Better Talk Now retired

30 09 2009
Better Talk Now receives a bath

Better Talk Now receives a bath following a morning workout at Fair Hill, MD. (author's photo)

It’s never easy to write these posts, as I’m one who tends to struggle with goodbyes.  There’s never a simple way to come to grips with the retirement of one of your favorite horses.  It’s been said that bad news comes in droves.  Racing fans know this all too well.  In recent days we’ve had to stomach the losses of heroes such as Kona Gold and Summer Squall.  Now comes news that one of the most beloved horses in training, Better Talk Now (aka ”Blackie”) is injured and will race again no more. 

The 10-year-old and 2004 Breeders’ Cup Turf champion was one of my personal all-time favorites, and will be thoroughly missed by a great multitude of fans.  He was one of those horses that once you got to know,  you just HAD to love.  Indeed, it may have been impossible to NOT fall in love with him once you took notice of him on the track.  He gave it his all each and every time he raced, and has the “horsonality” of a total rock star.
 
Better Talk Now striking a "rock star" pose while eating some grass (author's photo)

Better Talk Now striking a "rock star" pose while eating some grass (author's photo)

Like many, I had been hoping to see him run in his final race in New York this fall and was looking forward to the closure that an opportunity to say goodbye might provide.  We all knew this day was coming, as the old man wasn’t getting any younger, but I can’t help but feel a bit of a punch in the gut now knowing we won’t see him run again.  Part of me feels selfish (and foolish) for that though, as he had already given us so much over the years.  This wasn’t the way his story was supposed to end though.  I think we all had dreamt that somehow, someway, he’d go out on top as a winner – just as he deserved.

Having spent most of the week thus far in the hospital myself dealing with some emergency surgery (appendicitis), I was unaware of this development until arriving home this morning.  Suffice to say it was not the kind of news I was hoping to come home to.    

Trying to be the ever the positive “glass half full” type, there are some important silver linings here to this story that we must keep in perspective. 

It goes without saying that it’s fortunate to have identified the injury and safely retired Blackie rather than have had something go horrifically wrong on the track.  Now he’ll be able to retire and live out the rest of his life while still in the care of Graham Motion and his top notch Herringswell Stables operation at Fair Hill, MD.

I know I tend to sound like a broken record about some things here from time to time, but having had the opportunity to visit them at Fair Hill earlier in the year on the morning of Del Cap day- this is where he belongs.  There’s no doubt in my mind about that.  From top to bottom Herringswell Stables is the definition of a class act. 

If I ever have the pleasure of owning one of these magnificent animals, I’ll do all I can to ensure my horse is under Motion’s supervision.  You can just feel the love everyone involved with them has for their horses.  Of course, Blackie was the “rock star” of the barn, and since he’ll stay there I suspect he’ll continue to be so. 

Motion has commented several times that he considers Better Talk Now’s  Breeders’ Cup Turf victory in 2004 as the highlight of his distinguished career as a trainer.  Looking back, I think that was one my favorite highlights of the last decade as well, albeit from a fan perspective. There was just something about Blackie that many found instantly lovable. 

Lastly, let’s not forget that he gave his fans reason to cheer their guts out one last time in his effort in the Sword Dancer back in mid-August.  He rallied from 10 lengths back with 3 furlongs to go and “gave it his all” to run 2nd to upset winner Telling.  I remember thinking he’d have a big shot in that race - and wanting desperately for him to run well.  At times, I’d swear he looked more like a happy kid in that race than a 10-year-old veteran.  In the end, it was rewarding to know that he was still a threat at the Grade 1 level no matter how “long-in-the-tooth” he might have been.

 

 

As we adjust to the realization that we won’t get to see him battling on through the deep stretch in future races, closing like a freight train into the early pace setters, we may at least take solace in knowing that he will be under the care of a group of people who love him dearly and will see to it that he receives only the finest care imaginable.  There’s no place on earth where I could envision him being happier.

In closing, here’s how we’ll always remember Blackie – making that powerful move in the stretch and running past all of ‘em to become a Breeders’ Cup champion.  Watching him run was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life – and no doubt went a long way towards making me the fan of the sport I am today.

  

 

We’ll miss ya, fella, and we’ll always love ya.  Thanks for all the memories you’ve given us along the way.  Such a card.  Such a character – but  an immensely and instantly lovable one.  Enjoy your retirement – you’ve earned the rest, ole buddy.


