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There will be a Super High 5 carryover of $22,294 when racing resumes Sunday at Betfair Hollywood Park.Posted 2 hours ago
There will be a Pick Six carryover of $113,928 when racing resumes Sunday at Betfair Hollywood Park.Posted 2 hours ago
General Election wins his turf debut in the G3 Arlington Classic. Posted 5 hours ago
Hogy pulls the upset in the G3 Hanshin Cup! Posted 5 hours ago
Dark Cove made it 2 in a row with a gutsy win in the G3 Louisville Handicap. Posted 6 hours ago
Imposing Grace outduels Lotta Lovin in the G3 Arlington Matron. Posted 7 hours ago
Obviously leads them on a merry chase in the G2 American Handicap. Posted 7 hours ago
Tannery roared through on the inside to take the G2 Sheepshead Bay Stakes. Posted 7 hours ago
From DRF (The Inside Post): Always in a Tiz will run in Belmont Stakes 2013.Posted 1 day ago
Mucho Macho Man breezed 5f in 1:01.40 (4/11) at Fair Hill on 5-24. Posted 1 day ago

Ride
Fly Down
against other champions!

Fly Down

6 year old Horse
Active
1 fan1

1 favorite1

[Edit]

Owner(s):

King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz and Sons -

Trainer:

Baden Al Subaie

Bred:

Kentucky (USA) by Broadway Thoroughbreds

Pedigree:

Mineshaft - Queen Randi by Fly So Free

Rating:

7.47/10


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What the Horse Racing Nation is saying about Fly Down...

Fly Down

In case you're wondering what's up with Fly Down...he's prepping in Meydan for the DWC. With a very, very close third place finish in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup (G1) --only a head or so covered the top w finishers...

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yukichan · here is the link: http://www.dubairacenight.com/ · 113 days ago ·

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yukichan · Sorry-- King's Cup today for Fly Down! · 113 days ago ·

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Life Without Horse Racing

As 2013 approaches, we must all join together and help our Sport of Champions thrive.Read More

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Lisa111 · Love to hear some similar stories as well. · 148 days ago ·

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travel_vic · Unless the doers and shakers, the people who CAN do something get it into their thick skulls that Libertarian philodsophy does not work and cooperation does, we are doomed · 148 days ago ·

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travel_vic · Like Mr. Abrams (historian for Alberta racing says) "If you can't find a good story at the race track you don't have a pulse and your vital signs have flat lined." · 148 days ago ·

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Lisa111 · Believe it or not Vic, I agree with both of your comments! :) · 148 days ago ·

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tcglory · i once told a man at churchill 10 mintues before the 2009 kentucky derby what the superfecta was. And i was laughed at but after the race i wasnt being laught at anymore · 148 days ago ·

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UnionRagsRules · Wow, great write up. I love it! · 148 days ago ·

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Lisa111 · Thanx URR. I was feelin sentimental today. · 148 days ago ·

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Mred26 · I interviewed Rafael Bejarano and Jesus Castanon at Prairie Meadows · 140 days ago ·

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ruffian75 · Loved your story. So true. Reminds me of the movie, "Let It Ride". Dude's on an incredible roll. Goes to his favorite drinking hole. All his buddies have heard of his good fortune. He tells them, "You know what we're gonna do?", in which he receives a thunderous roar. "We're gonna put all our money together........", to a continuous roar, "and bet it all on one horse". All of a sudden, there's silence. Everybody's thinking, his good luck is about to run out, and I've got the next winner. Horse racing. It's the one day when you can be king of the world. · 140 days ago ·

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Lisa111 · Thanks ruffian. You're right, Trotter was having a "very good day!" Loved that movie. · 140 days ago ·

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rafirox · Wow, great write up. Thank you for the mention of my name in your article :). Great job, Lisa. · 140 days ago ·

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rafirox · Agree with everything! Life without horse racing would be no life at all. I am so glad it is still alive. We really need little ones coming to the track. That same day at Gulfstream, one of my two sons (Rafi) and I were at the finish line. Next to us were a father with a little munckin, maybe 8 or 9 with him. His father goes to make a bet, and I ask the kid "Hey, which horse do you have?" The munchkin says "I got #1." He seemed like he knew a lot :) So, I went to bet #1, $3 across. The name was "Brother Pat" and he won! I love seeing little ones at the track. In Gulfstream, so moany kids were there it was a pleasure to see. · 140 days ago ·

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travel_vic · THIS is not the group to approach. All here have had the bug bite them · 140 days ago ·

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Lisa111 · Yes Vic, we understand that. I did say it is ONE aspect among many that allows us to grow. · 140 days ago ·

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travel_vic · There is an ENORMOUS bad PR rep that racing MUST overcome. Cruelty to animals. not understanding that it is NO longer an exclusive sport of the rich, the idea that it can be enjoyable witout betting etc etc etc....Read Headless Horsemen and you find a myriad of other things amiss big time · 140 days ago ·

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travel_vic · I suffered through many a gimmick the marketing people did to draw people out to the track. I confronted the marketing director: SO you have them here now what? What is going to get them to come back Other than for the free crap you are giving away? She looked throught a blank stare and matter of factly stated :"That's not my problem!" What idiots they hire for these jobs! · 140 days ago ·

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yayasister · As a very brand new green owner, here are my thoughts and observation: 1) people think horse racing is cruel. they have no specifics. they just assume it is. 2) people don't realize you can bet for less than a dollar or that you can spend about 20 bucks and have a fun day 3) people think you have to be filthy rich to be an owner. They don't know about partnerships and syndicates. What I have also learned is that new owners are welcomed and wanted! The old timers WANT to teach a new generation so that the sport can continue. believe me, I have been spreading the word and now have friends come to the track to see me. it is been the ride of a lifetime. Like vic said, though, we here have been bitten by the bug. · 140 days ago ·

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rafirox · That's awesome, yayasister. I agree with all your points. · 140 days ago ·

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travel_vic · I often take groups to the race track and the best are seniors as they just love it, are eager to learn and we usually set up something for a lucky one or two to get into a photo in the winner's circle or go into the paddock at saddling time........No need to get fancy to impress people that YOU WANT THEM TO COME BACK! · 140 days ago ·

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yayasister · On December 29th, my horse, Pure Cajun was running at Fair Grounds. I was in the owner's circle. i kept hearing my name yelled. I turned around and two people were waving to me from the balcony at Fair Grounds. It was my friend's husband and her mom. The lady handicapper (Katie Mickalay sp?) was making her brodcast and my friend's mom (I havent seen them in about 4-5 years) yells: "Good luck! I like your horse, I put some money on him." and I yelled back, "Thanks, Miss Lena"... and I have a distinctive New Orleans accent. I kept wondering in people watching the race on the internet could hear all of that. lol. One of my partners was like... "what is this? What's going on.." and I said, "they are here for me". lol. It was such a scene and a great memory! · 140 days ago ·

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yayasister · I forgot to say that my friend wasn't there-- she hadn't made it back from shopping. My friend's husband yelled, "Carole isn't here, she is shopping"... lol. There was a lot of betting action on my horse that night. ;) · 140 days ago ·

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Lisa111 · vic, very cool showing a great day to the seniors. Love it! yaya, hope Pure Cajun hit the board :) · 140 days ago ·

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travel_vic · Let It Ride is undoubtedly one of the WORST stereotypcial characterizations of the DUMB but lucky illogical lazy slob know nothing, does no research horse player I ever witnessed. Turned it off half way through · 140 days ago ·

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Lisa111 · For God's sake, it wasn't a freakin documentary · 140 days ago ·

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yayasister · Lisa, he has raced twice at FG in MSW LA Bred and came in 3rd and then 5th. · 140 days ago ·

