One Month To Go

re: One Month To Go

Ruffian — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 07:48:42 GMT

Ted from LA

Mendip won't be in the Derby. I believe he hurt himself . I can't remember exactly what happened, but I do know he won't be in the Derby.

re: One Month To Go

Mike Relva — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 21:53:53 GMT

LAZMANNICK

Appreciate the kind words.

re: One Month To Go

Dr Drunkinbum — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 18:40:16 GMT

Thanks for that link for the Smith and Zenyatta article. Very nice.

re: One Month To Go

LAZMANNICK — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 17:36:47 GMT

Forbidden Apple

I'm not trying to compare times from 1973 to 2010. I'm just saying that the scenarios are similar. Secretariat's Wood was 13 lengths slower than Sham's SA Derby but when the two met in the KD Sectretariat dominated. People are making too much of Esky's 1.49.4 and Sidney's 1.48 for the same distance. LOL

re: One Month To Go

Mike Relva — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:27:29 GMT

MATTHEW W,GREG J, PAULA

TTHANKS!

re: One Month To Go

Forbidden Apple — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 15:38:07 GMT

Eskendereya is a nice horse, he is not the next coming of Secretariat. He has had 2 very easy races so far where he only had to run the last 1/8 of a mile. The KY Derby will have a serious pace and then we will get to see what he is made of.

Lazmannick, you can not compare times from 1973 to times in 2010. Are you trying to convince people that the racing surface is the same after 37 years?

Ranagulzion, your triple crown winner this year is only a fantasy in your own mind. It is good to dream, but wake up already. I was in the paddock for the Wood and Eskendereya is not a very attractive colt, he looks pretty average to me. I have him third on my list with many question marks next to his name.

Awesome Act however was a very attractive colt that was on the muscle even in the paddock. Breaking slow and losing a shoe are definite reasons to not run a huge race. Julian was standing up on him until the last 1/8 of a mile and at that point the race was over. It was a prep race and I am expecting him to be much improved in the KY Derby. He was tugging his way down the backstretch and wanted to do more. He is far from a throwout, he still seems dangerous to me.

Lookin At Lucky and Endorsement also appear quite dangerous come May 1.

The pace should be hot if Conveyance enters and runs fast with Sidneys Candy.

re: One Month To Go

CV — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 15:34:31 GMT

"...But when a horse and rider meld like Mike Smith and Zenyatta, it is a beautiful thing to see. She has been in some tight spots and he always works their way out of them." --Paula Higgins

You're right; you can really tell how close Mike Smith is to Zenyatta. His face just lights up when he talks about her.

Shortly after the Breeders Cup Classic I read a column by turf writer Jay Hovdey. It talked about how Smith sings a little Spanish song to her each time they walk to the post.

Here's the link: www.drf.com/.../108841.html

I think that article totally captures the special bond you mentioned.

re: One Month To Go

CV — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 15:14:12 GMT

"Blind Luck is small--for a filly---no way does she belong with colts at 1 1/4--"

Smaller than Jackson Bend or even Mine That Bird? She may be small in stature Matthew, but both of these horses I mentioned also are smaller than most of their peers.

Perhaps it's the horse's demeanor that matters the most, whether they tend to be assertive or more cautious.

re: One Month To Go

LAZMANNICK — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 14:47:56 GMT

Mike Relva

I nominate you as a BLOG COP. One slip from some of these characters and you're on them like white on rice. Good going. Hope you have a great trip to Cali. Once again my e-mail is screwed up so I haven't been sending or receiveg for about a week now. Take care and have a good one. LOL

re: One Month To Go

datflippinrabbit — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 12:55:39 GMT

I just love the talk,Esk-ken-Dray runs 9 furlongs in just under 1.50 and gets the highest beyer of 108 and becomes the new coming of big red.I cant wait until derby day.

re: One Month To Go

Tim G — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 05:33:05 GMT

I agree with Aluminaut. I would like to see ONE blog about the TC or the positive side of horse racing without the Debbie Downers bringing up a breakdown or the tragic things that COULD have happened.

