Preakness thread

[Drvmb1ggl3]

Who's going and who's not....
Most of the Derby field seems to have been scared off, and could you blame them with a performance like that from Big Brown. Harty says Col John won't go, Adriano will skip it, Tagg is going elsewhere with Tale of Ekati and Big Truck, Denis of Cork will wait for the Belmont.
Any others?

Likely fresh horses that BB will run into at Pimlico are the Lexington winner, Behindthebar, fellow Pletcher trainee Harlem Rocker, Kentucky Bear who was 3rd in the Bluegrass and California horse Yankee Bravo.
Of those, the most likely "Bernardini" spoiler among them is probably Harlem Rocker, a Stronach horse that is/was being aimed at the Canadian Triple Crown races and was an impressive winner of the Withers at Aqueduct a couple of weeks ago.

Who else is or isn't expected to show up at the gate in the Preakness?

[Laurierace]

They said on our local news last night in Baltimore that the only other Derby horse considering a run in the Preakness besides Big Brown is possibly Recapturetheglory. All the rest have made other plans.

[Glimmerglass]

Baltimore Sun 5-6-08 "Dutrow paints less-rosy picture; Big Brown's trainer says winning next two, Crown far from easy" (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/horseracing/preakness/bal-sp.preakness06may06,0,906443.story)

"I like five weeks, 40 days between races," Dutrow said. "I like to train a horse for a race. When this horse goes into the race the right way, with good timing and all, I don't see anybody beating him. But it's not happening. He's got to come right back off a huge, huge race. I can't stand it, but it doesn't matter because we've got to do it. I am kind of worried about it.

"I know it looks like he's the best horse, but he's going to have to show he's great in the next five weeks. I don't see that he's beaten a great Derby field, not like Secretariat did. That Secretariat field was the best crop I've seen in my lifetime and he took them to the cleaners every time."

The field of confirmed and possibles:

The field:

Horse // Trainer // Last race // Result // Status

1 Behindatthebar // Todd Pletcher // Grade II Lexington Stakes // Won // Definite
2 Big Brown // Rick Dutrow // Grade I Kentucky Derby // Won // Definite
3 El Gato Malo // Dallas Craig // Grade I Santa Anita Derby // Fifth // Definite
4 Giant Moon // Richard Schenberg // Grade I Wood Memorial // Fourth // Definite
5 Harlem Rocker // Todd Pletcher // Grade III Withers // Won // Possible/probable
6 Kentucky Bear // Reade Baker // Grade I Blue Grass Stakes // Third // Definite
7 Macho Again // Dallas Stewart // Derby Trial // Won // Doubtful
8 Recapturetheglory // Louie Roussel // Grade I Kentucky Derby // Fifth // Possible
9 Stevil // Nick Zito // Grade I Blue Grass Stakes // Fourth // Definite
10 Tres Borrachos // C.B.Greely // Grade II Arkansas Derby // Third // Definite
11 Yankee Bravo // Patrick Gallagher // Grade I Santa Anita Derby // Fourth // Definite

[Texarkana]

Stevil has yet to do anything that impresses me... I think "turtle" was an accurate description of him by his owner. :lol:

I wonder what happened with Atoned... I thought the Dogwood folks were all gung-ho about starting in the Preakness despite his performance in the Coolmore Lexington.

[kcgold]

El Gato Malo will go to the Lone Star Derby....

http://www.drf.com/news/article/94315.html

[Milocalwinnings]

I think I'll be rooting for Harlem Rocker (since I never bet on the favorite lol. Doesn't make sense I know!).

Big brown is a nice horse and I think he'll easily take the Preakness, but I don't think he'll be our next Triple Crown winner... I just don't think he's the one this year.

[ravenclaw]

I wonder what happened with Atoned... I thought the Dogwood folks were all gung-ho about starting in the Preakness despite his performance in the Coolmore Lexington.

According to Dogwood's website, Atoned might run next in the Ohio Derby on May 31. I thought they were thinking about the Preakness for him and possibly the Belmont for Blackberry Road. :confused:

What about that new horse Bob Baffert recently got? I can't remember his name, but he showed a lot of speed in one of the Derby prep races. Seems like he might have a decent shot at the Preakness.

[Texarkana]

According to Dogwood's website, Atoned might run next in the Ohio Derby on May 31. I thought they were thinking about the Preakness for him and possibly the Belmont for Blackberry Road. :confused:

Ah, thanks! I missed that!


What about that new horse Bob Baffert recently got? I can't remember his name, but he showed a lot of speed in one of the Derby prep races. Seems like he might have a decent shot at the Preakness.

Samba Rooster... he's not Triple Crown nominated, so they'd have to pay to supplement him. I *think* I read they shipped him to TX for the Lone Star Derby this weekend. I know I read something about him lately. Let me see if I can find the link.

[Texarkana]

Here's the scoop on Samba Rooster:

http://www.drf.com/news/article/94320.html

Samba Rooster gets blinkers, Gomez

Samba Rooster is the probable favorite for the Lone Star Derby off his Lexington effort April 19, for which he earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 97. Garrett Gomez rode the horse that afternoon and has the call for the Lone Star Derby, trainer Bob Baffert said Tuesday.

Baffert also said that Samba Rooster will add blinkers on Saturday. Samba Rooster was a private purchase following a runner-up finish in a first-level allowance at Gulfstream Park on March 30. He is a son of Songandaprayer, and he won his maiden at Gulfstream in February.

[Glimmerglass]

Oh well I was looking forward to seeing as a dark horse Samba Rooster pop up in the Preakness. He's still pretty green so I suppose Bob Baffert wants to take it more easy.

Looks like Garrett Gomez will get the same instructions: "no stick to be carried, let him think you're being runaway by him, and hold the heck on" :D

[Texarkana]

I think Baffert and connections might have been thinking it just wasn't worth supplementing the money when there's an easier spot open...

There's an article just posted on DRF that says:

Recapturetheglory to run in Preakness

Of course, when I try to open it, I get a database error. Hopefully the link will be fixed soon. But I think the headline says it all.

I'm really happy someone else is running back for the Preakness. I think he has a decent shot. He did much better than I anticipated in the derby. Besides, his connections have a history of pulling a Preakness upset.

[Glimmerglass]

Looks like old school training with a possible day-of blowout with Big Brown for the Preakness. When was the last time you heard of that?

DRF 5-7-08 "Dutrow has it all figured out" (http://drf.com/news/article/94347.html)

excerpt

Dutrow said that, starting Thursday, Big Brown would gallop every day at Churchill, including the morning of May 14, when the colt will be flown to Baltimore. A Tex Sutton charter flight has been scheduled for that afternoon.

Dutrow said he is contemplating a "very minor" blowout for Big Brown at Pimlico, either on May 15 or even the morning of the race.

"It won't be that Friday," he said, adding any such move would be less significant than the three-furlong work Big Brown went through on the Thursday before the Derby. "I'm still thinking about what I want to do about that. The main thing is, as long as he's come out of the race okay, we're fine. There's really not a lot of training to do. As long as he stays good, I'm happy. There's not a lot more to think about."

