The Rest of The Story

re: The Rest of The Story

Alan Porter — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:51:24 GMT

I think with Rachel Alexandra, the difference in the Woodward was that the first quarter was so quick - as my experiences as a runner remind me, once you've gone out too quick, it's going to hurt, and gutting it out of the only option.

The only horse I can think of going out in a dirt G1 at nine furlongs or more in :22 and change and winning is Holy Bull in the Travers. E Dubai flew early in one of his nine furlong wins, but that was in a G2 (pretty astounding splits, however).

re: The Rest of The Story

Alan Porter — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:48:51 GMT

Given that he developed relatively early fertility problems, Storm Bird was quite a good sire, he had a very good European filly in Indian Skimmer. as well as Summer Squall, Bluebird, Classy Mirage, Magical Wonder, Personal Hope - all G1 winners. Not a bad broodmare sire - if not outstanding - and his daughters have produced the stallions Thunder Gulch (tailed off commercially now, but a pretty good sire by any fair reckoning) and Medicean, who is at least useful in Europe.

re: The Rest of The Story

Bellwether — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 07:23:11 GMT

ONE & ONLY ONE NEEDED TO DO THE TRICK N THIS GAME...

re: The Rest of The Story

Bellwether — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 07:20:32 GMT

NIC OUT A POOR BOY...ANOTHER BOB BOWERS IS ON THE WAY...

re: The Rest of The Story

M. King — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 22:16:54 GMT

I'm noting that Rachel Alexandra has run 7 furlongs in faster time than she did in the Woodward; twice. In the Mother Goose she did it in 1:46.33, two seconds quicker than her 1:48.29 in the Wood. Her fractions in the Mother Goose were more outstanding. And she accomplished them without pressure.

Given the differences in the tracks, it could be that the race schedule is beginning to tell, and her speed numbers are beginning to show it. Who knows if at four she will return to top form, or if she is so valuable as a brood mare, that she will be retired.

Whatever her future, I just hope that she is rested for a good long time and not pushed any more this year. She has given plenty, and should not be asked for more.

Remember Ruffian's trainer saying he didn't want his young filly pushed in a match race with Foolish Pleasure. If someone had listened ....

Don't push Rachel.

re: The Rest of The Story

AnneM — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 18:47:12 GMT

Speaking of Dublin - what is your opinion of Storm Bird as a sire (and broodmare sire) in his own right-other than just being the sire of Storm Cat.

re: The Rest of The Story

da3hoss — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:54:57 GMT

Lemon Drop kid is a treasure for soundness and stamina in the breeding shed...he will be an extremely important broodmare sire for the breed.

re: The Rest of The Story

poormansracehorse — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 01:36:08 GMT

How does Dublin come True Nicks rating wise.

He seems a talented horse but I assume he must favour the mare physically.