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Unlimited Budget is expected to face males in Belmont Stakes 2013. Posted 14 hours ago
Verrazano will make his next start in the Pegasus Stakes at Monmouth on 6-16. Posted 15 hours ago
Dreaming of Julia will make her next start in the Mother Goose at Belmont on 6-22. Posted 15 hours ago
Game On Dude worked 4f in :50.60 (28/36) at Santa Anita on 5-20. Posted 19 hours ago
Overanalyze, breezing for Belmont Stakes 2013, went 4f in :47.50 (3/34) at Belmont (dirt training) on 5-19.Posted 1 day ago
2013 Belmont Stakes hopeful Palace Malice breezed 4f in :47.49 (2/34) at Belmont Park (dirt training) on 5-19. Posted 1 day ago
Coffee Clique romps in the Selene Stakes!Posted 1 day ago
Royal Delta breezed 4f in :52.03 (15/23) at Belmont Park on 5-19. Posted 1 day ago
Oxbow and Gary Stevens wire the Preakness!Posted 2 days ago
Skyring goes all the way in the Dixie! Posted 2 days ago

Ride
Awesome Gem
against other champions!

Awesome Gem

10 year old Gelding
Retired
12 fans12

5 favorites5

[Edit]

Owner(s):

West Point Thoroughbreds

Trainer:

Craig Dollase

Bred:

Kentucky (USA) by Peter J. Callahan - Catesby W. Clay - Runnymeade Farm Inc.

Pedigree:

Awesome Again - Piano by Pentelicus

Rating:

7.59/10


	Reed Palmer/Emerald Downs

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What the Nation is saying about Awesome Gem...

Who Has Zenyatta Beaten?

Nineteen up, nineteen down. Zenyatta has done it all. Her quest for a pair of perfect 10s comes in a few weeks at Churchill Downs with the world watching in the Breeders' Cup Classic. But there is an undeniable question standing in her way to 20 consecutive victories -- the competition. Even the mos...Read More

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humphrey · The clock, energy dynamics of pace. the traditonal positional proclivities of the deep closer and EVERY pace thrown at her....The particulars are not any different than that · 943 days ago ·

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humphrey · Bloodhorse has a good article about her http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/wgoh/archive/2010/10/19/lost-opportunities-by-eric-mitchell.aspx · 942 days ago ·

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medlocke · Looks like a pretty respectable group to me. Both male and female alike. Plus, the field she'll face in the 2010 Breeders Cup Classic will only serve to strengthen that list. I challenge any horse, male or female, to give away the weight that Zenyatta has given away so many times in so many races, and see if they still come up undefeated under those taxing circumstances? It's almost unheard of for a deep closer, more often than not, saddled with a boulder while the competition carries a brick, to be able to find the wire every time first without failure. Zenyatta's drive, and refuse to lose attitude is second to none in the sport, worldwide. This mare can run all day long. Stamina will be her deadliest weapon at Churchill Downs. I think both Quality Road and Blame, off of his JCGC run, are suspect at best to not fade at 1-1/4. I think it's likely Lookin At Lucky could prove to be her strongest opposition. But provided that Mike Smith does his job correctly, and times the ride correctly, I think her shear power and closing onslaught will prove too much for all in the race. As I said before, let other horses try giving away the weight that Zenyatta has given on a regular basis. Then see how their lifetime record comes out? Unbelievable that this mare, given her running style, and handicaps in races is still a perfect 19 for 19. Make no mistake. What Zenyatta has already accomplished is history making. If she win's this year's Breeders Cup Classic? It will be legendary for all-time. JMO. · 942 days ago ·

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wildwestzona · I would love to see them do this same list for Rachel's competition. If a horse dominates the FEMALE CLASIC, Wins The BCC, beats Switch (who beat blind luck), beats the horse Zardana(that Rachel lost to), and is 19-0 over a 3 year period - then I don't care if the races are on concrete against donkey's, that is one heck of a career and IMO makes her the greatest female in American Sports Racing History. · 942 days ago ·

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wildwestzona · Forgot to mention: REGAL RANSOM who beat BLAME people. SUMMER BIRD who was voted 2009 MALE champion people!!! GIOPONTI who is the best MALE turf horse in America. · 942 days ago ·

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luvzenyatta · There's that ugly symbol again. I agree totally that Rachel should not ever have a 1 rating, but at this point in Zenyatta's undefeated 19 for 19 career she should never have a red down arrow next to her name. No excuses or explanations accepted:) · 942 days ago ·

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luvzenyatta · Z haters: Repeat after me, 19 for 19, 19 for 19, 19 for 19. There's no denying the greatness of this accomplishment. · 942 days ago ·

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bob46 · Z tea drinkers, repeat after me, Horse of the Year RA, horse of the year RA, horse of the year RA, Poly Lover Zenyatta, Poly lover Zenyatta, Poly lover Zenyatta, · 942 days ago ·

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Skyharbor21 · No one wanted to race her for 2nd at the Apple Blossom. Surely the east coast fillies who excel on dirt would have stepped up to take her on. But no one wanted to get beat, that includes RA. · 942 days ago ·

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perimeters · bob46, Rachel Alexandra did win 2009 Horse of the Year, but she probably ran the weakest campaign of any defending Horse of the Year in 2010. Understand your track surfaces. Zenyatta does not seem to care for Del Mar's Polytrack surface but she wins anyway. She has also won two Grade 1 races on regular dirt, and numerous others on Hollywood's Cushion Track and Santa Anita's Pro-Ride. Since you seem enamoured with Rachel, where was you princess when Zenyatta was romping in the 2010 Apple Blossom? · 942 days ago ·

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cugel the clever · LOL - Pathetic to see the zenyphiles defending the supposed "strength" of last year's BCC field. I notice the poll of the day asks who you like to win the Mile, and the great Gio Ponti, who Z beat last year gets only 11% of the vore for 4th place and he isn't even good enough for his connections to enter him in the Classic this year! Yup, Z sure did beat some strong competion last year..... · 941 days ago ·

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mdracing69 · cugel, I read that Gio Ponti is going to be pre-entered in the BC Mile and Classic. “At the moment our intention is to enter in both the races,” Stuart Fitzgibbon, commercial manager at Castleton-Lyons, said Thursday afternoon. · 941 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · I just can't understand why when you have a great mare and a great filly in the same your need for bashing one or the other. 2009 was a great year for the ladies,Zenyatta beat a very strong field in the classic and the woodward was the most brutal race I've ever seen run. Not one horse who ran in the Woodward is running today and not by choice.Every horse in that race took a shot at her and she put them all away.Getting back to Zenyatta 19-0 is a feat not likely to be seen again.Personally I think she she runs it up to 20 no problem.When you chase a horse a good as Gio Ponti out of entering a race that says volumes about just how good she is. · 941 days ago ·

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zilzal89 · The play over here will be to take the 4-1 Zenyatta now, i will probably be able to lay her at much reduced odds come postime. What do all you folks over there think of the pace of the race?? as it looks set up for the closers here · 941 days ago ·

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medomoreno · I find it sad to witness pettiness regarding this issue. In my opinion, any race including Gio Ponti, Blame, Quality Road, Haynesfied, and Lookin' At Lucky is a helluva race; throw in Zenyatta: WOW!!! Sit back & enjoy. The goal is to win, and for any stretch-runner that translates into: getting up in time. Zenyatta's closest margins of victory have been in races in which the 6 Furlong splits have been: 1:13.06, 1:15.11 [sic], 1:13.64. Does anybody really think that in this coming race we're gonna see a 1:15 split??? · 939 days ago ·

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humphrey · EVERY horse that dared go into the gate with her. · 939 days ago ·

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medomoreno · I find it sad to witness pettiness regarding this issue. In my opinion, any race including Gio Ponti, Blame, Quality Road, Haynesfied, and Lookin' At Lucky is a helluva race; throw in Zenyatta: WOW!!! Sit back & enjoy. The goal is to win, and for any stretch-runner that translates into: getting up in time. Zenyatta's closest margins of victory have been in races in which the 6 Furlong splits have been: 1:13.06, 1:15.11 [sic], 1:13.64. Does anybody really think that in this coming race we're gonna see a 1:15 split??? · 939 days ago ·