Is there a bounce on the way for BB? Even Dutrow admits he can't keep expecting higher and higher performances without Brown returning to Earth.

Dutrow said he was informed Big Brown earned a minus-1 figure on the Ragozin Sheets - the lower the number, the better the performance - with his Derby victory. "He's got to react," he said, meaning he believes the colt will "bounce," and not run as fast in the Preakness. "He's not going to run a minus-1 again. But I'm figuring if he runs like a 5, he can still win the race."

Regarding the shoes and feet:

He said Big Brown was to have his back feet shod with conventional aluminum racing plates that morning. As for the glued-on, acrylic rubber shoes that Big Brown has worn on his front feet for the last several weeks, including in the Derby, Dutrow said: "We're good there. His feet are fine. Cold, no pulse."

He added that he would probably have farrier Ian McKinlay "redo him after this race, when we get back to New York. But we're good now."

What will Big Brown be given for Morning Line odds?

Pimlico linemaker Frank Carulli let out a big laugh when asked what his morning line might be on Big Brown. The biggest favorites in recent years were Fusaichi Pegasus, 30 cents on the dollar in 2000, and Barbaro, 50 cents on the dollar in 2006. Big Brown, said Carulli, will be set at "below even-money, let's put it that way."

Shortest final wagering odds for the Preakness, to this day, in its history: at 10 cents on the dollar - a tie between 1979's Spectacular Bid and 1948's Citation (http://www.preakness-stakes.info/winners.php)

[Catsdorule-sigh]

A little off topic perhaps:

Picture of Yankee Bravo anywhere?

Interesting pedigree...maybe for sport horse.

Second dam sire line to Sicambre, sire of Sacramento Song. Don't usually see that. Plus maybe a little more concentration of other lines descending from Hampton (The Ronald's, Hyperion, etc.)

[Glimmerglass]

Another runner enters the picture ... Hey Byrn joins Preakness field (http://drf.com/news/article/94409.html):

The prospective field for the Preakness is now nearing the limit of 14 starters with the news that trainer Eddie Plesa Jr. will ship Hey Byrn from his home base at Calder Race Course for the second jewel of the Triple Crown.

"We were looking at the Ohio Derby, but the owner wants to run in the Preakness so that's where he'll go," said Plesa, who trains Hey Byrn for longtime owner Bea Oxenberg.

They will have to find a pilot however:

One thing Plesa does not have lined up yet is a jockey for Hey Byrn in the Preakness.

Maybe they'll get Anna Napravnik who knows the track well?

[Glimmerglass]

7 Macho Again // Dallas Stewart // Derby Trial // Won // Doubtful

From "doubtful" to confirmed non-entry for the Preakness, Macho Again will be off to $300,000 Ohio Derby (gr. II) at Thistledown May 31 (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/article/45140.htm) instead

With his 'exit' comes another entry:

Add in recently less then impressive NY-bred 'Icabad Crane' (http://www.drf.com/news/article/94439.html) and keeping the field at 12 starters with the max being 14.

As to how it works for the Preakness if they are over subscribed:

The Preakness is capped at 14 runners, and while the convoluted earnings rule used to determine an oversubscribed Preakness field is still unlikely to be invoked, the field is far larger than anyone would have imagined just days ago.

If more than 14 horses enter the Preakness on Wednesday, the field is determined thus: The top seven get in based on graded stakes earnings, the next four qualify on earnings in all unrestricted races, and the final three get in based on overall earnings, without restrictions.

[Barnfairy]

Macho Again: Maybe? Yes? No? Maybe. (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/article/45156.htm)

[Glimmerglass]

8 Recapturetheglory // Louie Roussel // Grade I Kentucky Derby // Fifth // Possible

And he's out of the Preaknes. Elevated temps and stubbed toe (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/article/45160.htm) are the cited reasons for Recapturetheglory's connections saying they'll pass on the Preakness afterall.

Not exactly a sprinter so I don't think he would've been too much of a factor.

[Laurierace]

Sort of off topic, but last Sunday they said on our local news here in Baltimore that Big Brown was coming in on a flight at 8:30 Wed May 7th. I went and looked in the stake barn yesterday and they hadn't even bedded his stall yet so he clearly isn't here. Did they mean the 14th?

[Laurierace]

And he's out of the Preaknes. Elevated temps and stubbed toe (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/article/45160.htm) are the cited reasons for Recapturetheglory's connections saying they'll pass on the Preakness afterall.

Not exactly a sprinter so I don't think he would've been too much of a factor.

How exactly does one detect a pulse in a horse's toe? The least they could do is put a little effort into coming up with a decent lie, it is a triple crown race afterall.
Any idea if there has ever been another running of the Preakness with only one derby horse in the race? I can't recall it ever happening before but don't care enough to look it up! Never mind! It was in the article, I just didn't read down far enough. I guess I was too baffled by the BS. It was 60 years ago when Citation ran.

[Glimmerglass]

I went and looked in the stake barn yesterday and they hadn't even bedded his stall yet so he clearly isn't here. Did they mean the 14th?

Yep the 14th - as Big Brown is scheduled to train at Churchill Downs today (Sun) and then Mon, Tue and Wed morning. He'll ship up to Pimlico on Wednesday afternoon and not via UPS - rather via "Tex Sutton" (H E Sutton Forwarding Co.) carrier (http://www.suttonforwarding.com/History.aspx).

However UPS is now the "exclusive marketing partner" to 'Big Brown'.Biz Journal of Louisville May 9, 2008 "UPS to continue marketing partnership with Big Brown" (http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/stories/2008/05/05/daily68.html)

On Friday, the Atlanta-based shipper announced that it has entered into a marketing agreement with jockey Kent Desormeaux and Big Brown's ownership group, International Equine Acquisitions Holdings Inc.

Financial terms of the agreement, which makes UPS "The exclusive marketing partner" for Big Brown, were not disclosed.

[Glimmerglass]

If you buy into the crystal Ball, psychic and tarrot card crowd (the former not to be confused with the hit song by Styx) (http://youtube.com/watch?v=-0S3tTifcq0) then pass on that wager for Big Brown to win the Preakness

Therail - NewYorkTimes - May 11 (http://therail.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/05/11/and-the-crystal-ball-says/)

The celebrity psychic Judi Hoffman correctly predicted on a radio show in January that Eliot Spitzer would not finish his term as the governor of New York. She also knew of Scarlett Johansson’s engagement to her fellow actor Ryan Reynolds before Scarlett did.

Imagine, then, how good she must be at betting on horses. In fact, she demonstrated her talents when she packaged Big Brown (20), Eight Belles (5) and Denis of Cork (16) in a trifecta box for the Kentucky Derby, winning $1,619 on a $6 bet. Her proof, she says, is in the tickets below from the Off-Track Betting parlor on Third Avenue at 44th Street in Manhattan.

Her early feelings are Big Brown will not win the Preakness, finishing second instead. She also has a good vibe about Harlem Rocker, if he is entered, and “gold” keeps popping into her head, but she can’t figure out why.

Interesting

[Glimmerglass]

As for Harlem Rocker he worked out with confirmed Preakness starter, Behindatthebar, at Belmont today going 5F in 59.63 with Angel Cordero, Jr up.

