2007 Triple Crown class post-Breeders' Cup

[Glimmerglass]

I don't see Curlin as rating terribly well and with Flying First Class acting almost like a rabbit it could get rather interesting. Hard Spun will be hugging his tail too so FFC likely will extract a lot of energy from this group.

It sets up the late running style of Street Sense quite nicely.

Traffic woes will not be the issue Saturday ;)

NJ Star-Ledger May 17, 2007 "Lukas' first-class entry will be flying" (http://www.nj.com/sports/ledger/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/1179378463198390.xml&coll=1)

D. Wayne Lukas left little doubt yesterday about how he will go after a sixth Preakness Stakes victory on Saturday: fast and furious. Flying First Class, listed at 20-1 in the field of nine, is a speed horse that the Hall of Fame trainer appears to have no interest in throttling at this point in the colt's career.

"We are natural speed. There's no denying it," Lukas said when asked if he expected Flying First Class to be on the lead early in the middle leg of the Triple Crown. "I've always felt you win these (races) by letting them do what they do best."

Entering in fresh legs in the Preakness - does that pay off?

Not really: Since 1984 only two horses -- Red Bullet and Bernardini last year -- have won the Preakness after skipping the Kentucky Derby.

For the record Flying First Class has only run in graded stakes company twice before yielding the worse two finishes in his career ;)

[Glimmerglass]

A gem from Lukas:

"I don't think there is a horse in the country that can run with him at 7 /2 furlongs," Lukas said. "This is a really gifted horse. This (Preakness) is not a big stretch for me. I didn't come here for the crab cakes."

Albany Times Union May 17th (http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=590111&category=SPORTS&BCCode=HOME&newsdate=5/17/2007)

Lukas has won the Preakness five times and, since 1930, no one has won more. Flying First Class will be Lukas' 32nd career runner in the second jewel of the Triple Crown. No one has saddled more.

The Morning Line Odds - in PP order:

Mint Slewlep (30-1)
Xchanger (15-1)
Circular Quay (8-1)
Curlin (7-2)
King of the Roxy (12-1)
Flying First Class (20-1)
Hard Spun (5-2)
Street Sense (7-5)
C P West (20-1)

Oddly the trainer we are hearing nothing about, the well-liked, much admired Nick Zito whose CP West is no slouch.

[Glimmerglass]

Photos: Preakness week - Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/photo/gallery/070516/GAL-07May16-74473/index.html")

It is a shame that Magna has such a terrible website for the Preakness. By comparison the Churchill folks established the gold standard with their Derby site containing all the info and data you'd want .. except heights of the entries.

[caffeinated]

I need a better camera, LOL... anyway, if anyone's interested, here he is from this morning:

http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL914/489204/3030554/253252959.jpg

http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL914/489204/3030554/253252977.jpg

http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL914/489204/3030554/253252969.jpg

http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL914/489204/3030554/253252965.jpg

He seemed pretty settled in :) he only jogged and cantered a bit, and barely broke a sweat.

[Sandbarhorse]

Will the preakness be broadcast online anywhere, Glimmer?

[Glimmerglass]

Nice - thanks for sharing the photos of Hard Spun

The Baltimore Sun today (5-17) (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/horseracing/preakness/bal-sp.wonders17may17,0,4437335.story?coll=bal-sports-headlines) talks about how the local horses have stepped up to show the invaders at Pimlico. Although I don't see Mint Slewlep being Magic Weisner this year ...

[InVA]

I need a better camera, LOL... anyway, if anyone's interested, here he is from this morning:

[[/URL]

He seemed pretty settled in :) he only jogged and cantered a bit, and barely broke a sweat.

I can't believe how long his stirrups are! I guess Hard Spun isn't the type to run off.. ! VERY CUTE HORSE!

[caffeinated]

You should have seen the saddle- it was lovely reddish-brown, and all tooled with floral designs, like a western saddle, LOL. I was coveting it, though I need a racing saddle only slightly less than I need to get kicked in the head.

heh.

[FatDinah]

Is anyone else dreading the pre-race coverage for the Preakness? I just cannot stand to watch that Barbaro tape from last year.
In fact, I find myself wanting to not watch the race but, of course, desperately wanting to watch it.
A funny aside, I work on Saturdays in a newsroom and last year, with Barbaro, I guess I shocked some people with my cursing, which I never do at work. But I knew how bad it was from the first instant, as I am sure all horse people did.

I'm hoping, hoping, hoping for a Street Sense win. But I won;t be surprised by another closer winning, maybe Circular Quay and Velasquez will FINALLY catch some luck.

[Glimmerglass]

Is anyone else dreading the pre-race coverage for the Preakness? I just cannot stand to watch that Barbaro tape from last year.

NBC coverage starts at 5 pm EST and the race goes off at 6:15 EST.

Invariably there will be mention of Barbaro and likely footage of the Jackson's awarding the trophy to the winner - maybe MM and Chelokee - in the Barbaro Stakes (nee Sir Barton Stakes ). I do think they'll play down the breakdown significantly as they've (1) milked it for all they can already and (2) most viewers think seeing it one more time is exploitive.

If you will recall last year before the Preakness they barely mentioned the famed Scrappy T and Afleet Alex debacle.

My guess is that NBC will also make a strong point to use the spotlight on a new American hero enjoyed by the public for his awe-shucks, down home appeal: Calvin Borel. They'll show him going to the White House and meeting the Queen.

I'm looking forward to this year's Preakness as it should be just a good solid race with likeable trainers, horses, owners and a lot of uncertainty as to who will win.

ESPN too will have coverage up until NBC takes over.

[FatDinah]

Those are good points, Glimmer. Especially that the spotlight may shift to Calvin Borel. He's my new incentive: Whenever I think it's too hot to ride, too muddy, too late/too early, I think, "What would Calvin do? He'd ride!!!"

And it'd be great to see Matz and Chelokee win the Barbaro.

[Glimmerglass]

Some additional bits on the Preakness

* A crowd of more than 100,000 is expected to head to Pimlico

* Weather predictions for Saturday is for a high temperature of 66 degrees, with a 60-percent chance of rain.

* The Preakness is the 12th race on a marathon 13-race card that is nearly nine hours from start to finish, the longest day in American racing.

The first race goes off at 10:30 a.m. EST and the last race is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. EST! I guess MD officials are looking to get every nickle out of the biggest day of racing in the State ;)

* Mint Slewlep is a Maryland runner but not a Pimlico. Rather he's won two at at Laurel in his seven-race career. He was fourth, 1 3/4 lengths behind runner-up C P West, in the Withers Stakes at Aqueduct on April 28.

* C P West has won once in five starts and has finished second in three of his last four races.

Distance only (so far) has made him worse: he was sixth of 14 in his only two-turn race

* King of the Roxy will stalk and Circular Quay is an off-the-pace runner

* In the past 25 years, only two horses have led the Preakness from start to finish.

I loved this bit from the DRF which (http://www.drf.com/news/article/85013.html) (correctly) bashes those who still try and sell the myth of Old Hilltop as being physically "tighter" of a track!

Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, there is still a large contingent of people in the sport - and the media - who believe Pimlico has tight turns and therefore is speed-favoring.

Randy Moss, on the ESPN2 draw telecast Wednesday night, accurately called it "the myth that won't die."

So word to the wise: gate to wire speed kills, non-runners in the Derby rarely ever win, and better be a mudder this Saturday :)

[caffeinated]

AND my horse's old turnout buddy Tyros Beach is running in the second race on Preakness day :) He did very poorly last time out, but is usually an excellent bet to finish at least third in short races. He usually races out of Laurel, not sure how he feels about the Pimlico track... heh

He's also huge, so you may be able to actually see him from the infield. Show him some love if you're betting! :D

(Im SO bitter that I'm not going to be there to see him, he's such a great horse!)

OK, that's it for my knowledge of the undercard... heh

[Texarkana]

A funny aside, I work on Saturdays in a newsroom and last year, with Barbaro, I guess I shocked some people with my cursing, which I never do at work. But I knew how bad it was from the first instant, as I am sure all horse people did.
.

You can only imagine my cursing after the Preakness last year-- knowing I'd have to show up at work the next morning to deal with the circus! (And we were always short staffed on weekends) I was muttering, "If have to get out that d*mn sling first thing on a Sunday morning I'm going to hurt someone..." :lol:

AND my horse's old turnout buddy Tyros Beach is running in the second race on Preakness day :) He did very poorly last time out, but is usually an excellent bet to finish at least third in short races. He usually races out of Laurel, not sure how he feels about the Pimlico track... heh

Good luck to him! It's a shame you don't get to go this year. I'm sorry I'm missing it, too. One barn I worked for almost always had someone running in the Donald Shaefer, I'm sorry I get to miss out on the fun anymore!

I was so confident about Street Sense going into the race, but now that the field is set... there are a lot of horses with a good chance! I could see almost any of them winning.

[Beezer]

To me, the Preakness seems like as much or wider of an open race than the Derby -- which I admit is strange, since I was very, very high on Street Sense for the Derby. Go figure.

I think Circular Quay and King of the Roxy both have big shots. Hard Spun could pull it off, but I think he'll have more pressure on the front end than he may be able to handle.

As Glimmer noted earlier, it sure looks, on paper, to set up perfectly for Street Sense ... but alas, horses aren't very good at reading. ;)

[Glimmerglass]

Will the preakness be broadcast online anywhere, Glimmer?

I don't know 100% sure but I'd say doubtful as NBC holds the broadcast rights. I'm sure for having paid a big chunk of money to do so they don't want any "leaks" with potential viewers seeing by any other means.

The track additionally is a MEC holding and they already were exceedingly stingy - as they are with Laurel - in the public getting internet access. No youbet.net on-line viewing for example with any Maryland track.

[Glimmerglass]

Speaking of broadcasting, there was this bit in regards to NBC, Barbaro and the Preakness (http://www.dailynews.com/sports/ci_5923620) 2007.

And everyone at NBC is on board not to talk too much about ...

"We've already had a production meeting to see how much we're going to handle any references to last year," said [NBC Sports Diector David Michaels]. "Some things need to be revisited, but the whole thing? No. Some of it, with different elements? Maybe, maybe not. Definitely, not show that clip again."

[snip]

"But there comes a time when you have to say, `Enough already.' You can't dwell too much on it. Even if it had won the Triple Crown, would we be revisiting it? No, because there are new stories."

Like the the Calvin Borel angle that'll take the attention away from ...

"That's the funny thing about horse racing," Michaels continued. "The sport is back in everyone's minds, and you love to see it be big-time again. It's something that's beautiful and graceful. So when a big story comes through, and this has been true since I was watching it as a little kid, these things take a life of their own. Just look back at the Smarty Jones phenomenon.

"Now there's a story like Calvin Borel and Street Sense. I thought it was important during the Kentucky Derby to keep the camera on him as long as possible after that race to watch his reaction. . .

NBC's Today Show on Friday alreayd did a segment on the Preakness and featured squarely Calvin Borel so hopefully this will be time to move on.

[Linny]

One opinion...
http://www.capitalotb.com/?action=newsdetail&mode=75d1b44d-248d-40cc-a5c7-016ccf2baaa2&type=1

Check out the great www.equidaily.com (http://www.equidaily.com) for more.

[Glimmerglass]

One opinion...
CapitalOTB/Jeanne Wood's Preakness Update (http://www.capitalotb.com/?action=newsdetail&mode=75d1b44d-248d-40cc-a5c7-016ccf2baaa2&type=1)

She's one smart analyst ;)

I do think that Curlin will finish top 3, yes folks can say that isn't a strecth but there is no reason to think he won't be right there.

It is one of those races where you just don't know what might happen - Flying First Class could be held back a tad and the start and then allowed to run like a dog with a bone, maybe he won't get caught? Circular Quay is a good horse and while didn't fair well in the Derby looks be far better suited with the smaller field and shorter track ..

[WhiteCamry]

Entering in fresh legs in the Preakness - does that pay off?

Not really: Since 1984 only two horses -- Red Bullet and Bernardini last year -- have won the Preakness after skipping the Kentucky Derby.


How many have placed and showed?

[Glimmerglass]

How many have placed and showed?

They [new entries] have done far better taking place or show ...

In bold are non-Derby runners

YEAR -- PLACE -- SHOW
2006: Sweetnorthernsaint --Hemmingway's Key
2005: Scrappy T --Giacomo
2004: Rock Hard Ten --Eddington
2003: Midway Road -- Scrimshaw
2002: Magic Weisner --Proud Citizen
2001: A.P. Valentine -- Congaree
2000: Fu-Peg --Impeachment
1999: Menifee - Badge
1998: Victory Gallop - Classic Cat

[Glimmerglass]

More on NBC's pre-race coverage for the Preakness which is as suggested before ...

Speaking of love and memories, [Producer - Sam Flood] said NBC doesn't plan to ride the tragic/inspirational story of Barbaro for long tomorrow, even though everyone is back at the scene of the late thoroughbred's devastating injury. The Barbaro component tomorrow will be "very brief," he said, mostly a matter of a report on the Barbaro Stakes, which features Chelokee, a horse conditioned by Barbaro's trainer, Michael Matz.

"I think we've told that story very well and very completely," Flood said.

As far as other stories NBC will tell, Flood said it plans a feature on Borel, including a visit to his hometown in Louisiana. Otherwise, "we're looking for the quirky story." Which takes us to the Pimlico infield.

"The infield is one of the biggest outdoor parties you'll ever see," Flood said. "There's a joy out there that's fun to capture. It's a neat community that develops for the [day]."

Source: Baltimore Sun 5-18-07 (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/bal-sp.frager18may18,0,4355281.column?coll=bal-sports-headlines&?track=sto-relcon)

Also - for what it is worth, Gary Steven's has the following picks (keep in mind jockey's make for some of the worst bettors!)

1 - Street Sense, 2 - Hard Spun, 3 - Circular Quay

[Glimmerglass]

Assorted videos of Preakness prep activities (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/horseracing/bal-preakness-videoplayer,0,6259835.htmlstory?coll=bal-horseracing-storyutil)

The second choice down (see below the video screen) is 1:38 min of grooming Mint Slewlep

The third is unloading Curlin and Flying First Class

More pre-Preakness photos: Baltimore Sun (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/horseracing/bal-preaknessweek07-photogallery,0,795069.photogallery?coll=bal-horseracing-storyutil)

(at the draw, did Carl Nafzger take that suit jacket off an ex Century 21 agent? :D)

[FatDinah]

Edgar Prado won the Black Eyed Susan aboard Panty Raid, a PLetcher-trained filly.

Here was an interesting aside from the AP story:

Earlier Friday, Calvin Borel rode Unbridled Sidney to victory on the turf in The Very One Stakes. It was the first ride at Pimlico for Borel, who won the Kentucky Derby aboard Street Sense and will attempt to win the Preakness on the horse Saturday.
Also Friday, Time's Mistress won the Grade 3 Miss Preakness Stakes, a six-furlong race for 3-year-old fillies. The horse was ridden by Mark Guidry and trained by D. Wayne Lukas, who will team with Flying First Class in the Preakness.

[Glimmerglass]

More Odds and Ends ...

* Curlin will try to become the third Arkansas Derby winner in the last four years to win the Preakness.

* Wayne Lukas has won the Preakness five times. Zito is the only other trainer in the race with a Preakness victory. However Robert Wyndham Walden holds the Preakness record with seven wins as a trainer. He dominated the race from 1875-88, winning five straight starting in 1878.

* Nine of the last 10 Preakness winners went on to capture the Eclipse Award as 3-year-old champion.

* All nine jockeys are looking for their first Preakness victory. Edgar Prado (aboard Zito's C P West) has the longest winless streak at nine.

Early wagering and shifting odds (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=39014) as of Saturday morning ...

The complete advance odds, with morning line odds in parenthesis, for the Preakness field, in post position order:

1—Mint Slewlep, 31-1 (30-1)
2—Xchanger, 14-1 (15-1)
3—Circular Quay, 5-1 (8-1)
4—Curlin, 3-1 (7-2)
5—King of the Roxy, 17-1 (12-1)
6—Flying First Class, 14-1 (20-1)
7—Hard Spun, 7-2 (5-2)
8—Street Sense, 9-5 (7-5)
9—C P West, 17-1 (20-1)

[DLee]

I hope Curlin gets to really run today! :yes:

[Tiffany01]

I want C P West.

[ThePerfectFit]

I want C P West.

I'm rooting for him as well!

[Kenike]

Okay, it's not the Preakness, but I'm SOOOOOO happy Chelokee won the Barbaro Stakes! So fitting! (even if it's still a little sad to have been renamed from Sir Barton)

[Kenike]

I'm hoping for Street Sense for the TC's sake, but not actually expecting him. Still sticking with Curlin and Circular Quay as my favorites.

[SuperSTB]

Okay, it's not the Preakness, but I'm SOOOOOO happy Chelokee won the Barbaro Stakes! So fitting! (even if it's still a little sad to have been renamed from Sir Barton)

I was getting a bit choked up watching them moving to the winner's circle. Lots of tears flowing- they must be really full of emotions...

[Sannois]

Okay, it's not the Preakness, but I'm SOOOOOO happy Chelokee won the Barbaro Stakes! So fitting! (even if it's still a little sad to have been renamed from Sir Barton)

Nice colt!!! So happy for Mike, HE was quite happy as well.

[caffeinated]

heh... oh well. Poor Jughead was last in his race :(

Have missed all the action so far, sounds like it's been a good day!

:)

[caffeinated]

eh... spoke to soon :cry:

Condolences to the connections of Mending Fences. Very glad Eddie Castro and Robbie Albarado are OK.

About the last thing I wanted to see today... :cry:

[Melelio]

I had a weird feeling just before that accident that something was going to happen; almost picked up my laptop but something told me to keep watching. So sad...hope Einstein is ok. Those, weirdly again, were the two horses I liked the looks of....:(

[Kenike]

I saw the replay because my parents chose to call me during that race. I'm kinda' glad, but kinda' wish I'd seen it, too. VERY glad both jockeys are alright, and also glad the announcers stated plainly that Mending Fences' outcome wasn't so good.

Just reported that Mending Fences was, indeed, euthanized. How very sad, but the right thing with his injury. My condolences and sympathies to his connections. :(

[Milocalwinnings]

I'm rooting for Circular Quay...
So sad about Mending Fences though.

[~Freedom~]

Street Sense or Curlin wins--a dead heat--no one can call it. But looks like Curlin

[Candle]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I wanted street sense to win SO BADLY! :sadsmile: That was AMAZING!!!! He came from 12 lengths off the pace and just powered up there, but couldn't quite keep it up. :cry: :cry: :cry:

[bird4416]

Wow, what a race. Curlin got his nose in front at the end.

[~Freedom~]

It is

Curlin
Street Sense
Hard Spun

[Kenike]

IT'S CURLIN!!! It's Curlin!! Holy crap, what a finish!! I'm so happy those 2 horses are the ones who fought it out, and it was just a matter of where they were in the stride...Curlin was stretched and had his head just in front, Street Sense was just finishing a stride

WOW! I'm shaking (mostly because of last year's memories)....what a great race!

[citydog]

Wow!

[Kenike]

Oh, and let me add...while I was screaming for Curlin (I love that horse), I would've been just as happy if Street Sense won....and I'm actually a little sad for him. But.....oh, how I love Curlin! I'm so glad he got a much better trip than in the Derby!

[Drvmb1ggl3]

Damn!

That's why I love racing. Two mud coloured horses fighting it out by a nose.

Great race. I hope these two give us some more heart stopping showdowns the rest of the year.

[caffeinated]

phew! Awesome race! (heh, won $50 bucks on a similar photo finish last night, heh)

I'm bummed Street Sense didn't win, but if a race has me jumping on the couch and screaming like a maniac while my boyfriend looks at me wondering if he needs to call the men in white coats, it's a good race

;)

Felt bad for Calvin Borel after, I guess as overtly as he wears his happiness, he wears his disappointment too...

[SuperSTB]

RIP Mending Fences... very sad.

I am sooooo excited about Curlin though! I would have loved a triple crown but I just like Curlin toooo much. I wish Curlin had just a wee bit more experience going into the Derby.

Same three horses finishing at the top. I love that and hope all three go on to the Belmont... I look forward to another good race!

[Iride]

Wow! Heart-wrenching final seconds... I feel bad for Street Sense - what an effort - but I'm also ecstatic for Curlin. Fantastic race!!!

