November 2009
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 |
| 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
| 29 | 30 |
FormBlog | June 25, 2008
Landaluce, gate scratches, Rose suspension
Hollywood Park has a huge card scheduled for Saturday with three graded stakes as well as the $100,000 Landaluce Stakes. Let's relive Landaluce's championship season through the words of the legendary Joe Hirsch in his "1982 Racing in Review" column from the 1983 American Racing Manual.
"Landaluce, the champion 2-year-old filly, was a star even in advance of her debut. Purchased in Kentucky for $115,000, she worked so smartly in California that she was a 4-5 favorite when she made her debut at Hollywood Park on July 3. After racing six furlongs in an eye-catching 1:08 1/5, she won by seven lengths under Laffit Pincay Jr. to the applause of the crowd.
That reaction, however, wasn't a patch on the ovation she received a week later when she won the Hollywood Lassie by 21 lengths. Favored at 3-10, she ran her first half-mile in :43 4/5 and wrapped up the six panels in 1:08, three-fifths of a second off the track record. This was the prototype tour de force."
Here is the video of the Hollywood Lassie courtesy of youtube:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=tVOEIBIA80Q
"After a brief holiday, Landaluce won the Del Mar Debutante on September 5 by six and a half lengths as a 3-10 choice and came back at Santa Anita on October 11 to make light work of the Anakoia Stakes, cantering to a 10-length decision in a matter befitting a 1-10 choice. Now she was an international celebrity. Europeans, coming to the United States, all asked about the "Wonder Filly of the West."
Thus, when she won the $259,350 Oak Leaf Stakes at Santa Anita on October 23 by only two lengths, everyone wanted to know if anything was wrong with her. Favored at 1-20, Landaluce took the lead after half a mile, opened a four-length advantage at the furlong pole and coasted home, two lengths clear of Golden Eagle Farm's Sophisticated Girl."
"Landaluce was to have two more races in a campaign aimed at Horse of the Year honors. She was scheduled to meet the fillies again in the Hollywood Starlet on November 28 and challenge the colts in the Hollywood Futurity on December 12. On November 21, she was vanned from her Santa Anita headquarters to Hollywood Park for a five-furlong breeze as a tightener for the Starlet. She worked smartly and was back in her stall at Santa Anita by 10 a.m. The next afternoon, she failed to clear up her feedtub. Her temperature was taken and it was 103 degrees.
Her condition deteriorated steadily over the next three days, her temperature rising and falling with the administration of antibiotics. Toward the end she was on a liquid diet and was threatening to founder. Trainer Wayne Lukas, who remained at her side virtually the entire week, was devastated. The filly had difficulty swallowing and breathing, and, finally, standing. On Sunday morning, November 28, the day she was to run in the Starlet, she died at 5 a.m., with her head in Lukas' lap.
The subsequent autopsy was conclusive in some respects, inconclusive in others. Apparently Landaluce was the victim of the dreaded colitis X, a condition that almost proved fatal to Seattle Slew in the winter of his 4-year-old season. What is known definitely is that Landaluce was something special, one of the cracks.
She had to be, to gain the championship of the 2-year-old filly division in 1982 for there was another undefeated filly on the East Coast who commanded considerable attention, too. Princess Rooney, owned by Paula Tucker of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and trained by Frank Gomez, is by Verbatim out of Parrish Princess by Drone. Purchased as a yearling for $38,000, she won her six starts by a combined margin of 58 lengths, competing at three tracks, with three different riders on her..."
Here are Landaluce's lifetime past performances:
I do not recall if Noble Causeway was injured or if he ever raced again. He is standing at stud in Lexington. But the point is that if a rider feels that something is amiss with a horse he is probably right. And yes it is frustrating to the connections and to the bettors to have a gate scratch. But frustration is a very large part of this game.
Ray Manley
Ray, That was an excellent point about Noble Causeway w/ Bailey/Zito. To me, he was a 'total bet-against' when he showed back up a few days or so later @ the Spa, with I believe J. Castellano up.
Steve V
Noble Causeway was scratched in the post parade of the Jim Dandy, and was eased a few days later at 19-10 odds under Ramon Dominguez. He then had a chip removed, and started 10 times after the debacle, winning an optional claimer at Gulfstream. Here are some columns from David Grening at the time of the incident:
http://www.drf.com/drfNewsArticle.do?NID=67313&subs=0&arc=1
http://www.drf.com/drfNewsArticle.do?NID=67459&subs=0&arc=1
http://www.drf.com/drfNewsArticle.do?NID=67670&subs=0&arc=1
***
BTW,
What do you guys and gals make of the suspension of jockey Jeremy Rose for cruel and excessive use of the whip by Deleware racing officials? Six months, no less.
vicstu
...I'm not for abusing horse or anything, I'm just trying to play Devil's Advocate and it seems like Rose has become the new whipping boy for horse racing and make it appear as if it's "cleaning up it's image".
g or g
I've been following Delaware this meet, and this isn't the first time that Rose's actions have come into question. On May 12, I was co-hosting the New York City OTB program with Peter Rotundo, and we noticed Rose tearing the hide off runner-up Chief Export with 100 yards to go, and no hope of winning the race. If you go to calracing.com (free registration), and load up the May 12 race at Delaware, you'll see what I mean. Chief Export is breaking from post two, and is program number three. He breaks slowly, and rushes into a tight spot on the inside turning for home. After checking and angling to the outside, he fails to run down win-machine Spooky Mulder. Rose has no chance to win in late stretch, but still gives Chief Export a good beating on his shoulder. After the race, we called for his head on live TV, and in the wake of the Eight Belles incident, wondered how in the heck Rose could be allowed to ride in the Preakness later that week. I can understand his frustration over the bad trip, but the horse didn't deserve the hiding.
I think the lengthy suspension is justified in that it sends out a message that the whole world is scrutinizing our sport, and that animal abuse will not be tolerated.
***
Dan,
Anyway, I was looking at my 'horse watch' the other day and was wondering whatever happened to the horse Belly Rub. I know he was by Buddah and always thought that was a clever name. I remembering him winning a stakes at Aquaduct maybe a year or two ago, but he hasn't shown up anywhere since. Just wondering if you had any info? Also, whatever happened to CP West?
Thanks,
Mike
Belly Rub last ran on April 21, 2007 in the Federico Tesio Stakes at Pimlico. He finished last of six, and hasn't recorded a published workout since November 7, 2007. C P West was sent to Florida to prep for a 4-year-old campaign after winning the Wild Again Stakes at Belmont on November 1, but hasn't recorded a published workout since that race.
***
Congrats to Team Zayat for Star of David's debut win at Churchill on Wednesday afternoon.
***
Dan - do you think wagering by the connetions can hurt the sport? At least in terms of people's perceptions?
john r
I believe it's against the rules of racing for an owner/trainer/jockey to bet against their horse (let's see that rule be enforced), but I don't have a problem if they're betting on their charge to win. They're showing confidence in their horse, and are trying to get some of the money that goes to vet bills, feed bills, training bills, etc. back. If it comes out that people are betting against their own horses, then public perception would swell that the game is "fixed."
***
Then, and this is potentially breaking news, I've heard from a solid source that there is a Lidocaine positive coming for the trainer of the horse that many believe to be the best in the world.
Blue Horseshoe
DRF's Marty McGee is reporting (Friday print edition) that Steve Asmussen will be served notice tomorrow morning for a Lidocaine positive at Lone Star while Richard Dutrow Jr. was notified today that one of his horses tested positive for clenbuterol at Churchill Downs.
***
Talk to you tomorrow,
Dan
Posted by dan_illman on June 25, 2008 | Permalink
Keywords:
Comments
Regarding betting against your own horses, I remember that many years ago Don Meade was ruled off after an investigation revealed that he had made bets on horses other than the horse that he was riding in a number of races. What was interesting is that all 13 of the illegal bets lost, and Meade himself won five of the races (38 percent). Of course, such betting cannot be countenanced.
Posted by: Michael B. Farber on June 25, 2008 at 07:16 PM
-->
Dan,
I agree completely regarding the Jeremy Rose incident. I have noticed this behavior from him in the past as well and he should be given no quarter. This sport should have a very low level of tolerance for physical abuse on its participants and 6 months seems minor too me.
I find it hard too believe Rose is any kind of animal lover, regardless, of what he proclaims. A rider should spare the whip, unless, in extreme circumstances. A whip should never be used as a form of punishment too the horse for any reason ( and certainly not because the idiot human put the horse in terrible spots and gave a clueless ride ). It should never be a concern that a person who loves animals is willing to abuse one. So any forthright announcement by Mr. Rose or his advocates about his previous "love affairs" with horses will fall upon my deaf ears.
Posted by: MudhoundMojo on June 25, 2008 at 07:33 PM
-->
Dan - Thanks for addressing the issue of connections betting against their charge. I actually didn’t know it was illegal although that obviously makes sense. As you point out, how is it enforceable though? The greater point I was trying to make is obviously perception. And perception is not at a high level now with the sport. In terms of the current oversight the sport is undergoing and will undergo....drip....drip.....drip could really hurt. Anyone see the Drudge Report last week.....there was a headline regarding the Churchill breakdown that occurred....we have only begun to see a BIT of the spotlight shine on the sport’s ills. More heat will come.
MudhoundMojo and Calvin Carter - I agree with both of your sentiments. See my post from earlier today....horseplayers should propose an agenda for reforms....but who is going to organize it? I’d like to know everyone’s thoughts on that. I could go up to the hill tomorrow and get some attention for a proposal but it would be much more effective if it was an organized grassroots effort. This isn’t about Congress creating a government regulatory body, it is about Congress exerting pressure on the industry to do the right thing for the sport....and provide a structure for a “general”....something that is amiss presently.
John r
Posted by: john r on June 25, 2008 at 07:51 PM
-->
Arazi,
I was reading the posts of the last few days and noticed yesterday ( June 24 ) you had a post written to kjs at 6:11 p.m. You asked kjs to email you so you could discuss post scratches.
You signed off as Arazi, but at the bottom of every post it says "Posted by:", and then the name kjs is there.
Arazi, are you kjs or is this some mistake by the site itself, or am I just misunderstanding? If you are kjs, what is up with posting to yourself? Lol, I'm not sure what too make of it, as there was a few posts back and forth between the two ( one ) of you.
Posted by: Rick on June 25, 2008 at 08:19 PM
-->
MudhoundMojo,
Well said. It may be inevitable that the government will get involved in regulating the horse racing industry.
I pray that doesn't happen.
