Ryan Roshau for HRND
They run the Moother Goose Stakes at Belmont Park in late June and this year that's likely where we'll see Preakness heroine Rachel Alexandra next. But the Moother Goose is as close as you'll come to storybooks as we've learned all too well, the Belmont Stakes isn't always a place for happy endings.
How soon we forget after years of Triple Crown letdowns. Coming into Saturday's Belmont it seems all the world is hoping for a feel good story to end this year's Triple Crown. Mine That Bird, the little gelding-that-could will canter home and give his jockey Calvin Borel a personal Triple Crown. Bennie Wooley, an extremely likeable trainer will lean on his crutches and grin in the winner's circle and all will be right with the world. This would be a great scene but lest we forget, this is the Belmont Stakes where harsh reality has a tendancy to smack us upside the face.
Mine That Bird will be the favorite but he does have a few obstacles to overcome. We hear about how great he looks and how fit he is but the rigors of this three race series are often hidden within. The five weeks can take its toll and history suggests this is certainly the case. Of the last ten Belmont winners only two (Point Given, 2001 and Afleet Alex, 2005) have tested all three Triple Crown races. Three Belmont winners (including the last two years) did not run in either the Derby or Preakness and five ran unsuccessfully in the Derby, skipped the Preakness, and rejoined the series to take the Belmont.
Does Mine That Bird have the stuff to join Point Given and Afleet Alex, arguably two of the best sophomores we've seen over the past decade? Or is he more of the Go for Gin ilk; a horse who wins the Derby only to be second in the last two legs of the Triple Crown? If so, there's certainly no fault in that for a horse who started this journey as a 50-1 outsider from the depths of New Mexico.
Another undenaible statistic rears its ugly head when we discover that over the last 25 years only ONE Kentucky Derby winner has donned the white carnations after the Belmont Stakes. Thunder Gulch in 1995 was the only horse during that span to turn the Derby-Belmont trick. Trained by Wayne Lukas, he may have benefited from the pre-race scratch of even-money favorite and Preakness winner Timber Country. Let's see, a Belmont with a Derby winner but no Preakness winner, isn't that what we have going for us this year?
Is there anything to the gelding angle? I don't believe in it but truth be told only one gelding has won the Belmont in 140 years (Creme Fraiche in 1985). Keep in mind, from 1918-1957 geldings weren't allowed to run in the Belmont as the race was intended to showcase future stallions. I'll take this stat with a grain of salt but I do squirm in my seat when I hear Calvin Borel guaranteeing a victory on Saturday. Apparently Calvin didn't learn from Rick Dutrow last spring; overconfidence heading into the Belmont angers the Triple Crown gods.
Don't get me wrong, if the 'Bird lands in the winner's circle and debunks the aforementioned jixes I will be applauding but when he will likely go off at odds of 3-2 the value player in me will probably look elsewhere.
Charitable Man is 2 for 2 at Belmont Park and 3 for 3 on dirt. He looked strong in winning the Peter Pan on May 9th and comes into the race as the fresh horse who has not been through the rigors of the Triple Crown. Nick Zito, a two-time Belmont winner is back with a pair of longshots and Miner's Escape could be loose on the lead ala Da' Tara last year.
For me, I'm sticking with the trend that seems to be prevailing in the Belmont; a Derby starter who comes to the final leg off of a five week rest. Dunkirk fits the profile of a horse who is likely to improve. Furthermore, he has exhibited speed figures in the past that show he can win at this level. His long, loping running style will be well suited for the wide and sweeping turns at Belmont and his pedigree suggests he should relish the 1 1/2 mile distance. His trainer Todd Pletcher has had his heartaches in the Derby but he has a solid record in the Belmont and he won the race two years ago with Rags to Riches. Pletcher maintains after an 11th-place Derby finish that Dunkirk is still something special. I believe on Saturday evening he will prove to be.
Incidentally, Dunkirk is co-owned by Susan Magnier, the daughter of the revered Irish trainer Vincent O'Brien who passed away earlier this week. If her colt wins the Belmont it would be a fitting tribute to her father and it would certainly produce a nice story.
But there we go again, testing fate in the eye of harsh old Belmont Park.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
Easy Like Sunday Morning
Ryan Roshau for HRND
As the Belmont Stakes beckons racing fans are besieged with stories of past Triple Crown glory. As you watch the programming this weekend count the number of times you see the stretch replay of Secretariat's 31-length score in the 1973 Belmont or stash away a nickel every time you are told that "Affirmed remains the last Triple Crown winner in 1978."
For many racing fans like me those historical references are more legend than fact as I was not around to see Big Red romp and like Affirmed and Alydar I was only three-years old in the summer of '78. For my generation, the Triple Crown is a forbidden city, unvisted in ---now 31 years.
It's not to say the recent Derby, Preakness, and Belmont series has not been memorable, however. On some occassions, one horses ballyhooed quest and subsequent failure to win the elusive prize can be just as intriguing. A springtime full of high hopes deflated in an instant. Silver Charm and Gary Stevens beaten by Touch Gold and Chris McCarron, in what may be the greatest ride I've ever seen a jockey give a horse. Five years ago I was one of 120,000 at chilly Belmont Park who saw the stone-cold cinch Smarty Jones caught at the wire by Birdstone. That kick-in-your-gut feeling still lingers today.
But once in a while one fan's painful tale is another's salvation and that's why for me the 1989 Belmont was the most satisfying race I've ever experienced. Quite simply for many in my generation, it was the greatest Triple Crown series on record. Why? Because it was Sunday Silence and Easy Goer.
Now 20 years removed from there classic confrontations the memory of that spring is still fresh in my mind. Like many involved in the sport, I was convinced Easy Goer was the next Triple Crown winner and from November through March I awaited his first start as a three year-old. So much has changed from now and how things were two decades ago. Today we can follow Triple Crown news on the internet minute by minute. There's TVG, HRTV, and national radio talk shows. Back then, it was not uncommon to turn to ABC TV the day of the race to find out who was actually running. You savored every opportunity to see your horse and in the case of Easy Goer, between his looks, connections, and race record, he had it all. He was, in my eyes, perfect.
