Horse Racing questions and answers

[ProSportsEdge]

Honestly I think this might happen to some degree in harness racing, but I do not know for sure, but if it is happening anywhere in flat racing other than some rinky dink track as small and backwards as Charlestown at least and probably less than that , I would be stunned. For a trainer to say something like that at let's say Pimlico , Del. Park , Parx. is simply unheard of. In my time it did not exist. If you could give me more info as to who would do this or where the race took place I could better speak too it. Please let me know.

Yeah, I get what you’re saying. That kind of thing might happen at a small harness track, but at places like Pimlico, Del Park, or Parx, I’ve never heard anything like it. If you can share who said it or where it happened, it’d be a lot easier to get a clear picture.

[ProSportsEdge]

Not hijacking at all. My expertise as to the betting end is limited and outdated . It is the training end that I am best suited. I certainly expect plenty of betting questions and some of those I am not best suited for especially with the newer information that did not exist unless you created it yourself back in the day.
I have to think that people get confused as to why a trainer might do or not do things and why a horse did or did not do certain things.Understanding that pace is so important, etc.
Thanks for the help.

No worries at all. Your perspective from the training side is really valuable. Most of us only see it from the betting angle, so hearing why trainers do certain things definitely helps. Appreciate you sharing your experience.

[ProSportsEdge]

Just read where the head of Team Valor said on national T.V. that trainers lied to him all the time. But when pressed as to if he meant Pletcher or Catalano he said "no not them".
Sounds like he got caught up in the moment too me. That was a terrible accusation he went with at exactly the wrong time.
As for Graham Motion , I can say without hesitation that he is one of the nicest guys I have ever met in my life. We shared a barn for a couple of years at Laurel and I could not be happier for him and his wife. A very solid horseman and I feel privileged to have gotten to know him. Good for him!

Yeah, that comment seemed totally off the cuff. And couldn’t agree more about Graham Motion — such a solid, genuine guy.

[ProSportsEdge]

Honestly I think this might happen to some degree in harness racing, but I do not know for sure, but if it is happening anywhere in flat racing other than some rinky dink track as small and backwards as Charlestown at least and probably less than that , I would be stunned. For a trainer to say something like that at let's say Pimlico , Del. Park , Parx. is simply unheard of. In my time it did not exist. If you could give me more info as to who would do this or where the race took place I could better speak too it. Please let me know.

Yeah, totally get what you’re saying. At places like Pimlico or Parx, you’d never hear a trainer say that. Smaller tracks are a different story though. If you can share which track it was, that might help clear things up.

[str]

• Laurel Race Course . Understanding the surface at certain times of the year.
• This time of year at Laurel, they add dirt to the cushion almost daily so as to build up the depth so they have more to work with than in the warmer months. This is needed for the cold months.
• And because of the pitch of the track, the added dirt tends to settle more inside than outside. ,Thus, the deadish rail in November. That will clean itself up soon when it gets into the upper 30's at night. They will start grading the track everyday and especially when rain is in the forecast. Look for a nice rail on off tracks into December.
• And if you keep notes on those inside deep track trips now and use them next month , you will find horses coming from against the bias to with the bias, which as we know, is the closest thing to stealing that you can get as a handicapper.
• Hope that helps.

[str]

I have a meeting today with the VP of Md. racing to discuss my plan. Amazing that if you live long enough, you know many of the top shelf people at the track. She and I have been friends for 40+ years. I'll keep you posted.

Guess I'm finally connected ! LOLOL

A follow up. I have another meeting next Friday with the VP and whoever else she is bringing in.

THIS WILL HAPPEN !

The question is... to what extent.

People that I have witnessed work their asses off for decades and might not have much money, more than make up for it with the class, and dignity I saw.

They will NOT be forgotten. Not if I have anything to say about it.

I'll let everyone know, and thanks for the support.

[str]

national Commissioner? str, I think YOU might have the qualifications.

Props on looking out for the former workers. You are correct. If they made contributions to the industry, they deserve something on the back-end.

