Horse Racing questions and answers

[ChuckyTheGoat]

That's a great story, STR. It normally takes time for a jock to truly understand pace. But Cauthen was winning at a very young age.

The post-Derby interview is amazing. Again, the age jumps off the screen.

The rivalry between Affirmed and Alydar was awesome. Some will say it could have gone the other way.

[str]

Went back and watched the 1978 Derby. Man, I can't believe how young Cauthen looked. I mean, he WAS only 18 years old:

In May of 1978, I had only trained less than 2 years, and was still so young (23)compared to all the other trainers (that was really young for a trainer back then). But I was winning and was the "new kid in town" in Maryland. That is code for a short for a cup of coffee fame that leaves as quick as it comes. Lol. You know, when the next new kid in town comes along. The song by the Eagles, says it all, which ironically came out in 1976, the year I started.
Because Cauthen was in for the Preakness, an agent had set up a time in the morning, probably the Friday before or that Saturday morning, for us to meet. The track photographer was going to snap a picture of us and the back page racing form writer was going to do a small piece on our young age. But, it got all screwed up with Cauthen being pulled all over the place and it never happened. Met him for about 10 seconds on Preakness day when he was on the jocks room porch and I was at the outdoor boxes at the finish line.
I introduced myself, he said hi and we maybe talked for half a minute but he was getting pounded with people asking him for pictures, etc. So that was it. We never crossed paths again . He was indeed, a story book tale Chucky.
Horses ran for him and his magic hands. He had a repour with horses that I've only seen 2-3 times in my life.
Julie (Jules), had that as well. (Krone).

I was so fortunate to be able to meet so many incredible people along the way. Just blessed Chucky.

Thanks for checking in my friend.

[JBEX]

around when I first became interested in the sport at 15 years old .. a big assignment for anyone let alone an 18 yo and thought cauthen handled the interviews well considering the pressure situation..jim mckay always a polished broadcaster who loved horseracing and a lot of Howard which is always entertaining ..culminated in one of the greatest belmont stakes of all time ..had $10 on affirmed at I believe 4-5 ..very happy to win that $8 back then lol

[ChuckyTheGoat]

Went back and watched the 1978 Derby. Man, I can't believe how young Cauthen looked. I mean, he WAS only 18 years old:

[JBEX]

1 tomorrow..added 11063

[batt33]

Straight No Chaser Workout Report



Straight No Chaser was back on the tab this morning at Del Mar, breezing three furlongs in :36.00 flat under assistant trainer Juan Landeros. Our Champ left the 3/8 pole under a stranglehold in an attempt to keep him as slowed down as possible, which Juan was able to do. He galloped out a half naturally in :49.20. Trainer Dan Blacker remains pleased with Straight No Chaser as he eases him back into his work routine. Our plan remains for the Santa Anita Sprint Championship on September 28th to be his comeback race in preparation for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint.

[batt33]

another horse that black tie optional grew up with at the farm...Misstrial Workout Report



Misstrial breezed 1:00(5/29) flat from the gate this morning under Juan Hernandez while on the outside of older stablemate Donata (Uncle Mo). Your daughter of Constitution broke very well this morning and cruised past the grandstand in hand. As you will see in the video above, Misstrial took command in the later stages of this drill and both trainer Bob Baffert and Juan Hernandez were quite pleased yet again with the work. As long as everything continues well from now until Wednesday, Bob is planning to enter Misstrial for her debut on Saturday, August 2nd at Del Mar.

The Baffert team, starting with assistant Mike Marlow, have been very high on this filly since day one. It’s always an accomplishment to make the races as a 2-year-old, but we hope there is plenty more to be excited about in eight days' time.

https://cdnb-media.myracehorse.com/blog/video/IMG6971_1753471549143/MP4/IMG6971_1753471549143.mp4

[batt33]

Black Tie Optional Workout Report


4 days ago...