The government had another brilliant idea in the early 1900's when it banned all alcohol consumption.
johnnyz,
Candy Ride is definitely stamping himself as a sire to be reckonned with. Two of his fillies Evita Argentina and Candilejas finished 1st and 2nd in the 8th at Hollywood.
Evita Argentina paid $40.80 for the win and Candilejas paid $4.00 for the place.
Posted by: Calvin Carter on June 25, 2008 at 08:46 PM
-->
Dan, thank you for your comments on Jeremy Rose's suspension. I would add that one does not need to look up that race on May 12 (though by all means, do). Just look at his rides aboard Afleet Alex in the 2005 Arkansas Derby, Belmont, and even the lauded Preakness to see his excessive use of the whip. Until this incident, it was known only to those who followed Delaware racing that he made a habit of punishing his mounts with the whip. I applaud the Delaware stewards' swift and decisive action against him.
As for Dutrow and Assmussen's suspensions (nice inside info again, BlueHorseshoe), this is what racing's fragmented regulations, divided factions and dependence on drugs has brought on itself. It is time for racing to pay the piper with bad publicity. It's been 30 years in the making and racing only has itself to blame.
Is there any way for racing fans to let the racetracks and state commissions (or whoever the heck is in charge[?]) know that we are willing to accept fewer racing days in order to have clean, drug-free racing? An overlooked part of the drug issue is the pressure to fill races. There are so many racing days now, even the 30,000+ horses born each year can't fill the races without being pumped with 'therapeutic' medication. If abolishing drugs means cutting down race days, I'm willing to take that trade. But are the state commissions game? There are so many problems with the sport's structure it is truly depressing.
Posted by: JWO on June 25, 2008 at 08:59 PM
-->
Thank you Star of David ran great!
Posted by: Justin Zayat on June 25, 2008 at 09:37 PM
-->
Dr. Derango,
Um, did you have to spoil my pick 4 with Crimson Star?
Posted by: Annie on June 25, 2008 at 10:47 PM
-->
Here are my picks for Hollywood tomorrow, good look on the Pick 6, this is a REALLY tough card.
HOLLYWOOD PARK – Thursday (06-26-2008)
Race 1 – Yankee Visionary, Reel Prime, Skyspy DD: Milwaukeebrewkaroo
Race 2 – Courtly Jazz, Hemet, Outside Looking In DD: The Rye Man
Race 3 – Angus, Informed, Babu DD: Cut Trail
Race 4 – Cold Prince, Vanaldi, Warren’s Jack V. DD: Black Magic
Race 5 – Refinery, Celtic Sword, City Stormer DD: Twoway Hard Ten
Race 6 – Afternoon Gold, Molitta, Warren’s Ballet DD: Tallahocean
Race 7 – Zappa, Luhuk’s Dancer, Tall Texan DD: Freesgood
Race 8 – Soup Deeohbouble G, Chatty Lulu, Ten Churros DD: Grace Gryder
Posted by: Steve T on June 25, 2008 at 10:47 PM
-->
Annie & Calvin,
Don't Cry For Me Evita Argentina!! Cost me a $2900+ WillPay P4 on the other Candy Ride filly - I didn't see Annie's comment until after I put in my ticket and the P4 paid $31K... :-((
I'm handicapping the Saturday HOL card tonight (for the NHC contest) while my wife and daughter are next to me watching the Season2 Opener of Sheer Genius - and they say horseplayers are strange??? I have officially renamed HOL9, A Gleam Invt Hcp => "THE UNCLE STEVE INVITATIONAL"!!! Look who's running...forget about graded stakes winners Dawn After Dawn, Romance is Diane, Ashley's Kitty and Tiz Elemental...instead let's talk about:
**SPENDITALLBABY**
**INTANGAROO**
**MAGNIFICIENCE**
**DEAREST TRICKSKI**
Who are you picking Steveohhh?????
Posted by: Alan on June 25, 2008 at 10:51 PM
-->
A New Commission?
Here's a list I would consider from our FormBlog.
I nominate:
Dan Illman : President
SteveT: Vice President
PGM: Secretary
johnnyz: Treasure
Alan: Public relations
G or G: Ambassador
vicstu: Media/ press relations
C: press relations/the opposite counterpoint
Calvin: Research, History
Laura: Research, Breeding
Kyri: Medical research
and the rest of the Blue Boxers/ Thongs as the delegates.
...sorry if I left others out for promising posistions...
but Who would You nominate?
SR Vegas
Posted by: SR Vegas on June 25, 2008 at 11:01 PM
-->
JWO,
The state commissions are generally political appointments so they are prone to follow whatever is politically expedient. With Eight Belles, the congressional hearings and the positives for Dutrow and Assmussen, I think they may actually do something. Who wants to be the last one getting in line?
Posted by: Steve T on June 25, 2008 at 11:11 PM
-->
what's the difference between excessive use of the whip and injecting drugs in horses, both damage them.
Posted by: jrzingg on June 25, 2008 at 11:15 PM
-->
OK, someone please translate this for me:
Re: Zappa in Race 7 at HP.
"I can't say too much because he's in for a tag," Sadler said, referring to the $125,000 claim price that makes the recent graded stakes winner eligible to the allowance. "We've done great with him and we're trying for aggressive placement so we're not running against the nuts."
Huh?
Posted by: Annie on June 25, 2008 at 11:15 PM
-->
Calvin,
There is no doubt Candy Ride will put plenty of 2 yr. old winners on the track. Almost hate that his two fillys hit the exacta in the 8th @ HLW. Prices will not be near as good!
My pick in the 8th, was #4 Cafe Veranda. Turning for home the Forest Wildcat Filly looked like the winner. About 1/2F later it looked like the brakes were put on, and she definetly was not ridden out. Any of you west coast guys hear of any physical problem with her?
Steve T, agree with you on HLW tomorrow, is a toughie. I am taking a break from the card right now. Won't surprise me to see a double carry. Have to give the the P/6 a try as pool should hit at least 2M.
Hopefully back with a pick or two later.
Posted by: johnnyz on June 25, 2008 at 11:35 PM
-->
Alan
Oh, Alan, that's too bad! I had Evita, but not Crimson Star so I didn't get it either. We should have put those tickets together. lol
Posted by: Annie on June 26, 2008 at 12:13 AM
-->
Alan,
LOL, that's actually exactly what I have been thinking about - what a race! Tough, tough call. Magnificience won her last but it was on raw guts, Dearest Tricksi crashed and burned, Spenditallbaby failed to show up at Belmont (but does pick up Rosario), Intangaroo has been quantumly improving, plus you also have Tiz Elemental, Dawn after Dawn and Romance is Diane.
If you said pick three today it would be Intangaroo, Magnificience and Tiz Elemental. But there are going to be some serious odds on a couple.
The whole card is like that on Saturday. Look at the 2 year old race, Trifecta King, Cosmic Queen, Glitter City, Emmy Darling, Atka.
And in the Gold Cup I may go after a sneaker, Racketeer.
It is just a real good card from one end to the other!
Posted by: Steve T on June 26, 2008 at 12:14 AM
-->
There were actually THREE Candy Ride's in that race: Evita Argentina, Candilejas and Mad for Candy.
Posted by: Steve T on June 26, 2008 at 12:17 AM
-->
Dan -
Thanks so much for the look back at the amazing Landaluce. I saw each of her races in person and she was the first horse I can seriously say that made me go ... wow. There is no saying how good she could have become if she didn't get sick and leave us far too soon.
I also distinctly remember expressing my heartfelt condolences to D. Wayne Lukas at Santa Anita soon after her passing and thanking him for sharing her with us. He was still obviously distraught but took the time to sincerely thank me for my condolences.
Finally, after all these years have passed I have never been as impressed by a filly or mare -- that is until the fabulous Zenyatta hit the scene last year -- and even though their styles are so different.
- RobertSD
Posted by: RobertSD on June 26, 2008 at 12:34 AM
-->
Rick:
Rest assured, kjs and I are two different people. It was the second time I made this mistake i.e. typing the name of addressee in the "Name" portion of "Post a Comment" section of the screen. Alan was the first victim :( I surely apologize for these mistakes and the confusion caused by it and would try to be more careful in the future.
Best,
Arazi.
Posted by: Arazi on June 26, 2008 at 12:40 AM
-->
Annie:
Excellent call and hit on Evita Argentina. Fantastic observation about the distinctive work.
Best,
Arazi.
Posted by: Arazi on June 26, 2008 at 12:51 AM
-->
Alan,
You had Crimson Star too?? There we go, the Alan/Steve factor strikes again.
Posted by: Steve T on June 26, 2008 at 01:09 AM
-->
OK, here is a cheapie P/6 for HLW, will probably play 3/4 other really cheap tickets also.
3rd: #2 Cut Trail, #3 Scotty Jones
4th: #5 Vanaldi, #6 Strong Suggestion
5th: #3 Cousin Lew, #6 Refinery
6th: #2 Afternoon Gold, #3 Anns Approval
7th: #2 Tall Texan, #4 Luhuk's Dancer, #5 Zappa
8th: #1 Soup Deeohdouble.
Justin, and Sobhy, good luck with Odessa's Hope in the 3rd @ BLM tomorrow. Just looked at his pedigree. WOW!
That is really a tough field, but if OH comes out on top I think you can rest assured you may have a special one here.
Posted by: johnnyz on June 26, 2008 at 01:54 AM
-->
"I can't say too much because he's in for a tag,"
means: Yes, I know I called YOU - can we get this in the paper?
"We've done great with him"
Means: Jeremy Rose NEVER rode this horse!
"and we're trying for aggressive placement so we're not running against the nuts."
Means: we think there is a great deal of money to be made in this spot (by betting against him) - we're hoping the secretary can get another horse or 2 out of the infirmery so the race fills up nicely.
I don't know, Annie, trying to decipher a trainer's comments is more art than science, I'm sure.
I think some trainers are worth listening to, I've always thought Frankel, for example, was quite frequently very forthcoming with his public comments about a given horse in a given race. A lot of other trainers should be completely ignored, and others still need to be deciphered to be understood.
I think Sadler is telling us here that the connections are more interested in winning (why else race?) than protecting the horse (from claim), and that running against cripples (albeit talented ones) affords them the best opportunity. It's not exactly a ringing endorsement (the placement), but Sadler is a pro's pro at the high-claiming game. And he wins more than his share at the level (or did, anyway).
My .02c, anyway. Thanks.
-slew
Posted by: slewofdamascus on June 26, 2008 at 01:57 AM
-->
Dan,
Since you are familiar with Euro racing I have a question regarding the use of whips, actually a couple.