I have a meeting today with the VP of Md. racing to discuss my plan. Amazing that if you live long enough, you know many of the top shelf people at the track. She and I have been friends for 40+ years. I'll keep you posted.

Guess I'm finally connected ! LOLOL

[ChuckyTheGoat]

national Commissioner? str, I think YOU might have the qualifications.

Props on looking out for the former workers. You are correct. If they made contributions to the industry, they deserve something on the back-end.

[str]

In the past few months it has come to my attention that some former jockey's, grooms, trainers, jock agents, or whatever the job description, are living in what I would classify as deplorable conditions.

IMO, this has to be addressed.

I am in the beginning stages of trying my best to form an opportunity for former and I suppose still current backstretch workers to reset their finances in such a way that they can be more comfortable in their retirement or older years. I did not realize the deplorable living conditions that some of these people, who if you met, I guarantee you you would like, are currently living under. It seems that by helping educate these people to the rights and wrongs of finances, as well as look into each condition on a case by case basis to find a way forward for them to upgrade their lives through using what they have but do not know how to properly use the tools that are out there. It seems many are just not aware of their options.
The reason for posting this in here is two fold. First, I think that some readers actually know who I am and most likely worked or followed Maryland racing. And if so, they probably know of someone who is in need of help. Maybe they are to some degree. There are so many programs out there that are not necessarily charity, but programs that can look at each persons situation and show them how to best utilize what is available for them. Sometimes, charitable help is indeed necessary. I hope to form that phase but my main goal is to help people utilize what they already process to their maximum benefit.

There are plenty of people that have plenty of money and would like to help but don't know exactly how. And of course, there are many out there who do not know how to utilize what is available to them. There are also cases that simply need monetary help. My goal will be to help individuals find the necessary path to become comfortable and not worried about day to day living and feel there is no hope.

Not even sure why I am posting this here but if one person that is in need can be helped, that seems like a win too me. This is in it's infancy at this point but I am all in on getting this up and running as soon as I possibly can.
I'll post more as I know it.

Thank you.

[str]

A couple of Breeders Cup thoughts:

With the CAW's doing their greedy best to destroy horse racing, let's look at two things that mattered other than the greed of track management, (at some tracks not all), last Saturday.

1. White Arbarrio was scratched during warmups.
OK, the vets on site have a duty to protect the horse as well as the betting public. That is a tough job. They are right way more than they are wrong. BUT... Why the secret squirrel lack of transparency with the vets? What the hell? They won't even discuss it with the trainer or ownership of the horse much less the last one to ever be considered, the fans.

I have no idea why in 2025 the vets are allowed to act like it was 1972. I use that year because that is when I started at the track full time and could witness first hand the secrecy that took place and still does. This is totally unacceptable in todays world.

I realize the racetrack is always the last to change as it loves to linger in the last century but you got to be kidding me. Unbelievable !

Did White Albarrio look off when we got a glimpse of him being ponied back to the paddock with 2 minutes to post on TV? Yes, he did look somewhat off in his left front if memory serves ... BUT.. that was while being held by a ponyboy with his head cocked to the left. A full decision and opinion should have been presented to the owners and trainers and , the public, but instead, silence. C'mon man, wake up !!! 1960 called and they want their authoritative ways of conducting horse racing back. Get in the game horse racing.

"May I have your attention please"...Paging for a national Commissioner please, will a national commissioner please stand up!
Heck, I'd take Slim Shady at this point. At least he owns it.

2. Horse of the Year. IMO, this crap about whoever wins the Classic is horse of the year is complete nonsense. Give that horse, horse of the day, the Classic, whatever, but you don't become a horse of the year in one day. It says in the title, horse of the year.

So look at every horses body of work "for the entire year."

And if you do that, my vote would be Sovereignty.

I can't think of who would be 2nd. I guess someone is and I'm missing it but did they really do more than Sovereignty did for the year?

My two cents.

[batt33]

Looks good Batt.

