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Blind Luck
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Blind Luck

5 year old Mare | Retired

16 fans

200 favorites

[Edit]

Owner(s):

Mark DeDomenico - Mark DeDomenico LLC

Trainer:

Jerry Hollendorfer

Bred:

Kentucky (USA) by Fairlawn Farm

Pedigree:

Pollard's Vision - Lucky One by Best Of Luck

Rating:

8.18/10


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What the Horse Racing Nation is saying about Blind Luck...

Blind Luck in Foal to Bernardini

Blind Luck, the 2010 champion 3-year-old filly, has been pronounced in foal to major sire Bernardini off a Feb. 10 cover. Blind Luck (Pollard's Vision —Lucky One, by Best of Luck) won 10 stakes, including the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) and the Betfair TVG Alabama Stakes (gr. I) the year of her championsh...Read More

Source: bloodhorse.com · Posted 43 days ago ·

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AmbitiousD · Exciting · 43 days ago ·

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HorseLover98 · There's just gotta be a great horse somewhere in these Bernadine foals. Is rachel in foal to him too? · 43 days ago ·

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Junebug719 · Is there no other stud in the world besides Bernardini? I do not see the point. Will the bloodlines now be so full of him that we have too much of one?? · 43 days ago ·

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shadowno · Best of her generation meets best of his. Looks like a fine pairing of fast, game, multiple 10F Grade 1 winners. · 43 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · Bernardini sires overloads of stakeswinners, he may become another Northern Dancer, Fair Play or Bold Ruler. · 43 days ago ·

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markincali · Bernie is ranked #272? I'm sure if they were only polling mares, he would be ranked #1! · 30 days ago ·

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Goodbye to Gracie

While writing my congratulations blog to Johnny V on his recent induction into the National Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame I learned the disappointing news of Havre De Grace. While trying to be upbeat and excited for Johnny V finally getting the nod to join our Hall of Fame, I am fighting back fee...Read More

Posted 31 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · Grace was nothing but consistent excellence over the past three years. She will be missed ... Congratulations to Johnny V! · 31 days ago ·

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railbird33 · Nice tribute Brian, the toughest thing in this sport is watching horses exit early. We always expect them to finish their time after more racing. · 31 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · This was written by Angie. · 31 days ago ·

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Capper · Hope with all the 2yo males from last year's BC making it to the Derby, some will progress even more and fill HDG's shoes by the end of the year. · 31 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Angela, that was very well written, with a lot of love showing through. You captured the emotions Grace brought up with your very fine blog. Great job. I will miss her, too. Very respectful to all the fine ladies of racing in the past few years, Zenyatta, Rachel Alexandra, Blind Luck and Havre De Grace. (by age) · 31 days ago ·

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AnnaK · A lovely tribute. Given that she only ever added to racing, gave her best and did so well, and we were expecting at least another year,(too short!) very sorry to read this is it. She is truly admirable. Wish her a long happy life. · 31 days ago ·

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TampaBayDowns Fan · who is she breedin too? · 31 days ago ·

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Team Havre de Grace is not the only one to blame

In this case, two wrongs result in only one thing ... nothing but disappointment for the racing fans at Oaklawn Park. Read More

Posted 46 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · Spot on! · 46 days ago ·

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DeborahGrondin · Thank you Brian. :) · 46 days ago ·

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mikedorr77 · As one who expects to be in attendance at the Apple Blossom on Friday, I can do nothing but fully agree with this article. I would like to see Porter's et al. thoughts on what fair weights would be, however. · 46 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · Still time to get rid of Porter and get HDG, after horses is what the sport is about not biased racing secretaries. · 46 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Good summation, Brian, for those who didn't know the history that has contributed to the seemingly odd decisions being made for HDG this year. I didn't think the weights were unfair, for example the spread between HDG's and Plum Pretty, as PP has not even raced yet this year, and she was soundly defeated in her last out in the BCLC, and HDG had defeated the winner of that race. If the 2lbs. were considered unfair for the '11 Del Cap, then how would a return of the favor in giving HDG less weight in the Apple Blossom be fair? It's like the owner would expect an apology and public announcement that HDG would have won the Del Cap at even weights with HDG, forget about the ride when she had the lead, but wasn't asked to accelerate away and was left waiting for BL to make her run. Now, they already avoided Mr.Pope's assignments by choosing the ungraded stakes over the Azeri and still in a snit at Apple Blossom time, but since the handicapper also works for Delaware Park, that means the Del Cap, which would be one opportunity for HDG and Royal Delta to face off, is out of the question, unless Mr.Pope hires a skywriter to spell out his most humble apology for all to see, followed by Mr.Hollendorfer's plane with his apology for any involvement in the '11 Del Cap assignments, a re-write of history basically. HDG will be giving weight against most of her female competition and she isn't undefeated, so really, what is she being saved from? She's not mine, and whatever decisions are made are by those who pay her expenses, take care of her, worry over her daily, but if this is over last year's Del Cap, watch the replay; it wasn't just the weight. Get over it. Let's see HDG run. She's wonderful. B.S. over the weights aside. · 46 days ago ·

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stevebiscuit · If they're afraid of giving Plum Pretty 6 lbs then they'd better forget about beating any males this year. Based on recent form, the weight assignments look quite fair. Havre De Grace is an older mare who already won this race. Plum Pretty has only performed well against her fellow 3 year olds. Last time she took on her elders she was a well beaten 5th. I still think they're a bunch of cry babies. · 46 days ago ·

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stevebiscuit · Azeri's connections didn't whine when they had to give multiple grade 1 winner Take Charge Lady 5 lbs in the AB. And Grace's connections refuse to give 6 lbs to a winner of just one grade 1 restricted to 3 year old fillies? What a joke. · 46 days ago ·

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AmbitiousD · Well said, Brian · 46 days ago ·

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KyOaksRunner · Thank you for this Brian, I was one of "bashers" of their decision to skip, but it makes much more sense now. · 46 days ago ·

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ScottDick · Great piece! I just see a lot of games being played on both sides. I feel if Jones and Porter really wanted to win the Apple Blossom they'd run. As good as Plum Pretty was in the Oaks, she was less than stellar in the Breeders' Cup. Havre De Grace is 5 to 8 lengths better than Baffert's filly, so the 6 lbs wouldn't matter a bit. In my opinion. I just miss the glory days when a horse could carry 136 and beat his or her competition. · 46 days ago ·

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GoTexas · Thanks, Brian. I so totally agree. Grace's team has little to gain and a lot to loose even racing her at all. They need to look out for her every step of the way. · 46 days ago ·

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Mike in SB · Handicaps are obsolete in todays racing, owners and trainers have always complained about weight for their horse, but when was the last time a horse really carried a lot of weight, the days of Forgo, Kelso, Dr. Fager and Spectacular Bid are long gone. It is hard to complain about a Horse of the Year asked to carry 123 pounds, 3 year old fillies carry 121 in the Oaks. The days of Handicap races are over, all races now should be weight for age. · 46 days ago ·

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mikemoss13 · Thanks to a statement from an Oaklawn trainer yesterday, I'm reminded why proper weight assignments are so crucial. If HDG is assigned too low a weight here, how many of the other horses are going to run against her? Only 10 horses were nominated in the first place, and if she is assigned 117-120 along with the top 2 or 3 competitors, how many of the other nominees are NOT going to run? If her weight is too low, Oaklawn runs the risk of having an Apple Blossom race that has 3 or 4 entries. And then HDG wins by 6 lengths at odds of 1-9. The racing secretary, among other things, has to protect not only Oaklawn's interest in a competitive race, but also the bettors. · 46 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · I'm not a big weight guy, so the scratch of HDG irks me! If they wanted to run in the Apple Blossom then do it. HDG was the HOY, it is time to live up to that honor. · 46 days ago ·

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stevebiscuit · I certainly hope Pat Pope is the only racing secretary Grace's connections try to manipulate this year. Thinking they have enough influence in this industry to make demands regarding their horse's weight assignment is beyond egotistical. · 46 days ago ·

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CraigBradshaw · considering that blind luck always had to do the traveling, the 2# difference was essentially "chump change". · 46 days ago ·

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Bluegrass · I enjoyed your article about Havre de Grace and the weight issue. I remember when Havre de Grace lost to Blind Luck in the Deleware HCP. Jones was livid. That two pounds definietly could have been the difference between those two horses in that race. So, I have no problem with them pulling her from the Apple Blossom because of the ridiculous weights set up for the race. It serves Oaklawn right. They were wrong. And, for the record, I don't think Porter and Jones are trying to manipulate the weights as stevebiscuit says. The weights should have been much more reasonable for all. Havre de Grace will face any challenge, I'm sure. The challenge just has to be a fair one. It's hard enough to defeat the competition. But, to have to give that much weight up, that, I'm sorry, is not fair. Anyway, just my two cents. · 46 days ago ·

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hayjanetlyn · well said...and a very good decision. · 46 days ago ·

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shadowno · Overall, I am a Larry Jones supporter feeling he has taken alot of BS with a great deal of class in recnt years. First having his great horse Hard Spun have to deal with the juiced up cheat Curlin ad be denied any chance at HOY and then the allegations he went through after the Eight Belles tragedy, ironicaly against the juiced up cheat Big Brown. With regard to the HDG case IMO he and Porter already had their proverbial bite of the apple playing games with Oaklawn and Fargrounds before finally skiping the Graded Azeri for the ungraded New Orleans Lady. Maybe they get a pass since it was first back, but this current stuation is evolving into a real eyesore for racing. At this point I kind of just want to see every Racing Sec. give her 124 and say take it or leave it. · 46 days ago ·

