Q&A With Odysseus Trainer Tom Albertrani

re: Q&A With Odysseus Trainer Tom Albertrani

Mike Relva — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 01:42:58 GMT

JON:

Here's news,I think a Derby winner like Matz knows what he's doing. BTW it's insane to run five back after a race. This isn't the "old days". Horses' are different now,if I'm wrong why do so many each yr. go off the Derby trail due to injury? Horses' aren't machines!

re: Q&A With Odysseus Trainer Tom Albertrani

LAZMANNICK — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 00:38:06 GMT

Give Lentenor an allowance race and hopefully he'll win it and gain some confidence. I was impressed with his move and will in the Florida Derby, but I wonder if his future is on the grass. The G-1 Secretariat at Arlington would definitely be on my list. A nice win there then he can step up against older in an ambitious fall campaign.

re: Q&A With Odysseus Trainer Tom Albertrani

jon — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 16:36:02 GMT

I am a Lentenor fan, and felt whipsawed the way Matz agonized over whether he should run in the Bluegrass/Belmont or the Florida Derby/KY Derby, even though Lentenor did not have stakes experience. However, Lentenor placed 4th, behind Rule, so we can't discount him.

The idea that Lentenor has to run in an allowance race seems silly, considering that he had a bad trip, new surface, eye injury, and a graded stakes as new variables. I could see Matz aiming Lentenor towards a graded stakes, again, with Velazquez aboard, and I bet he'd win. In the "old days" horses seemed to be fitter and could run 5 days after a race and win. So, 3 weeks? Come on. Matz lost his nerve.

I like Odysseus, but he seems overmatched in The Derby. I would like Blind Luck with her speed, but she seems to need more distance and could do well in The Belmont. We all saw the fiasco with Christine Daae last week, so she's definitely not Derby material. I think Rule would crumble if pressed in The Derby, and I think we may see an upset similar to last year-a late developing unknown.

re: Q&A With Odysseus Trainer Tom Albertrani

Slew — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 23:51:26 GMT

Dr Drinkinbum, for the Fla Derby, I ended up going with Rule, First Dude, and Best Actor. Yep...that really turned out great??? I'm looking for Ron the Greek to regain his previous form. If Dave in Dixie and Back Talk go to Illinois, that should be very interesting.

re: Q&A With Odysseus Trainer Tom Albertrani

Mike Relva — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 23:51:15 GMT

RANAGULZION

Must be nice having it all figured out. Last time I checked,you aren't risking anything like me!

re: Q&A With Odysseus Trainer Tom Albertrani

LAZMANNICK — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 23:23:53 GMT

John Horton, Jr.

For the first 95% of the Florida Derby Rule may very well have been the best horse, but for the last 5% he wasn't. I expect him to improve enough to win maybe a 1-1/8M race next out, but getting an additional 1/8th is going to be very tough, especially if he's pressed in the early part of the Derby which I believe he will be. For that reason he disappeared from my Derby list, but I still hope he runs well. LOL

re: Q&A With Odysseus Trainer Tom Albertrani

Ranagulzion — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 23:11:12 GMT

CARLOS,

Face it Pal Odysseus is more suited to the mid-summer classics. Perhaps circumstances are conspiring to benefit him.

MIKE RELVA,

Waiting for my "lame spin" is gonna be a very long one Buddy 'cause Esky and the Todd Squad are looking very good. Watch Discretely Mine and Mission Impazable shine this week-end and begin to plan your 3 months hiatus (LOL).

re: Q&A With Odysseus Trainer Tom Albertrani

GunBow — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 22:16:08 GMT

Tuscan Evening is being pointed for either the Distaff Mile at Churchill (on either Oaks or Derby day) and/or the Just A Game at Belmont(I Belmont day). However, being a 5 year old mare, Tuscan Evening is not eligible for the Belmont Stakes, nor would she be pointed for a 12 furlong race.

re: Q&A With Odysseus Trainer Tom Albertrani

tcc — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 22:00:41 GMT

Jason:

Trainer Tom Albertrani has confirmed that the Tampa Bay Derby winner, Odysseus, will have one final prep before the Kentucky Derby, with the choices remaining either the Blue Grass or Arkansas Derby.

re: Q&A With Odysseus Trainer Tom Albertrani

John Horton, Jr. — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 21:34:48 GMT

IMO, Lookin At Lucky, Eskendereya, Awesome Act, and yes, Rule still look the best of the colts headed to Churchill Downs. I also give Interactif a shot just on pure talent, although he's unproven on dirt. The reason Rule is still on my "Big 5" list, for 95% of the Florida Derby, Rule was much the best in the race. Johnny Velazquez allowed Rule to get into a bit of an early speed duel up front with Pulsion. If Velazquez takes Rule back and slips him into 2nd behind Pulsion, Rule win's the Florida Derby, IMO. Ice Box and Pleasant Prince didn't even catch Rule until deep stretch with the wire looming. So I still think he'll be a player in the Kentucky Derby. I'd love to have Johnny Velazquez problem of deciding between Rule and Eskendereya for the Derby.

re: Q&A With Odysseus Trainer Tom Albertrani

Dr Drunkinbum — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 21:31:38 GMT

Zookeeper

I don't know what happened. Last I heard, he was pointed to the Sunland Derby. I'm hoping that he's healthy and they decided to go to Oaklawn but it's possible he's injured and we didn't hear. He's not a high profile horse. I doubt if I'm playing Sunland now.

re: Q&A With Odysseus Trainer Tom Albertrani

Zookeeper — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 21:16:23 GMT

Dr Drunkinbum,

In a DRF article by Steve Davidowitz, I read that Storming Saint, who was promoted to 1st in the Borderland Derby, will run in the Sunland Derby. His opponent in his last race, Raise the Bridle, is not named as a starter in the SD. I wonder why? Do you know?

re: Q&A With Odysseus Trainer Tom Albertrani

tcc — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 20:55:29 GMT

Slew:

Dave in Dixie might be pointed toward Illinois Derby.

re: Q&A With Odysseus Trainer Tom Albertrani

Dr Drunkinbum — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 19:33:47 GMT

Greg J

Good Post. I'm thrilled that Matz is going to do the right thing. Lentenor although extremely talented is immature physically and mentally. He will be a phenom on all surfaces in the furture. Many horses have been ruined being thrown into the Derby at the wrong time for them and you'll see a few more ruined this year. I love the Derby and believe it is the world's greatest race but horses need the proper foundation and mental attitude in most cases to survive. Survival of the fittest. Some, because of the loud, huge crowd, the big field and other stresses, just want to survive, get the heck out of there and never come back.

re: Q&A With Odysseus Trainer Tom Albertrani

Mike Relva — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 19:25:19 GMT

RANAGULZION

Here's news,I could care less what you think! Will wait for your lame spin after it doesn't happen. Good luck with that!

re: Q&A With Odysseus Trainer Tom Albertrani

Slew — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 11:42:42 GMT

I'm still pulling for Ron the Greek in the LA Derby; believe Island Soul will be in the money. Jody Slew is still recovering; she entered but connections still aren't sure she'll actually run. The Silver Bullet Day was great, and I still see Jody and Quiet Temper in another duel, though Jody might not win if the injury bothers her. Giant Oak in the LA Handicap, and the Muniz should be a challenge with both El Caballo and Blues Street entered. Can't wait to see how Mendip does in the UAE. Where is Dave in Dixie's next start?

re: Q&A With Odysseus Trainer Tom Albertrani

Ranagulzion — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 04:26:43 GMT

Mike Relva,

Your position re: Pletcher's chances of winning the Derby is irrational and based upon factors other than normal handicapping considerations therefore you will be very disappointed when one of his horses prevail on the 1st Saturday in May. Anyway take comfort in the knowledge that some of us including Draynay and The Gladiator (LOL) will miss you very much during your promised 3 month long hiatus.

re: Q&A With Odysseus Trainer Tom Albertrani

Carlos in Cali — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 04:03:58 GMT

