Belmont thread

[Drvmb1ggl3]

Some interesting angles in this one.
There's a Triple crown on the line, with the best chance in year's. A horse that has yet to break a sweat and comes to the Belmont off two glorified workouts, one called the Kentucky Derby the other the Preakness. The horses that came up short in recent years all had question marks about their pedigrees and stamina. Big Brown being a 3x3 Northern Dancer and 3x4 to Damascus should have no problems with 12f.

There's the Better than Honour three-peat possibility, an amazing achievement for her if Casino Drive pulls it off. Crazy when you think about it, for a mare to have three foals born in three successive years go on to win the same classic race.

Then there's the foreign intrigue, and the interest Japanese racing fans will bring. 10,000 Japanese fans flew to Paris to watch Deep Impact in the Arc, granted Casino Drive is not the superstar the DI was, but he'll garner some serious attention from Japanese media and fans. There's also the fact that they may completely skew the parimutuel pools, like they did at Longchamp.

Besides BB and CD, other likely runners are Denis of Cork, Tale of Etaki. Both of these horses finished strong in the Derby and will have had 5 weeks rest, but I still can't seem them seriously troubling BB. Tomicito might be a runner, but with his disappointing runs since he came stateside he appears to not be up to this standard, and wouldn't surprise me if his connections pass this one up.
There will be a few others filling out the spots, but it looks like a match race between Big Brown and Casino Drive. The Belmont will only be CD's 3rd lifetime start. He one once in Japan, then was shipped to NY where he won the Peter Pan G2 off a two and half month lay-off (which included a month of quarantine). When asked to compare both horses, Kent Desormeaux who has ridden both, was coy and was reluctant to pick one over the other, which shows what he thinks of Casino Drive's ability.
But on the evidence of the first two legs, Casino Drive will have to be some horse to beat Big Brown.

[Laurierace]

I can't wait! I hope I finally get to see a TC in person.

[bobbybobby]

cd is a nice horse ...so is bb....common sense says bb in belmont.....cannot imagine a very large field...maybe 5 or 6

[kcgold]

I just watched a video of CD's race in Japan....he pulled away in the stretch and had an impressive finish, but am wondering what the quality was of the other horses? Was it a big race over there....it was in Japanese so I could understand nothing !:lol:

[solargal]

Can't wait for the Belmont. CD is a very nice horse, but faced nothing in his first two races. In his maiden race in Japan the 2nd and 3rd place horse are still maidens. Though the horse can only outrun those in front of him. I think Big Brown is just a freak.

[VirginiaBred]

I can't wait! I hope I finally get to see a TC in person.

I'm so jealous!

[Laurierace]

Well come on then, there is always room for one more!

[Glimmerglass]

From NYRA, there are many names we've seen being mentioned for a Belmont Stakes start.

In addition to Big Brown:

As of late afternoon on May 18, the other early players considered for the Belmont Stakes were Casino Drive, Tale of Ekati, Denis of Cork, Anak Nakal, and Tomicito. NYRA stakes coordinator Andrew Byrnes has listed Icabad Crane, Macho Again, and Behindatthebar as possible starters.

[DickHertz]

I hope Big Brown loses, but comes out of the race sound.

[bobbybobby]

dick,you are a jealous,,cry baby you need a new profession...you have nothing nice to say about anyone.....

[Paragon]

I hope Big Brown loses, but comes out of the race sound.

You hope. But you don't think he will, or you'd have told us why.

Cheers!

[Nikki^]

I hope Big Brown loses, but comes out of the race sound.

Why? What do you have against this horse? I'm asking a qeustion so don't get mad.

[Dandilicious]

Why would anyone want someone to lose unless that person had a vested interest in another animal? I was always told "if you can't say something nice then don't say anything at all".

[DickHertz]

Why? What do you have against this horse? I'm asking a qeustion so don't get mad.


I'm not a fan of the connections. Again, I want him to come out sound, but lose the race.

[DickHertz]

dick,you are a jealous,,cry baby you need a new profession...you have nothing nice to say about anyone.....

Not jealous at all. I rooted my ass off for Smarty Jones and Funny Cide. Not so much for War Emblem. I was indifferent with Real Quiet (although I was kind of annoyed with Baffert & Pegram making the "shh" gesture over and over).

[Foxtrot's]

He must have a horse in the race, or a big, big bet on another one.

[gubbyz]

We are all entitled to our opinion...I hope all the other horses lose but come out sound. :D

[Laurierace]

I'm not a fan of the connections. Again, I want him to come out sound, but lose the race.

I don't think anyone is a fan of the connections. This horse is enough of a class act for all of them though. I am rooting for the horse and rooting for the industry.

[Nikki^]

I'm not a fan of the connections. Again, I want him to come out sound, but lose the race.

That's like hoping your neighbor's child, who's an outstanding athlete, not win in a top competition because you don't like his/her parents and coach.

Grow up.

Can't you be happy that for once in 28 years there is a great chance for a Triple Crown winner?

[Artful]

there have been a number of chances, but it's been 30 years since Affirmed won the TC.
But...you make a good point about not rooting against a kid just because the parents are obnoxious!

[Texarkana]

The Belmont is panning out to be THE 3 year old race to watch, triple crown chances or not.

I cannot wait to see what Casino Drive can do when he steps up.

I'm also excited to see Denis of Cork coming off 5 weeks rest... I kept dismissing him pre-derby. When I saw him working at Churchill, he definitely caught my eye and started changing my opinion. But after his run in the Kentucky Derby, he now has my full attention.

A Triple Crown would just be the icing on the cake.

[ravenclaw]

As of late afternoon on May 18, the other early players considered for the Belmont Stakes were Casino Drive, Tale of Ekati, Denis of Cork, Anak Nakal, and Tomicito. NYRA stakes coordinator Andrew Byrnes has listed Icabad Crane, Macho Again, and Behindatthebar as possible starters.
No Colonel John? That's too bad. His stride and running style would be well-suited to Belmont and the distance.

I don't like Dutrow and Big Brown's owners look like a sleazy bunch (although Michael Iavarone seems okay when they talk to him). But I'm rooting for Big Brown just like I root for Curlin despite his "distasteful" connections. :lol: Horses can't choose their owners and trainers.

[DuffyAgain]

I don't think anyone is a fan of the connections. This horse is enough of a class act for all of them though. I am rooting for the horse and rooting for the industry.

EXACTLY!!!!!!!!! :)

(those Preakness pics were amazing, Laurierace!!!)

[AppJumpr08]

I'm SO excited - my boyfriend and I will BE THERE!! :D

First time to any Triple Crown race, and I'm hoping it's going to be the best one I'll ever go to... but I don't want to jinx anything either ;)

[Calico]

As someone who picked Big Brown for a derby futures pool pre-Dutrow, I don't understand knocking him for his connections. Like Shirley Cunningham in the Pimlico winner's circle last year just before his fraud conviction and inevitable new role as an inmate - we still rooted for Curlin.

It would be awesome to see a horse look Big Brown in the eye before he retires. What a story it would be if Casino Drive truly shows up on the big sandy!

[N2Equus]

Even if Casino Drive wins the Belmont, who is really the better horse? We will never know. I hate it when horses are entered in to the Belmont and didn't race the Derby and Preakness. They have an unfair advantage. It takes a real athlete to do these 3 demanding races (and the traveling) in a 5 week period. If Big Brown wins he will truly be a super horse as all the other TC winners were!

Go Big Brown!!!

[WhiteCamry]

Even if Casino Drive wins the Belmont, who is really the better horse? We will never know. I hate it when horses are entered in to the Belmont and didn't race the Derby and Preakness. They have an unfair advantage. It takes a real athlete to do these 3 demanding races (and the traveling) in a 5 week period. If Big Brown wins he will truly be a super horse as all the other TC winners were!

Go Big Brown!!!

What's so unfair? Fresh contenders are the chance any TC contender has to deal with in every race. If he's that good he'll beat 'em all.

[Glimmerglass]

What's so unfair? Fresh contenders are the chance any TC contender has to deal with in every race. If he's that good he'll beat 'em all.

Yep!

Noone was seemingly whining when BB entered just as fresh as fresh could get in the Florida Derby, did they? He hadn't been in race since Saratoga and even then it was only his maiden start. You can't change the rules just to suit the circumstances.

Citation ran in a 1 1/4 mi race BETWEEN the Preakness and Belmont. That was and is why he is on another planet by today's standards of what we expect a even a "super horse" can deal with. Ben Jones and Calumet didn't complain one bit about fresh legs taking on Big Cy. He would've dispatched them like an executioner!

[hessy35]

Can't wait for the Belmont. CD is a very nice horse, but faced nothing in his first two races. In his maiden race in Japan the 2nd and 3rd place horse are still maidens. Though the horse can only outrun those in front of him. I think Big Brown is just a freak.

BB has also faced "nothing" in his races. But I hope you all are right and he really is a super horse. It would be nice to see that again.

[N2Equus]

I didn't mean change the rules for this circumstance and I understand for the sport why it is allowed for horses that have not run the first two legs to enter the Belmont. But those horses are fresh and I guess that's what I consider a slight advantage. You're right, if BB is a super horse he'll pull it off. I hope he does. I would love to see another TC winner.

[hessy35]

This is a great Article about BB

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=horse/news/news.aspx?id=4150944

[Texarkana]

BB has also faced "nothing" in his races.

I don't necessarily disagree... but...

Big Brown has at least faced traffic at this point in his career.

I am sort of indifferent about the Triple Crown at this point... I just want to see a good race!

[Due's Mom]

I have nothing against Big Brown as a horse other than he seems to inbred pretty close up and that will not help in the future generations...jmho. It will weaken the breed even more

I am NOT happy about his connections and that they will be rewarded by all of this and take a place in history if they win the Triple Crown. I want nothing bad to happen to the horse but I am rooting for anyone to beat him.

If he wins the Triple Crown, they retire him to stud and with only 6 races under his belt he doesn't prove that he is sound or can throw strong, tough horses, only big fast horse who can race 6 times and has lousy feet. This is exactly what is wrong with breeding today. Imagine breeding him to mares with a Mr Prospector close up and what do you see in your immediate future? I doubt if it will be soundness....and that is even if the horse will breed. Monthly steroid use doesn't seem to help some of these horse when they head for the breeding shed (Cigar, War Emblem etc)

I realize that I am in the minority but there is a very good reason why you don't see Triple Crown winners very often nor should you.

I was never a Seattle Slew fan either but he has helped the bloodlines in so many ways.

So, yes for the future of the sport I hope he does lose or ten years down the road who knows what you will see coming off of the breeding farms

[DickHertz]

That's like hoping your neighbor's child, who's an outstanding athlete, not win in a top competition because you don't like his/her parents and coach.

Grow up.

Can't you be happy that for once in 28 years there is a great chance for a Triple Crown winner?

I need to grow up because I would like the next Triple Crown winner to be a perfect story?

The child analogy is bogus.

It's a race and you root for who you want to win and I'd like to see Dennis of Cork or Tale of Ekati win the race.

How dare you root against Tale of Ekati...Do you have something against Barclay Tagg?

[Calico]

I don't necessarily disagree... but...

Big Brown has at least faced traffic at this point in his career.

I am sort of indifferent about the Triple Crown at this point... I just want to see a good race!


Word!

[Glimmerglass]

Add one more to the starting gate at Belmont: Preakness runner up Macho Again will go for it (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/article/45317.htm) although the owner says he's only looking to take home a piece of the place or show purse ;)

“We can’t beat Big Brown without something going wrong -- his feet or he has terrible racing luck,” Finley said. “We’re going there with the intention of running well and hitting the board. Some people would say, ‘Why would you run in a race where you don’t have shot?’ But things can happen.”

[Drvmb1ggl3]

Word is that Casino Drive will now have an American jock (possibly Prado or Velasquez). The talk up to now was that crack Japanese jock Yutaka Take was going to be flying in for the ride. Good move I say, as Take, while hard to beat in Japan, has a less than stellar record in his ventures overseas. IMO he cost Deep Impact the Arc when he forced the horse to run closer to the pace, a departure from his normal sitp-at-the-back-swallow-the-field style (a moot point maybe, as he would have been disqualified anyway for a medication infraction).

[Texarkana]

Add one more to the starting gate at Belmont: Preakness runner up Macho Again will go for it (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/article/45317.htm) although the owner says he's only looking to take home a piece of the place or show purse ;)

Wow, they're really trying to stretch that pedigree, aren't they?

[Glimmerglass]

The more entries the better :)

Todd Pletcher looked at the field last year as being thin, regardless of Curlin's reputation of towering over the field, the absense of Street Sense and saw an opportunity at least for 2nd. I suspect that will be the pervasive logic for others as well.

Anything further on Tomcito's connections debating over this race? His last run netted just $895 in purse money.

[miss_critic]

Anak is interesting too. Look what his dad did in the Belmont and what odds he went off as. To me that is a 3rd story to this Belmont.

BB's speed #s are not that impressive as past horses running at this level. It leaves me wondering how good he really is. But no doubt he is so much better than anything else we have right now. And if he is retired right after he wins, we'll never get any answers like they did about Slew. Because of that, I am not as excited about this as I thought he was.

What is great is that this is horse racing and there are no sure things.

[Texarkana]

Anak is interesting too. Look what his dad did in the Belmont and what odds he went off as. To me that is a 3rd story to this Belmont.



When did you become an Anak Nakal fan? :winkgrin:

I just noticed DRF lists another Japanese horse, Spark Candle, as a potential Belmont contender. What's the story on his race record? He has slipped under my radar, but I see he's by A.P. Indy out of Serena's Song. :yes:

ETA: Duh, he ran in the Peter Pan. Where's my brain today...

[Glimmerglass]

For a dying sport I think the coverage of the Belmont will exceed that of the NHL playoffs ;)

DRF 5-19-08 "Triple Crown bid fuels media frenzy" (http://drf.com/news/article/94712.html)

With undefeated Big Brown attempting to become Thoroughbred racing's 12th Triple Crown winner and with the regally bred Japanese-based colt Casino Drive standing in his way, the 140th Belmont Stakes on June 7 could smash all types of attendance records. The record crowd for Belmont Park was 120,129 in 2004 when Smarty Jones's Triple Crown attempt was thwarted by Birdstone.

