Horse Racing questions and answers

[JBEX]

did you notice #3 john fitzgerald by the sire kennedy..perfect name although you'd think someone would've done that sooner

[JBEX]

Let's start with this.
Still a maiden. Filly against the boys. She has worked 3/8ths, a 1/2, another 1/2, and a 5/8ths on a surface where she was the only horse to work 5/8ths that day. Then no works for 18 days. She is asked to run 3/4's from the 1 post today. Funny thing is, she will run hard all the way today and I won't be surprised if she isn't right there.
And while I would, and maybe should, bash the connections for this spot, I do understand that this is a very odd stake in that it is restricted to Ohio Bred horses that went through the Ohio Breeders sales ring. That kind of race can make owners a big name in the Ohio breeders community sometimes and as a result, you can and do see crazy stuff happen at the entry box when it comes to this race. This is most likely that.

The form screams that she is not as prepared to run well as she could be. The filly against the boys, well you know my thoughts on that. Fronts on for every start. Maybe she really needs them but....??

All in all, if she was by just about any other sire., she would be a bet against off all the things she has going against her.

But she is an Army Mule. She has never been off the board in her life. All she know is to try her guts out. She will today I'm sure. This is her 3rd start against the boys out of five races. In spite of all the hurdles she just keeps on going.

This last sentence in the race conditions makes breeders heads spin .

"Trophies presented by the OTBO to the winning Owner, Trainer, Jockey and Breeder".

Hey, it's not like I never got pressure from an owner to run in a race that I probably would not have. And a few of those won.

So while I do not like it at all.... I understand.

As always I appreciate the heads up. These AM horses are incredible.

so distracted by an army mule running vs ohio breds I didn't notice it was a filly..didn't stop them from smashing her at the windows in the first 2 starts including 1/5 in start 2..that 2nd start was at belterra Park which might be a notch below this track and thistledown ..possibly has something to do with the odds

I think the class of AM compensates and more for fillies vs boys in her 1st 2 starts as the typical ohio stallion is very inexpensive ..that early in the year for 2yos as you know str it's not unheard of to run against colts

thought the pace scenario was a little unfavorable last out as the eventual winner went by her before the 3/8th marker..the AM gained 3 lengths in the stretch and possibly because of the early move the winner was a bit tired at the end ..thought possibly the winner didn't switch leads till very late but not sure

could see her on the lead alone or pressed by (possibly stalking)
the 5 ..be interesting to see how this race develops ..I don't get 8-1 ml and think will be significantly lower

[str]

While we are on the Army Mule subject and mismanagement of placement for some of these horses by their connections, it will be cool to watch the horse Army Gal that Linda Rice just won her 2nd race in two starts with. As you know, I constantly praise her for putting her horses in really good situations. That's what she does. And the theory of a horse improving by being successful is hopefully something we will witness together.
That said, she is quickly running out of spots without trying a Stake as 2 other than races for 3 year olds in March are hard to fill and may not even be written quite yet. Either way, she will be looking for what is best for the horse which is always a breath of fresh air.

[str]

by army mule..monday @ mahoning R7 #1 holidays army brat (8-1)..post @ 3:03

ohio bred stakes race for 3 year old fillies



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just noticed she's still a maiden.. a little aggresive but being it's vs statebreds and AM a kentucky sire not concerned with it

Let's start with this.
Still a maiden. Filly against the boys. She has worked 3/8ths, a 1/2, another 1/2, and a 5/8ths on a surface where she was the only horse to work 5/8ths that day. Then no works for 18 days. She is asked to run 3/4's from the 1 post today. Funny thing is, she will run hard all the way today and I won't be surprised if she isn't right there.
And while I would, and maybe should, bash the connections for this spot, I do understand that this is a very odd stake in that it is restricted to Ohio Bred horses that went through the Ohio Breeders sales ring. That kind of race can make owners a big name in the Ohio breeders community sometimes and as a result, you can and do see crazy stuff happen at the entry box when it comes to this race. This is most likely that.

The form screams that she is not as prepared to run well as she could be. The filly against the boys, well you know my thoughts on that. Fronts on for every start. Maybe she really needs them but....??

All in all, if she was by just about any other sire., she would be a bet against off all the things she has going against her.

But she is an Army Mule. She has never been off the board in her life. All she know is to try her guts out. She will today I'm sure. This is her 3rd start against the boys out of five races. In spite of all the hurdles she just keeps on going.

This last sentence in the race conditions makes breeders heads spin .

"Trophies presented by the OTBO to the winning Owner, Trainer, Jockey and Breeder".

Hey, it's not like I never got pressure from an owner to run in a race that I probably would not have. And a few of those won.

So while I do not like it at all.... I understand.

As always I appreciate the heads up. These AM horses are incredible.

[JBEX]

by army mule..monday @ mahoning R7 #1 holidays army brat (8-1)..post @ 3:03

ohio bred stakes race for 3 year old fillies



.



.

just noticed she's still a maiden.. a little aggresive but being it's vs statebreds and AM a kentucky sire not concerned with it

[JBEX]

by army mule..monday @ mahoning R7 #1 holidays army brat (8-1)..post @ 3:03

ohio bred stakes race for 3 year old fillies



.



.

[Madison]

Just saw this. That inside horse , the 6, was completely out of gas and the 3 horse was a body length clear to the outside or right, of that 6 horse. From the side view, we see the 3 horses head go left and seemingly into the 6 but that is not the case. He had 4 feet to angle and go at the same time and did not touch the very tired 6 horse. The rider of the 6 never changes his hand action to pull back which tells you the 3 was clear enough that no tripping was of concern. That jock on the 6 would have grabbed his horse if he thought their feet might get tangled up. Seeing that it was no concern by the rider of the 6 horse, rest assured they were clear of tangling hind feet from the 3 and front feet from the 6.
I hope you can see that sir. The head on shot helps quite a bit.

