Woo Hoo!! Mine That Bird!!

[BabyGoose]

Lets give this horse some credit too! He is the real deal and hopefully it will be aknowledged. He ran a huge race also.

[War Admiral]

It was a great race but I was pulling for him all the way. 3 more strides and he would have had it. I quite fancy him for the Belmont unless some secret spoilers sneak in who are bred for the distance.

CONGRATS MINE THAT BIRD! YOU SHOWED 'EM!!! :D

[Drvmb1ggl3]

Fair play to him, he made a believer out of me,. This is a real racehorse after all.
Look forward to seeing him run for the next 5 or 6 years.

[BabyGoose]

They just showed the iso and it really looked like the rider on the 10 horse intentionally forced MTB out wide. You can see the jockey looking at him and pushing his horse on. Mike had to pull him up for just a second. And he still got that close the RA!

[War Admiral]

They just showed the iso and it really looked like the rider on the 10 horse intentionally forced MTB out wide. You can see the jockey looking at him and pushing his horse on. Mike had to pull him up for just a second. And he still got that close the RA!

Yeah, I spotted that too. He didn't get a good run, and he STILL closed on her.

[eloquence09]

I'm so excited for Rachel Alexandra but MAN Mine That Bird ran some kinda race too! In a longer race he might have caught her I think. Both are phenomenal horses no doubt :yes::yes::yes:

[tradewind]

Mine that Bird is very bred to win the Belmont, as his father won it.

[Beverley]

It was a great race, and part of me was rooting for RA...I'm delighted that MTB was a good second (and remember she had 5 pounds to the good).

Gotta like him for 1.5 miles in 3 weeks- like father like son?

I would like to see them hook up again...how about the Travers?

[hrsgirl07]

i think that if the race was just a little bit longer Mine That Bird would of won it!

[War Admiral]

i think that if the race was just a little bit longer Mine That Bird would of won it!

Absolutely - 3 more strides, he would've had her. :yes:

[akrogirl]

Much as I normally love and support the fillies, MTB really deserved his shot at the Triple Crown. He would have been a very worthy winner, imho.

[Frog]

Am I missing the part where Mine That Bird lost his shot at the Triple Crown?

[SED]

I wanted RA to win so bad -- until MTM almost caught her. I have the strangest feeling that I'm now personally responsible for there being no Triple Crown winner this year.

I think MTB could have done it. What a shocker/story for the ages that would have been.

Having said that, I still love, love, love that mare. She was the first mare to win in multiple decades, and the first horse ever to do so from so far out.

I strongly suspect the owner will NOT race her in the Belmont. He proved his point, and there is no upside.

[Drvmb1ggl3]

Much as I normally love and support the fillies, MTB really deserved his shot at the Triple Crown. He would have been a very worthy winner, imho.

He got his shot at the TC. He came up short.

[BabyGoose]

Am I missing the part where Mine That Bird lost his shot at the Triple Crown?

I think he had a great shot at the triple crown if RA would not have been entered. But that is horse racing, she is a great horse. BUT....... MTB really proved himself out there who knows if Mike Smith hadn't run into a bit of a traffic jam he might have caught her! I am disapointed that he had to go up against RA but I am sooooo glad that he proved so many people wrong. THAT is the most satisfying.

[ivy62]

Jess Jackson WILL run her in the Belmont, that is his style... I wish had kept her with the fillies and held out for the Travers or Breeders cup we might have had a TC!
I love MTB!!!!!! I am so glad he was gaining on her....another 1/16 and he would have had her! and if she didn't like the track so be it, that is racing...now on to Belmont with this sweeping long turns....

I wonder how MTB would like the grass? A lot of great turf horses have a HUGE turn of foot at the end..May he race for years and be sound and happy!

[MunchkinsMom]

I think he had a great shot at the triple crown if RA would not have been entered. But that is horse racing, she is a great horse. BUT....... MTB really proved himself out there who knows if Mike Smith hadn't run into a bit of a traffic jam he might have caught her! I am disapointed that he had to go up against RA but I am sooooo glad that he proved so many people wrong. THAT is the most satisfying.

I agree, I kept thinking "if she had not been in the race. . . " I was on the edge of my seat at the end of the race today. Hopefully these last two races will bring more fans to the tracks.