Black Tie Optional has remained on a weekly work schedule at Los Alamitos, most recently breezing four furlongs in :48 flat this morning while in company with his usual mate Cherokee Nation. While we were not able to be on site this morning, assistant trainer Mike Marlow was very pleased, reporting, “He worked great. Probably his best work to date.” That is always positive news to hear and we’re glad to see our 2-year-old colt continuing to trend in the right direction as we hoped and expected.

[batt33]

Playing catch-up after a long fire assignment ... some updates for STR black tie optional......
Black Tie Optional Workout Report 18 days ago..

https://cdnb-media.myracehorse.com/blog/video/MyMovie222_1752259125854/MP4/MyMovie222_1752259125854.mp4

Black Tie Optional had an improved breeze this morning at Los Alamitos, covering four furlongs in :49.60 while on the outside of his usual mate Cherokee Nation. In the previous two weeks, Cherokee Nation was out working him slightly to the wire, but today your son of Not This Time was clearly best. This was another nice step forward for Black Tie Optional and we would expect him to likely have one additional half-mile breeze before moving on to 5/8, but we will leave that decision up to assistant trainer Mike Marlow.

Please note, for the next few weeks the consistency of our work videos may drop as the majority of horsemen and horsewomen, including our MRH staff, are heading south to Del Mar for the summer. We will still do our best to keep weekly content.

[JBEX]

updated yesterday ..nothing today 11063

[JBEX]

7/28 monday ****

prarie meadows @ 7:33
#1 climb to glory (4-1)

mountaineer 6 @ 9:05
#9 lieutenant stan (12-1)



I cannot overstate the fact that when you train a horse and you know that horse is going to try it's heart out to perform well, the appreciation I had for those kind of horses was special. I mean, some horses are quirky, some need certain things to fall right in the running, and then there are the ones that just go out and try their asses off every time. No complaining, no excuses, just try like hell. My appreciation for those types was as high as it could be. They amazed me. I knew what was maybe pinching them a bit, or what they liked or disliked, but when they kept on trying, and digging in regardless of the circumstances, simply put, that is just special. And it really didn't matter as to the level of ability. It was the heart, the mental makeup, and the bulldog determination that I marveled at.

With both of these horses listed, I see that. It is beyond cool to be a part of that. An honor. And it makes you work as hard as you know they will when the stall doors at the gate open.

Hope they both win. If they don't, it won't be because they weren't trying to.

It's so cool to see that.

can certainly understand from a trainer's perspective appreciating horses who are competitors and try hard even when circumstances aren't ideal
..something I would never understand the way you do and a great thing to know if you are betting one of his progeny

[str]

7/28 monday ****

prarie meadows @ 7:33
#1 climb to glory (4-1)

mountaineer 6 @ 9:05
#9 lieutenant stan (12-1)



I cannot overstate the fact that when you train a horse and you know that horse is going to try it's heart out to perform well, the appreciation I had for those kind of horses was special. I mean, some horses are quirky, some need certain things to fall right in the running, and then there are the ones that just go out and try their asses off every time. No complaining, no excuses, just try like hell. My appreciation for those types was as high as it could be. They amazed me. I knew what was maybe pinching them a bit, or what they liked or disliked, but when they kept on trying, and digging in regardless of the circumstances, simply put, that is just special. And it really didn't matter as to the level of ability. It was the heart, the mental makeup, and the bulldog determination that I marveled at.

With both of these horses listed, I see that. It is beyond cool to be a part of that. An honor. And it makes you work as hard as you know they will when the stall doors at the gate open.

Hope they both win. If they don't, it won't be because they weren't trying to.

It's so cool to see that.

