Shackleford Not Rusty in Preakness Victory

22 05 2011

“There he is – go up and see him!”

These were the words of encouragement I spoke to my wife on Thursday morning at Pimlico when we arrived to see the final Preakness workouts.  ”He”, of course, referred to her favorite 3-year-old in training, Shackleford, who had turned for home in the Derby in what seemed to be excellent shape after setting amazingly slow early fractions.  However, as we all know, it simply was not meant to be  for Shackleford and his supporters on the first Saturday in May.  Instead the final few hundred yards of Churchill stretch were to be all about Animal Kingdom.  As attention shifted to Baltimore, hardly anyone gave the front-running colt as much as a puncher’s chance.

Yet there he was this week looking regal as ever coming back from his gallop.  The son of Forestry strikes quite the figure on the track with his gorgeous chestnut coat.  As they brought him passed the stands, I blurted out somewhat awkwardly “Hey Shack – here’s your biggest fan!” while gesturing emphatically to my wife.  We snapped what photos we could while she commented on what a beautiful horse he was.   He had looked amazing in the Churchill paddock as well – at least as far as we could tell from the NBC broadcast in the comfort of our living room – but seeing him up close took things to a whole new level and left her somewhat breathless.

Shackleford working out on Thursday morning at Pimlico prior to his victory in the 2011 Preakness.

Later that morning she was able to speak with trainer Dale Romans and recount her Kentucky Derby experience.  When Shackleford cut that corner and came into the stretch, she had lept to her feet and began screaming her rear-end off.  Then she was forced to watch in dignified humility as the horse her husband was cheering for sailed passed her longshot in deep stretch.  ”My husband’s horse beat me in the Derby – I need you guys to get him this time around!” she joked to Dale as he signed a track program.  Upon returning from her encounter she promptly declared that Shack was going to be her Preakness pick and the only horse she would bet on to win.

Autograph of Dale Romans - trainer of 2011 Preakness champion Shackleford

“No way!” I scoffed.  “Why throw your money away like that?”

After all, If the horse couldn’t win after those Derby fractions, what chance would he have against a hotter pace in the Preakness?  Such considerations were trivial in her eyes.  Forget all the handicapping, the fractional times, and the supposed knowledge of the sport.  Sometimes it pays to have blind faith.  All that mattered to her was that she had found a horse to cheer for and believed in her heart of hearts actually had a chance.  In truth she did have a minor handicapping angle – repetitively insisting that the shorter distance of the Preakness would be more to Shackleford’s liking than it would Animal Kingdom’s – but it was the heart she was speaking with more than the mind (she had originally liked the horse because it reminded her of the alter ego of the character Dale Gribble, aka Rusty Shackleford, in the cartoon King of the Hill).

And it was the heart she was cheering with as her boy once again cut the corner and turned for home in the Preakness on Saturday.  At first glance I thought he was going to be swept passed by several horses yet again, but then he found more; picking ‘em up and putting ‘em down with determined effort.  My eyesight isn’t what it used to be when watching the track monitors, and it took me sometime in the confusion of the infield to figure out that the horse racing after him in the center of the track was my boy, Animal Kingdom.  Suddenly our voices rose as the excitement reached fever pitch.  Me screaming for my horse, and she for hers.  Down the stretch and into history.

If there’s one thing I have learned over the years following this game, it’s that things are cyclical – even if the connection is obfuscated at first glance.  It had been 4 years ago that we confidently strode into the Grandstands to see my beloved Curlin upset the Kentucky Derby winner.   Two years prior we had danced with joy near the winner’s circle as her beloved Rachel Alexandra held off another Derby winner (Mine That Bird) at the wire.  The in between years had been rather “meh” for us, as we were not fans of Big Brown or his trainer, Rick Dutrow (thanks to the absurd “paper rivalry” between he and Curlin), and hadn’t really felt an affinity with any of the 3-year-olds in last year’s crop once my boy Odysseus went down.

Had I been paying closer attention to that form cycle of on-off-on Preakness emotions, I may have walked out of the track with a lot more money in my pockets.  Paying greater attention to Shackleford himself would’ve done even greater good.

All week long my wife was subjected to the musings of everyone with a voice (including me) about what the horse couldn’t do.  She took it all in stride with dignified grace and quiet confidence.  All she cared about was what he could do.  For my part, I went into the race believing, as I always do, that the best 3-year-old wins the Preakness.   I believe strongly that recent history invites such a conclusion.  I just couldn’t see how Shackleford could be that horse?   Looking back at that Derby defeat, I think I do see it now.  The inside running lanes at Churchill may have simply been dead that weekend, and to the horse’s credit he did initially repel a very big move by Nehro before finally surrendering in deep stretch to the top 3 finishers.

Nobody was getting passed Shackleford today though.  In my heart I’ll always believe the Animal would’ve reeled him in with another few hundred yards, but such arguments are trivial.  The only thing that matters now is that for the rest of our lives, whenever we raise our Preakness glasses at Pimlico for a sip of  tasty Black Eyed Susans – there he will be.  Shackleford – enshrined along with the names of some of the greatest race horses to have ever lived.

He did it, babe.  I’ll be damned, but he did it.


Comments : 7 Comments »
Tags: , , , , ,
Categories : Animal Kingdom, Handicapping Selections, Pimlico, Preakness, Shackleford, Triple Crown, Triple Crown Coverage

Lookin at Lucky Gets His Preak On

16 05 2010

As the field turned for home in Preakness 135 on Saturday afternoon at Pimlico, Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert got exactly what he was looking for – a little luck.  On Thursday morning at the annual Alibi breakfast, Baffert had declared that his only desire was to see Lookin at Lucky “have a chance” turning for home.  As if sending us all an omen of what was to come, Baffert also joked around while being interviewed during an awkward moment when he noticed that the cameras were focused on the back of his white-haired head.  Little did we know that just a short while later the competition would be staring at the back of his Eclipse Award winning colt as the field hit the wire.

Full Results Chart for the 2010 Preakness from Equibase.

Whether it was the highly publicized jockey switch from Garrett Gomez to Martin Garcia, a better post position, or perhaps just a tad of mercy from the racing gods up above on high is anyone’s guess.  No matter which way you slice it, ‘Lucky has firmly entrenched himself atop the 3-year-old division, knocking off Kentucky Derby champion Super Saver in convincing style.  Despite jockey Calvin Borel’s boasts that Super Saver would win the Triple Crown, the Derby champion could fare no better than 8th – which winds up as the worst finish of a Derby winner in the Preakness since 1970 when Dust Commander was dusted and finished 9th.  Of course, Barbaro’s breakdown still stands as the worst nightmare suffered by a Derby champion in the 2nd leg of the Triple Crown, but thankfully we appear to have avoided the injury bug during this renewal.

It’s amazing how fast the pendulum of opinion in racing can swing in an extremely short amount of time.  Two weeks before the 2010 Kentucky Derby, Lookin’ at Lucky was thought of as a “stand out” amongst the 3-year-old division by many racing fans. The colt had encountered trouble in the Santa Anita Derby and fought back for 3rd when many horses would’ve quit, and conventional wisdom held that with a better trip in the Derby, he’d find a way to prove he was the most talented 3-year-old in racing. Then came the debacle of his horrific Derby trip, in which he was essentially knocked out of contention before the 1st turn.

Headed into the Preakness, the racing world was divided into two camps.  One thought Super Saver was so far superior that he could not be caught, even on Lucky’s best day.  The other thought the colt still deserved a shot and that if he ever got into the stretch without encountering trouble would show the world who he was.  I noted in several discussions that this felt quite a bit like 2007 with Curlin and Street Sense, and that though I did feel Super Saver deserved to be favored and given a slightly better chance that I couldn’t help but feel for that underdog role of Lucky, as many of the same angles seemed present this year.

With just a few minutes to post, the odds on the tote board reflected this close division amongst fans, with both colts showing 2/1 odds in the win pool. Super Saver was slightly favored and wound up going off as such at 9/5, but the Lucky faithful seemed to be growing by the minute.  When asked, I advised all listening that I was playing them both, as I envisioned them hitting the wire essentially together with perhaps the bob of a head being the difference of separation.