[Paragon]

He ran SUCH a great race. I'm a believer!

[texang73]

Fair play to him, he made a believer out of me,. This is a real racehorse after all.
Look forward to seeing him run for the next 5 or 6 years.

Ditto

[rcloisonne]

MTB really proved himself out there who knows if Mike Smith hadn't run into a bit of a traffic jam he might have caught her!
Might? He came from so far behind and had to make up so much ground, it was awe inspiring. Then he got stuck in traffic, pushed to the outside and still kept gaining on the "super freak" filly. He would have had her in a few more strides even spotting the much larger horse 5#. Mike Smith did a credible job with what was presented to him. However, I believe Calvin would have done it differently.

I sincerely doubt we'll see this filly in NY. Nice win but she's no super horse, IMO.

[farmgirl88]

as much as a great filly she is, she really didnt have much gas left to give at the end and was completely exhausted. When asked to go, she really didnt GO. MTB would have had her in 1-2 strides. he was at her hip at the finish line.

Much respect to him and big props to his trainers & owners for letting him shine. what a fantastic horse. no one believed and everyone was naysayers. what a great horse

[danceronice]

That is a cute little horse and I want me one of those.

He's the real deal. I'll like watching him in future and here's hoping he gets his own back in the Belmont! RA's not a worry--I saw nothing to show she can go that far--but there are always spoilers in the Belmont...

[BabyGoose]

Might? He came from so far behind and had to make up so much ground, it was awe inspiring. Then he got stuck in traffic, pushed to the outside and still kept gaining on the "super freak" filly. He would have had her in a few more strides even spotting the much larger horse 5#. Mike Smith did a credible job with what was presented to him. However, I believe Calvin would have done it differently.

I sincerely doubt we'll see this filly in NY. Nice win but she's no super horse, IMO.

Okay as long as you said it too, he WOULD have caught her! :D

[YoTambien]

Count me as one of those whooping and shouting for Birdy. What a gutsy little horse! He has the running style of another horse near and dear to my heart.

Exceller.

[akrogirl]

Am I missing the part where Mine That Bird lost his shot at the Triple Crown?

I guess I should have worded my comment better, but I do feel that racing lost its best chance for a TC winner in quite some time. Most TC contenders don't have to contend with last minute jockey switches, and I do think he might have won with Calvin on board.

I would much rather have seen two triple crown winners - colt and filly versions, and a match-up at a later date.

[vineyridge]

Do y'all think the rain might have helped MTB? I know they said that it hadn't rained enough to make a difference in the track, but Mike Smith certainly looked muddy enough at the end to make me wonder.

CB said the filly was struggling with the track all along; that he couldn't get her in her rhythm. If that's the case and not just a excuse for not winning by 20 lengths, it took a lot for her to still win and have some gas in the tank at the end for her last effort--and she did make that last effort.

Loved MTB's race, but coulda, woulda, shoulda doesn't alter the ending.

[dressagetraks]

His race impressed me more than hers did. Both neat horses, but I hope they don't send her on to Belmont, for her sake. She looked pretty tired.

MTB is the real deal. And to stand calmly in the gate next to Big Drama - such a great mind on him, too. Hope he's around the track for years to come.

[DLee]

Mine that Bird is very bred to win the Belmont, as his father won it.

Oops, eta Rachel's was 2nd. Not so shabby.

[danceronice]

I would much rather have seen two triple crown winners - colt and filly versions, and a match-up at a later date.

Until watching MTB today I didn't really think he could have done it...but MAN, that would have been something. (Because after today--yeah, he probably was our best shot of late, and does anyone think RA *wouldn't* have won the Triple Tiara?)

Originally Posted by ,tradewind
Mine that Bird is very bred to win the Belmont, as his father won it.

LOLing at the memory of that Belmont--I remember screaming "LOOK OUT FOR BIRDSTONE!" at the TV when he started to roll...bred for the Belmont indeed.

[trafalgar]

I cannot remember a time when I have been so "involved" in a horse race. I was torn all day as well and then relaxed when I realized I would not be responsible for one of those fabulous horses beating the other. I am confident that the 15.1 hand MTB would have caught the regal lady if he had found an opening but no one would give him one. I don't know that much about racing but should that bother me or is it considered fair game ? What a race!!!!! It is funny that we went into the Kentucky Derby hearing that there were no true superstars this year and now we find we have 2!