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footlick · I would like to remind people that Blind Luck was not having the same type of year last year that she was having at 3 yrs old. HDG, on the other hand, was being touted as the best horse in the country. It would not be fair to weight BL on her exploits as a 3 yr old when she had been running as a 4 yr old. The Del Cap weights were fair fir the form that each had shown so far that year. They also made a comment about the weight they had to give Life at Ten, who wasn't even close to the horse she was the year before. Plum Pretty is a nice filly, but has not shown that she is good enough to not get 6 lbs from the reigning HOY. As someone said, what happens if Baffert decides at the last minute to run Plum Pretty in the La Troienne. Under conditions she would be getting more weight from HDG that the spread in the · 46 days ago ·

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footlick · Apple Blossom. Recent form is what the handicappers have to go by in order to assign weights. · 46 days ago ·

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Floridaf · Great piece, Brian, but I still don't like that Porter and Jones are skipping the AB even though the aforementioned reasons do make sense. This is how I see it: Though the weight assignment might have been "unfair," a gauntlet has been thrown down. Man up, accept the challenge, and prove to everyone why HDG was voted HOTY. Giving PP 6 pounds is not terrible in the scheme of things, and HDG's weight assignment was not extreme by any means. · 46 days ago ·

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fran.doos · Thanks for posting this. I read it on Porter's blog. And, I think it is quite appropriate for Mr. Pope to acknowledge, in writing, just how he came up with his methololgy. A racing secretary must be fair to all concerned, and I believe Mr. Pope is showing a complete bias. · 46 days ago ·

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Mike in SB · The reason for a handicap is to weight each horse so in theory they will all hit the wire together. In last years Deleware Cap Blind Luck and Havre de Grace came pretty close to that goal, I think you would have to say Mr. Pope had the weights about right. · 46 days ago ·

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Winplacsho · What's Porter thinking, they're going to run at equal weights, yeah right? She was horse of the year, has already won this year & Plum Pretty has been struggled a little the last part of the year. 6 pounds seems fair to me. · 46 days ago ·

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yukichan · Doesn't Larry Jones occasionally gallop HDG...that's hauling a lot more than 124 pds :D but seriously I agree that 6pds is not extreme given her form and status and those of the other entries. I am interested in hearing how Pope came to his decisions though. · 46 days ago ·

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DeePotter · A lot of handicappers will tell you that weight doesn't matter. It does to me, and I do well at the game, and I wouldn't bet Havre de Grace carrying high weight. · 46 days ago ·

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boxersdaddy · I don't understand the constant nit-picking by Porter over assigned weights. Just accept it and go out prove that you have the best female horse in the U.S. without the drama. · 46 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · Keep in mind that my thesis was not that the Apple Blossom weights were bad or wrong. What I am saying is that Pope was pressured into making questionable weights last summer, and now a grudge is being held. · 46 days ago ·

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TroyTaylor · RICK PORTER AND LARRY JONES = WUSSIES · 45 days ago ·

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EllenZachary · Rick Porter is right.. · 45 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · This jag-off can't take a hint. F-OFF, Troy Taylor. Was that plain enough? And the homophobe liked his own comment. Surprising that his hand would obey that command since it usually refuses him. · 45 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Rates Ruffian a 3 and gets off on the big mare's be-hind. · 45 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Toy Taylor=Zister and ass. · 45 days ago ·

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timgsmith10 · Who is this Troy Taylor.. Pretty annoying. Porter and Jones are playing some games but there real agenda is beating the boys again over the summer and taking another crack at the BCC I think they are just flexing there weight with the HOY to get whats best for her in order for her to peak during her important races · 45 days ago ·

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timgsmith10 · He rated Ruffian a 3.. So Its official hes a tool! · 45 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Just Z on his fb page, his bedroom walls, ceiling, wallet photos. · 45 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · 2010 Cotillion has zero to do with the grudge or any decisions about the Apple Blossom. · 45 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Troy Taylor referring to HDG as "the bitch" gets another F-OFF. · 45 days ago ·

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TroyTaylor · If you put your ear to the wall, you can hear the sewing machine (in the adjacent room) making dresses for the both of them. Rick Porter and Larry Jones, Cry me a river... · 45 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · If you put your insane ear to the wall of your padded cell, you might hear the faint scratching of your fellow homophobe inmate signaling to you his early release due to hid knowing anything at all about horse racing. Cry me a "stop liking your own comments". · 45 days ago ·

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bellesforever1 · I received his F/B report and do know that all along they have talked about last's years race in DE. I don't believe they are ducking anyone as they have never before but this is personal and they ain't letting go of that bone.It was a whisker win and Pope should not have given in but he did and now HDG folks are saying WTH you did it for BL but you won't do it for Grace.I don't know if it's two wrongs but I do know they can't let it go..and to be honest I don't know if I could either. · 45 days ago ·

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footlick · bellesforever1- the racing secretary is supposed to weigh the horses to finish together. I think he gave them the correct weight spread. If they want to complain that they should have been weighted so they would win, then that is different. But the racing secretary did his job. He is not the one who did not do his job. They were mad that she didn't win. Period. That is why I don;t like their constant whining about it. . · 45 days ago ·

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CraigBradshaw · looks to me to be a duck over a petty issue. c'mon larry......stop wussing out!!! · 44 days ago ·

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Havre de Grace takes the path of least resistance

As compelling, or not, you found her seasonal debut, I believe the more interesting thing is all the talk surrounding where her connections chose to make her first start of the year.Read More

Posted 66 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · I don't think HDG will be dodging any competition this year! · 68 days ago ·

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stevebiscuit · My problem is that Zenyatta was castigated for supposedly taking the path of least resistance in 2010, despite running exclusively in grade 1s and giving plenty of weight to her rivals. My feeling is that Grace will get a pass for doing the same thing, minus running only in grade 1s and carrying weight. Kind of a double standard. She's proven she can beat a so-so group of males as we saw in the Woodward(which has been reduced to a mere prep for the Classic), so it wouldn't surprise me if they opted for the Breeders Cup Distaff this year. · 68 days ago ·

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zatt · Steve, I didn't rip in to Zenyatta in 2010, saying all along that if she ended up in the Classic, that would be enough for me. But the point of this article is for much the same thing ... I have seen the ruthless talk already beginning, just because Grace began the season in an ungraded stakes race. · 68 days ago ·

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WesWhite · Facts are hard for some people to swallow, unfortunately this could start another one of those debates again, there is no doubt that the quality of the field that Grace ran against yesterday was pathetic, but that's happened 1 time in her career, Zenyatta on the other hand faced the likes of much less than Juanita 10+ times in her career, if you can explain away the Gambler's Justices and Cherryblossommiss's on the resume of Zenyatta then it would be ok to say that if FHF seeks out and intentionally looks for the weakest of filly and mare competition that a comparison could be made, unfortunately it can't, Zenyatta never once faced males from Jan-Oct 31st of the year, alas two classics, and while that is or was ok for some, she was never put through a true championship campaign, and for many others that was not enough, Grace has a open company win on dirt against males in a legit race during the actual season of racing, not ducking races and consistently taking on weaker fillies and mares, Zenyatta doesnt have credentials of this nature because Jerry Moss wanted to Prep all year long and not even challenge her before the first week in November. This method is not considered championship racing, its called ducking the rest while they beat up on each other, so when Grace continues to seek out mediocre fillies and mares 2 or 3 more times in 2012, then we can draw a comparison, until then just enjoy the Grace of the "Queen of American horse racing" Havre De Grace. · 68 days ago ·

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AmbitiousD · Brian, this article hit the nail right on the head. I would rather watch a slow comeback to 2012, then seee Gracie retired. She has a lot of good races left in her, and I can't wait for when she meets what is starting to look like a great male handicap division. · 68 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · I love Grace. Tired of this race already. Moving on to better things for her. · 68 days ago ·

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andiggs · Nothing wrong with an easy tune up on your first time back. How effortlessly she looked was what impressed me. · 67 days ago ·

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footlick · Sorry andiggs, but everything about this race was wrong. As Mary Z said, let's just move on instead of rehashing old arguments, as Wes would like to do. · 67 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · It was her first race back, I really don't mind that she ran here first time back as long as the rest of her campaign is competed in grade two, grade one...I say grade two because of the Del Cap, which should be a grade one. Personally I think she will take to Santa Anita better than CD. In her two attempts at that track she has raced "ok" just not her normal knock out punch. · 67 days ago ·

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timgsmith10 · It was just a tune up,,, Shes gonna face the boys 2-4 times this year i believe. These connections know they have a beast in their barn and fear no horse. Im not saying she will win every race she is entered but she is super consistent and it will take a great performance to beat her by any horse in 2012 · 67 days ago ·

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timgsmith10 · BIG differnce between HDG and Z ... HDG will race on different tracks and face the best multiple times in 2012. Not wait for 1 race. · 67 days ago ·

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bellesforever1 · Grace has nothing to apologize for..thought this was a settled matter as her connections ran her outside the comfort zone last year .How does anyone argue with her time? · 67 days ago ·

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CraigBradshaw · for the short memoried revisionist individuals who posted prior to me, i seem to recall that z raced in all graded races leading up to her appearances in the breeders cups. · 67 days ago ·

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timgsmith10 · Graded or not they · 67 days ago ·

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timgsmith10 · were fairly uninspired where as we have multiple big races with HDG to look forward to · 67 days ago ·

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CraigBradshaw · this article was good until the mention of zenyatta, which made for a very poor analogy since z always raced in graded races, and always gave away pounds. · 67 days ago ·

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timgsmith10 · I believe the article was making an indirect statement about HDG and Z.. Even if it didnt no one wants her to do the Z and play it safe in 2012.. Heres to HDG and another championship campaign.. · 67 days ago ·

