And Down the Stretch They Come (Horse Racing)

degenerasian · Post by **degenerasian** » Sat Jun 07, 2014 6:06 pm

nice HUNCH!

Johnny Carwash · Post by **Johnny Carwash** » Sat Jun 07, 2014 7:33 pm

Arnold Schoenberg bet heavily against the winner.

Pruitt · Post by **Pruitt** » Sat Jun 07, 2014 8:35 pm

degenerasian wrote:nice HUNCH!

And me nowhere near an offtrack parlour today!

California Chrome had a perfect ride and was set up beautifully. But there it is, the reason that no horse will win the Triple Crown - three huge races in five weeks used to be more normal for thoroughbreds, but the Belmont seems to usually be won by horses that haven't run in a while.

Meanwhile, someone owes me $20.40

Bensell · Post by **Bensell** » Mon Jun 09, 2014 12:37 pm

Pruitt wrote:California Chrome had a perfect ride and was set up beautifully. But there it is, the reason that no horse will win the Triple Crown - three huge races in five weeks used to be more normal for thoroughbreds, but the Belmont seems to usually be won by horses that haven't run in a while.

California Chrome actually got a pretty poor ride, though that may be more of result of grabbing his right front coming out of the gate after getting stepped on by Matterhorn coming out of the gate. With him only getting beat by 2 lengths after that start he ran a heck of a race.

But his owner's rant afterwards was a disgrace; he epitomized the sore loser whining.

Pruitt · Post by **Pruitt** » Mon Jun 09, 2014 12:48 pm

You may be right as you know a lot more than I. But I gauged it by the fact that he didn't rush to the lead and had an open lane for the last half of the race. But the owner should check himself - you force horses to run these races and there'll be more tragedies like the ones we've seen in the past.

degenerasian · Post by **degenerasian** » Mon Jun 09, 2014 12:51 pm

Bensell wrote:
Pruitt wrote:California Chrome had a perfect ride and was set up beautifully. But there it is, the reason that no horse will win the Triple Crown - three huge races in five weeks used to be more normal for thoroughbreds, but the Belmont seems to usually be won by horses that haven't run in a while.
California Chrome actually got a pretty poor ride, though that may be more of result of grabbing his right front coming out of the gate after getting stepped on by Matterhorn coming out of the gate. With him only getting beat by 2 lengths after that start he ran a heck of a race.

But his owner's rant afterwards was a disgrace; he epitomized the sore loser whining.

Agreed, sour grapes. There hasn't been a Triple Crown winner in the last 12 attempts because the horses weren't good enough. It will take a special horse to win one, as it should be.

Out of those failed attempts I think only Smarty Jones was a truly great horse that missed out. Had the lead and lost the only race he ever lost to a longshot that was just insane that day.

Bensell · Post by **Bensell** » Mon Jun 09, 2014 12:54 pm

degenerasian wrote:
Bensell wrote:
Pruitt wrote:California Chrome had a perfect ride and was set up beautifully. But there it is, the reason that no horse will win the Triple Crown - three huge races in five weeks used to be more normal for thoroughbreds, but the Belmont seems to usually be won by horses that haven't run in a while.
California Chrome actually got a pretty poor ride, though that may be more of result of grabbing his right front coming out of the gate after getting stepped on by Matterhorn coming out of the gate. With him only getting beat by 2 lengths after that start he ran a heck of a race.

But his owner's rant afterwards was a disgrace; he epitomized the sore loser whining.
Agreed, sour grapes. There hasn't been a Triple Crown winner in the last 12 attempts because the horses weren't good enough. It will take a special horse to win one, as it should be.

Out of those failed attempts I think only Smarty Jones was a truly great horse that missed out. Had the lead and lost the only race he ever lost to a longshot that was just insane that day.

Smarty Jones doesn't compare to Spectacular Bid remotely, but everyone leaves the Bid out because he was in 1979. I will agree that of the post 1990 contenders Smarty Jones was the best.