[War Admiral]

Watch Mine That Bird on the iso-cam here:

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/30784629/

Still think RA is the better horse? Not me!

[ivy62]

Why don't we look at Birdstone's style in the Belmont..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4Z49x11smk
Looks like he runs like his Daddy to me...Gotta love this horse....

[pinkdiamondracing]

I guess I should have worded my comment better, but I do feel that racing lost its best chance for a TC winner in quite some time. Most TC contenders don't have to contend with last minute jockey switches, and I do think he might have won with Calvin on board.

I would much rather have seen two triple crown winners - colt and filly versions, and a match-up at a later date.

:yes::yes::yes::yes::yes::yes:
MY SENTIMNENTS EXACTLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks Jess Jackson, I know people think you are the end-all be-all of horseracing but I personally think you are an asshat.:mad::uhoh:

[pinkdiamondracing]

after today--yeah, he probably was our best shot of late, and does anyone think RA *wouldn't* have won the Triple Tiara?)


Has that ever happened?? TC winner and Triple Tiara winner the same year???
If so, I haven't ever heard about it. Once again I say--- Thanks Jess Jackson!!!:rolleyes:

[GreenMachine]

I think Mine That Bird is a great little horse, but I don't really understand the upset that his Triple Crown bid was "spoiled." Does anyone really want a Triple Crown winner who never defeated the best three-year-olds of his generation (Rachel Alexandra, Quality Road, etc...)? It would make the accomplishment less meaningful. Why not appreciate MTB for what he's accomplished, instead?

[hessy35]

I guess I should have worded my comment better, but I do feel that racing lost its best chance for a TC winner in quite some time. Most TC contenders don't have to contend with last minute jockey switches, and I do think he might have won with Calvin on board.

I would much rather have seen two triple crown winners - colt and filly versions, and a match-up at a later date.

Well, maybe think of it this way - MTB is a gelding and even if he did win the Triple Crown and everyone was so excited about it how would he be able to continue the tradition on with his genes? Where would he go from there other than onto retirement at the Kentucky Horse Park? There would be no babies to look forward too...etc. In a way, I think it is great RA got to show her stuff. The whole point of these very hard races is to find a super horse, and she IS a super horse that will hopefully make lots of super babies and revive the racing industry and it's popularity. I think MTB is a great horse, but his future would not be that of a colt that one the Triple. He sure does make things exciting though.. little guy has such a tremendous burst of speed!! What an awesome horse race. I for one cannot wait for them to match up again in the Belmont!!

[caffeinated]

I think Mine That Bird is a great little horse, but I don't really understand the upset that his Triple Crown bid was "spoiled." Does anyone really want a Triple Crown winner who never defeated the best three-year-olds of his generation (Rachel Alexandra, Quality Road, etc...)? It would make the accomplishment less meaningful. Why not appreciate MTB for what he's accomplished, instead?

That's kind of how I feel about it- to be the greatest, they have to beat the greatest (and they also have to overcome positioning or race riding by others, as well). That also means beating fresh horses and spoilers in each race :)

I do think MTB is amazing, and was really wowed by his closing rush in the Preakness, almost more so than in the Derby. What an amazing kick!

But I also seem to be in the minority that likes this story just fine- if both horses go to the Belmont, regardless of the outcome, I think it's a good story- either RA really is a superfilly, or MTB gets revenge. :)

[metzengerstein]

Isn't the Triple Tiara composed of the Mother Goose Stakes, Coaching Club American Oaks, and the Alabama Stakes? :confused:

[BabyGoose]

Great article!

http://www.newsday.com/sports/horseracing/ny-spwally1812778452may17,0,4124253.column

[pinkdiamondracing]

Isn't the Triple Tiara composed of the Mother Goose Stakes, Coaching Club American Oaks, and the Alabama Stakes? :confused:

I was told that it was changed to be the Kentucky Oaks, the Black Eyed Susan, and the Acorn Stakes-- run respectively at Churchill, Pimlico, and Belmont-- all races run the day before the Boy's TC races.

