Woo Hoo!! Rachel Alexandra!

[zagafi]

That is one HELL of a nice horse!!! Good for Calvin, too!

[pandorasboxx]

THAT WAS EXCITING!:winkgrin:

[Rhyadawn]

That was fantastic!

[Nes]

I was sure she was toast when he put her out in front like that.

What a race.

I've never seen one so exciting.

What a horse!

I wish so badly they had put her in the derby too - she deserves the crown.

[regret]

Great race.

[Paragon]

Down that stretch, I got scared. The struggle was creeping in. What a race by RA and Mine That Bird. So very glad I was home to see it!

Beautiful stuff.

[3Dogs]

I love this filly. I love this filly. I love this filly (and since it looks like she has a "white eye" - does she?) - well anyway, hope that buries THAT myth

[Tiempo]

I'm an idiot..I was cleaning out the chicken coop..lost track of time and MISSED IT. :mad:

[hunt_jumpfl]

WooHoo go RA...I think I about scared my cat to death with my screaming cheering RA on to the finish line :D Boy I love a good filly:yes:

[Zu Zu]

WOW WOW WOW!!!!!!!!! What a GRAND FILLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[JER]

As I was watching the NBC Mine That Bird Iso-cam (very interesting to watch), I was very impressed with Mike Smith's ride.

[enjoytheride]

amazing since he said she wasn't running her best. How would it have gone had she liked the track more.

[rabicon]

What a girl!!! But I really hate it for mind that bird because that was our next Triple Crown horse :yes::no: Or either have her in the Derby and she would have been. It does kindof suck that there is no triple crown winner this year.

[dcm]

Awesome race! Way to go filly! Rachel Alexandra! Woot!

So happy to see Mine That Bird right behind her, too!

[MistyBlue]

Agreed Rabicon...I thought MTBs derby win was as much luck as talent with circumstances on the track...but he actually was a triple crown contender. Have to say I was *shocked* at how fast he came up on RA. And from last place again. :eek: Another 1/8 of a mile and he'd have passed her IMO.
So hell...not a triple crown winner this year when there was a chance. Either had RA been in the derby or if RA had not been in the Preakness.

[texang73]

Yeehaw!!!! So excited for Calvin!

And, a nice run by MTB too!

[Renn/aissance]

Good going Rachel Alexandra! You run like a girl! :)

Mine That Bird had a great run too. If he'd had just a little more space he would have caught her.

[akrogirl]

What a girl!!! But I really hate it for mind that bird because that was our next Triple Crown horse :yes::no: Or either have her in the Derby and she would have been. It does kindof suck that there is no triple crown winner this year.

Yep, I feel bad for Mine That Bird - he had another brilliant run :-(

[Sancudo]

SO proud of both of them!!! Top class! I bet if Mine that Bird would have hooked her, it would have been an epic duel!

[Nes]

:eek: Another 1/8 of a mile and he'd have passed her IMO.

You know watching the end over & over, I'm really not sure I agree - I know Mind that Bird came on fast but it's not like he slowed at the finish but Rachel started to pull out ahead of him a little more. I really think she had more in there and wouldn't have let the colt beat her.

[enjoytheride]

I agree, I think she didn't like the track and didn't plan on exerting herself but she would have turned it on.

[Treecipitous]

You know watching the end over & over, I'm really not sure I agree - I know Mind that Bird came on fast but it's not like he slowed at the finish but Rachel started to pull out ahead of him a little more. I really think she had more in there and wouldn't have let the colt beat her.

Gelding.;)

Great race!! Love both horses, so I am happy with the finish!

[Larksmom]

1 On the gallop out, I didn't see MTB actually gaining on her
2 RA is AWESOME
3 C B said she didn't like the track, amazing
4 She did look like she was tiring so I kind of hope she doesn't run at Big Sandy she doesn't have anything to proove.
5 When I saw the splits, and saw the #1 horse seem to be pushing her out, I was worried, shouldn't have been
6 MTB has been proven to be the real deal. Hope he stays sound. He could be running for years

[Tiffani B]

I think if MTB had come down the rail where there was more space he would have passed her - he got stuck behind the pack and had to slow up a stride or two before daylight reappeared. Killed his momentum... but if he would have had a clear shot, he would have caught her. JMHO.

GREAT race.

Oh, did anyone catch the announcer saying that Big Drama "bucked off" his jockey? Um, that was a REAR my friend. Big drama from Big Drama.

[enjoytheride]

I think if she likes the footing in the belmont she'll pull a secretariat and run away with the race.

[Carol Ames]

What a horse!

[MistyBlue]

Good point Nes...just watched the replay and did see RA pick up and go faster this time. He came up fast as hell, but seems she took exception to that and forgot about being grumpy and ran faster anyways. :)
It does suck we won't have a triple crown this year, but I still think people will be glued to the Belmont now that MTB came so close to RA. However if RA likes that track and doesn't have a problem with distance...either way it'll be an interesting race to watch.

