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Convocation

6 year old Horse | Active

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Owner(s):

Centennial Farms

Trainer:

James A. Jerkens

Bred:

Kentucky (USA) by Darley

Pedigree:

Pulpit - Shade Dance by Nureyev

Rating:

6.80/10


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What the Nation is saying about Convocation...

Can Havre de Grace Beat the Woodward Boys?

Will Havre de Grace emulate Rachel Alexandra and beat the boys in Saturday's Grade 1 Woodward at Saratoga Race Course?Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 162 days ago ·

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medlocke · IMO, Havre De Grace winning the G1 Woodward Stakes will be a much tougher ask for her than it was for Rachel Alexandra back in 2009. Because frankly, Havre De Grace will be facing a much tougher group of males than Rachel Alexandra did. When Rachel won this race in 2009, she raced against a Macho Again and Bullsbay that were without question at the end of their racing career's. Because if you check their records, neither Macho Again or Bullsbay came anywhere remotely close to winning another race after they ran in that 09' Woodward. That's definitely not case here for Havre De Grace. She's facing a field of males that many of them are still racing at the top of their game!! TJMO. · 162 days ago ·

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dubby30 · I've heard Brian Zipse repeat over and over that the males that ran in the Woodward in 09 were just coming off of Grade 1 wins in Macho Again and Bullsbay, the fact is these were horses that had excellent form. The fact that you dont recognize that that race took a great deal out of all of those horses is not surprising. · 162 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · medlocke : It may not have occurred to you but neither Macho Again or Bullsbay came close again to winning as Rachel ran them into the ground. However prior to that race they were the dominant older males beating the like of Einstein , Gio Ponti, etc. Until this post I used to respect your opinion, tho's days are gone!!!!!!! · 161 days ago ·

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AnneShaw · Unfortunately was also the swansong of Rachel's great career. She was too young to race those after the campaing she way she did that year. I will always love and admire her and think this is exactly what Mr. Hollendorfer is trying to prevent with Luck. · 161 days ago ·

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timgsmith10 · Its Because of that Grueling campaign that she became the Superstar we all loved.. I dont know why people cant see that.. · 161 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · OF course HDG can beat this group. The truth is, if I had two more legs I could probably bet them also. In fact even if I had one more leg. · 161 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Icyhotboo. I’m not tying to be the negative on this issue on who Rachel beat, but the fact is, Macho Again defeated Einstein in the Foster only after Einstein had repeated trouble in the stretch and got clear too late. Check it out on YouTube. To show you how far out Macho’s win over Einstein was, check out the Clark at the end of the year when Macho was nine lengths behind him. You might say that Macho was rung out by Rachel. I say that Einstein was rung out by Zenyatta. I do not have any recollection of Macho ever defeating or finishing ahead of Gio Ponti. As for Bullsbay, he won his G1 in the Whitney against that same Macho Again and Commentator, who was well over the hill and was retired after the race and who, in his prime won this race twice, defeating Pacific Classic winner Student Council and eventual Woodward and BCC winner Saint Liam, both these horses on a different level when it comes to measuring class. Commentator also received 123 and 120 Beyers in these races. Other than that, it might surprise you to know that outside of Summer Bird, the horses that Rachel defeated never won a G1 route race again until I believe this year. · 161 days ago ·

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dubby30 · Laz, Rachel is retired and comfortably in foal to Curlin, let your disdain of the filly go, no one really cares about your uninformed opinion on the matter, if they were so awful a group Zenyatta should have come and taken down that race, instead they felt it more important to get another Grade 1 on paper but allowance optional claimer on paper in the Lady's Secret defeating Lethal Heat, the ever powerful 2/12 Lethal Heat, and barely got that job done, so Finishing a neck in front of a proven G1 caliber horse in MA, compared to a horse that never won a race of consequence in Lethal Heat kinda gives us all indication of your lack of common sense. You seem obsessed with running down a filly that faced and defeated males 3 out of 3 times. Your fav horse is 1/2 against males, and couldnt run down a horse that never won a 10f race before. Let it go man, you are over the top. And that's putting it nicely. · 161 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Oh shame on me eh Dubby. Maybe you should practice what you preach. · 161 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Dubby You seem obsessed with running down a mare that won a BCC and lost a second BCC by a few inches. · 161 days ago ·

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dubby30 · Fact is they are both retired, let them go from the convo, you let Rachel go, I'll let Zen go, until then I'll continue to point out that one finished perfect against males and the other lost to the best horse, the one that won the BC in a hand ride, while you're mare was hit almost 30 times with the whip. That Other Gear was, um lacking, lost, any word you want to use. · 161 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Dubby. I’m glad to see that you turned over a new Zenyatta bashing leaf, since when, about five hours ago? How long will this one last, another five hours or so. This “you let Rachel go I’ll let Zen go” statement, didn’t you make that same olive branch statement a while back. It lasted all of about two days if I recall. In any event, my post wasn’t about Rachel (who I am not trying to denigrate) and which I thought I stated in a round about way. It was mainly about Macho Again and Bullsbay. · 161 days ago ·