That first set out in the morning!!


Oh my," I can almost feel that wind".

Everyone is in a good mood, horses included. That time in the morning is something I will NEVER forget.

It reminded me of one of my favorite songs.

I remember how it used to feel
Riding down old two mile hill
Tennis shoes up on the handle bars
Paying no mind to the passing cars
No doubts, no fears, just like when you are here
No chains, no strings, no fences, no walls
No net, just you to catch me when I fall
Look heart, no hands
It took a little time to get up to speed
To find the confidence and strength I need
To just let go and reach for the sky
You Know sometimes it felt I could fly
No doubts, no fears, just like when you are here
No chains, no strings, no fences, no walls
No net, just you to catch me when I fall
Look heart, no hands
It doesn't take much, just a smile or a touch
And I'm a kid again, I can almost feel that wind
No chains, no strings, no fences, no walls
No net, just you to catch me when I fall
Look heart, no hands
Look heart, no hands

Randy Travis


Thanks Batt

Very cool song! I have to admit you got me.... the first set of the day going out..... that also brought back good memories STR!

[batt33]

Oh My !

22.36
22.28
11.70

56.38

Lolol.

This could be fun! Wesley Ward giving him some time off now before gearing up for the spring! I loved the way he galloped out!

[str]

Caldera Update



We checked in on Caldera yesterday morning at Highlander Training Center and your son of Liam’s Map could not have looked any better. He now has eight days of galloping under him and started yesterday galloping twice around the Highlander track. “He’s engaged in his training, always willing to do more,” said Jeff Hooper.

While time does most horses some good, this break from the racetrack has really done this colt well, allowing him to finally fill out into that big frame of his. We're excited to see how he progresses from here.

https://cdnb-media.myracehorse.com/b...0716952831.mp4

Looks good Batt.

That first set out in the morning!!


Oh my," I can almost feel that wind".

Everyone is in a good mood, horses included. That time in the morning is something I will NEVER forget.

It reminded me of one of my favorite songs.

I remember how it used to feel
Riding down old two mile hill
Tennis shoes up on the handle bars
Paying no mind to the passing cars
No doubts, no fears, just like when you are here
No chains, no strings, no fences, no walls
No net, just you to catch me when I fall
Look heart, no hands
It took a little time to get up to speed
To find the confidence and strength I need
To just let go and reach for the sky
You Know sometimes it felt I could fly
No doubts, no fears, just like when you are here
No chains, no strings, no fences, no walls
No net, just you to catch me when I fall
Look heart, no hands
It doesn't take much, just a smile or a touch
And I'm a kid again, I can almost feel that wind
No chains, no strings, no fences, no walls
No net, just you to catch me when I fall
Look heart, no hands
Look heart, no hands

Randy Travis


Thanks Batt

[str]

and STR here are a couple of others ... I know you like watching the video's!
Commissioned Workout Report



Commissioned worked five furlongs in 1:00 flat yesterday morning at Santa Anita Park. He can be spotted under jockey Armando Ayuso on the outside of a pair from the Papaprodromou barn. Dan mentioned that Commissioned has been a bit green still in his two most recent works, and as you can see in the video above he is wanting to lean in a bit in the stretch while carrying his head higher and cocked to the outside as a result. Dan is considering adding “cheater” blinkers in his next work, which are a small cup in hopes to focus his attention at the task ahead. This was still a solid work overall, but we feel there are still improvements to be had—which is a positive.

https://cdnb-media.myracehorse.com/b...2278864687.mp4

Love watching videos. Thanks Batt.

Inside horse is climbing, that is, wasted high leg action which slows him down. A shadow roll might help him level off some. Might like two turns down the road.

Horse in the middle seems to understand things more than the other two. But already has a shadow roll on so seems mentally ahead of the others.

Outside horse ranged up nicely but seemed lost when he was in front. Small cup Blinkers should help with the focus to finish stronger. They are still learning though. All three will get better.

