Horse Racing 2021

[DevilHorse]

I noticed that Collaborate won his second race yesterday at Gulfstream Park:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
He being the $600k yearling who broke his maiden by 12, and lost next out in the Florida Derby. Nice comeback win.

This weekend, a nice card coming together at Churchill Downs for this Saturday, including Maxfield who has been targeting the $600k Stephen Foster.
https://www.paulickreport.com/news/t...tephen-foster/

$600ks are wild today! Go out and buy something $600k (no that makes no sense).

Larry
DevilHorse

[DevilHorse]

Good Morning!

A racing oddity at Grant's Pass Downs (Oregon if you don't happen to frequent the great northwest).
Check out this photo of the 7th race from last night, 6/21/2021:
1thru7.jpg

Hopefully it becomes obvious what is going on in this seven horse race.

Larry
DevilHorse

[DevilHorse]

There is NO QUESTION that horses react differently to being whipped. In general, horses run away from the whip. You'll notice that jockeys in tight quarters with another horse will use the whip between the horses to move their horse away from the convergence of the horse; the horse moves away from the whip. Signalling a change/move from jockey to horse, you might see a single 'rap' on the hind quarters or the waving of the whip in front of the eye of the horse (a warning if you will).

I have seen horses swish their tails every time they get whipped. If the tail is long enough, it "whips" the jockey right back (almost comedic).
I remember seeing a standardbred horse named Chernobyl (years ago) who would violently flash his tail back into the drivers face when he was being whipped.
The horse was leading and did eventually win, so I can't say it hurt his cause, but he did not look happy (the horse that is).

I watched the Salvatore Mile today. NY Traffic had a small lead, but he seemed to race greenly and did not travel straight while in the lane; would the use of the whip have helped this horse? I don't know. The comments say he was outfinished by a length by a 79-1 shot:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
Could he have been urged on by a whip? I'm not sure a jockey will have the temerity to make those kind of comments.


Larry
DevilHorse

It looks like Kentucky will be trying it's hand at new whip rules, come later this year:
https://www.drf.com/news/kentucky-ho...ys-guild-board

This is mild compared to the Monmouth rule, and is state-wide. It is good to experiment. Of course, there are no National standards. For the jockey's sake, and the horse's, I hope they do come to some cogent, and single set of rules. If a jockey gets mixed up and uses a less severe set of rules from another state, no one will penalize him; but if he accidentally uses KY rules in NJ, then he'll get a penalty of some sort.

Larry
DevilHorse

[DevilHorse]

I know you're out there. No takers on the horse quiz. Too easy, too hard, or too ignorable.

This weekend has some interesting races:

At Churchill Downs:

Race 5 is the Fleur De Lis for Older mares at 1 1/8.
http://www.brisnet.com/php/bw_pdf_vi...&param3=677035
The top mare in the division, Letruska will face some new shooters including Spice Is Nice, Vault, and Envoutante.
But Letruska is tough and has won 4 of 5 of her last races, losing one by a head. Winning her last 2 races that were Grade Is against the toughest competition.

Race 7 is the War Chant on Turf and marks the return of Helium to the races.
http://www.brisnet.com/php/bw_pdf_vi...&param3=947849

Race 8 is the Debutante for 2YO fillies.
http://www.brisnet.com/php/bw_pdf_vi...param3=1083256
Potential Kentucky Oaks candidates here.

Race 9 is the Bashford Manor Stakes for 2YOs.
http://www.brisnet.com/php/bw_pdf_vi...param3=1218663
Start shopping for next year's derby horse hear.

Race 11 is the Stephen Foster for $600K:
http://www.brisnet.com/php/bw_pdf_vi...param3=1489477
Maxfield will be your favorite here.

Race 12 has the Tepin for 3YO fillies on Turf:
http://www.brisnet.com/php/bw_pdf_vi...param3=1624884
I don't know any of these horses, but I think this is the second race named after Tepin this year.

But for 3YO fillies, the eyes will be in New York, at Belmont for the Mother Goose:
http://www.brisnet.com/php/bw_pdf_vi...param3=1067088
This will be Race 8, with a select field (means small).
Clairere and Make Mischief will take on Always Carina and Zaajel.

I've got a bunch of Standardbred races I'm watching, but I'm not sure anyone else cares.