Pletcher indicated that a final decision won’t be made until Monday after he speaks with owner Frank Stronach (http://drf.com/news/article/94468.html) but Harlem Rocker likely be entered in to the Preakness.

If Harlem Rocker runs in the Preakness, he would most likely be the second betting choice behind Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown.

[Glimmerglass]

Another camp that isn't afraid of BB: Baltimore Sun 5-11 "Kentucky Bear's trainer confident going into Preakness" (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/horseracing/bal-preakness0511,0,3120701.story)

excerpt

Trainer Reade Baker looked around the Pimlico Stakes barn Saturday morning. What he saw was the rain pounding on the roof and, aside from his Preakness entry Kentucky Bear, a lot of empty stalls.

"I'm from the old school,'' Baker said. "I've been in this a long time, and I've always thought you take a good horse to a big race early.

"I want my horse here. I want to take him to the track and breeze him and see how he likes it. I want to take him to the paddock and school him in the gate. I want to do everything I can to make him as familiar and comfortable on race day as I can. That's what great horsemen did. I guess these modern guys have different ways of doing things.''

[Glimmerglass]

Assoc Press 5-11-08 "Big Brown revels in racing spotlight" (http://www.suntimes.com/sports/horseracing/943688,CST-SPT-preakplug11.article)

Sounds like is like Secretariat - he didn't care for the winner's garland of Derby flowers

The only thing that bothers Big Brown, it seems, are flowers.

When it came time to take photos in the winner's circle following the Derby, Dutrow bucked tradition by throwing the blanket of roses at Nevin and Blum rather than lay it over Big Brown's neck.

Nevin and Blum dutifully held the flowers for a moment, then dropped the blanket on the ground to join the party, leaving the most hallowed floral arrangement in sports laying on the infield for a few hours before it was rescued by a state trooper.

The blanket remains in pretty good shape, though Big Brown largely ignores the roses during his daily hot walks around the barn. He's more interested in getting his next treat. The sound of a candy wrapper crinkling is enough to get him to stop what he's doing and look over with his pleading brown eyes.

[Glimmerglass]

Is Dutrow scared of Harlem Rocker - nah:

Of the new shooters, Dutrow says he likes Harlem Rocker, who comes into the Preakness with the same 3-0 record Big Brown had entering the Derby.

"I've seen him run last time and he looked very good," Dutrow said, referring to Harlem Rocker's win in the Withers Stakes at Aqueduct last month. "He's got a little buzz about him. That's about as far as I see."

Still as the trainer of Kentucky Bear, Reade Baker, said best: "Let's not get Big Brown in the Hall of Fame too soon here" (http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/05/11/america/RAC-On-Racing-Taking-on-Big-Brown.php)

(Edited to give credit to the correct trainer/horse combo! I still will stick with my diss' on Giant Moon)

[Glimmerglass]

A bit more on Big Brown and flowers: Louisville Courier-Journal 5-12-08 "Don't say it with flowers" (http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080512/SPORTS08/805120461/1002/SPORTS)

Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown might be the perfect fit for a marketing relationship with UPS, but he wouldn't be a good pitchman for FTD Florists.

When it comes to Big Brown, you could call it the Run from the Roses.

Said Dutrow: "[the banket of flowers in the Florida Derby] scared the hell out of him, so I'm not going to let that happen to him anymore. It's not important. As soon as we saw them, we said, 'They can't come around the horse. Just give them to us.' We did the best we could presenting the flowers with the horse in the winner's circle. But they weren't going to come around Big Brown."

So whether unbeaten Big Brown wins or loses Saturday's 1 3/16-mile Preakness Stakes, don't look for the blanket of faux black-eyed Susans (they're actually dyed daisies this time of year) to be nearby.

[Texarkana]

Psst... Reade Baker trains Kentucky Bear. Rick Schosberg trains Giant Moon. ;)

And don't get me started on either of them. :lol:

[Texarkana]

So is anyone exciting aiming at the Black Eyed Susan/Pimlico Special/Preakness undercard... aside from Malibu Moonshine in an AOC race on Friday??? (he's also entered in an ungraded stakes Thurs at Belmont so I imagine he'll probably take that spot)

I haven't heard a peep about who might be running the Pimlico Special...

[Texarkana]

Duh, you can tell I haven't had enough caffeine this morning.

The entries are up for Friday's card at Pimlico.

10th (4:40)
Maryland Lottery Pimlico Special H. (G1)

1 3/16 Miles | Open | 4 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $250,000

1 Ryan's for Real Rodriguez E D 115 LA
2 Gottcha Gold Lopez C C 118 L
3 Student Council Bridgmohan S X 118 LA
4 A. P. Arrow Dominguez R A 122 LA
5 Xchanger Gomez G K 115 LA
6 Wanderin Boy Desormeaux K J 118 LA
7 Grasshopper Albarado R J 117 L
8 Sir Whimsey Prado E S 117 LA
9 Temporary Saint Velazquez J R 114 LA


12th (5:45)
Black-Eyed Susan S. (G2)

1 1/8 Miles | Fillies | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $200,000

Post # Horse Jockey Weight Claim Price Equip. Med.
1 Sweet Vendetta Hill C 122 LA
2 Maren's Meadow Saez G 122 LA
3 Sherine Garcia Alan 122 L
4 Highest Class Albarado R J 116 LA
5 Bsharpsonata Camacho E 122 LA
6 Seattle Smooth Prado E S 122 L
7 One Step Ahead Morales P 116 L
8 Shes All Eltish Gomez G K 122 L
9 Pious Ashley Desormeaux K J 116 L


A-Coupled: Sherine and Pious Ashley

[Drvmb1ggl3]

The field for the Pimlico Special.

1 Ryan's for Real
2 Gottcha Gold
3 Student Council
4 A. P. Arrow
5 Xchanger
6 Wanderin Boy
7 Grasshopper
8 Sir Whimsey
9 Temporary Saint

Kind of a sad reflection on the quality of the older horse division. I wonder if they'll get much better for the Stephen F. Foster?

[Drvmb1ggl3]

Didn't they used to run this race right before the Preakness? What's with the Friday?

[Glimmerglass]

We'll see if some sport held not even on this continent will again intrude upon ESPN's claimed lived coverage of the selections ...

The post position draw for the Preakness will be held on Wednesday at 5 p.m. (EDT) at the ESPN Zone in downtown Baltimore. The event will be televised live on ESPN2. The Preakness is limited to 14 starters.

The $1 million Preakness will be televised by NBC. Post time is 6:15 p.m. EDT

I know that Gottcha Gold - who is stablemate to Hey Byrn - will be in the $250k Grade 1 Pimlico Special and likely as well Ryan's for Real.

There was a blurb late last month out there that said Maryland Jockey Club was "near closing a sponsorship deal that would pay for half" of the Pimlico Special's $250,000 purse. Since that wasn't announced - as best as I can tell - then I can only assume they lack a marketing department or the deal never happened.

As for any hype with the Grade 2 Black-Eyed Susan ... I can't find one. Again, Magna is no CDI when it comes to selling these big events to the media and public.