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Sword Dancer could setup for Better Talk Now

15 08 2009

He may be an elder statesmen at 10-years-old and counting, but fan favorite Better Talk Now might have just enough left in those wise old legs of his to kick on home in the stretch of Saturday’s Grade 1 Sword Dancer at Saratoga.  The former turf champion may have his work cut out for him, but if he can rekindle some of that magic that saw him pull the upset in the 2004 Breeders’ Cup Turf, this just might be the day his fans have been waiting years to see.

To do so, he’ll need to be able to prevail against the likes of Grand Couturier, and the sneakily dangerous Lauro, as well as a host of other contenders including Telling, American, Gentleman Chester, Quijano, Rising Moon, Americain, and Brass Hat.  The field sets up like this:

  1. Grand Couturier (GB) – Alan Garcia/ R. Ribaudo (3/1*)
  2. Gentlemen Chester – Julien Leparoux/ R.E. Nicks (15/1)
  3. Lauro (GER) – J.F. Chavez/ A. Wohler (10/1)
  4. Better Talk Now – R. Dominguez/ G. Motion (5/1)
  5. Rising Moon – Kent Desormeaux/ R. Dutrow Jr. (12/1)
  6. Americain – J.R. Velazquez/ Todd Pletcher ( 9/2)
  7. Telling – Javier Castellano/ S. Hobby (20/1)
  8. Quijano (GER) - A. Starke/ P. Schiergen (5/1)
  9. Brass Hat – Calvin Borel/ W. Bradley (12/1)
  10. Musketier (GER) – J.C. Jones/ R.L. Attfield (6/1)

First things first – I’ve got to confess that Better Talk Now is one of my favorite horses of all time.  I know he’s not quite the same runner who triumphed in the 2004 Breeders’ Cup Turf, but there’s simply so much to love about this horse.  Amy and I had the pleasure of meeting him several weeks ago when photographer Julie Ziek invited us to visit Graham Motion’s Herringswell Stables at Fair Hill, MD.  “Blackie” was as advertised – hamming it up for the cameras following a light workout and being his usual frisky self while folks attempted to give him a bath.

He has a peculiar habit of crossing his back legs – as if to say “yes, I know I’m a rock star.”  Even more entertaining is the fact that he seems to become even more of a ham when knows people are watching.  Just being in his presence though, you could instantly feel you were with a champion. There’s just something special about him. You can’t help but LOVE this guy!
 
 

I guess that’s why he has such a high volume of admirers.  No matter where you turn in the world of horse racing, from the folks on Cindy Dulay’s horse-races.net forums, to the folks on the new TVG Community site - you’re bound to run into diehard Better Talk Now fans.  He might not get the headlines of runners like Rachel Alexandra or Zenyatta, but he’s got an army of fans amongst those who appreciate what it takes to be competing at a Grade 1 level at 10-years-old.

And who better for Better Talk Now to be in the care of than Graham Motion?  I can honestly say that for horse lovers out there, do yourself a favor and take a visit to his stable – it will do your soul good.  With all of the press that the bad elements of the game like Paragallo have received in recent months, it’s comforting to know that there are folks out there who put the care of their horses first and foremost.  I feel horrible even uttering the name Paragallo in the same sentence as Motion.  The two could not be more opposite; the proverbial “night and day.”

Herringswell Stables is a top class operation.   You can see it in the eyes of their charges.  You walk into the barn and all of their animals are beaming with joy.  Put plainly, “Blackie” could not be in better care, and it’s no surprise to me that he’s maintained soundness over such a long career.  All one need to see is how well cared for he is. 

Looking over the race, I really do think he’s got a big shot here.  He’s been knocking on the door, and you just have this feeling building up inside of you that he’s going to deliver one more great memory to his fans.  I haven’t felt strongly that he had a chance to win any of his previous 2009 efforts, but he’s run very well in each of them, including over softer footing.  Call it a hunch or whatever you will – my gut tells me today will be Blackie’s day.

As for the rest of the field, there’s much to like about both Lauro and Quijano as well.  Lauro had the misfortune of having to zero in on Presious Passion when that runner ran away with the United Nations.  While folks tend to remember the 20 length lead early on, remember that it was Lauro running well late who finished second.  I’d expect Lauro to be more forwardly placed in the Sword Dancer.  I’m not sure if he’ll be on the lead, but he’ll probably be close, which could set him up for a nice trip.