[FatDinah]

My sentiments, three good horses, all with great jockeys and trainers.
This must be deja vu for Carl Naftzger, considering how Summer Squall dove to the rail and nipped Unbridled in the Preakness.


Wow, those fractions! I wonder if Hard Spun can bounce back for the Belmont or maybe his team will decide to hold him out and come back in August or fall.

And, the best news, all nine are walking back to their stalls, safe.

[Sannois]

phew! Awesome race! (heh, won $50 bucks on a similar photo finish last night, heh)

I'm bummed Street Sense didn't win, but if a race has me jumping on the couch and screaming like a maniac while my boyfriend looks at me wondering if he needs to call the men in white coats, it's a good race

;)

Felt bad for Calvin Borel after, I guess as overtly as he wears his happiness, he wears his disappointment too...

and it would have been street sense! Gorgeous animal, Curlin was not a surprise.
Poor Calvin. Great race!

[Melelio]

Gotta admit I was screaming for SS, but loving Curlin....was hoping for a TC. I wonder if Curlin had had a couple more races before the KD if he'd have been the TC one.

OUr local Baltimore NBC station here just did a quick coverage of the Preakness in their news, and covered the Dixie Handicap horse fall. I'm glad they put it out there, but then again the PETA folks will be all over that too...

[Mao]

What a horse race!!!!!!!!!!!

Heard Gary Stevens commentary - very rare for a horse to 'come back' like Curlin did - after eating Street Sense's dust, so to speak.

Wow!

What excellent horses, what an excellent race. Although no Triple Crown - it felt like we watched the best and brightest horse-racing has to offer. And it doesn't get better than that!

All in all, a most satisfactory Preakness. Heart-pounding TB excitment at its best.

Yah!

[FatDinah]

Robby Albarado didn't jump around on Curlin like Calvin Borel did on Street Sense but you could tell from the glow in his eyes what a thrill it was for him.

And I think Borel and Naftzger were both real gentlemen, their little encounter right after the race that NBC caught was so touching.

Who knows WHO will take the Belmont?
And, I hope all three, including Hard Spun, or four, add in Chelokee, will keep running this fall ... watch out EEN-va-sor!!!

[Blueshadow]

Looks like Street sense will miss the Belmont, they're already saying. Too bad.
Would have liked to see a rematch. Great Preakness.

Had the pleasure, just now, of watching a friend of mine's horse win the Alcatraz stakes at Golden Gates - his first start after breaking his maiden!
Friend in tears being interviewed... lovely.

[Glimmerglass]

F A S T

Street Sense spurted away and looked like he might sweep the first two legs of the Triple Crown, but Curlin dug in and came back at the Derby winner. He caught him right on the wire, the margin a short head. The final time was 1:53.46.

“Heartbreaking, that’s what it was," said Street Sense's trainer, Carl Nafzger. "We only needed a nose. Curlin ran a hell of a race, but we had Curlin. We should have never let him come back and get us."

The time essentially tied the track record, set by Secretariat in 1973 when timing was done in fifths and was 1:53 2/5.

BloodHorse 5-19-07 (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=39027)

Opening quarter in :22.82 and the half in :45.75; six furlongs in a fast 1:09.80

[Glimmerglass]

Complete order of finish:

1 - Curlin
2 - Street Sense
3 - Hard Spun
4 - C P West
5 - Circular Quay
6 - King of the Roxy
7 - Mint Slewlep
8 - Xchanger
9 - Flying First Class

I thought CP West was going to get up there for 3rd as he was in great position but the speed was too much.

[FatDinah]

Here are some later comments by Naftzger to Associated Press:

At first he called the defeat "heartbreaking," lamenting, "We had Curlin. We should have never let him come back and get us."
About 30 minutes later, he had calmed down.
"My horse ran great. I got outran. That's horse racing," Nafzger said. "If you can't enjoy watching a $5,000 claimer give you 110 percent, you shouldn't be in the horse business."
Then he paused for an instant and added, "Maybe he gave me 105. But Curlin (gave) 110. You have to enjoy watching Curlin run."

"You always want to go to the ultimate, but at the same time there are a lot of things more important in life than the Triple Crown," Nafzger said. "I'm just happy to have a horse like this. Look, I've got a horse that broke the Breeders' Cup juvenile jinx, won the Kentucky Derby and never been beaten by more than a nose in his last five outs."
,,,

Asked about going to the Belmont Stakes in three weeks, Nafzger said, "What's the point?"
But he can't wait for Street Sense and Curlin to meet again. Street Sense has finished in the money in every one of his nine career races, and Curlin has won four of five.
"The only guy to beat Curlin is me," Nafzger said. "Curlin's going to get better as he gets experience. It's going to be interesting to see what happens down the road. I think we've got a great challenge going.
"Curlin ran a heck of a race today," Nafzger said, "but I'll beat him next time."

[FatDinah]

Some more comments from Associated Press

Hard Spun led around the final turn while Street Sense and eventual winner Curlin started making their moves.
"We felt good, but I knew the cavalry was coming," Hard Spun trainer Larry Jones said. "It just depended on how long we could keep outrunning them. It was a good horse race."
Hard Spun weakened in the final eighth of a mile but held on to earn consecutive in-the-money finishes in the Triple Crown, proving he belonged with this caliber of horses.
"The top three finishers in the Kentucky Derby were 1-2-3 there," Jones said. "Last time third (Curlin) went to first. Yeah, it's my turn next time."

Nick Zito has a knack for getting solid performances from underestimated horses in the Triple Crown.
He almost did it again with C P West, fourth in the Preakness at 24-1.
"He ran his behind off," Zito said. "He didn't have enough experience."
C P West was making only his sixth start and has only one win -- his first race last August.
It was a big effort as C P West moved into second behind Hard Spun on the final turn.
"The beauty of this race is that the top three horses were right there," Zito said. "That makes me feel absolutely great. We need to wait for summer and see how good he can be."

Pletcher said King of the Roxy will probably fare better after he has more than eight races under his belt.
"He probably needs a little more experience," the trainer said. "Down the road, maybe he will handle this type of distance against this type of horses."

[Carol Ames]

Is it true that one horse:cry: did breakdown?The pace was blistering! I'm sorry it happpened on a nationwide broadcastThe Peaknes has a poor :( :cry: record in terms of breakdowns doesn't it?

[DLee]

:D :D :D :D :D He got to run today!! And he still appears to be a little all over the place, and is still just as amazing! I sure wish Helen Pitts was the one in the Winner's Circle though...

[Laurierace]

Is it true that one horse:cry: did breakdown?The pace was blistering! I'm sorry it happpened on a nationwide broadcastThe Peaknes has a poor :( :cry: record in terms of breakdowns doesn't it?

No it is not true that there was a breakdown in the Preakness. I believe there have been two breakdowns in the Preakness in the last 10 years. Obviously that is two too many, but not a bad record by any stretch.

[Carol Ames]

It would be easy to turn away from racing :yes: were it not for races like this what heart, and guttsiness:no: ,; not tto mention the beauty of a TB galloping ;)

[Carol Ames]

Laurierace,

I am thinking of Unon City , ewho many alleged was notright :no: , and should hav been scratchhed but, he was run ranyway and:mad: broke down,, I wasn't watching TV that time,listening to the adio; and, of course Barbaro:cry:

[abrant]

F A S T

Opening quarter in :22.82 and the half in :45.75; six furlongs in a fast 1:09.80

:eek: :eek:

For comparison:
Pimlico Track Record for 6f:
6 F 1:09 Northern Wolf 4 120 Aug. 18, 1990

Yeah.... .80 off a horse who was DONE at 6 furlongs...

That's nuts!

~Adrienne

[gubbyz]

Breakdown was in the turf race the Dixie Stakes right before the Preakness. Mending Fences went down with a broken ankle and was euthanized.

[Glimmerglass]

Breakdown was in the turf race the Dixie Stakes right before the Preakness. Mending Fences went down with a broken ankle and was euthanized.

For the record ESPN was exceedingly upfront about the injury and end results with Dr. Larry R. Bramlage of the AAEP giving straightforward feedback to the media. Both Jeannine Edwards and back in the both with Kenny Mayne and Randy Moss discussed it with tact and did not sugar coat the sport of races and the unfortunate occasions when this happens.

NBC did not report on the end result as they did not carry that race live and when they did mention the race it was only in the context of Robby Albarado (who later rode Curlin) in the Dixie and not Mending Fences (the euthanized horse) directly whom he did not ride.

As for the Barbaro Stakes if anyone thinks that Chelokee wasn't intentionally given a cake walk - and guaranteed win - based upon the entires they are kidding themselves. A defacto walk over staged for the media.

[Kenike]

For the record ESPN was exceedingly upfront about the injury and end results with Dr. Larry R. Bramlage of the AAEP giving straightforward feedback to the media. Both Jeannine Edwards and back in the both with Kenny Mayne and Randy Moss discussed it with tact and did not sugar coat the sport of races and the unfortunate occasions when this happens.

And I thought it was WONDERFUL that they did that. I was greatly impressed and even said "Thank you, ESPN" to my TV when the booth commentators said "this won't end well for Mending Fences" before talking to Jeannine Edwards & the vet. There was no need to lead anyone on.

[Glimmerglass]

Not sure how long equidaily will have the Pimlico handout photo finish shot - but for now here is the direct link (http://equidaily.com/images/2007/07preak.jpg)

Per this report "the day after" the Preakness (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=39033) it looks like only Hard Spun - who is to me this year's Brother Derek ("a lot of talk but not there at the wire") - is going to the Belmont for sure.

Both Curlin and Street Sense are uncertain with Curlin's condition being exhausted the day after (and to be expected with the speed exerted) and Street Sense's connections not seeing the need to win the Belmont let alone race in it.

Others:

* CP West, with a nifty 4th place, is being pointed to the late summer races with the key being the Travers Stakes. While Zito is beloved by the NY crowd - as was demonstrated during the walk in the saddling area - going to the Belmont is not in the plans.

* Flying First Class is going to be exclusively a sprinter at or under 1-mile for the balance of his career

It will be interesting to see if any of the California horses who ran in the Derby - like Tiago - will ship back East for the Belmont.

[Glimmerglass]

NBC video replay of the 132nd Preakness Stakes (Grade 1; $1,000,000) May 18, 2007 (http://video.nbcsports.com/player/?id=109842)

Final time for the 1 mi 3/16th distance: 1:53.460

Matched track record holders in the Preakness of Tank’s Prospect and Louis Quatorze, winners of the Preakness in 1985 and 1996, respectively.

Attendence - a new record: 121,263 people poured into Pimlico Race Course yesterday to break the Preakness Day attendance record. The previous high was set last year, at 118,402.

[FatDinah]

From Associated Press


NEW YORK (AP) -- Sightseeing got up in the final stride to beat Prom Shoes by a nose Sunday in the $200,000 Peter Pan Stakes for 3-year-olds at Belmont Park.
Sightseeing covered the 1 1-8 miles on a fast track in 1:48.89 and paid $3.20, $2.60 and $2.10. Prom Shoes returned $9.20 and $5.20. Fearless Vision earned $2.80 to show.
Edgar Prado was aboard for his third winner of the day as Sightseeing earned $120,000 for the Phipps Stable.
The victory opened the door for a possible run in the Belmont Stakes on June 9, although trainer Shug McGaughey was more inclined to target the Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga on July 29.
"I wouldn't say the Belmont is a top priority but we'll see how it all plays out," McGaughey said. "We'll see what the Phipps family wants to do. We'll see who is coming. I wouldn't be surprised if there are some dropouts from the Preakness and there will be some horses who jump into the fray."
McGaughey has been very conservative with the colt. He ruled out the Kentucky Derby even though Sightseeing missed by only a half length in the Wood Memorial.
"He's still pretty inexperienced," McGaughey said of the 3-5 favorite who improved to 2-9.

[FatDinah]

Associated Press says there's some talk of the filly Rags to Riches being in the BElmont.

[Glimmerglass]

Associated Press says there's some talk of the filly Rags to Riches being in the Belmont.

Yep - AP: "Preakness loss also takes buzz out of final leg of Triple Crown" (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18770933/)

Other Belmont contenders include four Derby starters — Imawildandcrazyguy (fourth), Tiago (seventh), Nobiz Like Shobiz (10th) and Great Hunter (13th). Also on the list are Chelokee, trainer Michael Matz’s colt who won the Barbaro Stakes on Saturday, Lone Star Derby winner Slew’s Tizzy and Cristobal, who has run twice in France.

Rags to Riches, trained by Todd Pletcher, is the nation’s top filly coming off a victory in the Kentucky Oaks. Pletcher’s Triple Crown race record stands at 0-for-28 after Circular Quay finished fifth and King of the Roxy was sixth in the Preakness.

Two of the 21 fillies who ran in the Belmont have won — Ruthless in 1867 and Tanya in 1905. The last to compete was Silverbulletday, who finished seventh in 1999.

If we will recal, Bob opted to put Silver into the Kentucky Oaks (1999) instead of doing so with his other filly, Excellent Meeting. Instead Excellent went into the Kentucky Derby [and finished 5th], despite Excellent having lost to Silverbullet in a prior meeting.

Silverbulletday was perhaps some of the reason that Charismatic shot to the lead so hard. She and he pushed hard until the top of the stretch when she just could hold out the pace. Neither could Charismatic who pulled up injured in the stretch.

Silverbulletday entered the Belmont with 11 wins in 12 career starts against her own sex. Rags to Riches is no Silverbulletday in my view so entering her is rather foolish.

[Glimmerglass]

Washington Post's Andy Beyer has a good comments on the race (http://columbiamissourian.com/stories/2007/05/20/preakness-parlay/) and on Curlin who is admired as a horse although same is clearly not 100% with his connections. Those are my thoughts too.

One can watch hundreds of races, at every level of the sport, without seeing a horse do the things that Curlin did in the last half mile of the Preakness. The colt had stumbled coming out of the gate, and didn’t get a chance to display his natural speed. This may have been a blessing in disguise, because the leaders were setting a torrid pace, a half mile in 45.75 seconds.

“I thought I was home free.” Borel said.

Indeed, the Preakness appeared to be over; horses almost never re-rally after being passed so decisively. In a matter of minutes, the racing world was going to be speculating about Street Sense’s prospects of sweeping the Triple Crown. But Curlin wasn’t finished.

“He has that way about him that he just wants to win,” Albarado said.

I will say that I thought Gary Steven's remarks were silly (in my view) after the race when he said something to the effect of re-running the Derby would we be looking at [Curlin] as the horse running for the Triple Crown.

Sure do-overs are great when you're 5-yr old kids, give me a break.

[FatDinah]

Nobody has mentioned it, but that was pure guts by Alborado to force Curlin to change leads and dig in after Street Sense passed him, particularly given the stumble from the gate and Curlin's problems with the turns, Curlin's inexperience and the jockey's fall in the turf race. A lots of jockeys, once Street Sense swept by, would have thought, well, I'll get second.

I think Rags to Riches is Jazil's sister, half if not a full sister. Maybe they're hoping for a repeat of last year's Belmont (I doubt they'll get it, Glimmer)

I think Alborado rides Slews Tizzy so he could win the Preakness and Belmont - on two different horses!!! Has anyone done that?

[Glimmerglass]

Sadly it seems like a semi-weak cast of characters cited for the Belmont.

I'm sure the NYRA folks would love to have a filly run - heck ABC would too with it coinciding with the Ruffian movie to be aired that night. Something, anything to get the deflated run for the TC puffed back up a bit. Todd Pletch likely is going to get a lot of uncouragement from organizers to run her I suspect.

Nobiz Like Shobiz would help a lot as it would restore some hometown interest in the race. Tagg despite being a Maryland man and owner Elizabeth Valando living in Greenwich, CT the team seems to be more NY then others.

A good bit of commentary with the bittersweet aspect of Curlin winning - his connections (http://www.kentucky.com/285/story/75425.html) which aren't a loveable lot of folks.

Had they [Curlin's folks] won the Derby - much like when Sheik Mo will finally do so - the touching story simply isn't there and the media would be scrambling to try and make it a story the common man could care about. Thankfully this year it was won by a team that people were interested in with Calvin and Carl both whom made the victory that much more sweet.

[DLee]

Yeah, that is a sad situation about Curlin, and something I found out about after I was already a fan of this horse. :( Embarrassing.

Can anyone give me a clue as to how it works to watch horses (namely Curlin) work at Churchill Downs, where I think he is right now? I'm so new to all this, I have no idea how to know when or where to go...

[WhiteCamry]

Nobody has mentioned it, but that was pure guts by Alborado to force Curlin to change leads and dig in after Street Sense passed him, ...

How does a jockey force a horse to change leads?

[Barnfairy]

I agree wholeheartedly that speculation now is pointless. Regardless, I am still left wondering how Curlin would have handled the Derby had he been prepped differently, with a few more races under his belt (and in saying that I am not intending to knock his connections. A show finish in the Derby ain't too shabby, any day.)

Word on the pike has it that Curlin majority owner Jess Jackson has purchased the farm where Adena Springs is currently located (I believe he already owned part of the land.) I very much got the impression that people don't think much of him, undoubtedly owing to his having accused bloodstock advisers of defrauding him, and then as a result, calling for legislative reform regarding the handling of bloodstock trades (in particular, commissions). Some nerve -- how dare a relative newcomer call horse traders unethical! ;)

I for one am saddened that, at this time, it looks like neither Street Sense nor Curlin will be heading to the Belmont. Sissies. Damn this trend away from the longer races.

Not quite sure what Pletcher is thinking with Rags To Riches. Not quite sure what Pletcher is thinking about anything.

Nobiz and Chelokee...bring it on!

[Glimmerglass]

I for one am saddened that, at this time, it looks like neither Street Sense nor Curlin will be heading to the Belmont. Sissies. Damn this trend away from the longer races.

Some articles have softened up a bit with Carl now a bit more open to Street Sense running in the Belmont. Example: New York Daily News Monday May 21st (http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more_sports/2007/05/21/2007-05-21_street_can_set_up_avenue_of_dreams.html)

Carl Nafzger now sounds as if he spent the night thinking it over and Saturday's "might not" has moved a little closer to "might." He has friends at NYRA. Why make them unhappy so soon, when a rematch with Curlin would make the traffic to Belmont so much worse?

If all three run in the Belmont there is no reason not to think they couldn't run yet again at Saratoga for the Travers Stakes if not the key prep to that - the Haskell Invitational in NJ.

Ironically - or perhaps more obviously - note the lack of media writeups gushing post-Preakness over team Curlin and the victory. The media seems to be more happy discussing the close loss of Street Sense or the friendship of the two jockeys. You can buy a victory in (almost) any major horserace in time but you can't buy sincere admiration ;)

[Drvmb1ggl3]

How does a jockey force a horse to change leads?

Sits deep in the saddle, gives the horse a couple of half halts to prepare him, slides his outer leg back while shifting his weight to his left seat bone............... JUST KIDDING!!!! :)

It's just a crude shift of weight usually accompanied with a tap of the whip on the shoulder.
Actually, if you watch a replay of the race and you'll see a nice example which answers the oft asked question of how jocks get racehorses to switch leads.

You'll also notice that once he switched leads he acclerated like a rocket, which is a good illustration of how important it is that racehorses change leads.

[Glimmerglass]

The pressure as cited must be there for getting "the band back toegther" for at least one more show :D

DRF 5-21-07 7:50 pm "Big 3 showdown in Belmont?" (http://www.drf.com/news/article/85117.html)

Two of three - Curlin and Hard Spun - are definite for the Belmont, while Street Sense is now possible for the race, their respective trainers said. The Belmont, at 1 1/2 miles, is the longest and last leg of the Triple Crown.

The one-two-three finishes by the same horses in the Derby and Preakness had not happened since Silver Charm, Free House, and Captain Bodgit in 1997, and those three were the first to do it since Affirmed, Alydar, and Believe It in 1978.

There never has been an instance of the same horses running one-two-three in the Derby and Preakness and then meeting again in the Belmont.

"I think Curlin, Street Sense, and Hard Spun are a step above this class," Carl Nafzger, the trainer of Street Sense, said Monday. "Curlin, give him his due. He ran third in the Derby with just three previous starts. Then he comes back and runs an even better race."

As for the Preakness, Nafzger said he was disappointed that Street Sense seemed to "lose his intensity" when he hit the front under jockey Calvin Borel.

"That's something we've got to look at, how to alleviate it," Nafzger said. "We've got to push on the button a little later."