Now I have a question to see if anyone else saw this; did anyone else notice one of the lead ponies without a bridle on? I could have sworn I glimpsed on of the two black and white pinto/paint lead ponies going by with reins but no bridle. :confused:

[Nes]

Oh, did anyone catch the announcer saying that Big Drama "bucked off" his jockey? Um, that was a REAR my friend. Big drama from Big Drama.

Meh, he's so far away he probably couldn't see anything more then flying jockey :D I can't believe that didn't upset MTB! He's obviously got a good head on his shoulders.

But was I ever counting the seconds till they got that horse back in the gate!

[Filly85']

GO RACHEL!

I love that Mine that Bird finished second. That horse's story is definitely worthy of a good book like Seabiscuit one day when he retires. They finally figured out how to ride this little horse! He is a true underdog that can run. For a second, I thought he might get to her. The best thing about Mine that Bird is he is a gelding and we get to see him for awhile.

I LOVE him to win the Belmont if he goes! If they do decide to run Rachel, I might have to reconsider this choice though.

[Barnfairy]

What a great race. My heart was in my throat the whole way through.


Now I have a question to see if anyone else saw this; did anyone else notice one of the lead ponies without a bridle on? I could have sworn I glimpsed on of the two black and white pinto/paint lead ponies going by with reins but no bridle. :confused:Yes, I saw that Friesan Fire's pony was bridleless.

[fredsaid2]

Now I have a question to see if anyone else saw this; did anyone else notice one of the lead ponies without a bridle on? I could have sworn I glimpsed on of the two black and white pinto/paint lead ponies going by with reins but no bridle. :confused:

I noticed the same thing. Reins, no bridle. Rider must have a lot of faith in that horse!

[Mara]

I love her! I love her! Way to go, you big beautiful lady! She's SUCH a pro!

No shame for Mine That Bird.

Hmmmm, wonder what Medaglia D'Oro stands for next year????

[Calamber]

Liking the track, ie handling the surface is what it is all about as far as racing goes. Either they can handle it or not that is why timing is a bit of a myth as far
as determing championship status and all of that.

Unfortunately the channel here on the satellite went out just before the horses went in the gate. I guess NBC wanted to maximize their profits and needed people to run to the internet and pay the $15 bucks to watch it via their webpage link. I have to say I am a bit disappointed as my heart was with Mine The Bird. I was not particularly happy that Calvin jumped off of a Derby winner to ride another horse, his favorite or not. It is just the right thing to do for the owners for the horse and for the industry. If Calvin had been riding Mine the Bird he most likely would have run less erratically in the stretch as he seemed to be unsure where he wanted him to go or did not trust Mike as much as he did Calvin. In any case, she was pressed, it was a good race and the filly won this day. Now we look to the Belmont, whole different kettle of fish. If Bird comes out of this race okay, he loves to run at the end... Put on those long distance shoes RA.

[Larksmom]

It was actually better than I had hoped. Tom Hammond is pretty good. He actually is a great racing commentator, and he knows alot about eventing too. They did cover the contretemps between the idiot and the filly, but didn't make a big deal about it. Didn't dwell on the dangerousness of running fillies against colts. They also had a terrific promo of a little girl singing anything you can do, i can do better. I just don't like Costas, i don't think he actually considers horses athletes.

[DLee]

What a great race. My heart was in my throat the whole way through.


Ditto. Love that they finished like that, Rachel with only a couple of smacks (probably saying 'wtf was that?') from the thirteenth post, basically leading... so, so impressive. Loved that Asmussen mentioned Wiggins over and over. Love that Mine That Bird is the real deal. Loved that they all are home safe. It's all good today. :yes:

[MintHillFarm]

I love this filly. I love this filly. I love this filly (and since it looks like she has a "white eye" - does she?) - well anyway, hope that buries THAT myth


Great race horse, and a superbly ridden race by Calvin. She gets my vote for Horse of the Year and 3yr old filly.
Mine That Bird ran realy well too, he had a rough trip so it could have been even closer than the margin it was. Congrats to the connections of both horses, it was a thriller.

[Buffyblue]

Great race! Amazing filly! Scrappy little gelding! And, of course, love that Calvin! Go Rachel!!

[Fairview Horse Center]

Rachel and MTB are both amazing! MTB had to go about 7 wide :eek: around that last turn, and STILL had less than a length off her! and with a new jockey! These 2 are really making it a great year even with no Triple Crown winner.

[Mara]

I wonder if the filly goes for it in the Belmont, or goes in the CCA Oaks instead? I think she had a harder race than she's used to. . .but Jackson has shown he's a very sporting guy. He is also someone who will do right by Rachel Alexandra, though.

[Elly Mae II]

And a little cheer to Musket Man. He has been pretty much overlooked in all the coverage but he has been consistently in the money.

In the back of my mind I wondered how the race would have played out if Calvin had ridden MTB.

Yep, perfect race. The filly is fantastic, the underdog did great and good ol' consistent Musket Man held in there for the show.