A win in the Derby was a foregone conclusion after romps in the Swale, Gotham, and Wood Memorial. His jockey Pat Day never even gave him a tap in any of his prep races. I've seen 20 Derbys since and with the possible exception of Arazi, I can't recall a more clear-cut Derby favorite. They would load the gate and two minutes later those black and cherry red silks on top of Easy Goer would be joined by red roses. But, of course, every rose has its thorn.
The thorn in Easy Goer's side would be Sunday Silence. The lanky dark bay, almost black colt, was lightly raced but he had talent. Enough talent in fact to make his usually conservative trainer Charlie Whittingham brim with confidence. To add further intrigue, 'Silence was owned by Kentucky black sheep Arthur Hancock III, passed over by a group of trustees to run his family's powerful Claiborne Farm in the early 1970's. Shunned by the overseers, Arthur went out on his own and started his farm and made a big success out of his once troubled life when he won the Kentucky Derby in 1982. The head of the aforementioned trustees was Ogden Phipps, a life-longer pillar of the sport who had never one the Derby. Oh, and he happened to be the owner and breeder of Easy Goer. Now the two would meet with their respective colts in the ultimate race.
The muddy track at the Derby proved to be to Sunday Silence's liking as he gleefully skipped over the slop to win by 2 1/2 lengths over Easy Goer, mysteriously spinning his wheels in second. Dreams were crushed that day and for the the first time the harshness of the sport left me shell-shocked.
It had to be the muddy track that caused this freak occurance and two weeks later I was even more confident than I had been before the Derby. This would be the day the big chestnut would roll. Heck, he'd probably set a track record. I hear Sunday Silence has a brusied foot so in the Preakness we would see the real Easy Goer. True enough, we saw the real Easy Goer but we saw the real Sunday Silence too as the duo matched strides for the final three furlongs and the racing world went into a frenzy. Watching in the dark confines of my basement family room that stretch run seemed to last an eternity. Easy Goer had the lead! Sunday Silence countered. Now they're even. Why is Easy Goer's head turned in slightly?! They hit the wire together with Sunday Silence a nose to the good. Twice. The impossible had happened again...unfathomable defeat.
How do you explain a fact that you know has to be true? Easy Goer was the better horse. He should be going for the Triple Crown, not this skinny johnny-come-lately who got lucky twice. This whole thing was an aberation and it had to stop! This is the agony that the fans of Easy Goer lived for 20 days. Three weeks before the proof would play out for all the world to see in the Belmont Stakes.
There were plenty of reasons to be confident. Belmont was Easy Goer's home track. He would love the wide, sweeping turns that would play into his long, fluid strides. And, the law of averages would have to come into play. Both horses were very good, had similar talent, and sooner or later the flip of the coin would have to land on heads rather than tails.
There were simply two outcomes to the race. Sunday Silence would win, or Easy Goer would turn the tables. The other eight in the field were merely bit players. Waiting for the race that day was agonizing. Anytime the Triple Crown is on the line you are talking about an entirely different level of agony. It was especially hard when you are emotionally attached to a horse, particularly one who looks dead-fit and ready for the race of his life.
Easy Goer, wearing saddle cloth #1 (what else?) was the first to hit the track. The ovation for the Big Apple's hero was overwhelming. Fans show up at Belmont to see a Triple Crown but I am convinced on that day they showed up hoping to see one denied.
My older sister joined me for support and we watched as the overmatched horse from France Le Voyageur went to the lead. The Derby and Preakness winner stalked in second with his rival in third. That's the way they remained for almost two minutes. On the turn the action started. Sunday Silence moved first and for an instant left Easy Goer behind. With 3/8ths of a mile to go, the action continued to unfold as Easy Goer made his move. On the far turn Sunday Silence led but Easy Goer boldly swept to the outside of him. He was going to pass him! He's in front by three!! The TV glowed brightly and I began to shout as Dave Johnson belted out, "And DOWWWWN the stretch they come! It's Easy Goer, with a furlong to the finish in front by five....Sunday Silence appears beaten!" Indeed he was. New York's Easy Goer won under wraps, powerfully thundering home in front by eight dominant lengths. It was over.
Sweet, sweet vindication.
Easy Goer had run the second-fastest Belmont of all-time. Only the immortal Secretariat had covered the 1 1/2 miles faster. Ogden Phipps, at age 80, had won his first Triple Crown race. Shug McGaughey the trainer saw the performance he was waiting for and Pat Day rode into the winner's circle on the horse he would later say was the best he ever rode.
The white carnations must have smelled awfully sweet to the connections of Easy Goer. They were barely off of his withers before the debate began as to which of the two was the better horse. Yes, Sunday Silence had won two of the three but by smaller margins and Easy Goer was the most dominant. Later in the year Sunday Silence would hold off a fast closing Easy Goer to win the Breeders' Cup Classic and Horse of the Year but the debate raged on. In fact, it's still going today.
And that is why whenever the Belmont Stakes arrives on the calendar my mind wanders back to June of 1989. The golden chestnut Easy Goer, under those black and cherry red silks of the Phipps family is in the Belmont paddock is heading out to the track.
For all time, the recordbook shows that his flaws were exposed by a rival. But to me, on Belmont day, he was and remains, perfect.
As the Belmont Stakes beckons racing fans are besieged with stories of past Triple Crown glory. As you watch the programming this weekend count the number of times you see the stretch replay of Secretariat's 31-length score in the 1973 Belmont or stash away a nickel every time you are told that "Affirmed remains the last Triple Crown winner in 1978."
For many racing fans like me those historical references are more legend than fact as I was not around to see Big Red romp and like Affirmed and Alydar I was only three-years old in the summer of '78. For my generation, the Triple Crown is a forbidden city, unvisted in ---now 31 years.
It's not to say the recent Derby, Preakness, and Belmont series has not been memorable, however. On some occassions, one horses ballyhooed quest and subsequent failure to win the elusive prize can be just as intriguing. A springtime full of high hopes deflated in an instant. Silver Charm and Gary Stevens beaten by Touch Gold and Chris McCarron, in what may be the greatest ride I've ever seen a jockey give a horse. Five years ago I was one of 120,000 at chilly Belmont Park who saw the stone-cold cinch Smarty Jones caught at the wire by Birdstone. That kick-in-your-gut feeling still lingers today.