Of the major Euro racing powers, are they all racing without the "aid" of the whip?
Of the jurisdictions that do not allow the use of the whip in racing, is it proper to use the whip in training? Is it used to train Euro thoroughbreds?
One of the arguments here is that the whip is a safety "aid" for the jockey (and horse), the horses are used to responding to this "tool" and so on. I'm just wondering if there isn't a compromise - train with it (lightly) where necessary, and race without it?
Thanks.
-Slew
Posted by: slewofdamascus on June 26, 2008 at 02:07 AM
-->
On Thursday's pick 6, while it might be a tough card and a tough hit, it's an easy play if that makes sense. What I mean is there are a number of philosophical throwouts that could win but are easy to turn the page if they do. Also, three races are 50-50 propositions, in that if I subscribe to one theory there's only one horse, while if I subscribe to the contrary there are too many to horses to choose from... hence, easy to settle on one side and hope I'm right, knowing that if I'm wrong the ticket would have cost too much to include all the other possibilities.
Race 3: Two horse race between Angus and Informed. The race shape seems to favor Informed, and if you buy into the theory that Ky. breds are "classier" than Cal-breds with everything else being equal, then Informed has a class edge, too, along with a slight figure edge. So I'll single him.
Race 4: Throwing out the slow-working first-timers and trial maidens, I'm left with Warren's Jack V., Vanaldi and Deputy Prize. Of that trio, Warren's Jack V. is coming off a much worse-than-looked second in a fast-early slow-late route where he had a perfect trip. Meanwhile, Vanaldi and Deputy Prize both flee the rail and drop in class. Both seem to have room to improve and should get great trips stalking the 6 horse and then having to hold off the hangers.
Race 5: My spread race while trying to beat favorites Cousins Lew and Celtic Sword, who are both vulnerable in my opinion. Cousin's Lew shouldn't get an easy lead with Jamie hounding him like he did back on Feb. 18th. Plus, and this seems like a bit too far for CL in any event. And Celtic Sword is 9 years old with only 23 starts. Looks like he got a late start, but coming off a recent top I doubt he duplicates it. Finally, Lone Prairie seems a bit outclassed. I can make a decent case for the rest, including 30-1 ML Las Vegas Lucky. I'll use the 1,2,5,6,7,10 & 11 in this race.
Race 6: Similar to Race 4. Throw out the slow-working firster, the trial maidens and slow-on-paper runners. That leaves Ann's Approval, Molitta and Tallahsocean. Of that trio, Tallahsocean's debut wasn't quite as good as the figure might indicate. She showed no speed and sucked up the rail for 4th.
Ann's Approval and Molitta, just like my two selections in the 4th race, both drop in class after showing speed to tougher, and both seem to have room to improve.
Race 7: This is the first of my two 50-50 races. Zappa is the class of the field and Sadler seems to be hinting that he's ready to fire. I'm not super confident, but if I try to beat Zappa there are at least four others I'd have to use. Instead I'll single Zappa and hope I win the coin flip.
Race 8: Same as race 7. If Soup Deeohdouble G doesn't win, there are too many possible upsetters among the first-timers that all look the same. While it's possible that Ten Churros could get loose on the drop, and it's possible that Soup Deeohdouble G is a hanger, it's too early to put that label on him. I don't think he hung last time as he was well clear of the rest of the field. I also don't think Ten Churros' last race was much to write home about. He spit the bit at the top of the stretch while racing in second by himself. It wasn't as if he was between horses dueling for the lead. Lastly, Soup's last race has seen two next-out winners. As in race 7, I'll single him and hope.
That was a long road to a little house, eh? All that writing for one measely $56 caveman ticket.
To recap, my ticket will look like this:
7/5,9/1,2,5,6,7,10,11/3,5/5/10
I realize this ticket includes at least four and possibly five favorites, but none are of the Afleet Ruler variety that will draw 90% of the money. I can envision it paying close to $10K with any luck in the 5th race, in light of the huge carryover and the fact that Ten Churros is the ML favorite in the 8th.
Posted by: Scott on June 26, 2008 at 02:13 AM
-->
Does anyone ever play the NorCal fair circuit? They're at Pleasanton right now, which is available on most account wagering platforms.
Here are some picks for Thursday, all over 5-1 on the ML:
2nd: Skeezitz. Won her debut, checked hard in next, ran decent 4th at Los Al (a stronger circuit for Arabians) in 3rd start, then faced males, then raced above her conditions in a key race. Now drops to N2L off a freshening and faces her weakest competition since her maiden breaker. 6-1 on the ML.
4th: Blaze It. Should be quickest to the turn, a huge advantage at Pleasanton. Has some back class and should love the shorter distance. Can wire 'em. 5-1 on the ML.
5th: Splash Hit. Has speed, but can rate. Dropping from $12.5K to $8KN2X. Dueled until deep stretch from the rail last time. If he can avoid a suicidal speed duel, can win this at 8-1 on the ML.
7th: Hassel Back. Broke maiden wire to wire with nice Beyer for the level. Dueled and faded in next and was claimed. Appeared to dislike turf in 5F dash, then showed speed and stopped on GGF synthetic. Drops to one level below claim price and returns to real dirt on speed favoring oval. Should have the lead entering stretch and could get brave at 20-1 on the ML.
Posted by: Scott on June 26, 2008 at 04:25 AM
-->
Shoeless Joe,
Don't get me started on that Belmont ride, man...(just kidding!)
Van Savaant is correct. You did not offend me in the least. I had thought my last couple of posts were not as much about Kent D as they were the Starter (standing on the track) and the loose horseshoe. I was simply stating how I felt about the entire Belmont fiasco.
We all feel strongly about certain things with this sport. I am through discussing the Belmont for some time (it may come as a relief to you) because everyone here knows how I feel...
I am glad you usually enjoy my posts, and I have liked what I have seen from you as well. At least I know someone is reading what I wrote. And you are right, but for the news of the horseshoe, I would not have even started up again about the Belmont.
Van Savaant,
As passionate as I was about the terrible ride Gomez gave HS, if you want to call 2 minutes and thirty seconds of strangling a horse off the lead and sitting him between Curlin and Rags to Riches, I was not alone and was nowhere near as upset about it as some notable others...
Someone (who will remain nameless) at this Blog accused Gomez of intentionally stiffing Hard Spun. A journalist or two also suggested this. John Piesen, the handicapper, was livid and said it was one of the worse rides of a speed horse he had ever seen. Others said it was a conspiracy to keep HS off of the lead and Curlin on the rail in the stretch so that the pace would be slow, frustrating Hard Spun, and Curlin would get frustrated running and being asked to pass on the rail. Hence, the race was set up for a RTR win (for the sport and publicity).
That was not me. I did not suggest that. I only stated, and still believe, that the ride cost HS any chance he had of hitting the board or winning.
Taking Curlin up the rail is a little strange in retrospect since the horse really only runs well when he is on the outside and has room to turn it on.
Re: Dutrow and Asmussen,
Of course, I saw and heard about Dutrow on ESPN (repeatedly) facing suspension. They said nothing about Asmussen. Of course, it is not Dutrow on ESPN or on Fox Sports Radio, its "the trainer of Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown!"
Dutrow needs to remember that from now until the day he passes on, he will forever be the trainer of Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown. And everything he does will attract attention because the public remembers their triple crown hopefuls. You would have to look far and wide to find a person who has not heard about Big Brown or Smarty Jones. The media saturation is unbelievable.
And this holds true with Asmussen as well, however, he is not as hated by the media as Dutrow is. So, less is stated. DRF, to its credit, featured both trainers.
BTW, you have to read very deeply into the article to see that Larry Jones, up to now squeeky clean trainer of Proud Spell and the late Eight Belles, has tested positive by Deleware officials for the same high levels of bronciodialator (similar to human Ephedrine).
Wow. Just as testimony gets under way, the trainer of the top handicap horse in the world (with a history of violations) tests for elevated levels of this same drug that opens the lungs and clears away fluid. That would be Steve Asmussen, trainer of Curlin.
Then, the trainer of the top 3 year old, also known to the public as a cheat, is caught with the same elevated levels as Asmussen of this drug. Jones trains the best 3 year old filly (Proud Spell) and trained the late and very much in the news Eight Belles.
Jones has a pretty clean history. Now, the 3 trainers of the 3 most talked about horses this year (Curlin, Big Brown, Eight Belles) all, at the same time, get threatened withs suspensions.
It matters not that Proud Spell, Curlin, Big Brown and Eight Belles have never tested positive for any banned substance, or exceeded the levels of a legal controlled substance. Simply implicating the trainer seems to stain the horse without fail (or in that matter) proof.
Nevermind the scattershot levels and admitted uses of this drug vary from state to state. I expect Jones and Dutrow to appeal. Possibly Asmussen as well.
Mudhound,
The above is yet another scenario of why Big Brother is not the entity you want dictating the rules in horseracing. Things like the above always go on, and surprise, it benefits the government. I am not saying the test results were a scheme or artiface. What I am saying is that it is very, very strange that all 3 get notices this week. All 3 are at the forefront of racing and the public's eye.
And, of course, yahoos like Jay Mariotti goes on and on about Dutrow on Around the Horn on ESPN saying that Dutrow has over 70 violations and over 11 drug suspensions to his credit. "At what point does this guy get more than a slap on the wrist from racing?" asks Mariotti. Later, that same question was asked on PTI and Sportscenter.
If you guys think networks like ESPN do not have agendas, you have not been watching very closely. Racing needs to get its act together and strive for uniform laws and rules accross the several states.
This is not going away. Just today, Mariotti called Big Brown "a great story and a nice horse. Very classy." but then referred to Dutrow as part of the questionable riff-raff attached to the horse.
Mariotti is no horse racing guru. But his columns in Chicago and ESPN stints get audiences in the millions daily. Mariotti is now demanding that the sport clean up its act and get uniform rules. As for Big Brown's Belmont, Jay and Stat Boy agreed that for all we know, Dutrow gave BB a drug cocktail that backfired.
I kid you not. That's our game on national TV.
Posted by: vicstu on June 26, 2008 at 05:22 AM
-->
"On May 12, I was co-hosting the New York City OTB program with Peter Rotundo, and we noticed Rose tearing the hide off runner-up "
Great job, Dan and Peter. Flop truly digs it when you look after his fellow four-legged critters.
You both test positive for perception and passion!!