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Mike in SB · I have no problem with this as a prep race, as you mentioned in the old days many trainers would bring a horse back off a layoff in an allowance race. The difference is back in those days the horse would run 7 or 8 more times in a year. Racing today is different, many of the top horses only race 4 or 5 times and rarely face other top horses before the Breeders Cup. This years group of older female horses is one of the deepest in years, lets see how many times Havre de Grace, Awesome Feather, Royal Delta and the other top fillies face each other before the Breeders Cup. If recent history is a guide it will not be too many times, and this is one of the biggest problems in racing. · 67 days ago ·

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cpsoren121 · Can't we just enjoy HDG and what she represents? · 67 days ago ·

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travel_vic · No knock on the quarter horses as I spent my youth following Kaweah Bar at Los Alamitos.......ONCE the casinos get their foot in the door, THEIR MBA;s start working out how to get rid of horse racing, THAT is the point · 67 days ago ·

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CraigBradshaw · @tim.....sorry, but you have no idea what you are talking about. · 67 days ago ·

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timgsmith10 · I believe alot of peolple share the same opinion as myself.. Id way rather have Larry Jones Train my horse than Sadler... At leasat · 67 days ago ·

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timgsmith10 · he is not afraid to take a chance with his star. · 67 days ago ·

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CraigBradshaw · i personally like grace, but i want to see 2 things out of her before i entertain the trash talkers. (1)come west and win a grade one race. (2) win a breeders cup race. then and only then will i entertain thoughts of her being great. most horses can win a woodward. but step up and win a bc classic, or at least a bc ladies classic. i'm rooting for her to do so, though she won't have a chance against game on dude. but any comparison of grace to zenyatta is just lunacy at this point. you're comparing an 8.5f horse to a 10f superstar. · 67 days ago ·

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timgsmith10 · I personally like zenyatta but out of two races at 1 and 1/4 miles she had ran twice and only won 1. Does this make you a superstar? lol But this id a HDG discussion and I cant wait to see her in 2012 and 2013! · 67 days ago ·

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CraigBradshaw · tim....is that the best you've got? has grace even won a 10f yet? 2012 will be grace's final season. you heard it here. · 66 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · I haven't seen any comments in which HDG has been called great. Why not just post, "I love Zenyatta over all else." at her sites? · 66 days ago ·

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dubby30 · Its amazing to see the word lunacy from Craig Bradshaw who just touted a horse as a superstar at a certain distance that only won at the distance 1 time in her 20 race career. I laugh so hard at some of the posts people make, its like they have only been around the game for 2 or 3 years and ONLY know Zenyatta. Consider the fact that her connections ducked the top 10furlong races at her home track to run in 8.5f elongated sprint distances at which she recorded some mediocre times is the reality of the matter.And everyone of the races that she ran in out in California other than the 2 BC races that currently have ******* listed by them due to the surface she won the races on being removed were all Optional claimer in Quality. Those fields looked quite similar to the Ladies that Grace ran in over the weekend. But back to the 10 furlong superstar, Zen was 1 for 2 at the distance and 0/1 on dirt, now considering the fact that Music Note and Proud Spell both have a 10 furlong win on dirt, that would make them 10 furlong Mega stars, and here’s an even better one, Blind Luck with 2 mile and a quarter wins would dwarf Zenyatta. Reality evades some people, but the question is where would the Lava Man with 3 10 furlong wins and Curlin with 5 10 furlong wins rank, that’s the real question, would they be super duper mega stars Craig, and before u backtrack let me quote you.“any comparison of grace to zenyatta is just lunacy at this point. you're comparing an 8.5f horse to a 10f superstar.” Your words, no one else’s. Im laughing while im waiting for this response, lol. · 66 days ago ·

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travel_vic · lets not start this tired point. ZENYATTA is and was a phenom almost on par with Secretarit for shear contranergy wonderlust...She should ot be but was · 66 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · tv, help us out. Absolutely no idea on what you said this time. Maybe it was cut off? · 66 days ago ·

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dubby30 · I think he said that he wants to compare Zenyatta to Secretariat but that there is no way he could do that due to the sure lackluster career resume she has at the top level of competition. · 66 days ago ·

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CraigBradshaw · considering that grace has lost 6 times to females, finished 4 of 6 times behing the better blind luck, has ducked coming to the west coast, has only won the woodard, a notoriously wimpy race, against males, dubby and tim are sure spewing a lot of trash about how great she is. and, of course, dubby, being a stonestreet stables sycophant, is always afraid to mention his horse rachel, ducking zenyatta and the breeders cup. and dubby, didn't zenyatta come closer to winning 2 bc classics than curlin, or did you conveniently forget that to fit your otherwordly agenda? · 66 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · No, I still don't see those comments about greatness, but believe me, I can see all of the agendas. · 66 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · @dubby30, Love may be blind but you dubby have shown me hate can be all consumming. Please get the help you so desperately need. · 66 days ago ·

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footlick · And I thought we were done with this. Silly me.... · 66 days ago ·

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Mike in SB · I saw on Blood Horse that they will not run in the Apple Blossom if the weight is too high. Now I know trainers like to say stuff like this to influence the racing office to keep the weight low on their horse so it will show up, but a Horse of the Year should be willing to carry 124 lbs or so which seems to be the top weights assigned in todays racing. · 66 days ago ·

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boxersdaddy · If I may weigh in on this, this guy Wes "Dubby" White sounds jealous, old, and tired, like his arguments. · 66 days ago ·

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boxersdaddy · BTW, count me in as another who would want to see HDG win a breeders' cup race before the sensationalism about her gets going. As I see it at this point, Game on Dude, and Ruler on Ice, like BL, have the upper hand on her. · 66 days ago ·

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zxswordxz · Wow...Another War about Zenyatta. I love Zenyatta but when people try to compare her to Secretariat, I start hearing the LOONEY TUNE music. "Potential and Reality"! · 66 days ago ·

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zxswordxz · There is a big differences between the two.... · 66 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · If your going to compare Zenyatta to someone go Silky Sullivan. Both west coast stars, Zenyatta just could hold over distances. Silky could fall farther back. · 66 days ago ·

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saracoffey · Zenyatta was overrated. Put her 20 races on dirt and she loses at least 5 of them. Hiding in CA when all the real action is on the East Coast never impressed me. I always said, once they shipped her to the East Coast and entered a legitimate grade 1 she would lose. And she did. End of story. At least Havre earned HOTY on the track unlike Zenyatta. · 66 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · I ought to move to the west coast. Really should. I can't put up with any of this "Zenyatta overrated.. crap crap crap" anymore. Zenyatta was trained like a regular horse, not a champion. Part of her immortality is her training, she went through prep after prep after prep to the final result - the Classic. Any horse, claimer, allowance winner - I don't care, that wins from 20+ lengths back is going to have a bit o' fame. Zenyatta was a devil in the west, almost a ghost from the 50's and 70's. She wasn't our G1 champion like Curlin, who would have had nothing to the 50's and 70's champions, she probably could have beaten or been valiant in defeat, like w/ Blame against most of them. She isn't any Secretariat or Ruffian, but she isn't a Rapid Redux either. · 66 days ago ·

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Floridaf · Normally I avoid the Zenyatta/Rachel Alexandra/Havre de Grace comparisons/arguments like they have the plague, but I have a few things to say. First of all, it’s not just Wes’s arguments that sound tired and old. All of yall’s arguments sound tired and old because they ARE tired and old. Forgive the expression, but yall are beating a dead dog here. This argument has been made a thousand times on dozens of different threads. Secondly, it’s all apples and oranges anyhow because these three great fillies did not face the same competition, for the most part. Thirdly, I actually think Wes’s argument concerning Zenyatta has some merit. Now, before yall start throwing the virtual stones at me, hear me out. Yes, Zenyatta did not always face the highest level of competition. BUT she did not choose her races, so it’s not her fault. Furthermore, horse racing in this economy is about netting returns. Horsemen cannot afford to take the same risks that they could in the Golden Era; therefore, they play it safe. It works out good for their pockets, but it detracts from the glory of the sport for the fans because MOST horses do not face top level competition more than a few times. You have only to look at this year’s Derby prep races to realize that. Since I mentioned the economy, I’ll reiterate another point one more time: the tanking economy has caused regionalism to rise. Most horses are not going to travel from coast-to-coast on a regular basis. It is what it is. When the economy gets better, so will the races because THEN horsemen will be able to afford to challenge their competition on the opposite coast. Lastly, as much as I like Grace, Blind Luck was the better filly. She came out on top four out of the six times her and Grace met on the track. Grace is a nice filly. She’s not nearly as popular as Zenyatta (cue the mob ready to stone me), but she’s still doing great things for the sport. End of story. · 66 days ago ·

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CraigBradshaw · i can always count on sara coffey to make a dumber than a bag of hammers statement. sara....you are a stone cold idiot! · 66 days ago ·

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Floridaf · Really, Sara? Forgive me, but I don't recall saying all horse owners and strapped for cash. My point is that most are looking for a return in their investment. And you can leave the name-calling in grade school where it belongs. Thank you. · 66 days ago ·

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WesWhite · Actually Craig if you scroll up you will see the most ridiculous statement ever posted, and believe me when i say that the statement that I saw would make one wonder if you'd ever viewed or had a love for Horse racing before ehh, 2009, lol but here's the statement. Let me quote it: "you're comparing an 8.5f horse to a 10f superstar", Craig, I would need u to provide verification by means of listing the Races, that's plural that your 10f Superstar won and had the chance to prove her mettle in. I'll wait, and this is for you to answer Craig. Thanx, i'm waiting. · 66 days ago ·

