Horse Racing questions and answers

[str]

Another thing that needed mentioning.

Q. Who was the youngest horse in the Preakness? There were three February foals.

Napoleon Solo Feb. 17th
Crupper Feb. 25th
Ocelli Feb 27th

First two legs won by the oldest horse in each 3 yr. old race
HMMMM.
Make of that what you will.

[str]

This thread needs to be in the SBR hall of fame. Great contributions.

Thanks Pigpen.

Back in my time, it was right there for me to see everyday. Nobody understood biases back then except for one trainer. I never knew this guy, and to be honest , he was kind of weird, but you guys know his name. Michael Dickenson. He was a young at the time but older than me, Middleburg Va. guy, then up in Fair Hill Md. Kind of an odd fellow, but He had my total respect. He understood biases. And while I first recognized them at Bowie on a Saturday, and only because the lady in the next box down said to me as I was walking down to saddle my horse who on paper had very little chance in the last race that day, Good Luck Scott. Think I said, I'll need it in here. And she said, well, the one post has won 6 out of the 8 races so far and you have the one horse . That was late 70's I think. I could look it up though, as my horse stayed on the fence, and won and paid 20 something bucks. Here is what I knew. I was just hoping for a miracle. She was in over her head and the owner wanted to breed her so he did not want me to drop her down. Just kind of playing out the string. She wins with a rail trip and the old lightbulb went off. Hello Mr. bias !
From that day on, I watched and paid attention to something I saw everyday but never paid any mind too and put it all together.
Winters at Bowie always had a lot of cushion needed to combat freezing. That depth became an everyday measure for me. Not only did I start to understand there was a bias, and yes, my favorite writer, Andy Beyer had been mentioning it, but he did not know the how's and whys of it. Just that it existed. I learned the how's and whys. By accident. Only because that lady mentioned it, my horse won, I knew there was no way my horse was capable of that without help, and it just fell into place.
Hall Of Fame trainers did not know about this. Sure, they saw it, but could not say why it existed.
I forget that ladies name, she was friends with my mom who sat in the next box over. She was just a fan but SHE lit the light that I saw. How cool is that !

[JBEX]

Absolutely Batt !!!

It's a family on the backside. We always had each others back.

And speaking of that: The newly created 501-C 3 was accepted and it is called "Stable Footing", Inc. This will be a non profit for all those retired or semi retired Md. backstretch workers who can no long have a license because of health, age, etc. This forgotten group of people worked on the track in the 70's, 80's, and 90's either before or just as the backstretch pension fund came into existence. They missed out on benefits for the elderly.
This foundation will make sure that anyone that is in need of help, education, compassion, friendship, or whatever they need, will have an opportunity to have it. It will be funded through donations or loans that are FDIC protected and reimbursable upon request. Only the interest earned will be used. That allows those that might have some amount they would like to invest but get back whenever it was requested will be able to do so .

For all of those people that gave so much to the horses, backside, and anyone or anything in need while they worked there, we have not forgotten you. We are all one big family looking out for one another just like it was on all those years ago.

I will have more details on this soon.

Thank you.

congratulations str .. glad this all came together for you and sure it'll help many people

[Pigpen]

A quick update as to the charts. No winner made up more than 2 1/2 lengths all day on the dirt. No winner was ever further than the 3 path, and in those cases, only for a portion of the time . Speed , forward position and inside trips dominated the card. If anyone thinks that is in error, please tell me. I did this quickly. But, that is exactly what I saw early, and it did not change.
Make of that what you will. If I was still active, that was a three star day for notes and play ons and play agonists next out.
Hope that helps.

This thread needs to be in the SBR hall of fame. Great contributions.

[str]

A quick update as to the charts. No winner made up more than 2 1/2 lengths all day on the dirt. No winner was ever further than the 3 path, and in those cases, only for a portion of the time . Speed , forward position and inside trips dominated the card. If anyone thinks that is in error, please tell me. I did this quickly. But, that is exactly what I saw early, and it did not change.
Make of that what you will. If I was still active, that was a three star day for notes and play ons and play agonists next out.
Hope that helps.

[batt33]

Absolutely Batt !!!

It's a family on the backside. We always had each others back.