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yayasister · HRN should promote a "Bring 2 people to the track" Day. And you can just tell the two people, "Come on, we have to go to the track" and friend says, "Why" and then you say, "Because it is bring two people to the track day." I think if people see it.... they will like it. They will see it isn't horrible like some people make it out to be. It is fun. · 140 days ago ·

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yayasister · In other words, people who know their way around the track need to escort new people. The first time I ever went to a track was when my horse raced and it took DH and me like 15 minutes to find the clubhouse. LOL. It is OVERWHELMING the first time. There is a lot going on. · 140 days ago ·

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thatbigbay · When people think of the racetrack, what tends to come to mind are gambling-addicted degenerates, animal cruelty at its peak, and dirty facilities. While the game certainly needs reform in numerous areas, few of these stereotypes are ever true! At the racetrack, I have met some of the nicest, most open-hearted, giving people that I believe I will ever meet. I have had people offer their seat to me on a busy day, take me up to the press box and the announcer's room, offer to bring me to the paddock to meet people, and even (and I accepted!) give me a free partnership in a horse. In horse racing you'll meet some of the very best people there are. It's not at all the way people envision! · 140 days ago ·

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thatbigbay · What racing needs is a fresh perspective. Better marketing! · 140 days ago ·

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thatbigbay · Great piece, by the way! I loved (and agreed with) every line. · 140 days ago ·

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rafirox · I agree, TBB. · 140 days ago ·

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Lisa111 · Appreciate it rafi and bigbay very much. It really kills me when a great Graded Stakes race is running and all should be watching and the prime time channels are showing 5 straight hours of golf. They get serious ratings three times a year with the Triple Crown and forget about it afterwards. You are right about marketing. · 140 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · The Pacific Classic, Woodward, Whitney, Met Mile, Jockey Club and Big Cap are the only ones that would be interesting enough. If horse racing was more popular it would be shown. Complain all you wan't but I can't blame them for doing what pays the mortgage. · 140 days ago ·

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buckpasser · The NYRA sent out a questionnaire about improvements to be made for the fans to improve the NY racing experience. Aqueduct needs some major work. A lot of the facilities are out of the 1950s and need enormous updating. A great many changes are going to be made to the facilities at the three tracks to improve the fan experience. Tracks like Oaklawn are partnering with local TV channels to improve their coverage. Emerald Downs is engaging a top media agency to promote the track. More races would shown in prime time if you have a popular horse. 60 minutes did two programs on Zenyatta. Horses that capture the publics imagination help sell thoroughbred racing. That is why it is imperative that top horses stay on the track and retire immediately to the breeding shed. · 140 days ago ·

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buckpasser · That last line should be and NOT retire to the breeding shed · 140 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · Walter Farley's son wrote of "new" Aqueduct as it was once called, that Footsore downs had changed too much for him. While comforted by the fact the clay Man O' War flew by on was still there, the comfortable seats and steam in the jockey's room were nothing like the former racetrack. Let us see if Aqueduct can find some room in that casino for a racetrack. · 140 days ago ·

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buckpasser · Cocoa. That was interesting about Farley's son. I do think they will use the money to upgrade the parts of Aqueduct that need it. · 140 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · I of course mean that things were more comfortable but that he preferred the old. He also mentioned that the subway dropped them off right at Aqueduct's gates. I'm glad the casino is doing good. · 140 days ago ·

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shadowno · Buckpasser as you are aware the Belmont plant is a monstrosity that direly needs to be downsized and modernized. Re your take on the breeding shed it looks like the advent of the racino cash will have just the opposite effect in New York. There is going to be so much extra money for New York breds that it will be an imperative to get the top NY Breds to the breeding shed for the uber lucrative purses that are being offered for their offspring . Weve recently seen Bluegrass Cat, Possee and Congaree move to NY to compete/accompany our old standby Freud. In short while your take is valid with regard to what is good for the industry , It looks like the opposite will be the end result. · 140 days ago ·

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buckpasser · Shadow no. I understand your point about more horses moving to the breeding farms. But with the problems in Ontario, Cuomo signed a bill that will make it easier to bring their horses here to qualify for NY bred races. I believe you will have more horses and stud farms opening in NY but you will also have more horses racing at the NY tracks to take advantage of the large purses. With more horses in the races, you get more wagering money as well. Previously, there wasn't enough money to make needed upgrades to the track facilities. Saratoga needed huge improvements to the traing track which they will get. The problem with Belmont getting upgrades was tht under Spitzer and under govs who wanted to close Aqueduct and race year round at Belmont which would have required huge expenditures. · 140 days ago ·

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buckpasser · Belmont will get some needed funding and changes once the politicians finally decide that the NYRA will keep all three tracks open · 140 days ago ·

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buckpasser · Shadowno. If you look at PA and Ohio, where slots monies are helping to fuel purses. You are seeing more studs moving from not slots jurisdictions to those with larger purse money for their offspring. Tracks in these stakes, I am thinking of harness racing in particular, are seeing more entries, better horses fuller racing cards, more fans and better handle. Scioto Downs is not only surviving but prospering. The other tracks are moving around and either building or fully renovating facilities with the influx of money. · 140 days ago ·

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shadowno · Buckpasser. always ejoy your interpretationof the political clime as it relates to NY racing. Agree whole heartedly regarding the benefits the New York breeding industry will reap. It won't happen overnight but within a reasonable period of time I also feel we will benefit from fuller (and better) fields, creating superior wagering opportunities for the day to day player. Rather than the poor quality of animal that shipped into A last winter and lets face it handle not head count is what drives the business. However, I can't see any way it will benefit the casual fan who thirsts to see stars have lengthy campaigns on the track.Truly believe those days are over save the occcasional gelding and as we have seen filly or mare who tend to have been the standardbearers of the sport the past few years. · 139 days ago ·

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Buckpasser · Shadowno. I think you are right that slots money will not alone keep the horses on the track. I think that the owners and breeders need to change the rush to the breeding shed which has decimated the ranks of top horses. I do think there is a glimmer of hope that things are changing in that regard. Whether you like Dr. Hansen or not, his racing Hansen at smaller tracks attracted a large number of fans and was a shot in the arm for racing. I also think that the situation in Ontario will in an odd way help in this direction. The removal of slots monies is devastating the industry up north. They had forgotten about attracting the fans and the wagering dollars and instead relied on the slots monies. All of these jurisdictions with slots monies are or have seen the govt try and take more of the money and realize that they must use this money to improve marketing and improve their facilities. · 139 days ago ·

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Buckpasser · I am encouraged that the NYRA has asked it's patrons for their opinions to improve the racing experience. I believe this is a huge step forward. I look at The Meadowlands and see the huge commitment that Jeff Gural has put into the track. Their handle is up over 28% from last year. While I am sure he would like to have slots monies to help fuel his purses, he is managing to make a real difference. I think that with changes in advance wagering and more states allowing it, it is helping. Will change happen overnight no, but at least the racing community is recognizing the problems and are actively looking for solutions. · 139 days ago ·

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shadowno · We must not forget this is the same NYRA that oversaw the theft of 8 million from our pockets and gave us Ellen McClain a complicit thief or just plain idiot as president before Cuomo put an end to that madness. NYRA has a long way to go to regain customer faith IMO. · 139 days ago ·

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buckpasser · Yes and no shadowno. First of all Hayward is gone. McClain got the proverbial kick upstairs for incompetence and corruption. She gave her report showing how she presided over a multi million dollar and subsequent lawsuits was applauded and basically removed and left as affirmative window dressing while a new board with Bobby Flay and the head of betting oversight whose name escapes at the moment and others run the new board. I agree that NYRA has a long way to go, but it is a start. As to Ellen MCclain, lets be honest Hayward picked her on purpose to cover his tracks in the looting of the NYRA. I doubt she had enough intelligence to even be a thief. She was an usual idiot in my opinion · 139 days ago ·

