Horse Racing questions and answers

**JBEX** · 12-31-24, 11:08 AM

Originally posted by str

Again, sorry I missed this. A couple of things:

IMO the field was pretty weak on paper. All except Mikes horse. As you know, very well bred, and ironically bred to love mud as well, but I doubt that had much to do with it. With that long a work tab, Mike was working this horse with long on his mind the entire time. Why? Because when you see all those 1/2 mile works after a solid 5/8ths work, those are the portion of the exercise that went fast enough to be timed. My guess is he was actually working 7/8ths or a mile but NOT fast off the pole. A two minute clip for 3/8ths and a finish up in what he was timed at. When you see a 5/8ths and it is followed by a 1/2 mile and then a race, that makes sense. It's like a wake up call 1/2 mile for the horse to get them on their toes and sharp for next week. But when you see three of those after a nice 5/8ths work, they are much more than that. A sharp quick work, 4-5-6 days before is a sharpener. Those slower 1/2 mile works are the tail end of longer exercises that are building lung capacity, strength, and of course, where and when to expect to pick things up.

The 1:28 is probably a decent time over that winterized track especially for a two year old firster. That deep a track, which is to be expected this time of year for added cushion to fight freezing temps, is demanding but he has trained over it so he was that much fitter.

I don't know if Mike goes down south or not. An option is to simply take his time into January and maybe find a race in February going that distance or a mile ( or 1 1/16th), and by the 3rd race it is late March and he has beaten winter, has a fresh horse and is ready to put together a 3 year old year.
Do keep an eye out for him. It will be fun to watch Mike handle this one in the next few races.

Shame I has away and didn't see this in time yesterday. I could have explained a lot of this beforehand but whatever. at least you can see what all Mike was doing and kind of read between the lines.

Thanks JBEX. Nice call !

no problem str

it was more of a letting you know than a pick..thought you would've been interested and too bad you were occupied yesterday with everything you saw going on with the works

when I said makes sense to start later I realize that's a secondary factor vs the horse is ready to run ..still an added positive if your capping

something at aqueduct (if not parx) probably a more likely scenario..winning
@ 7f puts him in a good spot to find a follow up race and lots of good distance options at aqu ..have to think there might be a 7f or mile race for 3yo only in february there ..be a fun follow

**batt33** · 12-31-24, 11:53 AM

Originally posted by JBEX

with the sire/dam-sire combo definitely bred for distance and to love mud..7f and starting a little later in the 2yo season makes sense..an impressive win but talk about running in a bog ..geez 1:28 lol

so unless he's just a lot better in mud this could be a really nice horse .. maybe wind up at gulfstream if pino runs there ..will keep an eye out for him

.

Nice call!

**JBEX** · 12-31-24, 11:54 AM

by army mule..turf paradise R3 #2 you'reinthearmynow (8-1) @ 3:10

**batt33** · 12-31-24, 11:54 AM

[COLOR=rgba(77, 76, 76, 0.9)]Caldera Workout Report
[/COLOR]
Caldera breezed five furlongs in 1:01.40 on Sunday morning over a muddy track. Your son of Liam’s Map always traveled comfortably on the outside of fellow maiden Big Walk and appeared to have plenty of horse under him if he was ever called upon. Given that there was plenty of moisture in the track, the barn wasn’t looking for anything special in addition to there being no immediate race targets. The next available maiden special weight option falls on January 25th going one mile and one-sixteenth but there will likely be the option of considering an extra before that as well.https://cdnb-media.myracehorse.com/b...5600674238.mp4

**batt33** · 12-31-24, 11:55 AM

[COLOR=rgba(77, 76, 76, 0.9)]Straight No Chaser Workout Report
[/COLOR]
Straight No Chaser breezed a sharp half mile in :48(6/56) flat this morning at Santa Anita Park. Per usual, your son of Speightster did this effortlessly. Trainer Dan Blacker couldn’t be happier with where we are at currently and didn’t want him to do anything more than he did today. “I don’t know if he can go any slower,” laughed Blacker but, “I’m really pleased with him right now.”