[Mara]

Calvin rode her beautifully. That's tricky, getting pressed on the front end and making sure she doesn't empty the tank too early.

[vineyridge]

Is there another jockey who has ever had his heart so much on his sleeve as Calvin Borel? He just seems to let his emotion take over; and it seems really genuine. The more I see of this man, the better I like him. He seems to live life to its fullest in every moment.

Let his good times keep on rolling. :)

[Blinkers On]

I am so in love with this filly!!!
MB, There is often a horse in the Derby (I think. though I didn't see that this year) that is bridleless. Seems to be catching.

[Mara]

Is there another jockey who has ever had his heart so much on his sleeve as Calvin Borel? He just seems to let his emotion take over; and it seems really genuine. The more I see of this man, the better I like him. He seems to live life to its fullest in every moment.

Let his good times keep on rolling. :)

His emotions make ME tear up!

[danceronice]

I'm with those who think that a little more distance or a little less wide a trip and Mine That Bird would have picked her off. Actually I think at 1 1/4 and not only would he have passed her, so would Musket Man. (Poor Musket Man.) I'd only watched her Oaks and was expecting big things, but I only saw good, not great. And nothing to convince me she could run a mile and a half!

[Daydream Believer]

I am not normally much of a racing fan but I watched this one. I haven't had so much fun in years! A filly and a gelding in the front! Wow! Both are fantastic horses in their own right, both beautifully ridden as well.

[Mao]

This was Calvin's race. How ironic/sad- his lack of joy at RA's win.

Maybe he hoped for a Secretariat style romp.

But what a horse race.

[Filly85']

And a little cheer to Musket Man. He has been pretty much overlooked in all the coverage but he has been consistently in the money.

In the back of my mind I wondered how the race would have played out if Calvin had ridden MTB.

Yep, perfect race. The filly is fantastic, the underdog did great and good ol' consistent Musket Man held in there for the show.

I'm give a cheer to Musket Man. I actually thought he was the best colt in the country until today and Mine That Bird was the second best. That order is now reversed. Rachel, Bird, and Man all have a ton of heart. What a great year for racing! Mine that Bird...man, how can you not love him?

[snbess]

I'm with those who think that a little more distance or a little less wide a trip and Mine That Bird would have picked her off. Actually I think at 1 1/4 and not only would he have passed her, so would Musket Man. (Poor Musket Man.) I'd only watched her Oaks and was expecting big things, but I only saw good, not great. And nothing to convince me she could run a mile and a half!

Might have...on a different day...with different race conditions and luck...but didn't! That's why they run races on tracks and not bulletin boards. I'm SO glad RA won and MTB got second and showed what a trooper he is. Good going both horses!

[Calamber]

Perhaps Calvin's "lack of joy" is that if had he chosen to ride Mine The Bird instead of his sentimental favorite, that very possibly we could have been looking at a Triple Crown race in the Belmont. Perhaps it finally dawned on him that riding a filly who was recently purchased for some astronomical sum just prior to the Preakness and jumping through hoops for that may not be the best thing he has ever done for the racing industry.

Rachel Alexandra has a front running style, she was unimpeded going to the lead, as opposed to the way in which Mine the Bird had to run, threading his way through, getting impeded and still covering all of the ground and just about catching her, surges at the end do not indicate more "in the tank", smoothly accelerating does. I do not see her going to the Belmont. She is a good horse but not of the caliber of the gelding. As far as the 1 1/8th or 1 1/16 distances proving ground for Horse of the Year? What? The Belmont distance is intended to separate the men from the boys, or the girls from the women. I still don't get all of the emotional clap trap about pitting colts and fillies and do not think it the right thing to do, fillies mature more slowly than the colts and it is just too much for them, they normally do not last much after that kind of contest.I love a good filly, I love even more a great mare but not many are seen because of the constant refrain of match race, match race, girls beat the boys nonsense as though if they do not run in the Kentucky Derby they are not as good. Why not let them grow up a bit and point them to the Breeder's Cup races? They will have more time to prove themselves, less time spent going through the rigors of Regumate (which by the way is not so good for them) and they will last longer, giving us more informed choices for the breeding sheds and future mating decisions based on longevity and hardiness. I do not think any of this crossed through Mr. Moneybags head when he bought her, but what the heck, let's just buy the race, put her in to up her eventual value and forget the future. Blech.

[Lori T]

Heart Land Horse Rescue is so proud of our Calvin! Way to go, Calvin and RA!!!

[Paragon]

Perhaps it finally dawned on him that riding a filly who was recently purchased for some astronomical sum just prior to the Preakness and jumping through hoops for that may not be the best thing he has ever done for the racing industry.

... You're joking, right?

[DLee]

I didn't see any "lack of joy" in Calvin. :confused: He was RA's regular rider before MTB showed up, why would he not continue to ride her?? As far as MTB winning with a better trip, so Curlin would have most likely won the Derby with a better trip. We'll never know cause he didn't get it. I didn't see RA as that exhausted either. I guess it just depends on how you look at it. I look at it as a fabulous race. :yes:

[lindasp62]

Whatta race! Whatta jockey! Whatta filly! RA must be bionic!