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curlin · I have a question to the zenyatta "haters": Do you want her to get beat? I understand you feel she is overrated but, would you not love to see her win? If she were to win she'd be undoubtably a top 5 horse all time. Do you not want to see history? I'm of the group that this year does nothing but add to her legacy. IMO even if she loses she is still an all time great. I just don't see how people can root against her. I was never a fan of RA but I always wanted her to win. Mainly because it would look better when zenyatta beat her. (now we won't get a chance to see that happen). It is just unbelievable to me how you can root against her. · 938 days ago ·

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CraigBradshaw · this prior bcc10, blame proved himself to be a very worthy horse in nosing out zenyatta, albeit on his home track, and a surface more familiar to him than to zen. you could say now that he is the best horse she has met in the classic on dirt, but the always game and underappreciated gio ponti should remain right at the top of the list due to his versatility, and the fact that he did as well against goldikova as he did against zenyatta. quality road, haynesfield, musket man should be put way down around 18, 19, 20, as all 3 of them were non-factors in this classic. fly down could probably be moved into about the 11th position. i'd put espoir city in at about 15th or so. lookin' at lucky could be considered at about 10th. · 850 days ago ·

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CraigBradshaw · in addition, you can see that she has faced the best horses available at least once, that didn't refuse to face her, considering her races were announced well in advance. · 850 days ago ·

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trenchtownrock · Really?....I think that should answer it. · 850 days ago ·

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medlocke · CraigBradshaw, I totally agree. Maybe Zenyatta didn't face the boys as often as myself or many others may have liked? But the one thing you can say is that when she did face the boys, she faced the very best of the best that raced on turf, synthetics, and conventional dirt. And found only one that was able to run a big enough race to withstand her closing kick by mere inches on his home track. A racetrack that Blame had dominated many other G1 winning males throughout his career. Don't get me wrong, I think Blame is a fantastic colt. A real talent that had a great career. But when you can say that you raced 22 of the very best colt's in the world on both synthetics and conventional dirt, and defeated 21 of them soundly, there's certainly no shame in that. If Zenyatta had faced males more often than she face them in her career, would she have more than one loss? Very probably. But I will say that she was a dominant enough race-mare that I don't believe she would've defeated in her division any more often than Goldikova ever get's defeated in hers. TJMO. · 850 days ago ·

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lewpe · Oldest males horses to win the BC Classic were 5 years old. Zenyatta, at 6 years old, takes on 4 year olds in their prime and still puts in a phenomenal performance. She may not have raced many races against the males but as medlocke states she did, indeed, beat 21 of the best soundly. She deserves credit for that. She deserves credit for beating the remaining field in the 2010 BC Classic as well. Her prior 2010 races may have been considered prep races but, as another post states, she gave up weight to lesser experienced opponents to even the odds. She did, in fact, run two very close races which I saw first hand against Switch and Lethal Heat. It's interesting but sad to see the ugly posts that are swirling here which is why I've stayed away. There is a horse for their time and Zenyatta is the horse of our time. She brought renewed interest to the sport for those who have never attended as well as for those of us like myself who have been going to horse racing events for over 30 years. It's exciting to see people genuinely excited again about horse racing. And, it has given us renewed hope in the industry. · 845 days ago ·

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medlocke · Look, did Zenyatta run against the boys as often as we all wanted to see her run against them? Probably not. But when you've raced in back to back Breeders Cup Classics, on two different surfaces, against 22 of the very best colt's in the world that raced on turf, synthetics, and conventional dirt. One can hardly say Zenyatta dodged anybody. And she proved herself better than 21 of the 22 best colt's in the world. Only losing by mere inches to a colt in Blame that was more dominant on the CD track than any other horse in racing has been in the past 2 seasons. JMO. · 812 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · medlocke:Zenyatta ? She won horse of the year for 2010 and went on to mate with Bernardini? This is March 1, 20011 the voting is over wake up, the voting actually took place and she won. Go back to sleep it was just a bad dream. · 812 days ago ·

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Thead'or · This argument is a joke. For some odd Reason every Zenyatta convo somehow has to mention RA's accomplishments. Why? A horse that she never faced, and never will seems to play a questionably big part in her career. Its not who the horses Rachel Alexandra beats, its how she beat them. In the Woodward ANY horse would have gone flat like a cheap tire after the fractions she set. Any 3 year-old filly running in this race [Wait has that ever happened before?] Would have not been anywhere near this field heading for home. She wasn't any 3 year-old filly. Her accomplishments where so far and beyond at that age and gender people got carried away. Trying to pick out minor things, fact is she never let us down that year. Her owners paid the price for it, but we got to see hints of what was of 2009 in 2010. · 812 days ago ·

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footlick · Can we just stop! Why tear down either animal. Let's move on. Please!!!!! · 811 days ago ·

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CraigBradshaw · not trying to dredge up old arguments, but if you read the list, plus the 12 males she finished ahead of in the bcc11, she bettered 30+ G1 winners in her career. · 621 days ago ·

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CauseForConcern · CraigBradshaw: Most were running on her track for the first time(synthetic). You want to come to my house? I'll beat you anytime you wanna play basketball. Don't know if I can beat you at your house, but, then that's another story. · 621 days ago ·

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WesWhite · Goldikova bested almost as many Grade 1 winners in 1 year. Laughable. · 621 days ago ·

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HORSEFACE · CauseForConcern.....AMan.... she was a synthetic specialist...!!! just average away from home. · 621 days ago ·

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CauseForConcern · medlocke: You stated that Zenyatta won back-to-back BC's on two different surfaces. She won both BC's at the same track, same surface. · 621 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · Whats pitiful is that you people had to go back 190 days to start another lame argument between ztchtes · 621 days ago ·

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TimSmith · Seriously MOVE ON.. There are two sides to this argument and neither ever gives in.. Quit being pathetic and move on. · 621 days ago ·

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CraigBradshaw · ww, cfc, horseface.....three teenyboppers still throwing spitwads at a horse. weakest arguments i've ever seen. · 620 days ago ·

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RamonDimas · she beat the best males horses in the U.S. · 620 days ago ·

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CraigBradshaw · and, several G1 winning females, and the best at the time, ginger punch, for a total of well over 40 G1 horses beat by z. · 617 days ago ·

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MarcelloMarocco · IMO she did NOT face the best Turf horses in 2009, if the best Turf Horses raced her Sea The Stars would have won, Conduit could have won, Fame and Glory could have won, Henry the navigator could have won. beating Twice over at 3, RVW @3 ( rode completely wrong in that race up close) is not convincing enough to me that she beat the so called BEST. The BEST raced in the ARC, and the BC Turf, and stuck to their disciplines, and watch the race again to see Gio Ponti have a horrid trip until he found room at the 16th pole. JMO. · 601 days ago ·

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MarcelloMarocco · Plus with all due respect to Blame(who is a champion Dirt Horse) who did she race in last years BCC that was a legitimate 10f horse? Musket man?, Espoir City?, First Dude(maybe this year before retiring) Paddy O'Prado?, Quality Road(love him to death, and was injured during the race). The only 10f horses finished in the top 4. That Field was not as loaded as people would like to think, in regards to legitimate 10 f horses. But Zenyatta still had a tremendous record, and regardless if she raced vs fillies/Mares 95% of the time she still won 18 races in that regard. Hell of a record. · 601 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · @MarcelloMarocco: With all due respect, Sea The Stars, Conduit, Henry the Navigator, Fame and Glory did not show up, Zenyatta did. It's pretty odd how many horses didn't show up or retired rather than face her. As far as losing to Blame by eight inches that was one of the best races I've ever watched regardless of the out come. Running down a great closer in his own right (Blame) is no small accomplishment. Some trainers who feel she could run with the best ever are, Allen Jerkens, Nick Zito, Bob Baffert, John Nerud etc. As with all posts they tend to be very subjective so I believe in time her greatness will be more appreciated. Have a nice day. · 601 days ago ·

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CauseForConcern · Marcello, get your gender right. · 601 days ago ·

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MarcelloMarocco · Cause for Concern- What Gender would yo be refering too?.... When I said She it was Zenyatta I spoke of. Read more carefully. · 598 days ago ·

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MarcelloMarocco · Icy - Yes the horses I listed ran in the ARC, and BC Turf(conduit). These horses run 12f, not 10. Sea The stars beating Zenyatta would have proved nothing after the field he beat in the ARC. Not to mention that they don't run 10f on synthetics, nor do they run 10f period. 12f is the distance of preference. · 598 days ago ·