https://cdnb-media.myracehorse.com/blog/video/IMG2590_1735499311905/MP4/IMG2590_1735499311905.mp4

**batt33** · 12-31-24, 11:57 AM

[COLOR=rgba(77, 76, 76, 0.9)]Moonlit Courage Workout Report
[/COLOR]
Moonlit Courage breezed an unrecorded quarter (two furlongs) this morning at Santa Anita Park under exercise rider Jose Contreras. Your daughter of Omaha Beach is still in the early stages but everything continues to progress forward as planned.https://cdnb-media.myracehorse.com/b...5503042305.mp4

**batt33** · 12-31-24, 11:59 AM

[COLOR=rgba(77, 76, 76, 0.9)]Black Tie Optional Update (Stylishly)
[/COLOR]
The newly named Black Tie Optional continues to do well down at Wavertree Stables where he received a brief break from training over the holidays. He will resume galloping this week with the goal of beginning to breeze towards the end of January.

**JBEX** · 12-31-24, 12:00 PM

Originally posted by batt33

Nice call!

thanks batt..as I explained it was more of a heads-up to str than a pick..and the other things of interest 2yo fts,nice ped ..if it were an ordinary claiming race probably wouldn't have brought it up..turns out will be following

.

**batt33** · 12-31-24, 12:21 PM

Originally posted by JBEX

thanks batt..as I explained it was more of a heads-up to str than a pick..and the other things of interest 2yo fts,nice ped ..if it were an ordinary claiming race probably wouldn't have brought it up..turns out will be following

.

Gotcha... you always seem to find those interesting horses!

**JBEX** · 12-31-24, 12:53 PM

Originally posted by batt33

Gotcha... you always seem to find those interesting horses!

everything just came together with him and turns out he might be a good one..not a lot of activity on monday's also contributed

.

**str** · 12-31-24, 02:05 PM

Originally posted by JBEX

by army mule..turf paradise R3 #2 you'reinthearmynow (8-1) @ 3:10

Looks just fine in there. He is Grey. First AM one I have seen?? Don't recall seeing another one but probably have.

**JBEX** · 12-31-24, 02:17 PM

Originally posted by str

Looks just fine in there. He is Grey. First AM one I have seen?? Don't recall seeing another one but probably have.

I agree on both points ..dam sire was a very good gray and also the sire of arrogate

**JBEX** · 12-31-24, 03:59 PM

Originally posted by str

Looks just fine in there. He is Grey. First AM one I have seen?? Don't recall seeing another one but probably have.

Originally posted by JBEX

I agree on both points ..dam sire was a very good gray and also the sire of arrogate

hard to figure that no effort..maybe the heavier than avg schedule past 4 months finally caught up to him ..all speculation

.

**JBEX** · 12-31-24, 08:02 PM

saturday

by army mule..turfway R6 #6 wisconsin gal (9-2) @ 3:30

listed stakes @ 6f for newly turned 3 year olds

.

**str** · 01-01-25, 08:08 AM

Originally posted by JBEX

hard to figure that no effort..maybe the heavier than avg schedule past 4 months finally caught up to him ..all speculation

.

I watched the rerun of this race and while the picture was blurry making watching him closely really hard to do, the horse was off the bit and not willing to engage into the first turn. He broke fine, and was ok for a few strides but that was it. The rider did the right thing and let him settle but the horse was just not willing to engage from that point. As he turned for home, his stride was very short . So much so that I could not quite tell if he was still on his left lead. I think he was. But he goes out of view and I could not see anymore.

Obviously something went wrong just a stride or two after the break. Just could not see enough to say what.

**Madison** · 01-01-25, 02:16 PM

AQ R4 Dutrow runs 1,2. Both fav's.