Looking at the earnings list..Odysseus is far from being guaranteed a starting position in the Derby.Any of the 4-5 horses beneath him can surpass him with a placing in their next start.Looks like they might have to give him another prep in order to be invited to the big dance.It is what it is...

re: Q&A With Odysseus Trainer Tom Albertrani

Greg J. — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 03:57:57 GMT

Dave,

Honestly, I don't know why I am responding to a moroon like you, But, Here you go, First, If Lentenor had finished two spots closer, He would be going to the Kentucky Derby, He fell short, Not because of talent, But, Because of a troubled trip and the fact he is still a little green and still learning. Out of 35,000 colts that were born three years earlier with the ultimate goal of making the Kentucky Derby, He was two spots from doing that Dave, In my eyes, That is pretty damn impressive. Most trainers would try to run him back in three weeks to get the earning's, I applaud Mr. Matz for taking him back and letting him go through his conditions and not ruining this colt for one race, The Derby. If you don't think Lentenor is talented, Then you have no clue about talent Dave. You call me picking Lentenor to win the Derby Delusional? Yes Dave, A colt that I placed a future on five months ago at 250-1 odds with never having run a race and coming that close to being in the Derby and having a shot at it must be delusional? It is called being a fan and having hope that the connections you respect and admire can have a brother of a Kentucky Derby Winner get to the Derby and win it Dave!

re: Q&A With Odysseus Trainer Tom Albertrani

Mike Relva — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 02:25:39 GMT

DAVE

Here's how it is,I've never said Lentenor was "a world beater". Find ONE blog where I've stated this. Maybe you need to have your facts straight before you make fictional comments. BTW,people like GREG J has knowledge that wouldn't be in your area code! If you don't care for FOB,don't read the posts! Thanks for the laugh! lol

re: Q&A With Odysseus Trainer Tom Albertrani

Mike Relva — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 02:14:27 GMT

DAVE

Really? There's also a DIFFERENCE between respect and slamming horses' that run for people like yourself attempting to cash a ticket!

re: Q&A With Odysseus Trainer Tom Albertrani

Dave — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 01:47:07 GMT

Mike, there is a difference between being wrong, and making comments that when said out loud sound laughable.

And there is a difference between having objectivity and hoping for a certain outcome, then the delusional belief that you, greg j., and the rest of the FOB hold. I have read some of the post on that blog, and you guys need to realize he is no world beater.

re: Q&A With Odysseus Trainer Tom Albertrani

Carlos in Cali — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 01:04:35 GMT

Zookeeper,

It can get pretty hectic around this time of yr. w/so many prep races leading up to the Derby/Oaks,but I enjoy it..big time.

The FG Oaks should be chalky w/the top 3 betting choices heads-above the rest. Ailalea is coming into the race w/the same pattern as Discreetly Mine in which they both disappointed in their comeback race @ GP while sprinting,then stretched-out to a 1 1/16th @ the Fair Grounds.The latter was successful,both are highly regarded and both trained by Pletcher.She should run big in here. I don't know if Jody Slew is 100% fit for this race after being cast in her stall last week,but if they entered her she must be doing well enough. She's a tough filly and the only reason she's not the morning-line betting choice is because of that incident.If she wins,she'll be the 1st to sweep the 3race series(Tiffany Lass,Silverbulletday,FG Oaks).Quiet Temper is improving and was nosed out by Jody' last time, these 3 should be there at the end.

re: Q&A With Odysseus Trainer Tom Albertrani

Zookeeper — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 23:24:26 GMT

Carlos in Cali,

I watched the Risen Star again and you are correct. I also reviewed Dross' past performances and it appears that his style is the way you described it. Let's see what happens in the La.Derby... Good luck with your picks! Me? I'm going back to the drawing board!

re: Q&A With Odysseus Trainer Tom Albertrani

Mike Relva — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 22:33:15 GMT

RANGULZION

Like I said, seriously doubt he will win the Derby,I don't care if he had a dozen horses' entered.