Larry
DevilHorse

[TheDevilMadeMeDoIt]

It looks like Kentucky will be trying it's hand at new whip rules, come later this year:
https://www.drf.com/news/kentucky-ho...ys-guild-board

This is mild compared to the Monmouth rule, and is state-wide. It is good to experiment. Of course, there are no National standards. For the jockey's sake, and the horse's, I hope they do come to some cogent, and single set of rules. If a jockey gets mixed up and uses a less severe set of rules from another state, no one will penalize him; but if he accidentally uses KY rules in NJ, then he'll get a penalty of some sort.

Larry
DevilHorse

Since Kentucky has the most to lose if PETA really pushes to abolish horse racing, trying new whipping rules makes sense. As I have previously mentioned, today’s jockeys do not typically abuse the whip like the guys from the 60’s and 70’s, so I do not see the rules as an impediment to good racing. On the other hand ignoring the issue could bring results like the demise of Ringling Bros. Horse racing simply doesn’t appeal to the masses any more, with some form of gambling in every state not named Utah.

[DevilHorse]

Since Kentucky has the most to lose if PETA really pushes to abolish horse racing, trying new whipping rules makes sense. As I have previously mentioned, today’s jockeys do not typically abuse the whip like the guys from the 60’s and 70’s, so I do not see the rules as an impediment to good racing. On the other hand ignoring the issue could bring results like the demise of Ringling Bros. Horse racing simply doesn’t appeal to the masses any more, with some form of gambling in every state not named Utah.

The issues I see with horse racing are the rate of betting action, the amount of work you have to do to get an edge, and the house percentage.
With Casino gambling, you can get a new 'game' or bet "action" 1 or 2 times a minute, vs. an evolving bet every 20 minutes.
The odds in a Casino game are essentially fixed each time. Not much work to figure out your bet. Other than waiting for the spirit to move you.
Depending on your Casino game, you might get a 2% or 4% or 10% house advantage vs. the horse track with a 20/25% house cut depending on what pool you play.
The horse you pick may take quite a bit of work to get you to that conclusion.

But, if you are good at it, you can find value, you can find stories, you can see things you've never seen before. There are smells and fresh air. Time to get a drink and food. You can make it a family outing. It is a bit more of an experience and a lifelong passion if you play it right. And the dice doesn't have a pedigree.

Other than playing Craps, I found the casino to be boring. A half hour with Nickel slots was enough for me otherwise.

Larry
DevilHorse

[DevilHorse]

I know you're out there. No takers on the horse quiz. Too easy, too hard, or too ignorable.

This weekend has some interesting races:

At Churchill Downs:

Race 5 is the Fleur De Lis for Older mares at 1 1/8.
http://www.brisnet.com/php/bw_pdf_vi...&param3=677035
The top mare in the division, Letruska will face some new shooters including Spice Is Nice, Vault, and Envoutante.
But Letruska is tough and has won 4 of 5 of her last races, losing one by a head. Winning her last 2 races that were Grade Is against the toughest competition.

Race 7 is the War Chant on Turf and marks the return of Helium to the races.
http://www.brisnet.com/php/bw_pdf_vi...&param3=947849

Race 8 is the Debutante for 2YO fillies.
http://www.brisnet.com/php/bw_pdf_vi...param3=1083256
Potential Kentucky Oaks candidates here.

Race 9 is the Bashford Manor Stakes for 2YOs.
http://www.brisnet.com/php/bw_pdf_vi...param3=1218663
Start shopping for next year's derby horse hear.

Race 11 is the Stephen Foster for $600K:
http://www.brisnet.com/php/bw_pdf_vi...param3=1489477
Maxfield will be your favorite here.

Race 12 has the Tepin for 3YO fillies on Turf:
http://www.brisnet.com/php/bw_pdf_vi...param3=1624884
I don't know any of these horses, but I think this is the second race named after Tepin this year.

But for 3YO fillies, the eyes will be in New York, at Belmont for the Mother Goose:
http://www.brisnet.com/php/bw_pdf_vi...param3=1067088
This will be Race 8, with a select field (means small).
Clairere and Make Mischief will take on Always Carina and Zaajel.

I've got a bunch of Standardbred races I'm watching, but I'm not sure anyone else cares.