For comparisons with performance this past weekend, look at the winning Beyer figs:

Curlin received a Beyer Speed Figure of 111
Chelokee received a Beyer Speed Figure of 95
Sightseeing received a Beyer Speed Figure of 97

Chelokee is doubtful for the Belmont and IMHO is operating at a couple of notchs below the Grade 1 big guns right now.

[ravenclaw]

Not quite sure what Pletcher is thinking with Rags To Riches.
I don't think putting Rags to Riches in the Belmont is such a bad idea. Her dad is A.P. Indy (won the Belmont) and she is a 1/2 sister to Jazil, who won it last year. If Curlin and Street Sense run, I doubt she could beat them but I think she's better than a lot of the colts who ran in the Derby and Preakness.

Her name doesn't fit her very well, does it? With her breeding, there was never anything rag-like about her. ;)

[Glimmerglass]

I don't think putting Rags to Riches in the Belmont is such a bad idea. Her dad is A.P. Indy (won the Belmont) and she is a 1/2 sister to Jazil, who won it last year. If Curlin and Street Sense run, I doubt she could beat them but I think she's better than a lot of the colts who ran in the Derby and Preakness.

That of course introduces the age-old question: do you race a horse to win or just to hopefully finish in the money?

We aren't talking about claimers here which can often be a vastly different plan of action with covering the bills and making some good money.

Rags to Riches could - instead of taking on "the boys" - save her energy and do a series of same-sex races and almost be assured of wins. Plenty of money to be made at Saratoga which starts in late July vs. running in early June and maybe swinging for the fences and falling far short.

[Glimmerglass]

BloodHorse 5-21-07 "Preakness Overnight Ratings Dip Slightly" (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=39043)

NBC reported a 5.4 rating and a 13 share of the audience for this year’s Preakness telecast, which aired from 5 p.m.-6:48 p.m. ET. That represented a 5% dip from 2006’s 5.7/14. One ratings point equals 770,000 viewers in overnight ratings, and the 13 share represents the percentage of televisions in use that were tuned to the race.

The race segment of the Preakness show, from 6-6:30 p.m., attracted a 7.4 rating. NBC reported that the Preakness telecast was the highest rated sports show of the day, far outdistancing FOX’s baseball coverage of the New York Yankees—New York Mets tilt.

Accordingly the actual race was watched by about 20% of all tv household "on" at the time. The Derby (race portion) was in the 25% - 28% range.

Just a point of curiosity - all the FOBs quickly took credit for this year's Kentucky Derby ratings being the best in 15-years, calling it "the Barbaro Effect". [Despite 2006's Derby being the worst ratings wise in NBC's tenture and among the worst under ABC before that] So why aren't they taking credit of the dip in the Preakness ratings? Matz was featured during the telecast as were the Jacksons so you can't say there wasn't TV content to appeal squarely to that group. Hmmm ...

[caffeinated]

Maybe all the FOB's that couldn't bear to watch the race because of what happened last year, or they turned off the TV after Mending Fences?

[Jinx]

Because a large number of the fob's are FN (nucking futs!):eek: :winkgrin:

[Glimmerglass]

equidaily.com dug up this feature article on Calvin Borel which is rather well done if you want a strong local feel on who he is

The Independent Weekly "Ride of His Life", May 23rd (http://www.theind.com/cover2.asp?CID=1820453602)

At the age of 8, Calvin started racing horses, and during the summer he lived with Cecil who raced horses at Delta Downs in Vinton and Evangeline Downs in Carencro. By the time he was 12, Calvin was living with Cecil full-time. He dropped out of school after the 8th grade, but he didn’t stop working.

“I just taught him how to work,” Cecil says. “He learned how to work until it paid off. The boy worked hard. He was small, but by the time he reached 10 he could almost do a man’s job, as far as horse-wise. At 10 years old, he knew what some people at 20 or 30 years old didn’t know about a horse.”

And while Calvin is still 'the man' despite the ever so slight loss at Old Hilltop it doesn't look as rosey in the Hard Spun camp:

Delaware News Journal 5-23-07 "No decision yet on Hard Spun, Pino in Belmont" (http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070523/SPORTS/705230382/1002/SPORTS)

The question of who will ride Hard Spun hasn't been answered. Pino was criticized by Porter immediately after the race for moving Hard Spun to the outside and past pacesetters Xchanger and Flying First Class at the three-quarter pole. Pino dueled with C P West for the lead, but didn't have enough horse left to go after winner Curlin and Street Sense in the stretch.

Jones said several jockey agents have called, asking if there could be a change.

[Glimmerglass]

According to the Daily Racing Form for Wed May 23rd (http://drf.com/news/article/85122.html) Tiago and Mike Smith are looking good in preparation. Tiago is scheduled to leave for New York on Tuesday, May 29. He said Tiago would have his final work for the Belmont at Belmont Park six days before the race.

[Glimmerglass]

The New York Times last week had done this article on (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/19/sports/othersports/19horse.html) Genuine Risk now and then. The photo of her - at age 30 and the oldest living Derby winner - is excellent. Wonderful coat and good muscle tone.

The article delves, as they do every year at this time, into her quest for glory being robbed at Old Hilltop by Codex.

The old gal won the Derby and took second in the Preakness and Belmont. I didn't know it was the running into a fire hydrant after getting lose in the fall on the Belmont backstretch which ended her career.

Its been asked before about her offspring and I recall a few years ago someone who owns one of the two of them posted on this BB.

Genuine Reward was sent to Wyoming, where he is a sire of polo ponies. Count Our Blessing was turned into a show horse.

[Glimmerglass]

A lovely headline to be sure - as of Thursday evening:

BloodHorse "Derby Winner Street Sense 'Possible' for Belmont" (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=39079)

The homebred son of Street Cry galloped a mile over a "fast" surface under exercise rider Mark Cutler.

Trainer Carl Nafzger said Street Sense remained on the list of "possible" starters for the Belmont Stakes, the 1 ½-mile third jewel of the Triple Crown scheduled for June 9 at Belmont Park.

DRF 5-24-07 "Great Hunter a go; 'Nobiz' opts out" (http://drf.com/news/article/85190.html)

Great Hunter is in, Nobiz Like Shobiz is out, and Hard Spun is likely to run in the $1 million Belmont Stakes on June 9.

Meanwhile, Nobiz Like Shobiz, the 10th-place finisher in the Kentucky Derby, also worked Thursday, but trainer Barclay Tagg said he is not pointing his Wood Memorial winner to the Belmont. Nobiz Like Shobiz breezed five furlongs in 1:00.32 over Belmont Park's main track under jockey Cornelio Velasquez, and he is being pointed to the Dwyer Stakes here on July 4.

Tagg also mentioned the Jim Dandy and Travers at Saratoga this summer as races he'd like to make with Nobiz Like Shobiz, who is owned by Elizabeth Valando.

[J. Turner]

The New York Times last week had done this article on (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/19/sports/othersports/19horse.html) Genuine Risk now and then. The photo of her - at age 30 and the oldest living Derby winner - is excellent. Wonderful coat and good muscle tone.

The article delves, as they do every year at this time, into her quest for glory being robbed at Old Hilltop by Codex.

The old gal won the Derby and took second in the Preakness and Belmont. I didn't know it was the running into a fire hydrant after getting lose in the fall on the Belmont backstretch which ended her career.

Its been asked before about her offspring and I recall a few years ago someone who owns one of the two of them posted on this BB.

She looks lovely. Beautiful coat, good muscle. One of our BBs has a gorgeous 30 year old TB at the farm where my boy is. You might think he's 17+ but never 30. He's still doing W/T/C and occassionaly 18" - 2'.

[Texarkana]

The New York Times last week had done this article on (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/19/sports/othersports/19horse.html) Genuine Risk now and then. The photo of her - at age 30 and the oldest living Derby winner - is excellent. Wonderful coat and good muscle tone.

The article delves, as they do every year at this time, into her quest for glory being robbed at Old Hilltop by Codex.

The old gal won the Derby and took second in the Preakness and Belmont. I didn't know it was the running into a fire hydrant after getting lose in the fall on the Belmont backstretch which ended her career.

Its been asked before about her offspring and I recall a few years ago someone who owns one of the two of them posted on this BB.

I learned lots about her I never knew from that article, thanks for posting it. She looks amazing. It's funny how the best mares always seem to have the most trouble reproducing, though.

[Glimmerglass]

I learned lots about her I never knew from that article, thanks for posting it. She looks amazing.

Like the Tic-Tac thing :D Maybe she has a little bit of Italian (http://www.ferrerousa.com/) in her.

Newstead (http://www.newstead.com/index2.asp) is such a lovely estate from the stables to the manor house so she should be enjoying each day, despite being "an old lady" so to speak. You can visit GR and Newstead once again this weekend to be exact (http://www.middleburgonline.com/stabletour/tour.html) during the charity Stable Tour.

[FatDinah]

I once did an interview with the breeding farm manager for the Phipps stables and asked about that myth, that the great race mares don't make good broodmares, and pointed to Genuine Risk.
He said Genuine Risk had just had a series of bad outcomes, basically bad luck or coincidence, however you want to put it, in terms of not having a live foal.
He also pointed out that because mares might only have 10-12 foals reach racing, either because of death or unsoundess, that you can't compare them to the chances that a stallion having dozens of foals each year has to have a high-level winning offspring.
That was the year one of the Phipps mares won the Breeders Cup distaff and he said he'd be leading her off the van PERSONALLY when she came home, as she was being retired to be bred.
And, of course, you have Personal Ensign, who had a Breeders Cup winner as well as other top offspring. Aside, Personal Ensign was pensioned this year by the Phipps after she didn't conceive.

[Glimmerglass]

Reflecting on the Preakness ...

For the record, what is the largest single sports gathering in Maryland history? Is it a Ravens NFL game? Or perhaps the long-gone-but-not-forgotten Colts? Maybe the Baltimore Orioles or a Maryland Terps college football game? The great War Admiral-Seabiscuit match race?

The answer none of the above.

Instead it was the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico, May 19, 2007 with 121,263 on-site attendees. A dead sport in the State? If so it was one heck of a well attended funneral.

[Sandbarhorse]

Thanks for link to the GR article, Glimmer! I love that mare and am thrilled to see her looking so happy and healthy! She is one of the first Derby winners I truly remember going gaga over and, as a young horse crazy girl, I saved the Newsday article and picture of her winning the Derby. I think it's still tucked in a book at my Mom's.

I will cry like a baby when her time comes and can only hope that won't be for quite awhile yet.

[Glimmerglass]

.. I saved the Newsday article and picture of her winning the Derby.

A lot of people (I think) recall her on the cover of Sports Illustrated for May 12, 1980 (http://dynamic.si.cnn.com/si_online/covers/issues/1980/0512.html) with a tweaked headline playing of the famed Frank Sinatra tune - The Lady Is A Champ.

For those who have not seen the 'infamous' race: youtube.com video: 1980 Preakness Stakes (2:14 duration) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5FX8lRb-XY)

[lizathenag]

I was flying through Houston the Sunday after the Belmont and picked up a newspaper with the Sports headline <<Codex wins Belmont>>. Sort of like <<Dewey wins!>> (or Gore for that matter--oh wait, he did!)

[Glimmerglass]

The door for Street Sense to go to Elmont, New York June 9th is being pushed hard on by the media. I feel for Carl who likely is just being polite by saying "maybe" yet strongly cautioning it as being unlikely.

Courier Journal May 25, 2007 (http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070525/SPORTS08/705250553/1002/SPORTS)

Nafzger said Street Sense's status for the 1 ½-mile Triple Crown finale was "up in the air. It's possible."

"Probably around Tuesday or so we'll make up our mind," he said. "But until then we're not in any hurry to do it. … More than likely we won't go, but (owner Jim Tafel) and I have to talk. He's got more votes than I do."

Two goals are the Breeders' Cup Classic on Oct. 27 at Monmouth Park and Saratoga's Aug. 25 Travers Stakes.

Nafzger said Street Sense yesterday "galloped beautiful, but he was a little too anxious."

[vineyridge]

Winning Colors hasn't produced much has she?

Tesio thought that too much of a great race mare's elan vital went into her career and wasn't there for her foals. Of course he wasn't a scientist.

[Jinx]

You know its funny. I had a ton of people at work this week say they watched the race. People who normally are not into horses or horse racing. And you know what they said? That it was awesome and incredibly exciting. And they all kept asking if Street Sense and Curlin would be racing in the Belmont. Persoanlly I think these two fighting it out is the best thing we could have happen. Lets hope they get the right races and stay tough to take on the best older horses. Lets also hope that they keep on racing long enough to create a following......

[Slewdledo]

Pino's off Hard Spun for the Belmont. :no:

[Drvmb1ggl3]

Pino's off Hard Spun for the Belmont. :no:

Good move. His ride at Pimlico was criminal.
Gomez is the pick of the litter these days imo.

[JER]

It's funny how the best mares always seem to have the most trouble reproducing, though.

I think it's time to put this myth in a box and bury it.

Toussaud, Fall Aspen, Urban Sea and Dahlia were all multiple stakes winners who produced 4 G1 winners each. Toussaud and Urban Sea are still active in breeding so they may produce more. Serena's Song has 6 foals of racing age -- 5 are 6-figure winners with stakes wins and placings. Bernardini's dam is Cara Rafaela, another multiple stakes winner.

Winning Colors had 8 foals, some of which did well overseas. Her foals brought high prices at the sales but I assume the fillies were bought with an eye toward the broodmare band.

[FatDinah]

Let's not forget Miesque, the great French racing mare, who has had some other top runners and some top sires, Kingmambo among them.

[Texarkana]

I think it's time to put this myth in a box and bury it.

Toussaud, Fall Aspen, Urban Sea and Dahlia were all multiple stakes winners who produced 4 G1 winners each. Toussaud and Urban Sea are still active in breeding so they may produce more. Serena's Song has 6 foals of racing age -- 5 are 6-figure winners with stakes wins and placings. Bernardini's dam is Cara Rafaela, another multiple stakes winner.

Winning Colors had 8 foals, some of which did well overseas. Her foals brought high prices at the sales but I assume the fillies were bought with an eye toward the broodmare band.

I speak not from myth, but from my own personal observation.

I don't know about the others, but I know for a fact Toussaud is VERY difficult to breed. She's hard to get in foal, she has complications because of her own health, and all her foals are immediately taken from her and placed with nurse mares. Does that sound like easy reproducing to you? Granted, her results have been wonderful so it's well worth the effort.

You wouldn't believe the mares we would get in our NICU-- black-type winners, graded stakes winners, millionaires... and this was in PA. I can't imagine what they get in in Kentucky.

[Texarkana]

Pino's off Hard Spun for the Belmont. :no:

That stinks... but as much as I like Pino, I still wonder what on earth he was thinking trying to catch that pace in the Preakness.

[LyndaPellitteri31]

As for the Barbaro Stakes if anyone thinks that Chelokee wasn't intentionally given a cake walk - and guaranteed win - based upon the entires they are kidding themselves. A defacto walk over staged for the media.


Did you loose money on this race? Or do you actually believe in this conspiracy theory? I would like to see evidence instead of just looking at the enteries. Chelokee nor Matz couldn't help that the other horses were inferior.

[Glimmerglass]

Re: Chelokee and the B-Stakes

I don't see how anyone could've lost money on the race. Chelokee was possible contender for the Preakness Stakes and a graded stakes winner. Instead for this race he dropped down to an ungraded stakes race against lacking class of horses.

I'm sure all the horses as always treated it like any other chase for the finish. Todd Pletcher pulled out with a very worthy horse originally aimed for the race. No suggestion of "conspiracy" but that race was set-up for the MM victory and I don't think it would've been well received if another horse took the win.

Enough said.

[Glimmerglass]

One less runner on June 9th...

Courier-Journal 5-27-07 "Great Hunter scratches from Belmont" (http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070527/SPORTS08/705270591/1002/SPORTS)

Great Hunter, 13th in the Kentucky Derby, is out of the June 9 Belmont Stakes after suffering a chipped bone in his front right ankle. He worked five furlongs in 1:00 4/5 Thursday on Hollywood Park's Cushion Track.

Other reports indicate Great Hunter will be out for at least 3 months

Also Pino is out - as cited by other - replaced by Bob Baffert's frequently used clutch rider: Garrett Gomez

As cited by the Courier Journal, while Todd Pletcher remains publicly 'on the fence' about the filly Rags to Riches it is exceedingly dim she'll start. Why? Because Garrett Gomez is her regular rider and Todd's "first rider" is John Velazquez who has now agreed to ride long shot Slew's Tizzy'.

Accordingly don't expect any Pletcher runners in the Belmont Stakes.

[Jinx]

Re: Chelokee and the B-Stakes

I don't see how anyone could've lost money on the race. Chelokee was possible contender for the Preakness Stakes and a graded stakes winner. Instead for this race he dropped down to an ungraded stakes race against lacking class of horses.

I'm sure all the horses as always treated it like any other chase for the finish. Todd Pletcher pulled out with a very worthy horse originally aimed for the race. No suggestion of "conspiracy" but that race was set-up for the MM victory and I don't think it would've been well received if another horse took the win.

Enough said.

Exactly!:yes:

[Glimmerglass]

Another Kentucky Derby runner pointed to the Belmont?

Another name was added to the Belmont mix on Monday as trainer Darrin Miller said Silverton Hill’s Sedgefield is under consideration for the final jewel of the Triple Crown. The other option for the Smart Strike colt, fifth in the Kentucky Derby in his previous start, is the Ohio Derby (G2) on Saturday at Thistledown.

Source: DRF May 28, 2007 (www.drf.com)

[LyndaPellitteri31]

Re: Chelokee and the B-Stakes

I don't see how anyone could've lost money on the race. Chelokee was possible contender for the Preakness Stakes and a graded stakes winner. Instead for this race he dropped down to an ungraded stakes race against lacking class of horses.

I'm sure all the horses as always treated it like any other chase for the finish. Todd Pletcher pulled out with a very worthy horse originally aimed for the race. No suggestion of "conspiracy" but that race was set-up for the MM victory and I don't think it would've been well received if another horse took the win.

Enough said.


MM said why he didn't run Chelokee in the Preakness. He felt that the top three horses were too good this time of year and he isn't running for 4th place. He wanted to run Chelokee in a race he could win to boost his confidence. It wasn't well recieved when Birdstone took the Belmont away from Smarty Jones, but so what? Why would trainers or owners think, "oh lets stay out of this race so poor MM can win it so it will look good for tv and the fans can be emotional..."? I know three horse trainers I can ask about this one, possibly 4 if I can get ahold of him and I am going to ask them about this.

[Glimmerglass]

No idea why this is even a point of discussion but do you really think with so many forces in play for that race to be "the quasi Preakness that never happened", that suddenly Matz would've passed with an entry all but assured victory?

ESPn 5-18-07 "Sentimental favorite Chelokee looks much best" (http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/news/story?id=2874783)

excerpt

On Friday, Pimlico was scheduled to sell books and prints of Barbaro. And on Saturday, an Air Force elite parachute team is scheduled to drop in carrying a flag designed with the colors of the Jacksons' Lael Stable.

The coda to all this would be a victory by Chelokee in the Barbaro. He will be heavily favored. Chelokee finished third in the Florida Derby in his last start, and at one point was under serious consideration for the Derby and the Preakness before Matz decided to take an easier route to upcoming major races.

No one else in the Barbaro has finished in the money in a graded stakes race.

The main threat to Chelokee would appear to be Soaring By, who was an impressive allowance winner at Gulfstream before a dull try on Polytrack at Keeneland.

But Soaring By's trainer, Todd Pletcher, on Thursday said he was heavily leaning toward running Soaring By on Sunday at Belmont Park in the Grade 2, $200,000 Peter Pan Stakes.

"One scratch from the Barbaro would definitely make him a runner there," Pletcher said. "Let me know if Chelokee scratches."

Chelokee went off at 1-5 and indeed Pletcher defected with Soaring By - clearly he did not want to be the spoiler. Prado - yea sure he's going to push to win this race, right - took second on Silver Express a solid 4 3/4 lengths back.

[Glimmerglass]

One more confirmed drop out for the Belmont: "Wood Memorial runner-up Sightseeing is going to await the Dwyer Stakes (http://drf.com/news/article/85310.html") instead at Belmont Park on July 4.

So, 12 days before the Belmont, the field had five horses who best could be described as definite - Curlin, Hard Spun, Imawildandcrazyguy, Slew's Tizzy, and Tiago - with Street Sense a 50-50 proposition.