I can only imagine that for his diehard fans the moment Lucky turned for home was eerily reminiscent of my own experience in 2007 when I was there to cheer home Curlin.  You KNEW he had what Baffert wanted – a chance – and you knew it was going to take everything he had.  Could he summon the will power necessary to chase down the horse in front of him, or would another opportunity to cement his greatness slip passed him?  Despite having no personal affinity either way (my favorite 3-year-olds Odysseus, Eskendereya, and Endorsement all having been sidelined with injuries), I found myself subconsciously willing the horse on.  I guess there’s that little part of all of us that wants to see grit, hard work, and sheer determination justly rewarded.

When Lucky crossed the wire in 1:55.47, he did so by the slimmest margin since Curlin had nosed Street Sense and Calvin Borel in 2007.  The victory also tied Bob Baffert with D. Wayne Lukas for active trainers with the most Preakness victories (5). For Baffert, it was the first since 2002 with War Emblem.  Meanwhile, trainer Todd Pletcher, who had only two weeks ago finally got the 0-for-24 Kentucky Derby monkey off his back, is now 0-for-6 in the Preakness.

Of course, some will view the result of the race with a bit of remorse, as Lucky’s victory ensures the continued Triple Crown drought that has plagued the sport since Affirmed took home the coveted honor in 1978.  If there’s a big loser from the day’s events – it’s probably the folks at NYRA at Belmont Race Track.  By Sunday morning news was confirmed that neither the Kentucky Derby or Preakness winners would be heading to the Belmont on June 5th – assuring an anti-climatic aura of deflated excitement from what might have been had either Super Saver prevailed or one (or both) of the champions this year decided to make the trip.

For both horses though, the decision makes sense.  Super Saver just didn’t seem his usual self.  Pletcher and Borel commented that they thought the 2 weeks between the Derby and Preakness were too short for him. Of course, it would’ve been nice to have heard the information earlier in the week that NBC relayed as the field was being loaded into the gate that Super Saver had lost weight in between the two races, but I digress.  For Lucky the move is equally sensible, as he’s shipped all over the nation and battled ferociously everywhere he’s been.  A rest has been earned, and there’s no reason to push the colt further now that he’s validated his 2-year-old champion status.

Arguably the most awkward moment of the entire Preakness was the scene near the winner’s circle as the Baffert clan attempted to storm the old clubhouse for the requisite photo opportunity.  Security officials and Bob Baffert could be seen shouting and even using some physical force to push or pull people, sometimes in opposite directions at the same time, as split-second decisions were made as to who was allowed entrance and who had to remain outside.

Oddly enough, Baffert went into the fray several times whilst carrying his son Bode.  Former Vikings coach Mike Tice was amongst those allowed in.  I guess nobody wanted to squabble with a former NFL player.  Personally I should’ve seen the omens as Tice, upon arriving at Pimlico, passed by me with a crowd of Lookin at Lucky’s connections from which several loud “Roll Tide!!!’ cheers erupted at the sight of my “lucky” Bama hat.

Shoulda known, huh?

The surprise of the Preakness has to be considered First Dude.  Congratulations if you successfully identified him as a likely pace candidate.  For some reason I thought he’d be in more of a stalking position in the early going, and looking back I can already see the error of my ways.  The son of Stephen Got Even was widely dismissed at 24/1 (though I’m sure we’ll now be swamped by the Monday Morning quarterbacks all insisting they had him, despite the fact that only a few brave souls touted the horse publicly – including ESPN’s AWESOME Claire Novak - to whom I give much credit and respect for fantastic coverage of the Derby and Preakness), but fought on gamely for a determined second place finish.  When the opening half mile clicked off in :46.47, I assumed he’d be fading badly at the wire, but this was not the case at all.  ’Dude nearly stole the entire race if not for ‘Lucky’s heart and determination.

With the major players out of the Belmont, the possibility would seem to exist for a rather interesting race being setup behind a front running First Dude, looking to once again steal the race on the lead ala Da’ Tara in 2008, and Ice Box, the dead-late closer that was flying at Super Saver late in the Kentucky Derby.  It’s just a shame that most of America won’t be watching due to the lack of a Triple Crown hopeful.  That’s okay though – they never seem to know what they’re missing…and maybe there’s something special about the spectacle of horse racing being our own little secret wonder of a sport.  Still, I hope that at least some of the fans who beheld their first horse race during the Derby or the Preakness will stick around and become larger fans of the sport.  What they saw was just the tip of the iceberg.

On a personal note, I wish to thank the folks from CBS Radio and the Leffler Agency for having me on-site for handicapping assistance.  Ironically, I was positioned just across from our good friend Gary Quill – who was providing similar assistance to another group of distinguished guests.  We had a blast – and hopefully helped create a few new fans of the game.  My top 3 picks that “couldn’t lose” all came home on top, even if they were heavy chalk (Comedero, Blame, and Rainbow View), and technically I can add NorthPoint Costas to that mix as well.  The two horses we didn’t have that would’ve made for a day of EPIC proportions were Taqarub in the Maryland Sprint (pace handicapping having killed me again), and of course Strike A Deal in the Dixie – which continues to be my nemesis since that infamous photo of Amy and I being knocked from the 2008 Pick Six by Pays to Dream first surfaced.

The memory that will stay with me forever actually came during Rainbow View’s victory in the Gallorette.  Some of our hosts were “lucky” enough to witness a classic “Kevin moment” as she turned for home.  You may recall that I had the honor of covering the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic last fall for the NTRA?  Rainbow View was my pick in that race and, despite losing, the filly who most dearly stole my heart.  In deep stretch she appeared to be in trouble, but true to her class and style, she thundered home in that final furlong to beat Quiet Meadow by a half-length – all the while with me running amok along the turf rail shouting at the top of my lungs “C’mon Rainbow!!! C’mon baby girl!!!! Show ‘em who you are!!!”


Comments : 10 Comments »
Tags: , , , , , ,
Categories : horse racing, Horse Racing News, Lookin at Lucky, Pimlico, Preakness, Super Saver, Triple Crown, Triple Crown Coverage

Preakness Selections

14 05 2010

The Woodland Vase - trophy of the Preakness Stakes

Preakness 135 – the day is FINALLY upon us.  After a fairly brutal afternoon at Pimlico on Friday (due to the heat, my lousy selections, and of course the spill in the Black Eyed Susan) – it’s time to make amends and “get our Preak on” with the selections.  As a much more learned man than I once opined (the great Master of Ceremonies himself – Hammer): It’s time to turn this mutha out!

We’ll focus on the major stakes races on the day, starting with the 6th (The Chick Lang Stakes).  You’re on your own for the early races – which I generally don’t do that well on anyway.  Overall, I’ll say that I though Friday was a much better day to play “beat the favorite” and that several of the favorites on Saturday’s card look more formidable – which of course means the exact opposite will probably happen, so wager accordingly!

Race 6 – Grade 3 Chick Lang Stakes – 6 Furlongs

The race named for the legendary “Mr. Preakness” himself, the late, great Chick Lang kicks off the major racing action for the day.  It’s not a very big field, so expect this to be a rather bland wagering opportunity.

  • #3 Comedero (7/5) – Worthy favorite is 6 for 6 sprinting.  His only loss came trying to go 1 Mile back in December. Respect.
  • #4 Quiet Invader (5/2) – Top challenger defeated Hurricane Ike last out.  If not for a freak injury earlier this week, Hurricane Ike would’ve been a popular betting interest in the Preakness.
  • #5 Latigo Shore (5/1) – Son of Malibu Moon has been steadied twice in 3 lifetime races.  His only clean trip he won for fun against Maidens.  Expect improvement.

 

Race 7 – The James W. Murphy Stakes – 1 Mile (Turf)
The JW Murphy came up a fairly tough race to decipher. Several contenders are making their first turf start – so quite literally anything can (and likely will) happen. I focused on those with turf experience, though the “dirt” horses are bound to offer better value on the tote board.