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dubby30 · Well let's say you're referring to MA and Bullsbay, how are you knocking two horses that were in form and coming off of Grade 1 victories when they tested her and were repelled. Your horse racing knowledge or lack is glaring. But I'll say this, you keep your opinion on this horses and i'll listen to the editor of this website in Zipse who has stated over and over again both of those horses came into the 09 Woodward in great form, and she ran them into submission. · 161 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Dubby. Don’t waste your time questioning my horse racing knowledge Dubby. What you should question is your understanding and interpretation of the true meaning of facts, not the supermarket tabloid manner of twisting the facts that you always try to do and then shove down everyone’s throat. Simple question. Where would you rank Macho Again and Bullsbay in G1 history, and where would you rank them in Woodward and Whitney history? My ranking on all counts would be right down near the bottom. Where would you rank Gio Ponti, Summer Bird (the 10F version, not the9F version), Twice Over, etc.? I would rank them much, much higher than the G2 males Rachel played with. · 161 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · The field in the Woodward Stakes of 2009 in the manner it was run was as good as any ever. Each horse at its best time took their best shot at RA who was ridden by the moron who set her up to get beat. D'Tara, was not much but had sprinters speed took her the first quarter in 22:8.0.Past The Point who gave Curlin all he could handle in the 2008 Woodward Stakes was next to take his shot followed by Bullsbay and finally Macho Again.Calvin (the moron) gave her one of the worst ride's in racing history. Finally instead of tearing her down you should appreciate what she did because its going to be a long time before you see her likes again. · 161 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Horses run differently when they run against horses that have an abundant of class. That is why claimer may set track records that even G1 horses can’t approach, but put those same claimers in with those G1 horses and the G1 will most likely to be victorious. The 2009 Woodward was a superbly run race, but where Rachel, Macho Again and Bullsabay finish if it included the likes of Quality Road, Saint Liam, Ghostzapper, Curlin, Lawyer Ron, Cigar, etc. Time is impressive, but it in no way supplants class. Class is the number one characteristic in horse racing. · 161 days ago ·

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footlick · You are fighting a losing battle Laz. Class is not something that seems to be considered here. Even if each horse was at his best, nobody is taking into consideration how good that actually proved to be. You are beating your head against the wall. · 160 days ago ·

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ruffed grouse · LAZMANNICK. You are correct in regards to the class factor. There is always the occasional freak, but I have worked stake horses with a lesser caliber horse and even if they want to and are capable of staying alongside they just drop back. There is always a pecking order from the paddock to the track. · 160 days ago ·

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timgsmith10 · R.A in 2009 was amazing case closed. · 160 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · Any elementary fan knows about class. However horses determine their class not us. Take a top allowance horse and put him in with a mediocre grade 3 and the graded hore will win. That was a real tough one. As for Ghostapper, Quality Road, Curlin, Lawyer Ron, Cigar, unfortunately they didn't show up for the 2009 Woodward Stakes but Macho Again and Bullsbay did so I am dealing with the reality instead of the fiction because in anything you do "you play the hand your dealt" and Ladies and Gentlemen I'm talking about the real year 2009 when it happend not when you wanted it to happen and who you want to add to the list of entries. Make valid argument and I'll give consideration to your threads but as of now I choose to live in the real world not some virtual race that never happened. On the other hand you pick a race you think was strong and others think was weak then proceed to make an argument for the winner and after taking your time to do this someone runs out of left field and yells "but Secretariat, Citation, Spectacular Bid, etc. weren't there. This is exactly whats happening. · 160 days ago ·

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footlick · icyhotboo- but by that definition you cannot ever compare any horse unless they raced in that race in that year. That is a rather existentialistic point of view in regards to horse racing. The only way you can measure the strength or weakness of a field is to compare it to the stellar horses who have won it in the past. They do that for every major race in the world. It has nothing to do with the real world. It has to do with the ability to evaluate the class of horse running. If you really believe what you said then you cannot make any statements regarding any horse other than in the context of the specific race you are talking about. You cannot compare Secretariat to Man O War because they never raced in the same race. You cannot compare Sea-Bird to Ribot because they never raced in the same race. So then there would be no way to evaluate greatness because you are only judging by that particular race without bringing in past standards to compare it to. You have to evaluate by the past to be able to rank the present, imo. · 160 days ago ·

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mrsmaryzinke · Icy, This might be an icy-lated time, but I agree with you. · 160 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · footlick : you know I respect your views but the point I have been constantly trying to make only to be met with criticism is that Rachel Alexandra faced the best available older horses. I admit they weren't great but as a group they formed a perfect team to put her to the ultimate test and she passed. I really resent when a horse of her caliber isn't given their just due. I would make the same case for any horse of her caliber who was stuck facing the opponent's that were available but not really worthy in the eyes of some. As for speculating on the greatness of horses who never faced each other, especially from different eras well that can be a lot of fun but not very realistic due to track changes, equipment changes, etc. I guess I'm kind of an oddball as I was a fervent fan of both Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra and I can relate to the antagonism between the two camps because back in the 60s it was that way with Dr. Fager and Damascus, both truly great horses as I believe these two contemporaries were very special and should have raced against each other a few times.Can you imagine what that would have done for this sport.You were right when you said you needed passion to even post because horses evoke a passion in me that could be called insanity. Have a nice day all and I appreciate your input, pro or con. · 160 days ago ·