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timgsmith10 · 10 F superstar lol 1/2 · 65 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · @CraigBradshaw -"CraigBradshaw · i can always count on sara coffey to make a dumber than a bag of hammers statement. sara....you are a stone cold idiot!" Maybe is was maybe it wasn't but your statement was pure and absolute rudeness for which there is no excuse! Sometimes tempers run high and things are said but that is extreme, cowardly and just mean.BTW Please stop giving youself a "like" every time you post. · 65 days ago ·

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TroyTaylor · Quote from article: " Last year she again took on her top competitor a couple times, before challenging the big boys in the Woodward" The Woodward (Big Boys???). I just have to laugh at you when you say pathetic statements like that. ROTFLMFAO! · 65 days ago ·

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TroyTaylor · Quote from article: a’ la Zenyatta". The only one who avoided the competition and ran off and hid is: Rachel Alexandra. Your 2009 HOTY avoided Zenyatta and a 5 million dollar purse for a reason. Jess Jackson didn't want Zenyatta eclipsing Curlin's earnings record. · 65 days ago ·

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TroyTaylor · The Woodward last year was a joke (...kind of like the clown that wrote this article). · 65 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Enlightening fb page for TT. · 65 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Please tell me this is not the Hastings trainer. · 65 days ago ·

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goldmerry · Havre de Grace is a wonderful, beautiful mare. Zenyatta and Rachel are, too. They are all individuals, placed on their racing path by humans. So, instead of dogging out these wondrous creatures, you need to be dogging out their human connections. Even the slowest old plug on the track has dignity, and has given his/her all for your enjoyment. Please give them the respect they deserve, and they all deserve your respect. · 65 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · I understand people having a good debate, but "idiot" and "moron." The person you just called an idiot is one of our bloggers and has some very good points about the economy. If you have ever owned horses, you'll know it's not a cheap business, in fact the expenses almost equal what you may win, unless you have a stallion or a couple like Zenyatta. Have you ever seen what kind of money it takes to nominate, then enter a race like the Derby or Classic? Please look them up, because they cost 10's of thousands. While I do think Zenyatta should have taken more risks, I wouldn't have said she should travel...why? The travel expenses, plus nomination fee's, plus entry fee's add up. If you are going to put your horse on a plane to fly 3k miles, then you had better be dang sure your horse is going to be able to win so you don't end up in the hole. · 65 days ago ·

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TampaBayDowns Fan · Its true actually. they do cost money and lots of it! My friend who is a trainer says just to get one to the track (not including buying, but equiptment, care, etc) cost about 20,000.And you dont even know if they can run! Huge risk · 65 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · If you go to the sales and buy a yearling the chance of that horse actually racing is 5%. The bills come from everywhere, trainer, vet, feed, stable, etc. It's not a business for the faint of heart unless you have suffient funds to start. · 65 days ago ·

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Floridaf · Thank you, TBDF and Icy, for lending some more weight to my argument. People have this glorified image of what they think horse racing is. Unfortunately, it's not all glamour and glitz. There is a lot of risk and a lot of hard work, and most people just don't realize that. · 65 days ago ·

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notobsessed · Horse racing must be really boring if we can't find anything new to discuss...same things over and over and over · 64 days ago ·

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wantwoman100 · It must be nice to have so much time to talk about ,what,were's ,could have's ,should have's..Were on the KYT..Who's run this week ,The inside to day at Aqueduct play for the inside of the Track..Two very intersting Horse running at Santa Anita in the same race,can you guess..? I will give them out later..Lets get on with today..Lots of really good races coming up..Best to all the intersting people on the site..Always good for a laugh.. · 64 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · Except for one all of my horses were standardbreds and even though I had good horses I didn't have any that could run in open company thus saving me entry fees for stakes races that many owners who did pay for but never got to run their horse in. I was always following the Most Happy Fella pedigree and I was sure I would get a champion, never did.I was at the sales at the Meadowlands when On The Road Again was sold as a weanling for only $10,000 but didn't realize it until he made a name for himself years later. Luck seems to be almost everything in life because the guy who bought him was clueless.The horse earned 2.8 million dollars and his progeny 68 million over the years. I bought two colts at that sale whose grand sire was Most Happy Fella and were inbred to the Albatross lineage and paid $45,000 for them. Back to the point, the bills for just those two aforementioned horses were enormous and neither one made it to the races.A lot of them did but I never got the big one.I loved it though.Also at that time the entry fees for thoroughbred stakes races was much higher than standardbred and the catch 22 was that you had a date certain when these fees had to be paid even before you had any idea if your horse would even be running in any race. Hidden cost is everywhere. · 64 days ago ·

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Age of Reason · I just had to point out that it is lunacy to say that Secretariat and Zenyatta are not in the same league when Penny Chenery herself told Jerry and Ann Moss that Zenyatta was the female equivalent to Secretariat! ( "I had the boy, and now you have the girl". ) Do you guys honestly think you're smarter than the owner? · 64 days ago ·

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CraigBradshaw · age......good take, but you will probably have one of the 'geniuses' posting that they do know better, and are smarter than penny or jerry/ann. · 64 days ago ·

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zxswordxz · @Age of Reason: Zenyatta might be awesome but her career is now way close to Big Red. Here is a little fact sheet for you, 3 Race in a span of 1 month, 4 record(3 still stand after 39 years). Go compare Zenyatta career to that... · 64 days ago ·

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zxswordxz · Did I mention that he ran each qtr faster in the derby..... · 64 days ago ·

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Age of Reason · @zxswordxz: Like I said, you think you're smarter than the owner. Do you honestly believe your opinion is more valid than Penny Chenery's? ROFL! Say farewell to your credibility!... · 64 days ago ·

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SteveHerron · I see the haters still have yet to come to grips with the truth. Zenyatta is the greatest female racehorse of all time, probably the best horse since The Bid. No amount of trash talking from the obnoxious minority will erase that fact. · 64 days ago ·

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saracoffey · Personal Ensign was way better than Zenyatta. She didn't hide in CA. · 64 days ago ·

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Age of Reason · @saracoffey: Enough already with the same worn-out East Coast Bias talking points. Winning more consecutive Grade 1s than any other American Horse of the Year (according to Bloodhorse), while carrying up to 129 pounds (Havre de Grace just ducked, what was it, 122 lbs?) is not "hiding" anywhere. Don't forget that Blind Luck, who beat HDG 4 out of 6, chose to ship 3,000 miles away from home to race rather than face Zenyatta in the Lady's Secret (G1). · 64 days ago ·

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stevebiscuit · Age of Reason, thanks for being the voice of reason! · 64 days ago ·

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saracoffey · California Grade 1's are equivalent to East Coast Grade 3 races. I live in TX so I'm not biased. Why race in a 300K race when you can race in a 750K race? That is why Blind Luck didn't race in the Lady's Secret. California racing is not on the same level. Had Zenyatta raced exclusively on dirt in the east she would've been known as just a good mare. · 64 days ago ·

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shadowno · @saracoffey from a Battery Park, East Coast perspective (mine), please tell us a single filly or mare that was campaigned on the east coast who could have given Zenyatta a run for her money? I will wait for your response. · 64 days ago ·

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stevebiscuit · Havre De Grace couldn't even get the better of Blind Luck! Zenyatta would smoke Havre De Grace at any distance on any surface! The favorite for the 2011 Classic would've been at least 20-1 in either of the Classics Zenyatta ran in. · 64 days ago ·

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saracoffey · California Grade 1's are equivalent to East Coast Grade 3 races. I live in TX so I'm not biased. Why race in a 300K race when you can race in a 750K race? That is why Blind Luck didn't race in the Lady's Secret. California racing is not on the same level. Had Zenyatta raced exclusively on dirt in the east she would've been known as just a good mare. · 64 days ago ·

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saracoffey · The only time BL beat HDG she was getting a weight allowance and the effort ruined her. Zenyatta was just a poly specialists. Real horses race on dirt and aren't afraid of flying over the Rockies. · 64 days ago ·

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TampaBayDowns Fan · If you don't mind, Icy, I have a question for you about Standardbreds. · 64 days ago ·

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shadowno · @stevebiscuit. It is now established your friend sara knows nothing with the "only time" statement. No longerworthy of my time or comments, just a troll. · 64 days ago ·

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Floridaf · Saracoffey, that is where you are sadly mistaken. BL and HDG faced each other a total of six times. BL won three of the meetings, HDG won two of the meeting, and BL and HDG finished second and third respectively behind Unrivaled Belle in the 2010 BC Ladies Classic. Additionally, while Zenyatta did run primarily on synthetics, she did race and win on dirt, also. Furthermore, she did fly over the Rockies; she raced at both Oaklawn Park and Churchill Downs, both of which are east of the Rockies. · 64 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · Welcome to the club Sara, glad to have a member. Your quite a rookie, but I bet when I'm done with you you'll be fine · 64 days ago ·

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AnnaK · Wasn't Z's problem that she made everything look so easy? She made BC 2009 look as easy as any other race. · 64 days ago ·

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AnnaK · And when tvic gets done with you Sara, you'll be even better. · 64 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · AnnaK, have you ever heard of a joke? Have you ever recognised a joke? If I wrote a couple of sentences could you find the joke? · 64 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · @cocoa2, I thought you found joking "disgusting" as you come here strictly to discuss racing? · 64 days ago ·

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andiggs · Do you people not have anything better to do than argue with your keyboards about a retired broadmare? · 64 days ago ·

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andiggs · Broodmare!! · 64 days ago ·