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buckpasser · That should be multi million dollar loss and subsequent lawsuits. · 139 days ago ·

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buckpasser · I read that McClain didn't know anything about wagering and Hayward made her COo handling financial and wagering operations and surprise surprise there was a huge wagering scandal and subsequent lawsuits in the tens of millions of dollars so that the NYRA posted a loss inspite of all the casino money. Hayward picked her for her affirmative action credentials to cover her tracks no more no less. I am sure I will get heat for that comment but I've been around NYCity politics along time and I know how the game is played. · 139 days ago ·

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buckpasser · I read that McClain didn't know anything about wagering and Hayward made her COo handling financial and wagering operations and surprise surprise there was a huge wagering scandal and subsequent lawsuits in the tens of millions of dollars so that the NYRA posted a loss inspite of all the casino money. Hayward picked her for her affirmative action credentials to cover her tracks no more no less. I am sure I will get heat for that comment but I've been around NYCity politics along time and I know how the game is played. · 139 days ago ·

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Zito has his Travers horse in Easter Gift

As the cornerstone race at his favorite racetrack, it is no wonder that Nick Zito loves the Travers. In fact, no trainer has started more horses than the popular 64-year-old conditioner in the $1 million race. All told, Zito has tightened the girth on 26 Travers horses over the years, the first comi...Read More

Show All 6 Comments
AndyScoggin · Wow, it is hard to believe that Zito has only one Travers win. Easter Gift certainly seems like a colt with a promising future. · 340 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · One win, and five seconds! · 340 days ago ·

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Waya · Interesting pick. What do you think of the Matt Winn winner, Neck 'n Neck? · 338 days ago ·

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jmac500 · he has 2 wins lol · 319 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · jmac/ 2004 Birdstone / who else? · 319 days ago ·

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Shakis · You'd think this horse would have more natural speed with the Hard Spun/Allen's Prospect cross, he is lightly raced, so it may come later · 314 days ago ·

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Dubai No Longer Golden

Time for us to realize that sending our top horses to Dubai to race on an unknown surface, thousands of miles away from their home, is no longer worth the money and prestige. Time for the connections of top horses to concentrate their efforts keeping their stars at their peak through a full and high...Read More

Show All 31 Comments
Mike in SB · I totally agree, and one thing that might help is a shift of purse money from 2 and 3 year old races to the races for older horses. Racing needs to encourage and reward owners who keep their horses in training. There are too many million dollar races for 3 year olds, racing needs an organized schedule like every major sport in the world. · 417 days ago ·

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Aggadancool · Totally disagree in that Hansen a horse on the derby trail has won over both. Tapeta is a track that has carpet fibers mixed in with the sand. Our horses arent prepared properly or of condition to handle the track its not the same. You have to train for it. Our best horses may have not favored the course. But they may not be the best for that course. Japan didnt win any this year as they did last year. So The article is good but may not be on target. Plus the pic shows dirt being kicked up not fiber · 417 days ago ·

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footlick · When they first put the Tapeta surface in, they were looking for a surface to be fair to both turf and dirt horses. Unfortunately, Tapeta has proven to be another entity all together. The Racing Post talks about it. They talk about how the figures they make for the Dubai races have no bearing on how the horses will perform later on turf or dirt or even other synthetics. If we send horses for the WC, it cannot be dirt horses anymore, nor can it be assumed that just because a horse has synthetic track form it will be translated to Tapeta. It is sad, but I do think that we have to realize that it is going to take at least one prep in Dubai and a very specific type of horse to win, or even be competitive there. You are right. It is futile sending our top horses to try and cope with that surface. Even turf form can't be trusted. · 417 days ago ·

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AmbitiousD · Laura, I have to agree with you based on your arguments and the data you presented. Aggadancool makes a valid point that we cant expect consistent victories without adequate training (including the surface). I guess if we want to see US shippers do well in the race it may not be a bad idea to ship them to Dubai for a prep? Although, this didn't work well for Master of Hounds this year. There are plenty of tracks in the US that race synthetic and I agree that a $10 million race shouldn't be the place for the surface without recently racing on it. · 417 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · The travel and change of environment take a tremendous toll on the horses that travel to Dubai, but MONEY talks or at least if you win some of it! · 417 days ago ·

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footlick · @Ambitious D- if Bold Silvano had run well in his preps, Master of Hounds would not have run in the WC for deKock. It was not the right race for him. · 417 days ago ·

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Floridaf · Royal Delta had a win over synthetics, but that did her absolutely no good in Dubai. I have to agree with you, DeadHeat. Dubai is not the place for our top dirt horses. I also think Mike in SB presents a good solution. Raise the purses of the top handicap races, and we'll see more horses like Zenyatta, Havre de Grace, Game On Dude, etc. come back to run another year. · 417 days ago ·

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AmbitiousD · I don't disagree with you footlick. But, Master of Hounds was coming off 4 previous preps at Meydan, 3 on synthetic, in which he never finished off the board. All I'm saying is that the model of racing over the surface prior to the big game doesn't hurt a horses chances. Maybe MoH was not the best example. · 417 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Richard's Kid had run on synthetic before and won, as had The Factor. You cannot train a horse to like a surface or to handle it. I would agree with putting money back into the older division, however, i doubt tracks will be begin to do that until they see that more owners are willing to bring back their stars. Also, they would want their races to have a graded status. It's almost like a stalemate and neither track nor owners really want to give. · 417 days ago ·

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larooski · I agree. Keep our horses here and make our races better. Wouldn't he SAH have been better with Game On Dude? How about Royal Delta in the Apple Blossom? · 417 days ago ·

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travel_vic · The BEST stamina in the world is no longer in North America, The best milers are elsewhere...WOn't be too long until just about all the real class tests are elsewhere · 417 days ago ·

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footlick · @AmbitiousD- deKock said he feels that MOH is a better turf horse, but he wanted a runner in the DWC. He did have form, but it just wasn't the right race for him. I agree that preps have to be run there. · 417 days ago ·

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footlick · @DeadHeat- they did have synthetic form, but their Tapeta seems to be a completely different entity. There seems to be nothing that correlates to it in the rest of the world. That is why a prep their seems to be important. Not disagreeing, but if trainers have want to go there, then they need to do what will be best for the horse in the race. And that will be prepping there, unfortunately. Not sure what the future will hold. · 417 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Footlick, that was actually the point I make. No matter what you train on it doesn't seem to translate. We cannot expect trainers and owners of our finest to ship over there to prep over the surface two or three times beforhand, not when their other major goal is the Classic, or they may want the Donn or other grade ones. Also as I said, you cannot train a horse to handle a surface. What if they were to send their horse over there only to see them lose their preps. You need a very specific horse, a very versatile horse, or a horse for course, in order to win that race. You have no clue if you have a horse for course until you send them over, and it does not seem like many are for that particular course. This again proves my main point that it is just far too much trouble, and far too much risk to be worth the trip anymore. · 417 days ago ·

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GregRiessland · other than game on dude all those horses close. and what happened to dude, bad break never got the lead and was dead in the water. · 417 days ago ·

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BrianAppleton · Agreed Dani! · 417 days ago ·

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Cardly Knot · Curlin had plenty of time acclimate in Dubai prepping in the Jaguar Trophy and still a dirt surface in '08. Anyone that wants to win the derby this year needs to get to Churchill asap. Hansen already training at Churchill. · 417 days ago ·

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yukichan · Transcend raced on both dirt (in Japan) and tapeta (Meydan). He managed a very close 2nd place last year at the World Cup. Gloria De Campeao raced on turf, dirt and tapeta, in three different countries--enjoying great success, including a World Cup victory and a second place finish. It has been done-- · 417 days ago ·

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timgsmith10 · I disagree Big time. 10 million dollars a great vacation for management and if you win you will go down in history as a LEGEND ala CIGAR,INVASO,CURLIN etc only positives.. · 417 days ago ·