[Texarkana]

I know the Pimlico Special was on Friday the past several years prior to its absense last year. I'm not sure if it has always been on Friday, though.

It's sad to think in its last running we had Invasor. And look at our older dirt horses now. You've got Xchanger in a G1 field for cripes sake.

[Glimmerglass]

And look at our older dirt horses now. You've got Xchanger in a G1 field for cripes sake.

Yes, but will Miss Cleo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miss_Cleo) or rather "celebrity psychic Judi Hoffman" pick Xchanger to win the Pimlico Special - that's what people are wondering. Just call 1-800 .... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3ABE3wvxzA), oops better not put in the number or else I'll give WarranT ideas for his "this isn't advertising" wagering postings :D

[Texarkana]

:lol::lol::lol:

If I call a 1-800 psychic hotline and they tell me Xchanger is going to win the Special, I think I'll know they're bogus. ;)

So it looks like it's only one re-runner from the Oaks in the Black-Eyed Susan as well...

I'm a little surprised Golden Doc A isn't taking a stab at it. Barry Abrams seems to have no problem running her back every 2 weeks any other time. Heck, he ran her twice in one week last fall.

[Glimmerglass]

That's a big no to the prospect of Harlem Rocker going into the Preakness.

Instead he's going up to Frank's adopted country of Canada for the $1 million Queen’s Plate in June (http://drf.com/news/article/94470.html)

In terms of the Pimlico Special, while the names aren't "big" as per say the field is still solid - all nine horses in the lineup are graded winners.

If they could've bumped the purse up to $750k they might have found a few more takers, but its not like there are a lot of household name one-time TC trail runners from last year still out there at the G1 level

[WhiteCamry]

That's a big no to the prospect of Harlem Rocker going into the Preakness.

Instead he's going up to Frank's adopted country of Canada for the $1 million Queen’s Plate in June (http://drf.com/news/article/94470.html)

In terms of the Pimlico Special, while the names aren't "big" as per say the field is still solid - all nine horses in the lineup are graded winners.

If they could've bumped the purse up to $750k they might have found a few more takers, but its not lot there are a household name one-time TC trail runners from last year still out there at the G1 level

Did the psychics see that one coming?:rolleyes:

[Texarkana]

Good lord, can nobody make up their minds??? I bet the psychics didn't see this one coming, either.

Gayego likely to run in Preakness (http://www.drf.com/news/article/94471.html)

Gayego, who won the Arkansas Derby but then was 17th in the Kentucky Derby, is under serious consideration for the Preakness Stakes on Saturday at Pimlico, trainer Paulo Lobo said Monday afternoon.

"I'm going to see how he gallops Tuesday," said Lobo, who is based at Hollywood Park. "He's doing very well. If everything is good, there's a very good chance he'll go."

Lobo said Mike Smith, Gayego's regular rider, has the call for the Preakness.

The trainer said Gayego likely would fly to Baltimore on Wednesday.

[Glimmerglass]

While "the celebrity psychic" Judi Hoffman did get the trifecta keep in mind she boxed it so that is not exactly 'clear as a bell' with her "vision" prowess :D

Interesting to see Gayego mentioned for the Preakness. I've looked but didn't see chatter about the local boy, "Cave's Valley", making a stab at it too. This would be the first year in a while that some horse-for-course Pimlico runner isn't slipped into the mix. From Water Cannon to Magic Weisner there have been a series of runners.

Do we have amongst the contenders this years Red Bullet who crashed speeder FuPeg's TC dreams (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/more/horseracing/2000/triplecrown/preakness/news/2000/05/20/preakness_ap/) in 2000? Red Bullet Looks to be doing just fine at stud in Florida. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdVaQlKHHu0)

As for Frank Stronach: the fact $1M Canadian is about equal to $1M US and that Harlem Rocker stands a better chance up north of getting in the winner's circle must be a factor ;)

[Drvmb1ggl3]

No reason Harlem Rocker can't run in the Preakness and then go up north and annex the Queen's Plate (his original goal). The latter isn't run until the June 22nd.

[Texarkana]

This would be the first year in a while that some horse-for-course Pimlico runner isn't slipped into the mix. From Water Cannon to Magic Weisner there have been a series of runners.



What about Icabad Crane (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/article/45133.htm)?

Won the Frederico Tesio, based out of Fair Hill, and ridden by local jock Jeremy Rose...

Maybe not a born and bred exclusive MD runner, but that's still pretty darn local.

[Texarkana]

No reason Harlem Rocker can't run in the Preakness and then go up north and annex the Queen's Plate (his original goal). The latter isn't run until the June 22nd.

I completely agree!

[gubbyz]

So is it a good idea for a horse to have a "blow out" work the day of a race as Big Brown is going to have? I don't understand this logic. Sorry, love racing but not sure of some of the training techniques.

[Glimmerglass]

So is it a good idea for a horse to have a "blow out" work the day of a race as Big Brown is going to have? I don't understand this logic. Sorry, love racing but not sure of some of the training techniques.

A blowout is really just a very rapid but short workout.

Big Brown on Thur May 2nd had a blowout - 3F in 37.99 - as did Smooth Air (http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/triplecrown08/news/story?id=3377690)

Back in the day of Silky Sullivan (late 1950's) that distance would be longer.

[Glimmerglass]

An amusing sidebar article if you will on Derby v Preakness from the non-racing angle :D

At least Baltimore is able to poke fun at themselves

Baltimore Sun May 12, 2008 "Classy vs. sassy: Comparing the Kentucky Derby and Preakness" (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/horseracing/bal-horseracing0512,0,2836763.story)

Sample

FOOD AND DRINK

Derby: Bourbon balls, pecan pie, pudding, grits and biscuits, mint juleps.

Preakness: Crab cakes, crab soup, pit beef, Lady Baltimore cake, Natty Boh, black-eyed Susans.

Comment: The second-greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing rich people that Early Times was a good whiskey to use in mint juleps.

Advantage: Preakness. Natty Bohs and Berger cookies are the perfect Preakness breakfast, kids!

Regarding the Infield:

Preakness: Sort of like Caligula's Rome crossed with MTV's Spring Break, but with less attractive people. More disgusting acts are committed per square foot during the Preakness than just about anywhere else in the country. About the only thing you cannot do is fight. Also, look out for beer grenades!

Comment: Two must-haves when attending the Preakness infield: sunscreen, penicillin.

Regarding the Racing Field and Overall Aesthics

Preakness: Say what you want about the Preakness, but it always has the Kentucky Derby winner, and the possibility for a Triple Crown is still alive. C'mon, Big Brown, momma needs a new pair of shoes!

Comment: OK, so one time at the Preakness, a guy ran on the track and tried to punch a horse. And we still don't have slots to play while you wait. And, yeah, Barbaro ran his last race here. And the grandstand looks like a shuttered steel mill. Did we mention you can bring your own beer?

Advantage: Preakness.

[Glimmerglass]

What about Icabad Crane (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/article/45133.htm)?

Won the Frederico Tesio, based out of Fair Hill, and ridden by local jock Jeremy Rose...