Larry
DevilHorse

Treated to a couple of top performances yesterday:

Maxfield looked really good. He was just better than his competitors in winning the Stephen Foster at Churchill Downs:
https://twitter.com/i/status/1408913416568262659
Look for the deep blue (not Duke Blue) silks at about the 1:15 mark. by the 1:30 mark the horse outruns the announcer's call. The horse was push-button and exploded past the field while going 5 wide. He was on cruise control the rest of the way. He earned a 103 figure, and he had much more in the tank. He gets an automatic invitation to the Breeder's Cup Classic with this win.
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
TheDevilMadeMeDoIt had to cash a few etickets today!!! DooDah DooDah!

Earlier in the day, Letruska showed why she leads the division with a domination of her field in the Fleur de Lis:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
She earned a 102 Beyer for her troubles.

Other notable performances on the day included:

In the Bashford Manor Stakes (2YO Stakes - 3 BC Juvenile winners have come out of this one).
Double Thunder won this race, with a pitiful 64 Beyer.
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
I don't know what to make of this race; perhaps too many grey horses in it.
But the speed horses went out really fast, they collapsed and the stalkers took over, but they gave way to the closers who were there at the end. Anyone who had a ticket thought they were a winner at some point during the race.

The better 2YO stakes race was the Debutante:
Behave Virginia won this race and earned an 83 Beyer.
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
This race was 6/5 of a second faster than the boys at the same distance. Wacky!

The Mother Goose in NY was won by Zaajel.
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
She was the longest shot in the field and got a 99 Beyer for her effots. She stalked the powerful favorite Always Carina, who didn't seem to want the distance, or wasn't fit after just 2 previous starts against lesser company. Clairere and Make Mischief could not catch to top 2.

Missed the Ohio Derby. But only had a bunch of "also ran"s there.
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
New shooter Masqueparade won over KYD tail retreads King Fury and Keepmeinmind (almost forgot about him).
Respectable 98 Beyer for Masqueparade in a close finish.

Larry
DevilHorse

[DevilHorse]

OK, so I flagged a maiden race at Los Alamitos today because it was interesting.

Only 5 horses, 2 Baffert monsters.
What do you think?
http://www.brisnet.com/php/bw_pdf_vi...&param3=921576

Both Baffert horses have a couple of bullet works.
Messier looks really good. Expensive and named after an iconic sports figure. Has to be good right?!

Pluses, expensive, Baffert, bullet works, small field, big owners.

Minuses, why is he only running for $45k when Del Mar maiden races at $100k are only a couple of weeks away?

But what is one of rules that we look for if we are looking at maidens?
Pick a horse running for his second time out; has some experience!
There is only one horse like that in the field; Olympic Legend trained by excellent (if relatively unknown) Luis Mendez.
Often horses have a big reverse of form on their second time out; trainers make big changes in equipment. The young horses get used to the routine (they don't think the big metal machine will eat them).

There is another thing to notice about Messier. He is bred to go looong. He is classically bred. His sire (Empire Maker), broodmare sire (Smart Strike), and grand broodmare sire (A.P. Indy) are all classic horses. This is not a sprinter pedigree doing a 5 furlong race. CD-3.0 for devotees of Roman.
Don't get me wrong, classic horses can be fast sprinters too; Secretariat supposedly ran a 3 furlong workout in 33 and change, but then.. he was Secretariat, and had a sprinter for a sire.

Would you place a bet on a horse with 20 times the value?
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on

Also, for your entertainment, here is Cab Calloway the honorary Major Domo in New York racing while he was alive, doing what he did best:
https://twitter.com/i/status/1409206582068625414

Larry
DevilHorse

[TheDevilMadeMeDoIt]

OK, so I flagged a maiden race at Los Alamitos today because it was interesting.

Only 5 horses, 2 Baffert monsters.
What do you think?
http://www.brisnet.com/php/bw_pdf_vi...&param3=921576

Both Baffert horses have a couple of bullet works.
Messier looks really good. Expensive and named after an iconic sports figure. Has to be good right?!

Pluses, expensive, Baffert, bullet works, small field, big owners.

Minuses, why is he only running for $45k when Del Mar maiden races at $100k are only a couple of weeks away?

But what is one of rules that we look for if we are looking at maidens?
Pick a horse running for his second time out; has some experience!
There is only one horse like that in the field; Olympic Legend trained by excellent (if relatively unknown) Luis Mendez.
Often horses have a big reverse of form on their second time out; trainers make big changes in equipment. The young horses get used to the routine (they don't think the big metal machine will eat them).