And speaking of that: The newly created 501-C 3 was accepted and it is called "Stable Footing", Inc. This will be a non profit for all those retired or semi retired Md. backstretch workers who can no long have a license because of health, age, etc. This forgotten group of people worked on the track in the 70's, 80's, and 90's either before or just as the backstretch pension fund came into existence. They missed out on benefits for the elderly.
This foundation will make sure that anyone that is in need of help, education, compassion, friendship, or whatever they need, will have an opportunity to have it. It will be funded through donations or loans that are FDIC protected and reimbursable upon request. Only the interest earned will be used. That allows those that might have some amount they would like to invest but get back whenever it was requested will be able to do so .

For all of those people that gave so much to the horses, backside, and anyone or anything in need while they worked there, we have not forgotten you. We are all one big family looking out for one another just like it was on all those years ago.

I will have more details on this soon.

Thank you.

That is awesome!

[str]

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1642737403613344
What I love about horse racing.... Thank you Donna

Absolutely Batt !!!

It's a family on the backside. We always had each others back.

And speaking of that: The newly created 501-C 3 was accepted and it is called "Stable Footing", Inc. This will be a non profit for all those retired or semi retired Md. backstretch workers who can no long have a license because of health, age, etc. This forgotten group of people worked on the track in the 70's, 80's, and 90's either before or just as the backstretch pension fund came into existence. They missed out on benefits for the elderly.
This foundation will make sure that anyone that is in need of help, education, compassion, friendship, or whatever they need, will have an opportunity to have it. It will be funded through donations or loans that are FDIC protected and reimbursable upon request. Only the interest earned will be used. That allows those that might have some amount they would like to invest but get back whenever it was requested will be able to do so .

For all of those people that gave so much to the horses, backside, and anyone or anything in need while they worked there, we have not forgotten you. We are all one big family looking out for one another just like it was on all those years ago.

I will have more details on this soon.

Thank you.

[batt33]

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1642737403613344

What I love about horse racing.... Thank you Donna

[str]

I have not been able to review the charts yet so I’m waiting on that to comment about yesterday. I’ll pass along my thoughts ASAP.

[str]

A great day to take notes on who was where doing the majority of the running. Don’t be confused if a horse is on the rail for 50 seconds swings to the three path for the last 20. It’s most time spent in the thinnest cushion that counts.
I hope that makes sense .

[str]

Circling and walking AWAY from the gate at 0 minutes to post.

Bush League . Trying to squeeze every dollar out of the windows. I find that sad to see.

[str]

The 4 was on the inside ( within 10 feet of the rail) for all of the race. Best horse but was waaay better with the trip. The 6 got over to the rail quickly. I know, they were probably best. Agree. But they destroyed those other horses. It was never in doubt. We will watch some more dirt races but the inside is certainly better from what I have seen so far.
When they run 9 and change at Laurel, hellooo grader.

[BOA12]

The way the track is so far, heck yes. Inside horses have run great. Stalking favorites 3 wide have no gotten home.
Let's keep watching.

Right on.

If it ends 1-12, your first day here

happy birthday for me. LOL

Watching, waiting, working up a hunger.

[str]

For this race. I have NOT seen the form but have to think the 1 and the 2 are inferior to the favorites. Let's watch and see if an inside trip makes either of these two horses, ( 1 or 2), better today than normal. Or, either favorite that if they are outside runners, don't fire as much.

[str]

Gives Taj Mahal a tiny edge ?

The way the track is so far, heck yes. Inside horses have run great. Stalking favorites 3 wide have no gotten home.
Let's keep watching.

[str]

I agree that running in the preakness is a good sign for incredibolt ; especially considering who pops is .. easily could have taken the rest and belmont path considering he ran well in the derby but didn't win or come in the money

you think chad is hoping iron honor may relax more more removing the blinkers ? this would certainly help his cause in this race .. also feel putting prat on over manny franco is a sign they really like their chances

Blinkers off will emphasis relax so sure, that sounds correct. Prat is a little more relaxing than Manny so have to agree with that as well.

Chad has made this move before with success in the Preakness so I'm sure he is hoping for a similar result.

[BOA12]

They just ran a flat mile race off the main track. I have never seen the gate that close to the first turn. Favor the inside much?? Lol.