Maybe not a born and bred exclusive MD runner, but that's still pretty darn local.

I'd still say he's in large part still a 'carpet bagger' compared to Magic Weisner made worse by his very NY name ;) Run four times in his career: twice at Aqueduct, then Turfaway in KY, and most recently up to Maryland for the first time. Icabad Crane from Gallaghers Stud in Ghent, NY (http://www.gallaghersstud.com/home.html) and purchased in Ocala, FL otherwise does have MD connections so I think in the greater scheme of things he's the only 'local-ish' angle they'll find this year.

[miss_critic]

SO, I heard there is a little race going on this weekend :) Is it safe to return??

I think I'm gonna go for the superfects bets this weekend!

[Glimmerglass]

Racing - this weekend? Surely you jest! Folks would rather chatter on about the past and life post-racing then actual races :) The Preakness, what is that?

Well it has a been a bit dull in the prelude to the 'big race' at Old Hilltop.

How about the Baltimore Sun's Video look at a stakes barn (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/horseracing/bal-preakness513-video,0,3566967.worldnowvideo)

Also ESPN2 will try again to have the live selection show for the Preakness today (Wed 5-14) at 5pm EST/4pm CST.

[Glimmerglass]

Big Brown moves this late afternoon to his new digs (http://www.newsday.com/sports/horseracing/ny-sppreakness145685156may14,0,6359460.story):

After spending the past four weeks in Barn 22, Stall 12 at Churchill Downs, the undefeated Kentucky Derby winner will ship here today from Louisville for Saturday's 1 3/16-mile Preakness.

Pimlico officials have been told that the flight carrying Big Brown and Preakness longshots Racecar Rhapsody and Tres Borrachos is scheduled to land at Baltimore-Washington International Airport at 5:30 p.m. The van carrying the three horses is expected to arrive at Pimlico an hour later.

With an entry by Gayego - which raced in the Derby - then historically speaking we have ot go back to 1980 when we last saw just two Derby horses run in the Preakness.

Due to the recent bad weather in Louisville Big Brown has only been worked out three-times since the Derby. That is much less then Dutrow wanted in the two-week gap.

[Glimmerglass]

Flashback:

As pointed out elsewhere this is one of the more bizarre draws that has transpired during the Preakness selection show:

NTRA video May 17, 2006 - Michael Matz dazed and confused at the selection for post position (http://www.ntra.com/video.aspx?id=17853)

So during NBC's two hour telecast of the Preakness there will be discussion roundtable (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/mccarthy/2008-05-13-McCarthy_N.htm) which will delve into the breakdown on Eight Belles and other related public controversies. Something that, in theory, I think is a very smart decision and with the panelist cited should be on-topic and straight forward:

Among the guests: Churchill Downs veterinarian Larry Bramlage; Eight Belles trainer Larry Jones; NBC analyst Gary Stevens; and New York Times columnist William Rhoden, who blasted the sport of kings as "only a couple of steps removed from animal fighting."

[Glimmerglass]

The entries for the Preakness, post-positions to be done live at 5pm EST today

Thirteen of a maximum of fourteen horses will go to the post

Horse/Trainer/Jockey/Owner

Behindatthebar/Todd Pletcher/David Flores/ Padua Stables, Michael Shustek, and Don Stanley

Big Brown/Rick Dutrow/Kent Desormeaux/IEAH Stables and Paul Pompa Jr.

Gayego/Paulo Lobo/Mike Smith/Cubanacan Stables

Giant Moon/Rick Shosberg/Ramon Dominguez/Albert Fried Jr.

Hey Byrn/Eddie Plesa/Chuck Lopez/Beatrice Oxenberg

Icabad Crane/Graham Motion/Jeremy Rose/Earle Mack

Kentucky Bear/Reade Baker/Jamie Theriot/Bear Stables

Macho Again/Dallas Stewart/Julien Leparoux/West Point Thoroughbred

Racecar Rhapsody/Kenny McPeek/Robby Albarado/Jerry Carroll, Stan Kaplan, Ronald Plattner, and Mark Guilfoyle

Riley Tucker/Bill Mott/Edgar Prado/Zayat Stables

Stevil/Nick Zito/John Velazquez/Robert LaPenta

Tres Borrachos/Beau Greely/Tyler Baze/Beau Greely, John Greely IV, and Phil Houchens

Yankee Bravo/Patrick Gallagher/Alex Solis/Richard Duggan, Bienstock and Winner Stables, and Harlequin Ranches

Who is Riley Tucker? TB Times profile for Riley Tucker (http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/triple-crown/contender-detail.aspx?contenderno=479) 7 starts 1-3-2

[Glimmerglass]

Confident remarks from Dutrow in his "blog" with the NY Post (http://www.nypost.com/seven/05142008/sports/no_ones_supposed_to_beat_us_110711.htm) - May 14, 2008:

I see Gayego (17th in the Derby) is running in the Preakness. That's fine with us. They say he had a bad trip. I think he just got outrun - and it's going to happen again. That horse ran terrible in the Derby, flew back to California, now he's flying east again. That's enough for me to know. They're just completely putting him up against it.

Ouch!

[dressagetraks]

I'll take Gayego, because I saw him in Arkansas and because his style suits shortening up a bit, and I think he'll like Pimlico. He had no chance in traffic in Kentucky.

Still just cannot support the UPS horse. Yeah, I know, a rose by any other name and all that, but people don't have to be logical in their racetrack selections and non selections. ;) In my own breeding operation (non TB), one of my name criteria with my foals is, "How would this sound announced at the Olympics?" Of course, chances are that I will never be the breeder of an Olympic horse, but if I am, the name will be suitable for one. :D

Agree on BB's talent. Hope he runs very well - and gets nosed out.

[ravenclaw]

Nice to see (or not?) that things have returned to normal and the arrogance is back. Dutrow is such a blowhard. Gayego got screwed early in the Derby...he got into major traffic and had to check HARD. It's not like he had a good trip and he just ran like crap.

Since Big Brown is the UPS horse, why isn't UPS shipping him to Pimlico? ;)

[WhiteCamry]

Confident remarks from Dutrow in his "blog" with the NY Post (http://www.nypost.com/seven/05142008/sports/no_ones_supposed_to_beat_us_110711.htm) - May 14, 2008:



Ouch!

With a lightly-trained Big Brown? I'm skeptical.

[QHEventr]

Hey guys....I know he's a long shot, but I'm cheering LOUDLY for him.
His dam is a half sister to one of our mares, Miss muscles. He may not have won everything, but he has consistantly been in the money (6 out of 7 starts), and has some close efforts....the lexington was very close! he was only just passed for second. Edgar Prado has the ride, as he did in Riley Tuckers debut at belmont (a 5 length romp).



http://www.pedigreequery.com/riley+tucker

Johanna

[Texarkana]

Riley Tucker has been a contender for the past 2 weeks. Where have you been, Glim? :lol:

[Glimmerglass]

Riley Tucker has been a contender for the past 2 weeks. Where have you been, Glim? :lol:

I think he, like Stevil, is entered but I just don't think of either one as having much of a chance unless something dramatic happens. No offense, but I don't expect to be shocked. This is racing so anything could happen so I'm happy the field is almost maxed out.

