Does It Get Any Better Than This?

re: Does It Get Any Better Than This?

Footlick — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 19:09:36 GMT

Slew- I can't take any knowledgeable credit for it- just a hunch bet. Pulsion faded into midpack. Biancone did not have a good day-lol.

re: Does It Get Any Better Than This?

Slew — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 01:27:25 GMT

Footlick...you were right on about Ice Box. My longshot, Best Actor, is still trying to find the finish line....maybe Tuesday he'll come home. He would have been there sooner, but he thought he'd try running backward for a while.

re: Does It Get Any Better Than This?

Footlick — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 19:52:15 GMT

LDP-thx. But that's life-lol.

re: Does It Get Any Better Than This?

LDP — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 11:23:19 GMT

Slew,

I learned that when I came back after about four months after my regular injury, went to work for another three or four and re-injured it. The doctors thought that it was the strain of working days in a row. I could normally handle two, but each year they asked me to come in and help a fourth day, and I always said yes, and then, boom. I try to stack some hey or lift a bucket and I strain that stupid shoulder. The therapist said the strain was actually cause by the mild scoliosis, because it caused me to favor my other are putting more weight on my right arm. The back issues came later. They said it may be an aggrivated muscle swelling up the pinching the siatic nerve. I didn't want to do more test to find out if they were right, so i just deal with it.

Footlick,

I'm so sory about your dancing. I don't know how I would handle not being able to ride. Horses are my air, so to imagine how it would be not to ride or be around them, helps me sympathise for you. I am sorry.

re: Does It Get Any Better Than This?

Footlick — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 03:43:26 GMT

Slew- If it would have kept me dancing I would have done it immediately. If there was an experimental procedure that was available, I would have chanced that too. But one of the surgeons developed the most advanced procedure for severe spondylolisthesis available at the time. It wouldn't have kept me dancing. I would have no flexibility at all. So I chose not to. I am still flexible, doing all my dance stretching everyday. And still walking and still functioning and that's all I can ask. I am very lucky and I know it. Anyway-enough of this. Anybody else like Pulsion/ Ice Box as a huge upset in the Florida Derby? I did like Radiohead until his post.

re: Does It Get Any Better Than This?

Slew — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 23:24:00 GMT

LDP: you can overcome a strain, but it takes a while. You're much too young to be experiencing all of the other problems. I hope you heal quickly. You might want to consider a side trip into journalism with an emphasis on the back side of racing??? My problems were compression fractures...and they just don't ever go away, which is why I had so many restrictions.

Footlick: I too opted out of any surgical intervention because the odds were just stacked too high against a positive outcome.

re: Does It Get Any Better Than This?

LDP — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:31:32 GMT

Footlick,

I love to write, which is why I blog, so that helps. I also want to be a owner/trainer, and plan on being one of the best :)

re: Does It Get Any Better Than This?

LDP — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:29:48 GMT

Slew,

I don't mind who anybody decides to trust, and I don't me that to sound arrogant or cocky at all. I strained a muscle in my shoulder that was called the thoracic, at least that is what they told me. They said that it also leads into my back, upper back and that the type of strain I had took a year to fully heal, even though I could work in a few months. I also have bursitis in the same shoulder, and lower back issues. Yes, they also told me I had slight scoliosis.

Thing is I can't give up horses or riding, just can't. Though I am a lot more careful.

Forbidden Apple,

I try not to bash Zenyatta, seeing as how I like her too.

On Dublin and Nakatani, I can understand a jock doing something like that in the Belmont or Preakness, but IMO a jock should be doing what is best for their mount, especially in the prep races. Do I think he would've beaten LaL with a better trip, no. Lucky was much the best.

re: Does It Get Any Better Than This?

Forbidden Apple — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:34:49 GMT

LDP,

I apologize if you think I was attacking your opinion. I like how feisty you seem to be and the fact that you love horses. I have just been very upset with everyone still knocking Zenyatta when all she does is win!

Everyone knew that Lookin at Lucky was the horse to beat. Nakatani had a rank horse early on and then did what he could do to try and keep Lucky at bay. It is so funny about Dublin, people keep liking him and defending him for some reason. He has had 2 races this year and has been beaten by 3 different horses.

So are you a hotwalker or a groom?

What does LDP stand for?

re: Does It Get Any Better Than This?