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MarcelloMarocco · They do run 10f, but 12f is the classic distance, and most of the Major races are mostly run at that distance · 598 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · @MarcelloMarocco : I don't need any lessons on horse racing especially as redundant as your are! · 597 days ago ·

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MarcelloMarocco · Icyhotboo- Ahhhh whats wrong?....hate hearing the truth?....redundent...Lol...hardly · 584 days ago ·

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MarcelloMarocco · I never new Correcting myself was considered be redundant?.... · 584 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · I am so evil · 31 days ago ·

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amino998 · Glad I missed it>>OK. move along people, nothing to see here>>move along :) · 31 days ago ·

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Awesome Gem

$2.8 million earner, 4x Breeder's Cup runner, recently retired AG has a new career! He looks like he'll be pretty good at it too! http://www.youtube.com/user/WestPointTBreds?feature=g-high-u

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SSilence86 · I have always liked him. I wish him luck in his new career, and I look forward to seeing him on the track · 124 days ago ·

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Den's Legacy, Travesura Make Grade at BHP

Jockey Garrett Gomez made it two graded stakes wins in less than 24 hours, guiding 13-10 favorite Den’s Legacy to victory in the $100,000 Generous Saturday at Betfair Hollywood Park. Read More

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Awesome Gem

Awesome Gem, who earned the biggest win of his illustrious career in the 2010 Hollywood Gold Cup, will be paraded between races Saturday, Nov. 24 at Betfair Hollywood Park. Retired September 21 at age 9, Awesome Gem, who has called Betfair Hollywood Park home for more than six years, will appear between the fourth and fifth races on the second day of the Turf Festival.

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travel_vic · dotting the i's and corssing the t's in case there is no more racing on Prairie Avenue in Inglewood. · 183 days ago ·

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AnnaK · Must meet the Awesome one of these days and offer him treats and tell him how wondefful he is. Honestly adored him. · 183 days ago ·

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AnnaK · Armada, did you get close and take pictures? · 183 days ago ·

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Retired Awesome Gem to Be Honored at BHP

Awesome Gem, who earned the biggest win of his illustrious career in the 2010 Hollywood Gold Cup, will be paraded between races Saturday, November 24 at Betfair Hollywood Park.Read More

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Breeders Cup Classic: Curlin, King of the Titans

“And Curlin is POWERHOUSING home! In the Race of the Year, for Horse of the Year, it’s all Curlin, in an absolutely STYLISH performance!” Read More

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brooklyn.steve · An all time great. It's a shame his only out of the money finish was because the BC made the awful decision to run on the synthetic surface and give dirt horses no chance. Outside of that he had a 3rd in The KY Derby and the Haskell, where he could only be beaten by other top 3yos. Have not seen a horse like him since. Horse of the Year, and the Decade by far. · 215 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · He was Horse of the Decade for me. No horse as solid as he was against the level of competition he faced. He also was good enough to run second in a grade one over turf. Not many horses that are as dominant on dirt are able to transfer that to the turf like he did. Feb 2007 he was no more than a maiden and by Jan 2008 he was HOTY. Amazing horse. · 215 days ago ·

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travel_vic · I have several freinds who saw what I did: a maxed out performance by Curlin in the middle of the summer and slight, but obvious form down swint going into the fall. Surface change did not help, but that was not the only factor at work. · 215 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Curlin was always one of my favorites along with Ghostzapper, Smarty Jones and Zenyatta. As much as I like him I don’t consider him the horse of the decade. I don’t think he was close to being the equal of Ghostzapper who defeated two Dubai World Cup winners as well as two BCC winners and HOY Azeri. In the three common distances they both ran, 7F, 9F and 10F, Ghostzapper ran each distance faster. And seeing how Rags dueled him into defeat in the Belmont, I shudder to think what Zenyatta would have done if the two would have met. · 215 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Laz, Ghostzapper was undoubtably the most brilliant, and HOTD is a matter of opinion and is subjective. For me its not just about speed and brilliance. If it was Zapper would be there. I chose Curlin because he faced the best on several occasions and never once was taken out due to injury. He was fast, maybe not the fastest, but still fast and was a true Classic horse. I feel he had the best overall record. Had talent, he faced the best, held up extremely well over the course of his career, he just had it all. Wher horses like Zapper had the brilliance but not the surdiness, Zenyatta brilliant, one could argue sturdy, but didn't face the best and rarely traveled. Also, remember that the Belmont was after he had just run two grueling races, and was on his fourth race in 8 weeks. Rags was much more rested at the time. On Zenyatta, you already know my opinions on that, so I won't bother getting into an old debate that nobody wins. · 215 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · I was there for those cold wet BC days at Monmouth and there was some great performances, including Curlin. I hope Monmouth gets another chance to host the BC in 2014. I assume that the BC will be at Santa Anita in 2013 again. · 215 days ago ·

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travel_vic · Monmouth got a bad rep because of therain (their crew had that track as well as it could be under the circumstances), hte MAJOR breakdown and euthanasia of the European horse, and marginal TV coverage. ESPN has done a very poor job of it. · 215 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · it was not Monmouth's fault for George Washington. That is belongs to his connections. Their horse and they decided to run for whatever reason instead of withdrawing, which would have been in his best interest that day. I agree the track was as good as could be that day. · 215 days ago ·

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goblin · Curlin's Belmont against Rags was at 1 1/2 miles, a distance at which Zenyatta never even started. How can anyone shudder to think that Rags' narrow victory over a tired Curlin at that distance has any comparison value at all. Curlin did not start until Feb. of his 3y/o season and managed to complete that year and ship to Dubai soon after the BCC win. He then carried 132lbs. in his Dubai prep for the World Cup and coasted to the winner's circle. BTW, that Belmont loss was closely following his record in the Preakness. He never had one hint of an injury during his campaign. He is absolutely deserving of his Horse of the Decade designation by BH's Steve Haskin. · 215 days ago ·

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Mike in SB · Curlin as Horse of the Decade is interesting. I personally don't think he was the best older male, I would put Ghostzapper and Invasor above him and I would put him behind Point Given and maybe Smarty and Afleet Alex as 3 year olds. But he is the only horse to put two very good years together and that probably does make him the Horse of the Decade. As for the Breeders Cup at Monmouth, it has to be the most disappointing I have ever attended. The weather was terrible, especially Friday, and George Washington breaking down right in front of the stands ruined it for me. But I liked the track and the area and maybe they will get another chance. · 215 days ago ·

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goblin · Ghostzapper started 11 times over a three year period with gaps of 6 months between races frequently. Curlin raced 16 times in two seasons with 9 starts as a 3y/o. There were no gaps for "R&R" or injury. · 215 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Mike, on talent Zapper would have been ahead of him, but body of work again is it for me and only Invasor, IMO could be put above him in that area as an older horse. He only ran in four races in 06, but all grade ones and the four races were over the course of about 5 1/2 months. It sucks that he didn't get a complete season in 08, I would have loved to see him agains LR in the Whitney and against the BCC lot that year. Zapper, again brilliant but was raced too sparingly for my taste. Also the fact that you mentioned, Curlin have two full, complete, and very successful years helps him a great deal in my mind. He made a great deal of history in 07 and 08. · 215 days ago ·

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footlick · IMO, Curlin would have never beaten Ghostzapper, no matter what distance they ran. If you want to hold Ghostzapper's soundness issues against him then you do. But he was the more brilliant of the two and , IMO, the better of the two · 215 days ago ·

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footlick · I will go with which horse I feel was better. Longevity is nice but does not make the horse better · 215 days ago ·

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goblin · I would submit that longevity is more than "nice" when soundness is the basis for it. Of course you can "feel" GZ was the better horse. IMO Curlin's resume is much more substantial. · 215 days ago ·

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footlick · As I said, you can hold Ghostzapper's soundness issues against him. I can also "feel" how many widening lengths Curlin would have finished behind Ghostzapper too. · 215 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Footlick, Curlin's two season's trump that of Zapper's one. Brilliant, easily the most brilliant horse of the decade, but Curlin was far more accomplished and due to his ability to stay sound he was able to race more often giving him the resume he compiled. One can always think one horse is better, but if they never met, you can't actually know, meaning you then go by body of work. Curlin has that in spades. · 215 days ago ·