[str]

Thanks STR! yeah Dad and Mom missed the race ,he was in the hospital... still dealing with stuff he got to see the replay though! and thought the same thing.

Check out this "pocket Rocket " may just be my next SNC on the turf this time! no need for a name or number!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFVDaUKt5q4

Oh My !

22.36
22.28
11.70

56.38

Lolol.

[batt33]

Caldera Update



We checked in on Caldera yesterday morning at Highlander Training Center and your son of Liam’s Map could not have looked any better. He now has eight days of galloping under him and started yesterday galloping twice around the Highlander track. “He’s engaged in his training, always willing to do more,” said Jeff Hooper.

While time does most horses some good, this break from the racetrack has really done this colt well, allowing him to finally fill out into that big frame of his. We're excited to see how he progresses from here.

https://cdnb-media.myracehorse.com/blog/video/MyMovie141_1760716952831/MP4/MyMovie141_1760716952831.mp4

[batt33]

and STR here are a couple of others ... I know you like watching the video's!
Commissioned Workout Report



Commissioned worked five furlongs in 1:00 flat yesterday morning at Santa Anita Park. He can be spotted under jockey Armando Ayuso on the outside of a pair from the Papaprodromou barn. Dan mentioned that Commissioned has been a bit green still in his two most recent works, and as you can see in the video above he is wanting to lean in a bit in the stretch while carrying his head higher and cocked to the outside as a result. Dan is considering adding “cheater” blinkers in his next work, which are a small cup in hopes to focus his attention at the task ahead. This was still a solid work overall, but we feel there are still improvements to be had—which is a positive.

https://cdnb-media.myracehorse.com/blog/video/IMG2551_1762278864687/MP4/IMG2551_1762278864687.mp4

[batt33]

Just before turning for home, he’s making that run and I said to myself, go on Batt !
Well, he flattened out but you got that one last shot of adrenaline didn’t you ?
in a way, kind of what the games all about. I know your dad got a quick jolt as well.
Some gifts man cannot give but a horse can.

All cool stuff as you know Batt.

Congratulations on a great experience to you and your family. Your a lucky guy.

Thanks STR! yeah Dad and Mom missed the race ,he was in the hospital... still dealing with stuff he got to see the replay though! and thought the same thing.

Check out this "pocket Rocket " may just be my next SNC on the turf this time! no need for a name or number!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFVDaUKt5q4

[str]

He is home safe... around the far run I thought he had it just like last year........ but wasn't his day

Just before turning for home, he’s making that run and I said to myself, go on Batt !
Well, he flattened out but you got that one last shot of adrenaline didn’t you ?
in a way, kind of what the games all about. I know your dad got a quick jolt as well.
Some gifts man cannot give but a horse can.

All cool stuff as you know Batt.

Congratulations on a great experience to you and your family. Your a lucky guy.

[ProSportsEdge]

Honestly I think this might happen to some degree in harness racing, but I do not know for sure, but if it is happening anywhere in flat racing other than some rinky dink track as small and backwards as Charlestown at least and probably less than that , I would be stunned. For a trainer to say something like that at let's say Pimlico , Del. Park , Parx. is simply unheard of. In my time it did not exist. If you could give me more info as to who would do this or where the race took place I could better speak too it. Please let me know.

Yeah, that makes sense — it’d be surprising to see that kind of thing happening at bigger tracks like Pimlico or Parx. Smaller circuits can be a different story, but at that level, it’s usually way more regulated. Curious to see if any details come out about where this supposedly happened.

[JBEX]

by army mule sunday


lot's of them going tomorrow and with things being so slow this week will extend it a day



baq 5 (1:24)
5 army proud (6-1)


del mar 6 (6:01)
1 saint mihiel


del mar 8 (7:01)
5 debby's gal (5-2)


laurel 4 (1:43)
7 hooraw (20-1)

[batt33]

He is home safe... around the far run I thought he had it just like last year........ but wasn't his day

[batt33]

looks a lot better !!! Hope he runs well!