**lesterdymond** · 01-01-25, 08:03 PM

Happy New Year STR, Eazy, JBex all the horse fellas

No sport or hobby like Horses. “Horse players are some of best people on earth “ boa12 2024

**str** · 01-02-25, 09:02 AM

Originally posted by lesterdymond

Happy New Year STR, Eazy, JBex all the horse fellas

No sport or hobby like Horses. “Horse players are some of best people on earth “ boa12 2024

Thanks Lester. Indeed they are !

And to take it further, the horse players, if ever given the chance to get to know the horse workers on the backstretch, they would go like peas and carrots as Forest would say. Some of the best people I ever had the pleasure of meeting.

Happy New Year to you sir. All the best.

**str** · 01-02-25, 09:06 AM

Originally posted by Madison

AQ R4 Dutrow runs 1,2. Both fav's.

Thanks Madison.

It's just Ricky being Ricky. The other one will most likely win next out.

**str** · 01-02-25, 09:15 AM

I just posted this in the newbie forum but it can apply to anyone who wants to become a better gambler.

Thought I would post it here as well. If this helps one person, it will be well worth it.

A discussion on chasing bets, doubling up to get even and things of that nature.

Comment:

"If you take that gamblers competitiveness and point it towards beating the sport, whichever that might be, then you fuel the itch towards gaining an edge, continuing to learn and eventually beating the game. It is that simple to say but so hard to try. Thing is, once you achieve that, it is a compulsion in itself to continue doing so. It takes discipline at first but that becomes a part of the process soon after."

A perfect response:

Finally learning not to chase is like reaching nirvana or a state of enlightenment for a gambler. Before a gambler learns this they are lost in the wilderness.

Amen to that.

**JBEX** · 01-02-25, 09:43 AM

Originally posted by lesterdymond

Happy New Year STR, Eazy, JBex all the horse fellas

No sport or hobby like Horses. “Horse players are some of best people on earth “ boa12 2024

agree with your sentiments on the game and people who play it..happy new year lester!

**Madison** · 01-02-25, 04:33 PM

Originally posted by str

Thanks Madison.

It's just Ricky being Ricky. The other one will most likely win next out.

Didn't bet, but 2nd placer was mine. I seem to be back into "Master of 2nd/place" LOL.

Happy and Healthy new year again sir!!

**Madison** · 01-02-25, 04:37 PM

Originally posted by str

I just posted this in the newbie forum but it can apply to anyone who wants to become a better gambler.

Thought I would post it here as well. If this helps one person, it will be well worth it.

A discussion on chasing bets, doubling up to get even and things of that nature.

Comment:

"If you take that gamblers competitiveness and point it towards beating the sport, whichever that might be, then you fuel the itch towards gaining an edge, continuing to learn and eventually beating the game. It is that simple to say but so hard to try. Thing is, once you achieve that, it is a compulsion in itself to continue doing so. It takes discipline at first but that becomes a part of the process soon after."

A perfect response:

Finally learning not to chase is like reaching nirvana or a state of enlightenment for a gambler. Before a gambler learns this they are lost in the wilderness.

Amen to that.

Ditto. 60 years later wish I had a better way to share. GOD knows it took many years for me to overcome.

**Madison** · 01-02-25, 04:39 PM

Originally posted by Madison

Ditto. 60 years later wish I had a better way to share. GOD knows it took many years for me to overcome.

Emotions (and home one's) have no place in (winning) gambling.

**JBEX** · 01-02-25, 07:39 PM

by army mule..friday @ fg R7 #7 ceepeegee (12-1) @ 4:45

**JBEX** · 01-02-25, 07:50 PM

Originally posted by JBEX

by army mule..friday @ fg R7 #7 ceepeegee (12-1) @ 4:45

without considering the sire this one would be a play for me

**str** · 01-03-25, 09:32 AM

Originally posted by JBEX

by army mule..friday @ fg R7 #7 ceepeegee (12-1) @ 4:45

Originally posted by JBEX

without considering the sire this one would be a play for me

Sure. Need a fair price but plenty between the lines to like IMO. A couple of additional positives as well like the trainer change and that work two back. Certainly worth a solid look.