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footlick · You value body of work. I value brilliance. I believe Ghostzapper would have easily defeated Curlin on the track. I think Curlin was a talented horse, but certainly, just my opinion, not the best of the Decade. So I could never say he was the best. Ghostzapper had soundness issues. So, people hold that against him. To me, he was pounds better than Curlin. But, we all have our opinion. · 215 days ago ·

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goblin · I am not holding soundness against GZ, nor am I the only one who has mentioned his gaps on this thread. I am saying that Curlin's soundness is a most positive attribute, especially in this day of weeping and wailing over the lack thereof in our North American horses/stallions. I find the use of the word "feel" a bit odd here. You can have any opinion you want, as can anyone on the blog, but Curlin's more substantial record is just that. · 215 days ago ·

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travel_vic · Great line from the movie Balde Runner: "The light that shines twice as bright burns half as long." · 215 days ago ·

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footlick · Since my use of the word "feel" seems odd now, I think I'll let you factual people continue this thread. Have a great day. · 215 days ago ·

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CauseForConcern · Ghostzapper was good. Street Cry was another that his on his way to greatness, but his career was shortened. As for Curlin, I really enjoyed his run. And running with Street Sense and Hard Spun, those three always were near the top. One special shout-out goes to Helen Pitt. She brought Curlin along, and when he annihilated his foes in his maiden win, she would lose him. Thanks, Helen, for being a part of this colt's run. · 215 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · Dani--There is much to know and read about the breakdown of George Washington. There is a controversial book that talks about it. Clearly, there is more to it than his connections making a bad decison to run him in the race. · 215 days ago ·

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CauseForConcern · Since you bring up the topic of George Washington, isn't it ironic that the same people that bred George Washington also bred Barbaro? · 215 days ago ·

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footlick · Curlin was never, ever a better horse. Look at both of their thoro-graph numbers, ragozin numbers and Beyer numbers. A long career does not make a better horse. It makes a horse who ran for a longer amount of time. If It is going to be commented on as to me "feeling" , then I will give you the reasons why I " feel" that way. By all accounts Ghostzapper would have run away from Curlin, using three different speed figures. · 215 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Not considering Zenyatta brilliant is a joke at best. Anjy horse that can run the final mile in a 10F race in 1.33.1 and win a BCC to boot is brilliant. · 215 days ago ·

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dani.pugh · Laz, don't know who said anything about Zenyatta not being brilliant. She could be, when given the chance. Footlick, chill. As you said in your post before this last rant, it is a matter of opinion. You bring up number, which are all well and good but all have flaws, especially when going from year to year to year. The two horses never met, so, for me I go to their body of work. I believe Curlin's is better, and i think many would agree. You go by brilliance, and not many would argue that Ghostzapper was the most brilliant. It just depends on what you consider most important. · 215 days ago ·

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footlick · Laz- we aren't going there again, are we-lol. · 215 days ago ·

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footlick · First of all, I don't need to be told to chill, as I feel I do not rant half as much as many on here. Secondly, my comment was for goblin, who seemed to infer that I somehow was not using anything factual, where as he was. That you felt the need to chime in is interesting. Thirdly, if there was little difference between Curlin's and Ghostzapper's figures, or just one number was vastly superior or only one system rated him superior, I might think otherwise. But three vastly different speed rating systems have Ghostzapper clearly much superior tells me that the horse was better, and not slightly better but quite a bit better. And I think Jerry Brown might have something to say about being able to use his numbers to compare horses of different years. That you and goblin feel that body work is the most important is your right. But, it does not make a horse better no matter how much you or anyone else professes that it does. You can never say Curlin was a better horse, because it is false. He was not a better horse. He had a longer career. That is important to you. Being a better horse is important to me. But, to be clear, my comment was not meant for you but to the person who was bothered by my use of the word "feel". And I am now defending what I said, not "ranting", just, again, to be clear. As Icy would say, "Have a great night". As I would say, "this has now become boring and tedious." Have fun · 215 days ago ·

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BrianAppleton · I love it Dani, so good!! Those memories are some of my best...I was standing on my seat screaming him on at the top of my lungs as he thundered past me...if there's one day I could live over again right now it would be that day when I was at Monmouth. Go Curlin! :) · 215 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · You've got me laughing Footlick. Of course we're not going there. As for Dani saying that Curlin met better, wow, I don’t think so, and this from a fan who at times felt like I would be physically ill whenever he raced. Curlin faced a few really good horses in Street Sense, Rags to Riches, (three year olds not older) and the Ill-fated George Washington. Others like Hard Spun (one G1 win at 7F), Any Given Saturday who defeated him in the Haskell (his only G1 win), Lawyer Ron who won the Whitney and Woodward against moderate fields and who took 22 starts to win his first G1; all these cannot be considered great, at least for an over-all career. His Dubai World Cup win was against one of the weaker fields in the event. Asiatic Boy who was second never won a Group One or G1 race in his career. Well Armed would eventually win a World Cup but he also lost six G2 and G3 races in his career. In the meantime Ghostzapper defeated two World Cup winners plus two HOY winners plus two BCC winners, ran extremely fast 6F, 6.5F,7F, 8F, 9F and 10F races and was credited with one of the highest Beyers all time. I love Curlin but he never ran against the overall quality of horses that Ghostzapper did. · 215 days ago ·

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footlick · Laz, Laz. I'm sure it is better if I just don't comment at all. · 215 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Footlick I would rather discuss those big three in the late sixties, Dr. Fager, Damascus and Buckpasser. Now they give me chills. · 215 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · Buckpasser covered ground in a way I've never seen in another horse. The phrase "quick turn of foot" doesn't do him justice.BTW: I was at Aqueduct when the three of them ran in the Woodward. Both Buckpasser and Damascus entered rabbits to offset Dr. Fagers speed. It was Buckpasser's last race, he suffered from nagging injuries his whole career and still won 15 in a row against the best. On that particular day I don't think it mattered as Damascus was at the top of his form and was just awsome. He's another with the "quick turn of foot. · Dr. Fager was my favorite, but Buckpasser injury free giving 100% was a match for the three reds. · 215 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Right on ICy. Some great memories for sure. · 215 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · I call a little skewing. Didn't Ghostzapper beat St Liam by only a neck in that super fast '04 Woodward? St Liam was not a grade 1 winner at that point. He was an allowance winner and grade 2 placed. He would become in/for '05 a grade 1 winner, BCC winner and HOTY . I mean, it goes the other way, too, saying Lawyer Ron took 22 starts to win a grade 1(was it 23?), or it could be put more positively, he won at his fourth try at a grade 1. 1:46.64 for that 1st grade 1 win in the '07 Whitney. Lawyer Ron took the Woodward, too. I'd be tempted to be generous and say Curlin beat him when he was at his best. Who knows, maybe Lawyer Ron didn't like Churchill, turf or slop. See how this generous thing goes? And nothing doing saying Curlin beat Well Armed that "eventually became a DWC winner", if Roses In May gets to be included as a DWC winner that Ghostzapper beat. When Ghostzapper raced Roses In May, Roses In May was the winner of a single grade 1, the '04 Whitney. Idk about putting Azeri in there two years after her HOTY campaign, but then it's not my skew and I throw in all kinds of points to build my case for my favs. You guys are fun, and I learn a lot, even when there are hissy fits and people having their times otm. · 215 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · As for those gaps in Ghostzapper's career Goblin, that's a good point. I think that it’s in credible that a horse in three successive years can run 6F in 1.09.1 off a 6-month layoff with a final quarter in 23.1; 7F in 1.20.2 off a 10-month layoff with a final 3/8ths in 35.4; and a mile in 1.33.1 after a 7-month layoff with a final quarter in 24.4 and winning by 6 ½ eased up. The fact that he wasn’t sound and that Bobby Frankel touts him as the best he ever trained speaks loads of his raw abilities, without question the most talented male horse in N/A this millennium. · 215 days ago ·

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footlick · I'm just going by numbers and who they point to as the better horse. Two foreign rating systems also ranked them in their best years. Timeform gave Ghostzapper a 137 to Curlin's 134. Racing Post gave Ghostzapper a 135 to Curlin's 131. And just to be fair, IWTR gave each a 130 in their best year. But, not that it means anything. · 215 days ago ·