But once in a while one fan's painful tale is another's salvation and that's why for me the 1989 Belmont was the most satisfying race I've ever experienced. Quite simply for many in my generation, it was the greatest Triple Crown series on record. Why? Because it was Sunday Silence and Easy Goer.
Now 20 years removed from there classic confrontations the memory of that spring is still fresh in my mind. Like many involved in the sport, I was convinced Easy Goer was the next Triple Crown winner and from November through March I awaited his first start as a three year-old. So much has changed from now and how things were two decades ago. Today we can follow Triple Crown news on the internet minute by minute. There's TVG, HRTV, and national radio talk shows. Back then, it was not uncommon to turn to ABC TV the day of the race to find out who was actually running. You savored every opportunity to see your horse and in the case of Easy Goer, between his looks, connections, and race record, he had it all. He was, in my eyes, perfect.
A win in the Derby was a foregone conclusion after romps in the Swale, Gotham, and Wood Memorial. His jockey Pat Day never even gave him a tap in any of his prep races. I've seen 20 Derbys since and with the possible exception of Arazi, I can't recall a more clear-cut Derby favorite. They would load the gate and two minutes later those black and cherry red silks on top of Easy Goer would be joined by red roses. But, of course, every rose has its thorn.
The thorn in Easy Goer's side would be Sunday Silence. The lanky dark bay, almost black colt, was lightly raced but he had talent. Enough talent in fact to make his usually conservative trainer Charlie Whittingham brim with confidence. To add further intrigue, 'Silence was owned by Kentucky black sheep Arthur Hancock III, passed over by a group of trustees to run his family's powerful Claiborne Farm in the early 1970's. Shunned by the overseers, Arthur went out on his own and started his farm and made a big success out of his once troubled life when he won the Kentucky Derby in 1982. The head of the aforementioned trustees was Ogden Phipps, a life-longer pillar of the sport who had never one the Derby. Oh, and he happened to be the owner and breeder of Easy Goer. Now the two would meet with their respective colts in the ultimate race.
The muddy track at the Derby proved to be to Sunday Silence's liking as he gleefully skipped over the slop to win by 2 1/2 lengths over Easy Goer, mysteriously spinning his wheels in second. Dreams were crushed that day and for the the first time the harshness of the sport left me shell-shocked.
It had to be the muddy track that caused this freak occurance and two weeks later I was even more confident than I had been before the Derby. This would be the day the big chestnut would roll. Heck, he'd probably set a track record. I hear Sunday Silence has a brusied foot so in the Preakness we would see the real Easy Goer. True enough, we saw the real Easy Goer but we saw the real Sunday Silence too as the duo matched strides for the final three furlongs and the racing world went into a frenzy. Watching in the dark confines of my basement family room that stretch run seemed to last an eternity. Easy Goer had the lead! Sunday Silence countered. Now they're even. Why is Easy Goer's head turned in slightly?! They hit the wire together with Sunday Silence a nose to the good. Twice. The impossible had happened again...unfathomable defeat.
How do you explain a fact that you know has to be true? Easy Goer was the better horse. He should be going for the Triple Crown, not this skinny johnny-come-lately who got lucky twice. This whole thing was an aberation and it had to stop! This is the agony that the fans of Easy Goer lived for 20 days. Three weeks before the proof would play out for all the world to see in the Belmont Stakes.
There were plenty of reasons to be confident. Belmont was Easy Goer's home track. He would love the wide, sweeping turns that would play into his long, fluid strides. And, the law of averages would have to come into play. Both horses were very good, had similar talent, and sooner or later the flip of the coin would have to land on heads rather than tails.
There were simply two outcomes to the race. Sunday Silence would win, or Easy Goer would turn the tables. The other eight in the field were merely bit players. Waiting for the race that day was agonizing. Anytime the Triple Crown is on the line you are talking about an entirely different level of agony. It was especially hard when you are emotionally attached to a horse, particularly one who looks dead-fit and ready for the race of his life.
Easy Goer, wearing saddle cloth #1 (what else?) was the first to hit the track. The ovation for the Big Apple's hero was overwhelming. Fans show up at Belmont to see a Triple Crown but I am convinced on that day they showed up hoping to see one denied.
My older sister joined me for support and we watched as the overmatched horse from France Le Voyageur went to the lead. The Derby and Preakness winner stalked in second with his rival in third. That's the way they remained for almost two minutes. On the turn the action started. Sunday Silence moved first and for an instant left Easy Goer behind. With 3/8ths of a mile to go, the action continued to unfold as Easy Goer made his move. On the far turn Sunday Silence led but Easy Goer boldly swept to the outside of him. He was going to pass him! He's in front by three!! The TV glowed brightly and I began to shout as Dave Johnson belted out, "And DOWWWWN the stretch they come! It's Easy Goer, with a furlong to the finish in front by five....Sunday Silence appears beaten!" Indeed he was. New York's Easy Goer won under wraps, powerfully thundering home in front by eight dominant lengths. It was over.
Sweet, sweet vindication.
Easy Goer had run the second-fastest Belmont of all-time. Only the immortal Secretariat had covered the 1 1/2 miles faster. Ogden Phipps, at age 80, had won his first Triple Crown race. Shug McGaughey the trainer saw the performance he was waiting for and Pat Day rode into the winner's circle on the horse he would later say was the best he ever rode.
The white carnations must have smelled awfully sweet to the connections of Easy Goer. They were barely off of his withers before the debate began as to which of the two was the better horse. Yes, Sunday Silence had won two of the three but by smaller margins and Easy Goer was the most dominant. Later in the year Sunday Silence would hold off a fast closing Easy Goer to win the Breeders' Cup Classic and Horse of the Year but the debate raged on. In fact, it's still going today.
And that is why whenever the Belmont Stakes arrives on the calendar my mind wanders back to June of 1989. The golden chestnut Easy Goer, under those black and cherry red silks of the Phipps family is in the Belmont paddock is heading out to the track.
