Horse Racing questions and answers

[Easy-Rider 66]

THX for the recollection STR. Good read.

[Optional]

I don't know what happened to cause the pain but it sure sounds like you are at that place of being comfortable with what is. I think I can relate a little and am happy for you.

[str]

As I had mentioned previously, the annual Horseman's reunion was a couple of Sundays ago. And as many of the long time readers of this mess know, for years I was unable to talk about the track or even visit it when I first left. It took about 10 years to be able to start talking about the track at all. I only mentioned it when asked and said little. But over time, it became very clear to me that not only was leaving the right thing to do not only for my family as well as myself but talking to people about it is as well.

Having only worked at the racetrack since leaving high school, I had very little idea of what was going on elsewhere. It's like when you walked through the stable gate, you were closed off to everything else that mattered and I found myself in that realm only. Everything else was so secondary to me that I didn't pay any attention. It was all about the horses and the game within the game. And as I have said in here before, it had nothing to do with betting on the horses at the track, it was playing that game within the game where the betting was on thousands of dollars bet in the form of claims on horses that could make a lot of money, or lose just as much or more money. And starting training at the age of 21 years old, ten thousand dollars in 1976 was as serious an amount of money as I had ever dealt with by far. It was about every moving part of the racetrack except the betting windows and the tickets they produced. The only news I cared about was the local weather. It was my own little world and it was my focus at all times.

So when I left, I found myself kind of lost. I had a lot of time on my hands. I started a company in the building business building new houses, just one at a time and that allowed me to have so much extra time for my kids, my wife, my father who was quite old, and I even got to coach baseball which was my first love as a kid. But all during that time, I talked about the track only when asked and said very little.
I finally , and I am not so sure why, started talking about why I left the track after years of avoiding the question. It has taken a couple of years now but I am quite comfortable with it these days. I do try hard to get it right as 25 years can alter the facts somewhat if I am not careful. So I respect that.
I say all this because in the last several months, I have told three people about this thread that I always respected. Nobody knew about it for years. One was an owner of mine that I had as much or more fun with than probably any other stable I trained for. He also is a lifelong dear friend that I knew as a kid. The 2nd one is a former owner I trained for with a few other people in his partnership. They were school teachers and man did we have fun during those times. Especially at my favorite track of all time, Bowie .The 3rd one, was a writer for the Washington Post, as well as several other publications . I have mentioned him in here before as he was the writer that wrote an article on Jimmy Hamilton, the crippled man who wanted to be a groom. Nobody would give Jimmy a chance and for some reason I decided to give it a try. That story is embedded in this long and winding thread from years back.

The reason I am posting this is because those three people I mentioned have been made aware of this thread after all these years. And for some odd reason, I feel like the sun has finally come out on a story I have kept quiet about for a long time. Of course, there is much more to this story, some of which I do not feel is appropriate to talk about in a public forum. But don't worry about that. It is what many would consider hot gossip at best and it really doesn't matter in the broader sense of the race track.

So the main thing I want to be able to share with those that care to read this, is that the racetrack, with all it's glory and shortcomings is no different than most places I assume. Like the clubhouse of a sports team and all that goes on that we don't see. Or a large company where people are like lobsters in a tank trying to crawl over and on top of one another to get out. It is simply a place, like many I'm sure, that have a ton of stories few have ever heard but can be interesting to those that like that particular sport.

It feels good to mention those people I just spoke about and there are hundreds and surely thousands more that make up all those years of memories in Maryland racing . And that leads me to a subject that I find painful but yet, not surprising at all. I will talk about this I guess, almost like it will be a wake of sorts, because , and I hope I am very wrong about this, but from what I see and hear, Maryland racing is just about finished as it was for so many years.
It looks like it will become some sort of a boutique meet that runs several months in the late spring and summer. Sure the Preakness will be there, but that is not at all what Md. racing was. At least not to me.
That is what I am hearing and seeing and it is about as sad over at Laurel as it can be. I could be wrong, and I sure hope I am. And I will find out more soon and keep everyone posted but that is the consensus around the backside and lifelong workers, trainers, etc. there are at a loss for words. Like I said, I hope I and everyone there are wrong. But the mood in the clubhouse as they say, is somber to say the least.
I thought it was time to share what seems to be the reality of Md. racing.