[batt33]

Thanks for your input STR! As far as SNC.... I will be watching the walking ring closely.... when I was onsite.... you could see he was agitated in the paddock as they were adjusting something to the mouth area... and then in the walking ring he was not a happy camper. Once out on the track he seemed to calm down....

[str]

A big "Great job" to Delmar track superintendent who has this track both turf and dirt, fast, firm, and most importantly FAIR. No bias or speed, rail, closers, whatever stuff. Fair. Like it is supposed to be for this event.

It seemed like the best horse won each race.

I say that because when it is deep, as it was prior to the meet, it is a lot easier to make a mistake than it is get it perfect. It's not easy. But this maintenance crew made it look like it is.

Assuming it stays that way and no reason to think it will not, I've glanced, not finished by far, but have a couple of horses you guys should take a long look at.
Don't let me talk you off anything you like including favorite numbers, first one to poop in the post parade, or whatever. Lol.

These are just a few things that caught my eye first time through some of these races. I hope some of it is helpful.

2nd race : It's a 3 yr. old and up sprint. 6F. The 8 horse looks to have the biggest upside. As a 3 yr. old, he sizzled in his last race and won easily. But, he got loose on the lead against maidens. Don't think that lead will be as comfortable today so I will try and beat the favorite.
Also, in allowance races like an "A OTHER THAN" the best 3 yr. old will often win. They run against older horses who have never won an allowance race. They haver had plenty of chances and the talent usually gobbles them up. But... when the condition of " or claiming price 50,000" is also part of the condition, it can open this race up to some pretty salty old dogs.
Several in here who can win but I will try the 1 horse who is 6 for 9 lifetime and has already won this condition 2 years ago. He was 2nd to The Chosen Vron, who would be 2-5 in here so I will probably look there. And hopeful the favorite gets flustered, I will play a 1-3 exacta. Why? Because if you look at the 3's form, he tends to run his best races every other race. 5th, 1st, 5th, 2nd, 9th, ? . I'll toss in a 1-3 exacta which should be a decent price and a small 3-1 so if he beats the 1 I don't explode.

I only spent about 5 good minutes on the 3rd race, so I might see something at 2nd look but the 9 horse, Breath Away, is trained by Miguel Clement who is Christopher Clements son. Christopher passed away this summer from a rare type of cancer. He will most assuredly be inducted in to the Hall of Fame , hopefully next year as he is as deserving as just about anyone. He was, in a word, spectacular at what he did. Two of those things he did was train horses, and raise his children. Both HOF worthy achievements. I had the pleasure of meeting him once and was impressed at hello. He was just one of those rare people that just have " it". So that win play will be with both my head and my heart.

4th- A 7/8ths rac e. The rail is always very difficult to win from coming out of a chute. File that away for future thoughts. Why? Because you either have to go hard, sit and most likely get shuffled back, or get lucky. Of course, the best horse typically creates their own luck, but use that down the road, not just in here. Rail posts in chutes are not an advantage. In one turn races, the outside post, known as the " box", is the best post . Why? Because you can control everyone inside you due to the fact that the far turn is coming up and all horses will slide over 3-4 feet on the track towards the inside when they switch leads, whiuch is lead legs to race on. Their bodies slide over to the left side around turns and that takes away racing room for the inside horses. That is why you see horses getting checked just prior to the far turn. Those jocks inside have to either get up in that spot, using their horses prematurely, or take back to avoid the sliding over that the field will be doing. So you have to GO or check back,. Meanwhile, the outside position is controlling everything and making other riders ride according to what the outside pressure is doing. Hope that makes sense.

Anyway... a quick look at this race has me respecting the heck out of the 6 horse Sweet Azteca. She will be the favorite but without a deep dive, she looks real tough. So does the Baffert horse, the 8. All I'm seeing so far is chalk in here.

