Q & A With Rachel Alexandra Trainer Hal Wiggins

re: Q & A With Rachel Alexandra Trainer Hal Wiggins

Dan the Horseman — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 22:19:05 GMT

Sometimes a horse picks you. I love the game and have been picking them for a long time. My first born daughter we named Rachel and my second Alexandra.....Good Luck to this talented filly, I'm picked by her!!

re: Q & A With Rachel Alexandra Trainer Hal Wiggins

Vic B Quick — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 17:35:38 GMT

In my opinion, we will not be seeing any fillies against colts in classic races, because we remember how persecuted Larry Jones and his owner were last

Ky Derby.

re: Q & A With Rachel Alexandra Trainer Hal Wiggins

Wanda — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 17:39:49 GMT

Guninpocket: What's wrong with Wal-Mart greeter's? lol.

re: Q & A With Rachel Alexandra Trainer Hal Wiggins

Slew.em.All — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 23:12:04 GMT

Guninpocket:

funny first line you wrote..as I mentally visualize the incident,it's even funnier.....lol

re: Q & A With Rachel Alexandra Trainer Hal Wiggins

Guninpocket — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 17:19:55 GMT

Draynay........ you wouldn't know a top notch horse if he ran over you. Who makes your picks for you, some greeter at Wal-Mart ? I'll take my top 3 and give you the field for a grand, you up for it? :-) gun

re: Q & A With Rachel Alexandra Trainer Hal Wiggins

Householder — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 19:33:04 GMT

That's why it's called "Derby Fever" Draynay. The "fever" completly coulds judgement. What was Mr. Frisky, like 16 for 16 wins heading into the derby? I know he was sick and all but history has a way of writing off all of the "should of...could of...would ofs." Let the crowd take Dunkirk derby day at 2-1 based on press rankings, if he even has enough earnings to get in. I like others. Who out there thought PYRO could actually get 1 1/4? I'm sure his trainer had doubts from the start.

re: Q & A With Rachel Alexandra Trainer Hal Wiggins

Ida Lee — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 16:52:15 GMT

The day of the Belmont when Rags went against the boys, I could hardly move because of major surgery. I had been home a couple of days and felt miserable and didn't want to get out of bed. Next thing you know, I hear my husband yelling "Oh my God, the Filly fell on her knees - she's out of the race." Then, I hear "Oh my God - she's back in but running way wide - she's not going to make it". Then I hear "Oh my God, she's back and after Curlin - get over here". I put a pillow to my stomach to hold my stitches in and saw the end of the most exciting race ever. I couldn't stop yelling for Rags (even though Curlin was and is my all time favorite boy). This beautiful and talented Filly brought fun and laughter to me during one of the worse times of my life. So, yeah, I have a special place in my heart for fillies and I will continue to follow Zenyatta, Stardom, Rachel, Evita and the rest of the lovely ladies that bring so much excitement and fun to so many lives regardless of who they race.

re: Q & A With Rachel Alexandra Trainer Hal Wiggins

Draynay — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 16:39:17 GMT

You think Dunkirk can get 1 1/4 ? Vineyard is a 2 time G1 winner and Dunkirk is an allowance winner. When they show up at the dry parking lot called Churchill you take 2 race winning Dunkirk and I will take the back to back G1 winning Vineyard Haven and run circles around Dunkirk. When Dunkirk wins a G1 come back here and tell me all about it.

re: Q & A With Rachel Alexandra Trainer Hal Wiggins

zarvona — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 08:51:31 GMT

Believe me, I will take a well bred Kty. horse, that is well trained, running a 1:50.15; on a cold Feb. track vs. the likes of "Warrior's Reward" on any day to any Derby!!! But, Dray, that's just me, I don't berate your choices!!! And,if we owned 'em, I'd be happy to see you put your "Vineyard Haven" up against this mere 'Allowance hoss' at

1 3/16's anytime!! NOW you wanna talk 1 1/4 ??