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larooski · I don't think winning the world Cup makes you go down in history as a legend. Captain Steve and Well Armed aren't going down in history as legends. Neither are a lot of other WC winners. · 417 days ago ·

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shadowno · They don't make LEGENDS like they used to. LMAO. The only important thing about DWC is the $$$ and without that no one, not even the euros would make the trip. · 417 days ago ·

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likin sparks · The Shieks are in it to win it, just like their greedy oil industry and how they laugh each time they increase their prices of oil and change the surface of the DWC ha ha ha ;-) · 417 days ago ·

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Junebug719 · I think it takes too much out of a horse to go that far. I am also against going to and participating in a race run by a group of people who do not given the same rights to women as men. · 416 days ago ·

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TimSmith · So your saying the Dubai World Cup win didnt bolster Cigar,Curlin and Invasors Image? You think if Royal Delta had WON the race she wouldnt be hailed as the greatest on earth> If Game on Dude would have Won that race you dont believe that would have solidified his credibility? I do .. The problem with well armed is he wasnt a star before he went there and the media never pushed him on the public. Id go to dubai with my horse if I had the chance · 416 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · They might have been held like it, but it doesn't mean they are. · 416 days ago ·

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TimSmith · Also Dataara won the Belmont and he never became famous .. but rags to riches winning it made her into a top female in peoples minds...But being the BELMONT ,DERBY or DUBAI gives a horse a chance at a legacy · 416 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · It was impressive when Rags to Riches won it because she fell at the start and defeated Curlin, arguably one of the best horses of the 21st century, as well as Hard Spun, another great we have had in the past 12 years. · 416 days ago ·

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Junebug719 · Curlin was no "regular" horse. Even though he does not get the credit he deserves, IMO, I think he was the closest we have to Secretariat. Second in Beyer ratings also with a 134. He is a superior horse.. · 416 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · They physically were simillar, but I think it stopped there. · 416 days ago ·

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TimSmith · What if it happened in the Goodwood> Would it be the same as winning the Belmont? · 416 days ago ·

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CraigBradshaw · considering the tapeta surface, the final time for this race on tapeta was very good. · 413 days ago ·

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Projected 2012 Dubai World Cup Field #2

After the final main local prep for the 2012 Dubai World Cup, we provide our projected field for the $10 million race. #1 – CIRRUS DES AIGLES Trainer: Corine Barande-Barbe Estimated UAE Rating: 126 Initially after a second in a Chantilly all-weather prep, it was announced that he would aim for one o...Read More

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Fly Down

I will be praying Fly Down wins his race this Saturday.

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Regally Ready among those lining up for Dubai's Super Saturday

More than 20 international Grade/Group 1 winners are likely to compete on the March 10 Dubai Super Saturday card of seven stakes worth a total of $1,775,000 that are the principal preps for the world’s richest day of racing—the $27-million Dubai World Cup (G1) program ...Read More

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A Breeders' Cup Classic Upset: Blame edges Zenyatta

Zenyatta! Going into the 2010 Breeders’ Cup at Churchill Downs on Nov. 5 and 6, you would have thought Zenyatta was the only horse participating in the races... Read More

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zatt · One of the most thrilling races I have ever seen. My pick Blame may have won the race, but all I could think afterwards was how gallant and magnificent Zenyatta was. Wonderful piece, Rick! · 576 days ago ·

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travel_vic · If Smith could do it over, he would have stayed much closer to that field....Far far too far back and had to steady in the move whiich was enough at the wire to cost her · 576 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · I have always maintained that Zenyatta fell so far behind because she was so distracted by the new situation: it was dark and under the lights, dirt track, huge crowd. Down the stretch for the first time she was throwing her head, looking around, and when she finally settled down she ran like crazy, but Blame was not giving up at the end. · 576 days ago ·

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Protagonist · travel vic: you have said it the best so far, from the armchair quarterback position that many of us have ,it appeared that Zenyatta was in a totally diffeerent race for most of it that the rest of the field.Someone else at Churchill Downs must have been giving the orders that day. What with what happened with Life at Ten, the way Underwood,now refered to as the undertaker in Indian Charle,going after State Steward John Vietch. When it was Johns fault at All, He is up in the Stewards Box ,Whgo was the State Veterinarian on duty on the Track, Why did Johnny V, not say hey my mount isn't acting correctly,etc. Then with Mike taking back for to long and to far? Something else was at play on Breeders Cup Day last Year and the majority of us Will Never be given the Honest Answer, Because If I've learned anything in these past 7 months while here is this CHURCHILL DOWNS thinks that it is the Colonel Jessup in " A Few Good Men " and that the General Public isn't entitled to the truth. People ,Fans don't blame the horsemen for this fiasco, we want the Truth As well and are being also deprived of it! " A Few Go od Men" · 576 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · In that one race alone she validated her greatnes. Very nice article on a truly great horse who I feel will be thought of far better as time goes on · 576 days ago ·

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RaTalk_Girl · It was amazing to watch and what a great read. Thanks for the reminder of what we witnessed last year...not sure I will ever see anything like that again. · 576 days ago ·

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Zenyatta-Perfection Personified · Thank you for writing this. It was great to relive it. What a race! · 576 days ago ·

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Zenyatta-Perfection Personified · It seems to me that the reason Zen was so far behind was because she struggled so much with the track. When she ran by us the first time, her head was bobbing like crazy. I have listened to an interview with Mike Smith and he said that he considered pulling her up because he was afraid she was hurt. It did not help her at all that she was stopped - literally - by Quality Road at the top of the stretch. But all that said, Blame ran a great race. · 576 days ago ·

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luvzenyatta · Beautiful story, beautiful picture, beautiful Zenyatta · 576 days ago ·

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getthefacts · HA what a crock!! · 576 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · ICY hit it the nail on the head as well as the author. In that lone defeat in her career Zenyatta did validate her greatness. A filly for the ages and it'll probably take another 30 years or so until we see one we could call her equal.Very well done. · 576 days ago ·

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Armada · Fantastic article about a stellar horse. Wont see another like her in a long, long time... if ever. That last stretch run of hers was mesmerizing. · 575 days ago ·

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getthefacts · How right I hope you are LAZ. I could go without seeing another overhyped mule (AKA Zenyatta) for the next 30 years at least. · 575 days ago ·

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Bluegrass · Thank you for the kind words everyone. They are very much appreciated. (Even you getthefacts, as you are also entitled to your own opinion, too.) I never got to see her race live, but the two times I did get to see her - at the barn before the Classic and at Keeneland on that cold, snowy night, are memories I'll enjoy for the rest of my life. She was definitely one of the great ones. · 575 days ago ·

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annmatt · Beautifully done, Rick. A commenter at a blog said it best for me, in part (I have his permission to use his words): “This race will never be about how Blame won. It will always be about how Zenyatta lost. She fought the travel, the media frenzy, the dirt track, the bad start, the 20 lengths down and still only lost by a nose. The other horse had the perfect race. No problems, just had to hold on and not get tracked down. One lost stride for perfection. What we learned today is not about our hearts being broken but about the heart of a Champion we grew to love. Who had no chance at all and just about pulled it off. Her critics who said she couldn't run on dirt saw that she did the same thing she always had done. Even with the worst of odds this time. It took all odds against her and a perfect race to beat her. Don't you hate it when someone lucks out and doesn't have to answer for being wrong? Today in this sports moment we lost perfection but we gained greatness. It's about what we call in sports of having the heart to overcome impossible odds and not so much about winning but to give it your all and giving it your best. We should all remember this day for Zenyatta never giving up and giving it all she had. Again one lost stride for perfection. But the heart that made her the Greatest Filly of all Time.” Amen! · 575 days ago ·