Don't get me wrong. I'm really happy for Gary Cap. Gary has always been and still is a damn good trainer.

Gives Taj Mahal a tiny edge ?

[str]

They just ran a flat mile race off the main track. I have never seen the gate that close to the first turn. Favor the inside much?? Lol.

Don't get me wrong. I'm really happy for Gary Cap. Gary has always been and still is a damn good trainer.

[str]

I'll answer these but just saw a race or two.

They DID scrape the track. Inside is certainly favorable. Not sure how much with those 2 races but no question the cushion is not nearly as deep. I'll keep an eye on it.

[batt33]

Munny problems on the Preakness undercard race 3
Munny Problem: Race Overview



Munny Problem is set to make his third career start on the third race of the Preakness undercard. He will break from post 6 in a field of 11 with Mychel Sanchez in the saddle. Post time is set for 11:41 a.m. ET.

Your son of Munnings will race in blinkers for the first time after showing a bit of greenness in his runner-up effort last time out. He has sported his new equipment in the mornings and trainer Michael Trombetta has been happy with the effects. With another step forward--which this colt has indicated he is capable of--we are hopeful to see a big effort this time around. Best of luck!


More on the competition:

#1 Limo: Makes his second start for the Stidham barn and his first as a gelding. Switches back to the turf for this start, a surface where he has run his best figures. Win threat.

#2 Margie’s Last: First-time gelding will try turf for the first time while lacking any significant turf pedigree.

#3 Naabaahii: Was second behind blowout winner Ezum first time out. Should appreciate the switch to the turf for the ever-dangerous Russell barn.

#4 Master Sommelier: Ran well against a bias at Keeneland last time out. Should appreciate the cutback to a flat mile. Will make his third start off of a long layoff and should be ready to put forward his best effort, which would make him a contender in here.

#5 Scanner: First time starter for the Motion barn, which strikes at 14% with debut runners. Always a difficult task to debut around two-turns.

#7 Pendar: Goes back to the lawn and will try a trip around two turns today. Will need to improve to contend.

#8 Zencat: Will need significant improvement to factor here based off his career-high 55 Beyer, which came last time out.

#9 Ocean Sound: Makes his debut for a small barn that strikes at 21% with these types. When you filter the stats to debuts at a mile or greater, this barn is 2 for 3 with a $26.67 ROI. Sports a sharp work tab and is an interesting longshot at 30-1 on the morning line. Wouldn’t count this one out.

#10 Drive By Johnny: Did no running on debut last year. Switches into the Russell barn, which tabs one of its main riders in Jevian Toledo to pilot. The team strikes at a 28% win rate together.

#11 Chatbot: Has done little running through three starts. Adds blinkers seeking improvement and will have to deal with an outside draw.

Munny Problem Race Recap



Munny Problem left us scratching our heads today as he failed to fire at Laurel and checked in eighth. Click for the result chart.

Your son of Munnings could not have looked any better before the race, broke much better and found himself in a midpack spot. When it was time to quicken for the stretch drive, however, he just never got going.

Admittedly, all signs seemed to point to a big effort today, and there were no obvious excuses for his performance that immediately jump out. He seemed to come back in good order and scoped perfectly, but will of course get looked over closely by Team Trombetta in the coming days in case anything else pops up.

Our first thought is to consider trying the dirt, as he may just not have the turn of foot for the grass despite early indications that it would be his preferred surface.

For now, we’ll see how he comes back and huddle up with Mike early next week.

[JBEX]

I went ahead and did the race backwards as I always try and do. No surprises there for me. I saw the charts for yesterdays races at Laurel and it looked like the inside was not at all bad, but not necessarily needed to win. So maybe a slight inside bias if I am keeping score? Not that big of a deal IMO.
So did they work on the track last night? I don't know , but over the years, and at Pimlico, that answer would be no. There is just too much going on and with the races running much later than normal, the amount of sunlight shrinks and I would be surprised if they wanted to try and grade in the dark. If they did, and there is a ridiculous bias it will be in full view all day so for now I will assume a very fair track.