Corndog
Posted by: Floppydog on June 26, 2008 at 06:14 AM
-->
Dan-
When I got involved in the partnership I made it a point to study the rules on the Illinois Racing board site pretty thoroughly and there was nothing about owners not being allowed to bet against their horses. I'm not sure about trainers but I do know that after Mike Smith won with Giacammo and the owner had stuffed a win ticket in his boot, the question about jocks came up and it was mentioned that jocks can't bet against their mounts. I do know, at least for the Arlington Handicapping contests, owners can enter these but if they've got a horse in they must tell the tourney director and are not allowed to use the race. (If it's mandatory then they assign you an alternate race) While it doesn't look good should it be discovered that connections play against a horse, I'm sure some horsemen have more sense than I do and bet against there horses when they know that they're in a tough spot but the horse really needs a race, and on this website I had asked Sobhy about a horse and he gave me a very honest answer when he replied that the horse wasn't fully wound for the race. (The horse went off as the chalk and didn't win the race even though he was the best on paper) I always put a few bucks on any of our partnership's horses since going to the winner's circle is a big thrill for me, and I'm one of those degenrates who has to have at least a little action on a race when I'm at the track. (For example, our Sports Review is running today and he hasn't won a race in about a year and a half (In fact he hasn't won since we claimed him last year) but I'll probably put ten across on him since he's our horse. However if any of my partners went elsewhere to a more logical choice, I couldn't fault them a bit.
On another subject (and hopefully this will be fixed by the time you read this) there are no 4.1 pps available for Arlington Saturday (6/28) The other pp's are available, and the morning line odds are even up, but for some reason I can't get this card (It's a live money contest day and I wanted to start working on it this morning!)I emailed customer service yesterday but must have been put on "ignore".
Posted by: Stephen Taylor on June 26, 2008 at 06:52 AM
-->
Dan,
Marina Market was in against very tough yesterday. The winner ran HUGE - 118 beyer! What beyer did Marina Market receive for his 5th place finish?
Also, if anyone has a chance to bet Sunray Park this weekend - Barricaded should be tough in the $5,000 claimer! He might be decent odds, maybe 4-1
Posted by: Sam on June 26, 2008 at 07:30 AM
-->
Think the media doesn't have a bias against Dutrow?
Check out these 2 separate articles about Dutrow and Asmussen testing positive, from a established turf publication. I have cut and pasted the relevent sections below, but a link follows as well. First, here is the lead paragraph and headline in the Asmussen positive:
Asmussen Has Drug Positive
"Steve Asmussen has been notified of a drug overage, Daily Racing Form reported June 25.
The paper, on its Web site, said Asmussen would be officially served notice June 26 that the filly Timber Trick, who broke her maiden at Lone Star Park in Texas May 10, tested positive for the anesthetic lidocaine."
1 filler paragraph and then:
"Asmussen served a six-month suspension in 2006-07 after a positive for mepivacaine in Louisiana. At the same time, he served a similar suspension for an acepromazine positive in New Mexico." (The end)
Now, here is the excerpt of the article about Dutrow, who actually is accused of exceeding the allowed limits of a bronchial dilator (which is not a prohibited substance). So, in essence, he exceeded the limit allowed:
Kentucky Stewards Suspend Trainer Dutrow
"Kentucky racing stewards on June 25 suspended trainer Rick Dutrow for 15 days after a horse he trained tested positive for the prohibited substance clenbuterol."
Clenbuterol is not prohibited, it is an approved medication that cannot exceed certain levels. Vets recommend giving 72 hours before race so levels can go down. Dutrow exceeded the limit in Kentucky (although that same amount might not invoke penalties in some other states).
The article goes on to explain that Dutrow will appeal. At the very end of the article, as almost an afterthought, this admission appears:
"Clenbuterol is an approved medication in horses, and is used as a bronchial dilator, which increases lung capacity though it has steroidal properties."
Asmussen's news is framed to make it appear he merely had an "overage" in allowed medications- but in reality Dutrow is the one in that boat. The statement that, "one of Dutrow's horses was tested positive for the prohibited drug Clenbuterol" is what lawyers like to call libel per se. Meaning, IMO, its false and defamatory on its face as Clenbuterol is not prohibited. The problem with a public figure who is infamous for suspensions is that any damages will be nominal at best ($1) as his rep is already mud in this area of his occupation.
In truth, Dutrow had an "overage" in the allowed amount of clenbuterol, .04 nanograms per milliliter, which is over the .028 limit. Clenbuterol is a broncial dilator, and an approved one at that, but samples must fall below the limit by racetime. Officials suggest the drug be given no sooner than 72 hours. It is considered a breathing aide for respitory issues, and allegies, and is considered to have nominal anabolic effect.
Asmussen, on the other hand, DID test positive for a prohibited substance, namely the anesthetic-pain killer Lidocaine, of which any amount is prohibited. Its a class 2 controlled sunstance, and the recommended penalty is six month suspension accoring to the DRF article on this same subject. It uses are to deaden pain and to allow the horse to run or function while in pain. Asmussen's counsel plans on appealing this as well, saying there were only small amounts.
Yet the media wants you and I to "perceive" that Asmussen only had a mere "overage". Overage my butt. Its dead straight banned for use in a racehorse that is running.
Clearly, the media is capable of framing things to appear worse or better than it actually is. Go back and read both articles in full. Tell me that the media made clear that Asmussen's violation carries a far greater penalty than Dutrow's. Of course they did not. One drug deadens pain in a racehorse's legs and is prohibited in any amount. The other is allowed but must be calibrated to fall below a certain ceiling. Asmussen's is a strict violation of a zero tolerence policy, while Dutrow's is a technical violation which turns on the amount of substance found and allowed. Its like comparing Sudafed to Cobra Venom.
Asmussen's article:
http://news.bloodhorse.com/article/45878.htm
Dutrow's Article:
http://news.bloodhorse.com/article/45863.htm
The DRF articke is at the DRF homepage.
Having said all that, buried in the DRF article is the fact that Larry Jones had a horse test positive for the same violation and substance as Dutrow. The media must see Jones' news as the least newsworthy since he has rarely, if ever, been fined or suspended in Deleware. The media does a disservice by framing the news to slant a certain direction.
What Dutrow and Asmussen did is bad enough for the industry's image without the turf media making it worse by trumping up Dutrow's overage as being caught with a prohibited substance.
The world is watching. These violations are a problem. Lets get this right, tell the truth and take some kind of action.
Asmussen is facing 6 month's suspension, again. Dutrow is facing 15 days. Do the math. Which is more noteworthy, and will affect their barn the most?
Posted by: svhill on June 26, 2008 at 08:54 AM
-->
Annie--
Nice call on Evita Argentina. She ran a heck of a race and although we're not sure exactly what she beat, she does seem to show some promise. Candy Ride was a super nice horse, and I thought a tad underrated, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of his babies run this summer.
Have any Smarty Jones babies run yet?
Posted by: G or G on June 26, 2008 at 09:11 AM
-->
As a follow-up to my post on Dutrow and Asmussen, everyone should check out Steve Crist's post concerning the alleged number of violations that Dutrow has commited. I had no idea he had even done this before my post, but I think he does us all a favor by simply finding out the truth. And the truth is those figures are not correct, yet they keep getting repeated.
Sure these overages and violations are bad. But that is the point. Why does the media feel the need to put forth inuendo and false figures, kind of like a house of cards to bring down Dutrow with? Yet, a house of cards is an illusion of soundness, in reality it is bogus and weak and will not stand the test of the truth.
Lets stick to the truth. Its more than enough to demand change. Lets stay with the truth and abandon the hatred and the hysteria. I love this game too--but we will bring our efforts crashing down around us if we settle for these fabrications and trumped up (unsupported) numbers.
Lets stick to and demand the facts. They are damning enough. And we will only look silly calling for Dutrow's head while not demanding accountability from all who attempt to cheat.
Posted by: svhill on June 26, 2008 at 09:32 AM
-->
You guys are all over looking Mosalrti Mort in the 7th at Hollywood today..He is the freshest horse and the way he came home last time out was amazing! Mort at 5-1!
Posted by: JZ on June 26, 2008 at 09:50 AM
-->
i realize that international football is not the most popular sport (especially on ths blog when they preempted the derby draw for the end of the champions league game) but they have fifa as their governing body---fifa basically has final say on all disiplinary and rules decisions---all we would need is to name delegates fromeach state that has horse racing (or from all states that offer wagering), have these delegates meet several times a year, and that group would have a preisdent and comitees to make decisons on specific questions during the year
Posted by: matt smith on June 26, 2008 at 10:50 AM
-->
Uncle Steve,
Only had Crimson Star in my P4 (played a "minnow" $32 P6 and a single $36 late P4.) I didn't play any individual races - and would have done poorly if I did (I liked Spark of Dubai in HOL5, Wild McDreamie in HOL6, Enactment in HOL7 and Susan's Wildcat in HOL8), so I "backed into" the P4 opportunity - I didn't really deserve to win! I was alive to #6 and #7 in the final leg (my ticket was #1,2/1,2,7/2,5,8/6,7).
Working on another P6 "minnow" and speaking of claims, what about Informed in HOL3?? And then Refinery in HOL5?? How the mighty have fallen...
Now that Dutrow is gonna be suspended, perhaps he'll have a little time to go to Washington and finally testify to Congress?? :-)
Posted by: Alan on June 26, 2008 at 10:55 AM
-->
svhill and vicstu...as I mentioned....DRIP...DRIP......DRIP. The media and horse racing - we have not seen even the tip of the iceburg in terms of how bad it could and will probably get. This is child's play. Wait for a couple more breakdowns and then maybe we'll get close to what we in DC call...playing hardball. The idustry is in for a bad ride...Congress is just waiting for a bit more blood in the water and then look out.
John r
Posted by: john r on June 26, 2008 at 11:05 AM
-->
johnr,
As our Official "Inside The Beltway" Formblogger, you are unfortunately, oh so right!!!
But I guess...at least you can now carry a handgun!!!
Posted by: Alan on June 26, 2008 at 11:28 AM
-->
Arazi and G and G,
Thanks for the kudos! A long time ago I had read somewhere that if a 2 year old works 6 furlongs early, it may be a little more advanced than its peers. It doesn't show up often; but when it does, I pounce!
Annie
Posted by: Annie on June 26, 2008 at 11:58 AM
-->
Huge carryover Pick 6 at HP:
Due to the difficulty of the card, I feel we need two tickets.
Ticket 1
ANGUS, who was known as the COLD PRINCE, wielded his CELTIC SWORD with ruthless abandon and terrorized the countryside. But, one day he met an ENLIGHTENED LADY from SOUTHERN AFRICA by the name of MISS REYNA and that was the end of his swashbuckling days.