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footlick · icyhotboo- I would have never criticized you if you had just stated that. All she could do is face what lined up to race against her. That doesn't mean that you cannot compare fields to determine the strength of competition. I will give you an example of another three year old filly who ran in the Woodward. Her name was Summer Guest. She had battled Susan's Girl all year in her division. When she lost the Beldame to Susan's Girl, that field included the older fillies/mares Typecast and Manta. Birch felt he had to run Summer Guest in the Woodward to try to get the championship. That year, the Woodward was at 12 furlongs. The field in included Key to the Mint, Riva Ridge and Autobiography. She finished second in the race, but was placed third because she crossed over on Autobiography on the first turn. She is never mentioned, basically forgotten. But consider the quality of competition she had to face in her division, in the older filly/mare division and the horses she had to face in her Woodward and a distance of ground that most say is more difficult for females to beat males. Is it fair to say that Rachel, who was a brilliant horse, faced the same caliber of horse? That is all I am trying to point out. It isn't a slam on Rachel because she was a brilliant horse. But racing cannot be a vacuum where one race is isolated and cannot be compared for strength or weakness. I respect your opinion also, and this is just my opinion. No criticism of you is meant or intended. This will be my last post abut it, also. Just wanted to give you an example of where my thinking is coming from. · 160 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Icyhotboo. You are correct when stating that the 2009 Woodward field was what it was. However, the field that competed in the 2009 Woodward and the manner in which they competed in no way can be compared to some of the great fields that contested the Woodward in the past. You could take a field of 5K claimers, have them run within a second of the track record, have a great stretch long battle with one of them prevailing by a nose, and that would be considered a great race. And we have seen this scenario play out so often in the past. However, at the end of the day the race was still a 5K claimer. Put the two horses that hit the wire noses apart in a good quality allowance of in a 20K claiming race and they would perform entirely differently. We have seen that scenario play out many times in the past also. Some people think that time is the most important element in handicapping. Beyers are based solely on time. In how many races does the horse with the best Beyer win? Class is so important, much more important than time. That’s why we have so many level claiming races and a graded stakes system. So, without trying to knock Rachel, if you think that the 2009 Woodward was anywhere near the quality of so many other Woodwards in the past, sorry, but you are wrong. In my estimation, the only weaker Woodward was the 2010. · 160 days ago ·

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mdelmatt · Based on my figs, Havre de Grace is the most likely winner Saturday and Flat out a clear second most likely winner. Then Rule and Mambo Mesister. Giant Oak is next most likely but he is much more apt to get a piece than win the whole thing. If you want a live longshot on the card, try Golddigger's Boy (15-1 on ML) in the Forego (Race 9). · 160 days ago ·

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dubby30 · I don’t think that anyone would make the statement that the Woodward was a strong field of horses that lined up in 2009, only 3 grade 1 winners. But if you take into consideration the field that lined up in the 2009 Breeders Cup you could certainly say the same thing, that field was comprised of: Gio Ponti, Twice Over, and Rip Van Winkle, all turf horses of those only Gio had synthetic experience and by means of his 5th place and up the track performance previously you would have to say it was not a surface he relished. Summer Bird, Regal Ransom, MTB and Girolamo were unfamiliar with the surface and Summer Bird detested it so much that his owners sent him from John Sadler’s barn out at SA to Tim Ice to get him away from the surface, so he showed great class by finishing in the same position Curlin did in 08. Richard’s Kid, Colonel John, Awesome Gem and Einstein were all horses that had run previously on the surface but certainly were as inconsistent a group as you’d ever see, but the uninformed try to pretend as if this was some stellar group. And if you put the dirt horses back on dirt, and add Zenyatta to that mix you will probably see what you saw in 2010, her losing, when you put the turf horses in that mix, its not a stretch to say she would have probably found it difficult to win anything on turf with the way that most good turf horses run exactly like she ran. On top of that is the fact that very few horses are bred to stay the 10 furlong trip and do it competitively leaves one wondering and speechless why Zenyatta wasn’t entered in more 10furlong races instead of staying in 8.5 furlong races over 50% of her career. Or why if these races that include the Woodward and Whitney and JCGC and SA Handicap and HWGC and Pac Classic and Goodwood are so awful why is it that Zenyatta never stepped into those starting gates not one time. Hmm So while some connections want their horse to be campaigned as a champion all year long, the Moss’s only wanted to be called champion on BC day, and that my friends is what is ruining the sport, QR and Blame went their separate ways after the Whitney. The same happened with Flat Out and Tizway this year, protecting records to be able to be in line for yearend honors, unlike the way they campaign in Europe in facing the best all year long. You can't be considered great by taking on the supposed best 1 time per year in an attempt to get honors thru the back door. your campaign has to be worthy, ala Curlin 07/08, Rachel 09, Blame-Blind Luck-goldikova 2010. Im just saying. · 160 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Dubby this isn’t about Zenyatta, it’s about the 2009 Woodward. The 2009 Woodward was what it was. For the most part it wasn’t a race filled with top class horses. Sure Da’ Tara and Macho Again and Bullsbay were grade one winners, but once again why don’t you examine their G1 wins. Da’ Tara won 2 races in 19 tries, one a maiden, the other a Belmont when he was the longest shot in the race and basically inherited the win when Big Brown was pulled up and the others, including Macho Again, couldn’t get the distance. He also made zero boards in five other graded stakes races. Macho’s win in the Foster was against a deeply trouble Einstein who, the next time they met, finished 9 lengths in front of him. Bullsbays’ was gained against that same Macho Again and an over the hill Commentator, a two time winner of the Whitney with Beyers of 123 and 120 and who, on even a fairly good day would have trounced both him and Macho. All three of their G1 wins were “tainted” to some degree. If Big Brown doesn’t pull up, Einstein doesn’t get into serious trouble and Commentator was even a remote version of himself, then the 2009 Woodward would basically be the same as the 2010, a race with only the favorite being a G1 winner. Regarding class in this race, Rachel had it, no doubt about it, because she refused to lose even when whipped 20 or so times (a lot of horses would have quit with that much abuse). However, Bullsbay showed a distinct lack of top level class when he made a big move on the turn, looked like he was going to go right on by, and hung. Macho showed his lack of top level class when from the 16th pole home, and with a ton of momentum, he had every chance to win, but couldn’t gain the desired foot or two needed to get past Rachel. My question is, do you think Rachel would have gotten close to just about every other winner of the Woodward in the past and do you think she would have prevailed if a real, bona-fide G1 horse would have been nose to nose with her in that last 16th? · 160 days ago ·