There is another thing to notice about Messier. He is bred to go looong. He is classically bred. His sire (Empire Maker), broodmare sire (Smart Strike), and grand broodmare sire (A.P. Indy) are all classic horses. This is not a sprinter pedigree doing a 5 furlong race. CD-3.0 for devotees of Roman.
Don't get me wrong, classic horses can be fast sprinters too; Secretariat supposedly ran a 3 furlong workout in 33 and change, but then.. he was Secretariat, and had a sprinter for a sire.

Would you place a bet on a horse with 20 times the value?
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on

Also, for your entertainment, here is Cab Calloway the honorary Major Domo in New York racing while he was alive, doing what he did best:
https://twitter.com/i/status/1409206582068625414

Larry
DevilHorse

Hope Messier’s owner isn’t planning to run in the Ky. Derby next year! Of course as a maiden he has a long way to go to be in any Triple Crown races.

On a different note the three fillies in the 2yo stakes race at Churchill looked much better than the boys. Opening fraction for 6 furlongs in 21 and change, and yet that front runner lasted to finished a strong third. Maxfield looked good making a huge move around the turn, then drawing off.

[DevilHorse]

Hope Messier’s owner isn’t planning to run in the Ky. Derby next year! Of course as a maiden he has a long way to go to be in any Triple Crown races.

On a different note the three fillies in the 2yo stakes race at Churchill looked much better than the boys. Opening fraction for 6 furlongs in 21 and change, and yet that front runner lasted to finished a strong third. Maxfield looked good making a huge move around the turn, then drawing off.

Of course, to run in the KYD, Pegram and friends might have to change trainers
But great improvement may be required before then.
Those owners will stick with him as long as he has a place to race, and will switch horses to race in other jurisdictions, I expect.

In other news, the Daily Racing Form (DRF), suggests the Medina Spirit may not be a lock for the Haskell, although he is training well.
Perhaps the well known maiden Sydney McLaughlin will enter since she grew up just a few miles away from Monmouth Park and is similarly fast, although she is a steeplechaser.


Larry
DevilHorse

[DevilHorse]

This Friday (7/2/2021), there are a trio of races at Prairie Meadows in Iowa that contains some familiar names:

Race 6, is the Iowa Derby:
http://www.brisnet.com/php/bw_pdf_vi...&param3=970080
Proxy, Super Stock, and Nova Rags appear from the Derby Trail to try their hand at this one.

Race 7, is the Iowa Oaks:
http://www.brisnet.com/php/bw_pdf_vi...param3=1131760
Army Wife, fresh off a win in the Black Eyed Susan at Pimlico, will contend in this one.

Race 8, is the Cornhusker Handicap:
http://www.brisnet.com/php/bw_pdf_vi...param3=1293440
Knicks Go tries to shake off a couple of 4th place finishes to re-establish some dominance.
This fellow thinks the race sets up for Modernist to win:
https://www.horseracingnation.com/bl...is_stalker_123
For anyone confused, the Cornhusker Handicap was originally run at Ak-Sar-Ben in Nebraska until 1995 when that track closed; then it was moved out of state to Prairie Meadows in Iowa. What if the Kentucky Derby was run in.. North Carolina? Would that be confusing?

BTW, Charlatan was recently officially retired. I recall he was injured, but I suppose the comeback wasn't going well. I recall that he was in the same barn as Authentic, bet kept away from him. But his mare's name was Authenticity. Things that make you go Hmmmm.

Larry
DevilHorse

[DevilHorse]

Some musings for Saturday:

Belmont Race 9, The Perfect Sting, a Turf Race (yah, well). A few things caught my eye.
http://www.brisnet.com/php/bw_pdf_vi...param3=1200474
It is a non-Lasix race. Other than two-year old races, and the Triple Crown races I haven't seen too many of these.
Remember the betting angle of turf horses from Europe that apparently need Lasix that come here? The Favorite, #9 Viadera, looks like one of those.
This mare has some quality, but it wasn't until she came to the US, went on Lasix, that she started a win streak.
We've had a lot of rain up here in the past day, and a bit more is predicted for today, but Saturday should be OK. There are a number of MTO (Main Track Only) horses ready to win this if it goes onto the dirt. Will be interesting to see what happens in this one with Viadera going off Lasix.