Three others - Chelokee, Circular Quay, and Rags to Riches - are very exceedingly doubtful if not all but guaranteed not to run.

Accordingly there could be a lot of motivation for Street Sense to run if the field is that small/

With possibly only 5 others, and frankly you can discount Ima .. and Slew's Tizzy, I do hope that Carl will see the benefit in running SS. Anyone else agree/disagree?

[caffeinated]

MM said why he didn't run Chelokee in the Preakness. He felt that the top three horses were too good this time of year and he isn't running for 4th place. He wanted to run Chelokee in a race he could win to boost his confidence.

Which is basically what Glimmerglass has been saying. He was the best horse in the field, and was a sure thing in that race (well, as "sure" as you can get in horse racing, since nothing is every guaranteed). Plus, everyone WANTED him to win. It was as close to a lock as you can get, not sure why this upsets people?

Anyway, I'm very sad to learn about Great Hunter. I like him a lot and hope he heals up soon. Also disappointed with Sightseeing, but hopefully the path they're taking will lead to some more exciting races down the line. I like his style :)

[LyndaPellitteri31]

I am not upset that he was such a favorite. What I find rediculous is the thought that this race was a set up. Heck, I could name a lot of races that could have been set ups in this case. How about Half of Cigar's races? Secretariat's Belmont Stakes? Just because Todd Pletcher didn't want to run his horse against Chelokee doesn't meet he was part of the plot. There is nothing wrong with everyone wanting him to win. Everyone wanted Smarty to win too. Should Edgar have held back Birdstone?

[LyndaPellitteri31]

No idea why this is even a point of discussion but do you really think with so many forces in play for that race to be "the quasi Preakness that never happened", that suddenly Matz would've passed with an entry all but assured victory?

ESPn 5-18-07 "Sentimental favorite Chelokee looks much best" (http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/news/story?id=2874783)

excerpt



Chelokee went off at 1-5 and indeed Pletcher defected with Soaring By - clearly he did not want to be the spoiler. Prado - yea sure he's going to push to win this race, right - took second on Silver Express a solid 4 3/4 lengths back.


It's a point of discussion because somebody decided that the race was fixed. That's a very serious accusation to make when really no one has any evidence whatsoever that it was fixed.
Matz didn't "suddenly pass" the Preakness. If you read the press reports ever since the Kentucky Derby was over he was inclined not to run Chelokee in the Preakness. Now mabe you didn't read inbetween the lines, but I could have told you right away he would not have run in the Preakness. Matz does not get all excited about big races like mabe some other trainers do.
Ok, now Edgar was in on the plot to make sure Chelokee won?
Considering his reputation, this is very a very rediculous remark to make. BTW I am still waiting for evidence for this whole thing.

[caffeinated]

Nobody said it was "fixed" as in there was cheating going on within the race. They just said it was set up in a way that meant Chelokee was 99.9999% certain to win. That's different than saying someone held back a horse, or didn't make an effort. When you put a horse capable of being in the money in graded stakes races against horses who aren't, what would you call it?

Maybe "set up to win" is the wrong term, and we should just call it a cakewalk. ;)

Either way, it's kind of unrelated to the TC chase, so I'll let it go now, LOL

[Laurierace]

Nobody said it was "fixed" as in there was cheating going on within the race. They just said it was set up in a way that meant Chelokee was 99.9999% certain to win. That's different than saying someone held back a horse, or didn't make an effort. When you put a horse capable of being in the money in graded stakes races against horses who aren't, what would you call it?

Maybe "set up to win" is the wrong term, and we should just call it a cakewalk. ;)

Either way, it's kind of unrelated to the TC chase, so I'll let it go now, LOL


If this race was "set up" for Matz to win, it was "set up" by him by deciding to take an easier path rather than going for bigger money. They obviously have no control over who enters which race, but they do have control over which race they enter. Truth is, a trainer's job is to pick the spot with the biggest likelihood of success regardless of the horse. Seems to me he did his job perfectly.

[Glimmerglass]

Regarding the Belmont ..

There will be a large, formal press conference THUR May 31st (http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20070529006218&newsLang=en) at 10:30 a.m. EDT from Churchill Downs regarding Street Sense and the Belmont Stakes.

To try and 'read the tea leaves' in trying to determine if this will be a "yes, we are running decision" you'd have to say its positive. From the simple fact that to have a formal meeting like this with the media invited would a large waste of the precious few bullets left by horse racing to get the big media to attend and cover this.

One would assume that if the answer is a reaffirming no, as has been said by Carl for a week now, then [that decision] should've been issued today as was promised. Or at least that's my opinion on how to deal with it.

[LyndaPellitteri31]

If this race was "set up" for Matz to win, it was "set up" by him by deciding to take an easier path rather than going for bigger money. They obviously have no control over who enters which race, but they do have control over which race they enter. Truth is, a trainer's job is to pick the spot with the biggest likelihood of success regardless of the horse. Seems to me he did his job perfectly.

THANK YOU LAURIE!!!

Now, Matz and the owners have decided to point Chelokee to the Northern Dancer Stakes on June 16th. Is this race going to be "set up for Matz to win" also if Chelokee wins?

[LouLove]

Regarding the Belmont ..

To try and 'read the tea leaves' in trying to determine if this will be a "yes, we are running decision" you'd have to say its positive. From the simple fact that to have a formal meeting like this with the media invited would a large waste of the precious few bullets left by horse racing to get the big media to attend and cover this.

I agree....especially after reading this article talking about his workout at CD this morning...

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/more/05/30/bc.rac.belmont.steetsen.ap/

[Glimmerglass]

I agree....especially after reading this article talking about his workout at CD this morning...

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/more/05/30/bc.rac.belmont.steetsen.ap/

Interesting! With comments like that it would be hard to say the horse isn't ready for the Belmont or support a theory that they'd rather skip and race in July then August instead.

A rather interesting bit of commentary from Bob Baffert with the Triple Crown, as spied by Equidaily.com:

"The NTRA should have some kind of bonus, a point system of say a million dollars. Who has the most points after running in all three races gets the money. If I was the czar of the Triple Crown I would set it up this way: Starting with the draw for the Kentucky Derby the top money winners get the first choices. It's not random the way it is now and you get rewarded for racing in big preps. The Preakness would be a no-expense entry on a invitational basis, emphasizing horses who ran in the Derby and then the bonus comes into play for the Belmont."

He also says the New York Racing Association should consider assisting in either the points bonus and join in with Churchill Downs and Pimlico Race Track in finding ways to make the transition to each event, i.e. travel and accommodations smoother for owners and trainers. Because when no Triple Crown is on the line, track attendance and TV ratings take considerable dips.

To this end he has long been a proponent of the controversial 'pay-to-play' incentive, and has accepted such compensation to bring some of his top horses to other races. It's a system that has been employed in other sports such as tennis, golf and track and field, where organizers gladly shell out appearance fees to guarantee a top crowd draw will be there.

More of Bob's comments here: NBC Sports 5-29-07 "After close calls, Baffert pushes for Triple Crown changes" (http://www.nbcsports.com/horseracing/1566048/detail.html)

[Barnfairy]

"The NTRA should have some kind of bonus, a point system of say a million dollars. Who has the most points after running in all three races gets the money. If I was the czar of the Triple Crown I would set it up this way: Starting with the draw for the Kentucky Derby the top money winners get the first choices. It's not random the way it is now and you get rewarded for racing in big preps. The Preakness would be a no-expense entry on a invitational basis, emphasizing horses who ran in the Derby and then the bonus comes into play for the Belmont."

Isn't the whole point of a stakes race that the owner has a stake in it, having paid to enter? Not that I'm completely opposed to a bonus system; I was sad to see the Visa one go.

The fact that several horses have come so close to winning the TC in recent years --some within a nose-- is precisely why I think nothing should be changed. Not the distances, not the dates, not the draw, nothing.

Sure, I can see BB's point, that it does cost a lot to participate at this level. But $hit, if a chunk of a $1,000,000 purse isn't enough of an enticement to enter, what the heck would be? So it cost Bob $10,000 dollars to go to the Kentucky Derby. Boo hoo. I'm having a hard time feeling that top trainers and owners should recieve some sort of extra consideration for getting their horses to the TC races, knowing that there are countless trainers with a stable of 5 claimers and an allowance horse doing their part to keep the sport alive too.

As for Street Sense, all right, Carl, now that you have all of our attention...;)

[Texarkana]

As for Street Sense, all right, Carl, now that you have all of our attention...;)

He sure does. I really can't imagine he'd call a press conference to say he's NOT running after SS worked so well.

As far as Baffert's TC revision theories... I didn't read the whole article, but I don't know how I feel about it. Part of me agrees with Barnfairy-- why change it, especially only to make it more convenient for the racing elite.

But I also think Baffert's idea is a really good one from the casual racing fan's point of view. It would give fans something to follow for all 3 races, regardless of a TC winner, and maybe help keep people interested in the years where there's no chance at a TC winner going into the Belmont.

But then again, the horse person in me asks why burn out a young horse on 3 back-to-back grueling races to earn a few "points." The same horse could have a very successful and winning career if the trainer and owners can pick their races according to the horse, not the TC chase. I think Baffert's plan could potentially lead to a lot of confidence shattering and breakdowns.

So yeah, I don't know what I think... hehe.

[Glimmerglass]

Barnfairy I do agree with your comments although, if possible, I do appreciate BB's suggestions as well. His would address more of the "off years" at the Belmont when after the Preakness we aren't looking at a TC race.

Although I can't say I fully understand this one remark by Bob:

If I was the czar of the Triple Crown I would set it up this way: Starting with the draw for the Kentucky Derby the top money winners get the first choices. It's not random the way it is now and you get rewarded for racing in big preps.

Well it is random with the pulls and I think the Derby as it is focuses too much on those with the most amount of money. The fact that a horse like Birdbirdistheword was until just a month out from the KYDerby was still top 5 in earnings all because of a massive casino-sponsored Grade 3 victory in 2006 is not right.

I'm still in favor of giving more of an advantage [with getting into the Derby] for graded stakes runners [and not even necessarily winners but in the money] at the age of 3 over one-off winners at 2 of graded stakes.

Budweiser by the way was going to step up the plate and take over after Visa but couldn't come to terms with Triple Crown Productions and the tracks. Now that KFC is the title sponsor of the Derby alone as well as two networks airing the races it ruins the marketing edge for any single title firm to put up the TC bonus.

The cost to offer a bonus like $5M to the TC winner - which never has been paid out - and after 3/4 of a century has only produced 11 winners is very small. It is just an insurance policy with a relatively marginal premium and in exchange for that the sponsor's name gets linked to the Triple Crown. I still think of it being the Visa Triple Crown.
Maybe we'll see a Kentucky hard alcohol brand sponsor it someday. Keeneland hasn't any issues with it at their track and Makers Mark, for example, has been a very good corporate citizen! Hard alcohol is not advertised on the "big three" networks not because of an FCC but rather a self impossed rule.

[Linny]

Baffert's points are well taken and IMO the host tracks should provide some hospitality. Churchill should designate a box for each Derby trainer and an box for each owner.
As for bonuses for participating in all three races they have been tried. Once they awarded the bonus to the horse with the most points even though he had NOT WON a race in the series. After that, the idea was scrapped.
The onus falls on NYRA to promote the Belmont as an "event" regardless of whether a TC is on the line. They need to sell the Belmont. It must have a status on it's own. The problem they have is that the race is anachronistic. None of these horses will ever go 12f on dirt again and the trainers know it. Yet, it's a $1m G1 with more history than the Derby and let's face it, three year old colt honors are earned in the spring more than the fall with rare exception.

[Glimmerglass]

Injury updates....

Daily Racing Form May 30, 2007 (http://drf.com/news/article/85382.html)

Tendon injury sidelines Liquidity

Liquidity, who finished 14th in the Kentucky Derby, has been found to have a tendon injury and will be sidelined for at least six months, trainer Doug O'Neill said.

O'Neill said Liquidity will undergo stem-cell treatment in an effort to "regenerate fiber" in the tendon.

Stem-cell procedures are becoming common in horse racing as a way to aid recovery from tendon and knee injuries. In the procedure, fat cells are harvested from the hind end of the injured horse and developed into stem cells through a laboratory procedure. The stem cells, which occur naturally in horses, are used to regenerate healthy tissue.

Owned by Paul Reddam, Liquidity has 1 victory in 8 starts and earnings of $197,200. He was second in the Hollywood Futurity last December and second in the Sham Stakes at Santa Anita in February.

Reddam's Great Hunter underwent successful surgery Sunday to have a bone chip removed from an ankle, O'Neill said. The injury was detected last week when Great Hunter was being considered for a start in the June 9 Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park.

Great Hunter will need 90 days rest before resuming light training, O'Neill said.

"It was pretty minor, but we felt we it was enough to take it out," O'Neill said of Great Hunter's ankle injury. "It's been a pretty rough week."

[Glimmerglass]

The press conference is underway with the decision to run Street Sense in the Belmont Stakes or not. No word yet.

Although this morning's (Thu May 31st) Herald-Leader (Lexington) article by John Clay says - "Don't do it" (http://www.kentucky.com/285/story/84443.html)

Come on, Carl, what if Street Sense is injured in New York? Or if the physical beating he takes at the Belmont compromises his Travers? And what about what you said after the Derby?

You spoke sagely that Sunday morning about the second-guessers who questioned your strategy.

"You can either win the press," you said, "or you can win the Derby."

I know, I know, you say the Belmont is Mr. Tafel's decision. But he trusts your input, Carl. And if Street Sense continues on to New York because you truly want him there, fine.

But don't do it because we want him there.

We can wait.

[Glimmerglass]

STREET SENSE TO SKIP THE BELMONT - CONFIRMED AT PRESS CONFERENCE - Thursday May 31st

Per Nafzger said that he and Street Sense's owner, Jim Tafel, made the decision jointly after a two-hour discussion Wednesday night.

[ravenclaw]

Oh well. It would have been fun to see Street Sense run against Curlin and Hard Spun again, but I think skipping the Belmont is probably in the best interests of Street Sense. I respect Nafzger and Tafel for this. I would rather see Street Sense run as a 4-year-old than in the Belmont (but that probably won't happen either!). :p

[LouLove]

Well - I too have to commend owner/trainer for this decision. Although it would have been great to see the 3 run again, and it seemed as of yesterday there was more of an inclination to say "yes" (speculation only), this is a respectful decision. Let's hope his 4 year old year is a great one! Will be neat to follow him in 2008...

[Barnfairy]

Oh the drama.

Not quite sure why this anticlimactic decision required a press conference, or why a press conference was arranged before the decision was even made apparently, but so be it.

I do hope we'll see more of SS later on...like maybe in a fall MassCap, as a prep for the Breeder's Cup....:D

[Glimmerglass]

Carl Nafzger's own words at the press conference:

“The Triple Crown is out; Curlin took us out,” Nafzger said. “We’re not going to the Belmont. We’ve set goals for this horse. We want the Travers and we want the Breeders’ Cup Classic. We could be the first horse to win the (Breeders’ Cup) Juvenile, the Derby, the Travers, and the Classic, Mr. Tafel said these are worthy goals, let go after it. Let’s don’t chase spilt water. We spilt the water in the Preakness.

“I can’t believe we got beat, but we got beat,” the trainer said. “We got outrun. That’s behind us. The decision now is to regroup. We will be at the Travers as long as the horse is healthy and 110%. We will be at Monmouth Park for the Breeders’ Cup Classic."

If only five horses start at the Belmont it will be the smallest field since 1978.

I'm a little bit dumbfounded by the suggestion that if Street Sense ran in the Belmont that he couldn't be ready to run in the Travers Stakes. How is that? The 138th Running of the Travers Stakes (also a $1 million purse) is on Aug. 25, 2007.

Let's see - Spectacular Bid ran on Jun 9, 1979 and then August 26, 1979 in his return. No one is asking for an insane repeat of Seatle Slew racing at Hollywood Park in the Swaps Stakes in July with only 3 weeks rest.

Asked about running Street Sense at 4-yrs old and there was no guaranteed committment to do so.

[Texarkana]

I didn't see the press conference or read anything other than what was posted here. Although from what was said, I almost wonder if something happened between Tuesday when the press conference was called and now to make them change their minds about running in the Belmont. Because this seems like a whole lotta of hoopla for nothing. I agree with Glimmerglass-- why couldn't he run in the Belmont and the Travers? It's certainly happened before. Heck, Birdstone won both in 2004... as did Point Given, Lemon Drop Kid, etc.

[Drvmb1ggl3]

I'm a little bit dumbfounded by the suggestion that if Street Sense ran in the Belmont that he couldn't be ready to run in the Travers Stakes. How is that? The 138th Running of the Travers Stakes (also a $1 million purse) is on Aug. 25, 2007.


Come now, this is 2007, you can't expect a horse to race in early June and then be ready to race on only 3 months rest. Are you trying to run this porcelain dolls into the ground?

I don't understand why anyone is suprised about this. There is little our no stud value in being a Belmont winner if you don't go into the Belmont with the K Derby and Preakness already in your back pocket. May as well save him up for a a 9 or 10f G1 race that looks good on the stallion page like the Travers.
Sad but true.

[Glimmerglass]

Texarkana, brilliant point with little Birdstone taking the Belmont Stakes and 2004 Travers Stakes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dg-TQS12M3c)! (Note how Tom Durkin makes the winning call at Saratoga wrong ;>)

Not to bash the crew but the "he has nothing to prove" stuff isn't the point. It is essentially time value of money: a grade 1 victory and $1M today is worth more then a Grade 1 win at $1M tomorrow. If they truly think SS is worthy of winning the Belmont in a week and could win $1M, why then follow a silly suggestion and say you'd rather try for $1M almost 3-months later instead? Too much time to get injured in training, sour on racing, and the like.

I suspect they have their doubts about winning the Belmont with Street Sense. Few would doubt he easily could finish top 3 with even just a marginal effort .... but actually win it? No one can say with certainty.

It all begs the question: who the heck thinks that the Travers Stakes will be any easier? Lots of late bloomers appear in that race. Do they think ducking Curlin in June will help them for late August? Well chances are that they'll see him at Spa anyhow.

[Drvmb1ggl3]

Texarkana, brilliant point with little Birdstone taking the Belmont Stakes and 2004 Travers Stakes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dg-TQS12M3c)! (Note how Tom Durkin makes the winning call at Saratoga wrong ;>)

Not to bash the crew but the "he has nothing to prove" stuff isn't the point. It is essentially time value of money: a grade 1 victory and $1M today is worth more then a Grade 1 win adn $1M tomorrow. If they truly think SS is worthy of winning the Belmont in a week and could win $1M, why then follow a silly bit of logic and say you'd rather try for $1M almost 3-months later instead? Too much time to get injured in training, sour on racing, and the like.

I suspect they have their doubts about winning the Belmont with Street Sense. Few would doubt he easily could finish top 3 with marginal effort but win it? No one can say with certainty.



It ain't about the $1m prize money, this is 2007, it's about the stud value of the horse. The Travers at 10f is next to only the Derby as a 3yo championship race.
There is not a whole lot to gain in winning a 12f race on dirt anymore. No one breeds for that. The catch is if he ran in the Belmont and lost then it would be a blemish on his race record, yet if he won it's not any great allocade except in the traditional and sporting sense. Sure he'd be $600k richer, but I don't think it would increase his stud fee any.

[Glimmerglass]

It ain't about the $1m prize money, this is 2007, it's about the stud value of the horse. The Travers at 10f is next to only the Derby as a 3yo championship race.

I concur fully that the luster of his name is technically taken off if he was to finish 3rd or worse in the Belmont. A thrilling duel resulting in 2nd would however add to his name in the history books. Isn't this why we call it horse racing? The sport I enjoy watching is one horse entering a race to see what happens - testing your mettle - not merely enter racing that are quasi-preordained with the outcome or doing things just for the shed revenue.

Invasor, could for example, be slotted into an allowance race to bolster his confidence and further pad his winning streak. In fact he could be slotted into a Grade 3 race for the same. Yet they aren't - they are putting him strictly into Grade 1's for all of 2007. I like that. I like that alot. None of this picking races only for breeding purposes.

It does beg the question: if there is scant value then why then is Hard Spun or even Curlin running in the Belmont?

[JER]

Nafzger has "goals" but unfortunately, those goals don't include horse racing.