For all time, the recordbook shows that his flaws were exposed by a rival. But to me, on Belmont day, he was and remains, perfect.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Belmont or not, Rachel's already accomplished a great deal
Ryan Roshau, HRND
The Preakness Stakes starters had not even reached the barn following the aftermath of one of the greatest Triple Crown races in recent memory when people were already talking about the Belmont Stakes. Could Rachel Alexandra (the first filly to win the Preakness in 85 years) repeat her effort in the Belmont and become the first filly in history to win 2/3rds of a Triple Crown?
As enticing as it was to look ahead, I would enjoy to live in the moment and celebrate the great accomplishment of a filly who's equal me may not see for some time. Simply put, Rachel Alexandra's performance in the Preakness was astonishing. I'll admit, I didn't think she could pull this feat off. She was a filly freshly transferred to a new barn, off a 15-day rest running against the boys for the first time. She would be pressed early and hooked up with a handful of horses who liked to be toward the front early including a super-fast fresh horse (Big Drama) who was breaking from the rail. Add to that the fact that she was starting from post thirteen on a track that is famous for handicapping any horse who breaks from the nine-hole out. As intimidating as her record was she appeared to be vulnerable because of the obvious obstacles.
Obstacles? What obstacles? Rachel Alexandra and her jockey Calvin Borel brushed them all off and proved much the best in winning Saturday's middle jewel of the Triple Crown.
She was forced wide early, dueled through fractions of :23, :46 3/5, and shook off her rivals through six furlongs in 1:11. In the lane she began to spin her wheels, not taking to the loose racetrack under her feet. Just as she began to appear vulnarable with the late closers rallying (including Derby winner Mine That Bird) she found more in the deep stretch and gutted out a one-length score.
After the race, she was a filly who won a classic. But upon further review you really have to sit back and marvel at her accomplishments. Rags to Riches beat the brilliant Curlin in the Belmont in 2007 and Winning Colors beat a solid class in the Derby in 1988 and now here's another filly who deserves to be placed alongside those greats, if not at the top of the list.
As this is written, owner Jess Jackson and trainer Steve Asmussen remain silent on whether or not Rachel will come back in three weeks in the Belmont. With each passing day it appears less likely that they'll commit and frankly, she has nothing left to prove. If she does not show up and take on Mine That Bird again there is bound to be a public outcry. Critics will say her appearance is needed to energize the sport.
In my opinion she's already accomplished that. If the filly is given time off I will respect that decision, look forward to her future races, and always look back fondly on her historic accomplishment at Old Hilltop in Baltimore, Maryland.
P.S. While we're on the subject of fillies in the Triple Crown, it's food for thought that we might be witnessing a changing of the guard in the thoroughbred breed. Ten to fifteen years ago, fillies in the Triple Crown races were quite taboo and while fillies did run, they rarely saw success with Three Ring, Silverbulletday, Excellent Meeting, and Serena's Song all finishing off the board in Triple Crown runs in the 1990's.
But over the past three years there have been revelations. With Rags to Riches (Belmont winner in 2007), Eight Belles (Derby runner-up in 2008), and now Rachel Alexandra we have three fillies in three years playing a signifcant role in the Triple Crown.
Are the three year-old males behind in development and talent at this stage or is it a coincidence that three talented fillies have come along within a few years of each other? It is sure to inspire a lively debate.
The Preakness Stakes starters had not even reached the barn following the aftermath of one of the greatest Triple Crown races in recent memory when people were already talking about the Belmont Stakes. Could Rachel Alexandra (the first filly to win the Preakness in 85 years) repeat her effort in the Belmont and become the first filly in history to win 2/3rds of a Triple Crown?
As enticing as it was to look ahead, I would enjoy to live in the moment and celebrate the great accomplishment of a filly who's equal me may not see for some time. Simply put, Rachel Alexandra's performance in the Preakness was astonishing. I'll admit, I didn't think she could pull this feat off. She was a filly freshly transferred to a new barn, off a 15-day rest running against the boys for the first time. She would be pressed early and hooked up with a handful of horses who liked to be toward the front early including a super-fast fresh horse (Big Drama) who was breaking from the rail. Add to that the fact that she was starting from post thirteen on a track that is famous for handicapping any horse who breaks from the nine-hole out. As intimidating as her record was she appeared to be vulnerable because of the obvious obstacles.
Obstacles? What obstacles? Rachel Alexandra and her jockey Calvin Borel brushed them all off and proved much the best in winning Saturday's middle jewel of the Triple Crown.
She was forced wide early, dueled through fractions of :23, :46 3/5, and shook off her rivals through six furlongs in 1:11. In the lane she began to spin her wheels, not taking to the loose racetrack under her feet. Just as she began to appear vulnarable with the late closers rallying (including Derby winner Mine That Bird) she found more in the deep stretch and gutted out a one-length score.
After the race, she was a filly who won a classic. But upon further review you really have to sit back and marvel at her accomplishments. Rags to Riches beat the brilliant Curlin in the Belmont in 2007 and Winning Colors beat a solid class in the Derby in 1988 and now here's another filly who deserves to be placed alongside those greats, if not at the top of the list.
As this is written, owner Jess Jackson and trainer Steve Asmussen remain silent on whether or not Rachel will come back in three weeks in the Belmont. With each passing day it appears less likely that they'll commit and frankly, she has nothing left to prove. If she does not show up and take on Mine That Bird again there is bound to be a public outcry. Critics will say her appearance is needed to energize the sport.
In my opinion she's already accomplished that. If the filly is given time off I will respect that decision, look forward to her future races, and always look back fondly on her historic accomplishment at Old Hilltop in Baltimore, Maryland.
P.S. While we're on the subject of fillies in the Triple Crown, it's food for thought that we might be witnessing a changing of the guard in the thoroughbred breed. Ten to fifteen years ago, fillies in the Triple Crown races were quite taboo and while fillies did run, they rarely saw success with Three Ring, Silverbulletday, Excellent Meeting, and Serena's Song all finishing off the board in Triple Crown runs in the 1990's.
But over the past three years there have been revelations. With Rags to Riches (Belmont winner in 2007), Eight Belles (Derby runner-up in 2008), and now Rachel Alexandra we have three fillies in three years playing a signifcant role in the Triple Crown.