[Glimmerglass]

Who knew: Yankee Bravo is co-owned by Harlequin Ranches.

Harlequin as in, yes, the cheesy romance books (published under Harlequin Enterprises) although Canadian owner/breeder/Jockey Club of Canada Presdient Richard Bonnycastle has since sold that company off.

[GreenMachine]

Post positions! (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/article/45220.htm)

1--Macho Again/Dallas Stewart/Julien Leparoux/West Point Thoroughbred/20-1
2--Tres Borrachos/Beau Greely/Tyler Baze/Beau Greely, John Greely IV, and Phil Houchens/30-1
3-- Icabad Crane/Graham Motion/Jeremy Rose/Earle Mack/30-1
4--Yankee Bravo/Patrick Gallagher/Alex Solis/Richard Duggan, Bienstock and Winner Stables, and Harlequin Ranches/15-1
5--Behindatthebar/Todd Pletcher/David Flores/ Padua Stables, Michael Shustek, and Don Stanley/10-1
6--Racecar Rhapsody/Kenny McPeek/Robby Albarado/Jerry Carroll, Stan Kaplan, Ronald Plattner, and Mark Guilfoyle/30-1
7--Big Brown/Rick Dutrow/Kent Desormeaux/IEAH Stables and Paul Pompa Jr./1-2
8--Kentucky Bear/Reade Baker/Jamie Theriot/Bear Stables/15-1
9--Stevil/Nick Zito/John Velazquez/Robert LaPenta/30-1
10--Riley Tucker/Bill Mott/Edgar Prado/Zayat Stables/30-1
11--Giant Moon/Rick Schosberg/Ramon Dominguez/Albert Fried Jr./30-1
12--Gayego/Paulo Lobo/Mike Smith/Cubanacan Stables/8-1
13--Hey Byrn/Eddie Plesa/Chuck Lopez/Beatrice Oxenberg/20-1

And it's official: Big Brown will be retired to stud after his three-year-old season (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/article/45224.htm). Is anyone surprised?

[Drvmb1ggl3]

Well this is interesting, it remains to be seen how in depth it is, but on the face of it it will be a welcome addition of a bit of substance to NBC's normally fluff coverage. NBC will hold a roundtable discussion on breakdowns as part of their Preakness coverage.
From IAEH website (http://www.ieah.com/cgi-bin/news_article.cgi?news_id=1001791)....

NBC's two-hour Preakness broadcast is 30 minutes longer than last year and the most network coverage ever of the Preakness Stakes. NBC Sports' Bob Costas will lead a roundtable discussion that will examine the tragic death of filly Eight Belles at the Kentucky Derby and the challenges that lie ahead for the horse racing industry. Joining Costas will be Eight Belles trainer Larry Jones, NBC's horse racing analyst Gary Stevens, Churchill Downs veterinarian Larry Bramlage, Alex Waldrop, CEO of the NTRA and veteran New York Times columnist William Rhoden.

COSTAS ON THIS SATURDAY'S ROUDNTABLE EXAMINING THE HORSE RACING INDUSTRY: “This is a worthy topic which is especially timely now. NBC has set aside enough time to do justice to the issues involved.”

[miss_critic]

I'll tell you who Riley Tucker is-a poser, thats who!! LOL. I know this is racing and anything can happen yada yada yada...but serisously! Is he working out with Court Vision where they must be pulling a cart or something???

I'll be at the race -Turfside Terrace! If you see anybody all in black-thats me :)

oh, i have to find that Breeders Cup thread. I got the order forms....holy crap are they sticking it to you...

[Glimmerglass]

Well this is interesting, it remains to be seen how in depth it is, but on the face of it it will be a welcome addition of a bit of substance to NBC's normally fluff coverage. NBC will hold a roundtable discussion on breakdowns as part of their Preakness coverage.

That's why I cited it yesterday too :D USA Today also picked up on this as being part of the telecast. NBC is purportedly going to have 2-hours of Preakness coverage which in light of the smaller field should leave plenty of room to have a credible discussion.

ESPN's video piece aired during yesterday's selection show for the Preakness included one on Eight Belles which was very well done. Not your typical hack job with "cue the violins" and show her breaking down. I expect NBC to present the topic on the same professional level.

[Texarkana]

I'll tell you who Riley Tucker is-a poser, thats who!! LOL. I know this is racing and anything can happen yada yada yada...but serisously! Is he working out with Court Vision where they must be pulling a cart or something???



:lol:

I think all along they've had a bit of wishful thinking with him because of his namesake.* ;)

(*understatement of the century)

[Glimmerglass]

So Big Brown's flight was delayed significantly yesterday - he didn't get into BWI until 7pm and Pimlico until 8 pm. He did however get a police escort from the airport to Old Hilltop which is amazing in 2008 that things like that are still provided.

Big Brown did workout this morning across the Pimlico track (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/horseracing/bal-preak515,0,7721878.story) for "five minutes of galloping".

[Glimmerglass]

BloodHorse has the video of Dutrow's press conf last night and BB's arrival (http://www.bloodhorse.com/Videos/SectionVideo/e2806163-9808-4034-94bf-f81c9991bde9.htm)

He seems really sick of the reporters questions which to be honest at this point have to be both repetitive and dumb. You can see why eventually even a nice guy like Matz becomes more like the oft-described curmudgeon Barclay Tagg ;)

[Glimmerglass]

Since Big Brown is the UPS horse, why isn't UPS shipping him to Pimlico?

Actually he was delivered by UPS - ground - from BWI :)

"UPS delivers Big Brown in style" (http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/405226.html)

UPS delivered the Kentucky Derby winner to Pimlico Wednesday -- a little late, although not the fault of UPS.

Big Brown's entourage surrounding the 18-wheeler horse van that brought him from the airport included a UPS delivery truck, a UPS tractor-trailer cab and a police escort.

Not too much to ask, apparently, from the delivery company that asks what brown can do for you.

The entourage pulled into Pimlico about 8 p.m., about 1 1/2 hours later than expected. The horse charter plane had a busy schedule Wednesday, flying from California to Baltimore with one group of Preakness horses: Yankee Bravo, Macho Again and Gayego.

The plane then flew from Baltimore to Louisville to pick up Big Brown, Racecar Rhapsody, and Tres Borrachos.

By the way the AP dug out of the archives the classic photo of the idiot "fan" who in 1999 tried during the (G3) Maryland Breeders Cup Grade to punch Artax int he stretch. The race was DQ's, the fan luckily only hit the jock's boot, the wagers returned, Pimlico lost a lot of money, the intoxicated guy with some behavioral issues was banned for life from any event or race put on by the Maryland Jockey Club.

Image: AP - Pimlico Race Course May 15, 1999 (http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/slideshow/photo//080514/483/17c2d7072812489196e6e92fe36b246e/)

[Glimmerglass]

You just have to love the upbeat nature of Nick Zito! Outguned he's still going to say something nice about his runners

Albany Times Union 5-15-08 "Long shot Stevil a reach for Zito" (http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=688376&category=SPORTS&newsdate=5/14/2008)

"I think my horse will put in a great performance," said Zito, who was fourth in last year's Preakness with C P West. "He tries all the time."

