First Time on the Flat

re: First Time on the Flat

Jack Straw — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 10:20:34 GMT

Please - Sermon of Love HAD raced on the turf prior, 2 years ago - its important to check facts prior to printing stories.

re: First Time on the Flat

King Lane — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 02:17:01 GMT

Quality Road's win in the FL Derby was so convincing I kept him in a separate category when evaluating Derby contenders. His track record at Saratoga will stand for some time. It was chilling to watch how easily he accomplished it. Let's hope he stays healthy as he will leave a big mark on the sport.

re: First Time on the Flat

Elwoodelwoodcordery@yahoo.com — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 01:27:17 GMT

Quality Road drifted out in the stretch , is it because his foot hurt? I need to know , I was looking forward to him getting revenge for the Derby.

re: First Time on the Flat

Abbie Knowles — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 23:53:34 GMT

You are forgiven MZ. SEA THE CHAMP!

Yes VESPONE (by LLANDAFF - DAHLIA's son! Loved Steve Haskin's article on the GREATEST MARE. SHE WAS THE BEST FOR 5 years not one and few were better broodmares!) I too LOVED Danni's enthusiasm and the way Sermon of Love won with his ears pricked! He enjoyed himself and I lerv seeing the horses enjoy themselves!

re: First Time on the Flat

Draynay — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 23:13:50 GMT

Good to see Quality Road back but I am not buying what Pletcher is selling. I think he is taking QR to the Woodward. I am not buying the Travers until he is in the gate and it opens.

re: First Time on the Flat

Vespone — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 21:49:58 GMT

I was watching TVG during Sermon of Love's race and to their credit, they did point out that not only was Sermon of Love getting weight off, but also he was one that could definitely get the distance. Rich Perloff used him in his pick-4.

Personally, I loved Danni Hodsdon's enthusiasm after the win.

re: First Time on the Flat

LJK — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 20:54:20 GMT

I'm VERY dubious about that track record time for Quality Road.

re: First Time on the Flat

mz — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 19:00:03 GMT

Sorry Abbie: I had a senior's moment and missed your first post! Please forgive me.

Yay! Sea the Stars!!!

re: First Time on the Flat

ROBERT — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 18:57:36 GMT

IF......and thats a big IF.....If Quality Road runs in the Travers, this sprint race was his undoing. To run this fast in his first race back did not teach him a thing about rating and conserving his energy for the 9th and 10th furlong of the Travers. I know Quality Road won the 9 furlong Florida Derby, but that was 5 months ago and it was his first race longer than 1 1/16th miles. He is a monster horse no doubt about it, but I have never thought he looked the part of a 1 1/4 mile horse. He will be running the distance for the first time, and unless he is just that much better than the rest of the 3 year old crop, I will bet against him to win. As for his race this past weekend....Incredible!!!

re: First Time on the Flat

mz — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 18:52:55 GMT

I noticed Sermon of Love winning and I just want to congratulate Jonathan Sheppard and Danni Hodsdon: you go girl!! (and "guy" too, to Sermon of Love)

Abbie Knowles: where are you? At least in GB the steeplechasers and hurdlers get their due!

re: First Time on the Flat

Freetex — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 17:38:58 GMT

Thank you for such a stirring article.

Congrats to Hodsdon and Sermon of Love. What a feat.

And, oh my, Quality Road, HE'S BACK! I certainly hope all goes well for him.

Very sad news about the other tragedies.

re: First Time on the Flat

Vic — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 17:38:25 GMT

Hodsdon's natural weight was under the 122 impost reqquired by older horses in the race. At 122 pounds, Sermon of Love was dropping 22 pounds off his last race - a victory in a 2 1/16 miles hurdles race on a yielding turf course. His race before that he carried 162 pounds and finished third at a distance of three miles.

Don't ask me why more bettors and handicapping ass-perts didn't have faith in the duo. The way Hodsdon rode was indicative of a skilled jockey. The way she spoke about her trip after winning revealed how intelligent she is. The whole scene was something to behold, and I'm not certain many in the crowd appreciated it.

re: First Time on the Flat

Star Quality — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:43:29 GMT

Quality Road was great! I can't wait to see if he ends up at the Breeders Cup or not.

re: First Time on the Flat

McDynamo — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:35:52 GMT

I am surprised Hodsdon could ride on the flat. Not because she isnt a great rider, but because of the impost. I have met her a few times at the Steeplechase races and doubt she could make a low impost. Was this a training flat race for Steeplechase horses or a regular flat race. And if she did make impost and win, she should begin thinking of a career in flat racing! Though, I do love her riding Mixed Up!

re: First Time on the Flat

Abbie Knowles — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 09:33:36 GMT

I love Pulpit so was thrilled the well named Sermon of Love won! He s a grand horse and it is a great story. Racing needs more such stories so thanks for headlining this one.

Quality Road was superb too. There are lots of awesome horses around at present!

How tragic about the horse who got himself killed. He must have been really frightned by something. Horses do not usually have a death wish.

Thanks for this site; Seattle Slew's dynasty did great on 3rd August didn't they? I love watching Saratoga on ATR! (ATTHERACES)

God Bless

Best wishes

Abbie