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footlick · Laz and Icy- they were amazing. · 215 days ago ·

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footlick · Of course we could talk about Zarkava......, but no. Brief body of work but brilliant. · 215 days ago ·

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dani.pugh · laz, I never said Curlin faced better than zapper. I was actually referring to zenyatta. I think overall he faced better than her on a more consistent basis. footlick when you get your panties boxers or whatever in a bunch over what is essentially a very subjective topic them you do need to chill. I like body of work. you like brilliance. if you were really ok with that you wouldn't be making sore childish remarks. · 215 days ago ·

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footlick · Ms Pugh, as obviously, sine you are lecturing me, I don't feel I have the right to call you Dani, maybe you should re-read all the comments you have made site wide before you lecture anybody. I have not said one personal or insulting thing. I have supported my point of view with not one set of numbers, which could be refuted, not two sets of numbers, which still could be brushed aside, but Beyer, Ragozin, Thoro-graph, Timeform and Racing Post, which the first three had Ghostzapper consistently running better numbers, and the other two from Europe rating both horses best race and having Ghostzapper better. I apologize if that doesn't concur with what you wrote. I apologize if I am not supposed to support it with some sort of passion and get peeved when goblin said that they had trouble with my use of the word "feel". I'm sorry that you felt you had to make two pointed comments at me, when I didn't direct my comments to you, as I said previously. Since it seems you have a problem with me and with my comments, I will make sure I don't comment on your threads or posts. This site regularly has people who are far more emotional and abusive in their language than I am, but you decided to single out me. You won't have to do that anymore. · 215 days ago ·

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Zenyatta-Perfection Personified · Street Sense was my boy, and I (sadly) held it against Curlin whenever he beat Sense, but I have a huge amount of respect for him. He had all the things today's horses seem to be lacking - stamina, soundness, world-travelling ability, and speed. · 215 days ago ·

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goblin · footlick---This is almost amusing at this point... First of all, I'm not a "he", I'm a female--that's just for clarification. I simply did not understand the use of the word "feel", when it seemed cognition was required, meaning "think" or "believe" might fit the situation better. Secondly, you brought the longevity into the conversation and I commented on longevity/soundness. I do not and did not hold anything against GZ; I simply noticed and pointed out the gaps in his record. Curlin was on the track only two years--2007 and 2008. GZ ran (I'm doing this from memory) 2002, 2003, 2004, and 1 or 2 races in 2005 I think; so I'm not clear on how Curlin had a longer career. I would not say he had longevity; I would say he packed much successful racing into a relatively brief career actually. That was my point in listing their numbers of starts in one of my original comments above. I will stand by my statement that Curlin had a more substantial career. By definition that would mean more "solid, strong, or firm" among other usages. You could call it his substantial body of work as Dani characterized it. I would consider Curlin the Horse of the Decade and was pleased when Haskin came to that conclusion as well. His reasoning is easy to locate via the BH search site, and included such things as the difficulty of Curlin's 3y/o campaign, no starts at age 2, and his extreme consistency. You certainly do not have to believe that Curlin is a better horse, and I don't think I ever used those specific words on this thread. BTW LAZ, my heart nearly beat out of my chest during his Dubai World Cup start. · 214 days ago ·

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Age of Reason · Footlick is the only one on this thread I've seen who has backed up his opinion with multiple valid sources. Have some class, Dani! You're giving me eery reminders of the She-lost-get-over yellow journalism we used to have to put up with on BloodHorse... · 214 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · JC, It's all there at equibase and videos, not like it's a secret. Get some fresh air. The Tapit foal will appreciate it, AoR. · 214 days ago ·

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dani.pugh · age backed up how? numbers? they are subjective and have flaws, especially when compared nearly five years apart. the only way to have known is for them to have faced and they did not. you can not back up he was better based off of numbers only. you can have opinion, same as I do as in regards to body of work but you can't be sure. Curlin accomplished more. resume side by side that can't be argued. footlick basest his opinion off of brilliance and that is fine, but to get in a huff over somebody not agreeing with you when neither have solid facts to say one was better than the other is pointless. then to get in a huff at me for saying to chill and explaining why, is classless. f you want to pick out where I packed class in asking one to chill, be my guest. being blunt is not rude. you do not see me crying just because he disagrees with me? you do not see me saying I will never speak to him again. I have different qualifications, therefore a different opinion, big deal. I'll debate facts with you, what a horse did our didn't accomplish, but i'm not going to get upset and worried by debating opinions that are based off of individual preferences or feelings. · 214 days ago ·

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footlick · interesting. Now I'm classless. And I didn;t even say it. And you wonder why I am baffled by being singled out when you are allowed to say things like this about me? I don't even need to say anything else. · 214 days ago ·

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footlick · I never said you were classless. Who are you to criticize me, period? · 214 days ago ·

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footlick · Please just stop mentioning me. I will defend myself if I am going to be insulted, but I would rather not, so please do not mention me. Period. · 214 days ago ·

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dani.pugh · footlick. read.I didn't say you called me classless. and also this is not high school. I will mention whoever I want. i'm not going to hide. if you'd like to comment be my guest if you do not care then don't. by the way my comments were not pointed. until my last to you I was not lecturing. I was simply telling you it want worth your time to debate what you like vs what another person does because it is way to subjective. I hope that clears it up for you. · 214 days ago ·

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footlick · "Then to get in a huff at me for saying to chill and explaining why, is classless" . Please read your own post before saying you did not call me classless. · 214 days ago ·

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footlick · I said that I didn't call you classless because you called me classless in the part of your statement that I put in quotes. It may be paraphrased though. That you again felt the need to do something like call what I did classless speaks volumes. · 214 days ago ·

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dani.pugh · footlick, that was not me saying that you called me classless. I actually called your actions classless with that sentence. I never said you called me that. age of reasons did, which is why I used that choice of words. I believe the actions are more childish than classless. I say actions because typically you'reone of the sanest most reasonable posters, yet on a matter that is based purely of opinion and preference you get upset. for a person who is typically very level headed you haven't been which again is why I initially said you should chill, because to debate person preference is not worth getting so upset about. · 214 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Mary correction. I’m not throwing any hissy fits, AT LEAST NOT YET!!, just joking. I am having trouble though in trying to see how Well Armed, Street Sense, Hard Spun, Lawyer Ron, Asiatic Boy and Wanderin Boy were better horses and had better overall careers than Roses in May, Saint Liam, Pleasantly Perfect, Perfect Drift and Azeri. The overall records of the final five actually dwarf the overall records of the first six, which is proven by their number of G1 wins, BCC wins, HOY title, and World Cup victories, Perfect Drift might have only won a single G1 but he finished 2nd in G1 races to Roses in May and Pleasantly Perfect and won his G1 against multi G1 winner and HOY Mineshaft…...Then take a look at that Woodward that Saint Liam ran. He was head and head and bumped many times in a roughly run race with fractions of 45.3, 108.3, 1.33.1, and 1.46.1 and this while carrying 126 lbs. The race he ran that day would have buried those first six and. Sad to say, Curlin. After that race he then won the G2 Clark against a good field, and the G1’s Donn, Foster, Woodward and BCC and lost the Whitney when finishing second by a neck to Commentator (when this one was in his prime) and still received a 123 Beyer. Yes it took him a while to get his first G1 win but it should be noted that his trainer for his first 8 races was Anthony Reinstedler, not a big league trainer in the sense of his following trainers, Richard Dutrow, and Bobby Frankel. As for the rest, their records and accomplishments speak for themselves. · 214 days ago ·

