Wild and Wooley

re: Wild and Wooley

The King of the Derby — Mon, 11 May 2009 23:31:55 GMT

The purpose of the derby is to create a venue for gamblers, owners, trainers and breeders in that order. Without wagering in this country we have no industry. The Gamblers were rewarded as usual, but the outcome of the Derby didn't validate anything. Like in 2005 events lined up and the improbable, the unlikely to happen, happened. And just like 2005 MTB most probably will descend down the ranks. That in itself doesn't invalidate his effort or triumph, but it is what most likely will happen. If Rachel Alexandra Friesan Fire Run those two will most probably run 1, 2 followed by any combination of horses minus Mine That Bird.

re: Wild and Wooley

Johnny — Sun, 10 May 2009 18:42:56 GMT

Very nice commentary, Dan. It's been very gratifying for me to see Hal Wiggins, "Chip" Woolley, Jr., and Mine That Bird in the limelight. Both these fine men have shown a lot of class, poise, and humility, not only with their success, but with some of the changes that have occurred over the past week.

Mr. Wiggins has been extremely gracious in spite of losing his star Rachel Alexandra, who gave him his first Grade 1 win. I wish he'd been able to keep the filly, but he's a first class horseman and I hope other really good horses come his way.

Mr. Woolley has been a model of a class act as well, giving a lot of credit to Calvin and wanting people to focus on Mine That Bird. I'll be pulling for the horse in the Preakness.

And thanks again to you, Dan, for another of your very classy commentaries.

re: Wild and Wooley

Dick Johnson — Sun, 10 May 2009 01:38:04 GMT

The overhead shot of the race tells the whole story. The little horse by Birdstone ran past the field like Grant went through Richmond. The times only matter to the horses that finished second thru last.

It goes to show everyone that the "little horse, little trainer and little owner" still have a chance in the Big Race. It keeps the dream alive!!

re: Wild and Wooley

Queen of Fabulosity — Sun, 10 May 2009 01:23:23 GMT

To Central Valley Dame:

"Chip Woolley...a damn good trainer" I think that you need to check Mr. Woolley's winning percentage. If that is damn good, I would rather be mediocre.

re: Wild and Wooley

Barbara — Sat, 09 May 2009 22:36:44 GMT

I agree with you completely, Colette Marie. MTB's race was one for the ages. I'll remember it always, win or lose at the Preakness (but I'd love for him to win!!!)

re: Wild and Wooley

Freetex — Fri, 08 May 2009 22:35:19 GMT

Mine That Bird was much the best on Derby Day and that's all there is to it.

I don't recall seeing any other horses flying; oh, only the ones I bet on. All flying for second or third and so on down the lane.

re: Wild and Wooley

backside babe — Fri, 08 May 2009 02:21:18 GMT

Settle down---I was just trying to get a reaction with my posts---I actually just met the Double Eagle gang while they have been here in KY----MTB is a champ and the Double Eagle entourage is a great group of guys! Way to go! Good luck in the Preakness!

re: Wild and Wooley

Niners13 — Fri, 08 May 2009 01:06:44 GMT

Bird ran a great race and i know all racehorses turn 2 or 3 on Jan 1, no matter what there bday was, but mine that birds actual b-day in may 10 i think so he was the youngest horse in the field...people will hate but this horse was a champion 2yr in canada and won the derby they will never be take that away from him....

re: Wild and Wooley

kleigha555 — Thu, 07 May 2009 23:36:09 GMT

He is the real deal, I wathced his workout videos before the derby. He moves easy and cofident and when asked to go - he tore up the track. I am so tired of all the negative comments (not here) saying it opened like the red sea and these horses were no good....and on and on. Actually this was a very talented field and horses that were bred to be "classic" horses, and havce won previous races in great runs. He is bred for this!! He is a young three yr old and may be maturing and coming in to his own when it really matters. I say WIN that triple crown MTB!!!!! Show them all! ALSO you dont have to have a barn full of million dollar horses and owners to be a great horseman and get the job done right! I am cheering all the way for the Mine that Bird team!!!!

re: Wild and Wooley

John Boudreau — Thu, 07 May 2009 21:25:01 GMT

To Backside BABY>>> They WON the Kentucky Derby

re: Wild and Wooley

Backside Babe — Thu, 07 May 2009 20:01:57 GMT

To Central Valley Dame---Chip Woolley, a damn good trainer. He could not train a billy goat to buck. If he could, MTB would have blown the rest away in New Mexico. Ask around, the Double Eagle entourage is the biggest joke going in New Mexico racing.

re: Wild and Wooley

L.Muchesi — Thu, 07 May 2009 19:56:46 GMT

I know Mine That Bird from his days as a 2 year old winning races at Woodbine.He was Canada's 2 year old champ.