Belmont Race 10, the Suburban Handicap:
http://www.brisnet.com/php/bw_pdf_vi...param3=1333860
You have the powerful Mystic Guide, the winner of the Saudi World Cup, making his first start since that $12000000.00 race.
Competing against him will be last year's undefeated Jockey Club Gold Cup winner Happy Saver. If there is moisture in the track, this son of Super Saver (see previous mud loving sire tips) will love it. But Mystic Guide won the Razorback Handicap in the slop too!!!
Also running is Max Player. One of the big Max's from the Derby Trail last year who has been away.
This should be a doozy.

For those who follow the Sprint division, Frank's Rockette is making an appearance in the Saylorville at Prairie Meadows:
http://www.brisnet.com/php/bw_pdf_vi...param3=1455120

In the 3YO division, the Haskell continues to shape up as the better of the big races this summer.
Steve Asmussen said Tuesday that Midnight Bourbon will make his next start July 17 at Monmouth in the Haskell. The other horses under serious consideration for the 1 1/8-mile race are Mandaloun, Hot Rod Charlie, Rombauer, Following Sea, Antigravity, and Pickin' Time. Following Sea is a big step up, but not a new name to this forum as he is perhaps the best of the RunHappy's with 2 dynamite wins to date; but is throwing him in with top tigers in the division the things to do? Perhaps, there aren't too many rodeos left for 3YOs this year. Should I be cynical and think that they are all just avoiding Essential Quality? Perhaps since Medina Spirit will not be in shape, his connections will just suit to get into the NY Travers.

Larry
DevilHorse

[DevilHorse]

This Friday (7/2/2021), there are a trio of races at Prairie Meadows in Iowa that contains some familiar names:

Race 6, is the Iowa Derby:
http://www.brisnet.com/php/bw_pdf_vi...&param3=970080
Proxy, Super Stock, and Nova Rags appear from the Derby Trail to try their hand at this one.

Race 7, is the Iowa Oaks:
http://www.brisnet.com/php/bw_pdf_vi...param3=1131760
Army Wife, fresh off a win in the Black Eyed Susan at Pimlico, will contend in this one.

Race 8, is the Cornhusker Handicap:
http://www.brisnet.com/php/bw_pdf_vi...param3=1293440
Knicks Go tries to shake off a couple of 4th place finishes to re-establish some dominance.
This fellow thinks the race sets up for Modernist to win:
https://www.hor<br /> seracingnation...is_stalker_123
For anyone confused, the Cornhusker Handicap was originally run at Ak-Sar-Ben in Nebraska until 1995 when that track closed; then it was moved out of state to Prairie Meadows in Iowa. What if the Kentucky Derby was run in.. North Carolina? Would that be confusing?

BTW, Charlatan was recently officially retired. I recall he was injured, but I suppose the comeback wasn't going well. I recall that he was in the same barn as Authentic, bet kept away from him. But his mare's name was Authenticity. Things that make you go Hmmmm.

Larry
DevilHorse

2 out of 3 for the Chalk:

Stilleto Boy went to the front and didn't look back in the Iowa Derby. Proxy was scratched. The also rans from the KYD showed why they were also rans.
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
Longest price on the board.


Army Wife bided her time, stalked the leaders, and took over in the stretch of the Iowa Oaks:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on

"People will come Ray. For reasons they can't fathom. <talk talk> it will be as if they dipped themselves in magic waters..".. Terrance Mann, Field of Dreams.
Yes, Knicks Go dipped himself in magic waters in Iowa and blew away the ghosts of the past in the mis-placed Cornhusker Handicap:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
Here's the video:
https://twitter.com/i/status/1411158594473664515

Knicks Go received a 113 Beyer for his whopping 10 1/4 length victory. Beautiful horse.

Larry
DevilHorse

[DevilHorse]

Some musings for Saturday:

Belmont Race 9, The Perfect Sting, a Turf Race (yah, well). A few things caught my eye.
http://www.brisnet.com/php/bw_pdf_vi...param3=1200474
It is a non-Lasix race. Other than two-year old races, and the Triple Crown races I haven't seen too many of these.
Remember the betting angle of turf horses from Europe that apparently need Lasix that come here? The Favorite, #9 Viadera, looks like one of those.
This mare has some quality, but it wasn't until she came to the US, went on Lasix, that she started a win streak.
We've had a lot of rain up here in the past day, and a bit more is predicted for today, but Saturday should be OK. There are a number of MTO (Main Track Only) horses ready to win this if it goes onto the dirt. Will be interesting to see what happens in this one with Viadera going off Lasix.