Ticket 2
When SCOTTY JONES was offered the DEPUTY PRIZE job, he left the LONE PRAIRIE and moved into town. Soon he met an ENLIGHTENED LADY; and it wasn't long before the TALL TEXAN married his SAGEBRUSH ANGEL and lived happily ever after.
If either of these come in, you can retire and live happily ever after.
Posted by: Annie on June 26, 2008 at 12:10 PM
-->
Vicstu,
Over at TI I blogged about Big Brown's shoe and how the Around The Horn panelists handled the loaded question. While I like Around The Horn for its pace, I don't care for its dumb-downed simplicity.
Additionally, all the ATH columnists are general sports columnists. Even Mariotti, the Windy City Windbag.
There are pluses and minuses when horse racing gets time on ATH or similar shows. It gets time on a popular sports show (ooo...NBA Draft!) but it's being discussed by those who aren't the biggest experts
on the subject.
SR Vegas,
You mean I still have to work for Steve? *wink*
HP players,
That Saturday card is a nice one.
Posted by: PGM on June 26, 2008 at 12:11 PM
-->
John R
Congress has a 12% approval rating. I think the cost of a gallon of gas and the fact that the economy is tethering on the brink of recession and it is also an election year might help the game get a pass for the rest of this year. So maybe we have 6 to 8 months to begin the clean up mode before the pols start to bite. Maybe the clean up mode started this week with Asmussen, Dutrow and Jones.
All, I have noticed that there are a number of trainers that are ice cold out there. One of them is a west coast guy that seemed to win with everything and is now in a big slump. Maybe a lot of trainers are running scared and their horses are running clean. One can only hope so.
Posted by: Ray Manley on June 26, 2008 at 12:30 PM
-->
Alan,
Good luck on Saturday, I should be in it with you but I made the wrong decision twice last Saturday and switched my selections right before the race. I originally had Sailor's Cap but went with El Sultry Sun at the last minute because he 17/1. Then with two races to go I dropped out of the top 30 and going into the final race I figured I needed about $25 to assure myself a spot in the finals. I narrowed my choices down to two horses that were both around 8/1 with five minutes to post. I flip flopped several times and with one minute to post I settled on I Beat the Fire. Then the odds updated and he dropped to 6/1 and my other horse went up to 9/1 so I switched back. Of course I Beat the Fire won and ended up at 7.5/1 which would have been enough to land me in 26th or 27th.
My selections were:
Colonial - $48.60
R5 Intriguing Story - $0.00
R6 Midwatch - $32.00
R7 Smart and Fancy - $8.60
R8 Eclisse - $8.00
R9 El Sultry Sun - $0.00
Hollywood - $0.00
R4 Veils de Fleur - $0.00
R5 Brooker - $0.00
R6 Yes Yes Ohyes - $0.00
R7 Clarence Beeks - $0.00
So I started off okay then did horrible at Hollywood. Oh well I guess I'll be making the trip back to Colonial in July. I was a nose away from top three there last summer and its the only tournament within driving distance with the mythical win/place format.
Lenny
Posted by: aparagon4u on June 26, 2008 at 12:35 PM
-->
Blue Horseshoe and all,
What about Seth Hancock resigning from the Board of Directors of Churchill Downs? Was it just time for Seth to move on or is there more to it than that?
Posted by: Ray Manley on June 26, 2008 at 12:43 PM
-->
Ray I hope you are right about the drugs.
With 12% approval and high gas prices...what better way to distract attention than to beat up on folks who abuse poor horses...that will be the soundbite. You are correct the election might be the saving grace as they only have about 6 more legislative weeks until they head home to campaign full time. The campaign is a good opportunity for everyone to meet their legislators and offer opinions to help fix our great sport.
john r
Posted by: john r on June 26, 2008 at 12:47 PM
-->
Boy, our sport sure is under scrutiny and getting a lot of negative press at the moment. Suspensions for Assmussen and Dutrow, another for Jeremy Rose and testing of all of Bruce Levine' Monmouth horses. Federal invesigations and Congressional hearings. I say it is about time and if we have to go through some dark days to clean up the sport, so be it. Horse racing will benefit in the long run, the breed will benefit in the long run and the bettor will benefit in the long run.
Posted by: Jim Tully on June 26, 2008 at 12:55 PM
-->
I think everyone has said everything there is to say regarding Steve Assmussen and Tricky, but now after all of these things are coming out I just want to say how depressed it all makes me. I love racing and the horses and the stories and personalities that suround it, but now I'm starting to feel as if not only does the game not reciprocate but that the game was all just an illusion to begin with, rife with smoke and mirrors.
I'm just glad that there is more terrific racing this weekend so I can get my mind off the cheaters and root for some bonafide nice horses and connections (Tiago anyone?).
BTW, doesn't the Suburban seem like the weakest G1 ever? Which one of those animals actually deserves to win a G1? I'll probably end up just going for Naughty New Yorker, at least he's honest.
Posted by: G or G on June 26, 2008 at 01:05 PM
-->
Sorry for the double post, but now it looks like JUICE Levine might be in hot water as well. How often do you hear the authorities come and raid a trainer's barn? And the article went on to note that the only other trainer that they had caught with nefarious things in his barn (a Standarbred trainer) was banned for 10 YEARS! I wonder if Juice...I mean Bruce..is a little nervous right now?
(Sorry, Dan. I know you said I couldn't say Juice Levine in NY because "Johnny the Chin" or someone would come looking for me!) :)
Posted by: G or G on June 26, 2008 at 01:14 PM
-->
A couple of important scratches at HP:
#5 Molitta is out of the 6th.
#10 Soup Deeohdouble G is out of the 8th and apparently the AE, #14 Goodday is in with Bejarano.
Posted by: Annie on June 26, 2008 at 01:22 PM
-->
Sohby,
Thank you for the postings concerning the 2 yr olds.
Alan,
Had to play Star of David of course but what really convinced me was the morning of the race I received my father's yarzheit notice so I figured maybe "stars" wee aligned. How's that for handica, I mean blind selections. I will take zerocredit for it but will take the winning wager.
BigEasyBigChok
Posted by: BigEasyBig Chok on June 26, 2008 at 01:25 PM
-->
I had Crimson Star. Didn't have Evita. Wasn't the second place finisher to Evita, whom I did have, also by Candy Ride?
Couple of things I noticed yesterday. One, sadly, is that I think we can now say officially that Hollywood's Cushion Track is not particularly safe. There have been a lot of breakdowns, including Wellnessfast in the stretch yesterday, a maiden called Charlotta last week, and a promising maiden colt whose name I can't remember a couple of weeks ago, and I don't think that's all.
On a happier note, it was great to see Chocolate Lava (whom I had) winning very gamely on the lead without the jockey carrying a whip.
On the drug issue: while I think all raceday medication with the possible exception of Lasix should be banned, I also think it would be good if the public knew exactly what these medications are and what they do. I think that would head off some of the hysteria. Do they know that bute is comparable to Advil, for example?
Posted by: Kyri on June 26, 2008 at 01:45 PM
-->
A few comments have been made that make me think my writing needs some work. For those that understand my point or couldn't care less ( of my opinion )on the govt getting involved in horse racing ( and that the govt is absolutely MY FINAL CHOICE to help if no other entity steps up ), I apologize for trying again.
It is often said by people who are trying to get to the bottom line of any story "follow the money." If you want to know who is in charge of the NFL, MLB, NBA or any other mainstream sport ( no it is not the commissioner, he is an employee ), "follow the money." The owners make the decisions in those sports because they are the money. They pay the commissioner the managers and the bat boys/girls. It is not up for debate in these other sports, it is law ( and the govt will never take on the billionaires on anything the billionaires aren't already willing to bend on ie steroids ).
Who owns horse racing? Do the owners of the horses own the sport or is it the top breeding sheds? Do all the different tracks own horse racing, the NTRA, DRF, Who?
THE PLAYERS ( you and me ) OWN HORSE RACING. If you "follow the money" you will understand that we are the money. The sport is ours too do with what we wish.
There are no multimillion dollar breeding sheds or tracks or high powered trainers or even sour puss tellers, if we the "money" shut it down then it all goes away without us.
We sit on our hands and spend ( some of us ) multithousands of dollars every year on this sport. The collective power we as players could have ( if only organized ) is every bit as powerful as the owners of NFL, MLB and the NBA. Still, we sit idle.
The sport is crumbling down like a house of cards and still, we sit idle.
It reminds me of the child who sits down for a piece of cake after dinner ( the child being the the horse player ). Soon after, the brothers and sisters ( the powers that be in horse racing ) start pecking away at the childs cake. The child whines and cries upon deaf ears and refuses to pull the cake in closer or take it away from his brothers and sisters. The child just watches as the brothers and sisters devour the cake piece by piece until only crumbs sit on the plate. The child simply refuses to take action ( except to whine and cry ), and take HIS cake away. Finally the father comes into the room ( the govt ) and admonishes the brothers and sisters terribly for their selfishness. The father decides that his children have gotten out of control and he will make sweeping changes on how dessert is given out to his children. Now the child and the brothers and sisters plead and beg to their father, "please, we will work it out together, please." It is too late, the father will be making all the calls for now on.
I don't want the govt in my sport no more than anyone else. I know we ( the horseplayer ) will be screwed again by what the govt will do too our sport.
At least something will be done in regards to the drugs in this sport ( as that seems to be the main focus by the govt, so far )
Since the alternative to the govt getting involved is too continue to do the same thing (whine and cry, but take no action ), I choose the govt. What? Are we supposed to keep whining and crying ( and doing nothing to change the game )until the horses we love to watch become so fragil and one dimensional that they have to change all the traditional races and shedules. Maybe we should wait until the TC parameters are changed too 2 months between each race. Or maybe we should wait until 3 races a year for any horse is a full load.
My God man, what are we waiting for? We are exactly like the child in my example. No one wants government ( dad ) involved in our sport, but, no one has got a solution, except to whine and cry about what is and what it will be if the govt gets involved. It's our CAKE but we won't/haven't taken any action.
Are the people who say they love the horses and the horses should come first, just willing to stay with the status quo? How is this best for the horses? We are abusing these animals by giving them drugs that they have no choice in taking and hurts their well being ( and deteriorates the breed further in the shed ). How long do we sit on our hands?
I don't see how you can write on here to keep the govt out, but offer no solution that action will be taken on immediately ( which it needs to be, as time is running short and DAD will be walking in the room soon).
