Trinniberg Could Be a Devil in Kentucky Derby

re: Trinniberg Could Be a Devil in Kentucky Derby

sceptre — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:16:28 GMT

nickie:

Your skepticism re-the inference that Never Bend was/is a stamina influence is well founded. Never Bend is certainly not a stamina influence-he is, if anything, a source of brilliance-true to the racehorse he was (not that all sires sire to their aptitudes). I remember him well, attended many of his races, including his Preakness, and unlike Nashua, was a true *Nasrullah-type in "style" and aptitude. His tended to sire true to his "type", and most had brilliance and quality that could stretch. Mill Reef was loaded with quality, and a lovely type-as were many of the Never Bends-, but he was out of a stouty bred mare which on this occasion enabled him to be successful at 12 f. I attended his Arc, and he was by far best (at 12f) that day. Mill Reef did become an influence for stamina, but here this a a very good example where sometimes the dam dominates the aptitude.

re: Trinniberg Could Be a Devil in Kentucky Derby

ksweatman9 — Mon, 07 May 2012 12:47:19 GMT

There are people actually blaming Mike Smith for Bodemeister losing the Derby, imagine that. When Trinniberg entered the race, I knew Hansen was in trouble and I suspected Bode could be, well both of them were like pit bulls chasing a pussy cat on a hot tin roof and there you have it, the whole story. I think Hansen is going to have to race at a shorter distance if he is ever going to see the winner's circle again. I said from the start, the good doctor should've skipped the Derby and shot for the Preakness with a rested horse. Well, I'm sure the white pony is anything but rested now. He may as well give the horse a vacation and start him off again as a miler, because I think that's what he is. I hope Dr. Hansen doesn't even think about the Belmont. If he does, he's a few fries short of a happy meal.

re: Trinniberg Could Be a Devil in Kentucky Derby

Ranagulzion — Mon, 07 May 2012 03:19:07 GMT

nickie,

The stallion, Never Bend, in Trinniberg's pedigree was a famous Kentucky bred that was a 2YO champion, winner of the Champagne Stakes, finished 2nd in the Kentucky derby, 3rd in the Preakness and sired one of the all time great turf racers, Mill Reef, winner of the Epsom Derby and Prix del Arc d' Triomphe.

re: Trinniberg Could Be a Devil in Kentucky Derby

nickie — Sun, 06 May 2012 17:30:36 GMT

I don't understand the reference to Never Bend/stamina?...Never Bend was speed[Florida bred ?]...Bodeimeister had no challenge for the lead. Connections of Trinni ritely did not abuse horse. Bodemeister will have speed to contend with in the Preakness, and I unlike Randy Moss do not think 'Bode will have a cake[crab] walk in the Black Eyed Susan!

re: Trinniberg Could Be a Devil in Kentucky Derby

Alan Porter — Fri, 04 May 2012 19:23:44 GMT

Ranagulzion,

I've seen situations where the same mating has produced very different horses with regard to aptitude, and like most pedigrees, there are some more stoutly-bred strains in the background here.

However, in this particular case very little of that stamina seems to have been transmitted to Trinniberg's immediate ancestors. The second thing is, we always have to look at the horse himself. In the case of Trinniberg, if the genetics that would make for elite performance at ten furlongs been transmitted, it would have been INSTEAD of not AS WELL as those that enable him to blaze out a sub :21 opening quarter, and do a pretty good impression of the fastest three-year-old colt around. Or put in human terms, you don't get to be Usain Bolt AND a world-class marathon runner.

Sceptre,

It's very possible that everyone goes contrarian, and all take back off Trinniberg, but I'm going to guess that with some quality speed that's looking pretty sharp in training - Hansen and Bodemeister for two - one has to suspect that they are going to get sucked into going out just a fraction too quick.

I may look stupid in just over 24 hours time, but I think it's hard to envision Trinniberg being able to run 10 furlongs in racehorse time under any circumstances, whereas one might have just about have imagined Hansen - a class horse who is effective at 8 1/2 furlongs, but whom I suspect wants no part of 10 furlongs - getting loose and staggering him.

re: Trinniberg Could Be a Devil in Kentucky Derby

Ranagulzion — Fri, 04 May 2012 17:21:36 GMT

Sceptre,

Trinniberg running very slow fractions wouldn't be a smart strategy because that would empower his pacey rivals, Bodemeister, Hansen and Take Charge Indy (more confirmed stayers) without giving him the separation and energy-level advantage he needs to outrun them after the first half-mile. Trinniberg's higher cruising speed his his main weapon. There's no chance that those rivals will allow slow fractions anyway. Think again Pal.

re: Trinniberg Could Be a Devil in Kentucky Derby

sceptre — Fri, 04 May 2012 03:11:39 GMT

Neat article.

I think the race had a better chance to be "truly run" without the presence of Trinniberg-there was enough speed, stalkers, and closers without him. Horses aren't always placed true to their jockeys' desires, but if they were here, I can imagine a scenario where Trinniberg (should he allow) could be left alone on the lead-even at very slow fractions. Should such a scenario transpire (but doubt that it will), this would indeed make for an UNtruly run race. Wonder if his connections are plotting the same?

re: Trinniberg Could Be a Devil in Kentucky Derby

tjconway — Thu, 03 May 2012 23:17:03 GMT

When he's done, he better quietly hug the rail with his tail between his legs. We don't need any interference in this race!

re: Trinniberg Could Be a Devil in Kentucky Derby

Ranagulzion — Thu, 03 May 2012 19:53:57 GMT

Alan,

The speed orientation of Trinniberg's pedigree is very obvious but could you comment on the chances of stamina being inherited via Herbager, Secreto, Dunce and Never Bend, not to mention inbreeding to Secretariat/Princequillo?

You mentioned the average winning distance being 6.76 furlongs for colts bred on similar crosses as 'Trinni' but since coming to hand this season his two wins in the Swale and Bayshore respectively have been with consumate ease, with the colt running fast without being asked by his jock and galloping out like he wants more ground. Could he be carrying 10 furlongs stamina incognito?

re: Trinniberg Could Be a Devil in Kentucky Derby

Ranagulzion — Thu, 03 May 2012 17:12:57 GMT

Nice article. Without Trinniberg in this Derby the race would be up for stealing on the front end by either Bodemeister, Hansen or Take Charge Indy. "Trinni" will ensure a truly run race from start to finish and he does have some stamina influences not too far back in the pedigree that could carry him a far way.

re: Trinniberg Could Be a Devil in Kentucky Derby

mary wilia, Honolulu — Thu, 03 May 2012 17:12:00 GMT

It certainly tickled my fancy when I heard he was to run....uh oh....the "spoiler"?.....or could he somehow pull it off....this year's KD has such an evenly matched field. although there are some with more of what it takes than others...it will keep you on the edge of your seat, that's for sure....I was really hard put to choose my four....even though I can't bet, living here in Hawaii, but....it's always fun!!!