merrill

Was I right about your 3 horses mentioned and their trainers?

I think I am.

Later Mel was a large blackish mare--maybe not black but very dark and big. Mann and his brother were friends ---I think he trained him and drawing a blank on her owner but I think they owned Enternal Search as well---a very nice mare

I was a clocker so I saw everyone work and also a gap/horse identifier man so talked to just about every trainer/jock/exercise rider regularly and kept a book on how each horse looked and who would be training them. Carl Chapman and Jerry Levine would always try me and give me the wrong horses working. Chapman because he was joking Levine because he was sneaky  

Blue Snow 5yr g never raced in my name as a clocker I couldn't own horses then and was claimed off me the first start after I claimed him and won $1460 purse $750 profit on the claim and $2600 back on a win bet. He was a revenge claim for his trainer stiffing me. He was the stable pet who also could run when they turned him loose I was sure they would take him back--something that really doesn't happen today --everyone is alive every race at major venues in my mind. I also worked on the mutuels in the afternoon and again we were not supposed to bet--the day Royal Chocolate won with Teddy C I went about $200 short in my float and was called in for it and pulled a few thousand out of my pocket and said why would I take it out of my box if I had thousands???? The matter was dropped and they saw the logic of my argument. They turned a blind eye to my betting because I used to put EP's bets in for him as well when I worked upstairs. The mutual manager also like to bet and gave me them to make.

Strange as it seems I would bet huge in those days and as long as I had my clockers or gap job I was quite successful because I am very adept on how a horse is moving in the mornings---a big edge--- especially with unstarted 2 yr olds or classy old ones returning. I had over $100K once in the bank across from Greenwood (Old Woodbine) not bad for some punk 20 something kid making only $380wk from 2 jobs

I make more now than any 4 jobs put together at the track and have made use of my American Citizenship since 24 and my wife makes very close to six figures, but I very rarely bet more than $400 although on rare occasions I will go to a thousand (I haven't this year). I know the bills are paid and really have nothing to gain by betting anymore. Its a hobby and got rid of my last racehorse 2 yrs ago. If I can't do it myself it is very expensive and they don't race thoroughbreds here in my state--only simulcast. I saw my last horse I owned run once live from the time I claimed him in Chicago to a year later when he was claimed off me at Woodbine.

Then- if I had 2K and liked a horse I fired it without a second thought.

Interesting bit of trivia ---I always say the biggest overlay I ever got was on Kennedy Road when he set the 6F mark @ Woodbine in an allowance race with Gomez actually waving back to the field down the stretch---he paid $4.20 and I bet $3K ($1500 which I had in my pocket and $1500 I promised the seller at the $50 wicket I would get in a minute out of my cashiers box if he lost and borrow it from somebody to replace it) near the start of the race when unbelievably he was 6-5 split choice with a Calvaris entry one they were betting was just claimed for 20K---Kennedy Rd was coming out of a world record 7f in 1:19 which he lost by a nose to Triple Bend. $4.20 really??? If ever there was a true 1-100 I had no intentions of betting that race until 2 minutes to post.

Ancient history--I had a $20 Double on Shackleford and small ex in the Preakness and was going to bet a few hundred on NP the other day until he opened @ 3-5 then I bet exotics instead. I was fortunate Atta ran second. I made close to 2K on the day on that and a few other bets so Belmont Day is a freebie--not that I want to lose it back-2K is still real money to me

I promised my wife after the Belmont I will retire until the BC---but trust me I will have my betting acct loaded for the horse I touting Check Your Soul in the Queen's Plate if I get 2-1/5-2 I will be betting a K. I suspect I will get my price.

I have industry meeting to go in a few hrs to as I am in Denver and will visit a few companies tomorrow while here. Friday I will do the very obvious when making my Belmont selections---my last hurrah's on these blogs for a while--since I am travelling there is a little time to kill since getting married.

Shackleford and Animal Kingdom keyed over Brilliant Speed, Nethro S and AK---all of $12 and probably because of prices all its worth---hopefully I can find something on the undercard to make a real bet.

Sniper1

I was there the day that Kennedy Road set that 6F mark.  I think you mentioned Ramblin Road was trained by Robertson. He won his first LT race at Fort Erie at 7-5 then they sent him to Aqueduct and an allowance race.  Tough Field because he faced Mr. Brick who would compete with Norther Dancer the following year in the TC hunt and another in the race was Raise A Native in his second LT start. RR would later be owned and trained by the Van Bergs.  Back in the seventies I worked the mutual on the harness circuit at Greenwood, Garden City and Mohawk.  I also worked a few times at Woodbine and Fort Erie on their bigger race days.  I worked the day at Fort Erie when Sound Reason was running and they had their first ever million dollar mutual day.  Just as an aside, our friend AAF can be a *&^% when he wants to be.  I usually ignor him.