Slew — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:01:27 GMT

LDP...of course you are free to state your opinion. However, my confidence relies more heavily on what Zenyatta's jockey says, rather than what you think. The word is "thoracic", and I'll clue you in to that as well. Thoracic vertebrae support your entire body to keep you upright. One or more fracture or compression will keep you off a horse for the rest of your life. Ignore the doctors only at your own peril. Arthritis, scoliosis, stenosis, or spinal cord injury can cripple you. And every ache and pain you experience is not just something for you to overcome...it's a warning. Build your muscles, but don't over-exert your spine. I speak from experience, so-unlike me-listen to your doctors...they really do know what you should and shouldn't do. (which probably includes-no heavy lifting-no diving-and no horseback riding-I think dirt bikes may be out too).

re: Does It Get Any Better Than This?

Footlick — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:38:59 GMT

LDP- I had to quit a successful modern dance career because of my back. It was an old injury and it ended up being impossible to do class, rehearsals and performances. I was 35 when I quit and felt like I was 105- but I kept doing it until I couldn't. When I finally went to the surgeons, they told me I should be in a wheelchair, so whatever they would do would make me less mobile than I was. They thought even with quitting dancing, I would be back in about 5 yrs for an operation. It's been 21 years and I still haven't had to go see them, so I have been lucky. But quitting dance left a huge hole inside of me. My art career has filled some of it, but not all of it. Anyway, my point is that you find something in whatever field you are interested in and do it to the best of your ability and don't ever doubt yourself- which I'm sure you don't;). You can't be a jockey but you can be other things. Life works out that way. I guess even though I thought I was meant to dance- I wasn't. Don't give up and don't feel ganged up on. We all have felt that way, and the fact that you state your opinions strongly will always make people attack. Keep your head up and keep going. I enjoy reading your blogs whether I agree with them or not. Sorry for going on- just wanted to give you a pep talk I guess.

re: Does It Get Any Better Than This?

LDP — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:58:15 GMT

Forbidden Apple,

You can disagree, I have never minded anyone disagreeing with me. I don't like it when I feel like I'm being attacked for my opinion. On Nakatani, most ppl I have talked to think the same way. They think he move prematurely, in order to try to box LaL. In the first turn and in the begining stages of the Rebel he has been rank, which why I believe somebody said he has been going so wide into the first turns.

I have complete confidence in LaL. He, according to Baffert was only abou 80%. He should not have won that race with everything that happened, and yet he did. He seems to have a nose for the wire. I'm waiting on AA to put in a good performance in the Wood. I don't think his last was due to the quirky inner track, but I've been wrong before so I'm gonna just sit back and wait. Conveyance I like. I really do not know why since everything about him would normally scream no to me, but the more I watch the Southwest the more I like him.

I do not exercise TB's. Personally my last two physical therapists don't know why I still work around horses. I was pretty much forced to quit my last job at a farm because all the heavy lifting cause me to two thoratic injuries in less than a year. I would love to be able to ride racehorses, I still do want to be a jockey. I'm just for once listening to my body.

re: Does It Get Any Better Than This?

Forbidden Apple — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 03:17:01 GMT

Tim G,

Thank you for the information on Sunland Park. I like your comment to LDP about listening to others and wanting to learn. I ask as many questions as possible and I am always eager to learn. I was talking to a friend of mine last year who happens to be a horse owner and she asked if I was working again this year on the backstretch. I said yes and she said with who? I told her and her advice to me was keep your mouth shut and your eyes and ears open. I definitely pay attention to the trainer, assistant, riders, and even the vet. For me I try to connect with the individual horse and study their actions as much as possible.

LDP,

I just watched the replay again and Mike Smith's ride was brilliant. His timing was perfect and he knew exactly what Zenyatta was going to do with a sharp inside move. It happened quickly, just like a knockout punch in a prize fight.

Now I just read how you thought Nakatani gave Dublin a bad ride. The horse was rank in the first turn. It is way to easy to always blame the jockey when something goes wrong.

Lookin at Lucky was very impressivce after clipping heels around the turn and patiently waiting to win by a whisker. I still question if he can get 1 1/4 against the best competition with his late moves. I am leaning towards Conveyance as my speed horse and Awesome Act as my closer to complete an exacta.

Do you exercise thoroughbred race horses?

re: Does It Get Any Better Than This?

LDP — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:15:55 GMT

Slew,

I do bother to listen, and I disagree. It's America, it's a freed country so I am free to disagree. Zenyatta never uses herself, the only time she was ever really stretched was the Clement Hirsch. Against that field, going wide would've been easy for her, she probably would've been by in a matter of five jumps. She wouldn't have had the traffic problems, plus it is what she does. The Classic I could understand. Had she gone wide in the Classic we would've seen her stretched out. It was a much better field and a bigger field. This was nowhere near that quality, and from what I know 127 lbs is not that much for her. I pay plenty of attention, I am not ignorant.

re: Does It Get Any Better Than This?