Quijano is a multiple Group One winner in his own right, and if you’re like me you always give a little added dose of respect to the European bred runners in turf events.  Quijano and Musketier both chased Gio Ponti (whom I contend at least belongs in the discussion for Horse of the Year, provided he wins out through the Breeders’ Cup Turf this fall) last time out and ran respectably, so look for them to make some noise in the Sword Dancer as well.  I look for Musketier and Lauro to be involved early on, with Quijano and Americain putting in their runs followed by Grand Couturier and Better Talk Now.

I’m playing my heart in this one.  I know that’s not a smart thing to do from a “handicapping” pespective, but when you’ve got one of your favorite horses running for one of your favorite horsemen, you’ve just got to beleive it’s possible.  I’m guessing that Better Talk Now will out finish Lauro and Quijano in the stretch and send his fans into shrieking fits of euphoria.  It’s been a long time since the 2007 Manhattan when he last found the winner’s cirlce.  A victory today would be a highlight of the summer for yours truly even (if this is at all possible) rivalling for me the victories of Rachel Alexandra in the Preakness and Haskell. 

It’s not like you can count Graham Motion out up at Saratoga either…Bullsbay, anyone? 

I’ll go 4/3,8/ 1,3,6,7,8,10  on the $1 trifecta for a total cost of $10.

Obviously then I’m using Lauro and Quijano in the place position, and adding in Grand Couturier, Americain, Musketier, and the longshot Telling to round out the superfecta.

That being said, there’s only one horse I’ll be rooting for.

Go Blackie, go!


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Categories : Better Talk Now, Handicapping Selections, Saratoga

Picking a winner for the Breeders’ Cup Turf

23 10 2008

The Breeders’ Cup Turf – finally we get a solid turf race for the year here in the United States!  It’s been a somewhat down year in North America for turf racing overall.  Luckily we’ve got horses coming into this one from the better turf races thus far, including the Sword Dance, the Hirsch, and the Man O’ War.

Probably the biggest name in the field, however, will be the Euro-invader Soldier of Fortune.  Just take a look at this guy’s running lines:  3rd by 2 1/2 lengths to Zarkava in the Arc de Triomphe, 2nd by 1/2 length to Youmzain (the Arc’s 2nd place finisher) in the Saint Cloud, victory over Youmzain in the Coronation Cup, and a respectable 5th beaten by 2 3/4 lengths to Dylan Thomas in the 2007 Arc.  Clearly this guy can run with the best, and is a worthy favorite at 7/2.  Actually, all things being equal, 7/2 is a pretty fair price for a guy like this!

The North American runners are a bit tougher to figure out.  Red Rocks (if we can call him a “NorthAmerican” runner….he does seem to do his best running here, so I’ll go with it even though he’s properly Irish) of course defeated Curlin in the  Man O’ War – but where’s he been since?  Looking over his form, it’s been a while since he strung together back to back victories.  I may have made a mistake jumping the gun and picking him in our Thoroughbred Bloggers Alliance contest, so I’ll go in a different direction here.

Grand Couturier devoured the competition in the Sword Dancer and the Turf Classic, but got much softer footing in those races than he’ll get at Santa Anita.  Looking back to his last “firm” races leaves me thinking we’ve got to look elsewhere as well.

Better Talk Now (aka “Blackie” to his fans) is the horse I “want” to prevail here.  The 9-year-old gelding has been one of my favorite horses for as long as I can remember.  Not to mention I absolutely love Graham Motion as a trainer, and the fact that both are based out of what was essentially my back yard growing up at Fair Hill, MD.  I’ve already promised friends on Facebook that I will “streak” if Blackie prevails.  I’ll say this, while it’s hard to endorse Blackie as a top choice on paper, Graham has gotten him to run big against a lot of the same rivals he’ll meet on Saturday, and I’m sure they didn’t travel across the country to run 5th. 

Still, I’ve got to go back to Soldier of Fortune for top honors here. I just think the Europeans have the distinct upper hand from a class standpoint in terms of turf form so far this year.  Of course, anything can happen and you never know how well they’ve shipped/acclimated – but if the real Soldier of Fortune shows up I’m guessing it will be his day to shine.  It’s still just an absolute shame though that Zarkava didn’t come over for this.  It would’ve madequite a weekend having what I would have dubbed the “killer Z’s” (Zenyatta and Zarkava) highlighting each day’s card.  Oh well, a guy can still dream can’t he?