A_B · Post by **A_B** » Mon Jun 09, 2014 1:03 pm

degenerasian wrote:
Bensell wrote:
Pruitt wrote:California Chrome had a perfect ride and was set up beautifully. But there it is, the reason that no horse will win the Triple Crown - three huge races in five weeks used to be more normal for thoroughbreds, but the Belmont seems to usually be won by horses that haven't run in a while.
California Chrome actually got a pretty poor ride, though that may be more of result of grabbing his right front coming out of the gate after getting stepped on by Matterhorn coming out of the gate. With him only getting beat by 2 lengths after that start he ran a heck of a race.

But his owner's rant afterwards was a disgrace; he epitomized the sore loser whining.
Agreed, sour grapes. There hasn't been a Triple Crown winner in the last 12 attempts because the horses weren't good enough. It will take a special horse to win one, as it should be.

Out of those failed attempts I think only Smarty Jones was a truly great horse that missed out. Had the lead and lost the only race he ever lost to a longshot that was just insane that day.

I think Big Brown was badass.

Bensell · Post by **Bensell** » Mon Jun 09, 2014 1:11 pm

Since Affirmed won it, I'd rank the misses in this order:

Spectacular Bid 1979
Sunday Silence 1989
Alysheba 1987
Smarty Jones 2004
Silver Charm 1997
Pleasant Colony 1981
Real Quiet 1998
California Chrome 2014
Big Brown 2008
Charismatic 1999
Funny Cide 2003
War Emblem 2002

I can't give Big Brown too much credit as was on so many drugs at the time. Most of which were made illegal after his Derby win.

Pruitt · Post by **Pruitt** » Mon Jun 09, 2014 2:23 pm

Bensell wrote:Since Affirmed won it, I'd rank the misses in this order:

Spectacular Bid 1979
Sunday Silence 1989
Alysheba 1987
Smarty Jones 2004
Silver Charm 1997
Pleasant Colony 1981
Real Quiet 1998
California Chrome 2014
Big Brown 2008
Charismatic 1999
Funny Cide 2003
War Emblem 2002

I can't give Big Brown too much credit as was on so many drugs at the time. Most of which were made illegal after his Derby win.

I'd like to say a word for Afleet Alex in 2005. Missed the Derby by a half length and won the next two legs - including a preakness run that was unbelievable. From a near tragedy to a huge win.

Also my favourite horse was Thunder Gulch in 1995. Won the derby (My best bet ever - $20 on him at 32-1 in Toronto as a local horse Talking Man was one of the favourites) He later won the Belmont as well.

Bensell · Post by **Bensell** » Mon Jun 09, 2014 2:27 pm

I would put both Afleet Alex and Thunder Gulch high on the list of 2 out of 3 leg winners, but I was just ranking horses that had a real chance at the Triple Crown on Belmont day.

Pruitt · Post by **Pruitt** » Mon Jun 09, 2014 3:53 pm

Bensell wrote:I would put both Afleet Alex and Thunder Gulch high on the list of 2 out of 3 leg winners, but I was just ranking horses that had a real chance at the Triple Crown on Belmont day.

You know, Spectacular Bid wasn't just a good horse, he was one of the all time greats.

26 wins in 30 starts, only out of the money once, horse of the year twice. As a four year old, undefeated 9-0, all in big stakes races.

Wow.
http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse ... rn false;

howard · Post by **howard** » Mon Jun 09, 2014 11:43 pm

Oh, we're talking great horses that just missed?

Alydar, bitches. Complete with tragic murder.

Post by **Sabo** » Wed Oct 08, 2014 9:02 am

The legendary thoroughbred horse Cigar has died at age 24.

mister d · Post by **mister d** » Wed Oct 08, 2014 9:11 am

[runs to find the good stationary]

Ryan · Post by **Ryan** » Wed Oct 08, 2014 9:13 am

[Comes back with exercise bike]

A_B · Post by **A_B** » Wed Oct 08, 2014 9:21 am

Cigar was a badass horse!

