Horse Racing questions and answers

[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.

[Easy-Rider 66]

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.

Have a good time STR. Yeah if you take some photos post if able., thx

[str]

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.

[str]

headline numbers who've we've discussed before just wired the field in a 1 1/8 mile listed stakes at aqu on a sloppy track (bred to love it) ..her first stakes win and she was the 2nd choice at 7-5 in a 4 horse field

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.

[JBEX]

headline numbers who've we've discussed before just wired the field in a 1 1/8 mile listed stakes at aqu on a sloppy track (bred to love it) ..her first stakes win and she was the 2nd choice at 7-5 in a 4 horse field

[JBEX]

Straight No Chaser Update



Straight No Chaser is heading back to the U.S. and is expected to arrive in California on Saturday. Trainer Dan Blacker will give him another thorough review at that point and we’ll begin mapping out our plan for the rest of the season.
Caldera Breeze Report



Caldera worked five furlongs this morning in Hot Springs, stopping the clock in 1:00.60 (3/17). He breezed outside of 4-year-old stablemate Daily Grind, a $1.35-million yearling purchase who was most recently second in a first-level allowance. As you’ll see, Caldera got the better of his mate late in the work.

We remain on schedule for the Bathhouse Row, for which nominations have been released. Entries will be taken this Sunday.

https://cdnb-media.myracehorse.com/b...4045329564.mp4

I think caldera's going to run a big race and go on to the preakness a fresh horse..if he can run the sunland derby race should be tough regardless of who the other entrants are

[batt33]

Straight No Chaser Update



Straight No Chaser is heading back to the U.S. and is expected to arrive in California on Saturday. Trainer Dan Blacker will give him another thorough review at that point and we’ll begin mapping out our plan for the rest of the season.
Caldera Breeze Report



Caldera worked five furlongs this morning in Hot Springs, stopping the clock in 1:00.60 (3/17). He breezed outside of 4-year-old stablemate Daily Grind, a $1.35-million yearling purchase who was most recently second in a first-level allowance. As you’ll see, Caldera got the better of his mate late in the work.

We remain on schedule for the Bathhouse Row, for which nominations have been released. Entries will be taken this Sunday.

https://cdnb-media.myracehorse.com/blog/video/IMG0448_1744045329564/MP4/IMG0448_1744045329564.mp4

[batt33]

Kinda cool to watch young horses develop.... Here is a progression of what Richard Mandella is thinking with moonlight courage and the last couple of works ... last one being today
Moonlit Courage Workout Report



Moonlit Courage breezed six furlongs in 1:14.20 while on the inside of GSW Goliad yesterday morning at Santa Anita Park. The duo went easily by intention in this maintenance drill, but your daughter of Omaha Beach did it nicely. Trainer Richard Mandella reports that next week he plans to come back with a strong 5/8 gate drill and then he believes she will be ready for a debut.
Moonlit Courage Workout Report



Moonlit Courage worked sharply from the gate this morning at Santa Anita Park, covering five furlongs in a bullet :59.20. Your daughter of Omaha Beach has really moved forward over the last three weeks and seems to be peaking at the right time. We have two options in the new condition book for a potential debut: a six-furlong turf maiden special weight on April 19th; and a six-furlong dirt MSW on April 25th. We’ll see how she bounces out of this work and let trainer Richard Mandella determine over which surface he wants to get her started, but there's certainly plenty to get excited about after seeing this work.

https://cdnb-media.myracehorse.com/blog/video/MoonlitCourage_1744406895492/MP4/MoonlitCourage_1744406895492.mp4

[Easy-Rider 66]

As I said before EZ. Gulfstream winter is so vitally important to racing, especially NY racing, that it will need to be sold to people with like needs. Repole would be the perfect person to lead NY investors into this. And, the best part, you get the current owners out of the game being as they have clearly decided that value is all they are seeking.

agreed STR. thx for your take.

[str]

Thoroughbred owner Mike Repole said he would be “a very interested buyer” for Gulfstream Park and would continue racing at the Florida track.

“We’ve had meetings,” he said in an X post. “I can’t force anyone to sell.”

As I said before EZ. Gulfstream winter is so vitally important to racing, especially NY racing, that it will need to be sold to people with like needs. Repole would be the perfect person to lead NY investors into this. And, the best part, you get the current owners out of the game being as they have clearly decided that value is all they are seeking.