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shadowno · I will always have a fondness for Bullsbay due to a nice payday in the Whitney, but in all fairness he was a wildly inconsistent horse. · 160 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · LAZMANNICK : please read my prior thread where I give a brief explanation of class because for you to post your thread you either didn't see or didn't understand it! dubby30: I didn't post my thread about RA for you to use as a springboard to degrade Zenyatta's accomplishments, as you seem to have a mental disturbance about that. How do you sleep nights knowing she got horse of the year because EXPERTS agreed even though she lost one race she was in fact the best.A precedent was set for that in 1954 when Native Dancer only raced 3 times and won HOTY.PLEASE give us a rest from that drivel.I don't mind honest criticism but I do mind cheap shots! · 160 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · footlick: I appreciate your responses and the fact you do so without sarcasm. I realize many times Woodward fields have been assembled who with the exception of Rachel were much better than this. The point I obviously failed to make was the race was run in such a way as she got no breather as they came at her relentlessly. I was there and felt both elation and sadness knowing she would need at least six months to recover.As an aside at the distance of 1 1/8 mile I would put her in with any of the great ones as I would Zenyatta at 1 1/4. Your point to me that racing isn't fair was not lost as I've owned horses(all standard bred) and on two occasions they were hit by lightning. On another the driver while leading in the stretch with a 10 length lead in a race in which I had a big bet fell out of the sulky , dead drunk. Your comment are always welcome as it seems you enlighten me about many things in racing of which I had no prior knowledge. Have a nice day. · 160 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · I am a little late to this discussion, but please allow me to add my two cents ... At ages 3 and 4, Macho Again won the: Stephen Foster, Jim Dandy, New Orleans Handicap, and Derby Trial. He was also was 2nd in the Preakness, Whitney, Super Derby, and of course, the Woodward. The fact that he was never the same after Rachel defeated him in the Woodward, in a race that could not have been better set up for him I might add, should in no way be held against Rachel. At the time of the Woodward, he was a very good horse. · 160 days ago ·

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CauseForConcern · I wanted to make reference to those that constantly refer to Grade 1 competition. I don't know who rates the quality of the races, but, for the longest time they would ignore the Arkansas Derby as a Grade 1, despite the fact that it was a $1 million dollar race, and had the likes of Curlin, Smarty Jones, and Afleet Alex in successive years. They finally got that honor. And yet, Santa Anita can create a new race, and it automatically gets Grade 2 level, without ever having a race run. As much as we discuss horses, every horse has to start somewhere, and it wasn't Grade 1 competition. Let the best horse win, and he/she doesn't know what level of competition they are beating. · 160 days ago ·

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kincaidd · What # race is the Woodward? · 159 days ago ·

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footlick · icyhotboo- thanks for the compliment. I enjoy yours as well. I don't want to belabor the point, so I won't. If you just take Susan's Girl, Typecast, Key to the Mint, Riva Ridge and Autobiography, you can see what level of horse she ran against as a three year old filly. And she held her own. And she is forgotten. This is why I have to go by something more than time and open length wins. That is how I learned to evaluate relative strength of races and relative strength of the horse. I could be totally wrong, but it is how I was taught. That is why I talk about class and strength of field and that is why I feel they are important. Rachel ran a gutsy race. It isn't her race that I am criticizing. Anyway, I have had enough of this topic. Have a great day too. And thanks again. · 159 days ago ·