Slew — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:54:21 GMT

LDP: If you bothered to listen to the post race interviews, Mike said he could have gone wide and still won the race, but he was trying not to use up too much of Zenyatta before the Apple Blossom, which were the trainer's instructions. So sometime, you just need to listen; there are some folks out there who are more knowledgeable than you. John Shirreffs and Mike Smith might be 2 of them. Whatever your skill might be, there is always so much more to learn when you pay attention.

re: Does It Get Any Better Than This?

Tim G — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 03:05:36 GMT

LDP, that last post was astute and not arrogant.

I, like others, don't believe your youth limits your knowledge. Your inexperience does. I know young trainers and very young jocks who are very astute, but they've actually had the experience.

ONCE again though, the experience you talk about has relatively NOTHING to do with racing. I think you need to open your mind and realize that people who have done this most of their lives, those who have been IN racing for 10-60 years are more well-versed as to what goes on. Hey you know the ins and outs of racing and give advice to trainers(are those race horse trainers?) so do you know how to read a condition book?

Some of the very best trainers, watch, listen and learn from the trainers around them, they come up from the rank and file or the very few who don't come up under a parent, start young and learn by trial and error. I just think someone who GIVES opinions only, will never be successful if they don't also have an open mind and want to learn from those who DO know the game.

re: Does It Get Any Better Than This?

Tim G — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 02:56:16 GMT

Conveyance? Not sure he'll get the distance but it's a crapshoot with these horses even at this stage. in a couple of weeks it'll really start to shake out.

The surface at Sunland is pretty consistent from what I recall. We ran some there WAAAAAYYYY back when. Stan Fulton has that track groomed and running like clockwork. The economy apparently took a bit of a downturn in NM recently but Sunland is still a real successful track.I do remember that they spent a ton of money to renovate the Zia Park surface but I don't think Sunland has had the same issues.

Back in the day they didn't have drainage on the days it rained and it could get pretty muddy on those rare occasions. Saw some horses go down unhurt several times. It used to be hard fast on days when it didn't rain but I'm not sure exactly what the makeup of the track is at the present. Can see if a relative has a program, they used to tell the mixture.

I went to the Winstar (Sunland Park)Derby a few years ago and I don't recall much complaining about the surface.

I was laughing, thinking about Mikey, I remember HIM when HE was a teenager.

LDP, I'm glad you have these plans. Go to University of Arizona if you want a career in horse racing. I don't want to discourage you from that. But I know someone once told you that your attitude wouldn't be well accepted by the racing community. IF and WHEN you ever get involved in horse racing then you can offer more than opinion. Most trainers are very kind to the real fans of racing. Actually most of us are, but well I've already told you what bothers me about what you write and I don't think you 'get' it.

I think someone told you once to go get a job on the track. You're getting a late start in racing. Most were walking hots as soon as they were allowed, some as little kids and most as young teens. Even those who went to school to learn the game also went to the school of race track life.

re: Does It Get Any Better Than This?

Mike Relva — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:00:51 GMT

JOE SCHMOE

Regarding your "helpful comments" to LDP,I would take some of your own advise.

re: Does It Get Any Better Than This?

LDP — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:07:51 GMT

Forbidden Apple,

I haven't gotten my formal top ten list back together yet but LaL is back on top for me right now. Nobles Promise will probably be there. If Conveyance can rate or prove that he can carry his speed I like him. Rule is one I think will rate, and as of now he's done nothing wrong. I also still like Dublin. Nakatani gave him a bad ride. He was riding to beat LaL, it seemed, when he should've been riding to win or give his colt the best chance possible to win.

Eskendereya is a nice colt, but I'm not sure what to make of his win right now. The main horses didn't really show up in that race, though Jackson Bend is one honest colt. He was very close or on the lead I believe, but setting slower fractions for a very speed bias and fast track. Right now I'm taking the stance of he needs to come back and do it one more time. I feel generally the same way about Sidney's Candy, that he got away with some very easy fractions and needs to come back and win again.

On the bubble horses for me would be number one American Lion. I feel he really wants dirt. His last two efforts were his worst for me, and both came over Pro-Ride the track that most resembles turf. IMO there are a lot of horses to choose from this year, and though some ppl call this is a week year I think it is a fairly decent crop and a marked improvement over the 08 crop.

re: Does It Get Any Better Than This?

joe schmoe — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:58:03 GMT

LDP,

You relayted to the nay nay? You both seem to have the same attitude. Grow up and get over it. People aren't always going to agree with you. Tooting your own horn won't change any of that.

re: Does It Get Any Better Than This?

