Horse Racing questions and answers

[JBEX]

Blinkers and hustled from the get go.... But that seems the way she has raced in all her starts....
Can she be taught to rate?


the one thing we dont see (unless we follow the horse closely) is how they are trained... case in point is "straight no chaser..." I've posted training video's and comments from Dan Blacker on how they are/were teaching him to relax behind horses as he has gotten older.( without being involved with the horse I would have never had the "inside" info)

Breeders cup sprint he actually sat behind horses and finished ! last race in Saudi Arabia he wasn't happy with the other horse having the lead... but Velaquez worked with him and he settled and finished well.


so I would say with a smart horse and a good trainer and competent jockey yes.

appreciate the feedback batt..will be interesting to see if she can change tactics otherwise probably will be dropping into maiden claimers

understand not every army mule
going to be a runner which I'll define as suceeding at some level of the game ..we'll see with this one

[batt33]

think there's any chance str that she could be taught to sit off the pace or is an established frontrunner by now ?
if the latter not sure there's much you could do to improve her ..she finished 4th by 8L for those who didn't watch..pressed on the lead and was passed around the quarter pole

Blinkers and hustled from the get go.... But that seems the way she has raced in all her starts....
Can she be taught to rate?


the one thing we dont see (unless we follow the horse closely) is how they are trained... case in point is "straight no chaser..." I've posted training video's and comments from Dan Blacker on how they are/were teaching him to relax behind horses as he has gotten older.( without being involved with the horse I would have never had the "inside" info)

Breeders cup sprint he actually sat behind horses and finished ! last race in Saudi Arabia he wasn't happy with the other horse having the lead... but Velaquez worked with him and he settled and finished well.


so I would say with a smart horse and a good trainer and competent jockey yes.

[JBEX]

I will watch the replay tomorrow. Looks like SBR will be down 2 days but when it is back up, we will continue this conversation about her.

Without seeing it, I am assuming she was not fit enough from the weak work schedule and the 1 post probably made her go hard early.
The replay will let me see all that.
Hopefully she gains in fitness and can find a spot vs. fillies that is not too crazy.
I'll pick up there when we return.

Thanks JBEX.

no problem str..sounds right what you are saying but definitely have a look when you can..no rush

I looked at the condition books and they have multiple levels of maiden claiming races if they need to go that path .. besides the in-betweens and succesfull ones interesting to follow some of them trying to find some success at the bottom levels

[Easy-Rider 66]

Hi all,

Following up again to let you know we are on track for the forum upgrade to go ahead next week. We have targeted the evening of Tuesday, March 4th into the morning of Wednesday, March 5th to complete the migration. During this time, the forum and contests will be offline.

No action is required on your end. All post and message history will transfer over with the upgrade. I will touch base again here prior to launch to ensure everything is ready to go.

from SBR Andy

[Easy-Rider 66]

I will watch the replay tomorrow. Looks like SBR will be down 2 days but when it is back up, we will continue this conversation about her.

Without seeing it, I am assuming she was not fit enough from the weak work schedule and the 1 post probably made her go hard early.
The replay will let me see all that.
Hopefully she gains in fitness and can find a spot vs. fillies that is not too crazy.
I'll pick up there when we return.

Thanks JBEX.

Hey STR based on what I read the site will be down Tues night into WED morn/afternoon. Just a heads up.

[str]

think there's any chance str that she could be taught to sit off the pace or is an established frontrunner by now ?
if the latter not sure there's much you could do to improve her ..she finished 4th by 8L for those who didn't watch..pressed on the lead and was passed around the quarter pole

I will watch the replay tomorrow. Looks like SBR will be down 2 days but when it is back up, we will continue this conversation about her.

Without seeing it, I am assuming she was not fit enough from the weak work schedule and the 1 post probably made her go hard early.
The replay will let me see all that.
Hopefully she gains in fitness and can find a spot vs. fillies that is not too crazy.
I'll pick up there when we return.

Thanks JBEX.

[JBEX]

think there's any chance str that she could be taught to sit off the pace or is an established frontrunner by now ?
if the latter not sure there's much you could do to improve her ..she finished 4th by 8L for those who didn't watch..pressed on the lead and was passed around the quarter pole

[str]

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

I missed that. Good catch. Great name !

[str]

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

Probably right in the difference in stallions JBEX.

I did watch that race and yes, the Army Mule continued to run and finish but the horse in front hit a wall and was totally out of gas that last 70 yards. That is why the field made those lengths up late. The winner struggled galloping out after the race.
The in race pace did make it real tough on her IMO.
Agree that 8-1 is high. Probably a good bit less than that.

[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



.



.

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