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annmatt · I do have a P.S.: I will be forever grateful for the graciousnes of Garrett Gomez, who stood in his saddle and saluted Zenyatta twice! Class shows. He recently has ridden a couple of the Moss' horses! Blame's trainer also was very complimentary and how lucky they were! The other member of that group, however, did a complete disservice to a fine family dynasty with his crass remarks. His was really the great opportunity missed to be magnanimous and gentlemanly, as his "breeding" suggests he should have been. No matter, the split screen at the HOY awards were worth a thousand words when they announced the winner!! Zenyatta! Yes!! · 575 days ago ·

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getthefacts · Nice Fable Annmatt maybe they can make it into a nice Disney special with talking horses and everything. · 575 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · I agree with annmatt and Facts. Mr.Seth should play himself in the movie, which I will go see--it will be great--as no one else will be able to say, "The Mare", as he did. The woman who was the voice for Bambi's mom should also be the voice of Zenyatta. That's the voice I give her when I read her diary. · 575 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Great thought about the Disney Movie FACTS. Maybe you could play the cousin to Eddie Murphy’s character in Shrek, Donkey I believe it was, only in this case we could name the cousin Jack-Ass. Maybe we could even get a part for your friend and call it the Wicked Witch of California. · 575 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Laz, okay, minor lol to that. I do think this year's BCC finish could be the material for a movie itself. With rain in the forecast, and both Mo and HDG just coming off wins in the mud, there might be another male-female 1-2 finish, except with a length of the stretch battle as opposed to just meeting at the wire. · 575 days ago ·

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zenyatta mondatta · Getthefacts, I believe you are the only "Crock" around here. Zenyatta will be famous from here on out, get used to it. · 575 days ago ·

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getthefacts · LOLOLOL, so an animated feature it is. Her and her connection were always such cartoons anyways. Zenyatta is remembered by fewer and fewer each day. Give it 4 - 5 years the avg person wont know who the hell she was. · 575 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · The "average person" doesn't know that much about horse racing anyway. They may even ask if Secretariat will be in the BCC this year--just say yes, it's easier. Zenyatta will not be forgotten by racing fans, whichever way you take that. At least don't be silly. You know how I feel about boring. · 575 days ago ·

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getthefacts · Ohh Mary even I think you know she will be remembered by far fewer in just a few short year. And BTW she is no Secretariat, she wont even me remembered as to the level of Onion in a few years time, IMO. · 575 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · IYO. And BTW, I wasn't comparing any horse to Secretariat. I have my own story about Onion. I won't forget him, ever. · 575 days ago ·

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getthefacts · LAZ, I would like to ask you a quick question. In all seriousness, if HDG is to go on and win the BCC in a faster time or more dominating performance, will you consider her in the same light as Zenyatta? · 575 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · FACTS. In answer to your question, NO!!! Seriously, not even close. · 575 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · FACTS. First of all, who has HDG beaten that can even be called an Eclipse award winner other than Blind Luck? She beat Blind Luck emphatically in the Azeri when rested and Blind Luck was tired after a busy schedule, miles of traveling and not at her bet. She beat her by a dwindling neck in the Cotillion when receiving 10 Lbs. Blind Luck was 6 1/2L behind her at the ¾’s in the BC Distaff and finished almost two lengths in front of her. Blind Luck might be good, but she also had her bad days. Twice at 10F HDG couldn’t get the job done after having the lead in the stretch and being caught and passed by Blind Luck. Other than Blind Luck, what really tough filly or mare did she ever beat? As for the males she beat in the Woodward, only Flat Out is considered good enough to enter the BCC and when she beat him he wasn’t even a G1 winner and he was gaining on her in the stretch. The other males were second tier. The males she will face in the BCC are an interesting bunch, but most haven’t really proven anything. Uncle Mo is possibly great, but still has to prove it and at a distance he is supposedly suspect at. So You Think is all class, but that’s on turf and he’s lost his last two when heavily bet. The three year olds haven’t really done much against older horses other than Mo in the Kelso and I believe THAS in an allowance at Saratoga. Game On Dude has been good, but on the west coast and he has also lost two G3 races this year. Only Mo has ever won an Eclipse and that was at two. Now Zenyatta, without going on too much about her accomplishments, has won a BC Distaff, a BCC and finished 2nd in a BCC by a head when finishing faster than every other horse in the race. She has defeated multiple Eclipse award winners of multiple G1 and Group One races. IMO, the field in this year’s BCC, with maybe the exception of Mo and So You Think, would all be at long odds in the past two BCC’s and would not have made the top three in either and I’m including HDG. The time in this race will be irrelevant and it won’t matter how dominating the performance because this is not close to being a top class BCC, probably ranking in the bottom five IMO. Ask yourself, how would HDG have competed against the top filly groups in the 90’s. · 575 days ago ·

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getthefacts · I would say Switch was a quality horse she beat, as well as Awesome Maria, and Royal Delta who has a great shot at winning the BCLC this year, as well as finding her way onto the Eclipse ballot. I also point out that HDG did already run a faster Apple Blossom than Zenyatta in 08. Couldn't compare last years because of the distance difference. While the Woodward field was weak, it was stronger than any field Zenyatta faced prior to the BCC in 2009 or 2010. She will be facing 6 horses in the classic who have won 1 1/4 races and all of them doing so this year. 5 of them on actual dirt. If Gio Pointi were to opt and run in the Classic that would be 7 who have won at the distance. Last year Zenyatta faced 2 horses who ever won the distance and 1 only did so on turf. "IF" Grace wins as I said. She will also have defeated the likely 3 yo Eclipse Champion, the 2 yo chamioon from last year, The likely turf award winner, and then possibly Gio Ponti who is a multiple Eclipse winner himself. What about last years classic makes you think it wasn't possibly the worst ever? Just because it featured Zenyatta? Who lost to a horse who had not previously won a race at the distance and looked awful in his only attempt at it leading up to the Classic. Did you really think QR, Haynesfield, Espoir City, Fly Down, Musket Man, LAL, Pleasant Prince really make a strong contingent of horses for a classic race? Granted if they were going 8.5 or 9 furlongs things could have gotten interesting but hell, she was the most proven horse in the field, given a weight allowance, bred for distance and still lost. And to a horse who really didn't prove shit previous to that. If you really compare them this race set ups very similar to the 2009 Classic. Your most proven horse is a turf horse much like Gio Ponti and Twice Over were, You have a handful of horses who have posted wins going the distance on both fields. However, none of them were really stand outs in either. Summer Bird was a little more proven than Stay thirsty, but thas was on Dirt, which left the lingering question could he handle synthetics. Much like we have the question about MO and distance. Although, Only 3 horses in that race had ran a 1 1/4 on synthetics, and only about half had ever ran on synthetics at all. All but one facing HDG this year have actually raced and won on dirt. When I asked myself your question, I did honestly have to say probably better than Zenyatta as synthetics weren't really around for her yet. · 575 days ago ·

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New York Vinnie · Rick, I'll add a couple more comments from experts that were floored by Zenyatta performance in the 2010 Classic..."For her to do what she did, I put her on a higher plateau than before," says Steve Haskin, senior correspondent for The Blood-Horse who's covered the sport for four decades. "She's (Zenyatta) the greatest filly I've ever seen. She may be the greatest of all time." http://www.usatoday.com/sports/horses/breeders/2010-11-07-zenyatta-impresses_N.htm · 575 days ago ·