Effort is wonderful, but talent typically matters more, and so far, Stevil hasn't shown much, certainly as compared to the elite 3-year-olds of the sport.

He won his debut race Oct. 13 at Belmont Park, but in his past two races, he was 95-1 in the Louisiana Derby on March 8 and 68-1 in the Blue Grass on April 19 at Lexington. He finished fourth in the 12-horse Blue Grass field and fifth in the nine-horse Louisiana Derby.

Stevil will become Zito's 19th starter in the second leg of the Triple Crown, tying him with Max Hirsch for second all-time. The Hall of Fame trainer still has a ways to go to catch fellow Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas, who has started 32 horses in Baltimore's signature race.

Though he anticipates maximum effort from his horse, Zito in reality harbors no high expectations for this Preakness, which is understandable. Only the connections of Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown can walk the grounds of Pimlico with any kind of swagger.

If Stevil were to win, it would go down as one of the biggest upsets in the sport's history.

If Stevil runs well enough Saturday, Zito might give him a shot at the Belmont Stakes on June 7. And if he doesn't, Zito also has Anak Nakal, the seventh-place finisher in the Derby at 53-1, waiting for another chance. Anak Nakal is at Zito's summer base at the Oklahoma Training Track in Saratoga Springs.

[Glimmerglass]

Equibase/NTRA Past Performances for the 12th race at Pimlico (Grade 1 $1M Preakness Stakes) (http://ntra.equibase.com/eqbNTRAGetFreeFF.cfm?trk=PIM&rd=05/17/2008&cty=USA&de=D&rn=12)

[Glimmerglass]

Perhaps Bill Finley has spoken with the operators of the crystal ball and he knows the future ...

ESPN 5-15-08 "Big Brown will win the Preakness, not the Belmont" (http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/triplecrown08/columns/story?columnist=finley_bill&id=3397539)

As for the Belmont Stakes ...

The instant Big Brown crosses the wire in front in the Preakness, some will be ready to hand him the Triple Crown. Sure, it could happen. This is, after all, a very gifted horse. But the Belmont is the race where he is really going to be up against it.

His first problem will be his workload. Here is a horse who has had some injury issues already and will be asked to run three huge efforts in the span of five weeks. He's going to have to be made of steel to hold up through all that. Chances are, he won't.

It's not the Preakness that swallows up Triple Crown contenders. It's the Belmont, the last stop on the long, long road through the winter and spring, that gets them. There's a reason why 10 straight Kentucky Derby-Preakness winners have been tripped up by the Belmont, all of them at very short prices. Most simply cannot duplicate their Derby and Preakness efforts.

Has anyone wondered if "Big Brown" as a name would've posed a conflict with the Jockey Club? Well prior to 2005 it would've been rejected as a trademark name: AP 5-15 "UPS bet on Big Brown pays off in brand exposure" (http://www.iht.com/bin/printfriendly.php?id=12936322)

Big Brown was allowed since UPS abandoned its federal trademark on the use of name in 2005, Curran Jr. said. The company says it still maintains common law rights to the name.

Pompa, the trucking company who named Big Brown, has 20 other race horses, and said he'd considered naming more after companies if the rules allowed.

Kelly, who used to post in this Forum, is the one who brokered the marketing deal:

"It's a marketing person's dream," said Kelly Wietsma, president of Equisponse, a horse racing marketing agency that negotiated the deal on behalf of Big Brown's majority owner, IEAH Stables, and jockey Kent Desormeaux. "I mean, it was such a no-brainer."

[Glimmerglass]

A surge in media requests for the Preakness

TB Times "Big Brown spurs increased media coverage" (http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/national-news/2008/May/14/Big-Brown-spurs-increased-media-coverage.aspx)

Mike Gathagan, vice president of communications for the Maryland Jockey Club, said that the bulk of credential applications he received after the Derby were from New York media outlets wanting to cover Big Brown. The Derby-winning Boundary colt is owned and trained by New York residents.

Gathagan did add that a Los Angeles Times columnist, an extra Sports Illustrated writer, and a Fox News crew have requested credentials on the heels of Eight Belles’s breakdown.

Both networks that provide Preakness week coverage, ESPN and NBC, have planned features on the issues surrounding the Eight Belles breakdown, and National Thoroughbred Racing Association President Alex Waldrop will be on both networks.

[Texarkana]

For those who haven't heard--
Behindatthebar is out... scratched due to a foot bruise.

[Glimmerglass]

For those who haven't heard--
Behindatthebar is out... scratched due to a foot bruise.

In the words of John McEnroe 'You can't be serious!' (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxAPKtOe0fQ&feature=related)

He was one of the few to likely give him a challenge ... why not give him the vase now?

[Barnfairy]

Now now. Anything can happen in a horse race.

[WhiteCamry]

BloodHorse has the video of Dutrow's press conf last night and BB's arrival (http://www.bloodhorse.com/Videos/SectionVideo/e2806163-9808-4034-94bf-f81c9991bde9.htm)

He seems really sick of the reporters questions which to be honest at this point have to be both repetitive and dumb. You can see why eventually even a nice guy like Matz becomes more like the oft-described curmudgeon Barclay Tagg ;)


BB seems to have a little discoloration just behind his left shoulder.

[furlong47]

BB seems to have a little discoloration just behind his left shoulder.

There's a little white spot there :yes:

[Beezer]

The L.A. Times website has a really cute video (produced by the Baltimore Sun) of a little girl feeding Brown peppermints (among other video moments of him). Just some ordinary little kid, all wide-eyed and amazed that she's seeing "a movie star."

Highly amusing to see all the photographers elbowing and jabbing their way into position and Brown just cruising along.

Re the added media credentialling, that L.A. Times columnist would be Bill Dwyre, the paper's former sports editor. He's actually a longtime horse racing fan and has been writing some thoughtful columns on the sport. (Full disclosure: Know him, worked with him, like him. He was also the spousal unit's boss when Dwyre was the sports editor.) Thank God he's there, because the reporter covering racing for the Times is ... well ... never mind. :p

[Glimmerglass]

A. P. Arrow scratches from today's Pimlico Special due to cholic ....

[Dispatcher]

question: When a horse scratches, do the post positions all move in one to fill the space or does each horse keep it's assigned post position?

thanks!

[Texarkana]

question: When a horse scratches, do the post positions all move in one to fill the space or does each horse keep it's assigned post position?

thanks!

Everyone to the outside of the scratched horse moves down a hole.

So since Behindatthebar drew 5, 6-13 will all move inside a slot. But their program numbers won't change.

[Dispatcher]

Everyone to the outside of the scratched horse moves down a hole.

So since Behindatthebar drew 5, 6-13 will all move inside a slot. But their program numbers won't change.


Thank you!