**Jellymancan** · 01-03-25, 01:42 PM

Originally posted by lesterdymond

Happy New Year STR, Eazy, JBex all the horse fellas

No sport or hobby like Horses. “Horse players are some of best people on earth “ boa12 2024

Happy New Year!

**trytrytry** · 01-03-25, 01:57 PM

2025 will be epic lets get some

**Madison** · 01-03-25, 04:45 PM

Looked at the next 2 months stakes races and not much got me excited.

What happened to Mindframe?

**str** · 01-04-25, 09:22 AM

Originally posted by Madison

Looked at the next 2 months stakes races and not much got me excited.

What happened to Mindframe?

He had that bruised cannon bone issue and they can take their sweet time healing. I don't know if he has even breezed yet but I would say that in all probability, he would have been retired by now I would think if they did not hope to run him this year.

**str** · 01-04-25, 09:25 AM

Originally posted by batt33

[COLOR=rgba(77, 76, 76, 0.9)]Caldera Workout Report
[/COLOR]
Caldera breezed five furlongs in 1:01.40 on Sunday morning over a muddy track. Your son of Liam’s Map always traveled comfortably on the outside of fellow maiden Big Walk and appeared to have plenty of horse under him if he was ever called upon. Given that there was plenty of moisture in the track, the barn wasn’t looking for anything special in addition to there being no immediate race targets. The next available maiden special weight option falls on January 25th going one mile and one-sixteenth but there will likely be the option of considering an extra before that as well.https://cdnb-media.myracehorse.com/b...5600674238.mp4

Sorry Batt. Missed this.

That work was excellent ! He looked great.

**str** · 01-04-25, 09:29 AM

Originally posted by batt33

[COLOR=rgba(77, 76, 76, 0.9)]Straight No Chaser Workout Report
[/COLOR]
Straight No Chaser breezed a sharp half mile in :48(6/56) flat this morning at Santa Anita Park. Per usual, your son of Speightster did this effortlessly. Trainer Dan Blacker couldn’t be happier with where we are at currently and didn’t want him to do anything more than he did today. “I don’t know if he can go any slower,” laughed Blacker but, “I’m really pleased with him right now.”

https://cdnb-media.myracehorse.com/blog/video/IMG2590_1735499311905/MP4/IMG2590_1735499311905.mp4

Work horses like that are so much fun.

He better keep him in the 3-4 path. Any closer to the fence than that and he would be going faster.

**str** · 01-04-25, 09:32 AM

Originally posted by batt33

[COLOR=rgba(77, 76, 76, 0.9)]Moonlit Courage Workout Report
[/COLOR]
Moonlit Courage breezed an unrecorded quarter (two furlongs) this morning at Santa Anita Park under exercise rider Jose Contreras. Your daughter of Omaha Beach is still in the early stages but everything continues to progress forward as planned.https://cdnb-media.myracehorse.com/b...5503042305.mp4

Awh. Little chunky babies. Love it !

Lookin all over the place by herself the first time by but worked well the 2nd time by, especially by herself. She was running and not thinking in that blow out. Just what you hope she will do.

Good stuff Batt. Appreciate it.

**str** · 01-04-25, 09:37 AM

Originally posted by batt33

[COLOR=rgba(77, 76, 76, 0.9)]Black Tie Optional Update (Stylishly)
[/COLOR]
The newly named Black Tie Optional continues to do well down at Wavertree Stables where he received a brief break from training over the holidays. He will resume galloping this week with the goal of beginning to breeze towards the end of January.

Nice eye, neck, shoulder, and rump. Sheww. Did not have many that looked like that. Maybe as a 4 year old. Lol.