I'll keep everyone posted as I hear more.

Thanks.

[batt33]

thought the ride was fine ..think the 3 drifting cost him in the upper stretch,around the 1/16th pole and the slow fractions didn't help his cause ..also instant replay might be have been at least a little more fit off his race vs caldera's in the la derby ..I think they're probably happy with that effort and could see them trying the preakbess

He broke fine and as you said, is not big push button speed, but has plenty of gas for early position. That is exactly what he did. The rider leaving the gate tries to get him running early, but the 1 is way too fast and the 6 has more early as well. The rider sees this after about 10 seconds, looks to his right to be sure he will be clear, and does the reasonable thing. Sits 3rd, with a clear right eye, so as to try and relax a bit and get into the flow of things.
He is fine down the backside and avoiding kickback.
Down the backside the jock has done everything right. He has the 5 pinned and knows exactly where the favorite (7) is.
He feels the 7 starting to advance and starts his move right on time IMO. The horse does not have a burst of foot but like you said, has a steady run that improves when asked. But not a burst, which is fine. That's who this horse is.
So the 7 gets even with him and seems to have his head in front as well but Caldara is far from done. So when the 3 drifts out which he has every right to do because he is clear, it looks like Caldera has a reason to back off if he wants but he does not. He continues on game as can be, between horses and eating dirt, and also fights through the 7 drifting in enough to make Caldera move out a path. The 7 had the position all the way through the stretch. Caldera and his rider did everything you could ask of them. That rider, IMO, did nothing wrong at all. The horse does not have a sudden kick, but will wear you down. He was game throughout.
The fact that the 7 closed into those crawling middle fractions was very impressive. The fact that the pace setters were done late speaks volumes as well IMO. And while the winner ran great, Caldera ran easily 2nd best by continuing on and getting past those two pace setters .
If the owners want to blame someone, blame the horse. But I find that hard to do because he is who he is, and he never stopped trying. So, IMO, there is no blame to be had anywhere.
Caldera ran a real solid race. And agree, it sets him up very well for a swing at the Preakness if he is ready at that time. Buwo....t no way that rider did anything wrong IMO.
Nice effort Batt ! I honestly was not sure if he was of that caliber, but today, he was. I thought it was very encouraging for the future.

Thanks you two for your takes ...I've been dealing with dad.... so haven't been on much

[Easy-Rider 66]

I am Not a big fan of following Army Mule progeny and I told STR that. I think a distinct thread would bring more value to your exercise in the long run. However, My main agenda is whatever is most convenient for STR. So keeping it here is fine by me. We move forward. all good.

[JBEX]

I'll try and double up days at least once a week..between that and days when none are running won't take up a lot of space

[JBEX]

I think if there's going to be occasional commentary/review of races I'm sure str would rather do that in this thread so makes sense to keep posting them here

[Easy-Rider 66]

i inquired with STR this early morn on where the ARMY MULE PROGENY THREAD was? He said he preferred the info to be put back in his thread and I replied whatever works for him I am game. I thought it would be nice to have a distinct thread for this type of posting and info but again whatever STR prefers is good with me.

[JBEX]

str asked if I could put the army mule's back in here


weds

horseshoe 8 @ 5:47

#6 army fever (12-1)




.