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Categories : Breeders' Cup, Breeders' Cup Coverage, Handicapping Selections, Horse Racing News, Santa Anita

Belmont Day selections

6 06 2008

Note: Breaking news just as I was about to leave:  Casino Drive may be out of the Belmont:

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2008/June/06/casino-drive-physi

Saturday.  Belmont Day. Triple Crown Day…perhaps a date with history. Thirteen races are scheduled, with the feature of course being the 140th running of the Grade 1 Belmont Stakes – a race that will see Big Brown try to become the first colt in 30 years to capture the Triple Crown since Affirmed in 1978.  There are 5 other graded stakes on the card, including the Just a Game (G1), The Acorn (G1), the True North Handicap (G2), the Woody Stephens (G2), and the Woodford Reserve Manhattan Handicap (G1). 

Some of the finest names in all of horse racing will be on the track in addition to Big Brown. The Acorn has drawn Indian Blessing, long thought to be the finest filly in the country before Proud Spell was able to turn the tables on her back in March. The True North Handicap features one of the fastest horses on the planet in Benny the Bull. Last, but certainly not least, the Woodford Reserve Manhattan Handicap features what could be the final run in the magnificent career of “Blackie”, better known to many as Better Talk Now.

I’ve handicapped the first 11 races on the card, culminating in the Belmont Stakes. I figured I’d be battling traffic out the track by the time that was over, or (knock on wood) standing in line to cash a few tickets.  I’m headed up to NY in just a few hours, so I wanted to share this with you as quick as possible.  You guys will have over 24 hours to dissect/discuss/debate. Without further adieu, let’s take a look at each race. 

Race 1:  ALW 65000 N1X  – 3↑ (6 Furlongs)

  • #1 Desert Key/ #1A Forest of Dreams (3/1*)
  • #11 Accredit (4/1)
  • #7 Commandeered (7/2)

If both portions of the entry of #1 Desert Key and #1A Forest of Dreams draw into the race, they look quite formidable to overcome.  Of the two, I prefer #1 Desert Key who looks slightly more consistent and with only 3 races under hist belt is eligible to move forward.  Note that Desert Key finished behind Ready’s Image by 3/4 of a length last out.  You may want to use this colt as a measuring stick for how well Ready’s Image may perform as the 2/1 favorite in today’s 9th race – the Woody Stephens (G2).  #11 Accredit has been a solid colt thus far in his career.  Really only  his debut was of poor quality. He appears to have been training well over the synthetics as of late, and his Beyer figures could improve with a return to dirt today.  #7 Commandeered took some play in the Hirsch Jacobs (G3) on Preakness day, despite being up against two quick ones in Lantana Mob and Force Freeze (not to mention Silver Edition – who we will also see in today’s 9th race).  A longshot to keep an eye on may be #8 Golden Age.  That debut Beyer figure of 95 hints at talent, although he’ll face quite a bit more than Md Sp Wt $16k company today.

Race 2: Md Sp Wt 62k 3↑ (6 1/2 Furlongs)

  • #6 Tiz It (5/2*)
  • #4 White Tie (6/1)
  • #2 Zong (6/1)

This race is pretty wide open. I don’t usually like to take the favorite in maiden races, but for a maiden #6 Tiz It has been up against some stiff competition in his 5 lifetime starts.  Just look at those names in his past performance lines:  Massive Drama, Smoth Air, Silver Edition, Halo Najib.  I like that he perked up a bit last time out here and ran a 99 Beyer, although buyers must be ware as his last highest Beyer (90) was promptly followed with a career bounce (60).  I settled on two expensive purchases for my 2nd and 3rd choices, although I think there are a number of ways folks could go.  #4 White Tie was a $1.3 million purchase in August of 2006.  It looks like he’s been working well in the mornings and trainer Kiaran McLaughlin is known to be productive with 1st time starters.  Likewise, #2 Zong was a $1.7 million purchase in November of 2005. Besides these two, I think #7 Sixthirteen (7/2), #3 Bob’s Star (5/1), and #10 Golden Weekend (3/1) were all very playable as well.

Race 3: Md Sp Wt 57k – 3↑ (1 1/8 Miles – Inner Turf Track)

  • #4 Piazza Di Spagna (5/1)
  • #8 Smart Enuf (8/5*)
  • #5 Seeking No More (6/1)

This was a weird race to handicap.  I settled on #4 Piazza Di Spagna as I thought he might perk up a bit wirh Ramon Dominguez aboard if he could get  a clean trip.  I also thought he had the more favorable post position for the inner turf track than some of the other contenders.  #8 Smart Enuf returns to the grass, which should help him, plus he’ll likely be on or near the lead.   #5 Seeking No More was running hurdles in 2 of his last 3.  If nothing else he ought to have the conditioning for this event as he was running over 2 miles in each of those races. For a longer shot, call me crazy, but the #9 Marsaponi has room to improve after joining trainer Thomas Bush’s barn.  Note that while he hasn’t run well, he was facing Icabad Crane (3rd place finisher in the Preakness) and Cannonball.   I’d expect improvement today.