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dani.pugh · laz again I never said he faced better than ghostzapper. the comment was in referenceto zenyattas competition vs Curlins. · 214 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Oh, I only chirped in really since the wonderful Brian Appleton said how much he liked Curlin, but as long as the debate horses don't get credit for beating HOTYs or BCC winners or DWC winners AFTER they faced them, then I'll just be a voyeur here. That one person sorta ticked me off though. Wish everyone would use the same names all over. I do tire of checking sentence structure, misuse of past participles, etc. On your subject though, Laz, would you say that Roses In May got better after facing Ghostzapper and that Azeri was at her best a year or so before facing Ghostzapper? These are actual questions, not meant to be leading or disrespectful. · 214 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · To clarify, as long as the debate horses don't get credit for beating horses that won those races/awards after they faced Ghostzapper or Curlin. · 214 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Mary you're probably right about Azeri though I don't think in her prime she would have beaten Roses in May or Saint Liam in their prime and she wasn’t as good as Curlin. As for Saint Liam in that Woodward, it's my contention that he was every bit as good when he ran in that race as he was at any time in his career so the fact that was the race that probably defined how good he would be, IMO he was really, really good that day, as good as when he won the BCC. I’m also not being fair when I talk about Street Sense and Hard Spun as unfortunately we never got to see them run be at four. In truth, I probably like Curlin more than I did Ghostzapper, (both actually got under my skin much like Northern Dancer, Dr. Fager and Zenyatta did) but I don’t think he was anywhere close to being as good as the Ghost. Unfortunately, because of injuries, we never got to see how really good he was even though his career, as is, was stellar. · 214 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · I agree about Ghostzapper being brilliant when he could run. Now here's an interesting(to me) question. Would more horses also show such brilliance if raced as sparingly? I do think there's something to be said on the positive side about being a consistent(and top-notch) winner through a longer campaign or career. · 214 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Mary, in answer to your question, IMO there are pros and cons about racing sparingly. Back in the day it was basically taboo to run a good horse sparingly and in preparation for many of their big races they even ran in preps and had a limitless string of workouts, sometimes several in one week. I guess that we could relate that to breeding and overall soundness. In this day soundness is definitely a major issue. Horses don’t work all that often, rarely engage in preps for big races and have relatively short careers such as Blame, Creative Cause, Quality Road, etc. and etc. It is common now to see horses run after a lengthily layoff such as DeHoss in his two BC Turf Scores, Gilded Time in back-to-back BC races (of his first five career races, two were BC races) and now Animal Kingdom going to the BC Turf Mile off a long layoff and also coming off a troublesome injury. Less wear and tear seems to be the theme now while back in the day it was work, work, work. Both styles seem to be successful given the times. · 214 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Yah, in general, I don't like sparingly,Laz, but then I have had favorites that had gaps due to injury/layoffs. Maybe I'm thinking of things that make one go, inh, but on a much slower/lesser scale, such as Pool Play coming along and rather embarrassing stakes fields with his "upset" long shot wins. About Animal Kingdom in the BC Turf, while I'm for the Cali turf milers on their "home" course, there is something about the power that comes through in the photos and videos of AK since he's been in training again at Fair Hill. Not saying he'll win, but that he belongs in the Mile field. Different kind of works in those Fair Hill fields. · 214 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · No decision yet on AK's jockey, but they should try to get Dominguez or offer some incentive to get Velazquez off of Wise Dan. AK might be pulling with his mouth wide open after all the time off. · 214 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · I agree about Animal Kingdom. Even though his biggest win was at 10F I truly believe that he’ll excel in that Mile Turf race. He is a very powerful horse with a good burst of speed, IMO qualities that are necessary to win at a mile. I believe that he, along with Wise Dan, give us our best chance to win this race in quite some time. And that’s not to say that another N/A horse couldn’t step up, especially on the Santa Anita course which should be lightening fast. · 214 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · That hill is already blazing fast, Laz. I expect a record in the Turf Sprint. Have to see how the turf races go this weekend on the regular course. · 214 days ago ·

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Age of Reason · I'm through with this argument, and only commented originally because I felt Footlick had been singled out merely for using the comments page as it was designed--to disagree. If you want a good argument, head over to BloodHorse and read the brilliant article by Steve Haskin, in rebuttal of Beyer's piece at DRF which argued that the American thoroughbred is in decline. The first commenter was from Europe, and referred to "second-string horses like Rachel Alexandra [and] Zenyatta", so I'd say the fight is on... · 214 days ago ·

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ruffian75 · Hi, Laz. I know you were discussing horses that are on the shelf for a long period of time, and then begin to resume their career. One horse that I would like to throw into that debate, is Flat Out. He was on the shelf for an extended period time in the midst of his 3-year-old campaign. He resumed his career, and has shown up at times. The owners decided to turn him over to the guidance of William Mott. Mott's had (I think) three races with him. If everything is going according to plan with Mott, he might be showing up at Santa Anita for his best effort? Anyhow, that's my best for the prognostication game. Watch out for Flat Out. · 214 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · I'll butt in with a big like for Flat Out and Bill Mott. Agreeing with ruffian75 to watch out for a better finish than last year for Flat Out--I'm adding that part. I gotta use G.O.D. on top in the BCC, too, though. · 214 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Age of Reason, I read some of those responses. My answer to them is probably best described by good old Forrest Gump: “stupid is what stupid is”. These people shouldn’t in any way be described as knowledgeable. They’re bandwagon jumpers who just like to jump on the next bandwagon that comes along. · 214 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Ruffian75, good to hear from you and I hope all is well. I’ve always been hard on Flat Out in the past, sometimes probably justifiably so and at others probably without justification. I don’t think Flat Out was thought of as being an upper echelon horse early on in his career, but here he is, a back-to-back winner of what was once America’s premier fall race. When he’s on and when he is positioned properly in a race he can run with any horse that’ll probably be entered in the BCC. Two things to consider: how will he run in California as opposed to his favorite track back east; and if the track is hard, which it might be, how will it affect his feet? As for Mott, IMO and for many other’s as well, he’s as good or better than any trainer in America and has been for years so you can bet he’ll run in the race properly prepared and with the right running strategy. · 214 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · I read all of your gossipy crap at BH, AoR. Way to stick to the subject, and I do not agree with your perceptions, btw. Now I have no shame about having my pets, though, so thanks for the freedom. · 214 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Annoyingly haughty username. Go ahead and "yell" at me and tell me how people don't like me. Ouch. · 214 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · And if you think it's such an Amateur Hour around here, well? · 214 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · You pissed me off, AoR, and that takes some doing. I happen to like this blog writer's unbiased approach about facts. One does however allow for opinion. · 214 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Another thing is, I wouldn't dream of offering such silliness for that particular BH blog as you did. · 214 days ago ·

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footlick · he responded to me as I thanked him for his comment, which you must realize if you read the BH blog comments. I brought the subject up. And there are points of his that are valid. But you are always liked by me. · 214 days ago ·

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footlick · that comment was for Mary Z., just to be clear. · 214 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · He? I thought AoR is like a 53 yo woman with the hots for you footy. My mistake. He? Really? Yah, Your comment was okay, footy. Hers was gossipy. He? You're puttin' me on. · 214 days ago ·

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footlick · Mary Z.- I used he as a universal, like ils in French. I don;t know i AoR is a man or woman actually. As far as the comments about the site in general, I do have to say there were some that rang true, at least in my experience. But, I don't come here for serious information either. There are people here that I enjoy and people I don't, just like in life. You are one of the enjoyable people. Tried to comment earlier, but got shut out by the site maintenance. Anyway, I have to go finish a painting. Have a good night. · 214 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · I like you and this website, footy. Latest news is here, and some people are dead serious-you know who :) · 214 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · ruffian75, thanks for the comment concerning Flat Out. Somehow it slipped my mind how well his progression has gone. Mott is one of my favorite trainers. · 214 days ago ·

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Awesome Gem Retired at Age 9

Grade I winner and multi-millionaire Awesome Gem has been retired from racing, according to West Point Thoroughbreds. Read More

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shores · We love you, Gem. Thanks for everything. · 241 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · What a career ! 4 Breeders' Cup appearances, competitive in graded stakes from 12/06-8/12. I loved his 2011 Longacres Mile win. Then he came back this year and ran just as fast, if not faster, when finishing third at age 9. Happy Retirement for this race horse. · 241 days ago ·

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likin sparks · I admire his durability of 52 races across the country and in the money 63% of the time. · 241 days ago ·

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rafirox · Fun horse to watch, he deserves to retirement. · 241 days ago ·

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Awesome Gem

I love this horse! Happy retirement Awesome Gem, you deserve it beautiful boy!

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AnnaK · He is an awesome, & a gem, hope he has the happiest of retirements. Maybe we can visit? !! · 241 days ago ·

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1:15 PM

Awesome Gem, 9-year-old mulitple graded stakes winner of over $2.8 million has been retired, West Point Thoroughbreds announced today.