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zxswordxz · @Age of Reason: Its obvious that you're an rookie. Apparently you 're either blind or just stupid and can't understand my comments so let me put it in layman terms so you can understand.. I never discredit Zenyatta ability as race horse, she was a gifted horse. However, I suggest you stopping listening to others and make your own decision in life. You talk about credibility? Here are facts, Win the Triple crown in a month, set 4 record and 3 still stand, won each in 3 different style. Ran each qtr in the Derby fast than the last. Marlboro Cup (new WORLD record), Man O’War Stakes (new course record), Gotham Stakes (tied track record). Those are my credibility not listening to someone that is probably just trying to be polite. Credibility ly in the facts not potential. Did I mention that he did his as a 3 year old not as a 4 or 5 year old? So please think before you run your mouth. · 64 days ago ·

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Age of Reason · @saracoffey: A "poly specialist", by common-sense definition, would definitely not be a horse with multiple Grade 1 wins ON DIRT who lost the Classic ON DIRT by a head-bob. Your true "dirt filly" who was supposed to destroy the Classic field last year and show the Zenyatta fans how a "true dirt mare" wins the Classic never showed; she's ran in two straight Breeders' Cups with every chance to win, and got beat by daylight both times. You're right, Zenyatta and HDG aren't in the same league; a "dirt-track" mare who can't finish within daylight at the Breeders Cup on the most famous dirt track in America is not in the same league as the only horse to win two different Breeders Cup races! · 64 days ago ·

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AnnaK · Ouch cocoa, and here I thought your humour was quite apparent. I've even complimented you on it elsewhere. And for the record, I like when tvic coughs up the info, however he wants to do it. · 64 days ago ·

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CraigBradshaw · for my all-knowing friend wes 'dubby' i'm turning 31' white. peyton manning has won one of 2 super bowls in much less exciting fashion than zenyatta in 2 bc classics. i don't know of any sports expert who say that peyton is not a superstar. btw, dubby, why don't you ever mention the great cal-bred tiznow, who won 2 straight bc classics, not letting the euro invaders blow his doors off? · 63 days ago ·

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Age of Reason · Does anyone honestly think that California Grade 1 races are only equal to East Coast Grade III's? Amazombie, Game on Dude, Creative Cause, and reigning champion Older Male, Acclamation all might have something to say about that!...(the arrogance is staggering, is it not?) · 63 days ago ·

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travel_vic · Most grade ones are equivalent, but it is just that there are many more grade one caliber horses east of the Mississippi and I am from California saying that. · 63 days ago ·

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Age of Reason · @travel_vic: I gotcha. :) You've got a valid point--though obviously, as you pointed out, quantity does not necessarily equate to quality. · 63 days ago ·

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zxswordxz · BTW...to be politically correct. The horse have nothing to do with what their connection do so shouldn't the title say Harve De Grace connection? Just being a wise guy...ehhehehhe · 63 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · @ 1 1/8 mile Rachel could. Please don't bring up her 4yo season where she was a ghost of herself. · 63 days ago ·

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shadowno · If horses such as Open Mind, Glorious Song, Genuine Risk and even the great Davonna Dale have been critiqued for their late career losses why should any modern animal get special treatment. Did the rules change regarding how the balance of a career is viewed? · 63 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · Were all of them gutted as 3yos as she was also? · 63 days ago ·

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travel_vic · Open MInd never made it to her 4 year old season under D Wayne's great care · 63 days ago ·

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shadowno · An opinion and a moot point, but for the record Open Mind ran 11 times as a 3YO and Glorious song faced the starter 33 times between 3-5. · 63 days ago ·

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CraigBradshaw · icy.....why is everyone so afraid to admit that ra, in her 4 yr. old season, finally raced against females that were her equal or better, instead of always pulling the "gutted" card? · 63 days ago ·

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travel_vic · a very good friend and long time reporter for the Sratogan used the world "used up" forRA's last run and he was right there and said: too bad theyused up everthing she had in one season.e · 63 days ago ·

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CraigBradshaw · tv.....if that is the case, and it is strictly observational opinion, then, going by the data, how would a "gutted" horse get 2 100+ bsf's in her 4th yr. campaign? being that the data doesn't support the observation, it just is inconsistent to me. · 63 days ago ·

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footlick · there is a theory that a hard race like that can sour a filly. But I think it was a mixture of both the hard race and the other horses being more mature. · 63 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · footlick, thanks for pointing out the difference the age factor plays in horse reaching physical and mental maturity, have a nice day, foolick. · 62 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · sorry meant have a nice day footlick, I do that a lot, lol. · 62 days ago ·

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Blind Luck

Does anyone know how tall Blind Luck or Havre de Grace is?

Posted by Horsefan90 · 67 days ago ·

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Don't Discount Duke of Mischief in Sunshine Millions

Duke of Mischief is really good at lulling rival trainers into complacency. Just when you think this horse is not a threat, Duke of Mischief turns up with a gutsy performance to score an upset victory. Read More

Posted 119 days ago ·

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zatt · Duke of Mischief is one of five in here with a legitimate shot to win ... I am sticking with Triple M though ;-) · 119 days ago ·

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Floridaf · Ultimately, I'm sticking with MMM, too. I MIGHT get a little wishy washy if the track turns up wet tomorrow, though. · 119 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · I need MMM to prove to me that he is a winner and that he can repeat the performance from his last race. · 119 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · #1/#3/#7 · 119 days ago ·

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Floridaf · #6/#3/#1 · 119 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · 3,7,6. Almost went 3,7,5 What's with the rain on these big days? I'm waiting to see if the turf races get moved to the main track. Went w/Slew's grandson in the Million's Turf. Just the win pick so far. · 118 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · MMM is overrated, Duke of Mischief is a horse with nagging injuries if there is a nice rain to give him a mud bath , Who can stop the Duke? · 118 days ago ·

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travel_vic · Agree with icy MMM has oen significant race, his last, whereas Duke of Mischief has several that put that on in the hunt...Still that one may be coming late for a part underneath · 118 days ago ·

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yukichan · Is this being broadcast live anywhere? · 118 days ago ·

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yukichan · Nevermind--found it-- DRF is streaming live... · 118 days ago ·

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Blind Luck has date with Bernardini

Dr. Mark Dedomenico’s Blind Luck, the champion 3-year-old filly of 2010, has been officially retired from racing and booked to Darley stallion Bernardini. Read More

Source: bloodhorse.com · Posted 120 days ago ·

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Eclipse Award Selections - Of the 21st century!

Who are the best of the best of the first dozen years of the 21st century? Help me decide...Read More

Posted 130 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · Monarchos? · 130 days ago ·

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zatt · Sorry, but Point Given was superior to Monarchos in the 3yo male class of 2001. · 130 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Curlin not among the top older horses? DWC, Stephan Foster, Woodward, and JCGC? Zapper raced four times as a 4yr old, Tiznow was out most of the year. Inasor had a heck of a year as an older male, had a DWC and BCC. I can get not wanting to count Curlin's BCC. However, did win a total of 5 grade ones in 2008, while Invasor only won 4 in 2006. The amount he traveled during that time was unbelievable. He did lose twice, however they were on turf and synthetic, I don't remember Invasor ever trying those two surfaces. If one is willing to overlook Curlin's BCC win as a three year old then you must Tiznow. As an older Horse he was awesome in his three wins, but he lost three times, on his own surfaces. Curlin had the better older season there. Zapper was brilliant no doubt, but raced four times total and twice in sprints. Obviously brilliant and that gets him in, but Curlin nails him on durability and strength of schedule. Top four here should have been Invasor, Curlin, Mineshaft, and Zapper. · 130 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Bernardini won the Preakness, Dandy, Travers, and JCGC...pretty good if you ask me. · 130 days ago ·

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zatt · Curlin was a tough call, but notice he is on the 3yo male list, and the Horse of the Year list. I thought Curlin was better at 3 ... here are the horses who finished 2nd or 3rd in his three wins in the U.S at 4: Einstein (not as good on dirt), Barcoloa, Past the Point, Wandering Boy (twice), and Merchant Marine. Blame it on the surface or not, but the best horses Curlin faced as an older horse, he lost to. Don't get me wrong, Curlin was a fantastic horse, but his credentials as only an older horse are not quite as strong as a few others of the decade in my opinion, including Tiznow, who won some big stakes in California early in the year, and then came back from health problems to win an amazing BC Classic, his second straight. No horse has done that. And by the way, Curlin won 4 graded stakes (all grade 1) in 2008, not 5. · 130 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Wanderin Boy also was beaten by Invasor. Invasor beat Wild Desert, West Virginina and Sun King, all of those are not exactly World beaters. His Donn win against Hesanoldsalt? Brian, the competition card can go both ways. Both faced some nice horses in their big races, but in their other grade ones the horses that lined up against both were less than stellar. I would actually say Einnstein was a better horse than Sun King. Tiznow lost as well, so that card can also be played. Anything that can be said against Curlin can be said against at least one of the other horses on the list. · 130 days ago ·

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zatt · With all due respect, several horses that Invasor beat in the BC Classic, were better than any horse Curlin defeated as an older horse ... just look at the fields, there is absolutely no comparison. · 130 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Brian, as i state, both faced very good horses in their "big races." DWC and BCC are what i'm counting as big races. In the DWC Curlin faced several top horses, and not ony beat them, but decimated them. · 130 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Also to be fair, if you do not count Curlin's 3yr old Classic win then Tiznow's should not either. Both horses faced a lot, Curlin won some pretty big stakes back east his year too. Tiznow did have some good wins as a 4yr old, but if we are only counting 4yr old seasons in that vote then Curlin gets him. Both lost, but Curlin's season overall was better. He took the DWC, and came back to campaign an entire season, when many typically are knocked out for half the season. Not only did he come back he won 3 more grade ones. · 130 days ago ·