Are the three year-old males behind in development and talent at this stage or is it a coincidence that three talented fillies have come along within a few years of each other? It is sure to inspire a lively debate.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Please, someone, give Curlin another shot
Ryan Roshau for HRND
The dust has barely settled from the recent Breeders' Cup (metaphorically speaking of course, as it was contested on an artificial surface) and year-end honors are now being debated. Zenyatta was brilliant in winning the Ladies Classic. She finished the year unbeaten and will have her share of supporters when Horse of the Year ballots arrive in the mail. World-traveler and American Ambassador Curlin, game as ever, was outkicked in the stretch in the Classic and finished fourth. The effort was valiant but it shouldn't be the final chapter in this terrific horse's career.
Regretabbly, however, the last line of the Curlin story may have been penned in that Santa Anita stretch. This week it was announced that the chestnut will be heading to the breeding shed in 2009 and will not race as a five year-old. The news was expected but nevertheless tough to hear. Owner Jess Jackson has left the window open for one final race for the son of Smart Strike. I for one, hope it happens because it is what Curlin deserves.
The sport's all-time leading money earner (in excees of $10.5 million) is currently in light training at Churchill Downs. "If an appropriate venue and purse are offered,” Jackson said, “we would consider one more race in 2008 for Curlin.” On November 28th, Churchill has carded the $500,000 Clark Handicap. Will this be a possible fit for Curlin? Earlier this summer, Churchill boosted the purse for the Stephen Foster Handicap in a successful attempt to lure Curlin. The big red train rolled home to an impressive victory.
I know economic times are desperate right now and horse racing is suffering right along side everyone else but I would love to see Churchill or a sponsor empty their pockets and raise the purse to $1,000,000 so Curlin gets in the gate. All the greats, Secretariat, Seattle Slew, Specatcular Bid and Alysheba all had their crowing moments where they rode off into the sunset in a blaze of glory. Curlin is another in that lineage that deserves a coronation.
We didn't get our Big Brown vs. Curlin matchup and the sport sagged because of it. But the latter is still healthy and needs to go out as a winner and the sport needs to go into winter hibernation on a high note. Curlin has given the sport of kings a great deal and it is time someone in the sport gives something back to the king.
The dust has barely settled from the recent Breeders' Cup (metaphorically speaking of course, as it was contested on an artificial surface) and year-end honors are now being debated. Zenyatta was brilliant in winning the Ladies Classic. She finished the year unbeaten and will have her share of supporters when Horse of the Year ballots arrive in the mail. World-traveler and American Ambassador Curlin, game as ever, was outkicked in the stretch in the Classic and finished fourth. The effort was valiant but it shouldn't be the final chapter in this terrific horse's career.
Regretabbly, however, the last line of the Curlin story may have been penned in that Santa Anita stretch. This week it was announced that the chestnut will be heading to the breeding shed in 2009 and will not race as a five year-old. The news was expected but nevertheless tough to hear. Owner Jess Jackson has left the window open for one final race for the son of Smart Strike. I for one, hope it happens because it is what Curlin deserves.
The sport's all-time leading money earner (in excees of $10.5 million) is currently in light training at Churchill Downs. "If an appropriate venue and purse are offered,” Jackson said, “we would consider one more race in 2008 for Curlin.” On November 28th, Churchill has carded the $500,000 Clark Handicap. Will this be a possible fit for Curlin? Earlier this summer, Churchill boosted the purse for the Stephen Foster Handicap in a successful attempt to lure Curlin. The big red train rolled home to an impressive victory.
I know economic times are desperate right now and horse racing is suffering right along side everyone else but I would love to see Churchill or a sponsor empty their pockets and raise the purse to $1,000,000 so Curlin gets in the gate. All the greats, Secretariat, Seattle Slew, Specatcular Bid and Alysheba all had their crowing moments where they rode off into the sunset in a blaze of glory. Curlin is another in that lineage that deserves a coronation.
We didn't get our Big Brown vs. Curlin matchup and the sport sagged because of it. But the latter is still healthy and needs to go out as a winner and the sport needs to go into winter hibernation on a high note. Curlin has given the sport of kings a great deal and it is time someone in the sport gives something back to the king.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
My 'Cup Runneth Over?
Ryan Roshau for HRND
A few years ago the NTRA adopted a slogan "Go Baby Go" to promote its game. After a series of Triple Crown dissapointments and injuries and subsequent retirmentes of its top stars they might want to think about adopting "Oh what might have been".
That theme rings true as 164 horses head toward Saturday's Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita Park. One top horse, Curlin, is there while another huge one, Big Brown, is not. A foot ailment forced the retirement of the Derby and Preakness winner and the showdown for the ages that would ultimately crown Horse of the Year was not meant to be. For fans of the sport it serves as another reminder of how fragile and unpredictable this game can be.
This rivalry (even though the two had never met) seemed to have it all. The $10 million horse Curlin who had taken on all-comers, defending his Breeders Cup Classic title against the challenging Superhorse in Big Brown. The owners talked trash all summer. Curlin's connections dodged the artificial surface at first, then warmed up to the thought of it after Santa Anita's new track received rave reviews. It was the unstopable force meeting the immovable object. But then came news of the injury and oh, what might have been.
With the defection of Big Brown the Classic, and several of the other races have lost their luster. The fourteen races, like last year, will be spread out over two days and ABC and ESPN will be altering coverage of the races, a fact that may not sit well with viewers. Arguably the best race of them all, the Ladies Classic, will be run on Friday afternoon further adding to the frustration.
The Breeders' Cup has evolved through the years and many contend not necessarily for the better. In its infancy it promised seven races for $10 million. Five hours of network coverage. Simple and easy for Joe Tip Sheet to follow along. If a filly was strong on the turf she would have to take on the males in the Mile or the Turf. Often, as in the case of Pebbles and Miesque, the filly won out. It was a monumental achievement, worthy of celebration. Now there are seperate races over the green stuff for the distaffers, juveniles and sprinters. There is even a race called the Marathon run at 1 1/2 miles, a dying distance that hardly anyone specializes in these days. The old system wasn't broke but about a decade ago they fixed it nevertheless and for me the day hasn't been the same since.