Pruitt · Post by **Pruitt** » Wed Oct 08, 2014 11:01 am

Sabo wrote:The legendary thoroughbred horse Cigar has died at age 24.

I was lucky enough to see his last race at the Breeders Cup in Toronto.

Finished a strong 3rd after a tough ride. Everyone was smoking cigars that day, too bad he didn't go out on top.

Here's the 1995 Classic.

"And Cigar wants to go to the lead, but Jerry Bailey says "no." "Not yet." - great call - just listen to Durkin's excitement when Cigar makes his move.

"The incomparable, incredible UNBEATABLE Cigar!"

Gives me chills.

Bensell · Post by **Bensell** » Thu Oct 09, 2014 12:44 pm

I was at both of his Breeders Cup runs; both crowds were some of the best I have ever been around. My uncle loved Cigar and went out to the Pacific Classic to see him win #17 in a row but Dare and Go beat him. My other uncle just said "that just proves you are god damn jinx." He was a very good horse, a Hall of Famer for sure, but he is overrated in general.

Pruitt · Post by **Pruitt** » Thu Oct 09, 2014 1:20 pm

Bensell wrote:I was at both of his Breeders Cup runs; both crowds were some of the best I have ever been around. My uncle loved Cigar and went out to the Pacific Classic to see him win #17 in a row but Dare and Go beat him. My other uncle just said "that just proves you are god damn jinx." He was a very good horse, a Hall of Famer for sure, but he is overrated in general.

What did you think of Woodbine?

In terms of being overrated, maybe, but that was a hell of a run he had, and so rare to see a champion 5 year old in this day and age.

Bensell · Post by **Bensell** » Thu Oct 09, 2014 1:36 pm

I loved Toronto; probably a top 2 city in my book. Woodbine is easily a top 5 track that I've been to, but I haven't been to Saratoga or Del Mar (have been to Arlington, Churchill Downs, Belmont, Santa Anita among other popular tracks).

The best thing about Woodbine was the sign "Please no cursing in the non-smoking section." I still have a picture of my brother standing next to one giving the finger. I had a great day at Woodbine on a prior trip when I was a senior in high school; ended up making about $4,000 grand off 2 bets and paid for every dinner and got my mom, sister and her best friend great tickets to Phantom of the Opera and bought myself a $500 pair of sunglasses. It was one of the best vacations we ever had; Dad couldn't go and I have to say I wasn't disappointed. My brother and I even scored weed from the hotel's bartender that was the first indoor I had ever smoked. Good times

Pruitt · Post by **Pruitt** » Thu Oct 09, 2014 2:07 pm

Bensell wrote:I loved Toronto; probably a top 2 city in my book. Woodbine is easily a top 5 track that I've been to, but I haven't been to Saratoga or Del Mar (have been to Arlington, Churchill Downs, Belmont, Santa Anita among other popular tracks).

The best thing about Woodbine was the sign "Please no cursing in the non-smoking section." I still have a picture of my brother standing next to one giving the finger. I had a great day at Woodbine on a prior trip when I was a senior in high school; ended up making about $4,000 grand off 2 bets and paid for every dinner and got my mom, sister and her best friend great tickets to Phantom of the Opera and bought myself a $500 pair of sunglasses. It was one of the best vacations we ever had; Dad couldn't go and I have to say I wasn't disappointed. My brother and I even scored weed from the hotel's bartender that was the first indoor I had ever smoked. Good times

I used to go to the track every couple of weeks. My favorite day there - other than a few Queens Plates and the breeders Cup - was the day of the Kentucky Derby when Thunder Gulch won.

He was a long shot everywhere (25/1 I think), but in Toronto, it seemed like all the money was on Talking Man, a locally bred horse. Thunder Gulch went off at something like 35/1 and I had him for $10 across the board and in a $1 exactor box with Tejano Run and a couple of others. Man! Was I a genius that day. Cleared over $900.