[Lady Counselor]

Awesome race, was rooting for MTB even though I really like Rachel Alexander. Wish they had kept her on track for the filly Triple Crown.
Watching the race, I would say the rider won the race. She was turning in a beaten performance and MTB was throwing a winning one. The real estate ran out in favor of Rachel. Not to take anything away from her, she's one heck of a filly.
Chip Wooley can certainly hold his head up.

[FatDinah]

No real racing fan can bemoan how this Triple Crown has gone. It is like 2007 when we had Street Sense/Curlin/Rags to Riches - three great races.

One aspect I am enjoying is the sporstmanship of everybody (even Jess Jackson though he is so full of himself you'd think HE ran the Preakness, not his horse).
But after last year's Big Brown and his slimy connections, it's sure been refreshing to see the Mine That Bird camp's sportsmanship and the general camaraderie of Baffert, Jones, Stute, et al about how it's great for racing even if their horses are losing.

Personally, I think when Mine that Bird retires that he ought to go into eventing!!! Little guy would be a natural, imagine him on cross country! He could add an Olympic medal to the Triple Crown bling.

[pinkdiamondracing]

Personally, I think when Mine that Bird retires that he ought to go into eventing!!! Little guy would be a natural, imagine him on cross country! He could add an Olympic medal to the Triple Crown bling.

I agree 100%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:yes::yes::yes::D

Chip-- I have just the rider for MTB!!! She loves the little OTTB's and took one without anywhere near the talent of MTB from nothing to the ****level.

Sara Mittleider would be perfect for him!!!:yes::yes::D:winkgrin:

[QHEventr]

I agree....Although I have to say, I suggested that maybe I would be a perfect partner for Funny after he retired, alas.......a no go! I thought he's make a wonderful event horse!

[FatDinah]

I did read that Mike Smith will have the ride on Mine That Bird in the Belmont.

I think Wooley is smart to to make that decision rather than wait to see if Borel would hop back on if RA doesn't go.
Smith is a great jockey and I think it is silly to say that Borel would have won if he had been on MTB. I mean, if no holes open on the rail, the horse had to go out.

UPDATE: I see on another thread that Smith has opted out of the Belmont to ride a race in California.

[Pirateer]

I agree with that MTB had his shot stolen.
Rachel shouldn't have had her entry BOUGHT, nor should she have run at all. Keep her with the mares.

I was judging a horse show the whole time in reception dead zone, and it was torture.

I think MTB will take the Belmont, easy. Regardless of who is running.

[forward ride]

That's kind of how I feel about it- to be the greatest, they have to beat the greatest (and they also have to overcome positioning or race riding by others, as well). That also means beating fresh horses and spoilers in each race :)

I do think MTB is amazing, and was really wowed by his closing rush in the Preakness, almost more so than in the Derby. What an amazing kick!

But I also seem to be in the minority that likes this story just fine- if both horses go to the Belmont, regardless of the outcome, I think it's a good story- either RA really is a superfilly, or MTB gets revenge. :)

i second that! :)

[Catsdorule-sigh]

ivy62 Why don't we look at Birdstone's style in the Belmont..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4Z49x11smk
Looks like he runs like his Daddy to me...Gotta love this horse....


Watch this again and look at the number 10 horse, Flying Private ridden by Albarado. I noticed this in the race that when MTB comes up alongside, Albarado appears to send Flying Private. Then, it looks like he forces MTB even wider. Maybe Albarado was trying to protect his hole but when he took off as MTB went by, I have to think that wasn't really on his radar yet. What happened there?

I did think Smith let MTB drift towards the rail once in the stretch, instead of running straight. But that move by Flying Private- what did Albarado have to gain?

[Paragon]

I agree with that MTB had his shot stolen.
Rachel shouldn't have had her entry BOUGHT, nor should she have run at all. Keep her with the mares.

Yes. Can't have her showing up the boys again, can we?

Shame on her. SHAME.

[Pirateer]

Yes. Can't have her showing up the boys again, can we?

Shame on her. SHAME.

Well its nice when your owner can buy you a slot.

[Laurierace]

Any horse's owner can buy them a slot.

[Pirateer]

Any horse's owner can buy them a slot.

Difference between nominating in advance and BUYING a week before.

[Paragon]

Yes, there's a difference, and any horse's owner can buy them a slot.