That said, I have a pick.
Based on the assumption that:
1. The pace will be hot
2. That Taj Mahal will not be able to relax enough from the 1 post to run his best effort today. The clean right eye I have always talked about comes into play today I assume.
3. That anytime a horse MAKES a trainer change their minds about running due to how well or poorly that horse is doing, those actions are right more often than anything else in the way of predictions. Incredabolt MADE Riley Mott think about the Preakness. He had no pressure whatsoever to run him. Except from the horse. In my years there, when a horse talked to you, you listened. I learned that early on as a groom. There is nothing as strong as that. No numbers, figures, nothing. Incredibolt MADE Riley Mott enter him. Having been in that position, that is rarely wrong. Even if it does not pan out in the race, a real excuse will probably show up back at the barn. Not lip service.

So I won't try and make the pace too slow, or too hot, or anything. I'll just listen to the horse. Plenty of those horses made me look like I knew what I was doing back in the day. Hopefully, this is that.

In trying to find prices, and there are not alot to find IMO, I could see the 5 horse Talkin running well and the 7, The Hell We did running well also.
For me it will be the 12 at hopefully at least 5-1 and looking for 6 or 7-1. Wishfull thinking I guess.

Last thing: The 1 horse, Taj Mahal, did something last race you rarely see. He ran off early and opened up 10 lengths not relaxing. The rider finally DID get him to settle down, the field got within 3-4 lengths of him turning for home, and the rider asked him to finish strong and the horse kicked on again and opened up 8 lengths. THAT, is special ! Am I surprised if he wins? No. It takes a lot of talent to do what he did last race. But at 5-1, he has what looks like a lot of things that can go against him, so I will look elsewhere at a short price this time.

Good luck everyone. Enjoy the Preakness !

I agree that running in the preakness is a good sign for incredibolt ; especially considering who pops is .. easily could have taken the rest and belmont path considering he ran well in the derby but didn't win or come in the money

you think chad is hoping iron honor may relax more more removing the blinkers ? this would certainly help his cause in this race .. also feel putting prat on over manny franco is a sign they really like their chances

[BOA12]

Munny problems on the Preakness undercard race 3
Munny Problem: Race Overview



Munny Problem is set to make his third career start on the third race of the Preakness undercard. He will break from post 6 in a field of 11 with Mychel Sanchez in the saddle. Post time is set for 11:41 a.m. ET.

Your son of Munnings will race in blinkers for the first time after showing a bit of greenness in his runner-up effort last time out. He has sported his new equipment in the mornings and trainer Michael Trombetta has been happy with the effects. With another step forward--which this colt has indicated he is capable of--we are hopeful to see a big effort this time around. Best of luck!


More on the competition:

#1 Limo: Makes his second start for the Stidham barn and his first as a gelding. Switches back to the turf for this start, a surface where he has run his best figures. Win threat.

#2 Margie’s Last: First-time gelding will try turf for the first time while lacking any significant turf pedigree.

#3 Naabaahii: Was second behind blowout winner Ezum first time out. Should appreciate the switch to the turf for the ever-dangerous Russell barn.

#4 Master Sommelier: Ran well against a bias at Keeneland last time out. Should appreciate the cutback to a flat mile. Will make his third start off of a long layoff and should be ready to put forward his best effort, which would make him a contender in here.

#5 Scanner: First time starter for the Motion barn, which strikes at 14% with debut runners. Always a difficult task to debut around two-turns.

#7 Pendar: Goes back to the lawn and will try a trip around two turns today. Will need to improve to contend.

#8 Zencat: Will need significant improvement to factor here based off his career-high 55 Beyer, which came last time out.

#9 Ocean Sound: Makes his debut for a small barn that strikes at 21% with these types. When you filter the stats to debuts at a mile or greater, this barn is 2 for 3 with a $26.67 ROI. Sports a sharp work tab and is an interesting longshot at 30-1 on the morning line. Wouldn’t count this one out.

#10 Drive By Johnny: Did no running on debut last year. Switches into the Russell barn, which tabs one of its main riders in Jevian Toledo to pilot. The team strikes at a 28% win rate together.

#11 Chatbot: Has done little running through three starts. Adds blinkers seeking improvement and will have to deal with an outside draw.

In my P3,

let's get 'em home battman.