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kedez2012 · He deserves a very happy retirement! · 241 days ago ·

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Richard's Kid Makes Me Wish I Owned a Mare

Matthew Scott takes the time to appreciate the great potential Richard's Kid brings to the sport's future...Read More

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BrianZipse · I could not agree with you more, Matt ... after all, what other horse running in America today combines this kind of ability, longevity, pedigree, and ability to run a mile and a half? · 273 days ago ·

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ashley.tamulonis · Right on! This is definitely the type of sire we need in American breeding sheds. · 273 days ago ·

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Awesome Gem

A testament to consistency and durability, Awesome Gem will be going in the Longacres Mile this Saturday at Emerald Downs. He won the race last year, and I hope he can find his way back into the winner's circle. I really admire this guy and wish him a fast and safe trip on Saturday.

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AnnaK · One of my absolute favourites. Hope the best for him. · 276 days ago ·

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likin sparks · He reminds of Musketier with the durability and still competitive winning races or in the money at a ripe old age. · 276 days ago ·

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zenyatta-perfection personified · He rocks!! go Gem go!! · 276 days ago ·

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Armada · I love consistent, tough horses like him. BTW though, the race is on Sunday, not Saturday. I'll be there to watch him win ;) · 276 days ago ·

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travel_vic · LGA MIle used to be a very good grade two bu twith the almost total demise of the Washington horsemen, it is a poor shadow of it former self · 276 days ago ·

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shores · He's one of my favorites. I hope he goes to the Breeders' Cup this year b/c it's in California. Reminds me of Cloudy's Knight in that regerd. I hope he repeats. · 275 days ago ·

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shores · *regard, sorry. · 275 days ago ·

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AnnaK · Armada, get as close as possible to Awesome for as long as possible, take good pictures and videos, hope it's a wonderful day for you. He really is his name. · 275 days ago ·

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Armada · I plan on taking lots of pictures. However, I've never been a good photographer. So lets hope they are at least decent! haha · 275 days ago ·

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Hansen dominates in the Iowa Derby

Hansen, Fort Larned, and Uptown Bertie are the stars of a big night at Prairie Meadows.Read More

Show All 51 Comments
BrianZipse · The perfect confidence building step to bigger things to come, much as his Turfway Park stakes race was last year. · 324 days ago ·

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travel_vic · Confidence again. That is HUMAN trait not an equine one. Horses are simply Pavlovian just like the classic dog salivating when a bell rings. These anmals do not have those complex barin functions and all their running is just a simple case of taking the fight or flight response and conditioning it to running on cue.....KISS Keep IT Simple S......Read anyone of several great books on animal condtioning to find out what is really happening not some antropomorhic fantasy or what is happening. · 324 days ago ·

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travel_vic · Konrad Lorenz rote the classic work in this regard · 324 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · Could not disagree more, tv. · 324 days ago ·

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buckpasser · Look Vic I still believe that horses have various traits that we as humans ascribe human responses to in order to properly explain them. I have ridden competitively for years and my horse and I were a team. There were a few courses where he knew what to do better than I did. His responses were not Pavlovian. As to Hansen, the trainer did what every great past trainer did in a similar situation, dropped the horse down to get a win and build confidence. Say what you want, call it what you want, this is what it is · 323 days ago ·

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loran53@hotmail.com · Seabiscuit used to tease his opponents. Zenyatta did a little dance before each race. Is that Pavlonian? · 323 days ago ·

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buckpasser · What you are missing Vic is that there is a synergetic relationship among great horses and their owners and handlers. Seabiscuit was a tough cripple who partnered with Smith, Pollard and Howard who were all crippled in one way or another healed each other. And that bond brought out the greatest in each and in the end they helped heal a nation's psyche that was wounded by the great depression. That in many ways is the underlying point of Hillenbrands book. I doubt Zenyatta would have achieved the greatest she deserved without Sherriffs, Smith, the Mosses and Mario her groom. Same with Secretariat. That is A bond that defies easy and pat scientific explanation or Pavlovian response. · 323 days ago ·

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Armada · So apparently you think horses are all just dumb animals, travel_vic? If you see a dog cowering in a corner, would you not say that dog has no confidence? If you see a dog strut up to you with his tail held high, would you say he does have confidence? Why would it be any different with horses? Just because a horse or a dog or any other animal is not human does not mean he does not have characteristics we describe as human. Just because we describe these emotions as human (which people only do because they are human and as such have no other to compare them to... or are just dumb and feel they are superior) does not mean others in the animal kingdom do not feel what we feel. · 323 days ago ·

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Capper · So T.V. with your extensive knowledge of the history of racing...in all your years you've never seen a horse seem more confident in a change of scenery or even more a change in weather? You can't truly believe that,r · 323 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · tv, I agree that anthropomorphism can be silly fantasy, but isn't it reasonable to use human terms, nouns, adjectives, etc, for persons such as my dog or horse persons such as Royal Delta, people like that? Do you have any horse persons that you will admit? · 323 days ago ·

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buckpasser · Let's put it another way. If dropping a horse into race that is an easy win for him doesn't work, why do it? · 323 days ago ·

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kay.robinett · Travel Vic, if you study mammalian neuroscience and neuroanatomy you will see that different areas of the brain govern emotion and what you would call "higher reasoning". Most mammalian species have brains which fully able to allow them to experience all or most of the emotions which humans feel. Higher reasoning functions are a different story. So while we are usually able to understand our emotions and the reasons why we have them and animals are not, does not mean that animals do not have emotions. Anyone who spends a lot of actual time with dogs, cats, horses, and other higher mammals knows that they do feel emotions and that each has its own distinct personality complete with quirks. An older book which explains this very well to any intelligent layman would be Carl Sagan's Dragons of Eden. · 323 days ago ·

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papillon · horses may not care about winning in the same way or for the same reason that humans do, but they are very sensitive creatures, and they pick up on the emotions of the humans around them, i gaurantee that horses enjoy the good vibes they pick up after a win, and dislike the bad vibes they pick up after a loss--building confidence works for the whole team--dominguez just won by ten in a hand ride--you know he was stoked when he looked back in the stretch, this restores his faith in his mount, maker is stoked and has had his faith in his charge restored, hansen is picking all that good will up, and i guarantee it is good for him · 323 days ago ·

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travel_vic · I have degrees in Zoology and Biology along with a life time of study. Animals are animals. Higher brai functions require both the anatomical threshold of size and complexity in order to regain higher brain functions. · 323 days ago ·

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travel_vic · Greatest epiphany in horse racing: Horses run and that is it, to the extent of their ability and form cycle. The rest is un-necessary complication. · 323 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · That makes you more of a catch, for sure, tv, but you didn't really answer my question, unfortunately. · 323 days ago ·

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travel_vic · It is a human frailty to ascribe "reason" for this or that happening. OFTEN of the time things happen randomly without reason no matter how much reason one re-writes to the event. · 323 days ago ·

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travel_vic · you posed a question? where was it hidden? · 323 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · You almost never answer the question I asked, come to think of it. You can't figue me out. I don't compute in that C3P0lian brain of yours. I will charm you yet, tv. Brace yourself. · 323 days ago ·

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travel_vic · some hwere amidst the guttural trash talk there might be some question, but that horrid English does not allow one to elucidate it...Try again remember subject very\b and object · 323 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · tv, What does "motivate" a horse to win? What natural incentive makes it try to take the lead if it's a closer for instance? Not a front runner trying to escape being eaten or running from fright or other theories you may have offered. · 323 days ago ·

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travel_vic · Simple: repittion with reward · 323 days ago ·

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travel_vic · wgat you regard is some "clsoing" on the pace is merely the OTHER pace horses decelerating: happens each and every day in each track · 323 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · wgat(what) is the reward? · 323 days ago ·

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travel_vic · This one's next outing should at least have another looking at him for 6 furlongs. That race last night was a joke · 323 days ago ·

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travel_vic · reward varies by the training method.....Wake up early some moring, go out to the track and find out · 323 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · He just can't handle me, yet. · 323 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · tv, They don't run the horses here in the summer. I'd have to fly up to your area and meet you for breakfast. · 323 days ago ·

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Dressage3295 · The fact that your telling us that animals have no feelings is ridiculous tv. I don't care what form of degrees you hold, I've been around animals my entire life- I don't need a bunch of scientific facts that support what my eyes have seen. · 323 days ago ·