  • #11 Thunder Brew (5/1) – Exits back to back scores against softer competition.  Is also 2 for 2 at the mile distance.
  • #1 Cat Park (4/1) – Part of coupled entry for trainer Graham Motion that also includes #1A Vamos a Ver.  Was dusted by Paddy O’Prado and Dean’s Kitten 2 races back.  On his best stuff he makes sense here.
  • #2 Beau Choix (5/1) – No excuse for getting “caught” in last race.  Working like he wants to make amends.

 

Race 8 – Grade 3 William Donald Schaefer Stakes – 1 1/16 Miles
I joke that this race was almost changed to the Sheila Dixon stakes.  It’s a Baltimore thing.

  • #7 Blame (8/5) – Makes first start of 2010 campaign, but could be sitting on a big race.
  • #3 Understatement (2/1) – The most accomplished of the early-speed types in this race.  Seems to excel at this distance – though those wins all came at Aqueduct.
  • #1 Bullsbay (10/1) – May have lost a step, but he should get a solid pace to run at.  Never count a son of Tiznow out of any fight.

 

Race 9 – Grade 3 Gallorette Handicap – 1 1/16 Miles (Turf)
I counted 5 runners here that I thought had a decent shot to win.  In addition to the selections listed below, #5 Quiet Meadow (10/1) and #2 Love’s Blush (20/1) warrant some attention as well in my opinion.  That being said, I’m a fairly big Rainbow View fan.  I’m fond of the filly – and hope she shows up with her best stuff.  I don’t think she’s a lock though by any stretch of the imagination.

  • #4 Rainbow View (1/1) – Classy filly has run respectably against the likes of Goldikova and Sariska.  Should improve on 2nd start of most recent form cycle.
  • #8 Shared Account (6/1) – Cuts back in distance where her early speed running style could set her up nicely.
  • #7 Denomination (10/1) – Smart Strike filly may finally be figuring out U.S. turf racing.

 

Race 10 – Grade 3 Maryland Sprint Handicap – 6 Furlongs
Looks like another tough renewal of the MD Sprint.  The race seems wide open as just about the entire field is capable on their best stuff.  Beyond the listed selections,#11 Half Metal Jacket is another I’d give serious consideration despite the outside post draw.  The 11 hole seemed to do quite well on Friday.  That probably had more to do with the horses than the post, but suffice to say you might not want to automatically toss the outside runners.

  • #1 Snapshot (3/1) Thought the son of Awesome Again rated the best shot in this field.  The horses who have beaten him lately (Warrior’s Reward and Custom for Carlos) are pretty tough customers.
  • #3 Roaring Lion (6/1) – I don’t know that he absolutely needs the lead, but it certainly wouldn’t hurt.
  • #7 Ravalo (5/1) – Should appreciate return to dirt surface after pedestrian effort on synthetics.

 

Race 11 – The Grade 2 Dixie – 1 1/8 Miles – Turf
Over the years, this race has been my nemesis.  I’m captured in a Cindy Pierson Dulay photo of the 2008 renewal as longshot Pays to Dream crossed the line and knocked me out of a Pick 6 wager that was singled on Big Brown in the Preakness.  Thus, it comes as no surprise that I think 6 of the 13 horses in this field (nearly 50%) are threats to win the race and will be spreading DEEP here on the exotics.  Outside of the picks listed below, I’ll also be thinking about #9 Rahystrada (6/1), #6 Picou (10/1), and #5 Forgotten Dynasty (10/1).

  • #4 Just As Well (3/1) – I went “Captain Obvious” with the top selection as I thought this son of A.P. Indy might be the best horse in the field.   He hasn’t won since last July, but he’s faced the likes of Vodka, Champs Elysees, and Gio Ponti in that stretch.  He should find this field easier – with “should” being the operative term.
  • #2 Grassy (5/1) – A very well regarded son of El Prado (same sire as Paddy O’Prado) that just missed last out.  Could be ready to improve in 2nd start this year.
  • #13 Nicanor (8/1) – Forget those Preakness connections with Grassy I just mentioned…this here is Barbaro’s little brother!  He’s got some speed too, which he’ll likely have to flash from the 13 hole.  Even so he may need some angels on his withers when they enter deep stretch – but what a story it would be if pulled it off?

 

Race 12 – The 135th Preakness Stakes – 1 3/16 Miles
Here we go folks, the reason we are all here.  Will Super Saver march on to the Belmont with a pair of Triple Crown jewels in his pocket or will a rival jump up and snatch victory from Calvin Borel at the wire the way Curlin did in 2007?  We’ve already posted an initial “get to know the Preakness contenders” bit, so I’ll spare you the full field rundown.

Ultimately, I think 4 horses make logical win contenders here.  Obviously there’s Super Saver – that’s a no brainer.   Lookin at Lucky “should” get a better trip and has a chance to be right there at the wire.  Paddy O’Prado would be no surprise either – and by all accounts he’s looked well since arriving (just as he did at Churchill Downs 2 weeks ago).  Lastly, there’s Caracortado – who is becoming the “wiseguy’ horse of this Preakness.

As for the rest of the field, while conventional wisdom maintains that you focus only on horses that have run in the Kentucky Derby when searching for a Preakness winner (the only exceptions in recent memory being Rachel Alexandra in 2009, Bernardini in 2006, and Red Bullet in 2000), you might be interested to know how many times in the 13 renewals of the Preakness since 1997 in which a horse that did NOT run in the Kentucky Derby has finished 1st, 2nd, or 3rd.  Check out page 7 of Derek Simon’s Preakness Betting Guide for what I feel is a telling illustration. If you’re looking for value horses to fill out the Exacta and Trifecta – be not afraid – recent history is on your side!

Caracortado would seem to be the logical “non-Derby starter” of this bunch to hit the board – but I’ll be honest and admit that I’m also keeping an eye on the odds for Yawanna Twist as well. Just a hunch – nothing more.  If anyone’s going to play the role of Macho Again from 2008 (the longshot who lit up the tote board under obvious favorite Big Brown), my gut says Yawanna Twist might be the one.

  • #8 Super Saver (5/2) – The Derby winner’s race to lose.   Has the tactical speed to prevail from either the lead or just off the early pace.
  • #7 Lookin at Lucky (3/1) – The time is now if he’s ever going to have his day.
  • #10 Paddy O’Prado (9/2) – Should be right next to Super Saver every step of the way. If the Derby winner gets beat, this horse will likely have a great deal to do with it.
  • #9 Caracortado (10/1) – “Scarface” has plenty of buzz around him.  Apparently he figures “another furlong, they’ll love me again.”
  • #5 Yawanna Twist (30/1) – My longshot bomber.  Light it up, baby.  Light up that tote board.  Evacuate the grandstand – we’re twisting on the dance floor!

Well folks – by the time this one goes official, the whole weekend will be a historical footnote.  Another memory quickly stuffed away and brought back only as a reference point for a particular story, or to illustrate a particular point.  Hopefully you’ve enjoyed yourself and spent some time living in the moment – and hopefully you’ve cashed a healthy amount of wagers along the way.

Now, readers, march away: and how thou pleasest, Preakness Gods, dispose the day!


Comments : 8 Comments »
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Categories : Caracortado, Handicapping Selections, horse racing, Lookin at Lucky, Paddy O'Prado, Pimlico, Preakness, Super Saver, Triple Crown, Triple Crown Coverage

Getting to Know the Preakness Contenders

10 05 2010

It’s time, folks.  Preak-week is officially here in Baltimore, meaning that  if you haven’t already done so, it’s time to officially get your Preak on.  With so much to do in so little time, let’s run down the list of contenders for Preakness 135.

  • Super Saver

As George C. Scott once opined in the approximate likeness of General George S. Patton: “America loves a winner!” Indeed we do, and here he is – your Derby winner, chicken dinner.  The talented son of Maria’s Mon galloped off into history under the confident guide of jockey Calvin Borel.  With the slightly shorter distance of the Preakness up next, his tactical speed should give him a clear advantage and make him the worthy favorite.  All signs point to a successful invasion of Baltimore.