Belmont Race 10, the Suburban Handicap:
http://www.brisnet.com/php/bw_pdf_vi...param3=1333860
You have the powerful Mystic Guide, the winner of the Saudi World Cup, making his first start since that $12000000.00 race.
Competing against him will be last year's undefeated Jockey Club Gold Cup winner Happy Saver. If there is moisture in the track, this son of Super Saver (see previous mud loving sire tips) will love it. But Mystic Guide won the Razorback Handicap in the slop too!!!
Also running is Max Player. One of the big Max's from the Derby Trail last year who has been away.
This should be a doozy.

For those who follow the Sprint division, Frank's Rockette is making an appearance in the Saylorville at Prairie Meadows:
http://www.brisnet.com/php/bw_pdf_vi...param3=1455120

In the 3YO division, the Haskell continues to shape up as the better of the big races this summer.
Steve Asmussen said Tuesday that Midnight Bourbon will make his next start July 17 at Monmouth in the Haskell. The other horses under serious consideration for the 1 1/8-mile race are Mandaloun, Hot Rod Charlie, Rombauer, Following Sea, Antigravity, and Pickin' Time. Following Sea is a big step up, but not a new name to this forum as he is perhaps the best of the RunHappy's with 2 dynamite wins to date; but is throwing him in with top tigers in the division the things to do? Perhaps, there aren't too many rodeos left for 3YOs this year. Should I be cynical and think that they are all just avoiding Essential Quality? Perhaps since Medina Spirit will not be in shape, his connections will just suit to get into the NY Travers.

Larry
DevilHorse

As suggested, the track at Belmont came up very wet, so the Perfect Sting was off the turf. So the turf horses of interest were scratched.

The Suburban was a doozy even if the track came up oozy.
Max Player proved to be the best of all, negotiating the awful going to win the race.
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
It was obvious that the jockeys were avoiding any of the lanes near the rail like the plague; some of the trips looked like they would get horses disqualified, but they didn't. Max Player stayed in the 6 lane (incredible) because the footing must have been good. What choices these jockeys had to make to go extra distance to get better traction for their horses. Read the comments on the results above; it is unusual to say the least and is a THROW OUT when handicapping these horse's next race IMHO. On top of that, the time was a credible 2:01 4/5 for 1 1/4 miles.

Frank's Rockette won the Saylorville:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
Although it did not look easy as Blinkers (the horse) put in a big effort. But Franks' Rockette didn't break a sweat, and these 2 were 8 lengths ahead of the next horse.

A couple of deaths to report.
Arazi passed away at the age of 32. I'm sure many of you remember the dominating win in the 2YO BC Juvenile many years ago. He never did live up to that hype as a 3YO or in the breeding shed. But he became a household name.
Also, Leo Ragozin passed away. He was one of the originators of The Sheets. This was a new way of looking at handicapping and introduced many of us to 'the bounce' in the performance of horses.
If you are interested in learning about it, go to this website: http://www.thesheets.com/
There were many imitators out there; they can be bought at the track or online, and you can find some free Sheets for some of the big races so you can get a taste of them. Reading them are an acquired taste, but some folks swear by it

Larry
DevilHorse

[TheDevilMadeMeDoIt]

As suggested, the track at Belmont came up very wet, so the Perfect Sting was off the turf. So the turf horses of interest were scratched.

The Suburban was a doozy even if the track came up oozy.
Max Player proved to be the best of all, negotiating the awful going to win the race.
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
It was obvious that the jockeys were avoiding any of the lanes near the rail like the plague; some of the trips looked like they would get horses disqualified, but they didn't. Max Player stayed in the 6 lane (incredible) because the footing must have been good. What choices these jockeys had to make to go extra distance to get better traction for their horses. Read the comments on the results above; it is unusual to say the least and is a THROW OUT when handicapping these horse's next race IMHO. On top of that, the time was a credible 2:01 4/5 for 1 1/4 miles.

Frank's Rockette won the Saylorville:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
Although it did not look easy as Blinkers (the horse) put in a big effort. But Franks' Rockette didn't break a sweat, and these 2 were 8 lengths ahead of the next horse.