re: Q & A With Rachel Alexandra Trainer Hal Wiggins

Draynay — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 05:10:04 GMT

Dunkirk is in my top 4 !!! Based on what ? You do realize Unbridled Song horses cannot win the Derby right Hey, its Triple Crown season and we all get excited but Dunkirk running a 1:37 mile ? In a couple of weeks some big races will take place and we can start to get rid of some of the pretenders. Dunkirk running average splits beating average horses is nothing to get excited about. The real running starts in 2 weeks.

re: Q & A With Rachel Alexandra Trainer Hal Wiggins

zarvona — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 04:28:40 GMT

"Dunkirk" is easily into my top 4 !!! Unfortuantely, he is taking the 'NO 2 yr. old' campaign trail and hanging his hopes on the Fla., Derby as his only potential entry to 'the dance', thusly only 3 runs to the Derby!!!, (Remind you of anyone???), but he looks FOR REAL to me. And what is Dutrow doing with "Patena", the same thing? Also, Baffert may be soon springing another of his on us, having gotten "Zenzational" (one of "my barrel too full") out of his stall! (Whether you are high on "Unbridled's Song"'s breds on not!)

re: Q & A With Rachel Alexandra Trainer Hal Wiggins

RJPPDP — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 03:20:40 GMT

To me the Derby is 20 best 3 year olds in th e country. And right now Stardom bound and Rachel Alexandra have the right to that title. I would to see Rachel Alexandra to go after Old Fashioned in Arkansas and see Stardom bound take on Pioneerof the nile at Santa Anita. Then have them all come together on the first Saturday in may where the one who can survive against 19 other horses and win. These fillies deserve a shot and they have the earnings to get in are there two year old and three races so far.

re: Q & A With Rachel Alexandra Trainer Hal Wiggins

MIKE RELVA — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 00:24:41 GMT

DRAYNAY:

I also seen last nite Siegel place Dunkirk number one,I don't see it. I think he could be talented,but no way over Pioneer and others' @ this point.

re: Q & A With Rachel Alexandra Trainer Hal Wiggins

zarvona — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 00:05:36 GMT

Hey 'scienticfic', I appreicate all the backlash , corrections, the counter points, and the constructive critism, etc., and am glad someone is reading these blogs. I am not offended. I look for all the help going to the window I can get and hope whatever I throw out helps someone else also. If you want to make a point about one of my off the wall thoughts, PLEASE feel free.

re: Q & A With Rachel Alexandra Trainer Hal Wiggins

Slew.em.All — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 22:47:01 GMT

draynay:

Are you talking about Dunkirk or BB?..whats the difference?..please dont mention the splits either.

re: Q & A With Rachel Alexandra Trainer Hal Wiggins

Householder — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 22:34:36 GMT

Just saw last year's derby trail and fan favorite horse Georgie Boy (Del Mar Futurity, San Vicente, San Felipe winner) close very nicely to win in the San Carlos-Gr. 2. It looks like Kathy Walsh has found his right distance (Under a mile). Santa Anita looks like it is playing very well to form and it is an ideal time form STARDOM BOUND to close at 1 1/8 in the Santa Anita Derby. She could give Pioneer of the Nile and Chocolate Candy fits. I see all three hitting the wire together.

re: Q & A With Rachel Alexandra Trainer Hal Wiggins

Sat, 21 Feb 2009 18:14:12 GMT

Thank you so much for the interview. Rachel Alexandra's a classy filly and regardless of where she runs, she'll be a force to reckon with, regardless of where she runs. The filly's division is indeed strong this year with Rachel, Stardom Bound, Laragh, Evita Argentina, Sky Diva, Dream Empress, Maram, and Heart Shaped are in my tops. If this kind of a field is in the Oaks starting gate, I won't be disappointed.