Paid for my flight to France with my girlfriend (now wife). I used to joke that I rode Thunder Gulch all the way to Paris.

rass · Post by **rass** » Fri Oct 31, 2014 12:12 pm

neigh

Bensell · Post by **Bensell** » Fri Oct 31, 2014 12:34 pm

Today Breeders Cup kicks off with it's opening 4 races (post time 5:25). The 2 juvenile turf races, the Dirt Mile and the Distaff make for a decent pick 4, especially when you can bet it in 50 cent increments. Here's my thoughts on the most likely to win and what my pick 4 will probably be (I always split Pick 4s with my best friend so he may want to add/subtract some of my picks):

Juvenile Turf

For the first time in a while an American based colt trained by Wesley Ward, #5 Hootenanny, is the favorite though he did run at Royal Ascot & France earlier this year. I think he has a big shot but I'm going to try and beat him with a couple of Europeans and 2 American based colts: #4 Commemorative, #7 War Envoy #11 Imperia & longshot #13 Lawn Ranger.

Dirt Mile

#1 Goldencents is the defending champion and should be another favorite to run big. #9 Tapiture flopped in the Kentucky Derby but has 2 wins and a 2nd since, and I think the 3 year old is ready to take on the older horses. #8 Fed Biz is running on his home track and Bob Baffert will have him ready. My longshot pick is the Chilean bred #7 Bronzo, who is making his American debut.

Juvenile Fillies Turf

The morning line favorite here is another Wesley Ward trained horse, #3 Sunset Glow, who also ran 2nd in a race at Royal Ascot this summer. I like her but will try to beat her with some Europeans: #14 Qualify and #2 Osaila. I will also throw in American longshot #5 Isabella Sings, but there are really 10 or 12 of the 14 entrants that can win.

Distaff

#10 Untapable is the clear class of the 3 year old filly division but she is taking on her elders for the first time. #11 Close Hatches was the leading handicap mare until throwing in a clunker in her last start, losing to #7 Don't Tell Sophia in the Spinster Stakes. #4 Belle Gallantey and #9 Ria Antonia both are coming off good races and pose threats to the top 3.

$0.50 Pick 4 play

4,5,7,11,13 with 1,7,8,9 with 2,3,5,14 with 7,10,11 for a $60 ticket

$0.50 Pick 3 starting with Juvenile Turf

4,5,7,11,13 with 1,9 with ALL for a $35 ticket

$0.50 Pick 3 starting with Dirt Mile

1,7,8,9 with 2,3,4,5,6,13,14 with 4,7,10, 11 for a $56 ticket

Pruitt · Post by **Pruitt** » Fri Oct 31, 2014 2:07 pm

Not sure if I can get to the nearest OTB...

This Shared Belief looks outstanding, and lightly raced. But the fact that Jim Rome is part owner makes me want to cheer against him. And I think that Bayern is just the horse to beat him.

howard · Post by **howard** » Fri Oct 31, 2014 4:32 pm

Hootenanny exploded at the head of the stretch, blew past the leaders.

Pruitt · Post by **Pruitt** » Sat Nov 01, 2014 7:19 am

SHE WAS PREGNANT?!

Bensell · Post by **Bensell** » Sat Nov 01, 2014 9:30 am

Lots of drama on day one but unfortunately for me it was a day for chalk, as I hit the Pick 4 and 2 Pick 3s and still managed to lose $6. I'm sorry to hear that Rosie is retiring, rather than taking a leave of absence, for her pregnancy as she is one of the top jockeys riding right now. Here are my top 3 choices in each race, but I have no idea how I'm going to bet after being right so much yesterday while making so little. First post for the Breeders Cup races is 3:05 Eastern.