I don't think it's unheard of.

[Pirateer]

Yes, there's a difference, and any horse's owner can buy them a slot.

I don't think it's unheard of.

I know that ANY owner can buy a slot, but that doesn't mean they should be allowed.

IMHO, you don't enter the derby, you don't do the rest of them. (Enter doesn't have to mean run...)

[Laurierace]

Difference between nominating in advance and BUYING a week before.

Who gives a crap when they paid the money? Its not like that gave her a head start in the race itself. Keep in mind they bought her ten days before the Preakness. I haven't read all the rules but I am pretty sure you are not allowed to nominate someone else's horse in hopes that you may own her some day.

[Laurierace]

I know that ANY owner can buy a slot, but that doesn't mean they should be allowed.

IMHO, you don't enter the derby, you don't do the rest of them. (Enter doesn't have to mean run...)

Entering the derby is not something anyone would do if they weren't intending to race. It costs $25,000 to enter. There is no also eligible list for the derby, so if you enter and do not run, that place in the gate goes empty. How on earth does that benefit anyone? Not to mention it doesn't have anything to do with whether or not they nominated to the triple crown.

[Mara]

Difference between nominating in advance and BUYING a week before.

Um, so no one should be able to run in the Breeder's Cup championship races if they didn't early-nominate?

(No, not "Win & You're In, which I hate - a whole 'nother topic).

[Pirateer]

I'm referring to scratches (I want Revenge, QR, etc)

[Laurierace]

Quality Road was not a scratch, he never entered. I Want Revenge did enter and had to scratch so his place in the gate was empty. With your plan you might end up with a ten horse field in the derby.

[Pirateer]

Quality Road was not a scratch, he never entered. I Want Revenge did enter and had to scratch so his place in the gate was empty. With your plan you might end up with a ten horse field in the derby.

How is that bad?
Are there less breakdowns in the Derby or the Preakness?

[BabyGoose]

Watch this again and look at the number 10 horse, Flying Private ridden by Albarado. I noticed this in the race that when MTB comes up alongside, Albarado appears to send Flying Private. Then, it looks like he forces MTB even wider. Maybe Albarado was trying to protect his hole but when he took off as MTB went by, I have to think that wasn't really on his radar yet. What happened there?

I did think Smith let MTB drift towards the rail once in the stretch, instead of running straight. But that move by Flying Private- what did Albarado have to gain?

I saw that the first time I watched the replay. It really looked like he was trying to force him wide. It was like he glanced over, saw him coming and sent his horse forward to keep him out. And MTB was passing them up quick until then and then lost his momentum. That is what impressed me most about MTB's race. He fought through traffic, got slowed down and then got it all back together to close that strongly on RA!

[Laurierace]

How is that bad?
Are there less breakdowns in the Derby or the Preakness?

There were no breakdowns in either, so I would say it was tied. Next year maybe you can pick one horse in the beginning of the season and ask the tracks to give that horse a walkover in all three races. Then you will have no complaints.

[Calamber]

Now that is a bit cynical Laurie, until the last several years there have not been breakdowns in the Preakness, the Derby or the Belmont. Injuries yes, catastrophic injuries, no.

[Laurierace]

How am I being cynical? She was saying that they should only let horses who ENTER the derby run in the Preakness and Belmont. When I pointed out that would be stupid and would cause a 10 horse field and the response is that was a good thing as it would cut down on breakdowns. And I am cynical? Ok whatever.

[Drvmb1ggl3]

Now that is a bit cynical Laurie, until the last several years there have not been breakdowns in the Preakness, the Derby or the Belmont. Injuries yes, catastrophic injuries, no.

??:eek:???
Union City pops to mind. I'm pretty sure there have been others.

[Laurierace]

So not allowing Rachel Alexandra to supplement to the Preakness would have saved Union City? Interesting concept.

[Drvmb1ggl3]

So not allowing Rachel Alexandra to supplement to the Preakness would have saved Union City? Interesting concept.

Where did I say that?:confused:
I was contesting the claim that there had not been catastrphic breakdowns in TC races until the last several years.

[Laurierace]

You would have to scroll up a bit to where the detour from reality took place to fully understand what I am talking about. Never mind.