I'm rooting for Curlin in the Belmont, the Travers and the BC. Enough already.

[Texarkana]

I don't know Drvmb1ggl3, I think you have very a good point, but I don't completely agree a Belmont win isn't going to affect his stud fee. Can you imagine if he came out of his 3 y/o season with a Derby win, a Belmont win, a Travers win, and *gasp* a Classic win in addition to a Juvenile Championship? He'd undoubtedly be the horse of the century thus far. He'd go down in history as one of the best horses that was ever shorted the Triple Crown, and his 2nd in the Preakness would probably become a great upset in history. I can't imagine his stud fee wouldn't reflect that.

Nor do I think running in the Belmont would hinder his chances in the Travers or the BC Classic, unless of course, the horse isn't 100% coming out of his last race. Which is OK and expected, I mean gosh, they're grueling races. But Nafzger doesn't need to feed us lines inferring he can't run in both, because plenty of horses have proven otherwise. Maybe Nafzger knows the horse has no staying power for 1 1/2... although it certainly seems like he could handle the distance.

But hey, they know they're horse best and they've done a great job managing his races thus far. It just would have been cool to see what Street Sense could have done in the Belmont. Oh well...

Seems like anymore that the Belmont is just an "easy" way for 3 y/os to get some G1 earnings under their belt...

[Glimmerglass]

With only 5 starters Pletcher should enter The Green Monkey into the Belmont Stakes :D What's the worst he could do? 6th place which I think still gets a minor paying position. Plus they can claim "he ran in a Grade 1 race first time out"

... oh wait, that's right. He wasn't nominated for the Triple Crown. So by not doing that the cost to enter the Belmont is exceptionally expensive (>$300,000).

It is dumbfounding though that over 400 horses are nominated to the TC and yet for the Belmont only five horses will take the bait, none of which are the second comming of Spectacular Bid let alone Swale in my view. Good horses but not earth shattering good thus far.

[Texarkana]

With only 5 starters Pletcher should enter The Green Monkey into the Belmont Stakes :D What's the worst he could do? 6th place which I think still gets a minor paying position. Plus they can claim "he ran in a Grade 1 race first time out"


Hahaha! :lol: Maybe you should call him up and suggest that, Glimmerglass!

But seriously... where are Pletcher's other bazillion derby starters now? Maybe he could actually get a TC race win out of this year. He has more horses nominated than just about anyone, you're telling me there isn't a single horse in his stable that can run a decent 1 1/2 in a field of 5?? Guess not...

[Glimmerglass]

How does the Emerson, Lake and Palmer song (Karn Evil 9) go ...

Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends; We're so glad you could attend, Come inside! Come inside! With that intro:

We have another Belmont stakes entry! And I'll give props to Roman for trying to get the jockey he asked for :D From the Daily Racing Form Friday June 1st ("http://drf.com/news/article/85475.html)

So, [Lawrence Roman] plans on running his newly acquired 3-year-old Digger in next Saturday's $1 million Belmont against Preakness winner Curlin and Derby runner-up Hard Spun. Digger, purchased by Roman about five weeks ago for $60,000 from William Wise, is a Maryland-bred gelded son of Yonaguska who has won 2 of 8 starts.

Digger, trained by Richard Dutrow Jr., was entered in Saturday's Spend a Buck Stakes at Monmouth Park, but Roman said the horse will be scratched out of that race.

In hopes of making Digger's participation in the Belmont more interesting, Roman planned to ask retired Hall of Fame jockey Angel Cordero Jr. to ride him. Reached Friday afternoon by Daily Racing Form, Cordero said thanks, but no thanks.

"It's a beautiful thought, and I'd like to thank him, but you can't get ready to ride in the Belmont in five days or six days," said the 64-year-old Cordero, who serves as the agent for jockey John Velazquez. "A mile and a half? They'd need oxygen to revive me."

Roman, who runs a Manhattan-based plumbing company, made news earlier this year when he voided a sale of his New York-bred Lawrence the Roman and returned money to the buyers after the horse ran poorly in the Whirlaway Stakes. Lawrence the Roman was subsequently retired and Roman planned to pay breeders to send well-qualified mares to the colt.

Roman said that by electing not to run Street Sense, owner Jim Tafel and trainer Carl Nafzger "should be ashamed of themselves," and added "they don't care about the game."

"If Street Sense was going to race I wouldn't ruin a race like that by putting in a horse that looks like he's over his head," Roman said. "This horse is a decent horse, he's training real well."

While Digger has little chance to be there at the finish, Roman did say the horse will make his presence felt early on the race.

"We're going to be on the lead," Roman said. "If Hard Spun goes at us he's going to be going 44 [seconds] for the first four furlongs. He better take back and not move early like he did in the Preakness. It'll cost him the race. I have a lot of respect for Hard Spun, but I think it's a race we can control. Do I expect to win? No. Are we going to try? You bet your ass."

Godbless the man for swinging for the fences! Horse racing as it was meant to be. This is a Grade 1 Million Dollar race - not exactly chump change and heck Grade 1 races don't exactly fall out of the trees.

It's a shame that the horse, Lawrence the Roman, isn't the entry that is being tried as I think a lot of folks gave up on that poor guy way too early.

[JER]

Godbless the man for swinging for the fences! Horse racing as it was meant to be.

Agreed! I hope his attitude is contagious. The Belmont is a great race and counting the number of starters should require more than one hand.

[Drvmb1ggl3]

Funny. We keep hearing all the time about how a good trainer/owner finds the right "spot" for his horse, a philosophy often promoted on this board (see recent Chelokee/Matz/Barbaro Stakes discussion).

Here we have a guy running a horse in way over his head. On paper he was no business in the race. Me thinks ol' Larry Roman likes the attention.

Sure would be nice to find a happy medium.

As regards a handiful of horses in the Belmont, perhaps the most famous, or at least best remembered Belmont had 5 horses in it, the '73 Belmont.

[Glimmerglass]

I wonder what Carl thinks now having skipped with Street Sense with the exceedingly thin excuse of needing him ready for Saratoga?

It was a brilliant effort by the filly in a wonderful duel with Curlin. The latter of which has proven to be nice but no means in hell the return of Secretariat. Despite so many wanting to say so .. oh wait they say that every year a flashy 2 or 3-yr old chestnut runs a single big race! :D

So - with already lightly raced Street Sense needing all the R&R possible for the Travers Stakes does that mean Rags to Riches will be put out to pasture for months and months only to return to run in the Distaff at the Breeders' Cup? Heck no!

Thankfully owned by Europeans who aren't flinching at running a gal against the boys or running her - gasp - with "just" a months rest. Imagine that. Wow - race horses that run in races.

Next likely race: Grade 1 The Coaching Club American Oaks for $300,000 at 1 1/4 mi for 3-year-old fillies at Belmont Park on July 21.

Oh how can that be? Wait, wait, is the answer that Rags to Riches was lightly used before the Belmont? I mean she didn't run in the Kentucky Derby or the Preakness. An empty "position" again:

Jun 09, 2007 - won Belmont Stakes (G1)
May 04, 2007 - won Kentucky Oaks (G1)
Mar 30, 2007 - won Santa Anita Oaks (G1)
Feb 10, 2007 - won Las Virgenes (G1)
Jan 07, 2007 - won ungraded allowance race


2007 record: 5 starts 5-0-0

Street "I need the rest" Sense in 2007:

May 22, 2007 - 2nd Preakness Stakes (G1)
May 05, 2007 - won Kentucky Derby (G1)
Apr 14, 2007 - 2nd Toyota Blue Grass Satkes (G1)
Mar 17, 2007 - won Tampa Bay Derby (G3)

2007 record: 4 starts 2-2-0

[b]Rags' media page from the Kentucky Oaks (http://www.kentuckyoaks.com/2007/oaks_contenders/rags_to_riches)

After the Coaching Club she is up for serious consideration for the Travers Stakes and eve whispers of the the Breeders' Cup Classic, although taking the Alabama at Spa and Distaff instead of the BCC is more likely. Still I love the notion that she's putting the "well rested" crowd on notice.

Per Michael Tabor (co-owner with Derrick Smith): "Hopefully we'll keep her in training next year and we'll face the boys again when we believe it's appropriate."

[Glimmerglass]

<bump>

Did you hear that?

It was Garrett Gomez being tossed under the bus by 'Cowboy' Larry Jones on why Hard Spun didn't win the Belmont:

New York Post Mon Jun 11, 2007 "Jones Gives Jock Gomez 'Hard' Time" (http://www.nypost.com/seven/06112007/sports/jones_gives_jock_gomez_hard_time_sports_ray_kerris on.htm)

"I tried to explain to Gomez to slow the pace down, but I told him that if this horse could get the 6f. in 1.13 or 1.14, we'd be home free," Jones said. "I never dreamed we would be going in nearly 1.16 and not be on the lead."

One could say there is a tinge of bad blood as Garret - the regular rider of Rags to Riches - couldn't break his agreement to ride Hard Spun although may have inquired if he could.

Sadly per published reports Pletcher is now considering Johnny Velazquez to be her formal rider going forward. A tough break as Todd gave public indications originally he wasn't going in with any horse for the Belmont.

Zito did not blame his jockey Edgar Prado for putting C P West on the lead. "I thought we would have a great trip, tucking in behind Hard Spun, but when no one wanted the lead, Edgar took it."

"I didn't want the lead, but my horse came out well and he took it," Prado said. "The pace was slow but it didn't help me. Not many horses want to go a mile and a half. Those two horses (Rags to Riches and Curlin) went by me so fast I couldn't believe it."

Class act as always with Nick Zito.

[Glimmerglass]

Putting a dupe of this article under Ruffian here too:

Source: BloodHorse June 11, 2007 (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=39329)

The two-hour telecast from 5-7 p.m. EDT registered a 3.1 rating and a 7 share, down from a 3.6 in 2006. In overnight ratings, each ratings point equals 770,000 viewers, and the share refers to the percentage of TVs in use that were tuned to the program.

The program, which featured a thrilling victory by the filly Rags to Riches, showed a continued decline from 2005, the last year NBC televised all three Triple Crown races. NBC registered a 5.0 for the 2005 Belmont.

This year's telecast drew a 1.8 rating in the pre-race segment from 5-5:30, and a 3.5 for the 5:30-7 p.m. race segment.

The Belmont still drew more viewers than most other sporting events shown over the weekend. Regional baseball telecasts on FOX June 9 measured a 2.2 rating. PGA golf on CBS registered a 1.4, and French Open tennis on NBC returned a 1.8. Only ABC's coverage of the NBA Finals the following evening drew more at 6.9.

The leading markets for the Belmont were: 1) Louisville, 8.0/17; 2) West Palm Beach 6.0/13; 3) Cleveland 5.8/14; 4) Baltimore 5.2/12; and 5) Pittsburgh 5.2/12.

The good news is that ABC's contract to televise the Belmont Stakes has now run its two-year course, the maximum length of time the New York Racing Association could negotiate given its license to run racing in New York expires at the end of 2007.

It is good in the sense that potentially returning to all three on the same network is always a plus to better sell the sport. Having two different networks means, for example, zero incentive to the network carrying the Preakness with even mentioning the Belmont.

ESPN will be licking their chops as the Travers Stakes carried on that cable channel could be a blockbuster if the cast of characters return.

[Glimmerglass]

What is Street Sense up to? Well he's aiming for 'Jersey' and the Haskell Invitational where Curlin is going to be too:

Street Sense, who won the Derby and was second in the Preakness, sat out the Belmont. His trainer, Carl Nafzger, on Monday said Street Sense had been galloping most every morning at Churchill Downs, but wouldn't have any serious workouts again until the end of this month.

Nafzger said Street Sense would return in the Haskell or the Jim Dandy, then move on to the Travers.

"Then he'll have one more race before the Classic," Nafzger said.

And will Rags to Riches skip the Alabama at Saratoga and chase after the boys? It sounds like yes ..

Rags to Riches came out of the Belmont well and will now be pointed for the Grade 1, $300,000 Coaching Club American Oaks for fillies at 1 1/4 miles at Belmont Park on July 21, Pletcher said.

"That should set her up for the Travers," Pletcher said at his Belmont Park barn Sunday morning. The $1 million Travers, like the CCA Oaks, is a Grade 1 race at 1 1/4 miles.

As mentioned Curlin is like Street Sense aiming for the Haskell and Travers then the Classic:

Curlin, who was second in the Belmont after finishing third in the Derby and winning the Preakness, returned to Churchill Downs on Sunday morning, where trainer Steve Asmussen was plotting the second half of the year. He said the Grade 1, $1 million Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park on Aug. 5 would be Curlin's next target.

Asmussen said the fact that the Breeders' Cup is at Monmouth this year on Oct. 27 makes the Haskell a better fit than the Grade 2, $500,000 Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga on July 29.

Source: DRF Jun 12, 2007 (http://www.drf.com/drfNewsArticle.do?NID=85706&subs=0&arc=1)

[Texarkana]

<bump>

Did you hear that?

It was Garrett Gomez being tossed under the bus by 'Cowboy' Larry Jones on why Hard Spun didn't win the Belmont:

New York Post Mon Jun 11, 2007 "Jones Gives Jock Gomez 'Hard' Time" (http://www.nypost.com/seven/06112007/sports/jones_gives_jock_gomez_hard_time_sports_ray_kerris on.htm)




No offense, but did anyone really think Hard Spun could handle 1 1/2? Larry Jones seems to be blaming everyone but himself.

[ravenclaw]

No offense, but did anyone really think Hard Spun could handle 1 1/2? Larry Jones seems to be blaming everyone but himself.
I really like Hard Spun. He was one of my picks in the Derby, but not in the Belmont because I didn't think he would want the 1 1/2 miles. I just based this on his running style and a gut feeling. I'm a little puzzled about why Larry Jones is blaming Garrett Gomez.

[Texarkana]

I really like Hard Spun. He was one of my picks in the Derby, but not in the Belmont because I didn't think he would want the 1 1/2 miles. I just based this on his running style and a gut feeling. I'm a little puzzled about why Larry Jones is blaming Garrett Gomez.

Exactly. I love Hard Spun, too... but it's no secret that he appears to have more speed than stamina. But what did he expect Gomez to do? No one expected the pace to be that slow... and I'm sure Gomez certainly didn't want to make the same mistake Pino made in the Preakness.

Gosh, it's gotta suck for Gomez. Getting a ride on one of the favorites only to have your regular mount entered at the last minute... then having your regular mount win brilliantly, lose the ride on her, and to top it all off you get slammed by trainer you gave up your regular mount for.

[Glimmerglass]

Gosh, it's gotta suck for Gomez. Getting a ride on one of the favorites only to have your regular mount entered at the last minute... then having your regular mount win brilliantly, lose the ride on her, and to top it all off you get slammed by trainer you gave up your regular mount for.

I couldn't agree more. Gomez sadly was damned either way with the ride on Hard Spun. If he had not taken a hold of him early, HS still couldn't have kept up with Curlin or Rags to Riches and their closing kick with that very fast last 1/4 mi. No way, no day!

He's a nice horse, a good contender and I'll give the whole HS crew a tip of the cap for running in all three but anything past 1 1/8 mi doesn't seem to be his best distance. B*tching about your jockeys' decisions in public/press will only come back to bite Larry later. Two top notch jocks getting slammed for being "dumb" (in his view) just isn't the way to go. Take the high road like Zito and just say the fact of the matter: "we got beat by a better horse".

[InVA]

I really like Hard Spun. He was one of my picks in the Derby, but not in the Belmont because I didn't think he would want the 1 1/2 miles. I just based this on his running style and a gut feeling. I'm a little puzzled about why Larry Jones is blaming Garrett Gomez.

I agree. A good example is Teuflesberg performance in the Woody Stephens Stakes at Belmont. I mean, enter a race you might WIN. I have loved Hard Spun all along and think it is unfair to run him in these longer races where he CLEARLy tries his heart out.

[Smiles]

Question here, Should they have ran Rags to richs in the other triple crown races? Yes, it seems she is built for distance but the way she handle herself out there makes me wonder what she would have done in the derby or preakness?

[Glimmerglass]

Steve Haskin of the BloodHorse has a good post-Belmont writeup that addresses some of the items discussed above - plus gives some insight into the joy of the people connected with Rags for some time.

Here are some excerpts but the whole article is worth a read!

BloodHorse 6-12-07 "Belmont Recap: Wonder Woman" (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=39332)

With Garret Gomez and why he didn't rider her:

When Rags to Riches’ regular rider, Garrett Gomez, had a chance to replace Pino on Hard Spun, his agent, Ron Anderson, asked Pletcher about the filly’s Belmont status.

“Ron came by and said, ‘What are you going to do with the filly?’ ” Pletcher said. “I said I really don’t think we’re going to run if Street Sense, Curlin, and Hard Spun all run. I thought Street Sense was going to run at that stage. Ron was able to buy a couple of days, but he was getting pressure to make a commitment, so I told him, ‘You’ve got to do what you have to do, and I can’t blame you. I don’t want to hold you up.’ ”

Anderson took the mount on Hard Spun, but when Street Sense was withdrawn and Rags to Riches eventually was declared a starter the day before entries were drawn, he went to Jones to survey the situation, and Jones said he intended for Gomez to ride Hard Spun as agreed upon.

Those who shared her victory - like her trainer, exercise riders

Rags to Riches’ exercise rider, Lauren Robson, watched in a nearby box with Velazquez’ wife, Leona, and her family and Velazquez’ longtime friend and agent, Hall of Fame rider Angel Cordero Jr.

“There were drinks flying everywhere,” Robson said. “Leona was in tears right away and she put me in tears. It was so great because Todd and Johnny have been together for so long.”

Assistant trainer Seth Benzel, who has 90 horses at Saratoga, watched the race on TV at home. “I didn’t stop shaking until 1 o’clock last night,” he said the next morning. “When they came down the stretch, I was out of my seat riding her as hard as anybody. I couldn’t shake it off after the race and called my mom and dad. She is just so special. I can’t wait for her to get up here; we’ll have a regal stall waiting for her.”

Watching at Churchill Downs was assistant Mike McCarthy, who has been with Rags to Riches for most of her career, and in fact was her trainer of record for her first two starts this year while Pletcher was serving a suspension.

Later on, Robson called McCarthy and Rags to Riches’ former exercise rider Justin Curran. “Oh, my God, we’ll never see a horse like this again,” she told Curran. “I wish you could have been here. You guys did such a good job with her; you brought her up from the start. I’ll give her a pat for you.”

As for Rags' herself - she's been the alpha mare whom you don't mess with :D

Pletcher, Tabor, and Smith knew what they had right from the start from the glowing reports from David Scanlon, who broke the filly at his training center in Ocala, Fla. “We used to call her the runway model, because she was all legs and absolutely gorgeous,” Scanlon said. “But she had her own attitude. She was a dominant female. When you walked in the barn, she’d have her head sticking out, and when you went to pet her she’d stomp her feet and start squealing. She had her own regimen and you did things to fit her schedule. Basically, she wanted to go to the track, eat, do her deal, and be left alone. You didn’t want to get in a fight with her; you just wanted to work out an agreement. But once she got on the racetrack, she’d just float out there. She was such a beautiful moving filly.”

[miss_critic]

Glimmerglass, I read that article today. It was great and nice you shared it with others here. I passed it on to all my horse friends. I liked this part "Velazquez resorted to only a single left-handed whip, then switched and gave her one right-handed whip. Her blood was up, and Velazquez realized she needed little encouragement". ...that was great. Poor Curlin. SO, what's it like getting beat by a girl!!!!!???

Yeah, about the Jones/Gomez thing...it really doesn't look good with Jones making those comments. However I do recall him saying in some article, regarding the Preakness, that the "move" was not all Pino's fault, that HS can tend to take off...or something like that. I really like that team. And I don't really have a feeling HS would have won, but I wonder what you guys think about this article and that ride in the Belmont.
http://www.nypost.com/seven/06112007/sports/jones_gives_jock_gomez_hard_time_sports_ray_kerris on.htm?page=1

[Glimmerglass]

Question here, Should they have ran Rags to richs in the other triple crown races?

The answer really is that there was no reason to run her in the Derby or Preakness. It comes down to basic economics within the game. Her connections should've been highly confident in a Kentucky Oaks victory (the day before the Derby) so why run in the bloated, calvary charge of the Derby and risk injury? Instead they could've almost cashed the winner's check for the Oaks when they drew her post position.

The Preakness never would've been up for discussion.