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4everZenyatta · I truly don't undertsnad what ehr connections are trying to prove. If she wins this, I highly doubt it will prove anything, except that her fan will try to make her seem like super horse. Yes, I agree that she is an amazing mare, the 4th in recent years, (Rachel Alexandra, Zenyatta, Blind Luck, Harve de Grace) I think she is great, but in my opinion it would have been smarter for her connections to sharpen her up for the Classic if they really want to run her against the boys. If she wins this, yes she may be eligable for Horse of the Year, but it might also burn her out. Running against this type of competition is hard on a filly/mare. (Not that they are weaker than colts/stallions/geldings, but the fact is that they are more used to racing agaisnt their own sex, and it is just easier for them to sharpen.) I think that this was a mistake on the connections part and shouldn't be trying to prove their amazing mare so much when she is so easily doing it on her own. · 159 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · The bit about Macho was not about Rachel, but was in answer to someone saying that Macho was a top colt. Overall he won 6 of 24 races with a win in a maiden and another in an allowance. His record at three and four was good, but the competition in most of those races didn’t have much success in G1 races later in their careers. Who was the best horse that Macho Again ever beat when winning a race. The answer has to be Einstein, and perhaps Kodiak Kowboy, who when Macho beat him in the Derby Trial stakes was basically an unheralded winner of a G3 and G2 in its first nine races and wouldn’t come into its own until after switching barns to Steve Asmusseen and then Larry Jones. The victory against Einstein was because of Einstein’s constant trouble in the Foster as noted in the DRF note at the end of his line: “bobbled, checked, bumped” and the race caption: “bobbled at the start to get away a bit slow; checked off heels near the seven-eights marker; was bottled up between horses down the backstretch and through the second turn; shifted out a bit and found a seam entering the stretch; was bumped and shuffled behind rivals with three-sixteenths to run; got through on the inside late but was left with too much to do”. That was Macho’s lone G1 win with Einstein finishing third and Asiatic Boy, a world trooper, but never the winner of a G1 or Group One race, finishing second.. Yes he won a few graded races, but he could never be considered a top colt because of his inconsistency. He was one for seven in G1’s, was 6th in the G3 LaComte; 7th in the G2 Lane’s End; 2nd in the G1 Preakness at 39-1; 5th in the G1 Belmont to Da’Tara; 8th in the G1 Travers; 2nd in the G2 Super Derby; 6th in the Woodchopper; 7th in the Sunshine Millions; 6th in the G3 Alysheba; then he had his summer of 2009 with the G1 Foster, G1 Whitney and G1 Woodward). His career after the Woodward was uneventful: 4th in the G1 JCGC; 9th in the G2 Clark (Blame, Misremembered and Einstein the top three a neck apart); 7th in the G3 Alysheba (Bullsbay 9th); and 10th to Blame in the G1 Foster in 2010. Rachel beat him and Bullsbay when it looked like she was finished and they were going to go by because she had superior class, which was the point I was trying to make. · 159 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · Macho Again- Record 24: 6-6-0- Earnings $1,825,767. Not bad for a second stringer. · 159 days ago ·

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RamonDimas · theres a lot of diffrence between RACHEL and GRACE!! · 159 days ago ·

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Beauty and the Angel

Georgie's Angel and Judy the Beauty put their undefeated records to the test when the face each other in Sunday's Spinaway Stakes.Read More

Posted 159 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · Looks like a pretty wide open field, you picked out the two to beat in here, but who knows how good And Why Not is? Have fun, Brian ... say hi ti Kelly for me! · 159 days ago ·

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BrianAppleton · Georgie's Angel has a slight class edge I think and I'm rooting for her to win, but as you say, it's a pretty even field. Juvenile races can be the toughest to handicap I think, they improve so quickly sometimes. · 159 days ago ·

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Woodward Preview

The Woodward draws an intriguing field, featuring Havre de Grace!Read More

Posted 163 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Let’s see. HDG might assume leadership of the HOY race if she would have won four races in a row starting with a G2 and then consisting of three consecutive G1’s against top competition and at the classic distances of 12F, 10F and 10F again (you can also throw in a 9F effort). It seems to me that HDG will have a lot of catching up to do. Maybe it’s time to give Acclamation some of the credit he deserves. · 163 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Acclamation is has one grade on in his outside of his division. His connections are not seriously considering the Classic, but more turf races. If turf were America's premeir surface he would hold a distinct lead, but it is not. If he were considering the Goodwood and were to win he would be in the ring, but he is not. HDG is considering the Classic and is looking to build a season that will lead her to HOTY shall she win here. · 163 days ago ·

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TimSmith · Going into the Delaware it was a toss up between HDG and B.L/ B.l prevails ok she is ahead now the WOODWARD g1 open company 100 year old race or the ladys secret? Its very easy to see why people would respect HDG assuming she wins it. Acclamation is a candidate as well he is on fire right now. Same for Tizway. · 163 days ago ·

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brooklyn.steve · It sure looks like it will be Flat Out chasing home HDG. Can he get to her? I don't think so. A win here, and HDG has a rock solid lock on HOY. She already beat up on Blind Luck earlier in the year, so beating the boys Saturday, and a top notch showing in the BC will wrap it up. If she falters, a win by Tizway or Stay Thirsty in the Jockey Club Gold Cup will give them a major advantage for HOY. Will just need to follow up with a win in the BC, or at least a strong finish. · 162 days ago ·

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dubby30 · The only horses in the HOY discussion right now are Tizway, Cape Blanco, & Acclamation, HDG is on the outside looking in with a bridge being the Woodward. With a win she probably vaults to the to 1 or 2 spots. On the other hand, we can stop talking about BL, with 3 losses and not much of a summer/fall campaignn, she would need to win the Classic to be in the mix. There is a 0% chance of that happening. · 162 days ago ·

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timgsmith10 · Dubby what about Stay thirsty . Wins the Dandy/Travers and will be in the JCG and BCC I wouldnt count him out of the mix.. · 162 days ago ·

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zxswordxz · I'm I the only one that think that this year Woodard has a very weak field for HDG? I don't see how this one race with put her in contention for HOY. Right now it is Stay Thirsty, Tizway, Cape Blanco and Acclamation. Unless HDG win the Woodward and the BCC she has zero change of winning HOY. · 162 days ago ·

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stevebiscuit · Be still my heart, a grade 2 winner is the favorite in this year's Woodward. HDG's HOTY campaign has thus far been pretty sad. She can't win races outside of her comfort zone and even when she runs in a race that her connections have been pointing to as a main summer goal, she loses. If she wins the Woodward then maybe HDG will be back in the discussion for HOTY. I really hope she and Blind Luck meet up again. That satisfying feeling I get when Blind Luck crosses the finish line ahead of HDG is one I'd like to re-live just one more time! · 162 days ago ·