The only beef I have about anything....is the media...how they immediatly jump on "will you ride in the Belmont?" "Will RA enter the Belmont?" or, in general, focusing on "what if" for some unknown future....geez people!...let the owner,trainer, & jockey REVEL and ENJOY the moment! Let's just let them celebrate, be happy, focus on where they are at the MOMENT in their glory instead of overshadowing that by future forecasting and predicting!

All-in-all....how enjoyable!!:D

[rcloisonne]

Perhaps Calvin's "lack of joy" is that if had he chosen to ride Mine The Bird instead of his sentimental favorite, that very possibly we could have been looking at a Triple Crown race in the Belmont. Perhaps it finally dawned on him that riding a filly who was recently purchased for some astronomical sum just prior to the Preakness and jumping through hoops for that may not be the best thing he has ever done for the racing industry.
My thoughts exactly. Great post.

[Lori T]

My thoughts exactly. Great post.

Lack of joy? What race were you watching? Trust me, as someone who knows Calvin personally, while it sucked to be put into such a situation (and blame the sellers of RA and the new owners for that, not Calvin), he was riding the horse he preferred...he has ridden tens of thousands of horses, he continues to say that she is the best he has ever ridden.

[Gnep]

Mine that Bird had a stunning race and proofed himself to be the real deal. Rachel showed some true grid, to take the lead and than push ahead, that takes as much heart than what Mind that Bird showed.
That was a stunning race.

The Derby was a surprising upset, this was just satisfacton for Calvin and I never have seen a Jockey that was as much in love with his horse and showed it.
Very special

[Angel Undercover]

I'm very surprised by some of the negativity on this thread. RA ran a great race and won. She is an amazing filly. All the coulda, woulda, shoulda, about MTB is moot - a race is a race and whoever crosses the wire first wins. Maybe if RA ran in the Derby she would have beat MTB. Maybe if there wasn't a sloppy track for the Derby MTB wouldn't have won. Maybe if RA broke from the 2 post she would have won by 20 lengths. Who knows. RA and her connections should be congratulated for her win. I have a feeling that if MTB finished first with RA second, many people on this board would be going on about how he did it again, he's a super freak, etc etc. The best horse won. Whether or not she is the best horse in the world or not, she was the best horse today. I for one am thrilled she won.

As for Calvin's "lack of joy", I did not see that at all. He was patting her neck the entire way to winners circle, and when he got off he gave her a kiss. He seemed very happy to me, and when interviewed after the race he seemed thrilled.

[hj0519]

Perhaps Calvin's "lack of joy" is that if had he chosen to ride Mine The Bird instead of his sentimental favorite, that very possibly we could have been looking at a Triple Crown race in the Belmont. Perhaps it finally dawned on him that riding a filly who was recently purchased for some astronomical sum just prior to the Preakness and jumping through hoops for that may not be the best thing he has ever done for the racing industry.


Yep...looks like lack of joy to me. :rolleyes: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/gallery/2009/05/16/GA2009051602575.html?sid=ST2009051602638

ETA...doesn't link directly to the picture, but it's the first one on the slideshow.

[danceronice]

If they act as a spoiler in the Preakness, there's kind of an expectation they'll go on to the Belmont. It looks kind of bad otherwise, so people will ask.

I just honestly didn't see anything that suggests she's as great the hype. If she were great, she'd be undefeated (she's not) and she'd have won going away, not just hanging on. Sure, she won, but nothing about it said better than "good". I *don't* have a problem racing fillies against colts, but to declare a horse GREAT, they really ought to show it in all company. She's great against fillies her own age, she can hold off the boys at less than 1 1/4 of a mile, we don't know what she'll do against older mares.

Now, if she can with the Belmont decisively that would be something, but I doubt they'll enter her. But if she's really great, she'll win against the males at distance and she'll beat older mares, ie Zenyatta. I saw nothing to indicate she could do the former, but nothing to indicate she can't do the latter.

If someone's going to spoil a potential TC, it helps to do it dramatically. If I were going to get behind it, I want something exceptional. That was just okay.

But then I'm one of those who isn't impressed with any horse who can't do at least 1 1/4 unless they're solely a sprint specialist. Classic horses should still be going 2 miles at least once in their carreers.

[Go Fish]

You know watching the end over & over, I'm really not sure I agree - I know Mind that Bird came on fast but it's not like he slowed at the finish but Rachel started to pull out ahead of him a little more. I really think she had more in there and wouldn't have let the colt beat her.

I agree...it's like she noticed that MTB was on her tail and every so slightly lengthened her stride...I don't think she had any intention of letting MTB catch her. ;)

[silver2]

Mine That Bird slowed a tad when the other horse drifted wide. I think he would have had it easily if he'd been able to get through the pack a little better myself, maybe if Calvin had ridden him. He's got such a funny running style that horse.