A couple of deaths to report.
Arazi passed away at the age of 32. I'm sure many of you remember the dominating win in the 2YO BC Juvenile many years ago. He never did live up to that hype as a 3YO or in the breeding shed. But he became a household name.
Also, Leo Ragozin passed away. He was one of the originators of The Sheets. This was a new way of looking at handicapping and introduced many of us to 'the bounce' in the performance of horses.
If you are interested in learning about it, go to this website: http://www.thesheets.com/
There were many imitators out there; they can be bought at the track or online, and you can find some free Sheets for some of the big races so you can get a taste of them. Reading them are an acquired taste, but some folks swear by it

Larry
DevilHorse

I’ve only attended one Breeders Cup, but it was the year Arazi won. I don’t remember cashing many, if any, winning tickets that day. My memory is that it was a chilly, fall day at Churchill Downs.


I have never bought the Sheets. Like internet guys selling stock tips I figured if the guy had a system that worked he would make enough cash he wouldn’t be trying to make money selling his system. But thanks for the link, maybe I missed what could have made me a big winner all these years.

In reading your summary of the Prairie Meadows races I was reminded of how much the world has changed over my 71 years. While there have always been shippers, now a track in the boonies has top horses and jockeys fly in and take all the purse money. It’s sort of sad for the local jocks and horsemen.

[DevilHorse]

I’ve only attended one Breeders Cup, but it was the year Arazi won. I don’t remember cashing many, if any, winning tickets that day. My memory is that it was a chilly, fall day at Churchill Downs.


I have never bought the Sheets. Like internet guys selling stock tips I figured if the guy had a system that worked he would make enough cash he wouldn’t be trying to make money selling his system. But thanks for the link, maybe I missed what could have made me a big winner all these years.

In reading your summary of the Prairie Meadows races I was reminded of how much the world has changed over my 71 years. While there have always been shippers, now a track in the boonies has top horses and jockeys fly in and take all the purse money. It’s sort of sad for the local jocks and horsemen.

Thanks to Casinos (Racinos) and Simulcasting, yes, you too can have major horses show up at your track in far off places. Very True. BTW, getting people to show up and bet on track makes more money for the track then the same amount bet via simulcast.

A couple of interesting races today (Monday 7/5/2021):

Bob Baffert sends the wonderful mare Gamine out at Los Alamitos in CA:
http://www.brisnet.com/php/bw_pdf_vi...param3=1228768
By the numbers, there is a horse that can challenge in Edgeway. But you have to consider the class of horses that Edgeway ran against. There is no contest if these horses are in shape. Gamine has won 4 Grade Is; Edgeway lost her only Grade III. Should be no match.

Also, the Dwyer at Belmont for 3YOs:
http://www.brisnet.com/php/bw_pdf_vi...param3=1067088
First Captain looks to be the likely (undefeated) favorite, with Gershwin the second choice.

Speaking of Gershwin, I noticed that Joan Leslie starred as the second fiddle in the movie Rhapsody In Blue (story of George Gershwin), but also the love interests of Sergeant York (in the eponymous movie), and George M. Cohen in Yankee Doodle Dandy (a 4th of July favorite). She died just about 6 years ago. I saw an interview with her on TCM. The voice was unmistakable, but I didn't recognize her. She starred with some top talent and even appeared in some more modern TV shows. But I digress.

Larry
DevilHorse

[DevilHorse]

Thanks to Casinos (Racinos) and Simulcasting, yes, you too can have major horses show up at your track in far off places. Very True. BTW, getting people to show up and bet on track makes more money for the track then the same amount bet via simulcast.

A couple of interesting races today (Monday 7/5/2021):

Bob Baffert sends the wonderful mare Gamine out at Los Alamitos in CA:
http://www.brisnet.com/php/bw_pdf_vi...param3=1228768
By the numbers, there is a horse that can challenge in Edgeway. But you have to consider the class of horses that Edgeway ran against. There is no contest if these horses are in shape. Gamine has won 4 Grade Is; Edgeway lost her only Grade III. Should be no match.

Also, the Dwyer at Belmont for 3YOs:
http://www.brisnet.com/php/bw_pdf_vi...param3=1067088
First Captain looks to be the likely (undefeated) favorite, with Gershwin the second choice.