5th. Only spent a couple minutes here but a couple of thoughts. The Euro horses on turf are almost always better. That said, I will give them all a long look. But in the quick look category, the one horse is tough to get past. Five starts at Delmar, 4 wins and a 2nd. Whew. Going to need to look harder at this race, and will, but my advice is take more than a glance at the Euro horses.
While the 1 horse will need some luck with a tough post, good horses typically can create their own luck.

6th. Have not looked yet. A rule of thumb in here though. Speed always looks real good in this race, but it is brutally tough to go wire to wire here. They will be flying, and that can set it up for a late closer to run in at a nice price. Also, any speed that can get a nice outside spot, and a clean right eye, meaning no outside pressure, can run better than it's form might otherwise suggest. Straight No Chaser did that last year with a perfect outside trip while all the inside horses pushed to keep position and keep a clean right eye( clear of immediate pressure in there face, and right eye.) SNC might get that same just off the lead spot today. Have a friend who owns a piece of him so might just root this one in . I need to look more.

7th. Again, have not gone through the race but as a rule of thumb, this race, fillies and mares going long, is typically very form full, in that, they are pretty consistent. Not to say that a longshot can't win, but if memories serves, favorites have a good record in this race.

8th . Again, have not looked but this is where the Euros excel. The 1 horse is a monster. The 2 horse beat him last year and paid 52.00 doing so. I will look at it but most likely stay with the Euros in here.

9th The Classic. Again, have not handicapped this race yet but... a few things before I have. Fierceness is a monster. No doubt about it. But.. he IS finicky. He does not like to have thing go differntly than he wants them. If yhey do, he seems to losre his concentration for a bit and that can be hard to regain in time to win. So simply put, one of the best in here? Yes. can WIN? Yes. Worth 2-1` or whatever low odds he will be? Probably not in my eyes. It's hard to win this race and 2-1 might be ok if you had a run through the wall type that let's nothing bother them./ But this horse HAS let things bother him, so you are betting on being good enough to win AND not letting circumstances get in the way. Personally , I do not think 2-1 is a fair price to have to deal with all that. Baeza is nice. But first time against olders is a reason for concern. The 3 did great last time but lightly raced. The 4 is the rabbit in here, meaning, Chad Brown is ensuring a fast pace to give Sierra Leone to try to run into late. I will not be very surprised if the 5 , 8 or 9 jump up. They are all solid horses. I will look harder at this race this afternoon but... The horse that is NOT being talked about much is Journalism. 10-1 will make me look hard at him. The jockey change to Jose Ortiz is HUGE. No disrespect to Rispoli but come on, Jose Ortiz is a top 3 rider in the country. When I see 10-1 morning line on this horse, it will have me taking a loooong look in his direction.

10th. Have not looked yet but I see Turf, Appleby, and Buick on grass going long in a grade 1. There might be something else to see, but that gets serious attention from me.

11th Again, have not even looked. I'll say this though. Turf, Aiden O'Brian, Breeders Cup, come on man.
I'll give it an honest look but there has to be a good chance that I'll be ridin in the last race on the turf in a Buick with Aiden O'Brian.

GL everyone Hope this helps.


Please ignore any stuff underneath.

[batt33]

good luck today batt with straight no chaser

Thanks JBEX!

[JBEX]

good luck today batt with straight no chaser

[JBEX]

saturday by army mule @
baq/gulfstream/laurel/del mar

laurel 5 (1:46)
7 lucky esther (9-2)


records kept top of previous page .. this will conclude tracking him at the mentioned tracks

[batt33]

Thanks STR! Again enjoy tomorrow with your buddies!!!

[str]

Yes, Like you said he owes nobody anything! All I really want is for him to do like you said is "come home safe. "
As far Dan Blacker here is a link to an interview he did before SNC . He spent time learning from Richard Mandella, and learning about paying attention to detaill.

https://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/earning-their-stripes-dan-blacker/

He sounds like a great guy. So many similarities we share while growing into the head boss. Yeah, it was a lot. Good for him.

Very cool story that brings back memories.

Thanks for sharing Batt !