[str]

Thanks you two.... didn't even get to see the race live as was dealing with stuff....
Interested to see your takes on the ride.... saw nothing wrong with it... but of course there are a bunch of jockeys in the MRH Crowd

Caldera doesn't have push button speed and doesn't like strong handling.... short version

He broke fine and as you said, is not big push button speed, but has plenty of gas for early position. That is exactly what he did. The rider leaving the gate tries to get him running early, but the 1 is way too fast and the 6 has more early as well. The rider sees this after about 10 seconds, looks to his right to be sure he will be clear, and does the reasonable thing. Sits 3rd, with a clear right eye, so as to try and relax a bit and get into the flow of things.
He is fine down the backside and avoiding kickback.
Down the backside the jock has done everything right. He has the 5 pinned and knows exactly where the favorite (7) is.
He feels the 7 starting to advance and starts his move right on time IMO. The horse does not have a burst of foot but like you said, has a steady run that improves when asked. But not a burst, which is fine. That's who this horse is.
So the 7 gets even with him and seems to have his head in front as well but Caldara is far from done. So when the 3 drifts out which he has every right to do because he is clear, it looks like Caldera has a reason to back off if he wants but he does not. He continues on game as can be, between horses and eating dirt, and also fights through the 7 drifting in enough to make Caldera move out a path. The 7 had the position all the way through the stretch. Caldera and his rider did everything you could ask of them. That rider, IMO, did nothing wrong at all. The horse does not have a sudden kick, but will wear you down. He was game throughout.
The fact that the 7 closed into those crawling middle fractions was very impressive. The fact that the pace setters were done late speaks volumes as well IMO. And while the winner ran great, Caldera ran easily 2nd best by continuing on and getting past those two pace setters .
If the owners want to blame someone, blame the horse. But I find that hard to do because he is who he is, and he never stopped trying. So, IMO, there is no blame to be had anywhere.
Caldera ran a real solid race. And agree, it sets him up very well for a swing at the Preakness if he is ready at that time. But no way that rider did anything wrong IMO.
Nice effort Batt ! I honestly was not sure if he was of that caliber, but today, he was. I thought it was very encouraging for the future.

[JBEX]

Thanks you two.... didn't even get to see the race live as was dealing with stuff....
Interested to see your takes on the ride.... saw nothing wrong with it... but of course there are a bunch of jockeys in the MRH Crowd

Caldera doesn't have push button speed and doesn't like strong handling.... short version

thought the ride was fine ..think the 3 drifting cost him in the upper stretch,around the 1/16th pole and the slow fractions didn't help his cause ..also instant replay might be have been at least a little more fit off his race vs caldera's in the la derby ..I think they're probably happy with that effort and could see them trying the preakbess

[batt33]

So sorry to hear that Batt.

Glad it was minor. Hopeful for the best.

Your a good man Batt.

It's a fulfillment many children never feel. The ones that do that, couldn't imagine not.

All the best and good luck today with your horses.

sorry to hear batt..hope things go as well as possible

Thanks you two.... didn't even get to see the race live as was dealing with stuff....
Interested to see your takes on the ride.... saw nothing wrong with it... but of course there are a bunch of jockeys in the MRH Crowd

Caldera doesn't have push button speed and doesn't like strong handling.... short version

[JBEX]

caldera

heck with 15-1 ml ..how about 1-5 with 16 mtp !

oh yeah..mrh bettors

[JBEX]

caldera

heck with 15-1 ml ..how about 1-5 with 16 mtp !

[JBEX]

Sounds good, I'm dealing with my Dad you had a minor stroke .....but wanted to come home.....ugh 85 years old.

sorry to hear batt..hope things go as well as possible

[str]

Sounds good, I'm dealing with my Dad you had a minor stroke .....but wanted to come home.....ugh 85 years old.

So sorry to hear that Batt.

Glad it was minor. Hopeful for the best.

Your a good man Batt.

It's a fulfillment many children never feel. The ones that do that, couldn't imagine not.

All the best and good luck today with your horses.

[str]

Getting old sux. Have patience. Been there. Best advice "No Regrets"!!

I sleep better at night knowing I took care of my mom and dad while my other siblings were far away on the sidelines.

Yep.
They did find time to attend the reading of the will though.

I was darn proud to be able to. They kept me warm and fed when I could not.

[Madison]

two horses running today Caldera race 6 Oaklawn number 2. Moonlight courage race 10 Santa anita.