[Sannois]

RA is quite a filly, And interesting to heaar Calvin say she was struggling with the footing and STILL won.
Mike Smith gave Bird a great ride. I really like him. Bird was dead last and he had to come up all that distance on the outside and still almost caught her. I agree with others, he just ran out of track or he would have caught her. Exciting stuff! Loved it!!! :yes::yes::yes:;)

[kcmel]

Don't forget RA was the first horse to ever win the Preakness from the 13 post position. She was used quite a bit in the beginning to get position. Regardless, it was a fun race, but I hope she doesn't go to the Belmont. Rest her up, let her face Zenyatta, and point her to the BC Classic!

[regret]

If they act as a spoiler in the Preakness, there's kind of an expectation they'll go on to the Belmont. It looks kind of bad otherwise, so people will ask.

I just honestly didn't see anything that suggests she's as great the hype. If she were great, she'd be undefeated (she's not) and she'd have won going away, not just hanging on. Sure, she won, but nothing about it said better than "good". I *don't* have a problem racing fillies against colts, but to declare a horse GREAT, they really ought to show it in all company. She's great against fillies her own age, she can hold off the boys at less than 1 1/4 of a mile, we don't know what she'll do against older mares.

Now, if she can with the Belmont decisively that would be something, but I doubt they'll enter her. But if she's really great, she'll win against the males at distance and she'll beat older mares, ie Zenyatta. I saw nothing to indicate she could do the former, but nothing to indicate she can't do the latter.

If someone's going to spoil a potential TC, it helps to do it dramatically. If I were going to get behind it, I want something exceptional. That was just okay.

But then I'm one of those who isn't impressed with any horse who can't do at least 1 1/4 unless they're solely a sprint specialist. Classic horses should still be going 2 miles at least once in their carreers.



Secretariat was the greatest horse in the world in my opinion. Last time I looked he was not undefeated, He lost the Wood Memorial Stakes and there was the loss to Onion in the Whitney Stakes.

[Filly85']

Secretariat was the greatest horse in the world in my opinion. Last time I looked he was not undefeated, He lost the Wood Memorial Stakes and there was the loss to Onion in the Whitney Stakes.

Spectacular Bid also lost the Belmont, and he is certainly one of the greatest dirt horses of all time.

And even Seattle Slew wasn't undefeated in his career. Neither was Affirmed, or Forego, or Kelso, or Dr. Fager, or Native Dancer, Seabiscuit, Man O'War, Citation...the list goes on and on...

[vineyridge]

Or War Admiral. :)

[Larksmom]

Racing in open company, against all comers, over multiple years, was Personal Ensign. They ALL get beaten. I just cannot believe some of the posts here about RA being a spoiler. If we feel that she shouldn't have run so MTB could win, we should have just awarded BB the Crown last year, as it looked like NOONE would come near, and after he settled back in Preakness last year and then took off again, looked like it to me, but on THIS day, at THIS time, against THESE horses, she was the best.

[feather river]

reading all these various posts makes me wonder about a few of you. This is the stuff of horse racing legends. This week we had a story to tell. Not just another race. This was the best thing that could have happened at Pimlico, a racetrack on the verge of extinction. And to TB racing, as it has been suffering for years by a dropping lack of interest.

As for Borel, what a guy. He is totally an artist on a horse. He has won three big races in just weeks. And so is Smith who took over the ride on MTB.

And what is all this business about money and big bucks buying RA, so what. We also had the story of the owner of General Quarters and the guys who own/train MTB. Best video in the world is the MTB guys pulling out of KY headed to Pimlico in their 1 ton Ford pulling MTB in the Turnbow. This is 'everyman' verus 'money'.

There is a movie here. Quit your bitching, and enjoy the show. The finale is unwritten.

[cloudyandcallie]

Or War Admiral. :)

sadly, my mare's ancestor is remembered by the general public more for his loss to Seabiscuit than his triple crown victory.
I think MTB looks a lot like Silky Sullivan, with better racing results of course.
The filly didn't look as comfortable out there in the Preakness as in previous races, maybe it was the 2 week layoff.
I say save her for the Breeder's Cup Mile and run her there. I'd love for her to win the Belmont, but I think she needs more conditioning for stamina.
I wish we had the conditioning for the mile and the half here in the states as they do in Britain.
I do hope her jockey is right in that he says she can hook up with a horse and look him in the eye and beat him. It takes more courage & heart to run at the front for the entire race and hold off the late chargers.

And I like Costas, for a person who didn't grow up with horses, he's doing a good job. Last year he got all over Larry Jones on the steroids/Eight Belles issue. Costas just needs to spend more time with horses than with the other Olympic sports.

[farmgirl88]

The sad part of this entire race is Mine That Bird is still geting next to no credit from racing folks, especially the media. While Rachel won a great race, i think Bird showed us all what he is truly made of...again. After winning the derby on an extremely sloppy track...from last...he came back on a fast track and from last...ran down what people are calling the greatest filly..or horse in a long time.