[batt33]

friday by army mule @
baq/gulfstream/laurel/del mar
t without
boldface tracks running


dmr 8 (7:05) breeders cup juvenile turf
11 ground support (15-1)

Not without a chance! Jockey's only mount.... gotta love that the connections stay with him! In one race 2 year olds can jump up by leaps and bounds!

watch out for Argos race 10... 3rd lifetime start wins a grade 1.... prat has ridden him in his last 2 starts... I have a little connection to him...

[JBEX]

friday by army mule @
baq/gulfstream/laurel/del mar

boldface tracks running


dmr 8 (7:05) breeders cup juvenile turf
11 ground support (15-1)

[batt33]

Batt, not that you don't already know, but this trainer is a top shelf guy. I don't throw that praise around easily. His attention to detail, which included about 5-6 things I saw in that video but won't bore you folks with it, is what makes me say what I said. In today's game, that might be more prevalent than it was 50 years ago. I knew about 4 maybe 5 trainers in Md. that did all the little things he was doing yesterday. I was fortunate to go to work for one of those 4 or 5 and became his asst. trainer which is why I am able to understand the difference.
Those 5-6 things just aren't taught by the vast majority of trainers. Whoever he came up under, understood what separates good horsemen from great horsemen.

Not being an owner, my stance on this horses last race is this. He owes nobody anything. He has been great. He is great. If he can win, it's a culmination of a brilliant career and a brilliant job by all involved. If he does not win, it is a celebration of a career that was AMAZING. Just come home safe.

It's a win , win in my book. Enjoy it, and good luck.

And again, that trainer is excellent. Man I love attention to detail. It was on full display in that video.

# Respect !

Yes, Like you said he owes nobody anything! All I really want is for him to do like you said is "come home safe. "
As far Dan Blacker here is a link to an interview he did before SNC . He spent time learning from Richard Mandella, and learning about paying attention to detaill.

https://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/earning-their-stripes-dan-blacker/

[str]

Thanks STR yes getting to enjoy the ride with my parents has been pretty cool and surreal as with Seize the Grey. The cool thing is get to watch the babies down the road,,, a bunch of mares in foal by STG are selling next weekend at keenland ..

and speaking of SNC here is a morning video.... looking better in the paddock schooling " he tends to get excited" and kinda watching what they re doing around the mouth. When I was down at his last race it looked like both Blacker and the assistant were not happy with something in that regards when saddling him.

https://cdnb-media.myracehorse.com/b...1771119764.mp4

Batt, not that you don't already know, but this trainer is a top shelf guy. I don't throw that praise around easily. His attention to detail, which included about 5-6 things I saw in that video but won't bore you folks with it, is what makes me say what I said. In today's game, that might be more prevalent than it was 50 years ago. I knew about 4 maybe 5 trainers in Md. that did all the little things he was doing yesterday. I was fortunate to go to work for one of those 4 or 5 and became his asst. trainer which is why I am able to understand the difference.
Those 5-6 things just aren't taught by the vast majority of trainers. Whoever he came up under, understood what separates good horsemen from great horsemen.

Not being an owner, my stance on this horses last race is this. He owes nobody anything. He has been great. He is great. If he can win, it's a culmination of a brilliant career and a brilliant job by all involved. If he does not win, it is a celebration of a career that was AMAZING. Just come home safe.

It's a win , win in my book. Enjoy it, and good luck.

And again, that trainer is excellent. Man I love attention to detail. It was on full display in that video.

# Respect !

[ProSportsEdge]

One of my favorite angles was at the Fresno Fair for this exact reason. TBH when you get to the top races all the horses look good. The Fresno Fair was part of the summer fair circuit but there was about 6-8 weeks between the last stop and the Fresno meet. You could most definitely so who brought fit horses and were ready to fire right off the bat.

Yeah, that’s a great point. Those fair circuit gaps really separate the ones that stayed sharp from the ones just showing up for a run. Fresno always had that “who’s ready to fire” vibe early in the meet.