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ruffed grouse · I would not call it very weak but these are not the best of the bunch. A small field and good post, she has to win this to stay in the running. · 162 days ago ·

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dubby30 · I always get a chuckle when the uninformed put both feet in their mouths and hit that comment button. SteveBia, which horse is the Grade 2 winner that is the fav in this year's renewal of the Woodward Stakes. Just wondering. Let me know if you can figure out the riddle. Laz may need to come to your defense. All in all though I believe you've given us all an indication as to your knowledge of the current state of affiars in horse racing that you dont seem to know much about. Thanx for playing the game though. · 162 days ago ·

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dubby30 · Tim - believe me i've been all about Stay Thirsty since he broke his maiden, but his credential are just a tad bit weaker than Acclamations, Acclamation with a 10 th and 5th place finish and thirsty with a 12th place and 7th place finish in two races this year. Both would have to win the next prep and a BC race, more of a chance of Thirsty doing that as there will be many pretenders entering their 8 and 9 furlong horses in the 10 furlong Classic, unfortunately Acclamations people are balking at the BC, scared of the Euro's much, I would be two, their 4th or 5th stringer in Cape Blanco is embarrassing all of US turf racing. Therefore he has no legit shot at HOY as he wont even enter the BC. Who are we left with, a horse with 3 losses and a miler in Tizway, he'll be exposed in the JCGC. Mark that down. · 162 days ago ·

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ruffed grouse · I stand corrected, did not know Rule would be in there and I am glad he is as there should be some pace. I would rather have seen Sidney's Candy, then you would have race. Also didn't know Phil's horse was coming in so the field is larger than I gave credit for. · 162 days ago ·

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Burton'jonBlackwell · I have Flat Out & Havre de Grace as a boxed exacts in the Woodward · 160 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · Rule, should not be counted out here. · 160 days ago ·

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jinlie01 · I'm locking in on Flat Out...Rule would be in my exotics. HDG is a solid horse but not sure against the boys..even though this group is not "world beaters". · 160 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · I will be honest, I did not know Rule was in this race until the entries came out. Now that I know he is one that scares me. He is in good form and when he is in form he can be very very tough to beat. This is one horse that is tough and gritty that you will probably have to roll by on his outside to past, instead of outgutting him. · 160 days ago ·

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GoTexas · Well, I don't bet on the horses but do have a list of favorites. I like HDG just because she's the only girl in the race and that's pretty gutsy to run with the boys. Yup...I too remember Rachel's amazing performance in the Woodward and actually her whole career. Did and still do love that lady. Good luck to all the runners! · 160 days ago ·

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Woodward Possible for Convocation

Trainer Jimmy Jerkens reported Wednesday morning that Convocation came out of his work in good order and that the Grade 1 Woodward on September 3 remains a possible target for the 5-year-old son of Pulpit. On Tuesday, Convocation zipped a half-mile in 49.44, fifth fastest of 21 at the distance. “He’...Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 183 days ago ·

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Flat Out Takes Off in Suburban

Flat Out, the longest shot on the board at 13-1, barreled widest of all into the lead at the top of the stretch and onto a 6 ½-length upset in Saturday's 125th edition of the Grade 2, $300,000 Suburban Handicap at Belmont Park. Ridden by Alex Solis, the 5-year-old son of Flatter stayed within hailin...Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 222 days ago ·

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Colizeo, Rodman Headline Suburban

Saturday afternoon at Belmont Park, a pair of 6-year-olds squares off in the 126th edition of the Grade 2, $300,000 Suburban Handicap, which drew a solid field of six as graded stakes action commences for the three-day Independence Day weekend.Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 225 days ago ·

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Easy Goer Looks Like Graded Race

Sunday’s $60,000 Easy Goer overnight stakes is so tough that Convocation, coming off a second straight runner-up finish in the Westchester, may be fifth choice in the betting behind Friend Or Foe, Mission Impazible, Rail Trip, and Tahitian Warrior.“There should be a ‘G2’ next to that 60 thousand,” q...Read More

Source: drf.com · Posted 250 days ago ·

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Caixa Electronica Sits Trip in Westchester

Caixa Electronica sat the garden spot trip behind swift splits and captured Saturday's Westchester Stakes from Belmont Park. The pace was surprisingly strong in the 5-horse field with Christmas For Liam taking it to Haynesfield through fractions of :22.34, :44.72, and 1:08.89. Caixa Electronica was ...Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 285 days ago ·

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Haynesfield Returns in Westchester

Haynesfield, 2010’s New York-bred Horse of the Year, returns to the site of his greatest triumph Saturday when he faces five foes in the 83rd running of the Grade 3, $100,000 Westchester, Belmont Park’s opening weekend feature for the 56-day spring/summer meet.Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 287 days ago ·

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luvzenyatta · Can't wait for this one..Haynes, Dream and Empire with some spoilers throw in..wow..love the ml, could be making some margarita $ for Sat nite if I pick right:) On second thought, maybe I should just 'em draw out of a hat... · 287 days ago ·

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luvzenyatta · lol.. i meant draw em out of a hat...i swear i havent had a margarita yet..its only 6:20 am here...lol · 287 days ago ·

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timgsmith10 · I got Haynesfield for 2011 H.O.Y Love this guy hopefully he stays sound all year. · 287 days ago ·

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Convocation Ready for Westchester

Centennial Farms’ Convocation, second in last year’s Westchester, will return for another shot in Saturday’s 82nd renewal of the race, said trainer Jimmy Jerkens. A troubled third in his 2011 debut, when he checked sharply at the sixteenth pole to finish less than two lengths behind longshot...Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 292 days ago ·