So why watch? Well, if Curlin can handle the synthetic surface and repeat in the Classic he will boost his career earnings to over $13 million. He will become only the second horse in history to repeat in the Classic, joining Tiznow and he may go down as one of the all-time greats and possibly the Horse of the Decade. Zenyatta will stake her claim for Horse of the Year in the Ladies Distaff and European challengers have the potential to leave their mark on the weekend's card.
But with the artifical surface many horsemen are staying away and some of the races will suffer. The Juvenile, for example, may not set a clear table for next May's Kentucky Derby and synthetic specialists might rule the day igniting a firestorm of excuses for the dirt-lovers. Last year's 'Cup was run on a sloppy surface and with the dreary weather and the breakdown of George Washington it was a sub-par day for the sport. A recovery is needed to end this turmultuos year on a high note.
I will be watching to see how the days unfold. I'll be watching for Curlin but I can't help but think of the what-if had Big Brown not been injured. I'll listen to the commentators (on either network) pine about how this is the greatest day in racing but all along I'll be shaking my head.
For me, the Breeders' Cup is fine but it is merely filler until we get to the springtime.
A few years ago the NTRA adopted a slogan "Go Baby Go" to promote its game. After a series of Triple Crown dissapointments and injuries and subsequent retirmentes of its top stars they might want to think about adopting "Oh what might have been".
That theme rings true as 164 horses head toward Saturday's Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita Park. One top horse, Curlin, is there while another huge one, Big Brown, is not. A foot ailment forced the retirement of the Derby and Preakness winner and the showdown for the ages that would ultimately crown Horse of the Year was not meant to be. For fans of the sport it serves as another reminder of how fragile and unpredictable this game can be.
This rivalry (even though the two had never met) seemed to have it all. The $10 million horse Curlin who had taken on all-comers, defending his Breeders Cup Classic title against the challenging Superhorse in Big Brown. The owners talked trash all summer. Curlin's connections dodged the artificial surface at first, then warmed up to the thought of it after Santa Anita's new track received rave reviews. It was the unstopable force meeting the immovable object. But then came news of the injury and oh, what might have been.
With the defection of Big Brown the Classic, and several of the other races have lost their luster. The fourteen races, like last year, will be spread out over two days and ABC and ESPN will be altering coverage of the races, a fact that may not sit well with viewers. Arguably the best race of them all, the Ladies Classic, will be run on Friday afternoon further adding to the frustration.
The Breeders' Cup has evolved through the years and many contend not necessarily for the better. In its infancy it promised seven races for $10 million. Five hours of network coverage. Simple and easy for Joe Tip Sheet to follow along. If a filly was strong on the turf she would have to take on the males in the Mile or the Turf. Often, as in the case of Pebbles and Miesque, the filly won out. It was a monumental achievement, worthy of celebration. Now there are seperate races over the green stuff for the distaffers, juveniles and sprinters. There is even a race called the Marathon run at 1 1/2 miles, a dying distance that hardly anyone specializes in these days. The old system wasn't broke but about a decade ago they fixed it nevertheless and for me the day hasn't been the same since.
So why watch? Well, if Curlin can handle the synthetic surface and repeat in the Classic he will boost his career earnings to over $13 million. He will become only the second horse in history to repeat in the Classic, joining Tiznow and he may go down as one of the all-time greats and possibly the Horse of the Decade. Zenyatta will stake her claim for Horse of the Year in the Ladies Distaff and European challengers have the potential to leave their mark on the weekend's card.
But with the artifical surface many horsemen are staying away and some of the races will suffer. The Juvenile, for example, may not set a clear table for next May's Kentucky Derby and synthetic specialists might rule the day igniting a firestorm of excuses for the dirt-lovers. Last year's 'Cup was run on a sloppy surface and with the dreary weather and the breakdown of George Washington it was a sub-par day for the sport. A recovery is needed to end this turmultuos year on a high note.
I will be watching to see how the days unfold. I'll be watching for Curlin but I can't help but think of the what-if had Big Brown not been injured. I'll listen to the commentators (on either network) pine about how this is the greatest day in racing but all along I'll be shaking my head.
For me, the Breeders' Cup is fine but it is merely filler until we get to the springtime.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Wasn’t it great in 2008?
Ryan Roshau for HRND
Every year the scene is the same. The dust has barely settled on the racetrack and you notice horse trailers in the barn area loading up the equine athletes with an agenda of heading for home. Many will be turned out for the season and it’s a right they have earned because they and their connections all made this 2008 meet a rousing success.
As I see this picture unfold every year I can’t help but hear the distant strains of Auld Lang Syne in my mind. Here in the barn the horses are anonymous; unrecognizable without silks or a saddle cloth number. I wonder who they are and how they did out there on the track. I’m happy for the winners but I can’t help but feel for those who just missed. They say football is a game of inches but horse racing is truly the sport where dreams and heartache are separated by the smallest of margins. Flat-footed at the break, carried out wide on the turn, shut off at the rail; all can spell defeat in the cruelest of fashions.
Races involving photo finishes this year seemed particularly brutal. Two or more horses running their hearts out, giving their connections and supporters a thrill only to wait in silence to see if their number is the one that is posted. Owners and their families wait to walk into the winner’s circle while two horses are circled around and probably wondering what all the fuss is about. I encountered this experience in the meet’s middle weekend when North Dakota-bred maidens Manny Ray and Cody’s Escape hit the wire together in a six furlong contest. You can see the tension on the faces of those involved and the seconds of waiting seem like hours. Minutes earlier the crowd of 2,500 was watching a thrilling, action-packed event now all of their eyes are trained on an inanimate tote board waiting for it to do or say something. This time, the story had a happy ending for both sets of connections as the result was a dead heat. Anxiety is replaced by relief and that bewildered look is captured for posterity in the winner’s circle photo. As a fan or a bettor you are put through the ringer. I can only imagine what the experience feels like for an owner, breeder, trainer or groom.