Greg, I often agree with you, but I really don't see it as a necessity to 'bring up' or expose your or others perceived weakness of the sport. RARELY do any of you who point this out all the time, give equal time to the 99% of owners and trainers who DO care for their horses. It's ALWAYS that one fatality or negative jab that has to be thrown by people who have NO financial or true direct emotional involvement with ANY of the horses.

re: One Month To Go

Dr Drunkinbum — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 05:16:22 GMT

I'm only going to make a few comments about this little controversy here then get back to The Triple Crown-the greatest time of the year. I hope the day I die is not between the day the preps start in January and the day after The Belmont Stakes. Both Aluminaut and Zookeeper had good things to say. Zookeeper-you know I always like your posts. Greg J.-I was blown away by the excellence of your post 5 Apr 10:37 pm. There are issues we have to deal with. There is no doubt whatsoever about that. The biggest issue to me is what happens to the horses when their careers are over. They need health, safety, food, shelter, and dinity. If I was a billionaire like Bill Gates-that's where all of my money would be going. This issue has to be talked about so we can continue to strive for solutions. The best venue to do that in-I don't know but I have no problem with anyone that does it here, and no problem with someone complaining that they don't like it done here !!!!!! I'm OK with freedom of speech. If I don't like someone's blog, I just won't read them.

re: One Month To Go

Aluminaut — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 05:05:43 GMT

Back to the Trail:

Today I watched Candy Ride on Youtube. The Pacific Classic w/Medaglio de Oro was the best.

Sydney's Candy looks so strong when running, and I have watched him run twice in person. He didn't look tired and I bet he can go 1 1/4, no problem. I wasn't sure he could get the distance until the SA Derby. Hope he can run on the dirt.

re: One Month To Go

Aluminaut — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 04:55:45 GMT

Zookeeper,

Thank-you for your kind, thoughtful response to my post.

American Lion is a beautiful horse, yes? I have a wonderful picture I took of him heading toward the tunnel at SA from the saddling area a couple races back.

I bought my gelding for $125 at the Joe Hernandez auction at Del Mar. A stallion named Grey Tower was sold at the same time for the same price. My father almost bought him, but was concerned about keeping an aging stallion. This was way before Old Friends. I still wonder what happened to him. I think I read somewhere that he had been a sucessful sire of jumpers.

About overbreeding:

There are way more Quarter horses than Thoroughbreds, and they us AI for breeding. At least real cover limits a stallion's book.

One thing the economic situation may force is more breeding for racing. The high end horses have always retired early. Now some are running longer. A new sire is not so desirable right now.

Greg J,

What can I say to you? Ferdinand.

Exceller. We can't even take care of our "big" horses. Do what you can w/the rescues, but be careful you don't blame anyone who is innocent. This isn't Salem.

You should try to do something about all the mustangs stuck in pens in the midwest. They weren't bred, they increased their population on their own and need a place to be free. Quality of life is important, as you would probably agree.

re: One Month To Go

Greg J. — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 04:23:37 GMT

The Rock,

How about a Julien Leparoux double in race 7 & 8 on Thursday? That's all I will say...

re: One Month To Go

Zookeeper — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 03:57:18 GMT

Greg J,

Thank you for your support. I'm not surprised that your opinion is similar to mine. Your posts are always respectful of horses and caring connections. Sorry about your riding accident. How are you doing? Hope the aches and pains have lessened and that you won't miss anymore exciting KD preps. Thank goodness for replays, right?

re: One Month To Go

Ted from LA — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 03:53:56 GMT

Does anyone know the plans for Mendip?

re: One Month To Go

The Rock — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 03:34:46 GMT

Jason,

A little bit off topic, but would you happen to know how Informed Decision is coming to her 2010 debut on Thursday? I'm wondering if she'll be able to fire her best shot off the bench. If not, I'm looking to beat her with a very talented filly in Witty. I've been waiting for her to ship out of California as I think she could be something to follow later on this year and give Informed Decision a run for her money in the sprint division. I like that she gets 6lbs from ID as well.

re: One Month To Go

papillon — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 03:16:23 GMT

Ranagulzion said "what you don't get about Esky is that he is very tractable, runs his own race and is not phased by negotiating traffic"

What about his Breeder's Cup trip?