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Regal Ransom Faces Seven in Kelso

Regal Ransom, who scored an impressive front-running victory at Saratoga Race Course on September 1, heads a field of eight middle-distance specialists entered in Sunday’s Grade 2, $250,000 Kelso Handicap at Belmont Park, which will be contested for the first time as a scheduled dirt race. Th...Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 495 days ago ·

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Gio Ponti Leads Clement Quartet

Grade 1 Man o’War winner and dual Eclipse Award winner Gio Ponti headed a quartet of notable works for trainer Christophe Clement this morning, covering five furlongs in 1:01.06 around the dogs over the firm inner turf. Also going for Clement were Grade 1 Manhattan winner and Grade 2 Bowling Green r...Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 501 days ago ·

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Quality Road Rebounds in Woodward

Quality Road returned to the winner’s circle Saturday afternoon at Saratoga Race Course with an emphatic 4 ¾-length victory in the $750,000 Woodward. Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 523 days ago ·

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medlocke · Isn't this result really what we expected out of Quality Road in the Woodward Stakes. Given the little to no competition that was entered to race against him. If Quality Road hadn't strolled away from the field as emphatically as he did would've made me worry about him. · 521 days ago ·

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zenyatta02 · Quality Road is pretty impressive, but if you looked at Tranquil Manner who was coming up the middle of the track in the stretch, he was gaining on Quality Road, coming third by a head behind Mythical Power. Even though Pletcher says that Quality Road was coasting down the stretch, he could have done more and for that reason I'm not overly worried about him for the Classic, though he does have a bit of a chance. · 520 days ago ·

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Quality Road Towers Over Woodward Rivals

At the beginning of the year, when trainer Todd Pletcher and owner Edward P. Evans began mapping out Quality Road’s run to the Breeders’ Cup Classic, it included several key stops, including the Grade 1 Donn Handicap, the Grade 1 Met Mile, and the Grade 1 Whitney.Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 526 days ago ·

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Busy Worktab at Saratoga

Among those on the main track after the renovation break this morning was Qualia, who zipped a half-mile in a bullet 46.67, according to NYRA clockers, in preparation for the Grade 1 Ballerina on Saturday’s Travers Day undercard. The move was the quickest of 24 at the distance. “Actua...Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 533 days ago ·

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Suburban Top Three in Good Shape

Grade 2 Suburban Handicap winner Haynesfield, who was the lone New York-bred in the race, came out of Saturday’s 1 1/8th mile effort in good order, said Toby Sheets, assistant to trainer Steve Asmussen. “He came out of the race well,” said Sheets of Turtle Bird Stable’s 4-year-old, whose&nbs...Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 584 days ago ·

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Haynesfield Upsets I Want Revenge in Suburban

Haynesfield enjoyed a perfect trip under Ramon Dominguez Saturday afternoon at Belmont Park to win the 124th running of the Grade 2, $300,000 Suburban Handicap as favored I Want Revenge settled for third in his comeback bid.Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 586 days ago ·

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humphrey · Upset? Hardly. I have been discussing these types of injuries with our track vet and to paraphrase her "They NEVER come back the same even if they still have the heart the wheels are there to propel them." You don't bring back an iffy animal directly in a grade one...That is the Dutrow swagger again biting him in the posterior. NOT a single work was handily as the protection mode was on. · 585 days ago ·

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I Want Revenge Tops Suburban

After resounding victories in the Grade 3 Gotham and the Grade 1 Wood Memorial last year at Aqueduct Racetrack, I Want Revenge appeared poised on the brink of stardom as the solid favorite for the Kentucky Derby. Only hours before the Derby, however, it was discovered he had an ankle injury,...Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 588 days ago ·

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humphrey · I wish the horse well but his style is very late and coming off a substantial injury one has to be against him with both hands. Convocation will be the controlling pace and that one will have to run him down along with Haynesfield · 587 days ago ·

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Suburban Field Taking Shape

Godolphin Stable’s Regal Ransom is scheduled to have his final serious move tomorrow morning for next Saturday’s Grade 2 Suburban Handicap, with assistant trainer Rick Mettee penciling in a five-furlong breeze for the son of Distorted Humor. “He’s doing really well,” said Mettee of the 4-year...Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 593 days ago ·

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Quality Road Brilliant in Met Mile

In a brilliant display of speed and talent, Quality Road staked his claim as the top horse in the country as he rocketed to a 1 ½-length victory over Musket Man Monday afternoon in the 117th running of the Grade 1, $500,000 Metropolitan Handicap at Belmont Park. Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 619 days ago ·

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humphrey · Most impressive was, after those fractions, his kicking it into gear again a little past the 1/16th pole...Champions do that · 618 days ago ·

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podduenas · I am sorry but he is not the top horse in the coutry----he did not want to run in the Breeders Cup Classic and untill he beats ZENYATTA he is no better than little rachel--I will put my money on GIO PONTI before qulity road----ZENYATTA until proven otherwise!!!!!!!!!!!!! · 617 days ago ·

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gardenesque1 · Horse of the Year candidate Quality Road is a clear threat to Zenyatta. The Met Mile winner has earned a BSF or 110 or better on six occasions, including a 114 in the Met Mile and a 121 in the Donn. Deadly combination of speed and stamina. · 617 days ago ·