As for the Belmont, Andy Beyer of the Washington Post (http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070612/SPT/706120315/1013/SPT) cites why Pletcher and the owners did decide to slot her in there - again economics at play:

After winning the Kentucky Oaks on May 4, Rags to Riches didn't have a worthwhile next target until the Mother Goose Stakes at Belmont Park on June 30 - and it is worth only $250,000. When Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense defected from the $1 million Belmont, the field was left with only two legitimate contenders, Curlin and Hard Spun. Curlin had already had a very taxing campaign this spring, and Hard Spun didn't appear to have the stamina to run 1 1/2 miles.

Rags to Riches possesses a distance-running pedigree that is as good as any horse on the continent. Her sire won the Belmont, and her high-class dam produced the winner of last year's Belmont. She figured to improve at the distance, and her rivals might regress.

The rest is as they say history with Rags' being just the 12th filly to ever enter the Belmont Stakes since 1900.

As an aside, Andy Beyer makes this final comment:

It wasn't as good as the races Ouija Board ran in 2006. It is doubtful that Rags to Riches will ever beat top-level males again - and it is uncertain that Pletcher will even try. But regardless of what she does for the rest of her career, she will always be remembered for her tenacity in the stretch run at Belmont that produced one of the most exciting moments of the year.

[Glimmerglass]

An enjoyable reference from the LA Times (and not not written by anti-horse sports columnist, T.J. Simers ) regarding Ruthless' sisters

LA Times june 13 2007 "Others had sweated, until this horse glowed" (http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-dwyre13jun13,1,960132,full.column?coll=la-headlines-sports)

excerpt:

If just another War Admiral or Secretariat would bound onto the scene and win all three jewels of the crown, all that declining attendance and sinking parimutuel pools would be reversed. Or so the thinking went.

The last time a filly won the Belmont was 1905, a mere 102 years ago. Her name was Tanya, and there is no record of an opponent being whacked on the knee with a tire iron before the race.

The only other filly to win was in the first Belmont in 1867. Her name was Ruthless and it was unlikely she was intimidated by the boys. She had sisters named Remorseless, Relentless, Regardless and Merciless.

Tanya and Ruthless stood alone for 139 years.

The Belmont has always been a testosterone race, a mile and a half that the best colts run maybe once in a lifetime, the best fillies almost never. Rags To Riches was only the 22nd to try. The track is huge, the turns long and sweeping. Instead of flowers, they should give the winner a muscle shirt.

The imagery even goes to the human element. Only one female jockey, Julie Krone, has won the race, aboard Colonial Affair in 1993. And she said recently, "You get to the head of the home stretch and you look down there and it is the longest, scariest thing you've ever seen."

[caffeinated]

The only other filly to win was in the first Belmont in 1867. Her name was Ruthless and it was unlikely she was intimidated by the boys. She had sisters named Remorseless, Relentless, Regardless and Merciless.


All daughters of Eclipse, no less.

That match also produced a colt named "Devastation"- those folks really were trying to get a point across, LOL

[Glimmerglass]

And a bit more on Ruthless from 1867 :D Source: Courier-Journal June 9th (http://66.102.9.104/search?q=cache:TyPBPWia69sJ:www.kentucky.com/269/story/92918.html+%2Bruthless+%2B1867&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=7&gl=us)

Nor was the Ruthless triumph regarded as a fluke. Ruthless and her sisters -- Relentless, Regardless, Remorseless and Merciless -- were known collectively as the Barbarous Battalion. Ruthless, Relentless and Remorseless were declared champions over colts.

Ruthless, the best of the lot, was known as "that terrible filly." She was champion at 2 and 3. The boys didn't want to get in her way.

Seven weeks after winning the Belmont, she beat colts again at Saratoga in the Travers Stakes. Every boy horse in America is sent off to a life at the races with a double of that caliber as his worthy goal.

Sounds like she would have knocked the stuffing out of anyone running in today's era of china-doll horses who need to go to the spa to recover from a "gruelling" schedule of 2 races in 6 months. A thinly run and marginally challenged icon of today, Smarty Jones, wouldn't have known what hit him.

She won the Belmont when it was at Jerome Park in the Bronx and at 1 5/8 miles, which she finished in 3:05. Earning $1,850 for her eforts.

The worst of all was her death (if pedigreequery.com is correct):

In 1876, Ruthless was accidentally shot by a hunter while in her paddock at her owner's farm in Westchester, NY. She died several weeks later from her injuries.

A true city girl: the New York-bred filly was foaled at her breeder's (Francis Morris) farm, then in Westchester County, now the Throgs Neck section of the Bronx.

[Smiles]

Another question would she be considered for horse of the year honors, or do filly have their own catagory?

[Drvmb1ggl3]

Another question would she be considered for horse of the year honors, or do filly have their own catagory?

Of course she would be considered for HOY, she's a horse and she races. There are also seperate categories for the various aged distaff members.

Both Ouija Board and Makybe Diva have won HOY on their respective continents.

[Texarkana]

Another question would she be considered for horse of the year honors, or do filly have their own catagory?

Considering her race record at this very moment, I feel safe saying that unless something dramatic happens, she's a shoo-in for 3 year old filly of the year...

She'll probably get a fair share of votes for HOY just off her earnings as of now and her Belmont victory. If she runs against the boys again and scores another victory, I think she'll be a serious contender.

Has there ever been a female HOY in American racing? I'm drawing a blank...

[Beezer]

Has there ever been a female HOY in American racing? I'm drawing a blank...

Yup ... Lady's Secret and All Along most recently, as well as Regret, Moccasin, Busher, Beldame, Twilight Tear ... and probably others I'm forgetting at the moment. :)

[Glimmerglass]

Yep, Lady's Secret (by Secretariat) was Eclipse Champion Horse of the Year 1986. Although lets not get too ahead of ourselves - while a bit overlooked today Lady's Secret was well deserving of that title regardless of sex in 1986. Also keep in mind she was 4-year's old during that impressive season ... heck she went on to start 45 times in her life!

[Lady's Secret] in 1986 defeated the nation's best male horses four times, winning ten of her fifteen starts that season, all graded stakes races. Eight of these Stakes wins were Grade 1 events. No horse has won this many graded stakes races in one season since races became graded in 1973.

Let's look into the crystal ball of the future - if Rags to Riches were to win the following:

1 - Grade 1 Coaching Club American Oaks on July 21 (fillies only)
2 - Grade 1 Travers Stakes (mixed) or even Grade 1 Alabama (fillies)
3 - Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Distaff

Then she'd add three more Grade 1 races to already the three she has in 2007 plus an allowance victory. So 7 starts 7-0-0 with 6 of them Grade 1 victories. Certainly good but good enough for HOY?

Let's not forget about Invasor. He has two Grade 1 starts in 2007 and both victorious over tough competition. He'll have the Suburban Handicap at the end of this month and then another before the BC. A repeat of the Breeders' Cup Classic - no matter how good Rags does in 2007 - will cinch him to get HOY and HOY Older Male again for both.

[Beezer]

Oh, absolutely, Glimmer, re Rags being far from handed the HOY trophy; I was more aiming to answer the question. :)

Lady's Secret has long been a favorite of mine (much like her big red daddy :p ), so I'm always glad to trot out (ha!) her name. That was one classy, classy mare.

[Texarkana]

Ah, how could I forget Lady's Secret!

Don't get me wrong, I think the only way Rags to Riches has a legit chance at HOY is if she wins at least one other G1 against the boys and keeps up her impressive win streak. Invasor is definitely more likely if he continues his ways. But with $1.2 million in earnings in 2007 thus far (to Invasor's $300K) and a 5 win streak, I think she could be a contender.

But really, we have A LOT of racing left to do this year... anything can happen.

[Glimmerglass]

.. Invasor is definitely more likely if he continues his ways. But with $1.2 million in earnings in 2007 thus far (to Invasor's $300K) and a 5 win streak, I think she could be a contender.

Just to be clear - perhaps I'm reading the above wrong - but Invasor's 2007 earnings after the stellar Dubai World Cup victory plus the Donn Handicap means he has raked in about US$3,900,000 in loot thus far. [$7.8 million lifetime] The Dubai victory ranks him #1 in the US and World for won prize money this year. The $400k (total purse) Grade 1 Suburban will just be pin money as they say :D

[ravenclaw]

Let's not forget the wonderful Azeri. She was Horse of the Year (I believe in 2002).

[Glimmerglass]

As has been noted in the thread several times, the original owners and now just 1/5th owners of Curlin have been less then stellar examples of lawyers. (These persons would be Shirley Cunningham Jr. and William Gallion, both since having lost their licence to practice law in Kentucky)

Their already questionable victory against Wyeth Corp (nee American Home Products) in the fen-phen case was one thing, but even before the Kentucky Derby it was well noted that the class-action suit members had taken them to court for cheating the members out of the correct share of the 'victory'.

Always know who you are getting in bed with Mr. Jackson ;)

So now comes news they've indeed lost and lost big in that lottery system they enjoyed so much success in - the court system - with a judgement upheld of owing $65 million to clients.

If they cannot cough up the cash guess what goes on the market, or at least the partial share of: Curlin. More details as follows:

Kentucky Post June 16, 2007 "Uncle Sam may seize race horse from defendants" (http://news.kypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070616/NEWS02/706160350/1014/NEWS02)

[Glimmerglass]

Worth mentioning is a horse I was big on before the Derby: the $9,000 Teuflesberg, who just won the Grade 2 Woody Stephens Breeders' Cup Stakes at Belmont June 9th. Having been once discussed as a entry for the Preakness then pulled out, he has found his game again!

Per the Herald-Leader June 17th (http://www.kentucky.com/288/story/100260.html) his next race could be Dwyer, the Haskell or the Summit of Speed Carry Back Stakes for Teuflesberg's next start. However the summer's main objective will be either the King's Bishop or the Travers.

Nothing like another good candidate for the already white-hot Travers Stakes!

[Glimmerglass]

The just announced NTRA blog for Rags to Riches (http://www.ntra.com/blog.aspx?blogid=10) with updates from "Todd Pletcher and his team" from now until the Breeders' Cup

an excerpt from the 20th:

She takes her sweet time and stops if there is anything new or interesting to see. Today she found some pigeons picking at some garbage and she wouldn't let us walk on until she had enough time to watch them.

[Forego]

Worth mentioning is a horse I was big on before the Derby: the $9,000 Teuflesberg, who just won the Grade 2 Woody Stephens Breeders' Cup Stakes at Belmont June 9th. Having been once discussed as a entry for the Preakness then pulled out, he has found his game again!

Per the Herald-Leader June 17th (http://www.kentucky.com/288/story/100260.html) his next race could be Dwyer, the Haskell or the Summit of Speed Carry Back Stakes for Teuflesberg's next start. However the summer's main objective will be either the King's Bishop or the Travers.

Nothing like another good candidate for the already white-hot Travers Stakes!
I was at the Belmont and Teuflsburg looked amazing in the paddock,totally fit and ready to run!

[Glimmerglass]

Both Rags to Riches and Street Sense put in official workouts Sunday (http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more_sports/2007/06/25/2007-06-25_a_day_at_the_races.html) and each effort was considered very good:

"[Rags to Riches] worked very well," trainer Todd Pletcher said in the paddock before yesterday's second race. "She went nice and easy and is doing well."

The official four-furlong work was clocked in :50.02 breezing.

The 3-year-old filly is scheduled to start next in the Grade I Coaching Club American Oaks at Belmont on July 21. From there the options remain open whether to start her next against her own sex in the Aug. 18 Alabama Stakes at Saratoga or against the boys again in the Aug. 25 Travers Stakes also at the Spa.

Meanwhile, over a muddy strip at Churchill Downs, Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense breezed four furlongs in 0:49.40 under jockey Calvin Borel as he prepares for his return in either the July 29 Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga or the Aug. 5 Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park.

"He went good," trainer Carl Nafzger said. "He was relaxed and we're back on schedule. Let's just hope our summer/fall campaign goes as well as our spring campaign did."

[InVA]

FROM THE NY DAILY NEWS....

"While the news is good about both Rags to Riches and Street Sense, there was some sadness in the air talking to trainer Kiaran McLaughlin about Invasor, who was retired Saturday after cracking a sesamoid bone in his right hind leg as he was preparing for Saturday's Grade I Suburban Handicap.

"It's been tough on all of us," McLaughlin said. "We have to stay positive and look how he enriched our lives, changed our lives and what great experiences we had with him. But he's going to be okay and stand stud next year.

"I'm sure he's the best horse I will ever train," McLaughlin continued. "It's tough to say that because I'm 46 years old. I hope I get others but no doubt he's going to be one of the best if not the best.""

[Glimmerglass]

There have been a few threads on Invasor specifically and what transpired over the weekend - hence I omitted that part from the article ;)

[Glimmerglass]

Hey look who is running on July 4th - three runners from the Wood Memorial (actually 1-2-3 in that prep race) ....

BloodHorse July 1: "Nobiz Like Shobiz Likely Choice in Dwyer" (http://racing.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=39581)

Grade 2 $150,000 Dwyer Stakes
July 4th at Belmont Park - Race 9; 5:15 p.m. EST
3-Year-Olds
Distance: 1 1/16 Miles (dirt)

PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Helsinki (KY), 117, Corey S. Nakatani
2. Nobiz Like Shobiz (KY), 123, Cornelio H. Velasquez
3. Sightseeing (KY), 121, Edgar S. Prado
4. Believeinmenow (FL), 117, Michael J. Luzzi
5. First Defence (KY), 117, Javier Castellano
6. Any Given Saturday (KY), 121, Garrett K. Gomez

Looks like a good prep race with Nobiz a possible for the Travers Stakes too

[Glimmerglass]

Nobiz, in case it wasn't seen by others, bombed out with a rather well beaten second place in the Dwyer Stakers to Any Given Saturday.

It looks like Rags to Riches next effort will be shown LIVE on ESPN, instead of being relagated to tape-delay on ESPN2! Wonderful!

DRF 7-6-07 "Rags to Riches prompts TV shift" (http://drf.com/news/article/86503.html)

Excerpt

Now, the CCA Oaks will be [instead] shown live on ESPN in a one-hour telecast from Belmont beginning at 5 p.m. Eastern. There will be [now] no live coverage of the [San Diego Handicap at DelMar].

"Rags to Riches is a story," said David Miller, the senior coordinating producer for horse racing at ESPN. "She was a huge story in the Belmont, being the first filly to win in 102 years. We want to document it and be the source of record for the sport."

Miller didn't say if ESPN would make other alterations to air future Rags to Riches races. ESPN is already scheduled to air the Travers live on Aug. 25. Currently, there is no television coverage scheduled for the Alabama on Aug. 18, which is likely to be Rags to Riches's one appearance [if not the Travers Stakes] at the Spa.

"We'll see how the rest of the season goes," Miller said.

[miss_critic]

R2R on TV-Yippie!!!

What did y'all think of the Dwyer? Maybe Nobiz needed a race...?

[Texarkana]

It's nice to see Any Given Saturday bouncing back!

[Glimmerglass]

No word yet but from a few days ago in the Albany paper it looked a bit more unlikely that Rags will go to the Travers. Regardless I'll be there :)

Times Union 7-7-07 "Travers unlikely fit for filly; Rags to Riches' trainer says Alabama makes more sense for Belmont winner" (http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=603961&category=SPORTS&BCCode=&newsdate=7/7/2007)

excerpt

There is still no official word and there won't be for at least another two weeks. But it's sounding more and more like super filly Rags to Riches, who beat the boys in the Belmont Stakes, won't be running against the colts in the Travers Stakes at Saratoga.

"The only thing that is definite is that whatever we do, it will be in the filly's best interest," Pletcher said Friday at his barn at Belmont Park. "Logically, the Alabama would make a lot more sense. If you run in the Travers, at this point it certainly looks like you would only be doing it for the sport of it."

The Alabama Stakes is for 3-year-old fillies and will be run at Saratoga on Aug. 18, the week before the Travers. The Alabama carries a purse of $600,000 and is run at 1 /4 miles. The Travers is worth $1 million and is also run at 1 /4 miles.

"There is not a huge purse differential," Pletcher said. "And you would have to think the Alabama would be an easier race but certain things could change between now and then."

The only thing he is certain of now is that Rags to Riches will make her next start in the $300,000 Coaching Club American Oaks at Belmont on July 21.

The biggest problem Pletcher will face in that race is finding competition for his filly.

"I nominated about six horses myself for that race," Pletcher said with a laugh. "There will be at least four horses in there and they might all be ours. I might be able to get some black type (graded earnings) with some fillies who might never get black type in any other scenario."

I think if the NYRA was smart they'd offer a $100k - $200k bonus to the winner of the Kentucky Oaks if that horse wins the Travers Stakes. The Travers otherwise has been a tad dull in recent years (also reflected with lower crowds then the massive ones of years past) but I suppose few there know or care to market the race better then it has been before.

[Glimmerglass]

By the way - that is a photo of Curlin unloading at the Albany County Airport (http://timesunion.com/center/graphics/front0712curlin.jpg) on the Times Union newspaper home page for Thursday afternoon ;)

RACEHORSE ON THE RUNWAY; Preakness Stakes winner Curlin is led off a jet at Albany International Airport, where he arrived this morning en route to Saratoga Race Course. Curlin is slated to run in the Travers Stakes next month. (Skip Dickstein / Times Union)

[Glimmerglass]

S C R A T C H E D ! and kiss good-bye any thoughts of the Travers meeting :(

ESPN July 16 "Rags to Riches out of Coaching Club American Oaks" (http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/news/story?id=2938204)

Belmont Stakes winner Rags to Riches will not run in Saturday's $300,000 Coaching Club American Oaks due to a slight fever.

Three-time Eclipse Award-winning trainer Todd Pletcher made the announcement Monday morning.

"Her temperature was 101 degrees, which is not high but a little beyond the normal range," Pletcher said. "We are going to take the conservative approach. She hasn't quite seemed herself the last couple of days."

Pletcher said Rags to Riches now will be pointed toward the $600,000 Alabama at Saratoga on August 18.

"Our plan is now to point for the Alabama and the Breeders' Cup," Pletcher said. "There are too many big races out there. If we were going to miss one race, this is the one to miss.

"But I am disappointed that we didn't get to run her because a lot of people were looking forward to seeing her again at Belmont Park."

[miss_critic]

Yeah, this sucks.
I wonder what ESPN will do now since they changed their airing plans! OUCH!

[Glimmerglass]

Yeah, this sucks. I wonder what ESPN will do now since they changed their airing plans! OUCH!

ESPN likely will switch back to some other sports coverage as sister network ESPN2 is still going to cover the DelMar races at a later hour - 7pm EST actually. What it is good for is CBS Sports who now won't have to compete with Rags to Riches when they air live at 4pm EST the Virginia Derby (2nd legs of the Grand Slam) from Colonial Downs!

[Glimmerglass]

Regarding ESPN and racing coverage with Rags out of the CCA:

North County Times (CA) July 17 "Still no TV riches for Del Mar " (http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/07/17/sports/delmar/22_59_517_16_07.txt)

After Belmont Stakes winner Rags to Riches was ruled out of Saturday's Coaching Club American Oaks at Belmont Park on Monday, common thought was ESPN would revive its previously canceled broadcast of Del Mar's Grade II San Diego Handicap.

ESPN called, but only to confirm to Del Mar officials that its plans haven't changed.

"They just couldn't react fast enough," said Craig Dado, Del Mar's vice president for marketing. "I guess it serves them right. I think that's what they call karma."

ESPN2 will broadcast the CCA Oaks from 2-3 p.m. Pacific Time

So looks like DelMar remains a bit of a looser in this whole thing with the San Diego Handicap not being aired live.

[Glimmerglass]

Per the Pletcher blog for Rag's to Riches (http://www.ntra.com/blog.aspx?blogid=10&year=2007&month=7&day=18) her teperature is just fine now and she is back to training .. who knows maybe he's going to shock us all and put her in the Travers. Ha!

Street Sense put in a killer workout on Thursday (7-19) morning at five furlongs in 57.40 which will be his last workout before shipping to Saratoga tomorrow (7-21) to be stabled there. Per the DRF up next is the Grade 1 Jim Dandy Stakes (http://www.drf.com/news/article/86794.html) then the Travers Stakes.

All the more impressive:

Working prior to the mid-morning harrow break, and with Borel knuckling down but not using his whip, Street Sense proceeded through fractions of 12.20, 24.20, 35.60, and 47.40 seconds, meaning he went from the eighth pole to the wire in an astounding 10 seconds.