I believe the horse players are ready to take action, but, no national voice has stepped up to organize us. It would only take one or two "big" names in the sport to head an alliance of horse players. A Randy Moss or Jack Van Berg or anyone with a national name and credibility that would be willing to do what it takes to make a media blitz on a national horse players alliance. I believe that person would become a national hero in the horse player's eyes and could count on strong financial support to "blitz" the media and get the word out to the horse players. Of course, those were just a couple of names of which, there are many, that could head this alliance. That person along with the members of the alliance could constuct a horse players "Bill of Rights." Ahhhh forget it, what am I doing, just dreaming.
For those that say to keep the govt out of our sport then I have to assume you would rather see the horses being drugged to their obvious detriment, before you want too see the government try and change the drug policies.
It is your freedom of choice to want to stay with the staus quo, but, those horses out there giving everything they have for our entertainment need someone, anyone ( even if it has to be the government ), to protect THEIR best interests.
Many act like there is more time to act. There isn't, it maybe too late already and we are to blame.
The choices are down too two, so remember that when you say no govt. Either we keep the status quo, which is to deteriorate the breed until unrecognizable, or the government gets involved. Those are the choices on the table and their are no others ( even if you want too fool yourself into thinking something is magically going to appear).
I, for one, will sacrifice anything I lose ( in terms of pleasure from horse racing ), by government regulations, if the government will just do the right thing and eliminate 90% of the drugs allowed in this sport in the U.S.
If you choose too respond too this post with something that says no government involvement is best, then I ask that you read the entire post, as I would hate to have too reexplain what I mean again ( about the government being the last choice for help ) after hearing from someone who says the government is a bad idea in our sport, but offers nothing but the status quo ( and I'm sure you don't want another post from me like this one, lol ).
Posted by: MudhoundMojo on June 26, 2008 at 02:07 PM
-->
Annie,
Thanks for the scratch update. Kinda forces me to tweak my ticket...
The scratch of Molitta allows me to single Ann's Approval in the 6th. I could use that extra slot to add Angus to my single of Informed in the 3rd and keep the cost of the ticket the same, but the scratch of 'Soup' out of the 8th messes with my whole plan for today. I'm sure I'll cave and end up with Ten Churros... what choice do I have?
Posted by: Scott on June 26, 2008 at 02:15 PM
-->
Sorry for the double post, but now it looks like JUICE Levine might be in hot water as well. How often do you hear the authorities come and raid a trainer's barn? And the article went on to note that the only other trainer that they had caught with nefarious things in his barn (a Standarbred trainer) was banned for 10 YEARS! I wonder if Juice...I mean Bruce..is a little nervous right now?
G or G- did I miss something in Hegarty's article or did you see something else? All I read is that Levine is one of 15 or 20 trainers that have had their horses' blood drawn. I didn't read anything about a "raid", connoting evidence indicative of something criminal. The only thing Levine is criminal of to my knowledge is consistently beating up on a bunch of cream puffs and not showing mercy.
Posted by: AlHattab on June 26, 2008 at 02:27 PM
-->
Stevet and others:
Thurs. card at Hllywd is tough and Sats. is a doozy.
WOW...
My favorite angle happened 2x at Hllywd. Took advantage of one, but not the other.
Its when a trainer runs uncoupled entries. Miller in leg 4 and Sadler in Race 8.
And how did you like that Sadler won the bookends of the pk 6...
Posted by: larryk on June 26, 2008 at 02:47 PM
-->
G or G,
You think this year's Suburban is bad??? Check out my comment from last year:
http://community.drf.com/formblog/2007/06/salvator-biases.html#comment-74388966
BigEasyBigChok,
Once again, G_d rewards those who remember their loved ones! We now officially have the "yarzhiet angle"!! CONGRATULATIONS!!
Lenny,
You'll get there - you have all the tools to be a very successful contest player!! You just also have to get lucky as well. You should definitely enter the Breeder's Cup Fantasy Challenge, if you haven't already:
http://www.breederscup.com/nhc/bcchallenge/
Good luck today!!!
Posted by: Alan on June 26, 2008 at 02:51 PM
-->
Annie:
Goodday in the had BF mentioned at DRF and Miller does well with 2 yr olds.
Kyri:I saw your posting re:Hollywood not being safe.
Point Brad Free makes it plays fair to the horseplayers but it sounds like the trainers don't like it. He was on the SteveByk show Tues and listened to his comments.
Posted by: larryk on June 26, 2008 at 02:53 PM
-->
How about that Pick 6 today? It sure looks tough and can you believe it has carried over so many times? If I can not win it, I sure hope it carries over again. It would have to be at least $10 K for Friday’s card, right?
We are talking about the Pick 6 carryover at Arlington Park, right?
The Hollywood Park Pick 6 carries over twice and will likely hit $2 - $3 million for the total pool. Arlington’s Pick 6 has carried over for four days and is only at $6 K. I think they both deserve some love so here are my thoughts on each sequence.
AP Pick 6 – June 26 (Races 3 – 8)
Race #3 (6F, Claiming $5,000) - #2 Barely A Memory (favorite, attracts Douglas); #6 Interesting Prune (has speed, gets softer spot); #7 Livielu (Tampa shipper, could get the trip, has speed); #8 Hour Classic (finds the right level today?)
Race #4 (1M, Claiming $14,000) - #7 Whatitsallabout (should get the trip and for some reason Labeeb/Lear Fan decedents run well at AP)
Race #5 (6F, Mdn. Claiming $25,000) - #3 Kriss Me Once (likely is prepping for a longer race but should get a hot pace to set up a closing run); #5 Victory Drink (Tampa shipper, prefers 6F); #8 Whatsontap (Douglas, dropping for a win?)
Race #6 (6F, Claiming $5,000) - #1 Be A Leader (turns back after sprint-route); #8 Comic King (could carry his speed); #9 Donnie O (drops and cuts back)
Race #7 (6F, ALW $30,500) - #3 Forest Prince (Douglas and Pletcher); #4 Lazer Sun (long shot special selection)
Race #8 (6F, Claiming $4,000) - #1 Barely Union Scale (stakes exp., Douglas); #9 Gallant Moment (honest efforts); #11 Javens Prodigy (a closer who will get a good pace)
A straight caveman ticket won cost $216 – too rich for my blood (especially with all of the claiming races under $10,000). My main interest in the card centers on Races #4 (#7Whatitsallabout), #5 (#3 Kriss Me Once), and #7 (#4 Lazer Sun). Just for fun, I will hook all of those horses up with R. Douglas’ mounts and throw in the #9 in Race #6. It will be a “lotto” special ticket (a step below one of Alan’s minnow tickets).
AP Pick 6 – 2 / 7 / 3 – 8 / 9 / 3 – 4 / 1
Hollywood Pick 6 selection to follow shortly.
Ed
Posted by: Ed on June 26, 2008 at 02:59 PM
-->
MudhoundMojo -
I agree with you and understand the sentiment. Sophisticated advocacy would enable the kid to grow up! I've talked about a horseplayer coalition....How about DAN act as a figurehead? He would be a great spokesperson. The key is to get organized, create an agenda (as you say a bill of rights), and then leverage your position. Ohhh I forgot…we are just a bunch of degenerate gamblers - we don't have any leverage.
BUT as you point out we do - without our money there is no industry! So the move is to engage Congress with a proactive agenda, not so they’ll legislate prescriptive remedies, but so they will create a framework where there are minimum regulatory floors from which a national authority is able to improve the current landscape - which is a fairly low bar to set. In order to have standard regs on something like drugs Congress will need to act in some way. For those that think differently don't appreciate how racing is regulated. (It would be nearly impossible for the 38 states that regulate to pass the same medication laws)
I wish I had the time to create a website dedicated to the effort. I have the passion and the knowledge from you all to kick butt on the Hill with this issue. But organization and finding resources would be a tough nut that maybe only Steve T could crack!
john r
Posted by: john r on June 26, 2008 at 03:51 PM
-->
HP Pick 6 – June 26 (Races 3 – 8)
A selections only.
Race #3 - #2 Cut Trail (late run) – I also like #3 Scotty Jones (drops, turf to AW) as an upset pick
Race #4 - #5 Vanaldi (top jock, legit favorite)
Race #5 - #9 Celtic Sword (exits key race)
Race #6 - #3Ann’s Approval (speed, drops, top jock) – I also like #6 Tallahsocean (should improve in 2nd start)
Race #7 - #5 Zappa (Brad Free says he is the best horse and I agree)
Race #8 - #6 Paradisi (Paasch with FTS) – I guess I would also say I liked #3 Ten Churros (Mullins 2nd start) but could not play the likely short price
Good Luck to everyone who plays the Pick 6.
Ed
Posted by: Ed on June 26, 2008 at 04:39 PM
-->
john r,
I read your posts and something inside of me says you are right. There is another big shoe that is going to drop...we have not seen the tip of it yet.
Keep your ear to the ground there around the Capital Beltway...let us know which way the proverbial winds are blowing.
Ray Manley,
You may be on to something there about the ice cold trainers. Maybe they are running scared. Anything is better than business as usual.
PGM,
Good point. Its always one step forward two steps back when guys that Mariotti spew opinions about a sport that they have little more than casual interest in...
But these same journalists are the windbags that began demanding change in baseball's policies on steroids, so, who knows?
Sobhy, Justin,
Let me be the latest to congradulate you on the performance of Star of David. He is a very nice looking 2 year old, I knew I should have bet on his race. Keep up the posts on your two year old crop if you can find the time. Its appreciated here more than you probably could know. Best of luck for the rest of this weekend with the rest of your runners.
Mudhound,
I hear you, and I feel your pain. It seems that someone has to do something, organize, propose, or something. Some horseplayers are very passionate and will take a stand for anything they believe in. Others, well, they are much more pragmatic and while they love to moan and groan, it will take heaven and earth to move them into action because they have become comfortably numb to the entire issue. Then there are those who feel the horseplayer is the forgotten equation.
It will be interesting to see how this plays out as the heat begins to rise across the industry. Heaven knows this Blog has been asking for change for some time.
Posted by: vicstu on June 26, 2008 at 05:04 PM
-->
John R,
Thanks for your comments of support.
Yes, it would take plenty of effort and money to get an alliance of horse players established. I personally think that the money it would take to make a media blitz and lobby Congress ( and all the other neccessities it would take to make a run )would be available if the right leadership were established and committed.
I have had many set backs in my life and it certainly couldn't be categorized as charmed, however, money is the least of my problems. If I saw someone of note step up and make a serious attempt at an alliance I would open up my check book. I have many friends as well that play this game and none of them are hard up for money. I don't bring this up to boast in anyway ( as I said, I have had many personal heartbreaks and set backs in my life and would give any amount of money I have to change some of those ), but, to point out that the reputation of the "rent playing degenerate gambler" isn't all that makes up this game of players.