[JBEX]

10959/10994/10999/11026


week 5 .. 7/28 -8/4
opening day sar to last day dmr (mid sept)
army mule progeny at ...

saratoga/del mar/monmouth/ellis/colonial

monday and tuesday will look at all tracks ..weds to sunday the 5 above

everything for this week will be in this post
will be a notification when I post


7/28 monday ****

prarie meadows @ 7:33
#1 climb to glory (4-1)
possible card cancelation..couldn't find

mountaineer 6 @ 9:05
#9 lieutenant stan (12-1)
scratched


7/29 tuesday ****

nothing today


7/30 wednesday ****

saratoga 2 @ 1:48
#5 army gal (5-2)
scratched


7/31 thursday ****

colonial 4 @ 1:57
#9 militia (12-1)
out @ 13-1

saratoga 9 @ 5:44
#7 shadow dragon (20-1)
out @ 38-1


8/1 friday ****

colonial 1 @ 4pm
#5 flick (9-2)
out @ 7-1

colonial 4 @ 5:26
#9 splash of jack (4-1)
out @ 5-1

saratoga 8 @ 5:10
#7 army proud (5-2)
out @ 5-2 .. eased in the stretch


8/2 saturday ****

del mar 2 @ 5:31
#5 charlie foxtrot (3-1)
WON $5.20

posting after the fact on 8/4 because it was a stakes race ..stanley house won at 10f on the turf at woodbine and paid $5.90


8/3 sunday ****

ellis 6 @ 3:12
#2 hillerito (6-1)
WON $11.52

monmouth 7 @ 3:44
#9 bel pensiero (15-1)
scratched

saratoga 10 @ 6:19
#3 forward move (15-1)
scratched









.

[str]

there was a lot of post race commentary on the broadcast along the lines of stuff you've talked about .. losing focus,confusion about what's going on overall ..in spite of all that got the job done anyway

I did not see that or hear it, but when the crowd starts getting loud around the eighth pole And the horse is in front by himself and especially a first time starter, he can easily lose focus, and start thinking about the noise that he is not used to. It’s not noisy on the apron in the morning. That noise takes a little bit of getting used to and if you’re in front in your mind starts to wander, it doesn’t take long to start thinking about that.

[str]

there was a lot of post race commentary on the broadcast along the lines of stuff you've talked about .. losing focus,confusion about what's going on overall ..in spite of all that got the job done anyway

All the little details. Good horses seem to overcome those obstacles.
Excellent observations. They really can make a big difference.

[JBEX]

Another blood and guts AM.
Winner first out.

there was a lot of post race commentary on the broadcast along the lines of stuff you've talked about .. losing focus,confusion about what's going on overall ..in spite of all that got the job done anyway

[str]

R2 @ saratoga (expensive AM debuter) is loaded but no surprise for a msw on a big race undercard

Another blood and guts AM.
Winner first out.

[str]

I think he'll try to stalk the 3 and 6 who are committed front runners ..like his chances with a clean trip

he's in all 3 stakes races including the 3-5 favorite nysos in the san diego handicap ..certainly can see him going in addition to his familiarity with the track ..even the other minor stakes he's on the 3-1 second choice .. nice to be him !

Yeah, I saw Nysos was in as well.
The guy is elite.

Hope he does sit just off. If they work on that all season he might really benefit from it if he learns to like it.

[JBEX]

R2 @ saratoga (expensive AM debuter) is loaded but no surprise for a msw on a big race undercard

[JBEX]

He looks very well placed in here.

F. Prat flies out from Saratoga to ride him. What does that tell you?

I think he'll try to stalk the 3 and 6 who are committed front runners ..like his chances with a clean trip

he's in all 3 stakes races including the 3-5 favorite nysos in the san diego handicap ..certainly can see him going in addition to his familiarity with the track ..even the other minor stakes he's on the 3-1 second choice .. nice to be him !

[str]

str and i following this one since his debut (perspective for those who don't know)

del mar 10 @ 9:32 ..bing crosby grade 1
#5 world record (3-1)

He looks very well placed in here.

F. Prat flies out from Saratoga to ride him. What does that tell you?

[JBEX]

str and i following this one since his debut (perspective for those who don't know)

del mar 10 @ 9:32 ..bing crosby grade 1
#5 world record (3-1)

[JBEX]

put up saturday ..11026

[JBEX]

Ok folks. Put this one in your watch list.

Time To Dream.

My goodness!

the peripherals great also..cost a boatload,imo by best turf sire in the country and named like she's meant to be something (always like that) .. next obviously will be in a turf stakes and will keep an eye out for her return

[str]

Ok folks. Put this one in your watch list.