"Our goal is going to be to make sure that anybody who lives in the five boroughs of New York, they're going to know what's going on June 7 at Belmont Park," said NYRA president and CEO Charles Hayward, who will be presiding over his first Triple Crown bid. "I think in the past that's probably not been the case."

John Lee, NYRA's director of media relations, said Sunday was "an active day" for him and his staff.

"Maybe Smarty Jones was more immediate," Lee said, "but any time you get CNN coming out three weeks before the race it really feels like it's a big deal."

Lee said he has been told to anticipate requests from as many as 100 Japanese journalists, here to cover Casino Drive.

As an aside, Big Truck will return, but this time on the turf which is to be expected with Tagg. Up next the Grade 3, $100,000 Hill Prince Stakes June 6 at Belmont Park.

[Glimmerglass]

Here is an odd one ... the odds already for the Belmont Stakes well inadvance of knowing the final field, PP, or even all the jockey's committed to race (http://www.thespread.com/sports-betting-top-stories-900/140th-belmont-stakes-odds-belmont-park-june-7.html), hey whatever works for some

140th Belmont Stakes Odds to win – Saturday June 7, 2008 – Belmont Park – Elmont, New York

Big Brown 2/7
Casino Drive 9/2
Denis Of Cork 10/1
Tale of Ekati 16/1
Behindatthebar 25/1
Macho Again 40/1
Mint Lane 50/1
Tomcito 50/1

So, who is Mint Lane (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/horses/2008-03-26-1072817508_x.htm), aside from being a Jimmy Jerkins trained horse?

[ravenclaw]

So, who is Mint Lane, aside from being a Jimmy Jerkins trained horse?
He was 2nd in the Peter Pan Stakes (beaten by Casino Drive). He set the pace in pretty quick fractions. Unless he can rate, I don't know if he'll want the 1 1/2 miles in the Belmont.

[Glimmerglass]

Thanks ravenclaw - I recall him somewhat being in the Peter Pan race or rather being somewhere far behind Casino Drive. I knew he had a big effort this spring in one race at the Big A. However I'm not making the connection either as to why they think 1 1/2 is suited to him :)

On again, off again for Calvin Borel - he's now being replaced on Denis of Cork with Robby Albarado (http://drf.com/news/article/94725.html)

[miss_critic]

On again, off again for Calvin Borel - he's now being replaced on Denis of Cork with Robby Albarado (http://drf.com/news/article/94725.html)

Does anybody know why? I was a little stumped when I read that. Was it more of a commitment thing for Borel or did he get the boot again?

[Texarkana]

Interesting news about Tomcito:

http://www.drf.com/news/article/94741.html

Tomcito underwent throat surgery - a myectomy - at the New Bolton Center at the University of Pennsylvania on May 13, just three days after he finished seventh in the Peter Pan Stakes, according to trainer Dante Zanelli.

Zanelli said Tomcito displaced his palate badly in the Peter Pan. Tomcito returned to Belmont on Friday and resumed training Saturday.

"He's training toward the race, but we're taking it one day at a time see how he's progressing," Zanelli said.

[Laurierace]

Yuck, I will never do another myectomy again. My experience with them have been pretty useless. I like the lewellyn much better. I hope it works for him.

[Texarkana]

I've never known a horse to come back so quickly after a myectomy, let alone for a G1 race!

...and having worked at both NBC and for the barn that made the myectomy their trademark, I've seen my fair share of them. Even the cheap claimers I worked with got at least a week or more off before returning to work.

[Glimmerglass]

Ah, sorry to hear about Tomcito! I guess that is a clear excuse for why he bombed in his last effort. I'm still willing to toss out his effort on the Keeneland polytrack as well. It does seem a bit too soon to point him towards what would be the biggest effort in his career just a couple week's after that procedure.

Casino Drive, as cited on this thread before (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/article/45326.htm) is still without a rider. Per the racing manager, Nobutaka Tada,:

consideration has been given to Japanese, European, and American riders, but no decision will be made for “four or five days,”

I liked the quip in response to likely a dumb reporter's question:

Tada said he was well aware of all the hoopla surrounding Big Brown’s arrival at Belmont May 19.

“I know he is here, but I’m just doing my job, and am not concerned on how Big Brown is doing,” Tada said. “Big Brown is not my job.”

Hmmmm ... bringing Frankie Dettori over to ride ;)

Barclay Tagg is ready to go with Tale of Ekati (http://drf.com/news/article/94741.html) and he might finally rise to the occassion as a solid competitor to Big Brown - but he's also entered in to the Ohio Derby where he stands a good chance to win.

"Barclay's inclined to run in the Belmont," Smullen said. "We realize that Big Brown is a very salty customer, but Tale of Ekati is doing awfully well."

[Catsdorule-sigh]

What caught my attention about Big Brown was how he ran. The stride, the effortlessness of it all. He just seems to flow. The way he behaves reminds me of an old soul in a new package. That's not scientific, of course.:rolleyes:

I just caught a video of Casino Drive in the Peter Pan. Didn't like the quality but from what I could see, there was nothing special about how CD runs.

BB's connections are not his fault. When Dutrow was quite happy with that 20 post in the Derby, it was either overconfidence, or he knew something. (Well, from what I read here, probably both) Running wide all the way in the derby? He was in training for the Belmont. I was curious what would happen in the Preakness, thought they might just let him run his own race on the outside again, as he can obviously get that distance.

Outside of luck, getting bottled in, not quite having the 1 1/2 miles, or a real monster in CD, I don't see BB losing.

Not based on anything scientific, just the way he runs. Would like to see that stride analyzed.

I do hope there is a horse race in the Belmont and that some questions get answered.

As for the breeding, not a fan of it but at least no Mr. Prospector in there or Raise A Native. Inbred, yes, but because of it, he might become a better stallion. (Not saying what the breed needs.....) But that's just my 2cents. Only time will tell what he passes on. Would that it were a Matchem male line. :winkgrin:

I do have a question about BB's feet. According to what I've read, the quarter cracks were cause by abscesses. Is that necessarily a fault of poor feet? I had a mare, running barefoot, (Never a shoe in her life and feet tough as nails) get an abscess. I also read that his farrier says his hoof walls are now good. Goodness knows I've had an overreach take a shoe off and part of the hoof wall with it. And I've also read that the current practice of rolling and sealing the dirt tracks is just making them harder. What effect is that having on hoof/leg problems?

[Drvmb1ggl3]

Hmmmm ... bringing Frankie Dettori over to ride ;)




They'd have to press the Concorde back into action for that to happen.... getting from Epsom to Belmont in 6 hours is a tall order.

[DickHertz]

What caught my attention about Big Brown was how he ran. The stride, the effortlessness of it all.

Outside of luck, getting bottled in, not quite having the 1 1/2 miles, or a real monster in CD, I don't see BB losing.



Bernardini won the Preakness in the same way and he got beat in the Belmont (RIP Barbaro, but he wouldn't have beat Bernardini that day). I'm curious to see how Big Brown responds when he gets pressure in the stretch. There's always one horse who loves the 1 1/2 miles and plays spoiler.

[Glimmerglass]

They'd have to press the Concorde back into action for that to happen.... getting from Epsom to Belmont in 6 hours is a tall order.

Ah the good old days of supersonic flight.

I don't think Frankie would forgo the cash and glory to be made at Epsom anyhow for getting one long-shot contender in the Belmont and at best a couple of undercard races under his belt.

Now if Kieren Fallon was legal to ride in the US ...

[Drvmb1ggl3]

Ah the good old days of supersonic flight.

I don't think Frankie would forgo the cash and glory to be made at Epsom anyhow for getting one long-shot contender in the Belmont and at best a couple of undercard races under his belt.

Now if Kieren Fallon was legal to ride in the US ...

I don't think Frankie would have much say in the matter. His employers, the one's paying his reputed $2m/year retainer, would be making that call.
I can't imagine Fallon not having a ride in the Derby also, if he were legal.

It might be a French based jockey, maybe Lemaire, Soumillon or Peslier. None of whom make sense as there will be plenty of top American jocks available with the potentially small field. I say one of Prado/Velasquez/Gomez gets the ride.

[GreenMachine]

Bernardini won the Preakness in the same way and he got beat in the Belmont (RIP Barbaro, but he wouldn't have beat Bernardini that day).

Bernardini didn't run in the Belmont.

I agree, though, that it's foolish to concede the Belmont to Big Brown, no matter how dominant he's been. After all, Spectacular Bid stepped onto a safety pin. I wouldn't want to see anything happen to Big Brown, but that doesn't mean something can't. A bad ride, bad racing luck...there's a reason why they have to actually run the race.

[Florida Fan]

Amen!! Laurierace--we need a hero--forget about the "connections".

[Glimmerglass]

Don't worry folks, if you thought Rick Dutrow was keeping his opinions and views to himself on the field - he's not.
ESPN 5-22-08 "Trainer Dutrow Jr. confident Big Brown will bring home Triple Crown" (http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/triplecrown08/news/story?id=3407684)

Dutrow on Casino Drive

"He's got no chance of beating our horse," Dutrow told reporters Wednesday. "I'll be in the winner's circle when they get to the quarter pole. That's how I feel. I don't see that this horse can beat him."

On why - at best his 3rd year old season won't include the Haskell or JCGC - but just the Travers and BCC:

"I can't see anything else making sense for him this year. I don't want to go out and just keep running him in big races just to make money. That's no fun. He's going to need some time to get over these races after the Belmont."

Funny how Hard Spun raced in all three TC races and then a full later summer and fall season ...

Just as a refresher with HS in 2007: Lecomte Stakes (1st), Southwest Stakes (4th), Lane's End Stakes (1st), Kentucky Derby (2nd), Preakness (3rd), Belmont (4th), Haskell Stakes (2nd) , Kings Bishop (1st), Kentucky Cup Classic Stakes (1st), Breeders' Cup Classic (2nd)

The statement isn't so much that they'd don't make them like they used to but rather they don't race them like they used to - but Larry Jones proved otherwise with the solid runner in Hard Spun.

[Glimmerglass]

Looks like not even Lasix for Casino Drive in the Belmont Stakes (http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more_sports/2008/05/21/2008-05-21_the_day_at_the_races.html):

Casino Drive will not race on any medication for the Belmont as he did in his Peter Pan victory.

"No medication," Tada said. "He runs to the best of his ability without medication."

Dutrow admits to giving Big Brown the steroid Winstrol on the 15th of every month because it is legal in New York.

"I don't see it being a problem," Dutrow said.

Tada thinks steroids are a major concern in the sport.

"There are no steroids in Japan," he said. "For the future of the industry it's a problem. We keep the horse natural. We want his natural ability when he becomes a stallion."

Again Casino Drive's effort in the Peter Pan May 10, 2008 - Belmont Park (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7tiH2g_8CQ)

You can see that CD doesn't like the crack of the whip at all.

[DickHertz]

If cocaine was legal, I'm sure Dutrow wouldn't see a problem with it either.

[pinkdiamondracing]

If cocaine was legal, I'm sure Dutrow wouldn't see a problem with it either.

OMG!!!!:eek::eek: DickHertz finally said something that has some meaning and truth to it!! I don't think Dutrow would waste perfectly good cocaine on a horse though, but would probably consume it himself!!:D:lol:

[mares tails]

They'd have to press the Concorde back into action for that to happen.... getting from Epsom to Belmont in 6 hours is a tall order.

Just wait a few years: Sheikh Rashid is buying a supersonic business jet (http://www.ameinfo.com/138508.html)

.

[Glimmerglass]

From the Casino Drive camp on the constant smack talk from Dutrow:

Newsday 5-23-08 (http://www.newsday.com/sports/horseracing/ny-sphow235699217may23,0,1690279.column)

Dutrow was so flush with happiness that he giddily predicted that Casino Drive's Japanese fans who thought Godzilla was dead (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTW19g-uUTw) would find out at the Belmont, "He's not dead. He's here!"

Crowed Dutrow, "We've got a monster!"

"Godzilla?" Tada repeats now with a spark of recognition. He starts laughing and says, "He really said Godzilla? That's funny, that's very funny.

"It sounds like he likes talk, so let him talk. It's OK. We will see the result."

[Tada] is too unstintingly polite to say anything as bold or as colorful as Dutrow. "It is not Japanese way," Tada explained.

Can he pull it off? Even Tada sounds like that would be a major, major coup an suggestively almost impossible ..

But if Casino Drive were to win the Belmont, Tada says, "It would be like a Japanese team winning the major-league baseball championship."

"[In Japan] training is much different from here. Here, more likely, horses work by themselves. But our trainer, Mr. Fujisawa, when it's serious work, they always work two or three horses together to fight each other. Then the horse knows how to fight when a horse is inside or outside him in the race."

[hitchinmygetalong]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Glimmerglass
On again, off again for Calvin Borel - he's now being replaced on Denis of Cork with Robby Albarado (http://drf.com/news/article/94725.html)


Does anybody know why? I was a little stumped when I read that. Was it more of a commitment thing for Borel or did he get the boot again?

From http://www.greenbutgame.org/category/jocks/calvin-borel/ (interesting website, btw): Denis of Cork, owned by William Warren, worked five furlongs in 1:01 on Monday at Churchill Downs. In the Belmont, he will be ridden by Robby Albarado, replacing Calvin Borel, who rode Denis of Cork to a third-place finish in the Derby.


“I have no issue with Calvin - he has two wins on him and a third in the Kentucky Derby,” said David Carroll, who trains Denis of Cork. “Mr. Warren felt like Robby Albarado’s success at Belmont Park and winning nine Grade 1s there is the way he wanted to go. He wants to give Denis of Cork every opportunity and was very adamant that if Robby was available, then that was the way he wanted to go.”

[Texarkana]

Thanks for passing that along, hitchinmygetalong!

Anyone else think that Mr. Warren is Denis of Cork's worst enemy sometimes? The guy makes bad calls for this horse left and right... :no:

[Glimmerglass]

At least Denis of Cork is doing well in the lead up (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/article/45358.htm):

Denis of Cork galloped in his second trip to the track since a five-furlong work in 1:01 over a “fast” track May 19 at Churchill Downs. The David Carroll-trained son of Harlan's Holiday had jogged May 21.