Race 4: OC 50k/N2X – 3↑ (1 Mile)

  • #4 Forefathers (3/1*)
  • #6 Mobo (4/1)
  • #11 Teide (5/1)

Today’s 4th race is an interesting affair.  #4 Forefathers looks plenty dangerous here dropping in from Grade 3 territory.  This is a guy who’s faced the likes of Daaher, Deadly Dealer, Elite Squadron, and Midnight Lute.  He’s capable of turning in duds, but this ought to set him up nicely. Note how he ran a triple digit Beyer (100) when dropped into Alw48000 territory back in March. He should be able to get a nice off-the pace trip running into some decent splits today.   #6 Mobo  has turned in two stellar double digit win performances in a row, winning by a combined 22 lengths.  Sure it gets harder today, but any kind of step forward will find this one being tough to defeat.  There is a bit of pace pressure in this race when looking at the form, but this guy has pulled away beautifully in the stretch each of those last two, not just held on begging for the wire.  #11 Teide draws the extreme outside, but has turned in several sharp races in a row.  Sure he was beaten chalk last out, and in fact beaten by another of today’s rivals (#6 Firejack), but that was over the synthetic track at Keeneland, so it’s really almost a toss.

Race 5: Alw 59000 N1X – 3↑ (6 1/2 Furlongs)

  • #4 Wonforthegoodguys (15/1)
  • #9 Too Tough Pete (5/1)
  • #12 Benny the Waiter (3/1*)

Did I really wind up on a 15/1 here?  It appears so – although this guy isn’t really a bad 15/1 when you look at him. #4 Wonforthegoodguys has been a tough claiming competitor for the entire year, and has been pretty consistent if you toss out that start three back.  His Beyer’s may not be sexy, but they aren’t that far off what it would take to win here.  Plus he’s got an inspiring name. I like him.  #9 Too Tough Pete exits a maiden score over the track last time out and has been well bet in each lifetime start.  #12 Benny the Waiter almost looks like Benny the Bull light – okay maybe not.  But he sounds like him, doesn’t he?  Is this a Benny-filled day?  Dare I say – Beneful? 

Race 6:  The True North Handicap – Grade 2 – 3YO  (6 Furlongs)

  • #7 Benny the Bull (4/5*)
  • #4 Abraaj (5/1)
  • #2 Thor’s Echo (7/2)

Benny the Bull is one of the fastest horses on earth and should be a force to contend with here.  Perhaps the only thing his rivals can hope for is a “Dubai bounce” as he returns from a score in the $2,000,000 Golden Shaheen (Grade 1). #4 Abraaj would appear to be the only entry with the speed figures capable of contending.  Even so, he’s stepping up today and would need a career best to contend. #2 Thor’s Echo could be a player if he returns to the form he showed in 2006.  The trouble is that he’s shown nothing of note since, including two less than appealing starts in Dubai in 2007 and nothing so far in 2008. He has been training well though. A longshot that I don’t think is getting the credit he deserves is #6 Council Member at 20/1.  This guy is coming off non embarrassing Stakes tries and could well wind up in the money.  I’ll say the same about #5 Suave Jazz who was a neck away from winning on Preakness day.   Don’t discount these guys totally from hitting for minor shares.

Race 7: The Just A Game – Grade 1 – Fillies and Mares 3↑ (1 Mile – Turf)

  • #10 Vacare (3/1*)
  • #5 Criminologist (9/2)
  • #1 Lady of Venice (4/1)

#10 Vacare looks to be the one to beat here. She’s faced some of the better older females in the country, including Precious Kitten, Wait a While, and an old favorite of mine I still wish was running – Citronnade. The outside post is a bit of a concern, but she’s classy enough to handle it. #1 Lady of Venice is a fighter who lately has been settling for minor awards.  #5 Criminologist looks tough to me here today.  She’s won 5 of her last 6 races! I wouldn’t discount several others from winding up in the money here either, such as #3 Bit of Whimsy, and #4 Ventura.