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travel_vic · As stated, it is a human tendency to overwrite meaning upon which there is none. I love animals too, have all my life, but just am a realist as to what they do: they SURVIVE with instincts...HUMANS are the ones to make up interpreations on what they do based upon their experiences, that they THINK, are somehow equivalent to human experiences.. · 323 days ago ·

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travel_vic · look up the narrative fallacy · 323 days ago ·

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Dressage3295 · I know what a narrative fallacy is thank you. Of course animal's survive with instincts- but so do humans. I too am a realist to what animals do, and it seems to me as if humans and animals aren't all that different. · 323 days ago ·

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notobsessed · repetition with reward? they get more attention, more praise, more carrots & peppermints if they win · 323 days ago ·

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travel_vic · Humans are TAUGHT all that they know. Hard wired instinctual behavior is not amongst those lessons. · 323 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · Explain why babies into things into their mouth? It couldn't be instinctive to prevent the baby from starving? · 323 days ago ·

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notobsessed · humans are not taught all that they know, they are taught to overcome inherited instincts · 323 days ago ·

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notobsessed · this is getting silly, if we are going to get into human psychology vs horse psychology, we will need expert testimony from qualified experts in each field of study · 323 days ago ·

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travel_vic · yup they really have a time overcoming tay-sachs disease, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia and the rest · 323 days ago ·

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travel_vic · Wonder what this colt has on his schedule NOW. Take on a challenge or hide away and steal a purse?? · 322 days ago ·

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loran53@hotmail.com · I had a dog who would wait until we got to the designated area of our apartment complex to relieve himself- when the ground was DRY. If it was raining or snowing or the ground was wet from recent precipitation he would go whereever he wanted. To me that shows the ability to reason. He figured the ground is wet anyway so it doesn't matter. Faulty reasoning but reasoning nonethe less. We could not break him of the habit. He knew we didn't want him to do that but he just figured "they're wrong so I'm gonna do it!" · 322 days ago ·

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travel_vic · conditioning: which goes back to an old Jewish saying "Don't Shit Hwre you Eat." Once the gustatory re-affirmation was established, the area was designated for fecal matter. Dog did the same thing: handy for clean up but cuase and effect is lackig sorely. · 322 days ago ·

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travel_vic · why do you think cats return to the same place everyday to relieve themselves? CONDITIONED reflex · 322 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · cocoa, maybe babies do that because their toys or whatever look like food to them or because that is a way to learn about something and also own it. I'll ask my oldest daughter who remembers everything from her birth(claims pre-) on. · 322 days ago ·

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loran53@hotmail.com · T-vic, I think you missed the whole point of what I said. I wasn't talking about fecal matter, I was talking about urination. It had nothing to do with ease of cleaning up. And yes, his going every day in the designated area WAS conditioned reflex, but going whereever he wanted when the ground was wet WASN'T. That required a very basic form of reasoning. · 322 days ago ·

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travel_vic · waste, whats the difference? · 322 days ago ·

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loran53@hotmail.com · (Sigh) Never mind. · 322 days ago ·

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timgsmith10 · you cant argue with TV he doesnt read your post he just continues to babble away without reading the other side of the argument. · 322 days ago ·

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Mr. Thirsty · Well Paynter is rounding into one of the best of the class. · 322 days ago ·

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timgsmith10 · He is an up and comer but needs to string together some victories.. · 322 days ago ·

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ruffian75 · On one hand, UR is being criticized at running one of the slowest Belmont's, and, THEN, Paynter is being praised, despite NOT winning the slowest Belmont. Think I'll pass. · 321 days ago ·

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timgsmith10 · good point.. · 321 days ago ·

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Stars Come Out Saturday Night at Prairie Meadows

Hansen and Successful Dan highlight the Saturday night stakes action from Prairie Meadows.Read More

Show All 5 Comments
notobsessed · I didn't get one of those cute little horses...I saw a little girl with one and she had a death grip on it... · 323 days ago ·

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buckpasser · Not obsessed. That little horse is cute. You might want to try eBay. Many of those things come up there. Also I hope you enjoyed seeing your favorite horse. Nothing beats going to the track and watching your favorite horse live. · 322 days ago ·

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daniel.c.butrum · you said it buckpasser. i drove 10 total hours to see Hansen run. drove there, watched him and came back home that night. nothing can beat any of those moments for me at a racetrack. · 322 days ago ·

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buckpasser · Daniel how true. Long trip but it is worth it. Hansens owner helped racing out a great deal by gaining new fans by racing his horse in Iowa. · 322 days ago ·

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notobsessed · All of the horses were beautiful, but it is so special to see one of your favorites · 322 days ago ·

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Awesome Gem looking for the $3 million mark in the Cornhusker

With a win in the Cornhusker, Awesome Gem will surpass $3 million in career earnings.Read More

Show All 4 Comments
GypsyRose · Love love love love love him!! · 325 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Awesome Gem, Successful Dan, Shadowbdancing · 325 days ago ·

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notobsessed · Can't wait to see them! · 325 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · Awesome Gem, to think that two years ago I thought he should be retired, amazing. · 325 days ago ·

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Drama in the Berkeley Handicap

As the field rounded the turn in the stretch, Positive Response put away Michael The Man and got first jump on Hudson Landing and Anthony’s Cross, who were making their move together. Awesome Gem, last at the half mile mark started slowly gaining into the stretch and went to the outside of a crowdin...Read More

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BrianZipse · Strange place for a winner's circle photo. · 354 days ago ·

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Julie Albright · Good write-up Don! I'll post a link to this on WP's page. · 354 days ago ·

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SteveMcGovern · Good article, but what do y ou feel should have been the outcome? I think the DQ helped out the 3 Hudson's Landing. Looks like Anthony's Cross was going to have enough to pass the 3 and Positive Response had enough that no one was going to catch PR. The 1 was moving and had a definate 2nd. Looks like the results to me would have played out 4-1-3. Odd that they photo was taken when the inquiry was still up.. Great race regardless. · 354 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Must gave been so uncomfortable, disappointing, and even infuriating for the connections of the horse that was taken down. Looks like steps are being made to avoid such situations in the future. · 354 days ago ·

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History · Nice Job Don - thanks for including the 'win photo'. · 352 days ago ·

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Awesome Gem

Won via disqualification in the Berkeley Handicap at Golden Gate!!

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AnnaK · What? How did this slip by me? He's one of my darlings. equibase has been remiss in notifying you when one of your darlings is racing will have to speak to them about this, it just won't do. · 357 days ago ·

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Floridaf · No kidding AnnaK! I haven't been getting ANY of my notifications from Equibase. · 357 days ago ·

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GypsyRose · Yea I didn't even know he was running. Happened to have the channel on HRTV at the time and heard them talking about the 9 year old veteran. He ran great! Love him ) · 357 days ago ·

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13outsider13 · same here, notifications have been as spotty as my handicapping as of late, haha! · 357 days ago ·

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LongLiveBigRed · It was awkward but funny watching the connections for the dq'd horse (I think it was Positive Response) in the winner's circle accepting the trophy while the inquiry sign was still up. Then the announcement was made, the numbers were changed and they had to give it back and were shuffled off while Awsome Gem's connections were brought back. · 357 days ago ·

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AnnaK · Oh that's painful. Can you imagine? You think you've won millions, then someone grabs the cheque out of your hand and moves you out the door. Then shuts it. · 357 days ago ·

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Saturday's Betfair Hollywood Park Pick 6 Tickets - May 5

Friday Betfair Hollywood Park Recap – May 4 Edge to early-pressing types (2 wire jobs) on Cushion Track. A stalker and two patient types made up the three firm turf winners (rail at 15 feet). Eswan Flores booted home a pair. No Hollywood tickets posted on Friday. I covered the $200k guaranteed Oaks ...Read More

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Morning Line Headlines Mervyn Leroy

Multiple graded stakes winner Morning Line will make his first start of 2012 and first for trainer John Shirreffs in the $150,000, Grade II Mervyn LeRoy Handicap Saturday at Betfair Hollywood Park.Read More

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Awesome Gem

Connections are considering the SF Mile at GGF at the end of the month.

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Awesome Gem

Won his first race of the year. You watch Baze getting him into position and coming on, watch him trotting back , and he's as magnificent as any of our beautiful young Olympiads preparing for May 5th. He is magnificent. Owners, trainers & jocks like this doing well by horses like this are the best thing about racing.