Once again, Bird is still being doubted after an awe inspiring, even more than Rachel's, performance. He literally brought me to tears watching him turn the corner and take horses down in a matter of leaps.

While we saw two spectacular horses run one heck of a race yesterday, Mine that Bird still isnt recieving the tremendous credit, and Mike Smith too, for his efforts yesterday.

Rachel also seemed to be really unhappy yesterday. from start to finish she never truly settled and by the end was wind-blown and exhuasted. Ye sshe prooved the boys wrong yesterday, and she won!. But...making excuses for the surface just doesnt really cut-it for me

Bird does a'ok on any surface he's thrown into so ive seen. I think we have 2 spectacular super horses here. and they BOTH deserve the credit!

[Glimmerglass]

The sad part of this entire race is Mine That Bird is still geting next to no credit from racing folks, especially the media.

You are simply projecting your view on this one as the media is not dismissing him, however the headlines initally (and rightfully) will always report the winner. The "no credit" headlines I'm seeing:

Associated Press 5-17-09 (headline) "Mine That Bird earns respect as a runner-up" (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2009229073_preaknotes17.html)

ESPN/DRF 5-17-09 (headline) "Mine That Bird shows he's for real" (http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/triplecrown09/news/story?id=4172018)

Neither headline seems to suggest any of the "no credit" thoughts. Further his connections are willing to say they got beat, they took their best shot and it didn't happen. That is classy but also obvious and would be rather hard to try and twist the outcome beyond that.

Bird does a'ok on any surface he's thrown into so ive seen. I think we have 2 spectacular super horses here. and they BOTH deserve the credit!

Yep over his career he's loved all the surfaces, but regardless of loving them he finished 12th (last) in the Breeders Cup Juvenile Oct 25, 2008, second in the ungraded Borderland Derby Feb 28, 2009, and was fourth in the ungraded Sunland Derby on March 29th.

I'm happy for his connections and the vindication of not being a one-hit wonder. He polished off big-contenders Freisian Fire and Pioneerof The Nile, both expected to bounce back with a vengance and finish in the money if not win the Preakness.

Rachel also seemed to be really unhappy yesterday. from start to finish she never truly settled and by the end was wind-blown and exhuasted. Ye sshe prooved the boys wrong yesterday, and she won!. But...making excuses for the surface just doesnt really cut-it for me

She was unhappy - how so? She was not rank, her ears did not pin, she did not kickout, she didn't fail to clean out her tub after going back to her stall, and those around her never suggested a lack of emotionally happiness. Did she not grab the ground like she did at Churchill? Sure. But that doesn't mean she was "unhappy".

The point Calvin was making with her not taking the surface well was more as to why she worked harder then normal. If she only had to work a bit- and still dismissed this field - one has to wonder if she truly gave her all what the outcome could be. Calvin still said if a horse dared look her in the eye she'd not give in.

[caffeinated]

reading all these various posts makes me wonder about a few of you. This is the stuff of horse racing legends. This week we had a story to tell. Not just another race. This was the best thing that could have happened at Pimlico, a racetrack on the verge of extinction. And to TB racing, as it has been suffering for years by a dropping lack of interest.

As for Borel, what a guy. He is totally an artist on a horse. He has won three big races in just weeks. And so is Smith who took over the ride on MTB.

And what is all this business about money and big bucks buying RA, so what. We also had the story of the owner of General Quarters and the guys who own/train MTB. Best video in the world is the MTB guys pulling out of KY headed to Pimlico in their 1 ton Ford pulling MTB in the Turnbow. This is 'everyman' verus 'money'.

There is a movie here. Quit your bitching, and enjoy the show. The finale is unwritten.

I'm with you :) I love this story, and love that this season is giving us something to follow and horses to really care about :)

I love that Borel is so loyal to RA- he's one of my favorites for his enthusiasm and genuine-ness, I feel if he says she's magical, she surely must be. I love that MTB didn't lie down but proved he really did belong there with that amazing closing rush. I love the narrative it sets up for the Belmont- and beyond!

I think racing needs stories, and horses worth following past the triple crown series- and for some reason I feel like that's what we're getting :)

[Filly85']

You are simply projecting your view on this one as the media is not dismissing him, however the headlines initally (and rightfully) will always report the winner. The "no credit" headlines I'm seeing:

Associated Press 5-17-09 (headline) "Mine That Bird earns respect as a runner-up" (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2009229073_preaknotes17.html)

ESPN/DRF 5-17-09 (headline) "Mine That Bird shows he's for real" (http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/triplecrown09/news/story?id=4172018)

Neither headline seems to suggest any of the "no credit" thoughts. Further his connections are willing to say they got beat, they took their best shot and it didn't happen. That is classy but also obvious and would be rather hard to try and twist the outcome beyond that.