Speaking of Gershwin, I noticed that Joan Leslie starred as the second fiddle in the movie Rhapsody In Blue (story of George Gershwin), but also the love interests of Sergeant York (in the eponymous movie), and George M. Cohen in Yankee Doodle Dandy (a 4th of July favorite). She died just about 6 years ago. I saw an interview with her on TCM. The voice was unmistakable, but I didn't recognize her. She starred with some top talent and even appeared in some more modern TV shows. But I digress.

Larry
DevilHorse

Gamine was wicked fast yesterday, in the Great Lady M stakes, covering the 6.5 furlongs in a time that looked like a slow 6.0 furlong mark:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
She didn't switch leads until the last 1/8 of a mile and won by 10 lengths. Class (and fitness) wins out.
Edgeway was fried trying to keep up with the early fractions and melted to 4th.

First Captain, a $1.5M yearling son of Curlin, continued his undefeated streak, winning the Dwyer.
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
He took his time, blindswitched (moving pick for you Basketballers) Gershwin (who finished 3rd) and easily loped past Ridin With Biden in the long stretch.

In other News, on the EK Board forums, Jessica Springsteen made the US Olympic Equestrian team. She is from Colts Neck NJ; not too far from Monmouth Park. It is (obviously horse country). There are lots of horses and jumpers in that part of our county (yes, I'm a Monmouth resident). I have friends whose kids are very good at it. I used to drive by the hardware store in Colts Neck (just 6 mi east of Highway 9 for you Born To Run fans) on my way home from work, where The Boss sightings have occurred, and I'd stop in when I had a need to, but I never had a sighting myself. But I did see Lady's Secret, daughter of Great Lady M, at Monmouth Park, when she ran in the Iselin once. She won the Molly Pitcher as a 3YO, but lost the Iselin just as a torrential downpour started. She was a surprisingly little horse, but a great one!

Larry
DevilHorse

[DevilHorse]

Who here didn't see the movie Seabiscuit, based on the Laura Hillenbrand book?

It was a great movie!

Here is a short video on the real Seabiscuit that shows how close the movie was to the truth (or to this video anyway):
https://twitter.com/i/status/1412208171205251077

At least I can say that the race scenes were a bit more convincing than the Secretariat movie.

Larry
DevilHorse

[DevilHorse]

Today! The winner of this year's Matt Winn stakes, Fulsome, is running in the Indiana Derby at the Indiana Grand.
http://www.brisnet.com/php/bw_pdf_vi...param3=1770396
I could be wrong, but it is Wednesday.

Not bad for an under the radar $300K event.

In other news, Medina Spirit is definitely out of the Haskell. I would expect (my opinion) that he will stay on the west coast for the rest of the year.

Larry
DevilHorse

[DevilHorse]

Today! The winner of this year's Matt Winn stakes, Fulsome, is running in the Indiana Derby at the Indiana Grand.
http://www.brisnet.com/php/bw_pdf_vi...param3=1770396
I could be wrong, but it is Wednesday.

Not bad for an under the radar $300K event.

In other news, Medina Spirit is definitely out of the Haskell. I would expect (my opinion) that he will stay on the west coast for the rest of the year.

Larry
DevilHorse

Mr. Wireless won the Indiana Derby, with Fulsome finishing 3rd. Fulsome used his one run to only move into strategic position in the middle of the race.
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
Mr. Wireless received a 92 Beyer for his efforts.

However, speed does not always make excitement.
Take the earlier race; the Indiana Oaks which was won by Soothsay with a 77 Beyer:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
Soothsay jumped in the air when the gate opened, spotting her rivals 4 lengths. In a last to first effort, she split her rivals in the stretch to win a photo at the end under the guidance of Master Pilot Flavian Prat. Prat did not panic after the slow start and slowly brought her back into the race; kudos to a great rider.
Here is a video discussing the race:
https://twitter.com/i/status/1412924326848778246

I am deeply saddened to hear that Harvey Pack has passed away at the ripe old age of 94. If any of you have had the pleasure of observing any NYRA shows or New York tracks from the 1970s to the early 2000s, Pack at the Track was a staple. He brought a great humor to handicapping and great perspective. On big race days, top handicappers loved to attend his handicapping seminars (Andy Beyer was always around) and you got a real flavor for ways to make the game your own. Rest easy Harvey. May the Horse Be With You!!


Larry
DevilHorse