Street Sense will be joined in the Jim Dandy with the return of an early Derby favorite who was injured and has had a long road back: Tiz Wonderful.

A tall, long-striding son of Tiznow, Tiz Wonderful seemed to be an ideal horse for the famed series. He had speed, but, most of all, he possessed unflagging stamina and fierce determination.

He won his debut at Saratoga by more than 12 lengths. He cruised in the Iroquois Stakes at Churchill Downs, winning by nearly seven lengths. He defeated Any Given Saturday to win the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes, and then he went to the sidelines.

A tendon injury ended his journey toward the Triple Crown before it ever really started.

Now it appears that Tiz is back in business (http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/columnists/gary_west/story/175175.html) with him working out impressively right in step with fellow stablemate Curlin. Per Asmussen said about Tiz Wonderful. "He's stronger [than he was last year], and he weighs more. Hopefully, he's one race away from joining the top 3-year-olds in the country [in the Travers]."

With the $1 million Haskell Invitational (G1) the players are falling into place (http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk1OTQmZmdi ZWw3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTcxNzAxNTAmeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZU VFeXky) and this always impressive race looks to have a great line up of Derby contenders back in action.

"I think it could be the best Haskell ever," Dennis Dowd, senior vice president of racing for the Sports and Exposition Authority, said Tuesday at a news conference to announce the Breeders' Cup Challenge.

The handlers of Curlin, the Preakness winner, have committed to the Haskell, and race organizers are confident that Hard Spun and Any Given Saturday are also headed to the shore.

"I think we'll end with two, maybe three, graded stakes winners," Dowd said. "I just want somebody coming down the stretch with Curlin."

[Glimmerglass]

Speaking of the $1 Million Haskell Invitational (G1) for August 5th, there is a local challenger who put in a wicked effort worthy of putting the "big boys" on serious notice:

BloodHorse 7-20-07 "Cable Boy Issues Warning With Sizzling Haskell Work" (http://racing.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=39839)

.. Cable Boy, the undefeated local hero who tore up the Monmouth track Friday, working five furlongs between races in :57 1/5.

With regular rider Jose Velez Jr. aboard the son of Jump Start and decked out in the green and black colors of majority owner Phantom House Farm, Cable Boy ripped off fractions of :22 2/5 and :45 3/5 before coming home his final eighth in :11 3/5. John Forbes, head of Phantom House and co-trainer of the colt with Patrick McBurney, caught him galloping out six furlongs in 1:09 4/5.

Cable Boy, co-owned by James Dinen, has won all three of his career starts at Monmouth, including a wire-to-wire 3 3/4-length victory in the Coronado’s Quest Stakes and a track-record romp in an allowance race in his second start, in which he covered the mile and 70 yards in 1:38 3/5. In his previous work on July 13 he worked a mile in 1:39 3/5.

GREAT to see (relative) late bloomers come into play in the summer and putting the nationally known names at risk :D That's racing!

[Glimmerglass]

Regarding Curlin's workout yesterday (Tue July 23): "breezed six furlongs Tuesday over Saratoga's fast Oklahoma Training Track in 1:14.27"

Per NYRA press release

I liked this bit about Rags to Riches - "Queen of Hearts: Filly brings fans along for the ride" (http://timesunion.com/AspStories/storyprint.asp?StoryID=608824):

[Annika] Sorenstam admitted she knows nothing about Rags to Riches, but loved the idea of the filly beating the colts.

"People love to see the underdog win," she said. "I think (Rags to Riches) is very neat. Making history is special. Absolutely, I would cheer for her if she did it again. I like to see things like that."

Rags to Riches certainly look good to Pletcher and Velazquez and everyone who works in the barn. But she also is stubborn and has an ornery side.

"I would say she is territorial and she is protective," Pletcher said. "It's not like she comes out of her stall and is particularly mean. I've been around a lot more aggressive fillies than her. She is not trying to kick you or savage you, but you've got to be cautious around her."

On the track and off.

[Glimmerglass]

The Haskell is looking more like the Preakness ...

DRF 7-26-07 "Xchanger likely to join strong Haskell field" (http://www.drf.com/news/article/86978.html)

Curlin, the Preakness winner, tops a lineup that includes Any Given Saturday, Hard Spun, Cable Boy, and Imawildandcrazyguy.

Shuman wants to give Xchanger another shot against some of the top colts in the division. In his biggest test, Xchanger set a suicidal pace in the Preakness before fading from view.

[Glimmerglass]

2007 Dark horse - and the Haskell has been rather kind to underdogs in years past - Cable Boy won't get his last work out until Wednesday now:

Source: DF 7-30-07 (http://www.drf.com/news/article/87132.html)

The hard rain Sunday and the prospect to more on Monday had trainer John Forbes calling an audible on Cable Boy's final Haskell breeze. The work, originally set for Tuesday, was postponed until Wednesday.

"We planned along to give ourselves some wiggle room," Forbes said Monday morning. "The racetrack was very sloppy today."

The one-day delay will likely shorten the breeze. Forbes originally planned a five-furlong drill for Tuesday. That will probably become a half-mile on Wednesday with regular rider Jose Velez Jr. aboard.

Again his credentials: Cable Boy has won all three of his career starts at Monmouth, including a wire-to-wire 3 3/4-length victory in the Coronado’s Quest Stakes and a track-record romp in an allowance race in his second start, in which he covered the mile and 70 yards in 1:38 3/5.

[Glimmerglass]

Hard Spun, in case folks forgot about this seemingly always bridesmaid runner, he will resurface in the Haskell too and with Mario Pino back in the irons.

As folks will recall Larry ripped Pino apart for running too fast and thus gave the ride to Garrett Gomez who he likewise was very critical of with his effort too.

With the Haskell shaping up to be a complete speed fest I hope "cowboy" isn't going to get upset when Hard Spun is asked to run with the field. That horse isn't a closer so if Cable Boy decides to sprint Pino will have his work cut out for him!

Delaware "The News Journal" July 28 "Pino relishes return to Hard Spun's saddle" (http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070728/SPORTS11/707280376/1002/sports)

"He doesn't appear to have lost too much fitness from the little vacation that we tried to give him," Jones said. "He was a late foal to start with, so he had more developing time calendar-wise than some of the other horses. They probably matured quicker than he did. But he's gotten to be a great big ol' boy."

[CAH]

The weather this week up until the Haskell is expected to be hot and dry. The slop from Sunday should be dried out and the track fast. While I think Curlin is a freak and will tough to beat, keep one eye on Cable Boy. Dangerous, dangerous and just may pull off a win.

[Glimmerglass]

Official site for the 40th running of the Haskell Invitational at 1 1/8 mi (http://www.monmouthpark.com/haskell/horses.asp) with profiles of the known/expected entries


A very nice article by Jerry Izenberg on Cable Boy & company in the Star Ledger 8-1-07 "Haskell home team sits on hot long shot" (http://www.nj.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/columns-0/1185942134132290.xml&coll=1)

excerpt

Then they took a hard look a colt named Cable Boy. This is a youngster who spent 71 days in medical quarantine and lost his 2-year-old racing season to it. He was a late foal -- too immature for the Triple Crown preps or races, and as Nick Zito, who has been around a few race tracks in his day, would say:

"He just might be a summer horse."

The home team surely thinks so. He can run fast, but there is no evidence yet to say how fast. He ran reasonably long, but there is no evidence yet to say how long. On the surface, all we know about this Haskell long shot is that he has run three times and won three times. That ain't chopped liver.

He broke his maiden impressively and then tied a track record the next time out.

"So we put him in a nice little stakes race to see what he would do and he wins it easy," Forbes said. "So now they are sitting around the stable and trying to figure what to do next. There is no pressure from the owners who are simply having fun.

"'It's on you,'" one of them said. "'Your call. Just protect the horse.'"

article continues.. (http://www.nj.com/columns/ledger/izenberg/index.ssf?/base/columns-0/1185942134132290.xml&coll=1)

Cable Boy was slated to put in his final workout at 7:20 this morning.

[Texarkana]

All I can say is that there's going to be a helluva lotta speed on the front end of the Haskell if Stormello, Hard Spun, Xchanger, and Cable Boy all end up in the race.

Makes me think it might be a good day for a long shot like Imawildandcrazyguy who tends to come flying from off the pace.

But I'd looooove to see Cable Boy win.

[Glimmerglass]

With that much firepower and with a comparatively far more seasoned crew, if Cable Boy did win it would be an upset for the ages. We all can dream or at least root for the underdog without malice towards the favorites. This what this sport is all about dreaming big and some times, albeit rare, you do catch that lightning in the bottle ...

2004 of course did do that (almost say some but I think it was close enough) when top dog Lion Heart (after Smarty Jones retired) came to Jersey in the Haskell and found himself up against an ex claimer by the name of My Snookie's Boy who never fought harder or ran a better race in his life that day.

My Snookie's Boy, terribly overlooked, but who ran in an allowance race at Monmouth in late July of that year and won by over 7 lengths was coming into the race with plenty of reasons to feel good about himself. He was a very nice runner who sadly brokedown this year at Gulfstream Park and was euthanized :(

Video replay: Haskell Invitational 2004 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26kmqavMVWI)

[miss_critic]

My Snookie's Boy was put down????? NOOOOO!!!!!!! He was on my watch list! I wondered why I haven't seen him lately. Oh no....that's terrible. URGH. Dare I ask, what happened? That is SUCH a bummer.

I'm gonna root for Hard Spun.

[Texarkana]

I think I'm obligated to root for Xchanger if he runs. :lol: But I'd still love to see Cable Boy win because who doesn't love to root for the hometown underdog?

I still like Imawildandcrazyguy as a total long shot if he can actually get his timing right and come flying up to that wire first for a change. Because I think there's a chance we're going to see a fast pace and a lot of horses used up early. And dang, the horse needs to either win a graded stakes or stop playing with the big boys!

[Glimmerglass]

re: My Snookie's Boy

Emily (xcgirl) shared the news when I cited him running in a $10,000 claiming race on March 11, 2007.

He was pulled up and vanned off. He had apparently broken a leg and was later euthanized.

His equibase comments now are:

My Snookie's Boy, reserved after breaking in the air, was racing 3 wide when he took a bad step on the turn. He was pulled up and vanned off.

Another forum has him as having a fracture that would have been operable but it would have taken a lot of "what if's" and the new owner decided not to go forward with it.

http://finalturn.com/forum/index.php?topic=23210.0

[Glimmerglass]

From today's NY Daily News (http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more_sports/2007/08/01/2007-08-01_ten_races_set_as_turf_takes_root.html)

CURLIN FIRES: Preakness winner Curlin breezed a half-mile in :49.51 on the training track yesterday morning. He is scheduled to ship today to Momnouth Park, where he will be the overwhelming favorite in Sunday's $1 million Haskell.

It looks like the 900-lb gorilla in the Grade 3, $750,000 West Virginia Derby (http://www.news-register.net/page/content.detail/id/51309.html) will be Dominican, best known for his Blue Grass Stakes win over Street Sense.

The last Grade 1 winner to run in the West Virginia Derby was Hal’s Hope, who as the 8-5 favorite finished second to Mass Market in 2000. On Saturday, Dominican will be in a ten-horse field that includes the Grade 2 winners Delightful Kiss and Slew’s Tizzy, the Grade 3 winner Bwana Bull and four other horses who are graded stakes-placed.

[Glimmerglass]

A good article from the DRF:

81-1-07 "Cable Boy faces big test at home track" (http://www.drf.com/news/article/87196.html)

Some have argued that Cable Boy, sporting only one overnight stakes on the resume, is being thrown to the wolves.

Trainer John Forbes understands the skepticism.

"We have no delusions," Forbes said. "We know how tough the field is.

"If you look at the Beyer Speed Figures, you know how much faster they are than what he's run. At first glance, you throw him out of the race and say he's not going to be first, second, or third."

Cable Boy earned his best Beyer last time out, a 97 for his win in the Coronado's Quest Stakes on June 24. In comparison, 97 is the lowest Beyer for Curlin in any of his six races. He topped out at 111 in his Preakness victory.

On the positive side, Cable Boy has not been pushed in any of his races, posting an improving Beyer every time out.

"We don't know how fast he is," Forbes said. "You have to assume he's faster than what he's run because he hasn't been challenged. We know we haven't seen the best of Cable Boy. It would have to be a big leap, but it is not something you could rule out. We're not running just to go to the parties."

His final workout today: 4 furlongs in 48.00 ranking his time 2nd of 33 at that distance (http://www.equibase.com/static/workout/MTH080107USA-EQB.html)

[Texarkana]

His highest Beyer is a 97... whaaaat?

How do you equal the track record with such low Beyers?

I really need to sit down and read about calculating the different speed figures someday. I thought I understood, but lately I've just been scratching my head at some of them.

[Texarkana]

His highest Beyer is a 97... whaaaat?

How do you equal the track record with such a low figure?

I really need to sit down and read about calculating the different speed figures someday. I thought I understood, but lately I've just been scratching my head at some of them.

[miss_critic]

His highest Beyer is a 97... whaaaat?

How do you equal the track record with such a low figure?

I really need to sit down and read about calculating the different speed figures someday. I thought I understood, but lately I've just been scratching my head at some of them.

I am sorry for your loss ;) GO HARD SPUN:D

[Glimmerglass]

His highest Beyer is a 97... whaaaat?

How do you equal the track record with such a low figure?

I'm sure Lawyer Ron is saying the same thing himself with a mere 116 Beyer Speed Figure for a performance that shattered the Saratoga track record for 1 1/8-miles. One of the most common distances. Although see the Saratoga thread for a slight discussion on the Beyer figs and how its factored back. Ron's was technically a 138, then 128 with the takeout, but settle by some beyer "group" to be the mere 116 which doesn't make sense.

As an aside, some perspective: Lawyer Ron carried 118 lbs and finished the distance in a record time of 1:46.64; Man O'War on July 10, 1920 at Aqueduct (http://www.tbgreats.com/full.html) at the same distance but with 126 lbs did it in 1:49.1 - now if Big Red was 8 lbs lighter with Charlie aboard up at Spa do you think he could've hit 1:46 and change? ;)

Regarding Cable Boy his last 2 efforts have been (http://hub.gmnews.com/news/2007/0726/Sports/065.html): ..on May 26, Cable Boy set a track record for a mile and 70 yards with a clocking of 1:38.78, and in his most recent effort won the Coronado's Quest Stakes by nearly four lengths in 1:39.42, the second-fastest time ever recorded at Monmouth for a mile and 70 yards.

(Note - I'm not sure if that newspaper source is correct because as presented it would suggest the May effort and June effort were the same distance but that the second was slower yet his Beyer has improved with each effort ...)

So keep in mind that (1) Monmouth isn't quite Belmont or Aqueduct with the volume of horses or quality and (2) the distance isn't the most common that big gun ones run at.

[Glimmerglass]

fyi: TVG will air the Haskell live (http://racing.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=40025); while ESPN2 is airing the West Virginia Derby Sunday - not sure if they'll show the highlight of the Haskell during that telecast ...

[miss_critic]

Why would Dominican carry the highest weight, but not be the ML favorite? That doesn't make sense to me.

[Glimmerglass]

Worth citing: Coastal (1979) carried the most weight to win the Haskell, 127 lbs; this year Curlin is carrying the highest weight with a mere 122 lbs the balance of the field assigned to 118 lbs

The 2007 $1 Million 40th Anniversary Haskell Invitational (Grade 1)

post position order with (sire), jockey, weight and trainer; [odds]:

1. Any Given Saturday (Distorted Humor), Garrett Gomez, 118, Todd Pletcher [3-1];
2. Cable Boy (Jump Start), Jose Velez Jr., 118, Patrick McBurney [8-1];
3. Stormello, (Stormy Atlantic), Eddie Castro, 118, Bill Currin [15-1];
4. Imawildandcrazyguy (Wild Event), Manoel Cruz, 118, Bill Kaplan [30-1];
5. Reata’s Shadow (Include), Joe Bravo, 118, Joe Orseno [50-1];
6. Curlin (Smart Strike), Robby Albarado, 122, Steve Asmussen [even]
7. Hard Spun (Danzig), Mario Pino, 118, Larry Jones [5-2],
8. Xchanger (Exchange Rate), Edgar Prado, 118, Mark Shuman; [15-1]

The Haskell is the 13th race on a special 14-race card, Sunday August 5th, with post time set for 6:12 p.m. EDT

[Glimmerglass]

The West Virginia Derby (Grade 3) for $750,000 at 1 1/8 mi
Sunday August 5th, just like the Haskell

(I see the two top riders from Arlington Park getting mounts)

The field with PP Horse and Jockey/Trainer [ML Odds]

1. Sam P. (KY ) Weight, Rene Douglas / Todd Pletcher [5/1]
2. Dr Googles Boogles (KY ) 111, Rex Stokes III / Dale Romans [20/1]
3. Moyer's Pond (KY ) 111, Mark Guidry / Anthony Reinstedler [10/1]
4. Norjac (MD ) 111, Kendrick Carmouche / Clovis Crane [30/1]
5. Slew's Tizzy (KY ) 119, Robby Albarado / Gregory Fox [6/1]
6. Delightful Kiss (FL ) 119, Jeffrey Sanchez / Pete Anderson [9/2]
7. Song of Navarone (KY ) 115, Fernando Jara / Henry Dominguez [12/1]
8. Dominican (KY ) 122, Eddie Castro / Darrin Miller [4/1]
9. Zanjero (KY ) 111, Shaun Bridgmohan / Steven Asmussen [3/1]
10. Bwana Bull (KY ) 1117, Dana Whitney / Jerry Hollendorfer [8/1]

The track and race record of 1:46.29 was set in 2003 by Soto.

The race will be televised on ESPN from 5-6 p.m EST.

[Texarkana]

At 10/1, I kind of like Moyer's Pond in the WV Derby... although my handicapping skills have been about worthless lately. :lol:

[Glimmerglass]

Worth pointing out is "Jersey" Joe Bravo is riding the 50-1 Reata's Shadow. Joe 'owns' that track on the day in and day out basis with his riding so it could be an interesting mix. A late runner, if there is blistering speed up front - and this field could have it - then the spoils could be his (http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070803/SPORTS/708030504/1002):

Reata's Shadow, which finished fourth behind Cable Boy two races back, is going off at 50-to-1. Despite the long odds, the jockey thinks the race might set-up for Reata's Shadow late-running style.

"The Haskell is my favorite race," said Bravo. "We were kicking this around a few days ago. The race sets up good for us if the front runners beat each other up a little."

[InVA]

Worth citing: Coastal (1979) carried the most weight to win the Haskell, 127 lbs; this year Curlin is carrying the highest weight with a mere 122 lbs the balance of the field assigned to 118 lbs

The 2007 $1 Million 40th Anniversary Haskell Invitational (Grade 1)



The Haskell is the 13th race on a special 14-race card, Sunday August 5th, with post time set for 6:12 p.m. EDT

My event horse is a grandson of Coastal.... he carries my fat butt around! must be genetic! haha!

sorry... now back to your regularly scheduled forum....

[CAH]

The track is favoring front running speed.

I suspect you are going to see some faaassst times tomorrow with a new race record. My prediction is Curlin first, with Cable Boy and Hard Spun battling for place and show.

[Glimmerglass]

Stormello is out of the Haskell and expected to run just two more times in his career.

8-4-07 "Colic Knocks Stormello Out of Haskell" (http://www.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=40056)

"Missing the Haskell is a huge disappointment. We were expecting him to run a great race. This was to have been a part of his farewell tour this year. We were going in the Haskell, the King’s Bishop (gr. I) at Saratoga, and then back to Monmouth for the Breeders’ Cup. And then he was going off to stud. Now, I’m hoping he can recover in time to make the King’s Bishop. He’ll stay at Monmouth for now, and if he’s completely recovered, he’ll ship to Saratoga five days before the race.”

[Glimmerglass]

West Virginia Derby is official and it was down to the wire with a win by a nose:

1 - Zanjero
2 - Bwana Bull
3 - Moyer's Pond (about a nose over Sam P)
4 - Sam P

A brilliant exposion of speed exhibited by Delightful Kiss, the bettering favorite, from second to last in the field when going into the last turn, but after taking the lead briefly he just was running on empty.