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dubby30 · Have to agree with DeatHeat on this one, all respect both ways to the argument though, when looking at the whole of the seasons, Curlin's should be the last we are debating, he would be on the older list quicker than the Zap and Tiznow, the Zap is especially questionable due to the 4 starts he made at 4 he made a start in a G2 and a G3, certainly not the schedule of an all time horse or one to be ranked up with a horse starting exclusively in Grade 1 races as an older horse. DWC, SFoster, WoodWard, Jockey Gold Cup, far out weigh the Tom Fool, Iselin, Woodward & BCC. But thats just my opinion. A horse like Curlin was tested in ways Ghostzapper never knew, and should be respected for that, so if there's anyone that should be debated, it should be Ghostzapper and Tiznow. · 130 days ago ·

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dubby30 · Also remember 2 year old filly – Sweet Catomine, 3 year old male – Summer Bird, Smarty Jones, Afleet Alex & Barbaro who i feel was twice the horse Bernardini ever was. · 130 days ago ·

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stevebiscuit · No Ginger Punch? Blasphemy! · 130 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Once again, truth, realism and actual facts should never be in the same sentence as Dubby. · 130 days ago ·

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zatt · I just posted my choices for each division ... can't wait to hear your opinions. · 130 days ago ·

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curlin.bandwagoneer · Curlin or Invasor for HOTY..........Curlin is my pick. · 130 days ago ·

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curlin.bandwagoneer · Invasor barely edges out Zenyatta.....really? · 130 days ago ·

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zatt · Hey, at least your boy got best 3yo male of the decade ... and by the way, if Curlin had won the BC Classic in 2008, he would have won the biggest award going away. · 130 days ago ·

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curlin.bandwagoneer · i am thrilled he got 3yo male! But Zenyatta never ran in the DWC, which Curlin and Invasor won. Curlin beat I believe two future DWC winners, Gloria de Campeo and Well Armed, by a huge margin. He also beat Premium Tap, who finished second to Invasor in the year prior. Both were amazing race horses. But Curlin's DWC and winning margin against two future winners, makes him winner in my book. I get that the loss in the 2008 BCC was a downer, but at least it was "off" his normal surface. If he had lost on dirt, i would understand. But do you really think Raven's Pass would have won on dirt? LOL · 130 days ago ·

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curlin.bandwagoneer · BTW, i agree with your other picks, if that is any consolation ;) · 130 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · For me, HOTY is Invasor and Curlin, not Zenyatta. Two big races doesn't do it for me, not when she could have dominated open races in Cali just as easily she did females in 09 and 2010. Curlin lost after a hard hard hard season. If he won the Classic that year, then he would have been one of the top 100 TB racers of all time, not just this century. · 130 days ago ·

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zatt · Like I said before, Curlin was a fantastic horse, but frankly his five races in the U.S. in 2008, or after returning from Dubai, include two losses and three weak fields. I just didn't think he was quite the same as he was before going to Dubai. · 130 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · I love this idea! But you know me, I have to go with Midnight Lute. · 130 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Two losses taking risks not many other top horses are willing to take. How often do we see a to dirt or turf star try and switch surfaces? Invasor faced some weak field in 06 too. · 130 days ago ·

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andiggs · You should give Blame some kind of award to make up for last year's travesty. · 130 days ago ·

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slteam17 · I know this is from the what could have been category, but still Barbaro deserves a mention for his win in the '06 Derby and his undefeated campaign up to that point. · 130 days ago ·

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shadowno · Curlin was pronounced steroid free in 2008. It makes perfect sense his races as a 4yo did not equal his steroid enhanced 3yo campaign. · 130 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Well Armed, a winner of 7 or 24 lifetime races, won the DWC by 14 lengths. Volponi, a winner of 7 of 31 races lifetime, won a BCC by 6 lengths. I guess that makes them real all time favorites, certainly a better horse than Zenyatta. Too bad Zenyatta never got to face Macho Again and Flashing and Persistently. Then maybe we could mention her in the same sentence as all these greats. · 130 days ago ·

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12thCrown · Afleet Alex was a pretty strong 3YO and never considered Invasor the best of that bunch. He ran in an era of "who-dat's" as well... · 128 days ago ·

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cugel the clever · Afleet Alex's Preakness victory was the most astounding and impressive recovery from near disaster I've ever seen in 50 years of watching racing. This race alone should place him in the top 100. Check this video of the race which includes super slomo of the incident. I get a sick feeling every time I see it - a reminder of the razor edge between tragedy and triumph. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfFzODoD7YY · 128 days ago ·

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cugel the clever · Afleet Alex's Preakness victory was the most astounding and impressive recovery from near disaster I've ever seen in 50 years of watching racing. This race alone should place him in the top 100. Check this video of the race which includes super slomo of the incident. I get a sick feeling every time I see it - a reminder of the razor edge between tragedy and triumph. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfFzODoD7YY · 128 days ago ·

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zatt · Afleet Alex was fantastic, and his Preakness was unbelievable, hard to keep him off the list ... Invasor was a champion in three continents, and beat an excellent BC Classic field. · 128 days ago ·

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travel_vic · another potential monster we were robbed of seeing mature · 128 days ago ·

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stevebiscuit · Zenyatta would've smoked Curlin. · 128 days ago ·

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Winplacsho · Though all were great, I think Ghostzapper was the most freakish (and just as dominating) of the group and would be my pick for HOY. · 128 days ago ·

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GregRiessland · i don't think zen could beat curlin and zen hasn't smoked anyone she nips you at the wire. runs hard enough to win. she should have smoked all the washed up girls, nope runs hard enough just to win. · 128 days ago ·

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1satmay · really havre? Did we forget about rags to riches ! · 120 days ago ·

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1satmay · sorry! missed her in 3yo · 120 days ago ·

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racingrooter · I'm with winplaceshow. I think Ghostzapper is the best horse of the 20th century thus far. There are some other great horses mentioned here, but GZ would have left them all eating his dirt. · 120 days ago ·

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racingrooter · Oops, meant 21st century. I'm only 12 years behind. :-) · 120 days ago ·

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Lady of Fifty could be Hollendorfer's next Kentucky Oaks filly

Having a top notch three-year old filly is nothing new to trainer Jerry Hollendorfer. Three times, Hollendorfer has gotten one of his ladies to the winners circle in the Kentucky Oaks. Such champions as Lite Light (1991), Pike Place Dancer (1996) and Blind Luck (2010) give the hall of famer credibil...Read More

Posted 120 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · Lady of Fifty looked really good in the California Oaks, looking forward to her ascent up the class scale. Good news on Berkeley Lab, thanks for keeping us up to date, Don! · 120 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Could be a good hunch pick, too, but what about next year? · 120 days ago ·

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Blind Luck

Any news on who Blind Luck will be bred too?

Posted by aih923 · 125 days ago ·

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kacyvermilyea · She's being bred to Bernardini. · 125 days ago ·

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The Derby Trail goes through Oaklawn Park

Eric Kords, the man behind 12th Crown, previews the Road to the Roses via Arkansas and all things Oaklawn Park...Read More

Posted 148 days ago ·

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annmatt · Excellent coverage about Oaklawn, interesting background, crisp writing....will look forward to reading a lot more from Eric. Love the "historian" aspect to your history, Eric. I never tire of learning about this sport, especially from an historical perspective. · 148 days ago ·

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12thCrown · Oh, and I forgot to mention the roll back the clock 50 cent famous corned beef sandwiches on opening Saturday! So popular (and delicious) since the 100th anniversary seasaon that they've stuck with this promotion. Has to be the best racetrack food of all time!!! · 148 days ago ·

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Floridaf · Looking forward to the Oaklawn meet! It may begin and end with Derby talk, but there's no denying the prestige of some of the stake races on tap. · 148 days ago ·

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travel_vic · Has been the NOW place for years. One of the best meets of the winter. · 147 days ago ·

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12thCrown · My only gripe with OP is that many top jockeys don't like to ride there early in meet due to frigid temps, so they don't have a top jock colony. At least, not like when I was a kid with Pat Day, Randy Romero, Larry Snyder, Chris McCarron and Jerry Bailey. Defections include Gomez, Borel, Albarado... · 147 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · I love Oaklawn. Both Lawyer Ron and Curlin, two of my faves came from their before the Derby. Also wise to note how often a horse coming from Arkansas runs in the top 4 finishers in the Derby. 2004 Smarty wins, 2005 Afleet Alex third, 2006 Stepanwolfer third, 2007 Curlin third, 2008 Eight Bells second, 2009 Papa Clem 4th, 2010 Super Saver won, 2011 Nehro second. It is most certainly a hot track that has probably one of the best and most consistent Derby records in the last decade. · 147 days ago ·

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starlade · Look for Out of Bounds to take the Smary jones today on his way to the derby · 130 days ago ·

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travel_vic · From an ESPN article: "At Oaklawn Park, there will never be a Cougar Day, a Mike vs. Chantal match race, or an advertising campaign featuring exotic dancers; there will never be night racing, or camel racing or ostrich racing. At Oaklawn Park, horses and racing matter. " · 130 days ago ·

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12thCrown · Not sure how many of you frequent Oaklawn, so while there won't be a "Cougar Day" per se, there are plenty of eligible ladies and dudes hanging around the second level sports bar. Seriously though, it's an extremely social place where people do care about the horses. · 126 days ago ·

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My Eclipse Awards Picks

Here are my picks in my favorite Eclipse Award Divisions. I am trying to enjoy what 2011 gave us before heading into the 2012 Road to the Roses, but that has been hard to do with the Sham Stakes already in the book. But I managed to find a little time to think Eclipse Awards. Read More

Posted 136 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · Union Rags over Hansen? Very bold ... I think Hansen won it, but I will not argue with those who say Union Rags should get it ... see Zenyatta/Blame. · 136 days ago ·

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SuzanneHodge Birks · Union Rags, Royal Delta, and Bill Mott · 134 days ago ·

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travel_vic · The bias goes to tradition, not a single performance. UR ran at the classy Spa · 134 days ago ·

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Mike in SB · What about Game on Dude for older male? He had more Grade 1 wins than Flat Out, the same as Tizway and finished ahead of Havre de Grace in the Breeders Cup Classic. The older male Eclipse should be between Game on Dude and Acclamation, with Game on Dude the winner. · 134 days ago ·

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MarcelloMarocco · No mention of Cape Blanco for Older Male?. His shipping and winning of the 3 biggest Turf races at 10, and 12 furlongs should also be recognized. I vote him for Male Turf(no brainer), and Older Male. · 134 days ago ·

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JohnByrd · Anybody know if the Eclipse Awards will televised this year? I know DRF will stream them. · 133 days ago ·

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GoTexas · I hear that HRTV will broadcast the awards Monday evening. · 133 days ago ·

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WilliamCaple · Loved that Hansen won, but you are right, Union Rags was tremendous too! derbydeals.com · 127 days ago ·

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Eclipse Award Discussion: Turf Wars, Gracie, Older Male, HOY, OH MY!