Caldera has some tough company with the 1 and the 7. BOL!!

[Madison]

Sounds good, I'm dealing with my Dad you had a minor stroke .....but wanted to come home.....ugh 85 years old.

Getting old sux. Have patience. Been there. Best advice "No Regrets"!!

I sleep better at night knowing I took care of my mom and dad while my other siblings were far away on the sidelines.

[batt33]

two horses running today Caldera race 6 Oaklawn number 2. Moonlight courage race 10 Santa anita.

[batt33]

I promised some pictures from the reunion and I do have 1 that I took but can get my hands on some others most likely.

Work is taking all my time lately but that won't last.

I do check in so let me know if anyone needs anything.

Sounds good, I'm dealing with my Dad you had a minor stroke .....but wanted to come home.....ugh 85 years old.

[str]

I promised some pictures from the reunion and I do have 1 that I took but can get my hands on some others most likely.

Work is taking all my time lately but that won't last.

I do check in so let me know if anyone needs anything.

[Madison]

with these connections imo whatever was wrong is probably corrected .. wouldn't be concerned if he's ok and the last race he exits winner ran a huge figure

Always appreciated!!

[JBEX]

Here's an interesting one.

AQ R7 #1 Reason Analysis. Last was 1st since 6/24. Cox. Thoughts??

with these connections imo whatever was wrong is probably corrected .. wouldn't be concerned if he's ok and the last race he exits winner ran a huge figure

[Madison]

Here's an interesting one.

AQ R7 #1 Reason Analysis. Last was 1st since 6/24. Cox. Thoughts??

[str]

I was rooting for ya! Hope you had a great day yesterday! That would have been fun to be at!

They moved the traditional pin placement for round 4. Lolol.

I did have a really good time seeing my old friends. It was special.

Thanks Batt.

[batt33]

Changing topics for a minute, I have only needed a hole in one on 16 in the Masters since Friday in the SBR Bingo game. Lol. Can everyone that watches today help will somebody’s tee shot on 16 into the hole please ?
I will have to record it because today is the racetrack reunion at Laurel Park for all the old or still current people that worked there in any capacity back in the day .

Some HOF people will be there as well as a lot of us that spent our time in various capacities there, doing what we do, everyday. I will try and get some pictures to post for you but if anyone is going to be there, come check it out or say hi. I’m str and if you are looking for me just ask about anyone and chances are they will know who str is. It is from 12-4pm on the 2nd floor clubhouse side.

I was rooting for ya! Hope you had a great day yesterday! That would have been fun to be at!

[str]

no problem str

obviously for me the attraction was following HN but as you pointed out a little research on how the track was playing,likely race scenario and her tremendous off track pedigree might make you consider 7-5 as not so bad ..also the extra half furlong certainly favorable with that sire dam sire combo

have a hunch also they wanted to avoid what happened in her last race ..battling on the front end of a very slow pace and getting caught late

young,lightly raced,great pedigree and trainer ..a little more mature and experienced also .. she'll be an interesting follow this year

Agree JBEX.

[str]

yeah he said a horse the last race was having issues with his hind legs pushing off and that sometimes gelding in the answer. Bingo Pletcher gelded the horse and he scored at 9/1

That is solid info EZ. And that happens more than you might think.
always good to have a guy like that to help see the little things.

[JBEX]

Changing topics for a minute, I have only needed a hole in one on 16 in the Masters since Friday in the SBR Bingo game. Lol. Can everyone that watches today help will somebody’s tee shot on 16 into the hole please ?
I will have to record it because today is the racetrack reunion at Laurel Park for all the old or still current people that worked there in any capacity back in the day .