[Glimmerglass]

Miniority stake holders of Curlin (20% now; who previously owned him outright) lost their court battle and the plaintiffs "have indicated that they would seek to lay claim to Cunningham's and Gallion's stake in Curlin". Meaning either the "whine" billionaire will have to buy out their stake or potentially have new partners in him.

August 4, 2007 "Ruling in fen-phen case" (http://drf.com/news/article/87335.html)

A U.S. District Court judge has ruled that three Lexington lawyers who are under indictment on charges of conspiracy must repay at least $42 million [plus 8% in interest] of a $200 million settlement the lawyers negotiated on behalf of plaintiffs in a 2001 suit against the maker of a diet-drug combination.

The plaintiffs in the lawsuit have also filed a civil lawsuit, seeking punitive damages.

[Glimmerglass]

As part of the undercard for the Haskell at Monmouth today the 8th race - Oceanport Stakes (G3) (http://www.drf.com/entries/05/eMTH05.html?rn=992712#8) going off at 3:28 pm EST

Some well known names: Kip Deville and Pletcher's Icy Atlantic in this 1 1/16th turf battle. I'll support Kip as he's been brilliant in 2007 so far!

[Glimmerglass]

No contest - Any Give Saturday takes the Haskell with Hard Spun and Curlin fighting it out for second and third, respectively.

Curlin didn't look like the same horse he was in the spring. Perfect position, just had to turn in on but that didn't happen. Cable Boy as expected let the field from the start and held on almost into the last turn until the pros turned it on and he was done.

[miss_critic]

Good race by AGS. Hard Spun needs to go where he can win and then come back. He ran a pretty good race too. Hope we get to hear what HS's connections say about the race. Curlin looked like he just didn't care.

The BC doesn't look promising for closers though-hopefully I am wrong.

[Jane]

Curlin didn't look like the same horse he was in the spring. Perfect position, just had to turn in on but that didn't happen.

I thought the same thing as they came around the last turn, he tried, but just couldn't get that extra gear going. It was disappointing, but Any Giving Saturday and Hard Spun both looked to be in excellent form also (amazing how much these horses have matured since the Derby).

[Texarkana]

Gosh, don't you just wish you would listen to your gut sometimes? I was thinking Any Given Saturday looking good. Oh well, it's not like I had money on the race.

Has Larry Jones opened his mouth yet?

[Glimmerglass]

Has Larry Jones opened his mouth yet?

Sometimes I think it should be said that collecting in a fat check for 2nd place isn't too bad :D Lets face it Hard Spun did nothing wrong yesterday and while his "stock" didn't rise much it certainly didn't fall either.

By comparison Curlin pretty much dashed his hopes for 3yr old HOTY unless he comes back and wins either the Travers or Jockey Club Gold Cup and either takes a win or place in the Breeders' Cup Classic.

Short of that it will be an uphill climb.

As with any year end honors there are a lot of moving parts.

A loss by Rags to Riches in say the Alabama can take a slight luster off the Belmont and gives some pause as to how good she really is. The flipside is a big win and all this static about her health and Todd being overly cautious gets the now cloudy picture out of sight. Curlin's lack of fire in the Haskell is just one race but does it suggest the rest of peers have caught up and passed him in their maturity?

While not exactly a "wow" the win by Street Sense in the Jim Dandy was sufficient and notched yet another win on his record. If Street Sense then wins the Travers Stakes I think it will be rather difficult to chip away at his credentials for 3 Yr old HOTY.

[Glimmerglass]

In honor of Layers, guns and money although I don't think there are guns involved (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5puAN1PGQw) unless you want to call Curlin a bullet ....

Looks like the 20% owners of Culrin - including one who named the horse after an ancestor - would've been watching his Travers effort (if he raced) from jail.

KY Herald-Leader 8-10-07 "3 fen-phen lawyers sent to jail after trial postponed" (http://kentucky.com/181/story/146614.html)

U.S. District Judge William Bertelsman agreed Friday to postpone the criminal trial of Melbourne Mills Jr., Shirley Cunningham Jr. and William Gallion, but he revoked their bond and remanded them to custody after a short hearing in federal court in Covington.

Lawyers for the three attorneys had asked the judge for a delay of the criminal trial. The men had been indicted on one count each of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

The three are accused of taking $64 million of a $200 million diet-drug settlement that should have gone to their clients.

The "fan site" for Curlin, run by the connections, "gocurlin.com" (http://www.gocurlin.com/index.shtml) has been without updates since his lackluster 3rd in the Haskell and no citation of the woes of the owners.

[Glimmerglass]

Bizarre move of the month: Steve Asmussen is going to enter Tiz Wonderful in the Travers Stakes (http://drf.com/news/article/87589.html) - is he kidding? Tiz was blownout of the Jin Dandy finishing dead last. Why jump from one Grade 1 to another Grade 1 after such a layoff when early indications are relatively poor?

Oh wait I get it - there is almost nobody running in the Travers! Heck if Birdbirdistheword (remember him?) somehow was on the nominations list I'd run him just to collect the check! All Steve has to hope is Tiz beats Loose Leaf and they'll make something. Ugh!

As of Monday, Aug 13, those expected to run included Street Sense, C P West, Sightseeing, Loose Leaf, and Tiz Wonderful. Todd Pletcher nominated seven horses to the Travers, though has said it is "doubtful'' he would run anything.

[Glimmerglass]

With Curlin skipping the Travers for the Jockey Club Gold Cup I thought I'd point to a couple of videos of past champions showing how its done in the JCGC

Oh and of course back in their day it was at 1 1/2 miles none of this wimpy 1 1/4 mi stuff :D

Video: 1981 Jockey Club Gold Cup (Grade 1) John Henry (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSISQou2aBA&mode=related&search=)

Video: 1979 Jockey Club Gold Cup (Grade 1) Spectacular Bid and Affirmed (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=berN2tnAlkk&mode=related&search=)

I personally preferred to Durkin Marshall Cassidy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marshall_Cassidy)'s race calling at Belmont. Listen to the massive crowd at Belmont in 1979!

[Glimmerglass]

Why do I have this terrible feeling that Rags to Riches will be like Jazil - win the Belmont and seemingly fail to come back to the track until the very late fall and even then never to perform at that level again ... hopefully not

DRF Monday Aug 27 "Rags to Riches misses work with fever" (http://drf.com/news/article/87972.html)

"She's acting perfect, she's bright, sharp and aggressive, but the thermometer's a little bit off," said Pletcher, who noted the filly's temperature was approaching 102 degrees.

A fair chance exists of now missing the Ruffian and then shooting for The Gazelle in mid September.

Meanwhile, Jockey Club Gold Cup entry Curlin put in a bullet up at Saratoga with the cooler weather now upon the Spa:

BloodHorse 8-27 "Curlin Works Five Furlongs at Saratoga" (http://racing.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=40463)

...on a fast track, [five furlings] in 1:01.65 ..

[Glimmerglass]

I can't say this has been Todd's best season at Saratoga with the Monkey not happening, none of his fillies doing well or in the case of Rags to Riches [see above] just not fit to run, and his big 3-yr old guns doing better in other states (Monmouth, Colonial Downs, Arlington Park) .. I'm sure he'll be happy to see this meet come to a close and move on to the next prep races before the Breeders' Cup which is his main focus (obviously) for almost all of his G1 horses.

At least Lawyer Ron stepped up to the plate at Spa :)

[miss_critic]

Not sure this qualifies as a Classic, but I hope some exciting ponies show up for the PA Derby this Monday (I'll be there). I personally am hoping to see Delightful Kiss-perty grey :)
I am wondering who is Calvin riding??? I can't seem to find out anywhere.

I also can't wait to find out how terrible the betting windows will be with the racino. It was terrible on a low attendance day.

Hey, Glimmerglass, whatever did happen to birdbirdistheword?

[Glimmerglass]

Hey, Glimmerglass, whatever did happen to birdbirdistheword?

Ah, Birdbirdistheword, well I wondered that myself with races like the Penn Derby on the horizon and him having at least one graded lifetime race in the money ... but I don't xpect him to surface again anytime soon.

NTRA bio: Birdbirdistheword as of 6/29/07 (http://www.ntra.com/stats_bios.aspx?id=22110)

Last race - 05/04/07 - Grade 3 $150k Crown Royal American Turf Stakes at Churchill Downs. He finished 7th. Worth noting he did beat one known horse in that race: Delight Kiss. Then again 2nd place went to Whatsthescript whom I've never heard of again.

Seemingly no starts since then.

[Glimmerglass]

I never did see comments as to why Cable Boy flopped in the Haskell until now:

Forbes said the colt's performance had been affected by a case of the "thumps," or hiccups, which sometimes occur because of dehydration and interfere with a horse's ability to run.

Interesting. Hopefully they'll keep him properly hydrated for the $1 Million Pennsylvania Derby (gr. II) on September 3rd (http://racing.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=40485) of which he'll be an underdog again. I still would like to see him do well.

It looks like Barclay Tagg, a man far more comfortable with runners on turf, will send out Nobiz Like Shobiz this Saturday (Sep 1st) at Delaware Park. I was expecting him not to surface until the fall in California.

Kent Stakes (G3-T), $500,000, Sept. 1 (http://racing.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=40477) for 3-year-olds at 1 1/8 miles on turf.

PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey, ML Odds
1. Buddy's Humor, 118, Eibar Coa, 6-1
2. Encaustic, 116, Luis Garcia, 15-1
3. Summer Doldrums, 120, Garrett Gomez, 12-1
4. Wheels Up at Noon, 116, TBA, 12-1
5. Strike a Deal, 116, Ramon Dominguez, 5-1
6. Soldier's Dancer, 118, Mario Pino, 15-1
7. Twilight Meteor, 116, Chris DeCarlo, 6-1
8. Nobiz Like Shobiz, 120, Javier Castellano, 8-5
9. Starvinsky, 118, Jeremy Rose, 12-1
10. Chaluiwitcane, 122, Roberto Alvarado, 12-1
11. Return the Money, 116, Ryan Fogelsonger, 20-1

If he performs as well as he did at Saratoga in the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Stakes (G2) then this should be a very nice race. He was vastly more relaxed and professional on the turf last time out.

[miss_critic]

This is funny-Look under the Classic and then the Sprint division- Are the Breeders Cup folks trying to tell Hard Spun's connections something?! :lol:

http://www.breederscup.com/points.aspx

[Glimmerglass]

Worth taking a look at is today's column by the BloodHorse's Steve Haskin's (and Wynn Las Vegas Odds Race Book) list for the Breeders' Cup Classic. Good stuff!

August 28, 2007: Steve Haskin's BC Countdown: Classic Picture Looking Bright (http://racing.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=40489)

Condensed list without comments:

1. Street Sense (7-2*)
2. Any Given Saturday (6-1)
3. Lawyer Ron (8-1)
4. Curlin (7-1)
5. Manduro (GER) (12-1)
6. Lava Man (30-1)
7. Rags to Riches (20-1)
8. Tiago (40-1)
9. Hard Spun (25-1)
10. Surf Cat (50-1)

* latest odds in the Wynn Las Vegas Race Book.

Mind you just because they are listed above doesn't mean the connections are pointing that particular horse to the BCC. Clearly Pletcher will not run Rags to Riches in the Classic.

Also suggested for the BCC - the retired, flop at stud, return to racing George Washington!

[Glimmerglass]

A very nice field of big name runners for the return of Penn Derby! Looks like $1M does bring 'em out everywhere else but Saratoga and Del Mar who each had $1M races with thin fields ....

$1 Million Pennsylvania Derby (Grade 2)
Three-Year-Olds at 1 1/8-Miles on dirt
September 3, 2007 going off at 5:35 p.m. EST

PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Sam P. (KY), 114, Rene R. Douglas
2. Bwana Bull (KY), 122, Eddie Castro
3. Get Serious (NY), 114, Charles C. Lopez
4. Timber Reserve (KY), 114, Javier Castellano
5. Slew's Tizzy (KY), 122, Robby Albarado
6. Moyer's Pond (KY), 114, Calvin H. Borel
7. Xchanger (FL), 122, Luis Garcia
8. Zanjero (KY), 122, Shaun Bridgmohan
9. Cable Boy (KY), 114, Jose A. Velez, Jr.
10. Cowtown Cat (KY), 122, Ramon A. Dominguez
11. Imawildandcrazyguy (FL), 114, Manoel R. Cruz
Source: Bloodhorse (http://racing.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=40545)

With as much as an 8-lb weight advantage for Cable Boy this might just be the perfect showcase if the Jersey bullet does show up.

[Texarkana]

That's a mighty fine field for the PA Derby, if I do say so myself.

[miss_critic]

I've been waiting for this line up ALL week! Anybody want to give your thoughts/rundown on the PA Derby? I'm headed down there and this field has me stumped. I really don't know Get Serious and Timber Reserve.

[Glimmerglass]

A damn fine race out of Nobiz Like Shobiz in his 2nd turf career start - he takes the win by about a head in a calm, never rank effort! Tagg should be very commended for guiding this talented colt on to another surface with fine success.

Bloodhorse 9-1-07 "Nobiz Like Shobiz Continues Turf Success" (http://racing.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=40564)

(The link above has the video replay)

[Glimmerglass]

Philadelphia 9-3-07 "Big, quality field, but no single horse stands out" (http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/47-09032007-1401651.html)

There might not be a horse that sticks out like a sore thumb, but 3-1 morning-line favorite Zanjero and Bwana Bull, at 6-1, appear to have the running styles that fit perfectly.

“The fresh horses, Cable Boy and Timber Reserve, they've been pointing toward this race for a while,” Sinatra said. “Cable Boy trained here all winter, so he knows the track, and Bwana Bull and Imawildandcrazyguy have been here working over the track for a week. That's got to be an advantage.”

Borel is on Moyer's Pond, a horse that has finished second or third in three consecutive graded events.

Philadelphia Inquirer 9-3-07 "A rarity for top trainer: Local entry in Pa. Derby" (http://www.philly.com/inquirer/sports/20070903_A_rarity_for_top_trainer__Local_entry_in_ Pa__Derby.html)

Since he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania's veterinary school 27 years ago, John Kimmel has been among the leading trainers on the New York circuit. However, he rarely sends a horse for an appearance in the area.

But today, Kimmel will saddle Timber Reserve, owned in part by his father, Caesar, as a serious contender in the $1 million Pennsylvania Derby at Philadelphia Park.

[Texarkana]

Looks like that blurb on Timber Reserve was a good tip for the PA Derby!

I think Xchanger could have gotten it done if he wasn't stuck out so wide the whole trip! I swear he had to cover twice as much ground in the stretch as Timber Reserve. He just kept pushing Xchanger wider and wider until they were practically in the stands. But no excuses.

[miss_critic]

I just posted about this on the PA Derby thread....the guy picking the selections in the program really knew what he was talking about today. And why oh why didn't I listen to that Xchanger fan I know??? Great race-Timber Reserve is gorgeous horse.

I guess the hiccup theory didn't pan out for Cable Boy.

[Glimmerglass]

I guess the hiccup theory didn't pan out for Cable Boy.

Nope ;) Bursting out to take the lead and set the fractions seemed foolish however I don't think I can fault anyone on that. I don't think CB rates and unless you have Seatle Slew speed and stamina it is always going to cost you victories.

I was waiting for Imawildandcrazyguy to kick in for the close but it just never happened.

[Glimmerglass]

She needs a rabbit now? Hmmm ....

Rags to Riches was assigned co-highweight of 120 pounds for the Ruffian, which on the scale of weights translates to 124 pounds for a 3-year-old against older fillies and mares going 1 1/16 miles. Ginger Punch and Take D' Tour will also carry 120, while Miss Shop was assigned 118. Teammate (116), Rahys' Appeal (115) and Desert Fight (115) are also possible.

Pletcher did say that if Rags to Riches runs in the Ruffian she will do so as an entry with Chagall, who would serve as a pacesetter, or rabbit, to ensure an honest pace. Chagall, also a 3-year-old, was assigned 109 pounds.

Source: Daily Racing Form 9-3-07 (http://www.drf.com/news/article/88235.html)

Keep in mind she is not confirmed for the Ruffian, rather "trainer Todd Pletcher said he would likely wait until Wednesday to decide whether the 3-year-old filly would run in Saturday's Ruffian at Belmont Park or wait for the Gazelle, also at Belmont, on Sept. 15."

I'm shocked that she'll need a rabbit to make a victory possible ....

[miss_critic]

I think there should be a thread titled "Pletcher's Breaking News". You know, then we can update each other on how the news reported that she farted during a workout and therefore will miss the next 2 months...;)

A rabbit. Are you kidding me? Is he scared to death to run her or what? I like him, I like her, but the thrill certainly lost its luster, at least for me.

[Glimmerglass]

Worth pointing out although others have done it far earlier [e.g., ESPN's Bill Finley] is the praise worthy credit towards Hard Spun and Larry Jones (and owner Rick Porter, too) for having done something rather rare these days: danced in all the dances.

While not visting the winners circle often, he regardless has been there in all the big races and hasn't been shelved as other have for selective victories like Street Sense, Curlin or Rags to Riches.

His 2007 efforts to date:

08/25/07 $250K King's Bishop S. Saratoga (G1) 1st
08/05/07 $1M Haskell Invitational H. Monmouth Park (G1) 2nd
06/09/07 $1M Belmont S. Belmont Park (G1) 4th
05/19/07 $1M Preakness S. Pimlico (G1) 3rd
05/05/07 $2M Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands Churchill Downs (G1) 2nd
03/24/07 $500K Lane's End S. Turfway Park (G2) 1st
02/19/07 $250K Southwest S. Oaklawn Park (ungraded) 4th
01/13/07 $100K LeComte S. Fair Grounds (G3) 1st

2007 record 8 starts 3-2-1 ($1,292,500)

Keep in mind Hard Spun is already "sold" in terms of breeding so there isn't an incentive to race in 2008; Jones and Porter (Fox Hill Farms) per published reports earned a bonus for having won a Grade 1 victory something Darley wanted badly on his record. Sheikh Mohammed's Darley (who bought his breeding rights) will have him stand stud in Lexington, KY after he finishes his racing career - next to Street Sense who they also control the breeding rights to.

Hard Spun's next effort is projected to be: September 29th in the Kentucky Cup Classic Handicap (G2) at Turfway Park at 1 1/8-mile, then the Breeders' Cup Classic, Oct. 27 against Lawyer Ron, Street Sense, Curlin, et al

[Texarkana]

Hard Spun's next effort is projected to be: September 29th in the Kentucky Cup Classic Handicap (G2) at Turfway Park at 1 1/8-mile, then the Breeders' Cup Classic, Oct. 27 against Lawyer Ron, Street Sense, Curlin, et al


I wish they would run him in the BC dirt mile since there's very few who could rival him... but with it being "ungraded" this year I guess there's no glory in that.

I'm sure he'll hold his own in the Classic (he always does), but at the same time it's hard to see him beating the likes of LR or SS. Maybe he'll surprise us and go out with a bang.

Either way, he's one 3 year old who actually earned his retirement at 3.

[Glimmerglass]

Hard Spun confirmed as starting in the Kentucky Cup Classic (http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070904/SPORTS08/70904041/1002/SPORTS) next on Sep 29:

“If Street Sense wants to come to the Kentucky Cup, bring him on,” [owner Rick] Porter said Tuesday evening. “That’s fine with us. We’ll take him on right there.”

Porter said the Oct. 27 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Monmouth is the ultimate goal, though he didn’t completely rule out the new $1 million Breeders’ Cup Mile on Oct. 26. The BC Sprint is not an option, he said.

“Larry and I want to prove we have the best horse,” he said. “And the only way to prove that is to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic.”

They seriously thought about the MassCap but:

... The only other choice we really had was the Massachusetts Handicap. I would worry about the surface there if it got really muddy. I don’t want to be at the mercy of the weather.”

Hence they prefer polytrack as it won't be impacted as badly if it rains.

[Glimmerglass]

Will she ever race again?

I swear if it was at all possible to erase the loving hype behind Rags to Riches, Todd Pletcher and company have managed to accomplished that feat!

DRF 8-5-07 "Rags to Riches will skip Ruffian for Gazelle" (http://www.drf.com/news/article/88264.html)

The filly's trainer, Todd Pletcher, cited the fact that Rags to Riches missed a scheduled workout on Aug. 27 because of a temperature.

[miss_critic]

I swear if it was at all possible to erase the loving hype behind Rags to Riches, Todd Pletcher and company have managed to accomplished that feat!

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AMEN!!!!