  • Lookin at Lucky

Stop me when this sounds familiar.  A highly regarded son of Smart Strike contests for favoritism on the tote board on Derby morning, and then suffers a horrific trip that essentially eliminates him from contention.  He returns to the Preakness where he’s promptly given no chance to stage the upset against a seemingly dominant Derby champion, whose initials happen to be S.S., and his equally dominant jockey Calvin Borel.  Shades of 2007, anyone?  The only thing amiss is that Lucky happens to be the defending 2-year-old champion.  Perhaps the most unlucky horse in all of racing.  Anyone who watched his “trip from hell” in the Santa Anita Derby probably thought that was as bad as things could possibly get for Lucky.  Not so, unofortuately, as he was smashed by Stately Victor in the early going of the Derby.  The colt fought on for a 6th place ribbon that, all things considered, was better than he should’ve finished.  He’s shipped all over the nation so far in this campaign.  If he ever gets his day where the racing gods decide to show some mercy – he’s good enough to be right there at the wire.  Martin Garcia will be aboard for the Preakness.

  • Paddy O’Prado

In a Kentucky Derby FILLED with “wise guy” horses, this was perhaps the wisest of them all. The son of El Prado had been reportedly working very sharp for that effort on the first Saturday in May, and despite some wild weaving throughout the race, showed that he was clearly one of the top contenders.  On paper he didn’t look like that intimidating a dirt horse, but if he takes to the Pimlico surface at all like he did at Churchill Downs,  he’d be one to watch again.

  • Caracortado

I picture good ole “Scarface” in his stall two weekends ago watching the chaos of the Derby and remarking: “Do you know what a haza is, Mike (Machowsky)?  It’s a horse – who don’t run straight!” All he has in this world are his guts and his heart.  He began with 5 consecutive victories, entrenching himself as a weekly “Cris Carter” reference on our Derby watch lists.  However, the world was not his, and his empire collapsed around him with back to back losses (including the Santa Anita Derby).  He’s back now, and he’s ready to eat the competition for breakfast.  He also thinks girls like ice cream, but I digress.

  • Pleasant Prince

His connections were dreaming when they wrote this, so sue them if this goes astray.  When he woke up this morning coulda swore it was Derby day. Anyone with Eastern European ancestory already knows this, but as Pleasant Prince and Ice Box learned so well earlier in the year: “what a difference a nose can make!” The prince was nosed by Ice Box in the Florida Derby, who went on to explode for 2nd in the Kentucky Derby. Last out he was 3rd in the Derby Trial behind Hurricane Ike and Aikenite.  A nose, a nose, his kingdom for a nose!

  • Dublin

Big, beautiful chestnut will once again go to post for legendary Preakness trainer D. Wayne Lukas.  You know me – I’m a sucker for chestnuts, but I’m on the fence with this guy.  Each race he seems to unleash a fairly solid move – and then suddenly runs flat the rest of the way.  Then again, he is a son of Afleet Alex, and all one need do is remember the magic of the 2005 Preakness.  I’m expecting improvement this weekend.

  • Hurricane Ike

I like Ike.  The winner of the Derby Trial is trainer John Sadler’s first Preakness runner.  Took six tries to break his maiden but has shown marked improvement since, including a 2nd place finish two races back to Eightyfiveinafifty in the G3 Bayshore.  If he can handle the distance, he’s got a shot to make some noise this weekend.

  • Yawanna Twist

Earned some praise by finishing 2nd in the G3 Gotham to Awesome Act and the Grade 3 Illinois Derby to American Lion, but the performances of those two in the Kentucky Derby did little to flatter his chances.  He does have tricky Rick Dutrow in his corner though.  Stranger things have happened.

  • Jackson Bend

Routinely lampooned during the Derby prep season despite running his heart out for 2nd place finishes to Eskendereya on separate occassions.  So distance and class finally caught up with him in the Derby, where he finished 12th.  If you go back and watch that trip, considering how wide he was, that actually isn’t as bad as it seems.

  • First Dude

Became the dude that benefitted from the scratch of A Little Warm.  Hasn’t won since the end of January (1/30 at Gulfstream), but has finished 5th in the G1 Florida Derby and 3rd in the G1 Toyota Bluegrass.  Got a feeling he’s improving at the right time, but it would still be a surprise to see him in the winner’s circle.

  • Schoolyard Dreams

A victory by he or Super Saver and the legend of Odysseus will live on forever.  Tough to remember that this horse had that Tampa Bay Derby won, only to lose in the final stride.  The son of Stephen Got Even drilled 5 furlongs in :59.60 on 5/7.   Would need to improve to threaten.

  • Aikenite

We’ve seen this story before, haven’t we?  Stablemate to the Derby winner and perhaps another contender in Mission Impazible.  A forgotten horse totally written off and thought to have no chance?  He’s a one-run closing type that will need some help in front, but his coworkers ought to help with that.  His 2nd in the Derby Trial and 3rd in the Bluegrass suggests he’s moving forward.  I’m considering adding him into my exotic plays on Preakness day as I suspect he’ll be dismissed by most.

  • Northern Giant

On the plus side, he was 2nd to Dean’s Kitten in the G2 Lane’s End, and 3rd in the G2 Risen Star.  On the down side he was 9th in the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby.  No rider has been named yet, but the horse helps mark the 11th time D. Wayne Lukas has sent multiple entries to post in the Preakness.

So there you have ‘em, folks – you’re 2010 Preakness contenders. The obvious question for all is: Who do you like in the Preakness?

We’ll be back later in the week for a recap of the Alibi Breakfast at Pimlico on Thursday morning.  Selections for the Black Eyed Susan card on Friday will follow, and then our picks for all of the races on Preakness Day will be up Friday night and into Saturday.


Comments : 16 Comments »
Tags: , , , , , , ,
Categories : Caracortado, Handicapping Selections, horse racing, Horse Racing News, Lookin at Lucky, Mission Impazible, Paddy O'Prado, Pimlico, Preakness, Super Saver, Triple Crown, Triple Crown Coverage

The Great Debate for 2009 Horse of the Year

9 11 2009

No sooner had the synthetic dust settled in the wake of Zenyatta’s dominating performance in the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita then the flame igniting the “Horse of the Year” debate was rekindled anew.  At question is how to properly award the top honor in U.S. racing when considering the miraculous campaigns of both Zenyatta and the 3-year-old filly sensation Rachel Alexandra. 

At this point in time, It’s become a question I’d really rather not address at all if it were not on the lips of nearly all I’ve spoken with these past few days.  My personal feeling being that this is still Zenyatta’s moment and that at least one full week should pass before we begin doing what horseplayers do – arguing incessantly with one another over our respective levels of insanity.  One can barely get so much as a word in about the Classic right now though without the issue coming up rather directly.  Emotions seem to be running high on both sides of the isle as the immediacy of a supreme moment still actively courses through the furiously beating hearts of racing fans the world over. 

In many ways, the pendulum seems to have swung almost completely.  Where once Rachel was considered (including by yours truly) a mortal lock to have already captured the honor as Horse of the Year by virtue of (most notably) her Preakness, Haskell, and Woodward victories, a new wind has begun to blow.  The much whispered “backlash” against team Rachel for having not attended the Breeders’ Cup had been one element of this change.  The true spark, however, is a bit more noble in nature and seems to stem from a desire to ensure that Zenyatta is properly awarded for the undefeated career she has blessed us with. 

As early as Saturday night, the battle lines were already being drawn.  Attending a post-Classic dinner with folks from the TVG Community (the organizers for which I owe a great deal of thanks to for a wonderful weekend, along with those at both the NTRA and the Breeders’ Cup), I was asked for my opinion, and admittedly I balked a bit – attempting to play the classical Switzerland “neutrality defense.”  Like many a smaller European nation state in the opening half the 20th century, I ultimately found myself being drawn, however unwittingly, into the great conflagration.

switzerland_flag_wave2

Not to be confused with the famous "French defense" in chess, the "Switzerland neutrality posture" in the great 2009 Horse of the Year debate is ultimately indefensible.

At the end of the day, I suppose someone does have to win the award, right?  

So whom do we chose?