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New York Vinnie · This is taken from Steve Bailey of the Thoroughbred Times..."I had the unique opportunity on Sunday (the day after the Classic) to get a glimpse of how Zenyatta and the Breeders' Cup Classic were viewed and digested by someone who, as they say, does not have a dog in the fight. For more than four decades, Australian form analyst Peter Ellis has traveled the globe breaking down meetings, walking courses, and witnessing some of the greatest horses and races around the world. Ellis was at Churchill Downs Friday and Saturday for the Breeders' Cup World Championships and, on Sunday, spoke to a radio audience of hundreds of thousands back home in Australia about what he had seen. I was completely taken off guard by what came out of his mouth. 'I've been doing this for more than 40 years, and I can tell you that (Zenyatta's) performance was the greatest that I've ever seen by a horse that did not win the race,' he told the host. 'Some people will say that she shouldn't be named Horse of the Year because she didn't win. I would argue that her performance in defeat was much better than her winning effort a year earlier and should guarantee that she is named Horse of the Year. She was sqeezed out of the gate, forcing the jockey to check up a bit, then spent several hundred meters in a storm of kickback; that's why she dropped back so far', Ellis said. 'On the backstretch, she got behind 20 to 25 lengths and I'm not sure anyone thought she had any business even catching up to that field much less getting back in the race. The fact that she was able to make up that much ground on a track that deep and cuppy and give herself a chance to get up and win it in the last strides is one of the most impressive efforts I have seen on a racetrack. Blame ran a great race; you can't take anything away from him. He is a fantastic horse. But would he have been able to do the same? Zenyatta was the best horse on that racetrack, as she was in all of her previous 19 starts. By definition, isn't that what Horse of the Year is? Some people are going to argue that the horse that wins the Breeders' Cup Classic against the toughest field of the year should get the Horse of the Year, right? It didn't work out that way last year, did it?' · 575 days ago ·

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New York Vinnie · Ellis also said he was struck by the way Zenyatta captured the hearts of racing fans and non-racing fans not only in the U.S. but all over the world. 'I have never seen a horse that touched people and brought them together like this one,' he said. 'She seems to connect with people unlike any horse I have ever seen; even people who don't follow racing at all. I rang a friend in Queensland after the races and he told me that his wife was extremely upset that Zenyatta had lost. These people do not follow American racing a lick, but they tuned in to see Zenyatta. Racing in America is not always seen in such a positive light in others parts of the world, but here is a champion and a story that people around the world are captivated and touched by. I don't think people are going to realize just how special she is until she's gone because there will not be another one like her.' When the radio interview was over, I told Ellis that I doubted that Zenyatta would be named Horse of the Year based upon many of the pre-Classic writings by some of the sport's most well-known Turf writers. He smiled. 'That's the thing,' he said. 'It doesn't matter if she's Horse of the Year or not. She's THE horse of the last 40 years. Which one do you think people are going to remember?' http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-zenyatta-horse-of-the-year-debate.aspx. · 575 days ago ·

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getthefacts · HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA, and the Fable grows and grows and grows. I bet in the movie she gets behind about 50 lengths. Which I am still not sure how they will make it the slightist bit relevant as to how she did it. Seeing as how everyhorse that was on the lead fell back on it's own. Everyhorse who was behind them finished ahead of them. Then you say Zenyatta was farther bac than normal, well so was Blame. Usualy in his races Blame stalked much closer than he did in the Classic. If your going to go with the lie that Zenyatta fell back about 20 then you would have to say Blame was back about 15, as she never sat more than 5 lengths from him at any point. And he was the only horse she really had to be concerned with catching as he was the winner. I love they Claim she was squeezed out of the gate now too. She could have stepped over those horses had she chosen she was a beast compared to them, come on you can do better than that BS. · 574 days ago ·

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4everZenyatta · So, I have just read through some of these comments, the praises and the bashes. Every word. And I would just like to tell anyone who is trying to agrue with getthefacts, give it a rest. These Zenyatta bashers come up with lies apon lies just to prove us wrong. To them, it doesn't matter that Zenyatta won HoY or became the first female to win the BCC, it just matters that she was better than their favorite horse. getthefacts, the way that you find it is necessary to insult all of us, as well as the magnificent animal that is Zenyatta, is juvenile and ridiculous. Writing 'ha' in capitals over twenty-five times really isn't fazing any of us. Yes, we understand you find NYV's cold-hard facts hilarious, we could have udnerstand that from two or three 'ha's. Truly, most of the people that read your comments will think of them an immature. And if they dropped her back 50 lengths in a movie, it would be inaccurate and horse racing fans would chew the directors out for it, let alone Zenyatta's hard core fans, who would murder them if they got her blaze shape wrong. And if you are trynig to claim that Zenyatta was within 5 lengths of Blame through out the classic, that is one of the biggest pieces of bull shit I have ever read. First off, Blame was steadily in 4th-5th place during the race. Second, Through out almost half of the race, Zenyatta was at least 5-10 lengths off the LAST HORSE. She was uncomfortable with the track conditions and the lights, as well as the amount of kickback in her face. It also didn't help that Quality Road's jockey allowed QR to drop back so fast Smith almost had to stop Zenyatta. That was uncalled for and could have injured her and her jockey. I will never underestimate Zenyatta's haters. You people are dispicable. How can you say that she did nothing? She raced in graded/stakes company in almost every single race. getthefacts, you took it to a new low, calling such a magnificent animal an overrated mule. How dare you? You seem to lvoe Havre de Grace, well how would you feel if I called her an overrated mule? I belive that you would come back with multiple curses and try to tear me down. But I know that Havre de Grace is a classy mare with an wicked ability to run and she is not overrated by most. Majority of the people I have seen have said that she is a great mare, but not the greatest. That is true. I do not believe that she could have ever beaten Zenyatta. And I don't give a shit about whether you do. Zenyatta will be remeber for more than 5 years, you ignoramus. She will be remebered just as much as Cigar, Seattle Slew, Secretariat, or Rachel Alexandra. And if you try to counter that they won't, then I would like to ask why people will remeber Blame? They will remember him because of one race, one nose, because of one horse. Zenyatta. I used to have a particular hate coarsing through my veins for Garret Gomez, part of me still does, but when he saluted Zenyatta and it was said that he conforted Smith after the race, some of it left me. But the Hancocks, I would like to agree with whoever said this before me, they disgraced themselves by the way they spoke of Zenyatta. They acted as if she was nothing. I will never look at them the same way again. Anyway, off topic. getthefatcs, I would like to say that you gave me quite the laugh today as I read your ridiculous comments. My fiance did as well when I showed him, so for that, I thank you. And when you respond to this, using my username as a bash against me, pointing out all of me 'false' information, and using obnoxious juvenile 'insults', I'm sure we will laugh just as hard, if not harder, than we did this morning. So with ym first and last comment on this thread, I would like to thank the author of the piece for writing such a beautiful piece on one of the greatest racemares on Earth. Good-day to all, and enjoy the races. · 574 days ago ·

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4everZenyatta · I am sorry, I need to correct something in ym previous post, I said that SMith had to stop Zenyatta, I meant he almost had to, I know he didn't actually stop her. Thank you for understanding ;) · 574 days ago ·

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getthefacts · You must have seen a different Classic, I think you may be the first person who has actually been crazy enough to say Blame ran 4th and 5th for most of the race. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA Etched sat in 5th until the turn and Haynesfield ran 4th but nice try. LOLOLOLOL As far as QR, thats just another hiliariously ridiculous excuse her loyalist try to make people believe happen to justify why she lost, instead of just saying she met a horse who was better at the time. She raced in graded stakes and company, really? What grade 1 horse did she defeat or compete against in 2010 until the classic? Maybe you know some the rest of us don't? As far as HDG goes, I don't really care much either way. I think shes a fine horse, better than Zenyatta on dirt. But far from a favorite or what I would consider great. I hope you and your finace did get a good rouse out of this, I know I a sure am so I hope others can feel half of the enjoyment I am getting from it. · 574 days ago ·

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getthefacts · Maybe you can asnwer this for me, if you feel my comments are so horrible, false, comical, juvenille, and ridiculous as you said. Then why do you read and post on them? · 574 days ago ·