Our last Eclipse Award discussion. The Dark Horse Chris Sorenson and myself will be going over both turf divisions, older male and female divisions, and we'll be crowning our Horse Of The Year!Read More

Posted 132 days ago ·

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Chicago · Great discussion Scott, thanks!! · 132 days ago ·

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stevebiscuit · Cape Blanco beating Gio Ponti (two years past his prime), Winchester, Dean's Kitten(no factor in BC Turf), or Mission Approved(one hit wonder) is hardly something to brag about. Acclamation beat better horses and did so more impressively than Cape Blanco. He was clearly the best turf horse this year. · 132 days ago ·

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WesWhite · Is Falcon Rock better than Gio Ponti. lol hilarious some of the statements posters put out there that makebab · 131 days ago ·

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WesWhite · Some statements make absolutely no sense. · 131 days ago ·

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rorschach1992 · Did he actually state Mission Approved and Dean's Kitten as being some of the best in the WORLD???? MmmHmm. Is he not aware that they both ran on World stages and were absolute non-factors, Mission Approved 14th out of 16 in the Japan Cup and Dean's Kitten 9th and last in the BC Turf. That's really not a glowing recommendation for Cape Blanco. · 130 days ago ·

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travel_vic · Micheal Veitch of the Sratogan has made a very good case for Harve de Grace today in his column · 130 days ago ·

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My Favorite Races of 2011

Here they are, just in time for the New Year, I give you my Top 10 favorite races of 2011...Read More

Posted 148 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · There sure was a lot of great racing in 2011! Nobody keeps track of it better than Zipse! The DelCap seems to be on top of everyone's Top 10 lists. · 148 days ago ·

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Floridaf · I agree with AndyScoggin; The DelCap does seem to be at the top of everyone's lists this year. You've compiled a great list here, Brian! · 148 days ago ·

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cpsoren121 · Oh man! Where is the Arlington Million and the Hawthorne Derby!!??!! · 148 days ago ·

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stevebiscuit · The DelCap was one my all time favorite racing moments. Going into the race even I was nervous about Blind Luck's chances, mostly because of the pace scenario. I started to think betting $50 on the nose was foolish. Thankfully I didn't chicken out and play $25 win/place. Boy did she go out with a bang, proving she had the heart of a champion. The elation I felt when they crossed the finish line was so great that I jumped out of my chair pumping my fist screaming "YEAH BABY!" Trouble was that I was in the middle of a quiet little coffee shop and it wasn't until after I'd made a fool of myself that I noticed all the confused faces staring at me. I was too happy to be embarrassed and pitied them for having no knowledge of the great Blind Luck. · 148 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Del Cap was awesome and I was so happy I got to see it live. In actuallity I got to see two of these races live :) I had Hansen, and still hope he dominates at Gulfstream. Though, being at DP, my home track, even though HDG lost by the smallest of margins, was my favorite race. I may have not witnessed any of their other races live, but I got to see the final showdown, and it was awesome :) · 148 days ago ·

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mshutty · Brian, great recap of very memorable races in a year in which it was a little tougher to find mega-highlights. Completely agree on your Mr. Commons thoughts. I'm thinking this is your new Paddy O'Prado! If this one stays healthy, he's going to be a monster in 2012. · 148 days ago ·

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BayRoan · Very much agree with your #1. However, there were so many awesome races this yr, how did you manage to numerate them?? · 148 days ago ·

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FiveouttasixThoroughbred-Picks · Great list...I also loved the King's Bishop...what about Kentucky Derby? · 148 days ago ·

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AmbitiousD · Great list Brian! I loved the Melbourne Cup! Such a great finish. I also liked Gracie's Woodward romping and Orferve's Arima Kinen · 148 days ago ·

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annmatt · Great list for the most part, but, where the heck were you when they were running the Garden City, and Winter Memories was trapped behind a wall of horses and came out of the clouds in a thriller! Loved Sassy Image's performance, love Sassy Image, but no way does it compare (IMHO) to WM's Garden City run! Gives me chills every time I watch that race. · 148 days ago ·

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Floridaf · Annmatt, the Garden City was an amazing race! It is also on my top 10 list for the year. · 148 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · Did you see the Princess Rooney, Ann? Yes, the Garden City and the Queen's Plate were the two I had the toughest time leaving off. If only it were a top dozen. · 148 days ago ·

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Floridaf · You're the author. Why not make it a top dozen? Or honorable mention? :) · 148 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · Both can consider themselves honorably mentioned ... If I had done a top dozen, then I would have agonized about leaving others off ;-) · 148 days ago ·

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arazi · Great list! Not sure about the Turf Classic, but I love the rest! The Melbourne Cup was amazing - worth watching for those who haven't seen it. · 147 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · Thank you, Arazi. Your namesake's win in the Juvenile was high on my list in '91. · 147 days ago ·

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footlick · And Danedream's Arc and Frankel's Guineas, Sussex or QEII. All exciting. Too many to choose from, really if you go worldwide. · 147 days ago ·

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12thCrown · I like the BL-HDG "match" race at #1 - these mid-year races often get overlooked. One of the best races I ever witnessed was Azeri vs. Take Charge Lady in the Apple Blossom where they were on a head bob for the last 1/16th of a mile - classic! · 147 days ago ·

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GoTexas · I like this list a lot, but think Winter Memories spectacular turf win needs to be in there somewhere. It certainly deserves mention with at least Mr.Commons win at #10. · 147 days ago ·

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Herman'sKennel · Breeders cup Classic...hands down...but I love Drossie !!, · 147 days ago ·

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BrianAppleton · So glad you included the Melbourne Cup, I loved this year's running!! Your top three are my top three, love it. · 147 days ago ·

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annalefsrud@yahoo.ca · Can't argue with any of them, for us Turallure fans, he was amazing in the BC, even if he was 2nd and the Great Gold 3rd, and Inglorious was wonderful in the Plate. Add 5 more next year? · 147 days ago ·

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Capper · I love that Sassy Image race at Calder, it was Silky Sullivan-esque! I can't disagree with any of your selections, but that BC turf mile was pretty good as well. Sounds like you're all in on Mr. Commons & I hope he gives us lots of thrills this summer and a rooting chance against the Europeans in the BC. · 147 days ago ·

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quillg · Brian you hit a HOME RUN with this list... your recall is amazing. I would add Florida Derby (Dialed In & Shackleford) cuz final 1/16th was heart stopping)) · 141 days ago ·

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Dissecting the Eclipse Award Vote

The Thoroughbred Racing Associations’ website says that, “The Eclipse Awards are presented annually to recognize those horses and individuals whose outstanding achievements have earned them the title of Champion in their respective categories.” Read More

Posted 138 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · Great info on the past votes, Matt ... it's funny that Zenyatta never received 100% of the Older Female votes. · 175 days ago ·

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annmatt · I would say that 99.6%, 99.6% and 99.2% for Zenyatta rounds up to an average of 100%. Estimating 235 total votes, that means virtually only 1 of the votes was not for her for Older Female. · 175 days ago ·

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travel_vic · When the BloodHorse had a vote on the best of the twentieth century, Willima Nack tells the story of one voter who ranked Secretariat 10th in order to assure man O'War's beign top ranked. He suggested bias...No kidding!! · 175 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · Yes, that's why it is so curious ... So close to unanimous, but did not receive 2 votes in 2008, and 1 vote in 2009 and 2010. · 175 days ago ·

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AmbitiousD · I believe this is part of what makes this sport great. There is no mathematical formula that can be used to decide who is better than who (just look at college football). But, as long as it is flesh and blood making these decisions, unanimity will be as rare as a triple crown winner. · 175 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · I think Turf Male will once again be a really close vote between Cape Blanco and Acclamation and that My Miss Aurelia will be unanimous. · 175 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · Here are my Eclipse predictions, not necessarily my choices, but who I think will win the awards: HOTY-Havre de Grace, 2YO-Hansen, 2YOF-My Miss Aurelia, 3YO-Animal Kingdom, 3YOF-Royal Delta, Older Male-Acclamation, Older Female-Havre de Grace, Male Sprinter-Amazombie, Female Sprinter-Turbulent Descent, Male Turf-Cape Blanco, Female Turf-Never Retreat · 175 days ago ·

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12 Clip · I'll make a bold prediction and say that Royal Delta or Drosselmeyer win HOTY!!! And my other shocker for 3YO honors, and deservedly so, is Caleb's Posse. Looking at his pedigree and race record he has the look of a promising stallion in the near future. · 149 days ago ·