“He came out of the work beautifully, and we’re very happy with him,” Carroll said. “It just seems like he’s coming back into form, and we’re getting some nice weather, too. He just seems to be seems to be coming back to himself. We still have a couple of weeks, and I’m very happy with him.”

Who knows, maybe Calvin will get the chance to ride Casino Drive ;) Although on that track his connections might want to even go with a 'Jersey' Joe Bravo if Prado isn't available ...

[Glimmerglass]

From this afternoon's BloodHorse Q&A of Talkin Horses with their Sr. correspondent, Steve Haskin (http://www.bloodhorse.com/talkinhorses/SH052308.asp)

Arrington, TN:
Q: Steve, Do you have any scoop about the rationale to take Calvin Borel off of Denis of Cork? Carroll said it was due to Albarado's success at Belmont, nothing more, but something seems suspicious. Do you know of any dissatisfaction with Borel's ride in the Derby? Thanks.

Haskin:
A: There is no rationale. It's the owner's decision, just as it was his and his advisors' decision to skip the Rebel Stakes, which turned out to be a big blunder. There is no logical reason to take Borel off. He gave him a flawless ride in the Derby and helped him get third by saving ground from an outside post. There simply are still too many chefs in this stew.

[DickHertz]

From last week's Talkin' Horses

Paris, KY:
Does racing have real problems or is it just a public relations issue that will go away with some slick advertising? Also, would a Triple Crown for Big Brown help us move on?

Squires:
I certainly don't have anything against Kentucky-bred Big Brown, who is lovely and fast. But if a Triple Crown winner with a history of bad feet, slow opponents and from a barn with a history of drug positives can solve this problem, this is an industry not worth saving.

[findeight]

No text editor available so can't quote or edit here...but somebody did say Bernardini won the Preakness a couple of years ago when Barbaro broke down then somebody said he didn't.Who did win that one? I thought it was Bernardini as well.

[DickHertz]

No text editor available so can't quote or edit here...but somebody did say Bernardini won the Preakness a couple of years ago when Barbaro broke down then somebody said he didn't.Who did win that one? I thought it was Bernardini as well.

Bernardini won that race and remained unbeaten that year until losing in the BC Classic to Invasor. Bernardini didn't race in the KY Derby or Belmont.

[miss_critic]

This Denis/Borel/Alborado thing is stupid. Not saying it will make a difference, but if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Carroll has got to be pulling his hair out.

[GreenMachine]

findeight, is this the exchange you were wondering about?




Bernardini won the Preakness in the same way and he got beat in the Belmont (RIP Barbaro, but he wouldn't have beat Bernardini that day).

Bernardini didn't run in the Belmont.

[98neigh]

So, are you folks going to bet on the race? I ask because my boss is a major gambler (does well) and he and his buddies don't bet the favorite (not enough mnoney to be made) but they do some wild exotics. Anyway, he's not bothering to bet so I was wondering if you guys feel the same. Also, what do you think the majority of hard-core gamblers are going to do on this race?

[Glimmerglass]

Not sure if Tale of Ekati was pulling in the beer wagon or not :D

Source DRF 5-26-08 (http://drf.com/news/article/94911.html)

Tale of Ekati, the Wood Memorial winner and fourth-place finisher in the Kentucky Derby, worked six furlongs in a pedestrian 1:18.47 Monday morning jockey Eibar Coa.

Tale of Ekati went his first quarter-mile in 26.32 seconds and got his last half-mile in 52.15, with Coa barely moving on the colt. Though Belmont's main track was dry and yielded slow times after the renovation break, trainer Barclay Tagg was incredulous with what he saw.

"I don't know how a world-class rider can go out there and work [a horse] in 1:18 - I just don't know," said Tagg, who added he was so upset that he didn't talk to Coa after the move. "I told him go in 1:12."

Coa said that Tale of Ekati started the work on his wrong lead and was also on his wrong lead in the stretch.

"He was acting a little bit weird today," Coa said. "I didn't want to force him to do something that I didn't feel was the right thing. He's a better worker than that."

Tagg said he didn't know if or how he would adjust Tale of Ekati's training schedule. He planned to work the colt again on Sunday.

[Drvmb1ggl3]

Is it me or does Tagg have more than his share of problems with exercise riders not returning the works he wants? Seems like I remember him getting down on Santos for blowing a work with Funny Cide and there was a verbal rebuke of a work Tale of Ekati had last year in the run up to the BC.
Or are other trainers just less vocal in the press about it?

[Glimmerglass]

Or are other trainers just less vocal in the press about it?

Some trainers I suspect just make for good copy with their comments - or lack there of. Larry Jones was none to happy with a Hard Spun workout last year as I recall as well. He like Tagg expects anyone who gets up on one of their horses to know just how fast you are going. If the horse is going too fast, then slow it down, if the tempo isn't there then its their job to coax out the speed.

If Tale Of Ekati wants to go off at 45-1 odds then they can certainly put out another "woe is us" workout knowing they have oodles of speed on tap. The article suggested however the horse was not on the correct lead - so why push it, right?

[Texarkana]

Tagg's the guy who gets irked if the work is 1/5 of a second off from what he asked for... bit of a perfectionist there.

Worth noting, Denis of Cork had a solid work at Churchill with Albarado up. 5 furlongs in :59 4/5. :yes:

[Glimmerglass]

Bad taste is the best description relative to Dutrow's wild remarks on Curlin v. Big Brown.

Equidaily.com cites a radio program (http://equidaily.com/) (Down the Stretch) whereby Durtow spouted the following:

Cusano: Q: "How do you think Big Brown as a 3YO stacks up against the 4YO Curlin?"

Dutrow: A: "Well, I've seen Curlin get beat by a filly -- so that is not impressive to me. I can't imagine there's a filly breathing air that could beat Big Brown."

Not sure if the 'filly breathing air' descriptive is a backhanded remark about the deceased Eight Belles, whom regardless of sex has been closest 2nd place to him in his career.

[Barnfairy]

Well doesn't this just sum it up beautifully?-

Love the horse, but that trainer's irritating (http://www.kentucky.com/285/story/414804.html) by John Clay

excerpt:

We know you're a good trainer. We know you have overcome personal demons to be in this position. We know you have tremendous confidence Big Brown will get the job done.

But your attitude leaves us, well, a bit cold. Those never-ending "there's no horse out there that can beat him," and the "I just don't see anybody better than my horse," proclamations have grown old. That "no chance" response you gave to the intriguing Japanese import Casino Drive's chances in the Belmont bordered on classless.

Why just the other day, when you were asked about a possible Big Brown-Curlin matchup down the road, you were quoted as saying, "It would be good for racing, it would be good for us, it wouldn't be so good for him."

Point to remember: The more humble our sports figures, the better we like them.

The more respectful, too.

[Texarkana]

Great article, Barnfairy. Way for the writer to hit the nail on the head.

[Barnfairy]

Is it me or does Tagg have more than his share of problems with exercise riders not returning the works he wants? I've often wondered about the trainer / rider disconnect myself. You can plan all you want from the ground regarding what you want to accomplish with a horse, but when you're up there in the irons sometimes those plans just go out the window for any myriad of reasons.

That's something that I admire in trainers like Larry Jones. In getting up there on the horse himself, even if just for jogs or gallops and not breezing, it allows him to truly know the animal that much more.

As for Tagg? I haven't decided if his expectations are too high, or if the griping is just a convenient excuse.

[Jane]

Dutrow definitely isn't the most PC person out there; I don't think he thinks before opening his mouth. Good thing is, you know exactly what he's thinking....although I don't think I'd let him get away with calling me a broad like he did Michelle Nevins, Big Brown's exercise rider.

[City Ponies]

Well I'm on the "Hope BB Loses" train too. Here are my reasons:
1) Trainer is a $h**head, arrogant prick and I'd love for the connections of Casino Drive or Denis to give him the great big middle finger when they are in the winner's circle at Belmont - sorry but ignorance, disrespect, and ego do not fly in my book.
2) As much as I give credit to BB as a racehorse and what he has accomplished he has a few strikes (in my eyes) against him; steriods though not the fault of the horse and "legal" doesn't really hold up to be a 'true athlete' IMO if supplements are used to this extent, he hasn't faced a very competitive full field yet, while there were some good horses in the KY Derby it's not a good judgement -- IMO the Derby is a horrible race, with a field of over 20 every year it discounts how many horses would run under normal conditions (field of 6-14) and it becomes so off pace with what all of these horses have faced previously and are going to face. Too wide, too crowded, and many horses that could be contenders end up rattled within the crowd of trying to find a spot, overcoming a wide long field at the start.. etc. So for that reason, I think if Eight Belles and BB were to have run a match race at the KY Derby, the filly would have had him. As I suspect she would've beaten him in the Belmont - RIP.
3) As much as a TC winner would be the feel good story of the day with gas at $4 a gallon and we're still in Iraq, I love a good upset!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE Curlin, but dontcha know I bet on Rags to Riches to win last year and didn't put money on Curlin! I'd love to see Casino Drive win.

AND FWIW - I am NOT promoting a horse with such obvious soon to be soundness issues becoming a breeding stallion after winning the TC. Now if he were gelded sometime b/w now and the Belmont.. yea I'd probably be happy about a TC winner. But ugh.. I shutter thinking about what type of horses BB will produce.... like we don't have enough bad blood in the industry. Gimme a Curlin, Silver Charm, Seattle Slew, Skip Away runner anyday over ANY Storm Cat or Mr. Prospector, even if their first generation crop wasn't wicked fast, the sport might hold up with longer and harder runners and more overall competitive racehorses.

My two cents....:)

[Florida Fan]

Do yourself a favor, buy a copy of the April Mid Atlantic Thoroughbred. There is an article in there on theraputic steroid use in racehorses, info by the AAEP and others, to educate the public who are not involved in racing (that would be you).....and among other things, to say that the powers that be (racehorse industry, not public) are trying to implement a blood threshold level uniform to all the US racetracks, as rules vary state to state, since a large number of horses do get steroids. In that article you wil note that scientific data concludes that steroids do not make a horse run faster, or improve performance. Please do not take BB connections personal. No disrespect directed to you at all.

[City Ponies]

Do yourself a favor, buy a copy of the April Mid Atlantic Thoroughbred. There is an article in there on theraputic steroid use in racehorses, info by the AAEP and others, to educate the public who are not involved in racing (that would be you).....and among other things, to say that the powers that be (racehorse industry, not public) are trying to implement a blood threshold level uniform to all the US racetracks, as rules vary state to state, since a large number of horses do get steroids. In that article you wil note that scientific data concludes that steroids do not make a horse run faster, or improve performance. Please do not take BB connections personal. No disrespect directed to you at all.

Ahh.. the power of assumption. OK, first you assume that I am "public" no sorry, used to work on the track and know I'd say a large portions of the workings behind the scenes. I know about the threshold levels trying to be implemented, and I actually DO agree with them trying to standardizing among all racetracks. I think it's GOOD! So PLEASE do not confuse me with an irrate "public". While I am primarily a H/J rider I do follow and keep up with all aspects, especially if I have previously been in that part of the industry. I know steriods have no effect on performance, but they have a "boost" for lack of better word at the moment, for health and stamina.

I don't take BB's connections personal. An example of why I'm pissed off about his connections is a wonderful one. I HATE George Steinbrenner for his arrogance, ignorance, and ego. BUT I AM a huge Yankees fan. Now when he says something stupid on TV about his Uber $$$ team who must win everything I throw a plastic drink bottle at the TV, but I don't necessarily want the Yankees to lose. It's like a boxer proclaiming he WILL win the fight before it starts, it's kinda just asking for an a**whopping just because statements like those shouldn't be made, especially when you are talking about an animal who really has no control but to run, hurt or not.

I would LOVE to see BB vs. Curlin on BC day. And Curlin's mah boy, not necessarily bc I want to put BB connections in their place, or necessarily WANT BB to lose, I just want someone else to win, in this case b/c I like Curlin more.

[CAH]

I love Big Brown. I have been a fan since the Florida Derby. I also watched Casino Drive in the Peter Pan and posted a "watch out". Contrary to what his trainer thinks this is a two horse race to the wire....with Dennis of Cork third.

[Florida Fan]

Happy you have some sort of info--but I consider making a total living by training, buying selling, and totally responsible for the decisions of the performance of a horse ,for a period of years as having a totally educated opinion. I however do love your enthusiasm! Be careful with those plastic drink bottles.

[Florida Fan]

Think you're right about CD. It would be ironic if he won-----I'm sure you know that he is a half sibling to the last 2 Belmont winners, Rags to Riches, and Jazil. However, I am a big BB fan!!---ever since I saw him in the Fl.. Derby. It will be a horserace, for sure, the mile and a half.

[ravenclaw]

I would LOVE to see BB vs. Curlin on BC day.
Don't hold your breath on that one.

#1 - It remains to be seen if BB will run again after the Belmont

#2 - It has been posted on other threads that Curlin may be headed to other races in the fall like the Arc de Triomphe and the Japan Cup. Because of questions about the dirt track where the Breeders' Cup will be this year, Curlin might not even run in the BC.

[Glimmerglass]

Some reflections: NYRA Videos: All Belmonts 1970 - 2007; plus '30, '35, '37, '41, '42, '46, '48 (http://www.nyra.com/Belmont/Broadcast/Video/BelmontStakes.shtml)

Sadly their website for the 2008 Belmont Stakes just bites! The Chuchill Downs folks put out a damn fine quality website for the Oaks and Derby. All video replays of the entries, details on the horse, owner, trainer, jockey, etc. That should be the gold standard and TC Productions should on one site all of that for the Derby, Preakness, and Belmont.

[Glimmerglass]

Interesting (and a bit disappointing) that UPS, should Big Brown win the Belmont, will not do a TV spot. AdAge May 26, 2008 - "Win or Lose, UPS Sees Big Payoff at Belmont" (http://adage.com/article?article_id=127305)

Print advertising is a possibility but there will be no TV spots. "Because of the time frame and budget constraints we have to deal with, it's just not feasible," she said.