Sniper your posts are confusing at best.

I'm not lecturing just saying that you are speculating.

I assure you I know quite a bit about breeding, first hand. We have been breeding racing stock since around 1965. We always have had several broodmares and at least one stud.

We breed to outside studs and also purchase at the sales.

I just don't appreciate speculation by people who aren't fully acquainted with the person or their practices. It's empty speculation.

Skip--It is speculation--and as mentioned previously it is only that I have absolutely no proof.

AND although I can say I have met 100's of top and famous trainers Lukas is not among them. I was thinking out loud and that really isn't right but honestly I have had those thought for years. You want me to say I shouldn't I can live with that.

I HAVE seen horses shaked and some nerved. I have even held the shank during. No--- I am not claiming it is proper. I have also seen a bevy of trainers going from winning everything in sight when they had an edge others didn't then go back to being those you throw out when looking at a race because they just don't win many.

Tell me I am a newbie and know nothing about the game??? Skip- who  are you to say that?

Did Ron Turcotte ever come to your house? (although he didn't come to see me and not related to my next statement)? Ever golf with Sandy Hawley or have his agent live in your families house?  Meet or work for a hall of fame like Mr EP Taylor? As a kid I walked the Dam of Danzig---which puts me in game a few years back since he was a top stud for a long time before he died and I was around way before he was born. I truly was there at the sale when Northern Dancer didn't sell---With my dad and his mistress to be exact. Check any of my posts when I say I knew someone or bet a horse and the amounts I stand behind them "as fact"--NOT when I say I may be wrong or not sure as in the Lukas musings --those are opinions. Maybe you are right and I shouldn't make them--but I did--- and your response was uneducated and just a stupid.

AND when going to HS I worked weekends on a thoroughbred breeding farm. Were talking late 60's and early 70's---PS my memory although not perfect I am sharp enough to  do million dollar deals as a manager in a industry completely unrelated to Horse Racing for a company with 1000 employees---in just 12 years--I may not be the best in racing or this business--but I am good learner and don't miss much--in any field--I think he had an edge and used it in his heyday even if I shouldn't post it.

SKIP

Question? What eveidence do you have that Sniper "isn't in the game"? For all you know he could be. Pkease.

Skip,

One last thing ----"we"---- if you want to go to "we" which counts my family or partnerships I had---bred 1 horse-raced horses. What is we??????????? Mommy, Daddy, Husband, Wife, Mistress (Count that one and my numbers go way up given my dad's wonderings with rich women around the track One had 3 stakes winners)-? My best man at my wedding and also best friend is a millionare--does that make me an expert on rich people?

Me alone--I owned 12 racehorses-- outright 1975-2008--I think 21 if you count partners---we did take back the same horse 2 times we lost in claiming but I am only counting him as 1--as above Blue Snow was my first 1975--a $2,500 claimer--I owned alone-- $45K IN Partnership was the most expensive claim I ever made and $30K also in partnership was the most for one at a yearling sale $1100 the cheapest also in partnership. Never had a stakes winner--one allowance winner if call $17K purse an allowance--had claimers run for more.

The person I work for now I met at the track--became friends and owned horses with him in the 80's 1999 I went to work for him and left the track----he with luck will have a trotter he owns run in the Hambo this summer--he won 4 stakes last year--I told him to sell for $150K after he won his first race--told him he was on drugs when he turned down $250K after he won a sires stake---he made $200K last year--I am not always right-- I could have bought in for $8K.

Whats your story--horses -breeding works--- OR, WA, GA, CO breds or KY, FL, MD, CA breds there is a big swing in doing it for a living or hobby ? How much and where does your stud stand? Where do you race?Do you work in the racing industry or elsewhere?

Forgive my questions if you have contacts in the "biz" and been around since 1965 we may have met or have common aquaintences  easily with the given I have been on tracks in the backstretch and stands in ON, NY, MD, KY, IA, LA, PA, VA, FL and do know many in the game although I only go to a few in the last few years if you count seeing horsemen--must is to watch racing--you just say you are just "an expert" from your post or is it "spectualation" of your position in the racing world?

Sniper I didn't say you were a newbie. I said if you don't know the facts it's empty speculation. You seem to think you know everything.