Juvenile Fillies
2 Angela Renee
12 By The Moon
11 Top Decile

Filly & Mare Turf
3 Dank
5 Secret Gesture
6 Fiesolana

Filly & Mare Sprint
6 Leigh Court
5 Artemis Agrotera
9 Living The Life

Turf Sprint
1 Reneesgotzip
13 Caspar Netcher
14 No Nay Never

Juvenile
9 Carpe Diem
4 The Great War
1 Calculator

Turf
1 Telescope
7 Flintshire
11 Chicquita

Sprint
6 Rich Tapestry
8 Palace
2 Indianapolis

Turf Mile
4 Mustajeeb
5 Toronado
3 Veda

Classic
6 Shared Belief
11 Tonalist
9 Toast of New York

Pruitt · Post by **Pruitt** » Sat Nov 01, 2014 11:22 am

Intensive handicapping - while telling the family I was finishing some work - has led me to this conclusion: I wish I was at Santa Anita today. My selections...

Juvenile Fillies
2 Angela Renee
4 Conquest Eclipse

Filly & Mare Turf
10 Stephanie's Kitten
3 Dank

Filly & Mare Sprint
5 Artemis Agrotera
1 Sweet Reason
3 Stonetastic

Turf Sprint
14 No Nay Never
10 Home Run Kitten

Juvenile
9 Carpe Diem - Best Bet of the Day
13 Upstart
8 Souper Colossal

Turf
1 Telescope
12 Main Sequence

Sprint
6 Rich Tapestry
8 Palace
5 Private Zone

Turf Mile
2 Obviously
8 Trade Storm - Long Shot Special
13 Tourist

Classic
11 Tonalist
7 Bayern
6 Shared Belief

Should be fun.

howard · Post by **howard** » Sat Nov 01, 2014 7:56 pm

A lot of hitting in this horserace, out of the gate. I imagine Jim Rome might have a thing or two to say about this tomorrow.

Inquiry.

(Winner Bayern slammed into Shared Belief, first step out of the gate. Shared Belief co-owned by Jim Rome.)

ETA: Inquiry result--no change. Bayern wins.

Pruitt · Post by **Pruitt** » Sun Nov 02, 2014 10:13 pm

Good thing I wasn't near an OTB.

Bensell · Post by **Bensell** » Mon Nov 03, 2014 1:54 pm

It was a really rough break from the gate in the Classic. I have seen horses taken down for less contact than Bayern created. I was sweating the inquiry big time as we had the trifecta; that totally saved my day as I didn't cash a single other ticket all Saturday. But the speed was holding up so good we decided to add Bayern to the top of our wheel. Overall a good two days of racing.

howard · Post by **howard** » Sat Oct 31, 2015 3:07 pm

Well, the excitement of a triple crown winner has enveloped the swamp, what with all the Breeders' Cup chatter.

American Pharaoh's presumptive farewell, coming up from Keeneland.

Joe K · Post by **Joe K** » Sat Oct 31, 2015 4:59 pm

howard wrote:Well, the excitement of a triple crown winner has enveloped the swamp, what with all the Breeders' Cup chatter.

American Pharaoh's presumptive farewell, coming up from Keeneland.

Well that was quite the farewell. Wire to wire and wins in an absolute rout.

Moreta · Post by **Moreta** » Sat Oct 31, 2015 6:47 pm

I took my mom to the Belmont to see Pharaoh win and she went to Keeneland on her own to see him run again today. I'm glad he ran well.

Pruitt · Post by **Pruitt** » Tue Mar 05, 2019 9:48 pm

21 Horses Have Died At Santa Anita Since December 26

Grim.

They've inspected the tracks and done all kinds of testing.

I wonder if trainers have got their hands on a new drug?

A_B · Post by **A_B** » Tue Mar 05, 2019 9:59 pm

Last time it happened in Kentucky it ended up being related to worms in the grass they were eating I think. It was a huge deal.

rass · Post by **rass** » Wed Mar 06, 2019 7:41 am

This feels like a trap.

A_B · Post by **A_B** » Wed Mar 06, 2019 8:51 am

Seeing some more on this, and it may be related to the track conditions?

A_B · Post by **A_B** » Wed Mar 06, 2019 8:51 am

rass wrote: ↑Wed Mar 06, 2019 7:41 am This feels like a trap.

Worms in the ass?