As much as I’ve tried to play the Switzerland defense, it’s probably rightly noted that I’m an ever-so-slightly bigger fan of Rachel Alexandra than I am of Zenyatta.  I think that’s a fair assessment of my own emotional makeup.  That’s not to say I don’t love Zenyatta with all my heart – always have and always will – but my record of pro-Rachel Alexandra coverage is something I cannot deny being consciously aware of.  

That being said, I’ve loved Zenyatta since I spotted her profile prior to her maiden debut, noting “hey, that’s the same connections as Giacomo – I might take a shot with this girl!”  In time she became my “slow cheetah” – a name and a song that will forever have a special meaning to me.

 

I care about these two fillies so deeply that I consider it the honor of a lifetime to have been there for the finer moments of each one’s 2009 campaign;  Rachel in the Preakness and the Haskell, and Zenyatta in the Classic. 

Much like I had been calling for a dead heat had the two ever locked horns on the track, I find myself utterly divided over who I would select as Horse of the Year.  I suppose to extract a full answer from me, one might have to subject me to brutal interrogation, straight out of the famed Russian Roulette scene in The Deer Hunter.  Tying me to a chair, constantly slapping my face whilst shouting “Mao!” and demanding that I make a selection.  I believe what follows is what my ultimate decision would be under such duress (apart from arising from said chair and declaring “3 bullets!!! We play with 3 bullets!” in classical De Niro fashion):

  • Rachel Alexandra for 3-year-old filly champion
  • Zenyatta for Horse of the Year
Mao!

Mao! Robert De Niro in the famous Russian Roulette scene from The Deer Hunter

Truth be told, I actually do believe that Rachel Alexandra had the superior overall year (with “overall” being the operative term), however Zenyatta clearly won the superior race. 

Rachel’s year had more than one signature moment.  She was the first filly in 85 years to win the Preakness.  She was the 2nd filly in 42 years to win the Haskell.  She nearly broke the track record in the Mother Goose, coming close to the exploits of Secretariat at the same distance.  Then, of course, she became the first 3-year-old filly to defeat older males in a stakes race of more than a mile on dirt since the inception of graded stakes in the U.S.

 

Zenyatta’s overall campaign for 2009 was a bit less heralded – until her triumph in the Classic that is.  I doubt strongly that anyone will think back to her earlier races in the year and point to them as having been signature – but she did remain undefeated, even when carrying  ridiculous amounts of weight and when it seemed to all observing that her undefeated record was in it’s greatest peril at the hands of Anaaba’s Creation.  Somehow, someway, she ALWAYS found a way to win.

So if Rachel’s campaign is the one I believe to be more accomplished, why make Zenyatta Horse of the Year?

Because at some level, even if it has not historically been the case, the Breeders’ Cup Classic should be the deciding moment.  The quintessential test of an overall champion.  Moreover, the career that Zenyatta rewarded us with is one that is deserving of top honors.  And it’s not like she didn’t race in 2009.  She just didn’t race a whole heckuva a lot of times, nor did she put herself in tremendously challenging positions where victory was assumed to be anything other than a foregone conclusion until her date with destiny in the Classic.

I know that technically it isn’t right to attach emotional sentiment to that which she accomplished in 2008 and then factor that into the equation, but how can one not help but do so?  In all likelihood she left us with her career defining performance on the sports biggest stage (at least the biggest stage for true fans of racing, as opposed to the Warhol-esque 2 minutes of national attention associated with the annual running of the Kentucky Derby) – a perfect story book ending to a career that will from henceforth be the measuring stick for all older fillies and mares that attempt to follow in her hoofsteps.

Likewise, Rachel Alexandra will go down as the new barometer by which all subsequent 3-year-old fillies will be compared.  Make no mistake about it, we’ll still invoke memories of Ruffian as well, who will continue to be the greatest of the great fillies, but my sense of things is that Rachel’s ability to both win a 3-year-old Classic (the Preakness) and then follow that up with repeat performances over 3-year-old males in the Haskell and then older males in the Woodward will cement her legacy for years (if not decades) to come.

The mere fact that Rachel is sometimes mentioned in the same breath as Ruffian speaks volumes for how lofty her star has risen.  Just a year ago you probably would’ve been diagnosed as certifiably mad if you dared to publicly compare any filly to Ruffian.  Now people do so without batting an eye.   I’ve refrained from making any direct comparisons myself, as I think it wise to the let the historical greats stand alone, and if nothing else become larger than the legends they were in their own time rather than replaced by newcomers and diminished in legend, but certainly folks reading this have at least heard those comparisons elsewhere and know what I’m referring to.  The point being not whether they are warranted or not, but merely an acknowledgement that such comparisons do exist.

For Rachel, there will be a 2010, and a chance to show she is capable of winning a Breeders’ Cup Classic of her own.  For Zenyatta, the Classic was in all likelihood her swan song. 

What better way to send off a legend than to allow their final chapter to be an ultimate achievement?  It just feels like the right thing to do.

As much as I love them both and am torn asunder in attempting to make a definitive statement one way or the other – I think the right thing to do is to send Zenyatta off to retirement as the 2009 Horse of the Year.  After all, she started the year as the top older female in racing, and nobody was able to defeat her.  Looking at things that way, and reducing the equation to it’s most simplistic component, it’s a bit hard to justify knocking her from her lofty perch – doubly so in the immediate aftermath of her finest hour. 

And you know what?  At the end of the day it’s really just a silly award.  What these two ladies accomplished on the track will be remembered for years regardless of whether an additional trophy is added to their respective cases.

Respect for each of them has been EARNED on the track, not GIVEN at some awards ceremony.

That’s how I see things at least.  What say you?  Who do you think ought to receive the Eclipse Award for 2009 Horse of the Year?


Comments : 87 Comments »
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Categories : Breeders' Cup, Eclipse Awards, horse racing, Horse Racing News, Preakness, Rachel Alexandra, Zenyatta

Rachel Alexandra: “What You Want”

20 07 2009

As many of you know, I’m fond of making “tribute videos”about certain horses or moments in thoroughbred racing that have touched my heart in special ways.  In fact, if you didn’t already know this, it was two tribute videos I made in late 2007 that prompted the launch of The Aspiring Horseplayer site. 

This may sound rather funny given that it’s coming from someone known to be rather long winded with his narratives, but at first I was extremely worried that I would not be able to sufficiently convey the passion and love for horses and horse racing that burned inside my soul through written word only.  Some other medium of communication was necessary.  Something direct, visual, and capable of reaching even the subconscious. 

The answer I settled upon was video. 

Imagine my surprise then, when Monmouth Park announced via their Facebook  page that they were holding an “Ultimate Rachel Alexandra Fan Contest“ to see who could come up with the best Rachel Alexandra themed video! 

Instantly I snapped into motion, searching for photos and editing video clips of her greatest races.  There was simply no way I could  let this opportunity pass without tossing my hat into the proverbial ring!  Not when there’s so much on the line, including a chance to walk Rachel onto the track for the Haskell Invitational (G1) on August 2nd!

This video is my submission to the contest.  The video with the most “likes” over on the Monmouth Park Facebook page wins.  If you’re familiar with Facebook functionality, you’ll instantly understand what I mean when referencing “likes.”  If not, then don’t worry as I realize that not everyone who appreciates the “greatness that is Rachel” is either on Facebook or interested in supporting attempts to win a video tribute contest. 

If, however, you would be so inclined as to help me win this thing, then kindly follow the URL for the Monmouth Park “fan video” section below:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/video/video.php?v=1192456775247&oid=20125508116

Without further adieu, allow me to present…

“Rachel Alexandra: What You Want” 

 

 

About this video:

The video contains random photos from around the internet that I thought conveyed the qualities of Rachel I/we cherish the most.  Her strength, her beauty, and her commanding presence.  Having had the pleasure on two occasions now to witness her with naked eyes, suffice to say she’s one of the most lovable (and yet intimidating) presences I’ve ever encountered.

Even more magically, she’s somehow managed to accomplish what I assumed nobody on earth would ever be able to do;  she’s helped fill the void in my heart ever since the retirement of Curlin.