Right now we (as in my family)own 9 race horses. We have 6 mares on the two farms, 4 of which are in foal and we also have a couple of studs.

We've owned a couple of claimers but mostly allowance and stakes horses.  This really isn't about who we know or don't know because I'm pretty sure I could trump you on that, mostly based on how long we've been in the business.

We aren't as active as we once were because other things have gained interest in our family. Such as College Rodeo, Pro Rodeo etc. A retired QH race horse makes a great barrel racing horse a lot of the time. If one has the patience. I have my own business which takes up a lot of my time now and other family members are busy as well in their professional careers.

I personally do know Wayne and have for many decades. Also over the years I've known many of the greats of the game, past and present living and deceased.  

But there again I didn't make any disrespectful or outlandish claims of wrongdoing without knowing the facts.

I know several millionaires, a couple who actually own race tracks. So what, that doesn't make me one.

Sounds like you are more into harness racing/standardbreds. Good for you. It's not for me, I prefer the excitement of Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred racing.

You might want to work on your writing because half of what you write is difficult to figure out just what you're saying.

If you're speaking of just seeing someone in the game and knowing them by osmosis I don't count that.

I only count people I know as someone I've had a conversation, dinner, friendship, relationship or so forth with as actually KNOWING them.

Spectulation? What the heck is that? Lord I thought good communication and writing skills were essential in succeeding in the world of big business and multi-million dollar wheeler dealers.

MikeRelva, he admits himself he doesn't know the people he is making accusations against.  I don't think my discussion was directed at you?

My writing skills and spelling sometimes lacking for the 5th time---your reading skills are seemingly worse.

YES- EP TAYLOR KNEW MY NAME and liked me. Was I a great friend with the "then" 8th richest man in the world-NO. I worked for him as his "messenger" and as my sight was better than his because he was older then-- called races ala Carl Nafzger for him many times when his horses ran---we also talked horses and breeding---not just a go-for never did he treat me like a pion--but I was hardly in his will- Read Slowly.--- He owned 3 tracks and I know 2 others that do--one knows me to see me and by name but I am not a good friend. Actually I will go as far as to say we don't like each other. I don't hate anyone just avoid some.

Did I or do I know HOF inductees- yes--read slowly---2 alive ---friends---not casually--another 2 are dead---I was in the picture of a graded stakes winner last year---I did not know the owner---just the trainer said come along into the winners circle when I was on vacation. He is in the Canadian racing HOF -known him since my teens--he sent me a copy of the picture a few weeks later---by mail because he knows my address. Friends do keep in touch.

Read Slowly--the "owner" of my company owns "harness horses" as well as thoroughbreds---read slowly--- I have owned 12 and 21 whichever way you would like to count it--thoroughbred races horses from above READ SLOWLY

Me alone--I owned 12 racehorses-- outright 1975-2008--I think 21 if you count partners---we did take back the same horse 2 times we lost in claiming but I am only counting him as 1--as above Blue Snow was my first 1975--a $2,500 claimer--I owned alone-- $45K IN Partnership was the most expensive claim I ever made and $30K also in partnership was the most for one at a yearling sale $1100 the cheapest also in partnership. Never had a stakes winner--one allowance winner if call $17K purse an allowance--had claimers run for more.

One last time "read VERY slowly" also from above

Skip--It is speculation--and as mentioned previously it is only that I have absolutely no proof.

AND although I can say I have met 100's of top and famous trainers Lukas is not among them.

"READ SLOWLY" I GUESS THE ABOVE WASN'T THE LAST TIME

REGARDING LUKAS

I was thinking out loud and that really isn't right but honestly I have had those thought for years. "You want me to say I shouldn't have" I can live with that.

THAT'S ME ADMITTING I WAS WRONG---YOU LACK THE SAME HUMILITY IT SEEMS

Whatever I lack in tact or political correctness you lack in ---------Comprehension------ If I am pompous, you are off the charts know it all--quarter horse person.

I thought we were talking thoroughbreds

The harness comment was just my lamenting I didn't get in when given a chance to own a special animal. I would be happy to own a stakes winner of $200K with the prospect of much more in any breed---EVEN A QUARTER HORSE.--Sorry you can't understand that.

Noteworthy you still didn't answer even half my questions or even narrow down if it is YOU PERSONALLY or family, or if you are a secretary, nurse or in in the business. Again, I am assuming here, even though it is SKIP--I am guessing a female.

I don't have to read slowly. You need to learn to write, spell and make your thoughts more lucid.