Yep over his career he's loved all the surfaces, but regardless of loving them he finished 12th (last) in the Breeders Cup Juvenile Oct 25, 2008, second in the ungraded Borderland Derby Feb 28, 2009, and was fourth in the ungraded Sunland Derby on March 29th.

I'm happy for his connections and the vindication of not being a one-hit wonder. He polished off big-contenders Freisian Fire and Pioneerof The Nile, both expected to bounce back with a vengance and finish in the money if not win the Preakness.



She was unhappy - how so? She was not rank, her ears did not pin, she did not kickout, she didn't fail to clean out her tub after going back to her stall, and those around her never suggested a lack of emotionally happiness. Did she not grab the ground like she did at Churchill? Sure. But that doesn't mean she was "unhappy".

The point Calvin was making with her not taking the surface well was more as to why she worked harder then normal. If she only had to work a bit- and still dismissed this field - one has to wonder if she truly gave her all what the outcome could be. Calvin still said if a horse dared look her in the eye she'd not give in.

I learned a long time ago that people will only see what they want to see, especially when it comes to racing and racing fans...well horses in general. You can be as right as you can be talking to people who have never even been around racehorses or don't know what in the world they are talking about, and they will still say you're wrong even if you put the proof that you aren't right there in front of their faces. Trust me, I've been there done that so I quit trying to prove anything. Got a life lesson in how cruel people can be to others and how stupid people can be sometimes... I say what I have to say now and leave it at that.

The majority of us know just how special RA is... For some, RA could have ran the Preakness in 1:53 flat and won by 10 lengths and she still wouldn't be great to them.

The majority of us also recognize that Mine That Bird is great for this sport and that he is a fantastic little horse.

From some of these comments though, I'm curious as to how many people talked bad about Secretariat when he was still running back in the day. Some still don't give Curlin the credit he deserves either...I don't think anyone will talk bad about him 10 years from now. Sometimes it takes time and not having horses that are very special around for awhile to make people realize just what a horse accomplished on the track...

To farmgirl 88's credit though, I usually love her posts!:yes: She gets two thumbs up from me for putting all of those lovely TBs up on the hunter/jumper forum.

[Mara]

Some of these posts remind me of the Sunday Silence vs Easy Goer debates in '89!
Diehard Easy Goer fans will still swear their guy was the better horse. . .despite the fact that Sunday Silence won 3 of their four meetings.

[Catsdorule-sigh]

Danceronice said:

If they act as a spoiler in the Preakness, there's kind of an expectation they'll go on to the Belmont. It looks kind of bad otherwise, so people will ask.

I just honestly didn't see anything that suggests she's as great the hype. If she were great, she'd be undefeated (she's not) and she'd have won going away, not just hanging on. Sure, she won, but nothing about it said better than "good". I *don't* have a problem racing fillies against colts, but to declare a horse GREAT, they really ought to show it in all company. She's great against fillies her own age, she can hold off the boys at less than 1 1/4 of a mile, we don't know what she'll do against older mares.

Now, if she can with the Belmont decisively that would be something, but I doubt they'll enter her. But if she's really great, she'll win against the males at distance and she'll beat older mares, ie Zenyatta. I saw nothing to indicate she could do the former, but nothing to indicate she can't do the latter.

If someone's going to spoil a potential TC, it helps to do it dramatically. If I were going to get behind it, I want something exceptional. That was just okay.

But then I'm one of those who isn't impressed with any horse who can't do at least 1 1/4 unless they're solely a sprint specialist. Classic horses should still be going 2 miles at least once in their carreers.


I don't happen to disagree with Danceronice. Yeah, sure, a filly won the Preakness. But I am not one of those so willing to put the mantle of "great" one her yet, and I do like her, a lot. If you're going to hype a filly as better than the boys, she had better beat the boys on their own terms and do it decisively. I didn't see that in the Preakness. No excuses. They all ran on the same track, same day, with about the same amount of time between races. I'm not so sure that RA can get beyone 1-1/4, much less the Belmont distance.

You don't hype a filly as great, plunk her in one of the Triple Crown races, win it, then lay her off and pick and chose where she runs next. I DO NOT want to see her hurt. But I do not put her in the same category as a colt or gelding who runs in all three of the Triple Crown races and shows well, as MTB. Run in all the same conditions, same track, same time off between races, at all the distances the Triple represents. That's why it's so hard to do. She's a very good race horse but great? Not yet. In my mind, given what we've seen Mine That Bird do, he more exemplifies what the Triple Crown represents.

If RA does not run in the Belmont, she's not facing the same test as MTB. It's about having the stamina, disregard for conditions, and class to run all three. RA is a very, very good mare. But right now, I think she's way over hyped. Prove me wrong, RA. Show us you can run a classic distance. I agree with Danceronice- about time anything under 1-1/4 miles was not called a "classic" distance.

If you have to keep shortening the distance for the term "classic," eventually you're going to have to let the Quarter Horse sprint specialists run in the "classic" Thoroughbred races.
__________________

[Filly85']

Some of these posts remind me of the Sunday Silence vs Easy Goer debates in '89!
Diehard Easy Goer fans will still swear their guy was the better horse. . .despite the fact that Sunday Silence won 3 of their four meetings.