I am positive their are people who read and write on this blog who have plenty of money. I have been fortunate or unfortunate ( depending on your point of view ) enough to be around some big money players in this game. All I can say is, trust me, their are plenty and many would spend generously.
No, I don't believe it will be the lack of money that will stop this alliance from happening. I don't believe money will even get a chance too play, because nobody of note will step up and challenge this industry. If someone currently involved in the industry took the challenge and failed they would be tarred and feathered out of the sport.
It would take a nationally recognized figure with a pretty big "set" and an "I don't give a damn about recourse" attitude ( sounds like Jack Van Berg to me ), to take this on.
I don't think it is absolutely necessary that the person who leads the alliance be a part of the industry. The person would, imo, have to be well known and liked nationally ( by horse players ) and well versed in the sport of horse racing.
I would love for someone to prove me wrong and make me put my money where my mouth is.
Posted by: MudhoundMojo on June 26, 2008 at 05:12 PM
-->
as for yesterday's P4 at HOL I missed out with Tracker Jack.Sigh.........Couldn't one of us hit it?
As for the P6 today, here's a minnow.........
3: ANGUS, INFORMED
4:VANALDI
5:CELTIC SWORD, REFINERY
6:AFTERNOON GOLD,ANN'S APPROVAL
7:ZAPPA,SOUTHERN AFRICA
8:TEN CHURROS,YOURSMYNANOURS
Good luck all!!!
Posted by: cayman01 on June 26, 2008 at 05:23 PM
-->
There's your deal breaker in the 6th, Enlightened Lady at 41/1. We could have a $7M Pick Six tomorrow.
Posted by: Steve T on June 26, 2008 at 07:10 PM
-->
vicstu,
It depends on the ATH columnist. For some (Paige, Blackistone) it is two steps forward and one step back. For the Mariottis and Cowlishaws and similar, it's one step forward and two steps back.
Posted by: PGM on June 26, 2008 at 07:17 PM
-->
Mudhoundmojo,
You make some great points but I must say I do NOT want the Feds anywhere near this game. The only thing the Federal Government does efficiently and well is separate you from your money.
I have had it with both sides and all they'll do is add more regulations, take a chunk of the takeout and leave the sport in worse shape than it is now.
No, you hit the key when you said follow the money. WE are the money. I think maybe we should all look into betting on the overseas races and sending our money there instead of here. The powers that be will take notice when all our money heads out of their pockets and into somebody else's. that's when they will take steps to clean up the game.
Posted by: cayman01 on June 26, 2008 at 08:25 PM
-->
John r,
Let me know if you ever move forward with those ideas on the hill. My brother has elected the last 2 congressmen from La.
BigEasyBigChok
Posted by: BigEasyBigChok on June 26, 2008 at 08:31 PM
-->
EGM:We have his full sister running tomorrow.
And he has some siblings that have not run yet.
CottonBay in the 7th Hllywd
Posted by: larryk on June 26, 2008 at 08:33 PM
-->
Cayman01,
Interesting concept.
It would probably work.
I was thinking something along similiar lines.
A BOYCOTT by all of us would get some attention. And your idea would be better though.
Posted by: larryk on June 26, 2008 at 08:53 PM
-->
REQUIRED READING FOR ANYONE INVOLVED WITH HORSES-OWNING, TRAINING, BREEDING, BETTING---
http://paulmoranattheraces.blogspot.com/2008/06/weekend-guest-good-fight.html
Posted by: Stephanie on June 26, 2008 at 09:42 PM
-->
Here are the NHC contest races for this Saturday:
1 BEL5 3:07p.m.ET
2 BEL6 3:39p.m.ET
3 BEL7 4:11p.m.ET
4 HOL5 5:00p.m.ET
5 BEL9 5:15p.m.ET
6 HOL6 5:50p.m.ET
7 HOL7 6:00p.m.ET
8 HOL8 6:30p.m.ET
9 HOL9 7:00p.m.ET
10 HOL10 7:30p.m.ET
Anybody out there with older kids will appreciate Brad Free's take on the Belmont Stakes - there is after all always a "plausible" teenage explanation given to parents for any unfortunate situation/event:
http://www.drf.com/drfNewsArticle.do?NID=95829
"Excuses for Big Brown's loss in the Belmont include loose shoe, quarter crack, bad ride and bad Richard Dutrow karma, third start in five weeks, missed training, hot weather, track bias, and lack of steroids. It's all hogwash. What actually happened the night before the race is a UFO landed, Big Brown was abducted at midnight by aliens, transported to a remote galaxy, examined, and flown home. The stress of the journey knocked him out. That is why Big Brown lost, don't you agree?"
I'll be off tomorrow destroying my credit rating but want to remind you at 3:30pmEST (that's 12:30pm for you West-coasters...Uncle Steve) to watch BEL2 for the return to racing of Alaazo!! Go gettem Justin, Riley and Sobhy!!!
Posted by: Alan on June 26, 2008 at 10:08 PM
-->
Cayman01 - I think most would rather have the feds take a standoffish tact...most of what I do is convince them not to take action...but the industry finds itself where it is because stakeholders have not been responsible stewards. It is extremely rare when Congress can help or fill this type of gap - many feel horse racing is likely here. Stakeholders have pursued their self interests resulting into fragmentation which has led to the downtown of the sport. Many here have been troubled about it for some time - there has been conversation here about drugs going back years. "Outsiders" have now placed focus on the sports ills and there is attention to really get serious about solutions.
Again, most are not saying Congress or the feds should take over the horse racing industry. They should exert oversight and pressure to create an atmosphere where stakeholders are forced to do the right thing. There is a nuance here that should be acknowledged.
Boycotts or directing $$$ to one place would be more difficult than creating a coalition of horseplayers. Raising $200K - $300K could have a dramatic affect on influencing public policy(maybe even less). Last summer Alan and others, I think Dan among them, really talked up the 4% takeout that EP put in place for a couple wagers...I can’t remember if it was a pick 4,6 or something else. While handle did increase it most likely wasn’t enough to make the track keep takeout at that level this year.
If we could recruit 8,000 to join a coalition it could have an impact on public policy as it relates to horse racing. A boycott means getting maybe hundreds of thousands of people equally organize. That certainly is ambitious and I'm not sure you could achieve the desired affect. It is a good idea, I’m just not sure how it would successfully play out.
john r
Posted by: john r on June 26, 2008 at 10:25 PM
-->
"My brother has elected the last 2 congressmen from La."
That's odd; I was under the impression that it took more than one vote to be elected. On the other hand, it does remind me of the old joke about Louisiana politics which goes something like:
"We don't expect our politicians to be crooked - we demand it!"
Posted by: Tinky on June 26, 2008 at 10:29 PM
-->
JZ gives out another winner today in the 7th at hollwood..He had 300 W ticket in Mr Mort...How about you?
Posted by: JZ on June 26, 2008 at 10:39 PM
-->
Stephanie,
That was easily one of the most sickening and gut wrenching things I have ever read.
Posted by: Turn Back The Alarm on June 26, 2008 at 11:09 PM
-->
PGM
Ha! Look's like you are the only one to comment on my nominees.
But you are in great company...
SR Vegas
Posted by: SR Vegas on June 27, 2008 at 12:11 AM
-->
JZ,
Nice job on Mostacolli Mort. Was just getting ready to congratulate you when I saw your post come up.
Those of you that have been around here for a year or so know of my envolvement in politics. Both of my positions expire this year, thank goodness. Anyway, I work hand in hand with Senators, Congress (men&women) the Attorney General, The Secretary of State, State Treasurer, etc.
The last thing I would want to see is Goverment control over the sport of horse racing.
Government can't police itself correctly, spends way to much money, and heck even with one party controlling the House and the Senate for 6 yrs. couldn't even get a comprehensive energy bill, a health care reform bill passed or any other bill that in the long run would help or benefit your, or my children and, grand children.
Government needs to concentrate on governing the laws in place, spend the tax payers money as if it were there own, try and respect the constitution, and stay out of peoples personal life from a safety, and hobby stand point.
I need to quit right there, as If you think Vicstu has posted some lengthy post, his have been of midget proportion as to what I would like to post.
Will add this to all that feel horse racing is just doom and gloom. The Belmont broadcast had an overnight TV rating of 10.5%. Way more than the NBA, PGA, or any MLB game that weekend. Why? Because of exposure.
It is called marketing. That is what the powers to be, whether Track Owners, state Racing Commissioner's, etc. just don't and, probably never will understand.
Cayman01, I already bet European races quite often. Not so much to take a stand, althought you may have a good idea. For me Euro racing is just a more pure form of racing. For instance, I am way more interested in the Irish Derby, and The Gran Prix de Saint-Cloud this weedend than I am the Suburban Hdcp.
BTW, I think in the Irish Derby, we will see the real New Approach, as he will be running at a better distance for him, and will love the softer turf. Don't see him getting beat.
In the Saint-Cloud, Soldier Of Fortune looks pretty strong, but I think with the odds I will have to make a play on Zambezi.
TINKY, you are a piece of work, and that is probably a compliment.
You pick on BigEasyBigChok for his read between the lines comment "My brother has elected the last 2 congressmen from La."
Well IMHO, was really an insult to him, and secondly, all I have ever seen from you is conjecture, and read between the lines post. You throw alot on the table, but never have anything to back it up or give it CREDIBILITY!
Time to study the early P/4 @ Blm, as I have to play Alan's crush Alaazo tomorrow.
Best To All!
Posted by: johnnyz on June 27, 2008 at 12:19 AM
-->
Sorry about the double post, but Man of Iron the 1/2 to Rags To Riches, and Jazil out of the dam Better Than Honor debuts tomorrow @ Currah. The son of Giants Causeway will no doubt be a heavy favorite, but will still be fun to watch.
Can watch live at:
http://www.attheraces.com/index.aspx
but, you will have to pay for it.
Posted by: johnnyz on June 27, 2008 at 12:31 AM
-->
lol Tinky ... that was a good one.
Posted by: Arazi on June 27, 2008 at 01:13 AM
-->
Alan,
Good Luck Tommorow. I hope you can crack the top 9. I dont know if the Gold Cup is one of the races but if it is what do you think about Perfect Drift? He is my evil mistress. I know you are married to him like I am. He's cost me more money than any horse ever! Anyway I hope you get it out of the way and qualify.