[Beezer]

BloodHorse has the video of Dutrow's press conf last night and BB's arrival (http://www.bloodhorse.com/Videos/SectionVideo/e2806163-9808-4034-94bf-f81c9991bde9.htm)

He seems really sick of the reporters questions which to be honest at this point have to be both repetitive and dumb. You can see why eventually even a nice guy like Matz becomes more like the oft-described curmudgeon Barclay Tagg ;)

Hey, Glimmer ... I can't get any of the dang Bloodhorse videos to load! The little arrows just keep going round and round and round and round and ... How long did you have to wait? I can't get the Affirmed/Alydar ones to load, none of the Big Brown ones. SIGH.

Back to your regularly scheduled Preakness programming!

[Glimmerglass]

and the psychic says .... (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/horseracing/bal-schmuck0516,0,4242789.column)

Which, not coincidentally, brings us to Kentucky Bear, who was 15-1 in the book the last time I looked. Hoffman woke up today thinking about "Big Bear," which she thinks may be an indication that Big Brown and Kentucky Bear could end up on the winning exacta and trifecta tickets. She also liked Behindatthebar until it was scratched today and has a good feeling about Yankee Bravo (15-1) and long shot Giant Moon (30-1).

"I had a dream last night," she said. "I was feeling pressure. I was thinking 'I've just got to win this.' I was at a party and somebody told me the middle of the field will win. That could mean Big Brown and Kentucky Bear, because they will be side by side in the middle of the field."

Hoffman wasn't ready to be pinned down on the exact order of finish, but only because she didn't want to change the routine that led to her great victory in the Kentucky Derby. She made the pick right before race time, based on some hard-to-explain intuition about the vibe between the horses and jockeys.

"I'm going over tomorrow to the same OTB outlet, wearing the same clothes, the same underwear, you know how that works," she said.

Actually, I have little knowledge of women's accessories, but I get the picture. If a psychic can't be superstitious, nobody can. Hoffman won't be hard to spot on Third Avenue, because everything she was wearing that day was some kind of leopard skin print.

"I'm into animal prints," she said. "My place looks like a jungle. I'll have the complete outfit, right down to the leopard raincoat, leopard boots and leopard umbrella."

Uh .... I'm a tad speechless, I just hope she doesn't resemble Ms. Wildenstein (http://galleryoftheabsurd.typepad.com/14/2005/08/jocelyn_wildens.html)!

[miss_critic]

Here is to a safe day, great racing, and winning lots of money. It's not cloudy out and I am on my way to the races and I don't have a horse crush like I did last year w/ SS, so I shouldnt fall apart if somebody looses. What could be better? Oh, I know, coming home with more $$ than I left with!

[dressagetraks]

Could someone tell me the exact post time for the Preakness? I have to work all day today, leaving my fairly trusty VCR on duty for the broadcast, but I'm going to try to grab an inventively scheduled bathroom and get a drink break just for 2-3 minutes there. :D

[TBlitz]

5:15 pm central time--- which I believe includes you DT since you don't live far from me. :D

[dressagetraks]

Yep, I'm central. Thanks!

[Glimmerglass]

Please tell me that Dutrow doesn't really whine about Prado's ride aboard Riley Tucker relative to Big Brown, right? Your horse wins the race convincingly and yet you still take the time to drop a dumb remark like that to a reporter?

USA Today May 21, 2008 "Dutrow: Prado tried to box in Big Brown" (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/horses/2008-05-21-884235745_x.htm)

excerpt

"It looked like he was just trying to keep our horse in the box," Dutrow said. "It didn't look like he was out to get the best finish out of his horse."

[Beezer]

Yeah, he said it. I've read it a couple of other places, too.

I'm pretty sure the genesis of the question to Dutrow began in the pre-Preakness coverage when a couple of jocks said in interviews something along lines that the only way to beat BB was to box him in, get him in traffic trouble; then Kent D. said post-race how Riley T threw down a challenge at BB and tried to box him in and he wanted no part of that, so he took Brown back and out, yadda yadda yadda.

Apparently Riley T's owner also called Dutrow et al to apologize for the incident.

[Barnfairy]

I have added Dutrow to my mental "ignore" list, much like the ignore function available on this forum.

[caffeinated]

Apparently Riley T's owner also called Dutrow et al to apologize for the incident.

But isn't that just the nature of race riding? Why apologize?

[Texarkana]

Anyone else get a kick out of imagining Amhed Zayat calling Rick Dutrow to apologize? :lol:

[Glimmerglass]

Apparently Riley T's owner also called Dutrow et al to apologize for the incident.

I doubt Zayat (owner of RT) called Dutrow to say "sorry" any more then he'd call Bob Baffert and say 'sorry for firing you'. Where by the way did the later action take Zayat? Did he finish in the winner's circle with any of his big guns? Oh that's right - he didn't.

I tend to dislike Zayat as much as I do IEAH.

[Beezer]

I'm just the messenger here! :lol:

But this from Bloodhorse.com:

Dutrow commented on the ride by Edgar Prado aboard Riley Tucker in the Preakness. Prado, who often rides for Dutrow, rode Riley Tucker aggressively to keep Big Brown down on the rail as the field entered the backstretch. After a half-mile was run, Desormeaux was able to ease back and come outside of Riley Tucker and the pacesetting Gayego. Riley Tucker finished last.

“It looked like (Prado) was just trying to keep our horse in a box, and not out to get the best finish out of his horse,” said Dutrow, who remarked he received a phone call from Riley Tucker’s owner, Ahmed Zayat, who told him he was upset by Prado’s ride. “It looked like he just did something to keep our horse in behind his horse, and he had to go out of his way to do it.”

I know I read somewhere else that Zayat apologized, FWIW.

[Texarkana]

“It looked like (Prado) was just trying to keep our horse in a box, and not out to get the best finish out of his horse,” said Dutrow, who remarked he received a phone call from Riley Tucker’s owner, Ahmed Zayat, who told him he was upset by Prado’s ride. “It looked like he just did something to keep our horse in behind his horse, and he had to go out of his way to do it.”[/i]



Now that part I can believe! :lol:

Zayat can be pretty darn good at pointing the finger when things don't go his way. ;)

[miss_critic]

Seriously, has he ever been quoted saying anything positive?

[Glimmerglass]

Published words from ESPN's Bill Finley published May 15th ..

Flashback pre Preakness:

Perhaps Bill Finley has spoken with the operators of the crystal ball and he knows the future ...

ESPN 5-15-08 "Big Brown will win the Preakness, not the Belmont" (http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/triplecrown08/columns/story?columnist=finley_bill&id=3397539)As for the Belmont Stakes ...

The instant Big Brown crosses the wire in front in the Preakness, some will be ready to hand him the Triple Crown. Sure, it could happen. This is, after all, a very gifted horse. But the Belmont is the race where he is really going to be up against it.

His first problem will be his workload. Here is a horse who has had some injury issues already and will be asked to run three huge efforts in the span of five weeks. He's going to have to be made of steel to hold up through all that. Chances are, he won't.

It's not the Preakness that swallows up Triple Crown contenders. It's the Belmont, the last stop on the long, long road through the winter and spring, that gets them. There's a reason why 10 straight Kentucky Derby-Preakness winners have been tripped up by the Belmont, all of them at very short prices. Most simply cannot duplicate their Derby and Preakness efforts.