[lauriep]

I know that ANY owner can buy a slot, but that doesn't mean they should be allowed.

IMHO, you don't enter the derby, you don't do the rest of them. (Enter doesn't have to mean run...)

What makes the TC what it is IS all of the unknowns, of which FRESH horses who didn't run in/weren't entered in the Derby are a huge part. If MTB should be en route to the TC, then he SHOULD have beaten RA. The TC isn't a gift, it is special because of how difficult it is.

Look at all the TC bids that have been ruined in the Belmont in the last 10-15 years. 2 legs up and then defeat. Would you maintain that those horses also had it stolen from them?

[vineyridge]

What makes the TC what it is IS all of the unknowns, of which FRESH horses who didn't run in/weren't entered in the Derby are a huge part. If MTB should be en route to the TC, then he SHOULD have beaten RA. The TC isn't a gift, it is special because of how difficult it is.

Look at all the TC bids that have been ruined in the Belmont in the last 10-15 years. 2 legs up and then defeat. Would you maintain that those horses also had it stolen from them?

Smarty Jones went into the Belmont undefeated, didn't he? And then Birdstone beat him.

[TyB]

??:eek:???
Union City pops to mind. I'm pretty sure there have been others.

Prairie Bayou in the Belmont.

[StraightAccord]

[QUOTE=lauriep;4103589]What makes the TC what it is IS all of the unknowns, of which FRESH horses who didn't run in/weren't entered in the Derby are a huge part. .... The TC isn't a gift, it is special because of how difficult it is.

***don't post enough to know if that quoting worked***

I think the Triple Crown is a bit strange, it's like a manufactured "Hallmark Holiday" that no one would celebrate if it weren't for the massive commercial industrial engine behind it.

What in the world started the commercial drive to have those three races mean anything special? I've tried to look up the origins of those becoming the "Triple Crown" and don't find an answer.

And that aside, Woo HOO Calvin and Rachel! And "Mine That Bird", you go boy!

StraightAccord

[ivy62]

The term triple crown was coined by a journalist I think back in the 20's..If you look back these races were run days a part not weeks and horses won or lost and no one thought anything of it.....Were horses so different then?
As far as catastrophic breakdowns recently...if you do not remember BArbaro or Eight Belles you must have your head in the sand!
These races have been great, yes MTB got boxed in and had to go to the way outside but that is racing...It is unfortunate the CB dumped MTB and I understand the owners committing to MS for the Belmont no matter what...If CB had been riding who knows? MS gave him a great ride also...I do wish he had won but as I said before champions do not have to win the TC either...It would have been such a Cinderella story though..

[rcloisonne]

Smarty Jones went into the Belmont undefeated, didn't he? And then Birdstone beat him.
Because he (SJ) was out run. Period.

In this case though, and why "all the sour grapes" so to speak, MTB was not out run. How many horses have won the TC with a change in jockey during those three races? A jock that had never ridden the horse no less?

I also think the trainer has to take some blame. He instructed MS to hold the horse back and basicly run the same race as he did in the KD. Did he really think that was gonna work? The rail was blocked. KD force MTB wide (a nice little bonus from JJ for that move?). They were all well prepared to block another win by MTB.

RA won because she got to the front right away to prevent all of that. She's a very good race horse and Calvin is a genius.

[Calamber]

Sorry Laurie, I did not read where that had been the premise that only those who ran in the Derby could enter into the other races. No, that is completely silly. No detour from reality, just a misunderstanding. I thought you were referring to something else entirely.

As far as the breakdowns are concerned, perhaps I should have said 20 years instead of "last several".(Guess when you get into half century mark 20 years can seem like a few:)) That is when the greediness and stupid breeding practices have reached their crescendo and now we are seeing rather "routine" breakdowns in the bigger races. Go For Wand was one of the nodal points on the way to the current insanity.

I cannot say that Calvin Borel had to be particularly deft in getting RA into the lead and out of the problematical situations that Mine The Bird faced. He was pinched at the start, impeded and carried out wide. Getting to the front is RA's style, she goes to the lead no matter what that as what she wants to do. He had the perfect post for her. That was not particularly tricky riding and I would assume he would be the first to admit it. Just hold on tight and don't let her run in on someone and don't fall off! She is a hard charger with a biiiiig stride.