[batt33]

Munny problems on the Preakness undercard race 3
Munny Problem: Race Overview



Munny Problem is set to make his third career start on the third race of the Preakness undercard. He will break from post 6 in a field of 11 with Mychel Sanchez in the saddle. Post time is set for 11:41 a.m. ET.

Your son of Munnings will race in blinkers for the first time after showing a bit of greenness in his runner-up effort last time out. He has sported his new equipment in the mornings and trainer Michael Trombetta has been happy with the effects. With another step forward--which this colt has indicated he is capable of--we are hopeful to see a big effort this time around. Best of luck!


More on the competition:

#1 Limo: Makes his second start for the Stidham barn and his first as a gelding. Switches back to the turf for this start, a surface where he has run his best figures. Win threat.

#2 Margie’s Last: First-time gelding will try turf for the first time while lacking any significant turf pedigree.

#3 Naabaahii: Was second behind blowout winner Ezum first time out. Should appreciate the switch to the turf for the ever-dangerous Russell barn.

#4 Master Sommelier: Ran well against a bias at Keeneland last time out. Should appreciate the cutback to a flat mile. Will make his third start off of a long layoff and should be ready to put forward his best effort, which would make him a contender in here.

#5 Scanner: First time starter for the Motion barn, which strikes at 14% with debut runners. Always a difficult task to debut around two-turns.

#7 Pendar: Goes back to the lawn and will try a trip around two turns today. Will need to improve to contend.

#8 Zencat: Will need significant improvement to factor here based off his career-high 55 Beyer, which came last time out.

#9 Ocean Sound: Makes his debut for a small barn that strikes at 21% with these types. When you filter the stats to debuts at a mile or greater, this barn is 2 for 3 with a $26.67 ROI. Sports a sharp work tab and is an interesting longshot at 30-1 on the morning line. Wouldn’t count this one out.

#10 Drive By Johnny: Did no running on debut last year. Switches into the Russell barn, which tabs one of its main riders in Jevian Toledo to pilot. The team strikes at a 28% win rate together.

#11 Chatbot: Has done little running through three starts. Adds blinkers seeking improvement and will have to deal with an outside draw.

[BOA12]

I went ahead and did the race backwards as I always try and do. No surprises there for me. I saw the charts for yesterdays races at Laurel and it looked like the inside was not at all bad, but not necessarily needed to win. So maybe a slight inside bias if I am keeping score? Not that big of a deal IMO.
So did they work on the track last night? I don't know , but over the years, and at Pimlico, that answer would be no. There is just too much going on and with the races running much later than normal, the amount of sunlight shrinks and I would be surprised if they wanted to try and grade in the dark. If they did, and there is a ridiculous bias it will be in full view all day so for now I will assume a very fair track.

That said, I have a pick.
Based on the assumption that:
1. The pace will be hot
2. That Taj Mahal will not be able to relax enough from the 1 post to run his best effort today. The clean right eye I have always talked about comes into play today I assume.
3. That anytime a horse MAKES a trainer change their minds about running due to how well or poorly that horse is doing, those actions are right more often than anything else in the way of predictions. Incredabolt MADE Riley Mott think about the Preakness. He had no pressure whatsoever to run him. Except from the horse. In my years there, when a horse talked to you, you listened. I learned that early on as a groom. There is nothing as strong as that. No numbers, figures, nothing. Incredibolt MADE Riley Mott enter him. Having been in that position, that is rarely wrong. Even if it does not pan out in the race, a real excuse will probably show up back at the barn. Not lip service.

So I won't try and make the pace too slow, or too hot, or anything. I'll just listen to the horse. Plenty of those horses made me look like I knew what I was doing back in the day. Hopefully, this is that.

In trying to find prices, and there are not alot to find IMO, I could see the 5 horse Talkin running well and the 7, The Hell We did running well also.
For me it will be the 12 at hopefully at least 5-1 and looking for 6 or 7-1. Wishfull thinking I guess.

Last thing: The 1 horse, Taj Mahal, did something last race you rarely see. He ran off early and opened up 10 lengths not relaxing. The rider finally DID get him to settle down, the field got within 3-4 lengths of him turning for home, and the rider asked him to finish strong and the horse kicked on again and opened up 8 lengths. THAT, is special ! Am I surprised if he wins? No. It takes a lot of talent to do what he did last race. But at 5-1, he has what looks like a lot of things that can go against him, so I will look elsewhere at a short price this time.