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humphrey · HISTORICALLY, a female has to be much much better than their male counterpart to latch onto, and retain numero uno....This sport is dominated by male statistics and has been since the time of Wetherby's first stud book...QR is number one in the interim, just watch. · 617 days ago ·

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cugel the clever · Zeny is a great mare, no doubt. But, she beat a sorry bunch of males in the BC Classic last year. QR would be too much for her and her owners won't risk meeting QR in the 2010 BC Classic. She'll be in the BC Ladies Classic this year. · 616 days ago ·

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podduenas · WHAT???---a sorry bunch of males?--what horses are better than the ones she beat in the · 615 days ago ·

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podduenas · (OOPS--hit the wrong button)--Please name a better horse than the ones she beat at the BC?---Ill make it easy for you---NONE!!!!---Again, until proven otherwise Zenyatta is the best horse in the country-----Let me ask you guys a question WHO HAS QUALITY ROAD BEATEN IN HIS CAREER THAT IS WORTH MENTIONING? · 615 days ago ·

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mshutty · Well, he beat me on Monday and as my wife can attest, I am hardly worth mentioning! Seriously, you are right Zenyatta wins the BC Classic and Quality Road goes home with his tail tucked between his legs. It is certainly safe to say they are the top two horses in the country right now until another horse emerges from the pack. Don't see one right now. · 615 days ago ·

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cugel the clever · podduenas - That's my exact point. I can't name a better active male horse than the ones she beat in the BC because it's such a pathetic crop of older horses at the moment. She beat nobodies in the BC. Anytime a mare and a turf specialist finish 1-2 in the BC Classic, it proves that the crop of older male dirt specialists is poor. QR will reverse that trend for this year when he scares Zeny out of the BC Classic and he wins it in a cakewalk. · 615 days ago ·

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amfuller · QR is the best older male right now. Hopefully he will stay healthy and he and Z will meet at Churchill. I really hope after the Vanity that Z travels more or at least she goes to the Hollywood Gold Cup and then puts in some frequent flyer miles. She's only facing 3 in the Vanity. I kind of understand her running in the Vainty because it's Zenyatta bobble head day :o) but was kind of hoping she would just show up for the SF. · 615 days ago ·

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mdracing69 · Versatile 6-time Graded winner Quality Road has won at distances ranging from 6.5f to a mile and an eighth. He beat five Graded winners in the Met Mile. If he runs like he did in the Donn then Zenyatta would hard a hard time catching him. Ten furlongs could swing the pendulum in Zenyatta's favor in the BC Classic. For the record, Quality Road has beaten multiple proven Graded sprinters/routers including but not limited to Capt. Candyman Can, This Ones For Phil, Dunkirk, Custom For Carlos, Charitable Man, Warrior's Reward, Kensei, Macho Again, Asiatic Boy, Dry Martini, You And I Forever, Congressional Page, Harlem Rocker, Mambo Meister, and Musket Man. Zenyatta beat a solid international cast in the Synthetic BC Classic, and she hardly faced monsters in the majority of her other wins. I would like to see Rachel get back on the beam, and maybe Blame enters the conversation in the near future. Lookin At Lucky officially turned 3 at the end of May and should continue to progress. As for the beating nobody arguments, Zenyatta and Quality Road can only beat the horses that line up against them. 'Road has run in five Grade 1s in his 10-race career. The best horses available signed on and he certainly is not ducking anybody. Also, it is not fair to compare competition. Zenyatta always routes and mostly runs on synthetic. Quality Road is a conventional dirt specialist with only four two-turn races under his belt...apples and oranges! · 615 days ago ·

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ponyup · Quality Road has broken three track records. Zenyatta hasn't broken any - please correct me if I'm wrong. Not taking anything away from her, she's a phenomenal race mare. I don't remember what her Beyers were for any of her races. As far as the BC and Quality Road, take away the bull whips and the blind folds, let him stand for a moment before loading, and it looks like he does just fine. He seems to have a gate crew problem, not a loading problem. · 607 days ago ·

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podduenas · Zenyatta had her workout at Oaklawn when she won the Apple Blossom(yes, workout)--We all know she can handle dirt surfaces--The owners are trying to keep her in shape winning here on synthetic tracks. She will probably run at Del Mar in her next race (by the way, she does not like that track)---they will ship her east for a prep race sometime in September to Churchill Downs---and then she will face anyone that shows up at the Breeders Cup Classic. Then after that race we will decide who is the best horse. Remeber horse racing is not about braking records, its about winning races and Zenyatta has never lost-----I repeat ZENYATTA IS THE BEST HORSE UNTIL PROVEN OTHERWISE · 607 days ago ·

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cugel the clever · WRITING YOUR OPINION IN CAPITAL LETTERS DOES NOT MAKE IT A FACT. Naming the "Best Horse" always has been, and always will be, an OPINION, not a FACT. In my opinion, beating the best males in the world three times (instead of once), setting multiple track and stakes records (instead of none) and beating horses at 8 different tracks is a more worthy record than 16 in a row against Grade III competition. · 607 days ago ·

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invisiblehero · "setting multiple track and stakes records (instead of none) and beating horses at 8 different tracks is a more worthy record than 16 in a row against Grade III competition" . You Sir are an Idiot. · 606 days ago ·

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Convocation - Pedigree

[Edit]

Pulpit	A. P. Indy	Seattle Slew
		Weekend Surprise
	Preach	Mr. Prospector
		Narrate
Shade Dance	Nureyev	Northern Dancer
		Special
	Colour Chart	Mr. Prospector
		Rainbow Connection