By comparison VISA had a 'congratulations' ad ready to go in 1997 (http://www.cardweb.com/cardtrak/news/cf6_6a_97.html) but it never saw the light of day:

Should 'Silver Charm' win Belmont Stakes this Saturday, VISA said yesterday it is prepared to run a special commercial to celebrate the first 'Triple Crown' victory in 19 years. This is the first time VISA will have produced a broadcast spot to instantly congratulate a winner of a sporting event.

[ravenclaw]

Interesting (and a bit disappointing) that UPS, should Big Brown win the Belmont, will not do a TV spot.
At my job, there is a part-time evening employee who works full-time at UPS (in an office) during the day. She said after Big Brown won the Kentucky Derby, they got to "celebrate" by wearing jeans to work for 1 day. Whoopeee! :lol: Maybe they'll get to wear jeans for 2 or 3 days if he wins the Triple Crown.

[Glimmerglass]

I think UPS employees and clients have exclusive access to (special?) Big Brown photos, video, et al through the portal website in the AdAge article ;)

So what is this the equine equivalent of a mulligan?

Wed May 28 - "Casino Drive Works -- Or Does He?" (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/article/45435.htm)

... in the end it was decided the times for the exercise regimen will not be published as an official workout.

However, in the end the times recorded by the clockers were so slow they will not be published as an official workout. The fractional times were :17, :31 1/5, :45 4/5 and 1:12 2/5 for five-eighths, with a six-furlong gallop out time of 1:25. Despite the slowness of the effort by American standards, Tada was not disappointed.

Also, the now overlooked but-once-was-interesting Peru entry did workout; still recovering from throat surgery, he previously galloped a mile and three quarters Sunday and is still being considered for the Belmont:

Tomcito worked Wednesday, going seven furlongs in 1:29 4/5

[Glimmerglass]

As expected ...

Edgar Prado was officially named to ride Casino Drive in the June 7 Belmont Stakes, the colt's connections announced Wednesday afternoon.

As quoted in the DRF (http://www.drf.com/news/article/94957.html)

"There are so many good jockeys here that it was very difficult to decide on the right one," said Nobutaka Tada, the racing manager for Casino Drive's owner, Hidetoshi Yamamoto. "The reason we decided on Edgar was his experience with the Belmont Stakes."

[Drvmb1ggl3]

As expected ...

Edgar Prado was officially named to ride Casino Drive in the June 7 Belmont Stakes, the colt's connections announced Wednesday afternoon.

As quoted in the DRF (http://www.drf.com/news/article/94957.html)

Smart choice. Nice to see common sense prevailed.

[Beezer]

It's gonna be interesting to see how this plays out. If Casino Drive wins, Prado will go from the Barbaro hero to Big Brown villain in the space of heartbeats.

[LaurieB]

It's gonna be interesting to see how this plays out. If Casino Drive wins, Prado will go from the Barbaro hero to Big Brown villain in the space of heartbeats.

Yes, but I'll bet that he, and the other connections, will come up with a graceful way to carry it off--kind of like Mary Lou Whitney did when Birdstone won.

[DMK]

Interesting (and a bit disappointing) that UPS, should Big Brown win the Belmont, will not do a TV spot. AdAge May 26, 2008 - "Win or Lose, UPS Sees Big Payoff at Belmont" (http://adage.com/article?article_id=127305)

It may have just been my interpretation of the article, but it sounded more like they weren't doing TV media between here and the Belmont, especially with the reference to time constraints/production costs, which would be an issue with a 3 week turnaround. Not to mention Visa had an ad agency with oogles of stock/approved for use type footage around TC races what with their sponsorship and all. Their job was a wee bit easier.

[miss_critic]

If your looking for another reason to dislike BB's connections, here is one.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aGle6KcO9IJ0&refer=home

[lassoch]

I won't be upset per se if Big Brown wins the Triple Crown, but I won't be as excited as I would have been in other years. :/ Here are the thing that sort of bum me out about the situation:

1. It's just a horrible crop of colts this year. Really, they're just...the worst in recent memory. I want to see a great Triple Crown winner beat a field of good competitors, not a good Triple Crown winner who beats a field of mediocre snails. Big Brown was damn lucky to have been born with this crop. Horses like Curlin, Street Sense, Smarty Jones, Hard Spun, etc, could have given him a run for his money or even handed him his ass in some cases. The Triple Crown is supposed to be a test of a champion, but so far he has faced almost zero serious competition. The second choice in the betting on Preakness Day was the horse that finished 17TH in the Derby. Woop-dee-doo. Hopefully the Belmont will shake things up a bit, and I'll like him better AFTER he gets looked in the eye by a horse who can actually run.

2. Big Brown represents everything that's wrong with the way breeding and racing is done these days. He's got precocious speed, yet obvious feet problems, will probably race only 5 to 7 times, and then will be sold for a huge chunk of money in order to produce tens of more fast yet fragile babies. Think about this: Whirlaway, the 1941 Triple Crown Winner, made 60 career starts. 60 starts. Big Brown won't make more than seven, IF he races at all after the Belmont. It's impossible to get attached to ANY horse when you know that their retirement is looming around the corner. The Triple Crown was supposed to mark the beginning of a great horse's career, not it's end. That's why I like Curlin at the moment; he may or may not be better than some others out there, but he's proved himself a great competitor, plus he's actually racing past the age of three. Shocking. The game is all about money these days, and "Big Brown" syndrome just goes to show that breeding fast, fragile horses and then rushing them off to the breeder's shed is a profitable game. Profitable for everyone except the horses and the fans, of course. >:/

3. The connections are trashy. Ya, ya, hate the connections, love the horse, I know. But the owners are basically involved in racing just to be able to create a hedge fund, and Dutrow is a dirty little leech. I wouldn't even care about him that much, but he's so smug and loud-mouthed that now I WANT him to get beat. He does things like complain loudly to the press about how other jockeys ride, then turns around and gives his own jockeys instructions to ride dirty in the next race. Can't you just taste the class?

"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."

Big Brown is a magnificent animal, and a great athlete, no doubt. But I don't want to hand him the crown when it was denied to so many - Spectacular Bid, Smarty Jones, Afleet Alex, Alysheba, Silver Charm, Real Quiet - who faced better competition than him, whose connections deserved it more, and some of whom may be much more talented than he is. But, hey, in this day and age, the big steroid-trainer and the giant hedgefund corporation are the ones with the luck and who will take home the trophy, so I might as well suck it up and watch history be made.

[Drvmb1ggl3]

If your looking for another reason to dislike BB's connections, here is one.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aGle6KcO9IJ0&refer=home

Yikes!

[Glimmerglass]

With the aforementioned Bloomberg article, and now The New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/29/sports/othersports/29owner.html?_r=1&oref=slogin) as well as NY Newsday (http://www.newsday.com/services/newspaper/printedition/thursday/news/ny-enmike295705819may29,0,6441908.story) all running articles on the very visible Mr. Iavarone and his shady past you have to wonder what the final take will be on the Big Brown story come Belmont day.

As cited on another BB regarding this same topic the "unnamed" investor who kicked off the IEAH group is still remaining shadowy:

Iavarone said he earned his money working in private financing during the high-tech boom of the late 1990s and early 2000s. He said IEAH got off the ground in 2003 with $800,000 he received from a European "high-risk investor" whom he wouldn't name.

I can generally look past someones prior mistakes provided they don't continue to occur. In this case with IEAH and Iavaron there are constant lies that seem to dog them.

On his company’s Web site, ieah.com, Iavarone, 37, the company’s co-president, is identified as a “high-profile investment banker on Wall Street.”

Iavarone told The New York Times that he had worked for Goldman Sachs, the world’s largest investment bank.

But he never worked for Goldman Sachs, and in fact was fined and suspended for making unauthorized trades at the A. R. Baron & Co. brokerage firm. Iavarone conceded Wednesday that his Wall Street career consisted of selling penny stocks ...

Iavarone, who was raised in Bethpage, Long Island, graduated from St. Joseph's College of Patchogue, New York, where he earned a bachelor's degree in business in 1993.

His IEAH's Web site includes an article about him from the Thoroughbred Daily News that says Iavarone has a bachelor's degree from the University of California at Los Angeles. ``That's a mistake,'' Iavarone says.

Why do I think this is him at IEAH: 'The Boiler Room' (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NRlulKvYNs)

[Glimmerglass]

Not cited before, I think, another jockey change:

It was also announced that Tomcito, who was last ridden by Cornelio Velasquez, will be ridden in the Belmont by Alan Garcia.

[NMK]

Consider the quote from Dutrow at the Derby interview re: Big Brown's owners "we just clicked"--is all this really a surprise? Now Squires can add another to his list of "attributes" associated with this horse.

My problem with all of this is that I cannot trust anyone associated with this great colt to make good decisions on his behalf. It just makes me sad.

Nancy

[WhiteCamry]

Do yourself a favor, buy a copy of the April Mid Atlantic Thoroughbred. There is an article in there on theraputic steroid use in racehorses, info by the AAEP and others, to educate the public who are not involved in racing ...

I believe that's in the June (http://www.marylandthoroughbred.com/midatlantic/current/lead_article.htm) issue.

[WhiteCamry]

Why do I think this is him at IEAH: 'The Boiler Room' (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NRlulKvYNs)

Better yet - Glengarry Glen Ross (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TROhlThs9qY&).

[WhiteCamry]

So, are you folks going to bet on the race? I ask because my boss is a major gambler (does well) and he and his buddies don't bet the favorite (not enough mnoney to be made) but they do some wild exotics. Anyway, he's not bothering to bet so I was wondering if you guys feel the same. Also, what do you think the majority of hard-core gamblers are going to do on this race?

I'm no gambler but I never bet a below-even-money fave. OTOH, I can't get my head around exotic betting beyond exacta or quinella so, if I do bet on this, I'll look at Casino Drive - and maybe a little something on a longshot, just in case.

Of course, with my luck, this'll be the year we have a Triple Crown winner.

[Glimmerglass]

WhiteCamry, we think alike as I was going to link the gold-standard of sales 'motivation' with Alec Baldwin ("Always Be Closing") too although with an often younger audience on this BB some might relate more with Ben Affleck

As I cited on another BB, and it was mentioned in passing on this one as well, I am quickly reminded of this when I read about Michael Iavarone: "Come grow with us" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0i-uOIuWfUE)

[Cruzer]

If your looking for another reason to dislike BB's connections, here is one.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aGle6KcO9IJ0&refer=home


From the article....

Iavarone was sued by the Showboat Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City in January 1999 for writing a bad check for $20,000, Superior Court of New Jersey court records show.

In the lawsuit, the casino alleged that it ``repeatedly made demands upon the Defendant for the aforesaid amount, but to no avail.'' In January 2000, the Superior Court of New Jersey entered a judgment against Iavarone when he failed to respond, for $14,090 plus costs. Iavarone paid the casino in July 2000, court records show.

Iavarone said an imposter was responsible. ``There was no bad check ever written,'' he said. ``Somebody took out a marker in my name, illegally.''

Yeah, right. You can't make a move in the casino without the camera watching you. There are protocalls for markers.

[dbtoo]

Do you guys think that Tomcito is way under the radar? Isn't he a distance horse who was brought here to run in the Belmont?

I know he had that palate problem but do you think that is enough to knock him out of contention ?

Maybe it will be a 3 horse run to the wire.

[Glimmerglass]

Do you guys think that Tomcito is way under the radar? Isn't he a distance horse who was brought here to run in the Belmont?

I know he had that palate problem but do you think that is enough to knock him out of contention ?

I still like the guy frankly and 1 1/2 mi is something he's accomplished at before. Speedwise on a solid, non synthetic track and the guy does his job. In the Peter Pan his breathing was impeded so toss that out (Tomcito underwent throat surgery - a myectomy - at the New Bolton Center at the University of Pennsylvania on May 13, just three days after the PP Stakes) and the Lexington at Keeneland was on a track that isn't valid for what he's run on before and will in NY.

Look back at the Florida Derby - after some 5+ months of layoff - and he came in a solid 3rd behind Big Brown. That hopefully is the horse that will be seen in the Belmont Stakes.

His workout times are with solid numbers and he'll have a new jockey who just won the Met Mile. With little pressure on the partnership and all the focus on Big Brown I think they could be in a position to surprise with a very strong showing.

[Texarkana]

I would be flabbergasted if Tomcito could come back from a myectomy in three weeks and pull off an upset.

But it is horse racing and anything can happen. I really like Tomcito. He works great in the morning (usually), but hasn't shown any speed in any of his races. And did I mention I still think it's completely crazy for a horse to be expected to run a huge race 3 weeks after throat surgery?!?

[Glimmerglass]

Can someone please get a muzzle for Dutrow?

NY Daily News May 29, 2008 (http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more_sports/2008/05/29/2008-05-29_trainer_rick_dutrow_opens_mouth_sounds_l-2.html)

Dutrow also wasn't kind to Elliott and Smarty Jones' trainer John Servis.

"I think maybe the way they trained that horse (Smarty Jones) going up to the Belmont had a lot with him getting beat," Dutrow said. "I was at my house and they showed a flash where Smarty Jones was breezing for the Belmont and he did it at Philadelphia Park on a sloppy, sealed track. It just blew my mind away. I could not imagine anyone would do that with a horse, especially going for the Triple Crown."

Smarty Jones never had an official work for the Belmont Stakes over such a track, according to his past performances, but the colt may have galloped over one leading up to the race.

"If it wasn't to what Rick wanted, I did the best that I could do," Servis said yesterday. "Rick has got a lot on his mind these days. Especially with the quarter crack and all. He's under a lot of pressure, and a lot of times we say things we don't mean. I'm taking it with a grain of salt."

Dutrow was also critical of Elliott's ride in the Preakness. Smarty Jones won the second leg of the Triple Crown by a record 11 1/2 lengths.

"I also feel he (Elliott) did not need to win the way he did in the Preakness to get to the Belmont," Dutrow continued. "Our jockey (Kent Desormeaux) grabbed a hold (of Big Brown) at the eighth-pole to have something left.

"The connections of Smarty Jones were not smart in order to get the job done," Dutrow said. "They should have played it a lot safer."

Nice to see that John Servis wasn't going to take the bait and rip on Dutrow, although there is plenty of room to do so ....