Good luck everyone. Enjoy the Preakness !

I'm with you str- on increibolt/Mott .

Taj Mahal scares me most of all,

but IMo not Best Of All

GL horse lover brother.

[str]

I went ahead and did the race backwards as I always try and do. No surprises there for me. I saw the charts for yesterdays races at Laurel and it looked like the inside was not at all bad, but not necessarily needed to win. So maybe a slight inside bias if I am keeping score? Not that big of a deal IMO.
So did they work on the track last night? I don't know , but over the years, and at Pimlico, that answer would be no. There is just too much going on and with the races running much later than normal, the amount of sunlight shrinks and I would be surprised if they wanted to try and grade in the dark. If they did, and there is a ridiculous bias it will be in full view all day so for now I will assume a very fair track.

That said, I have a pick.
Based on the assumption that:
1. The pace will be hot
2. That Taj Mahal will not be able to relax enough from the 1 post to run his best effort today. The clean right eye I have always talked about comes into play today I assume.
3. That anytime a horse MAKES a trainer change their minds about running due to how well or poorly that horse is doing, those actions are right more often than anything else in the way of predictions. Incredabolt MADE Riley Mott think about the Preakness. He had no pressure whatsoever to run him. Except from the horse. In my years there, when a horse talked to you, you listened. I learned that early on as a groom. There is nothing as strong as that. No numbers, figures, nothing. Incredibolt MADE Riley Mott enter him. Having been in that position, that is rarely wrong. Even if it does not pan out in the race, a real excuse will probably show up back at the barn. Not lip service.

So I won't try and make the pace too slow, or too hot, or anything. I'll just listen to the horse. Plenty of those horses made me look like I knew what I was doing back in the day. Hopefully, this is that.

In trying to find prices, and there are not alot to find IMO, I could see the 5 horse Talkin running well and the 7, The Hell We did running well also.
For me it will be the 12 at hopefully at least 5-1 and looking for 6 or 7-1. Wishfull thinking I guess.

Last thing: The 1 horse, Taj Mahal, did something last race you rarely see. He ran off early and opened up 10 lengths not relaxing. The rider finally DID get him to settle down, the field got within 3-4 lengths of him turning for home, and the rider asked him to finish strong and the horse kicked on again and opened up 8 lengths. THAT, is special ! Am I surprised if he wins? No. It takes a lot of talent to do what he did last race. But at 5-1, he has what looks like a lot of things that can go against him, so I will look elsewhere at a short price this time.

Good luck everyone. Enjoy the Preakness !

[str]

I just went through the Preakness the first time. My goodness. Should be an active run into the 1st turn. I found 11 horses who would really like to be 1,2,3,4 or a close 5th going into the 1st turn. In a case like this, I find with my style of going through the race that doing a 2nd look going from outside inwards will give me a clearer picture of what each rider may be looking at. I'll try and do that later today so as to catch up with my handicapping due diligence. The thing about a race like this is, we don't know who might break a step slow or... catch a flyer leaving the gate, so in here, it seems like there are about 9 horses who might decide that trying to lay 4th or so is a good idea or a solid option. Yikes!

When I glance at the four who are in reserve early, it looks like Ocelli, a maiden, The Hell We Did ( assuming they concede any early position) , Bull By The Horns, and Incredibolt.
I have a couple of liens already but lets do this the right way and see where it takes us. One thing I might bypass is the early positions of each horse. Too much luck or a lack of it to be accurate IMO. I have to think the pace will be lively.
This outta be a fun race to try and figure out.

[str]

I will look through the Preakness and talk start the handicap process tomorrow. Looking forward to it.

[BOA12]

Chucky. I would love to see the triple crown stay the way it was. I mean, don't we all love the tradition of some of the greatest events that have played out over the years? But times do change, and it's never easy to just have things change and everyone be cool with it. That said, the spreading out of dates in the triple crown seems inevitable.

Lowering the mound in baseball was bigger at the time than people think today. Moving the goal posts to the back of the end zone was as well.