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travel_vic · Drosselmeyer??? it is horse of the YEAR, not horse of the month · 149 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · Seems like Havre de Grace will be Hore of the Year. · 149 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · Bad typo--HORSE · 149 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · I would say Grace gets it again for horse of the year. However, I do think 2012 will end the female streak. The male division looks loaded with some nice horses coming back in PrePeg, MMM, Nehro, AK, Trickmiester, etc. You also have many nice three year olds looking to step up. · 149 days ago ·

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digidot · Just watch out for Royal Delta next year, if she takes the Dubai world cup and continues racing long she'll be one to watch. · 149 days ago ·

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My Best of 2011

As the end of the 2011 year draws near I decided to give you a list of my favorite moments of the year. Here is to remembering 2011…Read More

Posted 158 days ago ·

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AnnEastman-Kerchner · Nice..And I totally agree with your # 1 moment! · 158 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · Glad Rapid Redux made it in there! His win streak has created a lot of interest and excitement! · 158 days ago ·

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LanceSeever · Great 5 moments! Loved the Woodward romp by HDG · 158 days ago ·

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annmatt · No one should begrudge the little horse that did! The Equine Rocky put a spotlight on the 85% of the horses in the sport...the low level allowance runners and claimers, and he did it with style and with grace and little fanfare. Any horse that brings positive for a sport crying for positive news deserves a tip of the hat, and possibly a special Eclipse award. Many of us are pulling for him to get the Vox Populi award...no horse is more deserving of that award this year. · 157 days ago ·

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zatt · Good choice for moment of the year ... the Delaware Handicap was the Race of the Year in my eyes! · 157 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Best race ever for both BL and HDG, their Del Cap duel. · 157 days ago ·

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bigfootmauler · Couldnt agree more with what you said about RR! he did great no matter what.. · 157 days ago ·

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GregRiessland · rr is a great horse and fun to watch. he is the master of his division! · 157 days ago ·

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Floridaf · Great list! The DelCap tops my top 5 moments for the year, also. Glad you gave RR his due. He certainly deserves it! · 157 days ago ·

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KyOaksRunner · The Delaware Handicap is my #1 as well...nice list!! · 156 days ago ·

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Winplacsho · I agree, the Del 'Cap takes the cake this year. · 156 days ago ·

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Blind Luck

Really hated to see her retire.. but she just didnt want to do it anymore!

Posted by bigfootmauler

· 157 days ago ·

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GregRiessland · it is, but we will always remember her. and if the horse loses interest, it is ok she is still a great champion. · 157 days ago ·

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Eclipse Award Voting

Cast your vote for Horse of the Year as well as all other divisions.Read More

Source: drf.com · Posted 161 days ago ·

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A Capital Rivalry

It has been a long, long time since racing has had a real rivalry, brought to life on the track... Read More

Posted 168 days ago ·

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brooklyn.steve · Matz is a great guy, he deserves some good luck. And rivalries are what this sport is built on. Hopefully Hansen and Rags continue their development and will get to meet before the Derby. Thanks for giving us somthing to look forward to in an otherwise quiet month of racing. · 168 days ago ·

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Floridaf · I'm looking forward to seeing Hansen and Union Rags hook up again at Gulfstream. Next year should be a great year if all of the big stars remain sound and healthy. · 168 days ago ·

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zxswordxz · Union Rags is going to mature into a wonderful horse. He has all the element to be a great horse. However, the trainer need to modify his running style so he don't beat himself up. Train him to huge the turn and conserve his energy for the end. · 168 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · The whole division looks very promising for next year. I'm sure we'll see some stars rise up. Hopefully we'll have a Gulfsteam rivalry, and Arkansas star, and a Cali star all gunning for the Derby. Of course it is racing and nothing is always for certain, but it seems that most of these horses are trained by good people, their breeding is pointed towards distance and soundness, so hopefully we'll see some top quality races this year that the media can capitalize on. · 168 days ago ·

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Mike in SB · This would be fun to watch and great for racing. I hope it happens but the key is keeping all the good horses healthy, something that has not happened much in the last few years. · 168 days ago ·

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amir16 · Hansen looks like the new Holy bull · 168 days ago ·

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medlocke · The last truly great rivalry between 2 brilliant American horses, IMO, was the Sunday Silence vs. Easy Goer rivalry back in 1989. But I do believe had he not broken down in the 2006 Preakness that Barbaro and Bernardini had the potential to become that same kind of rivalry on the same scale. TJMO. · 168 days ago ·

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crc1858 · medlocke : Please fix your mistakes, I really don't want to do them as there are so many !! · 168 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · I hope we are not forgetting the excellent rivalry between Silver Charm and Free House of the late 90's. · 168 days ago ·

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Floridaf · Some are trying to pass off Animal Kingdom and Shackleford as a great rivalry, which is a bunch of nonsense in my opinion. Though it isn't recent, Secretariat and Sham had quite a rivalry, as did Sir Barton and Man o'War and War Admiral and Seabiscuit. · 168 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Sir Barton and Man o War, as well as Admiral and Biscuit only met once, it was more media hype than anything with those. Brian, I rarely ever hear about that one, and it's a shame that it get they hype that the others did. · 167 days ago ·

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travel_vic · Sunday Slinece/Easy Goer, Noor Citation, Armed Assault, the list is long · 167 days ago ·

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CauseForConcern · One rivalry that never came to fruition, was Holy Bull and Cigar. Holy Bull's last race, in which he was injured, was the emergence of Cigar. · 167 days ago ·

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Floridaf · Sir Barton vs. Man o'War and War Admiral vs. Sea Biscuit may have only have been media hype, but at least back then they had the good sense to hype up something like that. We could probably take a leaf out of their book because the sport could certainly use the [good] publicity. · 167 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Floridaf, we did hype Zenyatta and Rachel, that was an enormous hype. Big Brown and Curlin both had hype as well. The only difference was that match races weren't tabu back then, like they are now. You also had owners that were a little more sporting. The hype is still here, the sportsmanship is not. · 167 days ago ·

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medomoreno · The most obvious was also the most exciting of my lifetime: Affirmed / Alydar. · 163 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · medomoreno, I'm hoping we get something close to that, lol. · 163 days ago ·

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I Am Not East Coast Biased!

East Coast Bias … I don’t think I have it, but if I do, how did I catch it??? Truth be told, I am not even sure what it means. Perhaps I should I pack up my bags and move to a residence on the Eastern Seaboard as soon as humanly possible? Do I secretly envy any person lucky enough to live within 100...Read More

Posted 169 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · Hey, Zipse clearly does not have ECB. That is spoken by somebody who has lived in NJ his entire ;ife. · 169 days ago ·

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Winplacsho · So do the people that accuse other of have East Coast Bias secretly have West Coast Bias? Just sayin....its funny that we've never heard of that sickness. I guess everyone in the Western time zone at totally impartial on all topics. · 169 days ago ·

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Floridaf · I always chose Blind Luck over Havre de Grace, not because I don't like HDG (which we all know that I do), but because I knew Blind Luck would win the match up more often than not. With that being said, I can see how it would be easy to become biased towards horses one is more familiar with. I will admit to having never heard of several really good horses until they ran on the East Coast, but I have since fixed that issue. It is what is. · 168 days ago ·

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travel_vic · IF there were more tracks west of the Mississippi, there would be more trackmen, more DRF writers and more voters and as a result there would be a west coast bias. There are just more votes, more racing and more breeding in the East. · 168 days ago ·

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ghelguera · IMO Andrew Beyer is West Coast Biased. · 168 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · I have often been accused of this, even though I have like several west coast horses. The time when this is brought up the most is when there is a rivalry and the other side honestly runs out of facts. Of course it doesn't always happen, just look at Sunday Silence vs Easy Goer and Affirmed and Alydar. However, during the RA vs Zen, Blame vs Zen, Curlin vs Zen, all you heard after a while was anybody that was for RA, Curlin, or Blame was called ECB. Didn't matter if a person lived there, if they liked other west coast horses, they were just biased. It is amazing how bitter somebody can get when their favorite does not win a race or an award, it's sad, but that is a side of racing and every other sport, you just have to try and turn your head the other way. · 168 days ago ·

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footlick · we all have views that tend to be slanted one way or the other, but we all love the sport in the end, or we wouldn't bother to be here. · 168 days ago ·

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Mike in SB · I agree with your choice of Havre de Grace for Horse of the Year and I have been reading your blogs for a year or so and do not believe you have shown an East Coast bias, but as someone who lives on the West Coast I do believe some California horses have sometimes been denied awards they deserved because they did not race in the east. A big part of the problem is that some people have not accepted that racing has changed from the 1970's. In those days the championship races were run in New York in the fall, a horse did need to win in New York to be a champion in those days. But today we are in the Breeders Cup era of racing and unfortunately many of the big championship races in New York have been diminished in importance as a result. Today I don't believe winning the Woodward or Jockey Club Gold Cup necessarily means they are a better horse than the winner of the Goodwood or Pacific Classic, but too often the eastern horse gets extra credit for winning one of the older historic races, even though the fields in New York are not noticeably better than the ones in California. · 168 days ago ·

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CauseForConcern · Where have you gone, Albert Pujols, our nation turns its lonely eyes to you. Albert Pujols has left, and gone away. Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey hey. · 168 days ago ·

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Blind Luck - Pedigree

[Edit]

Pollard's Vision	Carson City	Mr. Prospector
		Blushing Promise
	Etats Unis	Dixieland Band
		Hometown Queen
Lucky One	Best Of Luck	Broad Brush
		Crowned
	Twilight Spectre	Imp Society
		Shall Return