[ravenclaw]

Can someone please get a muzzle for Dutrow?

Or duct tape. Duct tape is commonly found in barns and would be just as effective as a muzzle.

It's obvious the press is having a ball with this, trying to get others to bash Dutrow. I'm impressed that so far no one else has stooped to Dutrow's level.

[pinkdiamondracing]

Or duct tape. Duct tape is commonly found in barns and would be just as effective as a muzzle.

It's obvious the press is having a ball with this, trying to get others to bash Dutrow. I'm impressed that so far no one else has stooped to Dutrow's level.

Duct tape is the way to go for this. You can still talk and be understood with a muzzle on!!!!!!!:lol::lol::lol::D

[Florida Fan]

You may be right as to the june issue, white camry, but I read it in the April Virginia News part----thought it was a good one to educate the public as to threaputic use and why it exists. My logic is too, there is a post race test---everyone has same options. I don't think BB needs "hop". He has answered all the questions so far, forget his connections and whatever they do----if you dug deep, there would be other "connections" with less than perfect pasts. Let's not weight BB down with incidental trivia. He is a very legit, exciting horse. GO BIG BROWN!!!!

[Glimmerglass]

Big Brown isn't spooking anyone away (http://drf.com/news/article/95069.html):

As of Friday May 30th

Trainer Nick Zito, who spoiled the last Triple Crown bid in 2004 when his Birdstone upset Smarty Jones, already had Anak Nakal pointed for the $1 million Belmont, and on Friday said he was giving serious consideration to running Da' Tara as well.

And Ready's Echo, trained by Todd Pletcher - who won last year's Belmont with the filly Rags to Riches - was confirmed for the race by Kevin Scatuorchio, a managing partner of the Let's Go Stable which owns Ready's Echo.

Zito said Da' Tara, who was second in the Barbaro Stakes on the Preakness undercard at Pimlico on May 17, "had a tremendous work" on Thursday at Saratoga. Da' Tara, who earned a 92 Beyer in the Barbaro, worked on the Oklahoma training track, and went a half-mile in 49.67 seconds, the third-best of eight at the distance.

The more the merrier!! That could mean a starting field of 10 next Saturday

[Glimmerglass]

Interesting stat of the day: Of the 11 Triple Crown winners, none has faced more than seven rivals in the Belmont Stakes.

Todd Pletcher said it was “unlikely” that Behindatthebar (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/article/45505.htm) would run in the Belmont Stakes.

[grits]

The largest field ever to run in the Belmont Stakes was a field of 15 in 1983. Caveat won. (I have a daughter of his.)

[gubbyz]

Face it...if BB wins, he deserves it. The steriods do not make him run faster, more horses are joining in the race, so a good field should be expected, not just a bunch of "also rans", it should be a great race. Lets all just enjoy it for the love of the sport and hope history is finally made! :yes:

[VirginiaBred]

Face it...if BB wins, he deserves it. ........... Lets all just enjoy it for the love of the sport and hope history is finally made! :yes:

So true.

[Glimmerglass]

Out of Belmont consideration:

Tomcito
and Spark Candle

Source: DFR June 1, 2008 (http://drf.com/news/article/95093.html)

[miss_critic]

A tiny stretch away from this thread, but once a horse considered for a TC race, anybody see Harlem Rocker today? Was this a "he needed a race" scenario???

[Samotis]

Could someone post the list for the horses that will most likely be showing in the Belmont?

Maybe in order you think they are going to win? A friend of mine likes Tale of Ekati, so wondering where he would be in the mix? Wasn't he fourth in the Derby? Did he run the preakness?

[Glimmerglass]

From the NYRA/Belmont and BloodHorse notes for June 1st:

Tomcito, who was third to Big Brown in the Florida Derby (gr. I) and seventh to Casino Drive in the Peter Pan (gr. II), will not start in the Belmont Stakes, according to trainer Dante Zanelli.

Zanelli said the son of Street Cry was suffering from a “reaction” but did not specify what caused it. “It’s very depressing,” he said.

I swear I ready somewhere that Tomcito might be transferred to another trainer but will be shipped back to Kentucky.

[Texarkana]

And the entries begin to dwindle...

Samotis--
Here's the Daily Racing Form's Belmont Stakes page. It lists the contenders. Although you can take Spark Candle, Behindatthebar, and Tomcito off the list.
http://www.drf.com/tc/belmont/2008/140.html

[Texarkana]

A tiny stretch away from this thread, but once a horse considered for a TC race, anybody see Harlem Rocker today? Was this a "he needed a race" scenario???

Good thing he skipped the Preakness for that. :rolleyes:

[Glimmerglass]

I have no idea why Baffert/Stronach would've though a horse [Harlem Rocker] that excelled on dirt could just show up and kick 'em all on synthetic. Have we not seen enough proof that says you can do well going from synthetic to dirt but more often then not vice versa isn't successful? That is why all the Curlin fans could be in for a very rude experience if he shows up at Santa Anita against Heatseeker (IRE) who loves the stuff and is brilliantly fast on it.

Too bad the Canadian punters put so much faith into Harlem Rocker:

Previously unbeaten Withers Stakes (G3) winner Harlem Rocker, the overwhelming favorite at 0.35-to-1, was never a factor, finishing fourth in the seven-horse field in his first start on a synthetic surface and first attempt in a two-turn race.

Anyhow ... back to the Belmont and the Canadian-owner runner:

Tale of Ekati worked on Sunday to the pleasure of Tagg (http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2008/June/01/Tagg-pleased-with-Tale-of-Ekatis-final-drill-for-Belmont-Stakes.aspx)

Tale of Ekati breezed six furlongs in 1:11.99 on Sunday on the main track at Belmont Park, which was rated as muddy.

“This was the move I was hoping for last week,” said Tagg, who also was unhappy after the colt’s four-furlong workout in :46.84 handily on May 20 at Belmont. “Now, you can only hope that it wasn’t too much for him. Everything seems to be going well now, and we’re back on schedule.”

Perhaps he'll be both the horse for course but also sitting on a big effort. No issues with feet, tainted owners, or high expectations. Tale of Ekati, as Tagg said, loves the Belmont course which is key as 'Big Sandy' (http://www.barrypopik.com/index.php/new_york_city/entry/big_sandy_belmont_park_racetrack/) can be very intimidating to horses new to it.

Tale of Ekati won his career debut at Belmont Park by 8 1/4 lengths and won the Futurity Stakes (G2) at Belmont in his third career start.

[Texarkana]

Kind of related to the conversation... Charles Fipke, owner of Tale of Ekati, also owns Not Bourbon, the winner of the Plate Trial (where Harlem Rocker was 4th).

Maybe this is the beginning of a good luck streak for his stable.

[Glimmerglass]

Final official breeze for Denis of Cork this morning at Churchill Downs before he gets air-shipped up to NY with Macho Again Tuesday.

Per the DRF: (http://www.drf.com/news/article/95096.html)

With his Belmont jockey, Robby Albarado, in the saddle, Denis of Cork galloped out five furlongs in 1:01.60 in what trainer David Carroll had planned as a maintenance work. Denis of Cork had breezed five furlongs on the two previous Mondays at Churchill.

[Glimmerglass]

Muscial chairs with assigned jocks continues ... (http://drf.com/news/article/95097.html)

[quote]Trainer Nick Zito and Kassem Masri, the owner of Anak Nakal, on Monday released jockey John Velazquez from his commitment to ride Anak Nakal in the Belmont Stakes on Saturday so Velazquez could ride Ready’s Echo.

Velazquez had committed to Anak Nakal before knowing definitively that Ready’s Echo would run. Ready’s Echo is trained by Velazquez’s main client, Todd Pletcher.

“We had a call and we released him,” Zito said. “Mr. Masri and I believe in good karma.”

Zito said Julien Leparoux would now ride Anak Nakal. Alan Garcia, Zito said, would ride Zito’s second Belmont entrant, Da’ Tara.

[Glimmerglass]

Such biting sarcasm by ESPN's Bill Finley!!

Bill Finley June 2 "Un-American" (http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/triplecrown08/columns/story?columnist=finley_bill&id=3422759)

Excerpt

These people are living in fantasyland. We dope the living you know what out of our horses and the benefits are obvious. Horses race longer than ever, are more durable than ever and never get hurt. Then we send them off to the breeding shed and they produce the next generation of healthy, robust horses that can run all day, race 35 times a year and keep the breed strong. Thank goodness the industry here has taken the anything-goes approach that it has. Imagine a sport where a horse that is bleeding, is lethargic or is sore or needs a rest actually needs to be turned out and can't be given a quick fix.

[Glimmerglass]

If Dutrow's peers opinion on "Will Big Brown win the Belmont Stakes?" has any value then the almost uniform answer is 'yes, he'll win':

Albany Times Union June 2, 2008 "Will he do it?" (http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=692754&category=SPORTS&newsdate=6/2/2008)

Trainer Bob Baffert
(failed with three horses to win Triple Crown)
"I can't see him getting beat unless something drastic happens to him coming out of the starting gate. He is a super horse, awesome. He is a great athlete, has a great mind and doesn't get tired."

Jockey Steve Cauthen
(rode Affirmed to 1978 Triple Crown)
"It would be nice to see Casino Drive push him a little bit, that would be fun. It looks like Big Brown has extraordinary talent."

Trainer D. Wayne Lukas
(trained Charismatic, who failed to win the 1999 Triple Crown)
"Yes, yes I do. I think he'll do it. But strange things do happen. I thought Spectacular Bid (1979) was the best I ever saw and he lost it. But you would have to have a lot of imagination to pick against Big Brown at this point."

Trainer Ken McPeek
(trained Sarava to upset win over War Emblem in 2002 Belmont Stakes)
"He is one of the most impressive horses we've seen in a long, long time. If he wins the next one, which I do think he'll win and I think he'll win it for fun, you put him in the category of Secretariat and Seattle Slew."

Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott
"Why not. It looks like it. Big Brown's a monster."

Trainer Carl Nafzger
(won last year's Kentucky Derby with Street Sense)
"Yes, Big Brown has just dominated too much. But remember, Big Sandy (Belmont Park) has gotten a lot of them."

Trainer Billy Turner
(trained 1977 Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew)
"Something would have to go drastically wrong for him to lose. He just takes everything in stride and does whatever the rider asks him to do. When he wants to do something, he just accelerates."

Trainer John Veitch
(trained Alydar, who finished second behind Affirmed in all three Triple Crown races in 1978)
"He has as good an opportunity that I have seen. He is a very talented horse and is probably better than a lot of the horses who have come close in the last 30 years."

Jockey Jorge Velasquez
(Alydar's jockey)
"Big Brown is the real deal. There is no way they are going to beat him, even going 2 1/2 miles."

The only outspoken (if you can call it that) voice:

Trainer Elliot Walden
(his Victory Gallop ended Real Quiet's Triple Crown bid in the 1998 Belmont)
"I'll tell you what, there is a definite foe in Casino Drive. I think he has a legitimate chance to beat Big Brown."

[miss_critic]

From the NYRA/Belmont and BloodHorse notes for June 1st:



I swear I ready somewhere that Tomcito might be transferred to another trainer but will be shipped back to Kentucky.

I read the same article. I think what it said was the trainer was going back to KY and Tomsito wasn't, so that'd be the reason for the switch.

[Glimmerglass]

Thanks miss_critic for the correction :)

NYRA Pegs Belmont Stakes Field at Nine
by Blood-Horse Staff, June 2, 2008

The New York Racing Association said June 2 a field of nine is probable for the June 7 Belmont Stakes (gr. I), third leg of the Triple Crown.

The field for the Belmont will be drawn June 4 along with the rest of the Saturday program. Also on the card with the $1-million Belmont is the $400,000 Just a Game Handicap (gr. IT), the $400,000 Manhattan Handicap (gr. IT), the $250,000 Acorn Stakes (gr. I), the $250,000 True North Stakes (gr. II), and the $200,000 Woody Stephens Breeders' Cup Stakes (gr. II).

Here's the probable field, with trainers and jockeys, for the 1 1/2-mile Belmont, according to NYRA officials:

Anak Nakal, Nick Zito, Julien Leparoux
Big Brown, Richard Dutrow Jr., Kent Desormeaux
Casino Drive, Kazou Fujisawa, Edgar Prado
Da’ Tara, Nick Zito, Alan Garcia
Denis of Cork, David Carroll, Robby Albarado
Icabad Crane, H. Graham Motion, Jeremy Rose
Macho Again, Dallas Stewart, Garrett Gomez
Ready’s Echo, Todd Pletcher, John Velazquez
Tale of Ekati, Barclay Tagg, Eibar Coa

The Belmont Stakes has a probable post time of 6:25 p.m. EDT. ABC will provide live coverage from 5-7 p.m.

[rcloisonne]

Such biting sarcasm by ESPN's Bill Finley!!

Bill Finley June 2 "Un-American" (http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/triplecrown08/columns/story?columnist=finley_bill&id=3422759)

My hat's off to you, Mr. Finley. Well done!

[Glimmerglass]

Big Brown's workout this morning (Tue June 3rd) over 'Big Sandy':

According to the New York Racing Association clockers, the son of Boundary posted fractional times of :23 3/5 and :35 1/5 en route to the five-eighths of a mile time of 1:00. With regular exercise rider Michelle Nevin aboard, he galloped out six furlongs in 1:14 2/5.

Workouts from the contenders (from Equibase.com):

Anak Nakal at Saratoga: 4 furlongs in 49:67
Denis of Cork at Churchill Downs: 4 furlongs in 48:60
Icabad Crane at Fair Hill: 4 furlongs in 48:60

[Glimmerglass]

This is the video age so its about time some of the old school media provided video reports - viola

Video - Associated Press - June 2, 2008 - "Hoof Healed, Big Brown Ready to Run" 1 min + (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRlIGgXjI8o)

I didn't otherwise read or see before the remark about PeTA wanting an outside 'expert' to look at Big Brown's hoof before he races.

[Glimmerglass]

I wish there was more enthusiasm ...

Video: West Point Thoroughbreds (Macho Again) Monday 6/2 update (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSmk7z4tzXA)

[Glimmerglass]

A very happy Dutrow (after this morning's workout with BB) said this is the plan:

In the next four days (June 4-7), Dutrow said Big Brown would, “walk (Wednesday), jog (Thursday), gallop (Friday), run (Saturday).”