Time To Dream.

My goodness!

So this is what I’m talking about watching for things to jump out.
I have no form and not betting. Just watching.
But this horse I just mentioned will be a nice playback next out if her odds are tolerable. And take that play and look to play her back in the 2 yr. Old BC Turf. So impressive in that first start today. Kind of like Chances McPatrick last year. An incredible final 1/4 mile effort.

[str]

was going to let you know

Ok folks. Put this one in your watch list.

Time To Dream.

My goodness!

[JBEX]

Oh man ! Just watched Tony Dutrow win a race at the Spa. His wife Kimmie was there and his son the groom.
I’ve gotta get up there and see him. Think I’ll text him and see what he’s up to.

was going to let you know

[str]

Oh man ! Just watched Tony Dutrow win a race at the Spa. His wife Kimmie was there and his son the groom.
I’ve gotta get up there and see him. Think I’ll text him and see what he’s up to.

[JBEX]

Great to see him win yesterday. Nothing like being the best in the race from a conditions point of view. A restricted Stakes race and he has won Grade 1's. That is how you do it.

Good to see him back. I heard the stat about undefeated on a dry Saratoga track and that could be it. But sounds like a bit of a stretch. Maybe not, and time will tell but seems a little weak to hang your hat on that.
All in all though, he ran a real game race. Congrats to him.

agree from a class perspective and especially trying to win at 2 turns for the 1st time it was a perfect spot ..I wouldn't draw the conclusion he can't handle wet tracks off 1 race breaking from an outside post in the kings bishop either

I think it's not an automatic he will run in the travers considering what he did here as a 2yo in sprints .. taking on journalism and sovereignty not so appealing and i might feel differently if it was an average to below average field .. I think the forego @ 7f (grade 1)on 8/23 might be a better option ..will be interesting to see which one they choose assuming of course he came out of this race ok

[str]

saratoga 9 @ 5:44
#1 chancer mcpatrick (9-2)

Great to see him win yesterday. Nothing like being the best in the race from a conditions point of view. A restricted Stakes race and he has won Grade 1's. That is how you do it.

Good to see him back. I heard the stat about undefeated on a dry Saratoga track and that could be it. But sounds like a bit of a stretch. Maybe not, and time will tell but seems a little weak to hang your hat on that.
All in all though, he ran a real game race. Congrats to him.

[JBEX]

saratoga 9 @ 5:44
#1 chancer mcpatrick (9-2)

I see a good effort here but not enough to beat chad's other ml fav #3 strategic focus..can't box at those odds but I like a straight 31 exacta which I'm guessing would be around $10 for 2

[JBEX]

saratoga 9 @ 5:44
#1 chancer mcpatrick (9-2)

[Easy-Rider 66]

From the sounds of things and a couple of people I know from back in the day up there, your handicapping might have been better than some of the results EZ.
This needs immediate attention it seems.

Buyer beware.

It's too bad as they are the main track on HT/DW for MON/TUES. Also usually some nice fields running. In addition, only track I know of that has a female track caller. Jessica is her name and in the beginning she was a rough listen. But she has improved leaps and bounds since then. Hope they clean it up but I have my doubts.

[str]

yeah PARX a funny track. I usually don't do well there and I came to believe strange things are going on. THX for the info STR.

From the sounds of things and a couple of people I know from back in the day up there, your handicapping might have been better than some of the results EZ.
This needs immediate attention it seems.

Buyer beware.

[Easy-Rider 66]

I just read about Parx racing and the bad blood between horsemen . The horseman’s board are ready to openly fight at meetings.
Sounds like there is certainly bad blood, possible corruption and bribery involved.
What a train wreck. It seems like they need to shut down, wipe out everything and start over. Accusations of corruption everywhere from those within.
Fans can fix this. As I’ve said before, fans can fix everything.
Wager elsewhere. Make them blow it up and start fresh. Every new broom sweeps clean as they say.

yeah PARX a funny track. I usually don't do well there and I came to believe strange things are going on. THX for the info STR.