Race 8: The Acorn – Grade 1 – Fillies 3YO (1 Mile)

  • #2 Indian Blessing (1/1*)
  • #3 Game Face (5/2)
  • #1 Zaftig (3/1)

Don’t be too fooled by the 5 horse field and the presence of one of the top fillies in the nation in #3 Indian Blessing – this one actually could be a battle. Indian Blessing cutting back to a mile should be enough to ensure the victory, but she’s running into some improving fillies in #1 Zaftig and #3 Game Face.  I wouldn’t leave #5 Golden Doc A totally out of it either as she’s given Indian Blessing all she can handle in the past as well.  This one is tougher than it seems, although it is Indian Blessing’s to lose. 

Race 9: The Woody Stephens – Grade 2 – 3YO (7 Furlongs)

  •  #5 J Be K (3/1)
  • #3 Silver Edition (5/1)
  • #2 Ready’s Image (2/1*)

The Woody Stephens looks wide open to me.  I think you’ve got a slightly vulnerable favorite here in Ready’s Image.  At one point last year this was one of the better 2 year-old colts in the nation.  I like his comeback in May over the track, but the competition gets tougher today. #5 J Be K has been getting better and better each time I see him.  Okay, he’s got one hiccup in the Louisiana Derby, but besides that he’s fired every time out.  The horse he lost to last time out, Harlem Rocker, is partially owned by a friend and fellow TBA blogger, and is a horse many of us thought might have the best chance to knock off Big Brown in the Preakness if he had run.  That’s definitely something to keep in mind.  #3 Silver Edition has been on the improve as well.  I saw his run on Preakness Day where he lost by a neck and thought it was most impressive.  A longshot to keep an eye on in the post parade is #9 Majestic Warrior.  At one point last year he was my pick for the 2008 KY Derby (we’re talking December ’07/January ’08 here - long before folks were even thinking of Big Brown).  I always expect better from him, and one of these days his talent will show up.  It’s just trying to figure out when that is maddening.

Race 10: The Woodford Reserve Manhattan Handicap – Grade 1 – 3↑ (1 1/4 Miles – Inner Turf)

  • #9 Proudinsky (7/2*)
  • #5 Out of Control ((4/1)
  • #10 Dancing Forever (5/1)

This is actually a sentimental race for me.  You see, one of my favorite horses on earth is racing in what for all I know could be his last start. Certainly it will be the last time I see him again.  #1 Better Talk  Now.  While he doesn’t come up in my picks, “Blackie” has given us a lifetime’s worth of memories, as evidenced by his 14 wins and $4 million in lifetime earnings.   Run well, buddy- it’s been such an honor to see you perform.  Looking at the race I thought #9 Proudinksy warrants favorite status here after being able to defeat Daytona.  #5 Out of Control  has run well against the likes of Einstein and Kip Deville- who are two of the tops in their division.  #10 Dancing Forever is right there with the leaders based on his last two.  I ranked him a notch lower due to the outside post position.  Keep an eye on #4 Stalingrad at 20/1.  I’ve heard some folks whispering that they think this guy could continue to improve. 

Race 11: The Belmont Stakes – Grade 1 – 3YO (1 1/2 Miles)

  • #1 Big Brown (2/5*)
  • #5 Casino Drive (7/2)
  • #4 Denis of Cork (12/1)

Well here it is – the feature race andour date with destiny. Can Big Brown bring home the Triple Crown?  Oh, you bet he can.  I’m not worried about the post – I’ll never worry about the post again with this colt after he overcame the 20 hole in the Derby – although to be honest, I’d much prefer he were hung outside again today.  There shouldn’t be anyone close to him as he hits the wire.  #5 Casino Drive is your logical play in the exacta.  It’ll be interesting to see how this guy stacks up against Big Brown.  He’s certainly bred for the Belmont.  I thought there were several horses you could use underneath, including Macho Again, Denis of Cork, Tale of Ekati, Ready’s Echo, and Icabad Crane.  Ultimately I went with Denis of Cork – but it’s anyone’s guess.

EDIT: Just before I left the house, word has come that Casino Drive may be out – looks like Big Brown’s a lock now!

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2008/June/06/casino-drive-physi

So there you have it folks.  Hopefully we can all make some money and watch history in the making.  Years from now you may find yourself telling stories about where you were when Big Brown won the Triple Crown.  I know we’ve discussed and debated Big Brown, Dutrow, and everything in between at length.   As racing fans, just make sure you sit back and enjoy the spectacle that’s been 30 years in the making. 

Riders up!


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Categories : Belmont Park, Belmont Stakes, Big Brown, Casino Drive, Denis of Cork, Handicapping Selections, Horse Racing News, Indian Blessing, Triple Crown Coverage


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