I will be at Monmouth tommorow trying to qualify for the Orleans contest. Nothing like going against 350 guys for 1 spot in the Orleans.
Posted by: scianc22 on June 27, 2008 at 03:28 AM
-->
Here are a few excerpts from Phil Sheridan's article about horse racing and Congress from Wednesday's Philadelphia Inquirer. He makes a point to show the disconnect between the horseplayers and the public. For instance, insiders to horseracing seem ok with what happens to horses that are injured and cannot run, while the public is still outraged by this face.
We need to understand how the public feels or we will miss the boat on this one.:
"People cheat. Horses don't. Nor do horses whip their jockeys or push their trainers beyond their limitations until they break down and 'have' to be killed."
(Horses have to be killed, by the way, because horse racing is still where it was at in the early 1900s, namely, if a horse falls and has a career ending or life threatening injury, those associated with racing see nothing wrong with killing the horse then and there. They cannot be bothered with getting their charges a pain killer or a method to transport these lovely creatures off of the unsanitary track to a triage room).
"This sounds obvious enough, but it is the common thread in the series of problems that has plagued horse racing in the last few years. The brutal, high-profile breakdowns of Barbaro and Eight Belles in Triple Crown races were shocks to the casual fan of the sport. Revelations that suggest a deeply rooted and widespread doping culture aren't as traumatic as watching a beautiful creature die on live TV, but they are every bit as troubling."
That disconnect explains the way horse folk shrugged off Barbaro's breakdown as an example of bad timing rather than evidence that the sport has, literally, a fatal flaw. When Eight Belles was euthanized on the track after last month's Kentucky Derby, we were reminded that this tragedy was nothing out of the ordinary to those intimate with the sport -(they put the horse out of its suffering, they reason) as if that makes it all OK as yet another horse is killed on the track.
It doesn't, and the sooner the racing industry grasps that, the better its chances of avoiding the fate of other once-accepted animal-based amusements such as dogfighting and bear-baiting.
Most of us can see a middle ground between the line drawn by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and the occasionally tone-deaf "That's horse racing" set. That ground shrinks every time a horse is put down or a trainer is exposed as cruel or indifferent to the suffering of his charges. And when that middle ground shrinks, mainstream thinking shifts toward PETA's line."
The disconnect Sheridan speaks of is real, and it is dramatic. We need to understand that its the death of Eight Belles on the track after the Derby that is fueling this inquiry. Drugs are a part of that culture. Yet the average horse player thinks that its the drug issue, and not the horses dying on the track, that is ruining this game.
Phil writes some good stuff. Not sure what to make of this. However, those involved with racing need to understand the media and consuming public's stand on this.
Perception is everything.
Posted by: svhill on June 27, 2008 at 04:27 AM
-->
Dear Congress,
I hear that there's a good chance you and I are about to become partners, and I'd kinda like to discuss our partnership a little bit. First of all, I've got a couple of horses who aren't very fast, and I can't afford their medications because they aren't bringing in enough in purses. (And while I'm at it it's tough to feed them as well) I assume that once you're involved you'll be setting up a prescription plan and food stamps for these horses, right? (The price of hay has really gone up) And I'd sure like to get involved in those government subsidies- I'm sure you've got an extra billion or two laying around to help subsidize the purses that our horses run for.
As for our jocks, they're having a little bit of trouble getting health insurance, not to mention the fact that their income fluctuates quite a bit-Let us know when the health plan starts for our jocks.
Oh, and one more thing-Our horses can't run forever-don't forget they'll need a
"Horseal Security Plan" for their retirement.
So in short, we welcome you as our new partners AS LONG AS YOU BRING YOUR CHECKBOOK WITH YOU!
Sincerely,
The Horsemen of the good 'ol USA
Posted by: Stephen Taylor on June 27, 2008 at 06:25 AM
-->
Harlington gets his grade 1 this weekend!
Posted by: Hillbilly on June 27, 2008 at 08:02 AM
-->
Wishing a very happy birthday to Calvin! May he score that big Pick Six and recognize next year’s Derby winner before the rest of us!
Posted by: laura on June 27, 2008 at 09:45 AM
-->
johnnyz –
"You pick on BigEasyBigChok for his read between the lines comment..."
Pick on him? In that I took his comment literally? You really ought to try reading between the lines yourself, as my response was obviously tongue in cheek.
"You throw alot on the table, but never have anything to back it up or give it CREDIBILITY!"
Ironically, every post I have made concerning pedigrees, or Big Brown's vulnerability before the Belmont, etc., was clearly supported by evidence (in the posts). What you actually mean by "credibility" is a name, or a public resume.
The truth, though, is that neither of those is the least bit important unless you fail to read, or are unable to comprehend what I write. If you – or anyone – disagrees with something that I have written, then feel free to challenge it on its merits. Attacking me personally, on the other hand, just reflects poorly on you.
Posted by: Tinky on June 27, 2008 at 10:52 AM
-->
Tinky,,
Touche'. In all seriousness my brother has directed the campaigns but I know what you mean. We have an ex gov in prison and although he did more for the state than most of our governors, one of his most famous lines was "The only way I can lose this election is if I am caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy". Having said that there is no other state I would live in, our state does have a significant thoroughbred industry and if any significant change for the better to this industry was proposed on the hill, I have decent access to some of the lawmakers who would be in a position to help. Time to get back to the sazeracs which was just declared by legislative action our official state cocktail. Now that is our elected officials at work!
Johnny Z,
Got your back too. Thanks
BigEasyBigChok
Posted by: BigEasyBig Chok on June 27, 2008 at 11:24 AM
-->
Slew of Damacus:
We talked about FCC: Flew First Class:Listed below is his 1/2 bro
Notes 1/2 to flyng first class
Activity type Workout
Activity date 06-27-2008
Track Santa Anita
Surface All Weather Track
Distance 3 Furlongs
Workout type Handily
Workout time 0:36.60
Track condition Fast
Posted by: larryk on June 27, 2008 at 12:30 PM
-->
Kyri,
Yes the horse that finished second to Evita was Candalai, also a Candy Ride. She looks good for her next start.
Annie
Posted by: Annie on June 27, 2008 at 12:45 PM
-->
Arazi,
Don't know if you saw the PP's for the 2 year old filly winner of the 8th race at HP yesterday. Ten Churros had worked 6 furlongs before her first race; but unlike Evita's 1:14 and change, Churros work was a slow 1:17 and change. In her first race, she stalked a fast pace and weakened to 6th. But, she did win her second race, so the 6F work was still a good indicator of early winner.
Annie
Posted by: Annie on June 27, 2008 at 12:52 PM
-->
Annie:
That was an impressive race for Ten Churros.
Mullins says he alot of 2yrold fillies. Although that is a colt.
Posted by: larryk on June 27, 2008 at 01:10 PM
-->
Stephanie,
Thanks for posting the link to Paul Moran’s article. It was very hard to read. It’s inconceivable to me how these people can work with horses every day then turn around and send them off to slaughter without a second thought.
Posted by: laura on June 27, 2008 at 01:38 PM
-->
larryk
Um, I am looking at Ten Churros' PP's. And she definitely is a filly. ??
Annie
Posted by: Annie on June 27, 2008 at 02:26 PM
-->
Kyri,
I'd better correct my mistake.
The name of the horse that ran second to Evita is spelled Candilejas. But is by Candy Ride.
Posted by: Annie on June 27, 2008 at 02:36 PM
-->
Annie,
Thought she was.
Posted by: larryk on June 27, 2008 at 02:51 PM
-->
For those looking for a little action tonight (not THAT kind of action), check out Hollywood's 3rd race(8pm, PDT):
Spy Aly's connections have been looking for a field she can beat. Tonight she may have found it. She's been breaking slowly and rushing up through the field in her recent races. If she can get away cleanly, she could go wire to wire under the lights at 6-1. Win and underneath in savers.
Posted by: Scott on June 27, 2008 at 02:58 PM
-->
WOW:Heatseeker is out of the Gold Cup. Swelling ion his ankle
Posted by: larryk on June 27, 2008 at 03:02 PM
-->
I does not look like my picks for BEL #2 will post in time to help anyone. But here they are anyway:
BEL #2 (1 1/16 M, 3 & up, A/OC $50K)
Alan you have convinced me to believe in #5 Alaazo. Something went amiss in his last. I am going to gamble that the problem has been corrected and he is ready (the 5F work on 6/7 sure seems to indicate he is more than capable of winning this race). I also think #6 True Resurgence is another who will have an impact on the outcome.
Here is the play:
W #5 Alaazo
Exacta Box #5, #6
I am more of a Midwest or West Coast guy, so BEL is somewhat new to me. BEL #4 looks like an impossible puzzle. How do you select a winner when the field in a combined 133-0-5-9.
BEL #4 (1 M Turf, 3 & up, F/M, MC$35K)
#5 Nuclear Meltdown is the M/L favorite and has as much chance to win if she has corrected whatever happened in her last. I think #1A Apocalyptical will take more money than she is worth because of Prado. My long shot play is #4 Parade of Beauty. My hope is that if Hill (and it is a big if) can sneak her out to the lead, she can win this race from the front end.
The Play is:
W/P #4 Parade of Beauty
Exacta Box #1, #4, #5
Tri P/Wheel #5/#1,#4/#1,#4
Good luck today.
Ed
Posted by: Ed on June 27, 2008 at 03:24 PM
-->
Early P/4 BLM, today
2nd. #1 Barrier Reef, #4 Deputyville, #5 Alaazo
3rd. #1A Tzipi, #4 Lady Byar
4th. #5 Nuclear Meltdown, #8 Just Foolin, #9 La Gioia Dituiti
5th. #5 Big Stick
$18.00
2nd ticket,
2nd. #1
3rd. #4
4th. 1A Apocalyptical, #5,#8,#9
5th #5, #3 Pure Devil, #4 Pir At The Moon
$12.00
Heatseeker out of the Gold Cup. Sure changes the the complexity of that one. Just recieved a mail from TRN, that New Approach may miss the Irish Derby with a foot bruise.
Good Luck To All!
Posted by: Johnny Z on June 27, 2008 at 03:30 PM
-->
HI DAN, COULD YOU FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED TO FALCON SCOTT, HE IS A HALF BROTHER TO TIAGO AND A PROMISING TURF HORSE BUT HAS BEEN OFF OVER A YEAR. HE IS TRAINED BY JOHN SHIRIEEFS.
MANY THANKS MIKE
Posted by: MIKE on June 27, 2008 at 04:25 PM
Dan Illman is DRF.com's Handicapping Editor. He recently released DRF’s newest DVD 