Thank you. I guess I'll never get greyhound racing out of me, as you could, bump, bite, and ride home and the result was the result.

All my best!

[str]

So, I hate myself for being this way (bringing up bad memories) but ...

I lost a large (for me) bet on Owen Almighty a month or 2 ago on an objection.

GP R2 today #3 totally crashes into the 6 about an 1/8 to go, in what seems to be a worse offense, and not even an inquiry.

Don't waste your precious time with a lengthy reply but at least a look at GP R2 stretch and the 3 would be appreciated.

Thanks!!

Just saw this. That inside horse , the 6, was completely out of gas and the 3 horse was a body length clear to the outside or right, of that 6 horse. From the side view, we see the 3 horses head go left and seemingly into the 6 but that is not the case. He had 4 feet to angle and go at the same time and did not touch the very tired 6 horse. The rider of the 6 never changes his hand action to pull back which tells you the 3 was clear enough that no tripping was of concern. That jock on the 6 would have grabbed his horse if he thought their feet might get tangled up. Seeing that it was no concern by the rider of the 6 horse, rest assured they were clear of tangling hind feet from the 3 and front feet from the 6.
I hope you can see that sir. The head on shot helps quite a bit.

[Madison]

This is the logical next race up for this horse. Exactly where the horse belongs. Certainly can win but if not look for a solid effort.
This is why Linda Rice wins so many races. She spots them in logical races. She does a heck of a good job in all facets of training.

Blew this one. Had a free $10 from TVG I'm trying to spend. Nice pick!!!

[Madison]

Interference

So, I hate myself for being this way (bringing up bad memories) but ...

I lost a large (for me) bet on Owen Almighty a month or 2 ago on an objection.

GP R2 today #3 totally crashes into the 6 about an 1/8 to go, in what seems to be a worse offense, and not even an inquiry.

Don't waste your precious time with a lengthy reply but at least a look at GP R2 stretch and the 3 would be appreciated.

Thanks!!

[JBEX]

races discussed above

aqu R3 @ 2:05
gulf R4 @ 2:26

[JBEX]

Hey Batt,

GP R4 #4 Rolando out of Vekoma has run admirably first few starts. Race looks interesting. All sorts of variables. #3 coming out of my stable off last run, but may be in tough?

It will be a fun race to watch! Down to 5 horses so I don't think there will be any value. I like the cut back in distance showing early speed and not a bad horse he lost to last time!

I like the cutback also,especially with the way he ran in the mile last out ..dam sire a sprint influence and have a hunch 6f might be his distance..pletcher's could be anything but rolando likely to be on the lead by himself ..think they are less concerned about winning vs a solid effort off the layoff with the former

[Easy-Rider 66]

Quite a bit once you have looked over the race. If you read the conditions first and learn to understand them you will see which trainers are concentrating on winning and which aren’t.
Certain trainers are almost always live in a race. Ever notice that? Some others are seemingly just running for 2nd or 3 rd. Others are running on a big race day at 70-1 just to do it. I never understood that .

OK STR thx. I guess sometimes those 70/1 shots gut lucky and score but few and far between. Maybe the allure of running in a big race is too strong to overcome. LOL. THX

[batt33]

Hey Batt,

GP R4 #4 Rolando out of Vekoma has run admirably first few starts. Race looks interesting. All sorts of variables. #3 coming out of my stable off last run, but may be in tough?

It will be a fun race to watch! Down to 5 horses so I don't think there will be any value. I like the cut back in distance showing early speed and not a bad horse he lost to last time!

[str]

Hey STR: what % of handicapping do you think is contingent on where a trainer spots a horse? So when you look over the form is that one of the first things you examine? Trainer intent is not my strong suit but I am trying to discern whether a horse is in over his head or dropping to a more reasonable level. THX.

Quite a bit once you have looked over the race. If you read the conditions first and learn to understand them you will see which trainers are concentrating on winning and which aren’t.
Certain trainers are almost always live in a race. Ever notice that? Some others are seemingly just running for 2nd or 3 rd. Others are running on a big race day at 70-1 just to do it. I never understood that .

[Madison]

Not out of the question! Cant wait for my Vekoma to get to the track!

Hey Batt,

GP R4 #4 Rolando out of Vekoma has run admirably first few starts. Race looks interesting. All sorts of variables. #3 coming out of my stable off last run, but may be in tough?

[JBEX]

This is the logical next race up for this horse. Exactly where the horse belongs. Certainly can win but if not look for a solid effort.
This is why Linda Rice wins so many races. She spots them in logical races. She does a heck of a good job in all facets of training.

yes she's as solid as they come and has been at it for a very long time ..possibly take advantage of being further outside the two (practically) co-favorites..really surprised they offered the 2 up for a claim (and taken) last start ..looked like a lot of potential from first 3 starts to risk that

[str]

by army mule..aqu R3 #5 army gal (3-1)broke maiden in debut last out..next step


post @ 2:05



.

This is the logical next race up for this horse. Exactly where the horse belongs. Certainly can win but if not look for a solid effort.
This is why Linda Rice wins so many races. She spots them in logical races. She does a heck of a good job in all facets of training.

[JBEX]

by army mule..aqu R3 #5 army gal (3-1) broke maiden in debut last out..next step


post @ 2:05



.

[Easy-Rider 66]

Hey STR: what % of handicapping do you think is contingent on where a trainer spots a horse? So when you look over the form is that one of the first things you examine? Trainer intent is not my strong suit but I am trying to discern whether a horse is in over his head or dropping to a more reasonable level. THX.