Even though the horse is no slouch I feel he won the Derby because he loved the off track while the other horses didn't. Simple as that.There are horses who love off tracks all the time and seem like champs but not in the true sense.

He is the Derby champ but I am sure he will not win the Preakness (or Belmont if he decides to run).

re: Wild and Wooley

John Boudreau — Thu, 07 May 2009 19:12:15 GMT

Congrats Shifty (thats his nickname in New Mexico)>>>After Watching the replays of MTB's 2 year old year He's one Tough little Dude!!! He won 4 in a row and 3 stakes in a row>> twice in the one hole with semi-rough trips I'm Becoming a Big Believer>>> Good Luck Shifty!!!

re: Wild and Wooley

MVP in NYS — Thu, 07 May 2009 12:58:03 GMT

Despite all the nasty comments about the trainer and his trailer - it was a 4 horse trailer...He and one of the owners showed great sportsmanship to distribute roses from the blanket the next day.

Funny how the 'Bird' slipped in under every ones' noses....No publicity- no stories about his stakes wins!

Blood Horse needs to cover each and every Derby Contender next year.

re: Wild and Wooley

Jeff W — Thu, 07 May 2009 01:59:56 GMT

Clearly MTB ran well in Canada. The Breeders Cup was a throw out because he apparently never settled in in CA. As for the two starts in NM, the Sunland Derby was a 800k race and he was only 4 lengths out. His jock made a move down the backstretch and MTB couldn't sustain through the stretch. Woolley mentioned that and wanted to make that move later. Hindsight is always 20/20, certainly I did not pick him, there is some evidence to back up his performance.

re: Wild and Wooley

drewclearwhenroused — Wed, 06 May 2009 20:48:13 GMT

whatever says:

"its nice to see regular people in the winners circle instead of a bunch of stuffed shirts"

you do realize that the horse was bought for 400k and the owner just inherited 30 million dollars??? I do not know how "regular" that is...

re: Wild and Wooley

Mary K. — Wed, 06 May 2009 18:12:23 GMT

There's a whole lot to be said for a gelding when it comes to training and running -- they are much easier and have their minds on the job at hand. Hey, what's with MTB's bridlepath?? As soon as I saw that, I knew there was an affiliation with racing quarter horses!! Welcome cowboys.

re: Wild and Wooley

Jimmy — Wed, 06 May 2009 16:25:18 GMT

Giacomo was 4th in S.A.derby last out,M.T.B. was 4th in sunland Derby last out.Looks like the western air is enough to step up to the next level come the first saturday in May!

re: Wild and Wooley

Karen in Indiana — Wed, 06 May 2009 14:28:18 GMT

Hey Colette, great blog! You said it! We were blessed to see 3 wonderful races last weekend - Rachel Alexandra's effortless win by a mile (almost literally), Einstein's refusal to be beat, and Mine That Bird's amazing run over the mud and through the field. Wow! It doesn't get any better than that!

re: Wild and Wooley

Whatever — Wed, 06 May 2009 14:15:21 GMT

The overhead camera shot of the derby clearly shows how much faster the little Bird Horse was going than anyone else. I hope this little horse is for real, its nice to see regular people in the winners circle instead of a bunch of stuffed shirts. That was a great derby.

re: Wild and Wooley

grindstone619 — Wed, 06 May 2009 13:42:59 GMT

If you get a chance, go back to 1996 and watch Mine That Bird's "grandpa" Grindstone come from behind and win the Derby--that was also a thrilling race. I was at Belmont the day Birdstone flew by in a blur to pass Smarty Jones...I wanted a Triple Crown, but I cashed a nice ticket on Birdstone.

re: Wild and Wooley

tbpartnerperson43 — Wed, 06 May 2009 12:34:12 GMT

Funny, just looked at a picture of the gelding on the track and I think the bridle is new, *grin* They must have bought it special for the Derby. It isn't even darkened up yet. I've had this horse in my Virtual Stable since he was two and went out of my mind when he charged down the stretch. Can't wait to see him at Sunrise at Pimlico.

re: Wild and Wooley

Phat Day — Wed, 06 May 2009 11:53:38 GMT

I agree with many of the posts here.Calvin seems to have a real connection with the horses he is on.When they where all on TV the morning after the Derby, Mine That Bird could not get close enough to Calvin with his ears pricked.I love it!!

re: Wild and Wooley

mikecano54 — Wed, 06 May 2009 11:12:22 GMT

slow half mile and a sloppy track the inside rail has better footing and calvin was taught by some of the best also knowns what he is doing, experience pays.

re: Wild and Wooley

da3hoss — Wed, 06 May 2009 10:18:07 GMT

Sanmo 65, the comments were the way Calvin rode with a loose rein and the neat headstall that the trainer picked, ;-)