Some Surprises…Trainers seem to specialize in their areas. Some are better with youngsters, some with claimers, and usually one is either a quarter horse or a thoroughbred specialist. It was unique therefore to watch Bob Johnson win three races in one weekend with thoroughbreds. Johnson’s abilities as a quarter horse trainer are undeniable and even though he is merely “dabbling” in the thoroughbred game to help out some friends he is proving that a good trainer is a good trainer, no matter the breed. The same can be said for Dave Bernhardt who won a few with quarter horses when he normally sticks to thoroughbreds.
The quarter horse racing, particularly in stakes events continues to meet and exceed expectations. The fields comprised for races like the Min Dak Futurity, Red River Derby, Northern Plains Series, and the ND Bred QH Derby and Futurity were among the best in the upper-Midwest. Whatsmore, the races themselves backed up the quality of the fields as they truly were the most exciting seconds of the entire meet.
Some “Sure Things”…With new horses, new jockeys, and a few new owners every year it still amazes me how things tend to hold to form here at the Horse Park. The competition is incredible and fierce but the same “streaks” remain in tact. Do you have a horse to win the Northern Plains Derby or Futurity? Well, you better ask Bob Johnson know about it first. Do you have your eye on the Derby or Futurity for an Open-company quarter horse? You might want to check if Tom Maher’s in town. Or maybe you have a four, five, or six year-old North Dakota-bred thoroughbred who can win some stakes races. Does Dave Bernhardt have one in the race? OK, how about a two or three year old quarter horse who was bred in the Peace Garden State. Ever heard of a couple of guys named Wisdom and Hanson?
Now it’s clear these guys aren’t going to win every race mentioned above but because of their commitment to bringing the best horses they have to Fargo you know you have to go through them to get to the winner’s circle. You know you’re doing something right when it’s “news” when they don’t win a race they are supposed to. I take my hat off to their abilities as horsemen. Their consistent success makes the meet all the more entertaining.
The Takeaway…Like many of us, I love fast horses. As much as fast horses thrill me I appreciate and applaud a young fast horse all the more. If there is one race that stands out it would have to be the Trials of the ND Bred Futurity on an obscure Friday night, August 22nd. This race was the third match-up of the meet between juveniles Rockinrollin Nolan and Shake Em Diva. Each had bested the other in their two previous meetings but on this night one left no doubt about who was the best and who was the fastest. Shake Em Diva and jockey Jerry Vaughan’s dramatic move on the outside proved to be the memory of the meet. That orange blur on top of that grayish-white filly was enough to practically sway the trees. Dave Wisdom and Vic Hanson’s would go on to win the ND Bred QH Futurity on Labor Day with another rousing finish but that terrific run in the Trials by Shake Em Diva truly shook me to the core. With three wins in four starts over five weekends, her durability is a testament to trainer Vic Hanson and his staff. She did enough this meet to make her my runaway choice as Horse of the Meet.
Until next August, I’ll see you when the horses return.
Every year the scene is the same. The dust has barely settled on the racetrack and you notice horse trailers in the barn area loading up the equine athletes with an agenda of heading for home. Many will be turned out for the season and it’s a right they have earned because they and their connections all made this 2008 meet a rousing success.
As I see this picture unfold every year I can’t help but hear the distant strains of Auld Lang Syne in my mind. Here in the barn the horses are anonymous; unrecognizable without silks or a saddle cloth number. I wonder who they are and how they did out there on the track. I’m happy for the winners but I can’t help but feel for those who just missed. They say football is a game of inches but horse racing is truly the sport where dreams and heartache are separated by the smallest of margins. Flat-footed at the break, carried out wide on the turn, shut off at the rail; all can spell defeat in the cruelest of fashions.
Races involving photo finishes this year seemed particularly brutal. Two or more horses running their hearts out, giving their connections and supporters a thrill only to wait in silence to see if their number is the one that is posted. Owners and their families wait to walk into the winner’s circle while two horses are circled around and probably wondering what all the fuss is about. I encountered this experience in the meet’s middle weekend when North Dakota-bred maidens Manny Ray and Cody’s Escape hit the wire together in a six furlong contest. You can see the tension on the faces of those involved and the seconds of waiting seem like hours. Minutes earlier the crowd of 2,500 was watching a thrilling, action-packed event now all of their eyes are trained on an inanimate tote board waiting for it to do or say something. This time, the story had a happy ending for both sets of connections as the result was a dead heat. Anxiety is replaced by relief and that bewildered look is captured for posterity in the winner’s circle photo. As a fan or a bettor you are put through the ringer. I can only imagine what the experience feels like for an owner, breeder, trainer or groom.
Some Surprises…Trainers seem to specialize in their areas. Some are better with youngsters, some with claimers, and usually one is either a quarter horse or a thoroughbred specialist. It was unique therefore to watch Bob Johnson win three races in one weekend with thoroughbreds. Johnson’s abilities as a quarter horse trainer are undeniable and even though he is merely “dabbling” in the thoroughbred game to help out some friends he is proving that a good trainer is a good trainer, no matter the breed. The same can be said for Dave Bernhardt who won a few with quarter horses when he normally sticks to thoroughbreds.
The quarter horse racing, particularly in stakes events continues to meet and exceed expectations. The fields comprised for races like the Min Dak Futurity, Red River Derby, Northern Plains Series, and the ND Bred QH Derby and Futurity were among the best in the upper-Midwest. Whatsmore, the races themselves backed up the quality of the fields as they truly were the most exciting seconds of the entire meet.
Some “Sure Things”…With new horses, new jockeys, and a few new owners every year it still amazes me how things tend to hold to form here at the Horse Park. The competition is incredible and fierce but the same “streaks” remain in tact. Do you have a horse to win the Northern Plains Derby or Futurity? Well, you better ask Bob Johnson know about it first. Do you have your eye on the Derby or Futurity for an Open-company quarter horse? You might want to check if Tom Maher’s in town. Or maybe you have a four, five, or six year-old North Dakota-bred thoroughbred who can win some stakes races. Does Dave Bernhardt have one in the race? OK, how about a two or three year old quarter horse who was bred in the Peace Garden State. Ever heard of a couple of guys named Wisdom and Hanson?
Now it’s clear these guys aren’t going to win every race mentioned above but because of their commitment to bringing the best horses they have to Fargo you know you have to go through them to get to the winner’s circle. You know you’re doing something right when it’s “news” when they don’t win a race they are supposed to. I take my hat off to their abilities as horsemen. Their consistent success makes the meet all the more entertaining.