Forbidden Apple — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:04:46 GMT

Tim G,

Do you have any opinions on Conveyance? Do you know anything about the racing surface at Sunland? I am done with the Apple Blossom talk, team Rachel should pack their bags and get Rachel as far away from Zenyatta as possible. I happen to have a lot of respect for Mike Smith as a rider and for the way he connects with Zenyatta. I was fortunate enough to watch him here in Saratoga when he won the Travers with Holy Bull and Coronado's Quest. I also remember when I was a teenager he used to get on some good horse for Bill Mott.

LDP,

Let's forget about Rachel and Zenyatta for now. Who do you like on the KY Derby trail?

re: Does It Get Any Better Than This?

LDP — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:37:07 GMT

Tim G,

I'm about to go to college, and I sit in front of a computer typing, but I have e-mailed trainers before, acually stating a plan that I thought would work for there horses. I walk the walk when I take a horse that was nothing but skin an bones and make him into a beautiful jumper dispite many people ever telling me there was no way I would ever be able to do it. I'm walking the walk yet again by going to the college and getting a scholarship for the equestrian team. I'm going there to learn how to run a businenss, how to run a barn, how to train horse, how to look at pedigree and breed a star. I will be in this business, and believe me I will be great.

The thing you don't get is that I do know what I'm talking about, you are just to focused on the fact that I am young to realize that. I have people, barn owners, who actually ask my opinion, ask me to ride horses nobody wants to ride, and when the first meet me are surprised at how knowledgeble I am.

I walk the walk in my own life, but it's kind of hard to do it on a key board where all you can do is type.

re: Does It Get Any Better Than This?

slyder — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:11:17 GMT

GunBow 14 Mar 2010 7:50 PM

Read this one people. It's all about draynay and it hits the nail on the head.

Gun Bow,

That post my friend hits draynay right between the eyes. You couldn't describe the crap he spews any better if you tried a thousand more times. There you have a little man who claims to be a great race fan but is just here to stir the pot. One year it's Big Brown and the rest of the racing world is a joke, the next year it's Rachael Alexandra and the rest are nothing but losers. That's not a fan of racing, that's a child like mind getting his kicks out of being and a**. It's time the bloggers here just pretend he doesn't exist and he'll go away.

No true fan of racing would go into hiding just because one horse (RA) gets beat. It's all about being an ego maniac and he thought he had found the perfect outlet by latching on to a horse he thought would not be beat. Funny thing about horseracing though on any given day any horse can be beat. Oh, he'll be back to spew more of his crap but it's high time people here just plain ignore him. let him fade away back into some other world, who needs him anyway?

re: Does It Get Any Better Than This?

Tim G — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 03:08:45 GMT

I'm sorry I don't understand what you're trying to say LDP.....

If you're saying what I think you are? That you can't go to the track and be timid, you aren't timid but brash?

Well, I can just say you can talk the talk but you can't walk the walk.

People who spout off about how it IS when they don't ACTUALLY KNOW how it is aren't called brash, they're called know it all blowhards.

I don't hate you, too much energy wasted. I do think however that when you get off on these tacks that it takes away from the blog.

Now if you were a fellow jockey or a HOF jockey or a person who actually KNEW the nuances of race riding? Your absolute, yes I'm right attitude might be more palatable. But that mad at the world, I've had it tough coming from a teenage kid? Sorry.

Kids who've had it a lot tougher than the things you've described are willing to listen and learn and don't try to tell others who do things for a living just what they're doing wrong.

He explained what happened in the Clement Hirsch, but he also lets the mare make her move and she usually makes it when she's good and ready.

LOL Why the heck do you think they run the races? Nearly every horse is beatable, but until they get beat? Well close only counts in horse shoes.

re: Does It Get Any Better Than This?

LDP — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 02:16:12 GMT

Tim G,

If you can't go to the track and be timid then why does my brashness upset you. From your last post you would think it would actually make you less incline to hate me so much. I said it seemed that he was over confident in the race, I never said he was an overall cocky guy, I hardly think that. I felt he rode Zenyatta overconfidently, many besides me think that. I am merely saying for him to be careful, because he did nearly lose that race. He nearly lost the Clement Hirsch because he overestimated Zenyatta. Each time, however, she has overcome that. However, even a great horse, even a perfect horse can lose when too much goes wrong. Man o War is a great example of that.