What I don't get about Eskendereya is why everyone thinks he's all that.

re: One Month To Go

Mike Relva — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 03:14:42 GMT

RANAGULZION

I won't be in exile,cause your friend Todd will fall short....again. But,if for the unlikely chance I'm wrong will begin my exile from this blog for three months. BTW what are you putting up? Oh,that's right a big fat zero on your part,wow! lol

re: One Month To Go

Zookeeper — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 03:06:21 GMT

Aluminaut,

Thank you for responding to my post, even if you did not agree with my position. I do not intend to argue with you but I would like to respond to some of your observations.

This blog, although titled Triple Crown Talk, does not limit itself to the TC races and the horses pointed to it. If so, the names of Zenyatta, Rachel Alexandra, Quality Road, etc... would never appear in the comments.

The concept of free enterprise doesn't mean that it has no cost. I am well aware of how tough things are all over. Some people find a way to do the right thing in spite of how difficult it is, because they are responsible.

The reporters still have the obligation to report, even if their numbers have diminished.

I am a member of this racing fan community and my opinions are based on FACTS on the matter I have discussed earlier. If my stating my opinion on certain events constitute using this blog as a platform, so be it. I would rather speak out than remain silent and hope (as you do) that things will get better in the future. They will not, unless people do something about the problems.

Hoping for the next John Henry doesn't excuse poor, irresponsible breeding.

I find your adoption of a thoroughbred claimer very admirable. I'm glad for him and for you that he lived a long and happy life in your care. Kudos to you for doing a very good thing! Considering this, I'm a little puzzled by your objection to my post. But it's OK! Differences of opinions is what blogging is all about.

Wishing you continued success with your company and since we both like American Lion, I think we have more in common then your post suggests. :)

re: One Month To Go

papillon — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 03:03:16 GMT

tcc said "Wow, if these are the times at a Mile,these horse's must be ROADRUNNER'S!!! or have a 500hp +"

lol, sorry those were the 3/4 times

re: One Month To Go

Greg J. — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 02:44:01 GMT

Mike Relva,

How are You? Spot on, I believe only the ones that call the horses bums are exactly that, Bums...

re: One Month To Go

Greg J. — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 02:37:40 GMT

Zookeeper,

Bravo! Keep talking, No need to ever get of you Soapbox, Again, Bravo! Never feel like you need to say your sorry to be so passionate about this issue. Spot on about Benjamin Warren. Thank you for caring and helping with the rescue of the 50 of his "unwanted" mares who found themselves in a feed lot in Arizona.

Aluminaut,

You say this is a blog about the Triple Crown? Yes, But, This is also a blog about this sport, And, Sadly, There are some very dark areas in this sport that should always be mentioned or they will continue, Until they are stopped, They should always be mentioned! Do me a favor, Why don't you follow this year's contenders, Say, For the next five years, See where some will end up! If everyone did this, Well, They would be shocked at where their once promising careers end up. I wish you would educate yourself before making a remark like this, "Some people are forced to sell their horses and have no choice where they go". That is utter nonsense, I would love to inform you of many owners and trainers that have the option to sell their horse to a rescue with NO questions asked when they are injured or just not good enough on the track, Instead, They bypass this option and go the route of back door deals and their horse disappears and is later found at a killpen on route to Canada, Mexico, or even to the illegal slaughter houses in Florida. This is the Truth, Like it or not. I could easily name names, But, That would defeat the purpose and the cause of certain rescues that work behind the scenes. Certain people like to look the other way and that is their right, Thank God I am not one of those people! Don't get me wrong, A huge majority of owners and trainers are amazing people and do right by their horses, I am talking about the ones that treat them like garbage and throw them away.

You ask, "Should we blame them for owning the horses in the first place?" Blame?, No, How about being responsible for the life of a horse that depends on these owners and trainers to do right by them?

Your last line, "Let's all focus on the future getting better", That is exactly what Zookeeper is talking about, Just wish you and others would see that and not take Zookeepers remarks as negative, If anything, It is positive to expose the weakness of this great sport so it changes...

re: One Month To Go

Matthew W — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 02:12:11 GMT

Right On Mike Revla---no horses are bums! Every horse has a story....and a purpose/(I hope)