The Takeaway…Like many of us, I love fast horses. As much as fast horses thrill me I appreciate and applaud a young fast horse all the more. If there is one race that stands out it would have to be the Trials of the ND Bred Futurity on an obscure Friday night, August 22nd. This race was the third match-up of the meet between juveniles Rockinrollin Nolan and Shake Em Diva. Each had bested the other in their two previous meetings but on this night one left no doubt about who was the best and who was the fastest. Shake Em Diva and jockey Jerry Vaughan’s dramatic move on the outside proved to be the memory of the meet. That orange blur on top of that grayish-white filly was enough to practically sway the trees. Dave Wisdom and Vic Hanson’s would go on to win the ND Bred QH Futurity on Labor Day with another rousing finish but that terrific run in the Trials by Shake Em Diva truly shook me to the core. With three wins in four starts over five weekends, her durability is a testament to trainer Vic Hanson and his staff. She did enough this meet to make her my runaway choice as Horse of the Meet.
Until next August, I’ll see you when the horses return.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Mid-Meet Musings
Ryan Roshau for HRND
Half of August is gone and that means half of the meet at the Horse Park is history.
The meet has had its valleys but they pale in comparison to the peaks. The weather has been exceptional and it has brought out one impressive crowd after another. Friday nights at the Horse Park continue to be the hottest spot in town and the packed gazebos and lengthy betting and concession lines prove it. Dusk on Friday nights at the Park is a terrific time. How can you top horses parading to the post while a majestic sunset paints the sky off to the left? Add a harvesting combine and you have a postcard summer evening in North Dakota. The Saturday twilight card is a great innovation and it leads to a live concert on track, truly making it a day at the races. Sunday has always been advertised as Family Day but with more events, activities, and exhibits in 2008 it is truly living up to its name.
On the racing side, the meet rolls on and the story lines parallel previous seasons. Bob Johnson and Jake Olesiak are off to hot starts. Dave Bernhardt and Curt Rohweder are ringing up the wins and Vic Hanson and Jerry Vaughan are running very well with the few starters they have. They only race to win as the public and competition know all too well.
The barn area is always a flurry of activity, especially on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings when horses come off the track and trainers dart the grounds on their way to the entry trailer. The scene is a plethora of cell phones, fast writing, and trailer doors opening and closing. It's not the New York Stock Exchange, but it's close. In the midst of all of this activity, leaning against a fence near the paddock are trainers Bob Johnson and Ken Olson and jockeys Jim Beeson and Jerry Vaughan. The four hold court and rib each other about successes and setbacks. There is little doubt there is camaraderie amidst competition here at the Horse Park.
I am always encouraged when a new rider arrives on the scene and this year that pleasant surprise is Don French. The Arizona-based jockey is currently fourth in the rider's standings but he is earning a reputation around the barn as a big money thoroughbred rider. He has eight wins to his name but I expect him to pick up some ripe mounts in the last two weeks and secure another five to ten victories.
On the horse front the best is yet to come. This weekend three marvelous quarter horse races (Min Dak Futurity, Red River Derby, and North Dakota Challenge) will highlight the cards along with the Trials for the North Dakota Bred QH Futurity. If you are a fan of the fastest horses in the world, this is your weekend. Labor Day weekend will decide it all with two thoroughbred stakes and a handful of quarter horse stakes as well. Luminaries Rockinrollin Nolan, Dakota Lane, Hesa Bold Fame, Tiger Jet, Aferds Code Red, and Givem Hell Harley look to make names for themselves in the ensuing weekends.
I can hardly wait to see what is in store.
Half of August is gone and that means half of the meet at the Horse Park is history.
The meet has had its valleys but they pale in comparison to the peaks. The weather has been exceptional and it has brought out one impressive crowd after another. Friday nights at the Horse Park continue to be the hottest spot in town and the packed gazebos and lengthy betting and concession lines prove it. Dusk on Friday nights at the Park is a terrific time. How can you top horses parading to the post while a majestic sunset paints the sky off to the left? Add a harvesting combine and you have a postcard summer evening in North Dakota. The Saturday twilight card is a great innovation and it leads to a live concert on track, truly making it a day at the races. Sunday has always been advertised as Family Day but with more events, activities, and exhibits in 2008 it is truly living up to its name.
On the racing side, the meet rolls on and the story lines parallel previous seasons. Bob Johnson and Jake Olesiak are off to hot starts. Dave Bernhardt and Curt Rohweder are ringing up the wins and Vic Hanson and Jerry Vaughan are running very well with the few starters they have. They only race to win as the public and competition know all too well.
The barn area is always a flurry of activity, especially on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings when horses come off the track and trainers dart the grounds on their way to the entry trailer. The scene is a plethora of cell phones, fast writing, and trailer doors opening and closing. It's not the New York Stock Exchange, but it's close. In the midst of all of this activity, leaning against a fence near the paddock are trainers Bob Johnson and Ken Olson and jockeys Jim Beeson and Jerry Vaughan. The four hold court and rib each other about successes and setbacks. There is little doubt there is camaraderie amidst competition here at the Horse Park.
I am always encouraged when a new rider arrives on the scene and this year that pleasant surprise is Don French. The Arizona-based jockey is currently fourth in the rider's standings but he is earning a reputation around the barn as a big money thoroughbred rider. He has eight wins to his name but I expect him to pick up some ripe mounts in the last two weeks and secure another five to ten victories.
On the horse front the best is yet to come. This weekend three marvelous quarter horse races (Min Dak Futurity, Red River Derby, and North Dakota Challenge) will highlight the cards along with the Trials for the North Dakota Bred QH Futurity. If you are a fan of the fastest horses in the world, this is your weekend. Labor Day weekend will decide it all with two thoroughbred stakes and a handful of quarter horse stakes as well. Luminaries Rockinrollin Nolan, Dakota Lane, Hesa Bold Fame, Tiger Jet, Aferds Code Red, and Givem Hell Harley look to make names for themselves in the ensuing weekends.
I can hardly wait to see what is in store.
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