And from my singular view in my lifetime, there were no left handed quarterbacks when I was a kid in the pros. I was lefthanded. I played quarterback. But when I was asked as a freshman going out for football what position I played and I said quarterback, they laughed. What they did not understand was that post routes were gravy for a left handed quarterback when I was a kid. Why? No defense was used to covering plays going in the opposite direction. Nobody could read the spin of the ball. Rolling out to the left meant the slower defensive line on that side . The game was stacked right handed. But everyone was stuck on tradition.

The varsity that year, tied the 1st game of the season and lost the rest. Lolol.
JV was worse. They lost every game my freshman year. I don't know how good or bad I might have been but the most I could have cost either team was one tie game.
So I quit. Played intermural football. We won the championship.

Then started to focus on Baseball year around. I pitched lefthanded. Played varsity as a freshman. Started one game that year. Was set to do long relief and coming into a game once when a spectator at Dematha High School had an epileptic seizure right behind our bench. Game stopped, ambulance came, and they called the game. We were getting crushed and if I had come in (14 yrs. old) to relief against those grown ass men (17-18 yrs. old most with scholarships waiting for them) , we would have run out of baseballs they would have hit me so hard. And to finish that story, my coach said I was his pitcher. Period. I said I'm a better hitter. He said, not here you aren't. Wouldn't let me even take BP at practice to prove it . So after the season but before school let out , I get 2 future scholarship offers. One to WVU. and the other to Samford U. But I was so frustrated that I couldn't hit, the game I loved was being cut from playing the game, to just pitching. And it was because I was a lefty pitcher. That favored me as much as being a lefty QB hurt me.
So... tradition. Can't be a lefthanded QB. Freshman pitchers don't hit? Tradition?? It was tradition that allowed me to make my decision. I quit both sports, stayed at Gonzaga, went to the racetrack every chance I could, graduated, took the graduation summer of 72 off, and went to work at Laurel Race Course in September.

So in my life, I have found, that tradition, while sometimes extremely important, is just as often, a crock of crap.

Now I don't know where this triple crown tradition is, but I have a feeling that once it changes, nobody will notice anymore. Just like the goalposts, the lower mound, the 3 point line, and the 5 weeks for the Triple crown instead of 10 weeks.

It is kind of silly in my mind, when you think about it , that todays players and todays games are soooo much different than it was in all the sports. It's a different world. People are bigger, stronger, and faster. Medicine and technology is so superior IMO, that in no way does changing timelines or adjusting events diminish what happened years ago. Not in any sports IMO. I truly feel, it's just different.

So who knows.

That's my longwinded two cents.

I was against the DH even being an American League fan 1st,

though followed many NL teams, the NYM were my #1

starting W/ '69 WS victory over the O's.

Called progress a new strategy

by the Owners.

Perhaps the last " pure " triple crown

full field- why?

They call it evolution,

ANY loss de-vaule$ Their commodity

and has progressed to breaking tradition,

a new strategy by the Owner$.

[str]

As an outsider, I've made this comment b4. They should (seemingly) stretch out the series to allow longer recovery-time.

Chucky. I would love to see the triple crown stay the way it was. I mean, don't we all love the tradition of some of the greatest events that have played out over the years? But times do change, and it's never easy to just have things change and everyone be cool with it. That said, the spreading out of dates in the triple crown seems inevitable.

Lowering the mound in baseball was bigger at the time than people think today. Moving the goal posts to the back of the end zone was as well.

And from my singular view in my lifetime, there were no left handed quarterbacks when I was a kid in the pros. I was lefthanded. I played quarterback. But when I was asked as a freshman going out for football what position I played and I said quarterback, they laughed. What they did not understand was that post routes were gravy for a left handed quarterback when I was a kid. Why? No defense was used to covering plays going in the opposite direction. Nobody could read the spin of the ball. Rolling out to the left meant the slower defensive line on that side . The game was stacked right handed. But everyone was stuck on tradition.

The varsity that year, tied the 1st game of the season and lost the rest. Lolol.
JV was worse. They lost every game my freshman year. I don't know how good or bad I might have been but the most I could have cost either team was one tie game.
So I quit. Played intermural football. We won the championship.