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getthefacts · ohh and before you try and say Blame ran 6th, no that Was LAL, who by the way was called by Durkin as being 10 back from the leaders, then you have Blame who sat about 2 more off of him. You may be right about Zenyatta sitting 5 off of Blame being total bullshit. After watching it appears she sat even closer around like 4 - 5 lengths, so thanks for clearing that up. And just for you I will say again over her career she did a lot of nothing. The horses she did beat were mostley dirt/turf horses who had to come face her on synthetics. Or sprinters who had to face her at longer distances. The few grade 1 synthetic runners she actually did defeat, were a joke, and proved to need multiple, multiple attempts over the surface to score a single win on it. She raced twice in open company, losing once to an absolute joke field when she had a weight advantage, while being the reigning Classic Champion, and supposed "best router" in the field. So ya that makes me think shes about as good as a MULE. HEE HAW HEE HAW · 574 days ago ·

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getthefacts · I wasn't really sure anyone conforted (I think you meant comforted) after the race as he was wailing to hard. lolol. That image, coupled with the Moss's expressions and Shireff walking off trying to avoid cameras and people, was like Christmas for me. · 574 days ago ·

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New York Vinnie · facts - take your comments to Peter · 574 days ago ·

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New York Vinnie · excuse me, take your comments to Peter Ellis. I'm sure he would love to hear from you. And also Steve Haskin. · 574 days ago ·

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New York Vinnie · facts - Durkin didn't call the race. Trevor Denman did. · 574 days ago ·

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New York Vinnie · facts - it was Jerry and Ann Moss along with John Shirreffs that brought out Zenyatta to the public on Sunday morning for one last viewing. But what I understand cars were lined up four deep along the four lane thoroughfare trying to get a glimpse of her. Members of the media were astonishing by the grace handled by her connections. · 574 days ago ·

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getthefacts · Yes you are right Vinnie, it was Denman. I got use to saying Durkin for long its still a habit. You do get Steve Haskins job is to sell books and magazines dont you. Of course he is going to write glorious things about Zenyatta as he wouldn't sell much if he didn't · 574 days ago ·

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getthefacts · Thats sadley what most of the Media overhype is. An attempt to help patch a struggeling industry. And to keep interest flowing. However, In the long run they are doing far more damage. People are realizing how low of a standard we hold our so called "champions" . · 574 days ago ·

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getthefacts · Ohh and Even tho I could care less about Peter Ellis, if you sent him, Haskin, or any other turf writer my direction Ill tell thim exactly how I fell about it. And show them the facts. Something they can't show for her. The only facts that standout are that she ran one good race on dirt in her career, beating Brownie Points, and GingerPunch. Then she beat dirt and turf horses on synthetics. Or else she beat milers and sprinters going 9 furlongs. Her breeders cup synthetic classic win. Was also over overmatched horses, who were nowhere near the synthetic talent she was. Most of whom needed upwards of 8 - 10 attempts to win on the surface just once. Then you couple that with the fact she carried the least weight, was most experienced at SA, and probably the lightest raced of the field. That makes that win irrelevant and laughable. The fact that some of you come on here and try to act as if it was some real accomplisment I find utterly hilarious and somewhat appauling. · 574 days ago ·

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getthefacts · Then you add the people who try to consider her grade 1 record like it really means beans. Of her 13 grade 1's, 7 did not feature another grade 1 winner in them. So where was the accomplishment there? Of her 10 grade 1 wins over F/M on synthetics, she faced 2 whole horses who ever won a Grade 1 on synthetics, again where is the major accomplishment there? · 574 days ago ·

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getthefacts · Then you must have understood or been told wrong. While she did draw a fairly large crowd, they were far from lined up 4 deep. Anyone who wanted to walk up and see her had plenty of room. · 574 days ago ·

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getthefacts · Just proved there is more myth to the supposed Legend than actual Legend. · 574 days ago ·

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Fly Down

Any news on where he's at or how he's doing?

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mrsmaryzinke · Did he stay in Arabia after the World Cup? http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/62060/fly-down-may-stay-in-arabia-after-world-cup · 652 days ago ·

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CraigBradshaw · the tapeta at meydan was not to his liking. · 597 days ago ·

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Belmont 143 - who deserves favoritism?

The betting odds are sure to be tight when it comes to the “big three” in Saturday’s Belmont Stakes. Of course, I am speaking of Kentucky Derby winner, Animal Kingdom, runner-up, Nehro, and Preakness victor, Shackleford. Read More

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RaTalk_Girl · Two weeks ago I decided on Nehro, Master of Hounds and Animal Kingdom. I usually change my mind 100 times or so before the race, but so far I like what I am seeing from my picks. · 718 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · No doubt in my mind that Animal Kingdom deserves favoritism ... whether he wins or not is the big question. · 717 days ago ·

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ugozenyatta · Master of Hounds, Eroupeans are used to longer distances... but weather if he would take to the track. Maybe Animal Kingdom · 717 days ago ·

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DannyKordsmeier · Eric, I'm with you on this one. Nehro's slow 4f work is typical for closers. He will come from much farther back than he did in The Derby and win it convincingly. I also like your Master of Hounds pick. · 717 days ago ·

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ruffian75 · Although Animal Kingdom is deserving of all the kudos being thrown his way, my question re: whether he wins or not, would be, "A horse that has been raced sparingly, with gaps of 7-10 weeks between races prior to the Derby, is now in the process of running his third race in 5 weeks, at the longest distances he's ever run. Wouldn't that be a strong reason to think he's due to bounce?" · 717 days ago ·

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12thCrown · Has anyone else noticed that DRF's listing of sires is off on their Belmont field listing? When they assigned post positions their sires didn't carry over. You get more accurate info on HRN!! · 717 days ago ·

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cpsoren121 · I believe AK is a deserving favorite, and can definitely get the distance. Also like Nehro... · 717 days ago ·

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blooy · public wise animal kingdom, but who is the derving one or horse to beat shackleford · 717 days ago ·

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KyOaksRunner · Master of Hounds looks really good right now but I'm going with Mucho Macho Man and Nehro as my top two. · 716 days ago ·

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dipak1 · there is no doubt in my mind that Animal Kingdom will win the Belmont with very ease, no other horse can now show their capability, it is too late for them. · 716 days ago ·

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ruffian75 · Did you know? For all prognosticators that look forthe favorite as the answer: If you bet a $2 win bet on EVERY horse from 1940 til now in the Belmont, you would be realizing a profit of $72.80. · 715 days ago ·

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4everZenyatta · I am going with Animal Kingdom. There is no way that Shaklford can win the Belmont. In the Wall Street Journal, it says that he's going to win. No way. He proved that in the Derby. If he faded to fourth in a mile and a quarter race, then he's going to be quite far back in a mile and a half race. · 715 days ago ·

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12thCrown · This outcome is a fresh dose of reality that in horse racing, there are no locks! (especially for younger horses) · 712 days ago ·

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xMystix · 12thCrown, so true! That's why I don't go out of my way to talk about Horse of the Year and Three-Year-Old Champion honors and bestow them on horses that have't raced all year to prove themselves. There is no sure lock for either. After all, we are only half way through the year. · 712 days ago ·

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I Am Willing to Give Drosselmeyer One More Chance

Have you ever become a fan of a horse who constantly disappoints you, but is able to do just enough to keep you on the hook a little bit longer? Sure you have … we all have. One such enigma for me is the four-year-old colt, Drosselmeyer. Sounds strange to call a winner of the Belmont Stakes a disapp...Read More

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MBPhipps · I am willing to give him a chance too. I look forward to cheering him on on Friday--especially since I saw him work at Belmont just yesterday! · 719 days ago ·

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zatt · Have fun down there, Melaina ... how did he look? Fantastic, I bet! · 719 days ago ·