The most challenging aspect of creating a such a video, ironically, is finding the right audio to accompany the imagery (and about the imagery: Kudos to the many photographers who have captured her in their images. Unfortunately, most of the images I found were unaccredited, so I know not whom to officially thank for them).  The music must convey something of the mood you wish to portray.  It’s got to contribute to the story you are trying to tell.  What would you want someone who had thus far remained unaware of her existence to see/hear about Rachel?  What lasting impression would you want them to walk away with?  

After hours of searching my iTunes library for the proper selection, I settled upon “What You Want” by the John Butler Trio.  It’s a song with a bit of an “epic” feel to it, and one that  seems to suggest a  reflective response.  Even better, the various tempo changes and instrumental moments create the perfect backdrops over which to replay many of Rachel’s greatest triumphs.

As always, there’s a healthy amount of added subtlety that the viewer may or may not readily discern.  I try to make all my videos like that. Perhaps it’s the Kubrick fan in me?  The subtlety isn’t critical to understanding the central theme (Rachel’s majesty), but hopefully those little touches are appreciated by some.  

Even if the video isn’t as well received as I hope, if it manages to reach  just one person who otherwise would not have cared, then I’ll consider it a resounding success.

Ultimately, I’m elated this contest came around as I’d been putting off making one for her until the end of the year.  If there’s anything I learned from Curlin’s 2008 campaign, it’s that we don’t usually get a happy ending, even to our most cherished stories. 

So, with that in mind, this is for Rachel:  A special horse who has moved me in ways I never imagined I’d be moved again.  I’m not ashamed to admit that she’s the first horse to bring me to “tears of joy” since…well, you know who. 

Go get ‘em Rach! Show them boys in the Haskell what you’re made of, baby girl! With any luck (and a few Facebook votes), I just might be able to send you off to post myself.  Either way, I and countless others will be with you every step of the way.


Comments : 6 Comments »
Tags: , , , , , ,
Categories : horse racing, Monmouth Park, Preakness, Rachel Alexandra

The Rachel Alexandra Rant; no Rachel in the Belmont

29 05 2009

It’s official.  Owner Jess Jackson has announced that the talented and immensely popular filly Rachel Alexandra will not be running in the 2009 Belmont.  This sets up perfectly for jockey Calvin Borel, who will now retake the mount of Kentucky Derby champion Mine That Bird in his quest for an all-Calvin Triple Crown.  Sadly, for bloggers like me with a penchant for gratuitous military history references, this negates my ability to discuss the potential rematch between The Derby and Preakness winners as “June 6th, a date that will once again live in infamy” (which I’m fairly certain is an oxymoron considering that once something is truly “infamous”, it’s rather impossible to become infamous once again…you either are infamous, or your not, but I digress). 

First, let me say that I tip my hat to Jess Jackson once again.  You know that he wanted to showcase his filly  in the Belmont, and it probably pains him to have to decide against running her. However, this move proves that he’s not just in this for fame and glory.  Like I’ve  said before, the man made all the right moves with Curlin, and once again he appears to be doing so with Rachel Alexandra.  In fact, the only move he’s ever made that I’ve disagreed with is one in which he really had little choice anyhow;  sending Curlin to Santa Anita to run in the ’08 Breeders’ Cup…and it’s important to note that he made the decision to send him for us, the fans, so that we would be able to see him on the sport’s biggest stage.  In other words, while I had a hunch (and no doubt Jess did himself as well) that wouldn’t go well, one can certainly understand why the decision was made. 

The decision to rest Rachel Alexandra has already sparked quite a bit of passionate discussion on the net.  Whether it be Twitter, Facebook, or any other web application out there designed for such discussions, horse fans are talking.   Of course, they’ve been talking longer than just today.  The past few weeks being filled with opinions from one side of the spectrum to the other regarding Rachel, the Bird, and everything in between.  What troubles me though is some of the recent discussion, and I’ll outline why.

The first genre of discussion that bothers me goes something like this: 

  • “I’m glad Rachel isn’t in the Belmont, she’s a filly and would’ve risked being hurt.”  

Look, I totally sympathize with horse fans who don’t want to see anyone hurt.  Nobody wants to see that.  It’s not that concern that worries me so much as it is the hidden inference that somehow fillies are inferior to colts.  Do we really need any further proof that this is simply not true (at least as a blanket statement)?  They said the same thing about the Preakness, and then Rachel went out and dominated.   I don’t recall hearing anyone in France being concerned that Zarkava was facing boys in the world’s richest turf race, the Arc de Triomphe.   How’d that one turn out?   How about Goldikova last year in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Mile?  And is there anyone who really thinks after the Milady that Zenyatta wouldn’t thrash the California boys at Hollywood, Santa Anita, or Del Mar?   I just don’t get it.  Surely not all fillies are created equal, so when you’ve got one who is clearly heads and shoulders better than most runners on the planet why should she be held back?   Because she’s a “she”?  See, I worry sometimes that folks are masking latent sexism behind a thin veil of legitimate concern over injuries/well being.  The truth of the matter is that anyone at anytime can get hurt.   If we apply this logic across the board, then clearly following Barbaro’s injury we should have stopped all colts from running as well. 

The next line of comments goes something like this:

  • “I’m going to be soooo mad if Mine That Bird wins the Belmont, because that will mean Rachel robbed us of a Triple Crown!”

Huh??? I almost have to throw up in my mouth a bit when I hear this.  Almost.  Do people even think before they speak?  She “robbed” you of a Triple Crown?  For starters, let’s not forget that the Belmont hasn’t been run yet, so hold your horses (no pun intended) on anointing Mine That Bird even a theoretical Triple Crown winner.   Da’ Tara, Birdstone, and Rags to Riches come to mind in recent memory as clear cut examples of why you never assume a Belmont’s outcome before it’s official. More importantly though, did Rachel Alexandra somehow cheat in the Preakness?  Did I miss something?  I’m just trying to understand how she “robbed” anyone of anything?  If she “robbed” anyone, it was other network programs, as television ratings for the Preakness were through the freakin’ roof.  You’d think people would be smart enough to see a star who is exactly what we need when they see one, but apparently not. 

Didn’t Mine That Bird have a fair shot to beat her in the Preakness?   Didn’t Rachel have to break from the extreme outside, set fairly fast splits being contested all the way, and then hang on in the stretch to win?  That’s not robbing, that’s earning, and last time I checked, a horse needs to EARN a Triple Crown.  That’s what makes it special.  Otherwise we might as well just poll the public for who they’d like to see win and simply declare that horse the winner without ever racing.   I can see Dennis Green now, banging on a table and telling reporters to “crown their asses, then!” when asked questions concerning the Chicago Bears.  Same goes here.  You want a Triple Crown so bad that you’re angry when a horse legitimately defeats a hopeful?  Then crown their asses before the race and don’t even bother running.

 

Also, if I may sidestep for just a gosh darn moment…..where the hell were these people in ’07 when Rags to Riches came out of nowhere to “rob” Curlin???  That was MUCH closer to grand larceny than anything Rachel’s done.  

When pressed, most of these people reference the fact that we “haven’t had a Triple Crown winner in 30 years” and that they’d “like to live to see one.”  Oh really?   Wow…didn’t realize they were so into history.  Forgive me, then.   It’s just that, well, you know…there are still plenty of folks alive who remember watching and wagering on the last Triple Crown winner.  On the other hand, how many folks have you run into out there that remember Nellie Morse in the 1924 Preakness?  Yeah…didn’t think so.   If you’re going to reference history, then at least acknowledge that 85 years is a hell of a lot longer than 3 decades to wait to see something happen.   Then again, we do live in the age of “instant gratification”, more’s the pity.

Look, I’ve got nothing but respect for Mine That Bird now either.  He’s a magnificent colt that we ought to see for years to come, considering he’s a gelding.   It’s just that I refuse to see him as some victim of a heinous crime.  I remember the cat calls from all the Curlin haters back in ’07.  “Curlin got beat by a girl!”  Yeah, well, so did Mine That Bird, and the girl that beat him wasn’t as fresh as the girl that beat Curlin (nor was Mine That Bird as worn down as Curlin was).  Personally I don’t consider the “beat by a girl” thing to be anything but the most childish of equine put-downs, as it never seems to apply to the horses that were truly beaten by open lengths (i.e., did you ever hear anyone say “Tiago got beat by a girl!” or “Hard Spun got beat by a girl!” ?  Nope, it was always directed at Curlin…hell, at least he was competitive against a girl.  How far back were Hard Spun and Tiago in the ’07 Belmont by comparison?). 