You just gave me a great idea. Let's see how many liked Sunday Silence vs. Easy Goer in a spinoff thread!

[Filly85']

I don't happen to disagree with Danceronice. Yeah, sure, a filly won the Preakness. But I am not one of those so willing to put the mantle of "great" one her yet, and I do like her, a lot. If you're going to hype a filly as better than the boys, she had better beat the boys on their own terms and do it decisively. I didn't see that in the Preakness. No excuses. They all ran on the same track, same day, with about the same amount of time between races. I'm not so sure that RA can get beyone 1-1/4, much less the Belmont distance.

You don't hype a filly as great, plunk her in one of the Triple Crown races, win it, then lay her off and pick and chose where she runs next. I DO NOT want to see her hurt. But I do not put her in the same category as a colt or gelding who runs in all three of the Triple Crown races and shows well, as MTB. Run in all the same conditions, same track, same time off between races, at all the distances the Triple represents. That's why it's so hard to do. She's a very good race horse but great? Not yet. In my mind, given what we've seen Mine That Bird do, he more exemplifies what the Triple Crown represents.

If RA does not run in the Belmont, she's not facing the same test as MTB. It's about having the stamina, disregard for conditions, and class to run all three. RA is a very, very good mare. But right now, I think she's way over hyped. Prove me wrong, RA. Show us you can run a classic distance. I agree with Danceronice- about time anything under 1-1/4 miles was not called a "classic" distance.

If you have to keep shortening the distance for the term "classic," eventually you're going to have to let the Quarter Horse sprint specialists run in the "classic" Thoroughbred races.
__________________

Let's throw Ruffian's greatness out the door with that one then...

Oh wait, let's throw every filly in the history of dirt racing in the US out with that one. None of them were great.

[Galileo1998]

Don't forget RA was the first horse to ever win the Preakness from the 13 post position.

People keep saying that - but they seem to forget that it's quite rare for there to actually be 13 horses in the Preakness so it's not often that a horse runs from that post position. It happened this year, and 4 other times in the last 25+ years.

That's not to say I don't like the filly, I think she's a very good racehorse, I just don't think that being the first horse to ever win from post 13 when very few have even tried is one of the things that make her good. :)

[Catsdorule-sigh]

Filly85'
Quote:
Originally Posted by Catsdorule-sigh View Post
I don't happen to disagree with Danceronice. Yeah, sure, a filly won the Preakness. But I am not one of those so willing to put the mantle of "great" one her yet, and I do like her, a lot. If you're going to hype a filly as better than the boys, she had better beat the boys on their own terms and do it decisively. I didn't see that in the Preakness. No excuses. They all ran on the same track, same day, with about the same amount of time between races. I'm not so sure that RA can get beyone 1-1/4, much less the Belmont distance.

You don't hype a filly as great, plunk her in one of the Triple Crown races, win it, then lay her off and pick and chose where she runs next. I DO NOT want to see her hurt. But I do not put her in the same category as a colt or gelding who runs in all three of the Triple Crown races and shows well, as MTB. Run in all the same conditions, same track, same time off between races, at all the distances the Triple represents. That's why it's so hard to do. She's a very good race horse but great? Not yet. In my mind, given what we've seen Mine That Bird do, he more exemplifies what the Triple Crown represents.

If RA does not run in the Belmont, she's not facing the same test as MTB. It's about having the stamina, disregard for conditions, and class to run all three. RA is a very, very good mare. But right now, I think she's way over hyped. Prove me wrong, RA. Show us you can run a classic distance. I agree with Danceronice- about time anything under 1-1/4 miles was not called a "classic" distance.

If you have to keep shortening the distance for the term "classic," eventually you're going to have to let the Quarter Horse sprint specialists run in the "classic" Thoroughbred races.
__________________
Let's throw Ruffian's greatness out the door with that one then...

Oh wait, let's throw every filly in the history of dirt racing in the US out with that one. None of them were great.

There is a difference between a great filly and hyping a filly as a super filly that is supposed to be so much superior to the males running.

If you're going to equate RA as better than any colt or gelding running, then she's going to have to pass the same tests.

The point of my post, and I did say I thought RA was very good, is that it's not an apples and oranges comparison if RA is run pick and chose, while others go on and dog it out in the Belmont.

A very good filly-yes.

One for the ages and super-beater of the colts and geldings....ummm...not yet.

As good as any of the others who will run in all three Triple Crown races? That's a wait and see. Will they run her in the Belmont and will she win if she does?

On Edit:

Let's also see her run at the same weight.

[GreenMachine]

All of the horses and their connections are free to "pick and choose" which races to enter next, not just the filly's. The only instance where you can argue that any horse's connections are expected to run in a particular race is the Preakness for the Derby winner. So, I'm not sure why that's a knock against Rachel Alexandra in particular.