[harvestmoon]

Does anyone know what he has stuck on his back legs in this pic?

http://sports.yahoo.com/rah/photo?slug=fa8970ba22e3dc38e28873e8ba121b52-getty-81257839ab013_belmont_stake&prov=getty

[Equibrit]

My UPS driver just delivered a "Go Big Brown" badge and a card to enter the prize drawing here http://racing.ups.com/gobigbrown/

[harvestmoon]

Does anyone know what he has stuck on his back legs in this pic?

http://sports.yahoo.com/rah/photo?slug=fa8970ba22e3dc38e28873e8ba121b52-getty-81257839ab013_belmont_stake&prov=getty

Quoting my own post, but are those things they had under his bandages to prevent him from running down during his work?

[Acertainsmile]

Quoting my own post, but are those things they had under his bandages to prevent him from running down during his work?


Those are patches...probably felt, they just hadnt taken them completly off, they go on with a sticky spray, and come off with baby oil or acetone.

[harvestmoon]

Ah, okay, thank you! :)

[outofthebox]

http://sports.yahoo.com/rah/photo?slug=109724a3ab17516fce7958f9772c6765-getty-81257838ab004_belmont_stake&prov=getty

His feet are scary, and that quarter crack is hardly "minor"..... Should he really be running?

[Drvmb1ggl3]

http://sports.yahoo.com/rah/photo?slug=109724a3ab17516fce7958f9772c6765-getty-81257838ab004_belmont_stake&prov=getty

His feet are scary, and that quarter crack is hardly "minor"..... Should he really be running?

The question has been answered 15,723 times already.
Horses can and do run on quarter cracks like that. He will be wired up and patched and his leg frozen. He won't know he has a quarter crack. The farrier attending to the crack, McKinlay, who's considered the best specialist when it comes to these things, rates it as a 4 on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being WCS..
He just galloped 5f in 1:00 flat this morning, so it's obviously not affecting his ability to run.

[Glimmerglass]

Back on topic with the Belmont, two entries are "stuck" in Louisville, KY overnight (http://drf.com/news/article/95135.html):

Icabad Crane, who was third in the Preakness, arrived at Belmont on Tuesday after a van ride from the Fair Hill Training Center in Maryland. Anak Nakal and Da' Tara were scheduled to be sent by van from Saratoga on Wednesday, and both Denis of Cork and Macho Again were scheduled to fly from Kentucky on Wednesday. Denis of Cork and Macho Again originally were to fly on Tuesday, but severe thunderstorms in central Kentucky area pushed the flight back one day.

ESPNNews will have the live post-position draw (such a pity that ABC/ESPN deems this such a low item of interest) Wed morning at 11am EST.

As I've long been trying to bang the drum, the lack of promotion akin to the Derby for the Belmont - even when there is a TC at stake - is amazing. You'd think there would be at least a couple of media savvy folks in the NY area willing to suggest NYRA and NTRA do MORE to build up and keep the momentum!

One of the best laundry lists of failures: NY Newsday Jerry Bossert June 1 2008 (http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more_sports/2008/06/01/2008-06-01_the_day_at_the_races.html)

It's also impossible to understand how ESPN has post position draw shows for the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness - both races are shown on NBC - and the Belmont draw only merits a spot on ESPNEWS, while ESPN on ABC will televise the race.

There are no signs or banners about the Belmont Stakes as you enter the track, just a big banner promoting the New York Racing Association's Internet wagering account system.

In fact, the Internet is another whiff by both the NYRA and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association.

Neither NTRA.com nor NYRA.com has a Triple Crown page on its site.

There, too, the NYRA is pushing its Internet account wagering platform.

In fact, Triplecrown.com, which the NTRA needs to own, takes you to a cable company. With all the deep pockets behind the NTRA, it is inconceivable it has not purchased that address.

There has been no live streaming of trainer Rick Dutrow Jr.'s electrifying press conferences on its site, nor have they been posted on YouTube.

All these would provide added exposure for Big Brown's run to the Triple Crown.

What NYRA needs to do is create a Belmont week that features live racing and family-friendly festivities through the Belmont Stakes.

NYRA should have taken a cue from Philadelphia Park. The Pennsylvania track embraced the Smarty Jones phenomenon in 2004 by opening its doors in the morning to let racing fans watch Smarty prepare for his run at history.

Instead, Belmont will be empty Monday and Tuesday and another opportunity to create momentum will be missed.

The track will be packed to the gills on Saturday, only because of Big Brown's run at the Triple Crown.

Belmont history tells us that if a Triple Crown weren't on the line, that wouldn't be the case.

To infuse interest in the sport, more has to be done. NYRA and the NTRA are fortunate they have a Triple Crown on the line Saturday. Without that, the Belmont would be just another race and that's a shame.

[Texarkana]

As I've long been trying to bang the drum, the lack of promotion akin to the Derby for the Belmont - even when there is a TC at stake - is amazing. You'd think there would be at least a couple of media savvy folks in the NY area willing to suggest NYRA and NTRA do MORE to build up and keep the momentum!



I completely agree with you and the article. The NYRA can't even be bothered to separate TC news into a simple separate link on their site. :no:

[Glimmerglass]

ENTRIES ARE NOW 10!

A totally unexpected last entry with Guadalcanal

Final Post Positions for the Belmont Stakes

PP Horse
#1 Big Brown
#2 Guadalcanal
#3 Macho Again
#4 Denis of Cork
#5 Casino Drive
#6 Da' Tara
#7 Tale of Ekati
#8 Anak Nakal
#9 Ready's Echo
#10 Ichabad Crane

Regarding the utterly unkown Guadalcanal (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/article/45551.htm)

Guadalcanal, who has yet to break his maiden in five career starts, was a surprise entry in the June 7 Belmont Stakes (gr. I) when entries were taken Wednesday.

Owned and trained by Fred Seitz, the son of Graeme Hall—Bessette (by Quest for Fame), has two seconds and a third, with earnings of $16,100.

Seitz said he realizes the colt will be a longshot in the classic, in which Big Brown is attempting to sweep the coveted Triple Crown, but that he believes Guadalcanal will love the 1 ½ mile distance.

“He was bred for a route, he trains like he will want a route, and there are not many opportunities to race against 3-year-olds at 1 ½ miles,” Seitz said.

In his most recent start, the colt finished second in a 1 ½-mile maiden race on grass at Churchill Downs.

[Glimmerglass]

What is interesting is that - in case folks don't recall their history - is that Guadalcanal is aside from being just a physical location (South Pacific, part of the Solomon Islands) it was most noted as being an uber crucial battle location in WWII for the Pacific Theatre.

Allied forces in the Guadalcanal campaign defeated the Japanese there - a first - which was a key turning point for the war as it allow for a shift in Allied momentum from being defensive (defending) to offensive (invading) and the inverse for Japan.

I don't think the Casino Drive folks will care too much for the name ;)

By the way Morning Line Odds on Guadalcanal: 50-1

[CAH]

Got my UPS Big Brown button yesterday as well :)

You know, as we get closer I like Big Brown more and more. I do think it will be a two horse race until the top of the stretch - and then Big Brown will draw off and win.

Lets see how close he gets to Secretariet's time. It would not surprise me to see Kent push him down the lane, even if he is by himself. Especially if this is his last race, as many are thinking.

[Texarkana]

What a bizzaro story it would be if Guadalcanal pulled an upset!

He has as many or more lifetime starts than several of the more highly regarded horses in the race. And we know he can get the distance... even if he's never gotten there first. :lol:

[Glimmerglass]

What a bizzaro story it would be if Guadalcanal pulled an upset!

Indeed. I suspect he'll go off at 100-1

His connections have marginal expectations

Maiden Entered in Belmont Stakes (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/article/45551.htm)

[Trainer, Seitz] “If we are on the board, we will be happy.”

In his most recent start, on May 23, the colt finished second in a 1 ½-mile maiden race on grass at Churchill Downs. Seitz noted that the final time of 2:32 3/5 was close to the 2:31 timing for older horse Lattice in the Louisville Handicap (gr. IIIT), also at 1 ½ miles over Churchill’s turf course the following day.
While his entry in the Belmont is a surprise, Seitz said he always thought highly of Guadalcanal’s ability at classic distances, one reason the colt was an original nominee to the Triple Crown series.

“To me, it’s all about the distance, the trip, and who can get 1 ½ miles,” Seitz said. “He could probably go farther.”

So to his credit the guy can - and has - gone the distance already. He didn't win but having been on grass and poly he's learned to rate and relax. I wouldn't expect him to race to the lead and try and hold on. Da'Tara is more of a speed runner, for example. Others might not be so lucky to just chill and thus the spoils could be his for an in-the-money at the finish.

Guadalcanal's connect must be hoping for Sarava 'Part Duex'!

[Beezer]

The ONE hole?!? THE ONE HOLE?!?!?!!?

Beezer goes KA-THUNK in a dead faint.

Yeah yeah yeah, I know that that hole has produced the most winners. But did they all have a big, fat bull's-eye on their backs and a maiden starting directly next to them??

In the immortal words of Lloyd Bridges in "Airplane!": "I picked the wrong week to stop drinking." :dead:

[Texarkana]

Yeah yeah yeah, I know that that hole has produced the most winners. But did they all have a big, fat bull's-eye on their backs and a maiden starting directly next to them??



That maiden has broken from the gate more times than Casino Drive. ;)

[Beezer]

That maiden has broken from the gate more times than Casino Drive. ;)

A very good point! :)

But I still need a drink. ;)

[GreenMachine]

A very good point! :)

But I still need a drink. ;)

I won't stand between a gal and a drink (no one had better stand between me and one!), but remember, it's a loooong way around the Belmont track, and so far Big Brown seems completely unflappable.

[VirginiaBred]

It almost seems like drawing the rail is too good to be true.

[DLee]

Do you guys know the post time? I want to leave the eventing safety meeting in time to get home and watch...:yes:

[VirginiaBred]

"Around" 6pm, est.

[miss_critic]

It is listed at 6:25 on the Belmont card.

As much as I don't like the one hole, here is something to ponder (I admit I took this from somewhere else)

Horses who have won the Belmont from the 1 post include Touch Gold, AP Indy, Riva Ridge, Arts and Letters, Damascus, Man o’ War, and….

The Triple Crown winners Secretariat, Citation, Assault, Gallant Fox, and Sir Barton.

[miss_critic]

There are so many "names" on the undercard, I don't know where to begin! It might need its own thread. What is up with the Curlin/Einstein folks now that Einstein can't run???

[Drvmb1ggl3]

The draw is really irrelevant in the Belmont, they're going a mile and half on a nice big track, in a small field. I think a horse could come out of the gate backwards and still have all day to sort it out.

[CaSaNoVa14]

Face it...if BB wins, he deserves it. The steriods do not make him run faster, more horses are joining in the race, so a good field should be expected, not just a bunch of "also rans", it should be a great race. Lets all just enjoy it for the love of the sport and hope history is finally made! :yes:

Thank you. that was needed after all the BB bashing

[gubbyz]

You are welcome CaSaNoVa14! :D Now lets get ready to rumble!!!!

[Glimmerglass]

The draw is really irrelevant in the Belmont, they're going a mile and half on a nice big track, in a small field. I think a horse could come out of the gate backwards and still have all day to sort it out.

Drvmb1ggl3 is on the money - it does not matter

Furthermore at 1 1/2 mi the dynamics change with how far behind you can fall yet still have a chance to close.

I'm not suggesting by any means that BB (or anyone else in the race) is worthy of comparison to Exceller, Affirmed or Seattle Slew but watch the replay of the 1978 Jockey Club Gold Cup at the same track and distance (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZFr6N2lNY4)

Note that Exceller is cited on the backstretch at about the 1/2 mi mark as being 20+ lengths behind Seattle Slew and Affirmed and Life's Hope. In fact at the 3/4 mi mark Exceller is still 12-lengths behind Life's Hope who is himself now 5-lengths away from Affirmed, who is about 2+ lengths away from Slew. Typically people would say "well its all over - you can't make up that deficit" but again at Belmont and at 1 1/2 miles it changes a lot.

So (1) if doesn't matter where any horse starts in the PP and (2) it doesn't matter if a horse spots the field a lengths early - provided speed is there upfront to eat away at their strength.

[Glimmerglass]

Not exactly the workout you want to see but the slop at Belmont can take most of the blame ....

Casino Drive's Thursday Morning (June 5th) work (http://drf.com/news/article/95185.html)

Jockey Edgar Prado got acquainted with his Belmont Stakes mount, Casino Drive, on Thursday morning, putting him through a modest half-mile workout track clockers timed in 55.80 seconds. The Belmont main track was muddy.

Casino Drive did not appear comfortable over the muddy surface, switching his leads back and forth several times coming through the stretch.

Casino Drive got his last quarter of the move in 26.96 seconds.

"He was looking at the footprints [on the track]," Prado told trainer Kazuo Fujisawa with racing manager Nobutaka Tada interpreting. "He did everything himself. I didn’t have to encourage him."

[Glimmerglass]

You can't make this stuff up!

Looks like to some degree the apprehension of UPS to fully back Big Brown has opened the door to another sponsor - Hooters. Seriously.

NY Daily News June 5 - "Hooters jumps aboard Big Brown with sponsorship deal" (http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more_sports/2008/06/04/2008-06-04_hooters_jumps_aboard_big_brown_with_spon.html)

The buxom brand's logo - which features an owl peering through the 'OO' in "Hooters" - will be emblazoned on Kent Desormeaux's legs as his horse makes a bid to become the first Triple Crown winner in 30 years.

And if Big Brown makes it to the winner's circle, he will be greeted by busty Hooters girls in tightfitting T-shirts.

"We do have our logo right up on the jockey," Mike McNeil, vice president of marketing for Hooters of America, told the Daily News.

"We'll have Hooters execs and Hooters girls in the winner's circle when the horse wins."

Until now, United Parcel Service was Big Brown's sole sponsor, and the worldwide delivery company is said to be less than thrilled about sharing the limelight with the raunchy company.