Some HOF people will be there as well as a lot of us that spent our time in various capacities there, doing what we do, everyday. I will try and get some pictures to post for you but if anyone is going to be there, come check it out or say hi. I’m str and if you are looking for me just ask about anyone and chances are they will know who str is. It is from 12-4pm on the 2nd floor clubhouse side.

enjoy your day str

[JBEX]

Outrageously bred to like/ love an off track, this was a total overlay IMO. Easy for me to say that after the race but when 6 of the 9 races are won wire to wire, and a horse like this is going to the lead in a small field which will most likely produce fair early fractions, when a setup like this occurs, more logic and analysis is needed than just the form itself as to who might be better. This was more like who might be better TODAY, on that track, with a 4 horse field. ( Without seeing the form, I assume the favorite wanted to lay just off and rate a little early? )
As you know JBEX, often times you put the race together as to early position on paper before the race looking for too much early pressure or whatever the most likely flow of the race might show. In this case, a horse of high quality is going to get the chance to set very fair early fractions on a track that is clearly favoring speed and on an off track that this horse is royally bred for. That would be a solid play on in any circumstance.

I hope people reading this that are inquiring as to how to maybe help them handicap better or see things others might not consider, try this. It REALLY works. Not always, because stuff happens in races, but they have to trust me when I say that if they do it, when it does come together, they will think they found a new tool that only some can see,. And... They have.

I always remember back in the day that everyone would say how NY bettors are the sharpest there are but in today's world of simulcast, not so much. It is post race so don't I sound smart guy, but in all honesty, the wrong horse was 3-5 IMO.

Setting up an early race flow like Timeform, (Craig Malinowski) shows, is a MUST for me when mapping out a race. PACE MAKES THE RACE is so important to remember when handicapping.

Hope that helps someone with their handicapping. If they try it, I promise it will.

Thanks for letting me know JBEX.

no problem str

obviously for me the attraction was following HN but as you pointed out a little research on how the track was playing,likely race scenario and her tremendous off track pedigree might make you consider 7-5 as not so bad ..also the extra half furlong certainly favorable with that sire dam sire combo

have a hunch also they wanted to avoid what happened in her last race ..battling on the front end of a very slow pace and getting caught late

young,lightly raced,great pedigree and trainer ..a little more mature and experienced also .. she'll be an interesting follow this year

[Easy-Rider 66]

yeah he said a horse the last race was having issues with his hind legs pushing off and that sometimes gelding in the answer. Bingo Pletcher gelded the horse and he scored at 9/1

My top pick is Eliminate (#3), who returns from a layoff for Todd Pletcher. This runner has been a mild disappointment, never really building upon some promising efforts behind the likes of future graded stakes winners Deterministic and Domestic Product early in his career. He did eventually break his maiden sprinting, suggesting that shorter distances are preferable for this son of Curlin. However, he lost much of his early speed after that even as his speed figures started to improve. He seemed to struggle pushing away from the gate with his hind end, often leaving himself with too much to do. Horses with that issue can sometimes benefit from being gelded, and that's exactly what Pletcher did for him. He has been training for this return like clockwork down at Palm Beach Downs for his 4-year-old debut. Pletcher can certainly have one ready off a layoff, and this gelding's uneven form should ensure a fair price.

[Easy-Rider 66]

So much to learn from David Aragona. He is a top 1% guy in my book.

He often tells you WHY he likes who he likes. That is gold.
Thanks EZ.

yeah he said a horse the last race was having issues with his hind legs pushing off and that sometimes gelding in the answer. Bingo Pletcher gelded the horse and he scored at 9/1

[str]

as far as AQ Yesterday STR yeah most horses won on the lead but David Aragona Had 2 of the shots that came off the pace to win. I tailed him on SAT and tied for 3rd in a HT 120 player contest. He is one sharp capper as he hit a 10/1 and 9/1 shot there.

So much to learn from David Aragona. He is a top 1% guy in my book.

He often tells you WHY he likes who he likes. That is gold.
Thanks EZ.

[Easy-Rider 66]

as far as AQ Yesterday STR yeah most horses won on the lead but David Aragona Had 2 of the shots that came off the pace to win. I tailed him on SAT and tied for 3rd in a HT 120 player contest. He is one sharp capper as he hit a 10/1 and 9/1 shot there.