Then started to focus on Baseball year around. I pitched lefthanded. Played varsity as a freshman. Started one game that year. Was set to do long relief and coming into a game once when a spectator at Dematha High School had an epileptic seizure right behind our bench. Game stopped, ambulance came, and they called the game. We were getting crushed and if I had come in (14 yrs. old) to relief against those grown ass men (17-18 yrs. old most with scholarships waiting for them) , we would have run out of baseballs they would have hit me so hard. And to finish that story, my coach said I was his pitcher. Period. I said I'm a better hitter. He said, not here you aren't. Wouldn't let me even take BP at practice to prove it . So after the season but before school let out , I get 2 future scholarship offers. One to WVU. and the other to Samford U. But I was so frustrated that I couldn't hit, the game I loved was being cut from playing the game, to just pitching. And it was because I was a lefty pitcher. That favored me as much as being a lefty QB hurt me.
So... tradition. Can't be a lefthanded QB. Freshman pitchers don't hit? Tradition?? It was tradition that allowed me to make my decision. I quit both sports, stayed at Gonzaga, went to the racetrack every chance I could, graduated, took the graduation summer of 72 off, and went to work at Laurel Race Course in September.

So in my life, I have found, that tradition, while sometimes extremely important, is just as often, a crock of crap.

Now I don't know where this triple crown tradition is, but I have a feeling that once it changes, nobody will notice anymore. Just like the goalposts, the lower mound, the 3 point line, and the 5 weeks for the Triple crown instead of 10 weeks.

It is kind of silly in my mind, when you think about it , that todays players and todays games are soooo much different than it was in all the sports. It's a different world. People are bigger, stronger, and faster. Medicine and technology is so superior IMO, that in no way does changing timelines or adjusting events diminish what happened years ago. Not in any sports IMO. I truly feel, it's just different.

So who knows.

That's my longwinded two cents.

[str]

I was on a rode trip so I will try and get caught up in the next day or two.

[BOA12]

B-O, you saying you can get us jobs tilling the Iowa farm-land this summer?

Not my side of town Goat,

but I hear many openings exist.

[ChuckyTheGoat]

Self employed and working outdoors very gratifying an added plus.

B-O, you saying you can get us jobs tilling the Iowa farm-land this summer?

[JBEX]

top 3 choices in the peter pan stakes at aqueduct tomorrow are all by sons of uncle mo

3 growth equity (6-5)
nyquist

5 talk to me jimmy (9-5)
modernist

1 trendsetter (3-1)
modernist

nyquist is an elite stallion ($175k) but the other two are from modernist's 1st crop and he's only a $5k fee ..pretty remarkable that he has 2 in there at that inexpensive fee and both are logical contenders .. might bode well for kingsbarns (also UM) whose 1st crop we won't see till 2028


that's how it finished in ml order and final odds were very close .. $1 triple pd $7.64

[JBEX]

First off unlike in other decades there's been a switch to the importance of the summer races making it more appealing to target those races, altering the series would interfere with the scheduling for those races and most tracks aren't going to go along. However the biggest reason for leaving them as they are is for what they have always stood for, the test of a real champion. Not just a horse with racing luck on derby day, or any other race, but a truly great horse. We all know their names and speak with reverence when we remember what they did. The triple crown isn't about making it easy it's a true test of greatness that must remain for the future of this sport.

considering there's been 2 triple crown winners in the last dozen years is another argument not to change the format .. also had flighline (2021) been able to start his career a few months earlier good chance he would've done it also .. you're gonna have a significant amount of derby winners skip the preakness in modern times but imo as long as there are horses that are capable of doing it I agree (changed my mind) it should be left alone

[batt33]

I think they need to call them something different because the spacing is different .. maybe " the classics" and you're going for a sweep of them .. needs to be distinguished from the old format in my opinion

First off unlike in other decades there's been a switch to the importance of the summer races making it more appealing to target those races, altering the series would interfere with the scheduling for those races and most tracks aren't going to go along. However the biggest reason for leaving them as they are is for what they have always stood for, the test of a real champion. Not just a horse with racing luck on derby day, or any other race, but a truly great horse. We all know their names and speak with reverence when we remember what they did. The triple crown isn't about making it easy it's a true test of greatness that must remain for the future of this sport.