The last  line of thinking that really grinds my gears goes like this:

  • “Rachel was exhausted in the Preakness, there’s no way she could get the mile and 1/2 of the Belmont.”

When I hear things like this, I wish I was instantly teleported to a face to face handicapping tournament, winner take all, as obviously these folks think that every race is totally equal and not unique at all. 

“Oh lord, won’t you buy me, a tour-na-ment ticket, my friends don’t know horses, I must make amends…”

Yes, Rachel was struggling a bit at the end of the Preakness.  How that is supposed to directly translate into defeat or an inability to get the distance of the Belmont is beyond me.  Are the two races supposed to be apples to apples?  Have folks even considered that the entire pace setup could not only be completely different between the two races, but also explains rather clearly why Rachel was a bit tired at the end of the Preakness?

Consider the following stats.  Here are the opening  1/4 mile and 1/2 mile splits between the ’08 Belmont and the “09 Preakness.  Something should jump off the page at you regarding the half mile times in particular, even if you’ve never so much as thought about pace handicapping:

2008 Belmont:

  • opening 1/4 – :23.82
  • opening 1/2 – :48.30

2009 Preakness:

  • opening 1/4 mile – :23.00
  • opening 1/2 mile – :46.25

See that?  Two full seconds faster in the opening half mile of the 2009 Preakness!   And why was that exactly?   Well, several reasons.  In the 2008 Belmont, Da’ Tara got an easy lead.  Even on the race replay you can hear the call that the opening half mile was set in a “sensible” time of :48.30.   That’s what happens when you have a longer race, and a loose horse on the lead.  The pace of longer races tends to be slower than that of shorter races, hence why horses who show speed routing can’t always be trusted to do the same when sprinting, whereas horses that show speed sprinting often will show similar (if not improved) speed routing. 

In the ’09 Preakness, Rachel had to earn it every step of the way.   She broke from the 13 hole, and had no choice but to gun for the lead or risk being hung wide on the turns.  Anyone familiar with playing the Maryland tracks knows full well how vitally important positioning on the turns, and in particular the first turn, can be.   Of course, Big Drama happened to be along the rail, and likewise was in a situation where he had to go for it right out of the gate.  The result was a speed duel.  Typically, if you see two horses eyeball to eyeball with each other through hotly contested opening fractions, you can expect them to start coming back to the rest of the field in the stretch, thus opening up for an off-the-pace runner.  It’s a testament to Rachel Alexandra’s class that this did not happen, and that the only runners able to make any headway against her were Mine That Bird, and to a lesser extent Musket Man.   That’s what made her win so impressive.   It shouldn’t have happened.  Most horses would not have pulled it off.  In fact, her opening splits were closer to those set by Xchanger and Flying First Class in the ’07 Preakness (1/4 in :22.83,  1/2 in :45.75), and obviously neither of them wound up in the Superfecta. 

So yes, she was struggling towards the end, but what exactly was she supposed to look like?  Even Chip Woolley, trainer of Mine That Bird, admitted that his colt was fresher by virtue of only really having to run the last 3/8 of a mile of both the Derby and the Preakness.  I’m sorry that she didn’t look as majestic as Big Brown in the ’08 Preakness, but she had a bit of a saltier field and a tougher trip to overcome.   Eyes can be deceiving though.  Again, apples to apples this most certainly is not.  

Each race is unique, and one must resist the urge of  looking at the ’09 Preakness replay and simpliifying by saying “yup, in another furlong Mine That Bird would’ve caught her.”   Would he?  Perhaps, but then again the entire race would’ve been different.  The only thing you can be assured of is that if THAT EXACT running of the Preakness happened again, but went a furlong further, that perhaps Mine That Bird would have caught her.  That’s it.  That’s the only certain conclusion one can make.  The rest is pure speculation or opinion….not that their’s anything wrong with either, necessarily, it’s just that when they are repeated as fact folks can get the wrong ideas.   I’m just saying keep that in mind when you hear folks spouting off (and yes, that includes me and indeed this rant right here).

Similarly, we must resist the urge of DEMANDING a rematch between either Rachel and The Bird in the Belmont, or Rachel and Zenyatta at some later date.   Would those races be exciting? Most definitely!  But we can’t reduce ourselves to the plebians in the Colliseum, demanding that Caesar show us another round of gladitorial combat.  Let the horsemen do what’s right for the horses, and let’s hope that we’re lucky enough to see them in their prime again before they are gone. 

In conclusion, here’s hoping Rachel enjoys her much deserved time off.  Rest up, baby girl.  There are big plans for you both this summer and beyond.  Personally, I’m hoping Jess sends her to Saratoga.  I can think of no other track more befitting of an appearance by the queen herself.   Now, if we could just get Zenyatta’s people to come face her….  :-)


Comments : 23 Comments »
Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Categories : Belmont Park, Belmont Stakes, horse racing, Horse Racing News, Mine That Bird, Pimlico, Preakness, Rachel Alexandra, Triple Crown, Triple Crown Coverage

Rachel Alexandra Runs Away with the 2009 Preakness

16 05 2009
 

She did it!!!!!!!  She stared straight into the eyes of over 80 years of history (not to mention 12 colts) and REFUSED to be denied!  Right from the start she had to prove she was everything she had been billed as, being forced to move quickly from the outside post and winding up in a speed duel with inside runner Big Drama, setting opening splits of  :23.13 and :46.71.  NOTHING could stop her though as she powered to a  4 length lead in the stretch and held off late charges from Musket Man and Mine That Bird to prevail in 1:55.08.  A lesser horse would have collapsed under the pressure.  Hell, many a fine horse would have collapsed under the pressure, but not Rachel.  It was a win for the ages, and one that has the potential to put horse racing back on the map in terms of national recognition, even if only for a fleeting moment. 

Full Results Chart

The past 3 years I’ve been blessed to witness firsthand the finest thoroughbred racing action a fan could  hope for in the yearly running of the Preakness.  In 2007 I came to cheer my guts out for my hero, Curlin, and was thrilled beyond belief when he caught Kentucky Derby champion Street Sense at the wire.  In 2008 we came to see Big Brown ”big boy”a field of pretenders and keep the elusive Triple Crown dream alive.  Today was as big a day as I’ve ever been a part of, as the amazing filly Rachel Alexandra gave us one for the ages.  No matter where we go from here, we can always say “I remember watching when Rachel Alexandra made history!”  I’m on record as saying that in my opinion, the Preakness is the true test of a 3-year-old champion, as the field size and distance make it a more evenly matched race compared to the chaos of the Kentucky Derby and the exhausting (and often somewhat unpredictable) challenge of the Belmont.  

Just like with Curlin in 2007, the minute the field turned for home I began jumping up and down, screaming at the top of my lungs.  “Stay up there Rachel!!!! Dig in, girl, dig in!!!!  Show ‘em what you’re made of, baby girl!!!!  Yes!!!! YESSSS!!!!!  YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!”   “IT’S A FILLY IN THE PREAKNESS!!!!!!!”  

This was immediately followed by the same overwhelming and unavoidable tears of joy and pride that permeated my experience with her soon-to-be boyfriend’s Preakness victory.  Yes, I wept a little bit, and I’m not ashamed to admit it.  Watching magnificent horses that I’ve fallen in love with prevail in their defining moments has that effect on me.  I suppose it’s a bit like a proud parent, watching their child achieve scholastic honor, or athletic glory on the football field.