"UPS wanted to be the exclusive sponsor and we offered them every possible way to do [that], and they basically turned it down," said Kelly Wietsma, spokeswoman for Big Brown's owner, IEAH Stables.

Ah, just what horse racing needs to better promote the sport on a mainstreet basis. Maybe they can get Colt 45 Malt Liquor for sponsoring logos on the jockey sleeves .....

[harvestmoon]

God. It would be bad enough if they were simply the sponsor, period, that's it. But the fact that Hooters girls will be in the winner's circle? Completely trashy.

[Catsdorule-sigh]

It's all about marketing, promotions, and the money that might be had from that.

Forget the sport. Wait until the logo has to be plastered on the horses croup.

At that point, racing draft horses may become popular. More hide to put logos on and with the slower race times, more time for people to see all the advertising.

[Glimmerglass]

Since "WarrenT" appears to be long gone from this forum I guess I'll have to pass this along :D

Any it won't require an passwords, blood tests, VISA cards on file, or your mother's maiden name to access it.

DRF's free Past-Performances for the 2008 140th running of the $1M Belmont Stakes, Race 11 (http://www.drf.com/tc/belmont/2008/pps/belmontstakes08.pdf)

[Jasmine]

So how long before Jockeys look like NASCAR cars?

[Glimmerglass]

So how long before Jockeys look like NASCAR cars?

Keep in mind the track, NTRA, and owners/trainers of horses aren't the ones making the money on the deals where logos appear on the jockey. That is "real estate" controlled by the jockey and brokered accordingly. In the situation of UPS's logo on Kent in the Derby and Preakness that was brokered in a package with him as well as IEAH.

Outside of the pant the silk of the jacket, if you will, is restricted as having to match the owner's stable colors. So unless McDonlad's is the owner of the horse, you couldn't get the golden arches on the back of the jockey ;)

Historically track's in large part have been against logo'd riders and the Jockey Guild took those tracks to court to ensure their financial interests were not being further controlled by others. see - this article from 2004 in USA Today (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/horses/triple/derby/2004-04-30-jockeys-ads_x.htm)

[WhiteCamry]

The ONE hole?!? THE ONE HOLE?!?!?!!?

Beezer goes KA-THUNK in a dead faint.

Yeah yeah yeah, I know that that hole has produced the most winners. But did they all have a big, fat bull's-eye on their backs and a maiden starting directly next to them??

OTOH, how many placers has it produced?

[WhiteCamry]

You can't make this stuff up!

Looks like to some degree the apprehension of UPS to fully back Big Brown has opened the door to another sponsor - Hooters. Seriously.

NY Daily News June 5 - "Hooters jumps aboard Big Brown with sponsorship deal" (http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more_sports/2008/06/04/2008-06-04_hooters_jumps_aboard_big_brown_with_spon.html)



Ah, just what horse racing needs to better promote the sport on a mainstreet basis. Maybe they can get Colt 45 Malt Liquor for sponsoring logos on the jockey sleeves .....

It makes me wonder whose head(s) will roll at UPS when BB steps into the winner's circle.

[Glimmerglass]

re: the Big Brown UPS sponsorship switch to Hooter's

Ah let the mocking of horse racing begin :(

Gawker June 5, 2008 "Hooters To Sponsor Star Horse 'Big Brown'; Comedians Celebrate" (http://gawker.com/tag/marketing/?i=395075&t=hooters-to-sponsor-star-horse-big-brown-comedians-celebrate)

Stay classy, rich people.

BrandWeek June 5, 2008 "Hooters to be Title Sponsor for Big Brown " (http://www.brandweek.com/bw/news/recent_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003812842)

With this deal, Hooters is able to go where it was prevented from appearing during the recent NCAA men's basketball tournament, when a full-page print ad featuring Dick Vitale and Hooters' girl Sara Hoots was pulled from the official program.

That said - there is a change from what was previously released:

BloodHorse June 5, 2008 "Hooters Picks up Desormeaux Sponsorship" (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/article/45579.htm)

Contrary to previously published reports, no Hooters girls will join Big Brown in the winner's circle should he win the Triple Crown. But Hooters does plan to throw pre-race parties at locations across the country, and will contribute to a fund set up by Desormeaux to aid those affected by Usher syndrome, which impacts the jockey's son, Jacob.

Still the damage will be done with this being late night fodder for Leno, Letterman, et al

Photo: Big Brown, Kent Desormeaux, and the Hooters Girls. (http://channels.bloodhorse.com/images/content/BigBrownHootersAE298.jpg)

One positive marketing angle:

Woodford Reserve is offering a 'Big Brown Chases the Triple Crown' (http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20080604005904&newsLang=en) cocktail with collectible glass on Saturday. with proceeds to benefit Belmont Park-based charities Anna House (first and only full-time child care facility based on-site at a U.S. racetrack) and B.E.S.T (Backstretch Employee Service Team)

“We are proud to partner with Big Brown’s owners to help improve the lives of folks who make the thoroughbred industry operate,” said Wayne Rose, brand director for Woodford Reserve. “This is a special time for the racing industry and not only are we delighted to honor Big Brown, but we also look forward to making a contribution to these two important organizations.”

[WhiteCamry]

It's all about marketing, promotions, and the money that might be had from that.

Forget the sport. Wait until the logo has to be plastered on the horses croup.

More likely, they'd trim it into the fur as with baseball team logos in the outfield.

[rileyt]

Excuse me while I hurl.

Seriously, could this get ANY WORSE????

I find it remarkably easy to root for horses. Really. ANY horse. Throw in a really good horse like BB and its insanely easy. But is someone somewhere trying to tell us something?

Next thing you know, we'll find out Big Brown himself has a juvenile record

(he he... bad pun intended).

[Texarkana]

I think this idea is even dumber than the, "Kids eat free Tuesday nights at Hooters" campaign the restaurant was running several years ago.

What kind of moronic marketing execs do they have working that company?

Suburban families with 2.5 kids and an SUV aren't going to make Hooters their first choice for Tuesday night dinner. And I don't think they're going to win over any more customers with their foray into racing.

Those Hooters girls waiting in the wings are going to feel pretty out of place if Big Brown loses.

[dressagetraks]

:rolleyes:

Then again, it's perfect. Somehow, it fits this team and background. Maybe it even epitomizes racing today. Which would be a shame.

I have nothing against this horse himself and fear for him, actually, hope he comes home sound (relatively speaking, as with his feet, I question whether he is 100% sound now). I wouldn't wish calamity on any horse. But there is zero excitement here for this TC bid. The connections have ruined it for me, from the name they picked, which could have been overcome easily if that were all, through their crass, classless behavior, which to me cannot be. I've heard all the reasons why people say don't hold the connections against the horse. But I do not think that having this team in the winner's circle would be good for racing. Poor Big Brown is saddled with a whole lot more than just Desormeaux. Not his fault, no, but baggage there regardless.

If this is what this sport is about today, my own dream of someday having a piece of a racehorse is fading. If I ever did have a racehorse, I would be constantly questioning now whether the trainer used meds and practices I didn't even know existed. If my trainer said one-tenth of the things Dutrow has, I would fire him on the spot, TC on the line or not, and then issue a public apology for the insult to the image of racing that he had given while being paid by me and thus made me a part of it. And when people say this and worse goes on unsaid all the time in almost every barn, I seriously question whether I want into this sport someday after all.

I might not even watch this Belmont. If I were sure he would win, I wouldn't, but as they say, anything can happen in racing.

Fire away, as I'm sure people will.

[Glimmerglass]

Maybe, just maybe, the NTRA and Jockey Guild can workout some deal as did for the Derby.

NetJets was brought in by them to buy all the starting jockey's pant logo rights (although Kent was exempt and so was one other jockey) and in lieu of payment they jockey's disable fund received a large donation. [Regarding taxes for having forgone that money they Jockey I think takes that amount as a tax deduction as they effectively gave up income for a charitable donation]

Maybe I'm making a mountain out of a mole hill, but look back at the wonderful ad-free photos of winners. Would anyone really like to see famed Secretariat/Ron Turcotte image known as "The Photo" (http://www.championsgallery.com/secretariat_shopping.htm) with his pants reading: "Schlitz Beer" or "White Owl cigarettes"?

[DLee]

I'm just waiting to see how he looks in those little orange shorts!!:winkgrin:

[Beezer]

But big money on the table for Mass Cap ***if*** BB and Curlin stay undefeated and show up for the race (from Bloodhorse.com):

"Suffolk Downs has announced that the purse for this year’s Massachusetts Handicap will be $5 million if Big Brown wins the Triple Crown and both he and 2007 Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) winner Curlin remain unbeaten in 2008, and go on to start in the MassCap against one another. The $5 million would include a $1 million participation bonus for each."

[Beezer]

"Nike Signs Big Brown To $90 Million Horseshoe Contract"

Only in the Onion! http://www.theonion.com/content/news/nike_signs_big_brown_to_90_million?utm_source=onio n_rss_daily

Excerpts:

"Big Brown, whose Nike endorsement deal is the largest ever for a thoroughbred, was flown from New York to Portland in a private Nike jet stocked with the world's finest bourbon, caviar, sugar cubes, cigars, carrots, and hay. Upon arriving on the west coast, the equine superstar's handlers whisked him past a throng of cheering fans into a stretch limousine bound for Nike headquarters, where Brown, his 11-horse entourage, and his team of lawyers reviewed the contract one last time before signing."

-----------

"Although Big Brown was approached by a number of suitors from sportswear manufacturers including Adidas, Reebok, and Pony, the undefeated 3-year-old was ultimately won over by Nike's willingness to work closely with him to create a horseshoe conforming to his strong sense of personal style as well as his physical needs. Big Brown was reportedly impressed by Nike's efforts when technicians used cameras to record his gait from multiple angles while he ran on a treadmill."

-----------

"Nike marketing personnel said that throughout the design process, Big Brown has viewed his trademark sportswear as a lifestyle rather than a line of products bearing his image. Whether approving design sketches or choosing materials, the racehorse has emphasized the promotion of individual identity by insisting the Air Brown buyer should be able to customize their horseshoes with alternate color schemes, optional blinking LEDs, or Swarovski crystals.

" 'B-Squared brings a lot of energy to this project—you should see him cantering around in a frenzy, ranging back and forth in the studio space,' Parker said. 'He's really exposing a side of himself that many people haven't seen before. He's showing everyone that he's for real.' "

[Equibrit]

You never know - the jock may have owl eyes on his ass!

[Carol Ames]

let's hope bb and cd don't get into a speed duel!:no:

[Jane]

"Nike Signs Big Brown To $90 Million Horseshoe Contract"


:lol::lol: that's awsome, and entirely possible in the near future. Nike is one of the biggest companies in the world and their advertising budget is HUGE, I can totally see them using a famous race horse in their ads, and tv commerical...easily these days with the technology (futbol fans know what I'm talking about...I can watch soccer commericals by Nike and Pepsi all day ;) ).

Oh, they can maybe use Big Brown in their campaign for that new equestrian boot they're working on.

http://special.equisearch.com/blog/horsehealth/2008/04/nike-just-does-it-riding-boots.html

[Dispatcher]

So, will it be NO Hooter's girls in the winners circle? I hope to god they do not show up.

Really, that's just beyond tacky--to even think of that kind of ploy. No class at all....

[Glimmerglass]

How completely rude if not insulting to fans and the horses by ABC/ESPN (http://www.drf.com/news/article/95217.html):

Two graded races scheduled for the Belmont Stakes undercard, the Woody Stephens Stakes and the Manhattan Handicap, might not be broadcast live on ESPN or ABC despite seven hours of live coverage on Saturday at the track, a spokesman for the networks said on Thursday.

Come on for Pete's sake! The undercard races for the Belmont are excellent. How else could any network fill all that time with chatter about a 10-horse field race where 97% of the time is focused on 1-horse?

The Manhattan is where we're see the return of Shake the Bank and Better Talk Now. The Woody Stephens is like a Kentucky Derby 'almost' field of names from Majestic Warrior to J Be K and Ready's Image.

No reason whatsoever to not air both of these races live. NYRA should mandate that if ABC airs the Belmont live then they have two air two undercard races live too.

[Texarkana]

I don't understand why they can't at least show the undercard races in a split screen while they air the other mindless fluff piece drivel for the casual racing fans.

I'm going to be livid if I can't see BTN and I have to watch Desormeaux ride with a "Hooters" logo on his @ss.

[miss_critic]

While I completely agree about not airing the 2 races, I think this happens every year. I don't think any of the TC races show the race right before the big one. Remember, they missed out Buy the Barrel before the Preakness. I am only not whinning loudly bc I have HRTV. They will now be allowed to show them live but it is going to completely screw up my recording. I do feel for all of you that don't have it though, trust me, I would be livid. I am livid about Einstein too though. You know they said on HRTV they were possibly pointing him to the Foster now? Is it just me or does that seem completely off the wall?

[caffeinated]

Casino Drive having unspecified hind end issues...

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2008/June/06/casino-drive-physical-problem.aspx

[Glimmerglass]

Casino Drive having unspecified hind end issues...

'Casino Drive could miss Belmont with hind leg issue' (http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2008/June/06/casino-drive-physical-problem.aspx)

Odd photos are captured all the time, but man that to me is one ugly image taken there of him struggling over the slop yesterday.

It shouldn't change the race too much. A lot of experts were tossing him out anyhow. Look to Denis of Cork or Tale of Ekati to be the true solid challengers.

[Texarkana]

On the bright side, I'm sure a good chunk of the planned pre-race coverage is going to be on the Casino Drive angle. If he scratches, maybe they'll have enough dead airtime to show the last two undercard races!

Wishful thinking?

[Glimmerglass]

Does the Associated Press know more then others? They suggest he'll still race Saturday (http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5h4GWpjCuew-xX0mwd7-QINCvJQDQD914M52O1):

Casino Drive has a bruised hoof but there are no plans to scratch the Japanese horse from Saturday's Belmont Stakes.

Tada said Casino Drive would be examined again Friday. Depending on the hoof's condition, he acknowledged there's a slight possibility the colt may not run Saturday. Horses entered in the Belmont may be scratched up to 45 minutes before the 6:25 p.m. EDT post time.