Flashbacks for me where fillies have beaten the boys, I can remember Makybe Diva, Miesque, Six Perfections, and my other favorites Alexander Goldrun and Ouija Board... it redefines the sport.

re: Q & A With Rachel Alexandra Trainer Hal Wiggins

draynay — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 16:54:37 GMT

Householder ... you are 100% right male or female talent is talent and for people to think Stardom Bound or Rachel Alexandra belong below Friesan Fire on any top list is beyond my imagination. I just saw Jeff Siegel place Dunkirk No. 1 on his derby list. Is he serious? He wins an allowance race against nothing and is now No.1 ??? SIMPLY unreal.

re: Q & A With Rachel Alexandra Trainer Hal Wiggins

Asst. Hotwalker — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 14:13:48 GMT

Why not have equal purses for the oaks and the Derby?

re: Q & A With Rachel Alexandra Trainer Hal Wiggins

SCIENTIFIC — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 10:44:07 GMT

ZARVONA...I am getting to this late, and not to be picky, but easy on all the 'yelling' and punctuation and mish-mash of ideas and statistics.

1) You are saying you are okay with fillies running preps vs. boys, and that is fine because they mature quicker.. then why run mares against 3year old boys.. that would seem 'unfair' by your logic. Wouldn't they be TOO mature then?

2) Seems like you love horse racing as anyone does who is reading this or making comments... but your 'comment' about the 'retiring of BIG BROWN and CURLIN' vs their insurance payoffs seems a little negative. Yes, its economics, but not in the way you are thinking.

3) Its' great that you keep track of horses and races and such, but please don't list a bunch of 'female' horses and some random statistics (half sister to PYRO, now to B Tagg etc...) without some kind of context. YOu are just coming off a little 'no-it-all-ee' without the knowledge.

4) Owners/trainers should run their horses where they see fit, that's how its always been. Deep down, everyone roots for the filly because she is the underdog, statistically and historically...and if one or two fillies decide to run the DERBY v the OAKS.. are you telling me there aren't enough quality 3 year old 'girls' to make the OAKS exciting enough for you? You listed off like 20 female horses, that you keep tabs on....

5) Sorry to sound harsh and critical... but just some advice.... read, watch and listen before you start spouting off knee-jerk, ill informed suggestions and comments.

re: Q & A With Rachel Alexandra Trainer Hal Wiggins

The Rock — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 04:31:15 GMT

Oh yea, Unbridled Song might be the next one worthy of a stud fee creeping to what Storm Cat had in his prime...depending on the turf/synthetic stats.

re: Q & A With Rachel Alexandra Trainer Hal Wiggins

The Rock — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 04:29:39 GMT

Hey JS:

Absolutely! He's really throwing out some serious horses on the dirt. Anybody know off hand what his stats are like with turf/synthetic types?

re: Q & A With Rachel Alexandra Trainer Hal Wiggins

Householder — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 03:22:32 GMT

Part of the problem is that fillys and mares get no respect. Bayakoa reeled off 12 grade 1 wins in this county, sometimes carrying 127 pounds, and she did not start in America until she was 4 or 5! "You Tube" the 1989 Spinster and tell me how she ranks 95 of 100 on the Blood Horse best horses ever. Few males could put up a better resume. She would be on my top ten period...right along with Lady's Secret and Genuine Risk.

re: Q & A With Rachel Alexandra Trainer Hal Wiggins

zarvona — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 00:53:13 GMT

Well, I was thinking of course a 'match race' that other could enter not a 2 horse duel! but... And, why not open an OAKS Blog!??! It sounds like a fine plan to me with Pool #2 soon to be out and the ONLY FILLIES POOL this year!! I might learn something useful from my expert blogger peers there!!, and looking over my books lately going to window, I need all the help I can get!!

re: Q & A With Rachel Alexandra Trainer Hal Wiggins

helsbelles — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 23:45:28 GMT

Hi Jason and Rock... you can also add Song of Solomon to your list of impressive Unbridled's Song Winners (full sis to Rockport Harbor).... ummm, he has been around for a while, why is he making such a splash now?... and let's hope for the best, if you know what I mean.