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BayRoan · Yes, Brian, in Dross's sophomore yr, he was on again/off again. But if the Belmont was any indication (as opposed to a straight-up fluke), he likes it there. Now, 9 times out of 10, horses wont come back the same after an injury, so I expected Dross to be on again/off again when he returned. But I imagine that last win gave him his head & heart back, so I'd like to think he's got this next one. · 719 days ago ·

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BayRoan · BTW, I've been in love with him since right before the Derby, so I know where you're coming from! ;) · 719 days ago ·

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KyOaksRunner · I've never really warmed up to Drosselmeyer for some reason but I really liked his last race. I'm going to try and beat him with Birdrun and Eldaafer I think. · 718 days ago ·

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ugozenyatta · Yep, Zazu, Mine that Bird etc · 717 days ago ·

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bellesforever1 · I too was smitten by D. hoping to see him make us both happy ..also hoping A.A. will make me very happy with an on the board finish. · 717 days ago ·

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Drosselmeyer Returns to Belmont’s Winner’s Circle

At long last, Drosselmeyer returned to the winner's circle, taking yesterday's One Count Stakes at Belmont Park by a determined neck. It was his first win since scoring by three-quarters of a length over Fly Down in last year's Belmont Stakes at odds of 13-1.Read More

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cniema5 · I know he's not perfect, but I've been a big fan of Drosselmeyer since the first time I saw him. So happy to see him win again! · 740 days ago ·

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BayAreaBackstretch · Such a good looking, well bred horse, I can certainly understand becoming a big fan at first sight. Hopefully there will be more big efforts for him, and he will become that rare Belmont winner to do big things as an older horse. · 740 days ago ·

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BayRoan · I'm so glad to see the Ol' Man (meaning Dross, not Mott! LOL) make it to the winner's circle again. I know it did his head a world of good! · 740 days ago ·

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teamo · One word describes Drosselmeyer: SLOW. Gonna have to do a heck of a lot better than a mile & 1/4 in 2:06 against a tiring rival, and whatever ridiculously slow time he ran the Belmont Stakes in, to win against REAL older horses. · 740 days ago ·

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medlocke · I think it's the old "horse for course" with Drosselmeyer. Belmont seems to be where he run's his best races. · 740 days ago ·

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Nick Zito Can Go the Distance

It’s been a few years since Hall of Fame trainer Nick Zito experienced that most magical moment of seeing his horse cross the Kentucky Derby wire before all the rest. 17 years to be exact. Back then, Zito won it twice in a span of four runnings with Strike the Gold in 1991 and Go For Gin in 1994, bu...Read More

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DeadHeat · At a mile I do not think he is slow at all. In fact I would not call him slow. I just feel that either he is a miler or that his moves are very ill timed. He makes these huge middle moves then flattens out. The only race he did not do that in this year was the Holly Bull. If his moves are ill timed than if he's allowed to wait a little longer before unleasing that kick he will be a huge threat. If not, then I would stick to mile races, so that he can still make that move and have enough left in the stretch. · 758 days ago ·

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mdracing69 · Dialed In will almost certainly take too much Derby action. In an evenly matched field I cannot see myself backing a horse coming from the clouds. He needs everything to go right to win and kudos to Zito if he gets the job done but it will be without my money. · 758 days ago ·

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zatt · He may, but I'm wondering what the favorite might be this year ... is 7-1 possible? · 758 days ago ·

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tpatelzick · I cant see uncle mo being 5-1 maybe 6-1 if, he does next weeks work on three legs. DI should be the same. Both horse need the "good trip" to win · 758 days ago ·

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Waya · I am not sure if Dialed In is the horse, but there is no trainer I would have rather train my potential Derby winner. While other trainers seem to train for a mile, Nick knows how to his horses ready for the longer distances. · 758 days ago ·

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Waya · Great article! · 758 days ago ·

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DipakRoy · i put money on both horses in previous races, Dialed In bring me money but not Nehro, in Lousiana derby i put $200.00 on Nehro, but he lost by hd, and i lost my money, it was 35/1 shot, i was 100% sure that day he was gpoing to win the Lousiana derby? but it was bad luck. · 758 days ago ·

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DipakRoy · i trust Nick Zito 100%, it is now on the hands of Julien Leparaoux, how he is going to manouvare the horse. · 758 days ago ·

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tiznow · I think 7/1 for the favorite to go off at is very realistic. Last year we had Lucky who was very consistent and Super Saver go off similar. With the doubts people are casting on Mo, I can definitely see it around there again for the favorite. · 757 days ago ·

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Victoire Pisa Wins World Cup for Japan

The 2011 edition of the Dubal World Cup ended up being a showcase for Japan as horses from that ailing country took the top two spots with Victoire Pisa and Transcend. Transcent went straight to the front over a tiring Tapeta surface at Maydan with eventual winner Victoire Pisa sitting back in last ...Read More

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medlocke · This year's Dubai World Cup really served to remind me how much I truly miss the race being run on the conventional dirt at Nad Al Sheba. Victoire Pisa had to come 5 or 6 wide to forge to the front early just to inject any pace at all into the race, as it was run at a terrible dottle. That move turned out to be the best tactical move of the race. As Victoire Pisa took the lead and never looked back. · 790 days ago ·

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Gio Ponti, Twice Over Head Deep World Cup Field

Twice Over (GB) is the tepid morning line favorite for Saturday’s Dubai World Cup. The 14-horse field also includes Fly Down, Gio Ponti, and three intriguing Japanese entrants. Read More

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Fly Down Might Not Return to US

Fly Down, who has earned more than $1 million while placing in some of America’s most prestigious races, including the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) and the Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I), may not return to the United States following his start in the $10 million Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) March 26.Purchased l...Read More

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arazi · I'm definitely bummed that Fly Down won't come back. He was my favorite for the Classic this year, at least among the older horses. I don't think he really got to show how talented he was last year. Take Z and Blame out of that Classic, and he wins by head over Lookin at Lucky. Well, it sounds like they are dead set against not coming back... but who knows. If he runs huge or even wins in Dubai, that might change their plans a bit. · 793 days ago ·

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Dubai World Cup, Sheema Classic, Duty Free barrier draw and DubaiRaceNight.com odds

Listed below is the barrier draw for the 2011 Dubai World Cup, Dubai Sheema Classic, and Dubai Duty Free, all Group 1 races run at Meydan on Saturday. The unofficial, but suggested DubaiRaceNight.com odds are listed as well. The barriers were drawn in a ceremony on Wednesday night from t...Read More

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Fly Down has World Cup class and stamina

Fly Down progressed well throughout his three-year-old campaign and his last race of the year was his best, finishing third behind Blame and Zenyatta in the Breeders' Cup Classic (Group One) at Churchill Downs in November.The best of the three-year-olds in the race, he confirmed his place among the ...Read More

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Expected Dubai World Cup meeting fields released

The Dubai Racing Club released the potential fields for the seven thoroughbred races at Meydan on 26 March. Dubai World Cup probables: (Alphabetical order) Bold Silvano, Buena Vista, Cape Blanco, Fly Down, Gio Ponti, Gitano Hernando, Monterosso, Musir, Poet’s Voice, Prince Bishop, Richard’s Ki...Read More

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Gio Ponti, Fly Down work in advance of Dubai travel

The Daily Racing Form’s Mike Welsch reported on Monday that both Gio Ponti and Fly Down had their final big American workouts prior to shipping for the Dubai World Cup (G1). Gio Ponti, fourth in the race last year, missed a scheduled turf prep and comes into the big race without a run since be...Read More

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Fly Down - Pedigree

[Edit]

Mineshaft	A. P. Indy	Seattle Slew
		Weekend Surprise
	Prospectors Delite	Mr. Prospector
		Up The Flagpole
Queen Randi	Fly So Free	Time For A Change
		Free to Fly
	Randi's Queen	Mr. Prospector
		Sunny David