I know one word can’t summarize what we witnessed, but all I’m left thinking is “WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!” (or perhaps more in accordance with the “parlance of our times”, I should revise that to a resounding “DAAAAAAAYUMMMM!!!!!” )  :)

Whoever said a filly couldn’t beat the boys, huh?  Of course, Rachel isn’t your ordinary filly, but to overcome that outside post,  look Big Drama in the eye (who was coming off 5 consecutive victories, mind you, and was the most talked about “buzz horse” all week at Pimlico) and deny him, and then power to an insurmountable lead in the stretch while holding off the Kentucky Derby winner?  It’s absolutely breathtaking.  If it can be said that Big Brown “big boy’d” the field of the ’08 Preakness, than Rachel Alexandra “big girl’d” the field of Preakness 134. 

THIS is the reason we are horse racing fans.  THIS is the reason our sport is the best in the world.  THIS is the reason we lay awake at night dreaming about what is, what might be, and what could have been.

What an unbelievable filly.   Where she goes from here is anyone’s guess.  Might she head to the Belmont?  Personally I’d actually prefer they give her a rest.   I think she’s earned it now with her dominating wins in the Kentucky Oaks and the Preakness.  No need to push things.  That being said, if Jess Jackson and trainer Steve Asmussen (who I’m told was wearing the exact same suit that he did for Curlin’s 2007 Preakness victory)  decide to send her, you’ll hear no argument from me.  They made all the right moves with Curlin, and they’ve clearly done so with Rachel Alexandra thus far.  And to think, none of this would have transpired had Jackson not stepped up to the plate and purchased her just two weeks ago. 

I guess it’s no secret now that she has proven herself exactly who we thought she is, I’m hoping to see her come home safe and sound once her racing career is over so that she can breed a new line  of magnificent offspring with Curlin.   Can you believe it?  We’re going to have foals several years from now that have Preakness winners for both a mother and a father!  My knowledge of pre-World War 2 horse racing is extremely limited, but I’m guessing that’s never happened before. 

This, my friends, is a total game changer for the entire sport! 

I also have to tip my hat to the “little colt who could”, 2nd place finisher Mine That Bird.   Talk about a horse who has EARNED respect these last two weeks.  His effort in the Preakness proves that there is no such thing as a Kentucky Derby “fluke”, no matter how much we might want to suggest there is.  Clearly he is a magnificent race horse in his own right, and I’ll tell you what, the way he came charging late  he should be feared and respected in the Belmont.

I also thought Musket Man proved he’s the same gutsy competitor we thought he was.  Remember back to our Alibi Breakfast coverage on Thursday where owner Vic Carlson indicated he was betting Musket Man to show?  Looks like that turned out just like he said it would. 

I’m no longer so sure exactly what we have with Pioneer of the Nile,  Papa Clem, and Friesan Fire, as none of them wound up finishing in the money.

All in all this was a magnificent weekend for the sport, and for Maryland racing, which always holds a special place in my heart.  Just when both needed a savior (horse racing in general from a slew of disappointments/tragedies in recent years on the national stage, and Maryland racing in light of the recent bankruptcy filings of  Magna Entertainment, which owns both Pimlico and Laurel Park), a wonder horse has appeared like a knight in shining armor. 

I wish I could find the entire clip on youtube to share with you all, but in reference to that last sentence, I’m humored by a random quote that came to mind as Amy and I drove to the Preakness early this morning.   For some reason the World War 2 classic “A Bridge Too Far” popped into my mind, and I began quoting some random lines.  I made reference to the scene in the film where General Horrocks suggests that the plan for Operation Market Garden reminds him of an American old west film.  “The paratroops, lacking supplies, are the besieged homesteaders.  The Germans, well, naturally they are the bad guys.  And XXX Corps….we are the CAVALRY!”  This was immediately followed by a very bad Michael Caine impersonation, where I suggested that XXX Corps should arrive “right on shed-yule” (that’s “schedule” for us Yanks, but the way Caine speaks the line in full English accent comes off sounding like “shed-yule”….it’s quite addictive to impersonate as it just rolls off the tongue, but I digress). 

“Right on shed-yule” indeed, and just when we needed it the most.  Thank you Rachel, and the little horse who could (Mine That Bird).  The two of you have both been the cavalry we so desperately needed, and your chivalric charges through the Kentucky Derby and Preakness stretches are memories that we’ll keep with us for eternity. 

Of course, I can’t talk about amazing women like Rachel without tipping my hat to two other special gals who helped make the weekend what it was.  Most importantly I’m talking about  my beloved wife, Amy, who puts up with my rambling rants about horse racing and accompanies me as my right hand wherever the game takes me.  True to form, in the midst of our dreadful opening to the day handicapping wise, she pulled an exacta play out of nowhere by boxing numbers that equated to our children’s birthdays. 

At one point in between the Pick 4 sequences, I was so bummed out about our picks that I considered not even betting anymore for the day.  It’s part of our my complex mental makeup that I both love handicapping, but hate losing money on burnt tickets.  Remember that “right on shed-yule” theme from a few paragraphs above?  It played out again during the extended downtime between races 8 and 9 on the card. 

Just as we were agonizing over how to proceed with the late Pick 4, some familiar music began to pipe through the tents of the Turfside Terrace.  ZZ Top had taken the stage to perform, and were jamming out  to “give me all your loving, all your hugs and kisses too.”  It was at that point that we knew the rest of the day would be ours.  You see, back in 2002 when we were married, our ceremony was outdoors.  Just as we began exchanging vows, a vehicle pulled up within earshot blaring that very song.  Amy and I had remained oblivious to this turn of events as we went through the exchange (nerves having evidently temporarily disabled our ability to hear anything but each other), but it’s something our guests have never forgotten.  Nor have they ever let us forget.  :)

With that in mind, the moment that familiar sound reached our ears, we looked at each other and agreed “we came here to play, this is OUR day.  No regrets!”  And with that, we launched into a series of winning plays that got us back to near even for the day.  You know the saying….behind every decent man there’s an even better woman.  Well, I’m not sure if I qualify as a ”decent guy”, but I know damn well how special my girl is. 

 

Amy and I at the 2009 Preakness, where Rachel Alexandra would make history as the first filly since Nellie Morse in 1924 to win horse racing's 2nd jewel of the Triple Crown

Amy and I at the 2009 Preakness, where Rachel Alexandra would make history as the first filly since Nellie Morse in 1924 to win horse racing's 2nd jewel of the Triple Crown

There’s one other special lady I have to give a big shout out to again, and that’s Carrie Everly of the Maryland Jockey Club.  I know I mentioned her before in our Black Eyed Susan write-up, but she’s the type of person you simply can’t say enough about.  If only there was some way to clone her so that each track in the nation could have a VP of Marketing  like her.  After Rachel’s victory, I ran into her near the winner’s circle, and shared a big “bear hug” while I confided to her that watching Rachel win had moved me to tears of joy and pride.  I probably didn’t even need to say that, as Carrie is just one of those people who “gets it”, whatever “it” might be.   One can always count on the warm smile, the friendly demeanor, and the infectous charm she exudes wherever you see her, whether that be outside the paddock between races or multitasking with walki-talki in hand as a crowd begins to arrive.  No matter how busy she is, she always has time for us, the little guys.  After all, who are we but small time horse players and fans?  And yet she treats us like absolute royalty.  I just hope that somehow, or in some way I’ll one day be able to repay that kindness and properly express my gratitude. 

On a day when an amazing filly shined on the track, the Maryland Jockey Club had their own super-gal working behind the scenes to make sure it all came together as beautifully as it did.  

Yours truly and the amazing Carrie Everly, VP of Marketing for the Maryland Jockey Club

Yours truly and the amazing Carrie Everly, VP of Marketing for the Maryland Jockey Club

And of course, it would only be proper to conclude by saying that everything went off  “right on shed-yule”

Now if only I had a picture of me with my arm around Rachel Alexandra, right?   I guess a guy can only be so lucky in one day.  I’ve got no complaints from where I’m standing.  :)

I’ll be taking the next few days off here.  It’s been quite a run covering the Alibi Breakfast, Black Eyed Susan Day, and Preakness Day.  I hope you all enjoyed.  Up next we’ll start to swing our attention towards the 2009 Belmont.


Comments : 25 Comments »
Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Categories : horse racing, Horse Racing News, Pimlico, Preakness, Rachel Alexandra, Triple Crown, Triple Crown Coverage

« Previous Entries


Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.