I'm pretty sure that someone with a couple of advanced degrees can read and comprehend well written comments.

Most of our Stakes winners were TB's a couple were QH. I'm not the one bringing up all of my connections, you asked I told you a bit. Being on an internet and not knowing how crazy you are I'm not divulging any identifiers.

What questions didn't I answer?  Don't most people in other professions take it up as a hobby?  Although two members of my immediate family could be called professional, one having trained race horses and another with a degree in an equine affiliated industry and a true horse trader in the old sense of the word.

Just let me say my family is a mix of educators, medical professionals, businessmen etc.

As far as how many RACE horses we have owned? Too numerous to count. Some I can't even recall that well unless I pull out their WC pictures. Who owns or owned them? Myself, my parents, partnerships with others, my siblings and a mix of people, close friends, extended family and an ex. But I don't consider those friends et al as being our horses.

Cheap claimers, not really, we've stayed away from them.

If you frequent the sales maybe you know a friend or two of mine, one and his partner in particular who sold a broodmare for $5 million a few years ago and another who is a regular sales agent.

If you're thinking out loud as you put it, maybe you'd want to think twice then write?

What do I have to apologize for? I said you speculated without being fully informed and that still holds true.

My comment about the harness horses was just an innocent comment based on your comment.  I mentioned my preference for excitement and so on.

I'm not the least bit familiar with the Canadian HOF, I do know at least one horse who ran there and one trainer fairly well. The trainer mostly from reputation, the horse very well.

However I do know several HOF trainers, living and deceased as well as the same in jockeys.

Still I don't see what you being a big player in Canadian horse racing qualifies you to make assumptions. That was what my whole original comment was.

Also I'm not on here telling everyone how to think or write or how many people I know and who is suspicious, just out of the blue.

1 degree BS--Biology-- not many

Here's the deal--I know nothing or anyone about or in the game--I had low priced claimers except one who won a 50K claimer and allowance on a B track.

I'm sorry I would of have been thrilled owning part of a horse that may be running in the biggest harness race in the country with a million dollar purse and has won stakes and $200K already--and actually was asked to buy in for $8000--hardly a $5,000,000 horse. If he runs he will be an outsider with little chance.

They're is no big name trainers that took edges in the history of racing--I was wrong to air a suspicion.

Dancer's Image was disquified from the Derby---I do NOT like the trainer personally but do know him and rode his stable pony as a young boy and was around his stable in summers because of my dad. He was the hardest working trainer I ever saw and a great horseman, never a day when I was around do he not even check the cheapest of claimers. I --like you-- know he didn't anything wrong personal feelings aside. Again-He was the most honest hard working trainer I ever saw who wouldn't dream of cheating or did he need to. I think a few people thought he did---were you one that ever wondered not knowing him???---"Personally"---for the record--I didn't like Lou because he was cheap and a cry baby if he lost a $20 bet. Honest as the day was long and I defend him---and again if you missed it--I did not or do like him when we crossed paths when I was an adult. Last check he is still alive and well in retirement--he is my Lukas wronged if you want to feel better. Even then he only won 1 KY Derby and ahd to give it back--2nd in the Belmont---again you are better as your man won much more.

You win, you're better.

Have a good life. Wish you well as I do anyone---Have no fears after this weekend my wife and 4 yr will be spending time in a lakehouse with a dock and pool. Even here I am a claimer man--my friend is divorcing and rented it to me for less than an mothly air condition bill because he doesnt want his wife and her new boyfriend to go there. I bought a small boat and plan to spend weekends there so won't see any races for a while nor blog after tomorrow.

Take care

I hope you get your horse you want.

I sincerely mean that.

But, your sarcasm falls short. I wasn't trying to one-up you, it just works out that way.  You have mentioned all of your connections, your millionaire friend and your lavish lifestyle long before I did. You wanted me to validate that I do have horses, do have a couple of breeding farms and what I didn't mention was a small ranch with oil wells. LOL  

Well you asked and when I didn't answer sufficiently or seemed to have something comparable or better you got a bit snippy.  

Maybe you realize don't ask or insist if you don't want to know?

My experience has been with people who offer up that much info and attempt to force others to prove their worth, are usually not too happy or don't really have what they claim.

Sarcasm isn't your forte and I'm sure you're a very nice person, even though your claims sound remarkably similar to some others on here.

What I have, I've worked hard for as have my entire family and we've had some good fortune along the way.

I do wish you happiness and hope you enjoy everything you have in your life.