However, Tada said, "If he stays like this, there's no reason to stop him. At the moment, we are not thinking of scratching."

[Glimmerglass]

From The Daily Racing Form (http://drf.com/news/article/95246.html) this afternoon ...

Posted 6/6/2008, 2:18 pm
Big Brown has patch applied
By JAY PRIVMAN

ELMONT, N.Y. - Big Brown had an acrylic patch, to protect a quarter crack, put on the inside of his left front hoof shortly after noon Friday at Belmont Park by foot specialist Ian McKinlay, who said the procedure "was very routine."

McKinlay said the procedure took about a half-hour.

"If that patch comes off, I might as well quit," McKinlay said. "That patch will stay on three or four months if we want. This is so run-of-the-mill."

McKinlay said he first had to "debride any loose material" in the crack, then "create a surface for the patch to bind to."

"There's a little bit of fiberglass, and a methacrylic patch," McKinlay said. "It's stronger than his hoof wall."

McKinlay said there was "no heat, no sign of infection" in the injured foot.

McKinlay said Big Brown, who has needed previous work on his troublesome feet, is "a super patient."

McKinlay said he got his first good night's sleep on Wednesday.

"Everything I see couldn't be better,"he said. "Everything just went letter perfect."

McKinlay, who lives in New Jersey, said he would not attend the race.

"I don't expect anything to go wrong," he said. "I'll be watching on TV with some friends and people from our church."

McKinlay also worked in Touch Gold before he won the 1997 Belmont. He described that injury, in which McKinlay had to rebuild a hoof wall that was severely injured in the Preakness, as far worse than that of Big Brown. Touch Gold denied Silver Charm's bid to sweep the Triple Crown.

IMHO I'll state that my view is that I think the hoof is a non-issue for tomorrow's race.

[hessy35]

Odd photos are captured all the time, but man that to me is one ugly image taken there of him struggling over the slop yesterday.

It shouldn't change the race too much. A lot of experts were tossing him out anyhow. Look to Denis of Cork or Tale of Ekati to be the true solid challengers.

Could someone thumbnail the image please!! I cannot pull it up as it is considered a "racing site" and it's being blocked (I'm at work).

[VirginiaBred]

IMHO I'll state that my view is that I think the hoof is a non-issue for tomorrow's race.


Me too! I'm with you on that.

Wearing my Go Big Brown button right this minute!!!!!!!

[War Admiral]

Well, at LEAST they patched it.

Honestly? If he were my horse he wouldn't be running. :no:

Go Denis of Cork. Stay safe, BB.

That's all I'm going to say.

[hessy35]

Well, at LEAST they patched it.

Honestly? If he were my horse he wouldn't be running. :no:

Go Denis of Cork. Stay safe, BB.

That's all I'm going to say.

The great Phar Lap ran with a quarter crack problem and won... and they didn't have great materials back then like they do now. I'm guessing this isn't all that uncommon, and that BB could come out of this just fine.

[dressagetraks]

Again, if this isn't all that uncommon and patching them up to run is done regularly in most barns and many trainers have done much worse than Dutrow and just knew how to keep it zipped better, I no longer want a racehorse.

To quote my trainer (dressage, but she has competed FEI and internationally, so she wasn't just speaking from first-level only experience): "If my horse has a problem, I withdraw. I don't care if I'm at the biggest show in the world. No 'trying to make it right' for this class. If my horse has a problem come up, I withdraw. No question."

If I am unable to find such standards in the racing world, I don't want to have a racehorse. Up until a month ago, I always wanted one someday. This TC run has opened my eyes in all sorts of ways, none of them positive.

I hope BB and all others, but I'm especially worried about him with his foot, come home safe.

[bobbybobby]

you are a very nieve person ...hope to have a perfect world....guess what ,it will not happen....until you understand the real facts you should not voice your opinion...racing is no worse than showing .....i bet if your kid had a headache you would not give him an aspirin to go to school....or would you call the doctor.....

[Samotis]

I saw the video of Casino Drive, he just looks too quiet to me. Has no fire? Is that normal for him? (I haven't seen him go before) I also noticed those big white patches on both his knees. Is that from an old fall?

For those of you who have been keeping up on these horse... How has Ready's Echo been doing? He seems to have the ability to run the length, watching the Peter pan, he was a ways off of Casino Drive, but looked to be catching up. Do you think he has a chance?

My friend loves Tal of Ekati, she says he is bred to be the winner, but he did only place 4th in the Derby. I don't think he ran in the Preakness?

[Brink]

Did anyone else catch the blurb about Tale Of Ekati having throat surgery after his 1:18 and change work? I think it was on DRF. Hadn't heard anything about it before.
Melissa

[hessy35]

Tale of Ekati comes up late in the end, so the Belmont just might be his thing. But BB is just so fast. I don't see anyone beating him...

[War Admiral]

The great Phar Lap ran with a quarter crack problem and won... and they didn't have great materials back then like they do now. I'm guessing this isn't all that uncommon, and that BB could come out of this just fine.

Look: I know that. I've seen plenty of OTTBs w/ quarter crack issues in my 40+ years of retraining them. And there was a WB in my old barn whose LF pretty much had to be kept glued together by the type of patching described.

BUT if you want to KEEP them sound, it's pretty darn axiomatic that you don't stress them on a fresh one. (But then, I'm into training for longevity, which racing trainers are not. My current OTTB is 23 and still working.)

So - if it were my horse, would it be running a long, demanding race tomorrow? Nope. Sorry. It would have some time off to let that crack grow down and THEN patch it, when the patch has at least SOME hope of staying in.

[hessy35]

Look: I know that. I've seen plenty of OTTBs w/ quarter crack issues in my 40+ years of retraining them. And there was a WB in my old barn whose LF pretty much had to be kept glued together by the type of patching described.

BUT if you want to KEEP them sound, it's pretty darn axiomatic that you don't stress them on a fresh one. (But then, I'm into training for longevity, which racing trainers are not. My current OTTB is 23 and still working.)

So - if it were my horse, would it be running a long, demanding race tomorrow? Nope. Sorry. It would have some time off to let that crack grow down and THEN patch it, when the patch has at least SOME hope of staying in.


But you aren't Dutrow... so all we can do is pray BB holds up!

[Beezer]

It's a minor, small quarter crack. If the same well-respected shoer was able patch together Touch Gold's far, far worse foot and that horse won the Belmont, then honestly, it's not going to be an issue for Big Brown. Many other things may indeed be, but it won't be the quarter crack.

And, sorry, in the 40+ years I have been around show horses, I have never, ever heard of a top rider pulling an otherwise sound horse out of a once-in-a-lifetime event because of a minor, small quarter crack. FWIW, I've known plenty who will do anything to get a horse with far more worrisome issues through the important event.

It's easy to say "I would never do that" until reality smacks you in the face. A nice sentiment and I've no doubt that those espousing it truly believe it, but it's just a lot harder to do in the real world.

[Texarkana]

Did anyone else catch the blurb about Tale Of Ekati having throat surgery after his 1:18 and change work? I think it was on DRF. Hadn't heard anything about it before.
Melissa

Ok, what's the deal with this?

Tomcito DEFINITELY underwent a myectomy.

I have heard rumors Ready's Echo also had a myectomy after the Peter Pan, but have not been able to confirm it.

And now Tale of Ekati???

I saw nothing in the news about Ready's Echo and Tale of Ekati having any sort of throat surgery. Not saying it didn't happen, but until I see proof from a credible source, I'm going to assume these are just rumors.

[Texarkana]

Well I'll be damned:

http://www.ntra.com/content.aspx?type=news&id=32881

Tale of Ekati also has had medical work done on him in the past fortnight. His trainer, Barclay Tagg, on Thursday said Tale of Ekati had a "very minor procedure" on his throat after working six furlongs in 1:18.20 on May 26.

"He displaced his palate in the work," Tagg said. "I didn't want to run the risk of it happening in the Belmont. He didn't miss a day of training."


Good job, Brink.

[Glimmerglass]

As cited before - the Belmont press conference which just ended confirmed that Casino Driver WILL RACE TOMORROW

Short of something totally unexpected he will be run.

Repeat again - HE WILL RUN IN THE BELMONT

[indigoecho]

Well doesn't this just sum it up beautifully?-

Love the horse, but that trainer's irritating (http://www.kentucky.com/285/story/414804.html) by John Clay


Yes, it does!! I really would like it if there was another TC winner, and I think a lot of Big Brown, but I cannot stand his trainer. It kind of reminds me of the New England Patriots this last year. It would have been an awesome accomplishment and I would have liked to have witnessed a perfect season and Super Bowl win, but I couldn't bring myself to root for them because of some of the attitudes displayed. I feel the same way about Dutrow, but I will root for BB anyways! He can't help it if his trainer is an arrogant a**.

[Samotis]

Well whatever Tale of Ekati had done didn't seem to affect his running. He was 7 seconds faster the last time he practiced! (in mud!)

Did they figure out what was up with Casino Drive?

Any news how Ready's Echo has been doing?

[miss_critic]

I wonder if Tagg feels like a jerk for giving Coa a hard time now. LOL

[Brink]

Well, finally some official confirmation on Ready's Echo.
http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/article/45617.htm
quote
Ready’s Echo
displaced his palate in his last start, the Peter Pan (gr. II), and has since had
a myectomy to correct the problem. He’s a strong closer with a ton of stamina in
his female family, and while he still hasn’t been tested for class, he could be an
interesting horse to include in the exotics.
Melissa

[HorseSoGreen]

Does anyone know anything definitive about Casino Drive this morning?

[sportinghorsepolo]

Does anyone know anything definitive about Casino Drive this morning?

He is out. Lame on his LH.
checkout the Bloodhorse.com article.

GO BIG BROWN!!!!:D

[Equibrit]

from the NYT;

June 7, 2008, 8:54 am Casino Drive Scratched

By Joe Drape (http://therail.blogs.nytimes.com/author/jdrape/)

Casino Drive was scratched from the 140th running of the Belmont Stakes because of a stone bruise to his left hind hoof. The colt jogged three furlongs early Saturday morning, and appeared to be in fine shape.
But Casino Drive’s racing manager Nobutaka Tada said the colt was favoring the hoof while taking a bath after the workout. Tada said it was a minor injury, but owner Hidetoshi Yamamoto did not want to take any chances with the Peter Pan champ, especially in the grueling mile and a half marathon.
The horse will be shipped back to Japan on Tuesday, but could return later this year to run in the Breeders’ Cup.

[hijumpin1]

Go Big Brown and Kent! We're rooting for you in Indy!

[Tackpud]

Anyone have a link to the race on the internet? I'm stuck at a show at our barn with no TV and I'd love to see the race.

[jumpingpercheron]

No help for an inet link but I'm watching the pre-race show and Big Brown is looking like one happy, perky boy that's ready to go!

[Larksmom]

This is a good thing. I MUCH prefer Randy Moss than the others at ABC,well, especially now. This is a very good thing.

[cloudyandcallie]

and if he wins, on steroids for his entire time being trained for racing, will he get an * like Barry Bonds? (Hank Aaron is still the king, and so are Affirmed and Seattle Slew).

[Acertainsmile]

Dutrow is true to form today...telling the reports when asked whats on his mind...responds, trying to keep you people away from him...LOL...and saying he's positive his horse will win.

The one thing that drives me crazy is that he hardly will mention his father...what a super trainer he was, and a very nice guy.

Having worked for Dutrow Sr. in 97-99 the way things went down for Jr. in New York is not the way I remember hearing it...oh well, I guess for TV you clean it up a little.

[Acertainsmile]

and if he wins, on steroids for his entire time being trained for racing, will he get an * like Barry Bonds? (Hank Aaron is still the king, and so are Affirmed and Seattle Slew).


\They stated he did not get his monthly shot in May...so he is steroid free today.

[jumpingpercheron]

When they were walking with Dutrow and Big Brown on the way from the barn they said "Can you guarantee a win today?" Dutrow "Yes, I can."

The jockeys are up! Here we go!

[Jaegermonster]

Does anyone think that BB just looked off on the left front or is it just me?

[jumpingpercheron]

Wow they just said 5.3 Million has been bet on BB JUST to win!

[bingbingbing]

BB is cool as a cucumber. Looks great!

[Tiempo]

Wow they just said 5.3 Million has been bet on BB JUST to win!

And that is just cash bets at the track.

[Hunter Princess]

my hands are twitching jut watching the post parade!

[HandsomeBayFarm]

History in the making. I am so excited!!

Run, baby, run.

[Tackpud]

Keep the updates coming!! I'm stuck here with only the audio coming on right when the race starts...

[jumpingpercheron]

BB lookin' GOOD! So calm! Run boy RUUUUUUUUUUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Farnfield_Dressage]

Cute kid singing lol

[ToolTime]

So there is no online coverage? Just now a big storm is rolling into my area. With my luck....the power will go off in the middle of the race. LOL

[jumpingpercheron]

Ew! They just showed Dutrow in the stands and he's already covered in more sweat than his horse will be after the race!

[Tackpud]

Only an audio link that I can find...:cry:

[LivviesMom]

Geez..Dutrow's sweating like a pig lol..

[YankeeLawyer]

Ew! They just showed Dutrow in the stands and he's already covered in more sweat than his horse will be after the race!

You might be sweating also if you were standing around in near 100 degree temps waiting for your horse to start in the final leg of his triple crown bid.

[ToolTime]

Soooo....anyone want to wager on whether this board will be able to handle all the posts after this race? (just kidding)

[Hunter Princess]

someone get the man a squeegee

[Darkstar]

I'm in Ireland and my audio isn't working....ack !!!!

[jumpingpercheron]

Check out Kent. Feet not even in the irons...just hangin' out waiting to get in the gate.

[jumpingpercheron]

You might be sweating also if you were standing around in near 100 degree temps waiting for your horse to start in the final leg of his triple crown bid.

Really??? You think so??

[onetempies]

Geez..Dutrow's sweating like a pig lol..

LOL! That's pretty much what I was thinking just now! BLECH!

[jumpingpercheron]

AND THEY'RE OFF!!!! :eek:

[Hunter Princess]

they're off!

[jumpingpercheron]

BB just waitin, Kent's not even touching him.