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Ride
Funny Cide
against other champions!

Funny Cide

13 year old Gelding
6 fans6

32 favorites32

[Edit]

Status:

Retired

Owner(s):

Sackatoga Stable

Trainer:

Barclay Tagg

Bred:

New York (USA) by [Add Data]

Pedigree:

Distorted Humor - Belle's Good Cide by Slewacide

Rating:

7.85/10

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What the Horse Racing Nation is saying about Funny Cide...

Derby Winners Funny Cide & Mine That Bird Make Joint Appearance

Fans who visit Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby Museum on Thursday, May 2 will enjoy a rare opportunity to admire Derby winners Funny Cide and Mine That Bird.Read More

Show All 0 Comments

Where have all the Triple Crowns gone?

35 years and counting, Triple Crowns of the past are now just a wonderful, but distant memory.Read More

Show All 71 Comments
jane.raymond.7 · The one thing I keep coming back to is that something in the training systems changed in the 80's. · 54 days ago ·

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travel_vic · no more druggies were tolearated · 54 days ago ·

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ruffian65 · Great article Brian and I too was one of the young fans of the 70s and fully expected the Bid to win, its..what we had got used too. Never saw a drought like this coming...but man, so glad I was alive to see and remember back then. · 54 days ago ·

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sallyeastman · I · 54 days ago ·

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sallyeastman · I loved Victory Gallop! This year Revolutionary looks to be VG's reincarnation! · 54 days ago ·

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laura.statespoelstra · I lived through the thrill that was the 70's and have agonized ever since. My theories? Lasix, emphasis on extreme speed in breeding (the quick refund on purchase price) and neglecting the staying blood (the stallions wind up overseas when they don't get those precocious babies). Another theory is the drought began with the influx of Quarter Horse trainers. They didn't and don't know how to prep a horse for a route, and I don't mean 9 furlongs. The ability to work 5f in 1:00 in no way correlates to the ability to get 10f. Horses no longer work more than a mile and don't work more than once a week. When my daughter was doing cross country, they ran six miles at speed every day to race only three miles. Today's TB trainers do just the opposite. No wonder we can't get a Triple Crown winner. They're not bred to trained for it anymore. · 54 days ago ·

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tony bada bing · Was at Real Quiet's Belmont - remembering the roar at top the stretch still brings goosebumps - took a while for that photo to be posted. At least I had the tri... · 54 days ago ·

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rafirox · Zipse, I also was one of those spoiled childre able to watch the 70's fantastic horses. I still remember when I was 5, watching the litte Black & White telly, Secretariat winning the Belmont by 31 lengths. My uncle was saying "Too fast! Too fast! He can't keep that pace!" and my Dad was cursing Turcotte: "What the hell are you doing? You're going to ruin this horse! You moron! He's going to break down in thhe stretch!!!" And he kept going. I remember, down the lane, our jaw's just dropped. I wasn't old enough to truly understand his portraying dominance, but I was saying inside my head "Wow, what a monster!" I remember my father predicted Seattle Slew's Triple Crown in 1978, so I also predicted it (even though I hardly knew about the sport at that age) and watching Seattle Slew win each of the three races easily, wow! I remember watching Affirmed vs. Alydar. My dad was an Alydar fan, and was pulling for him. I bet my dad that Affirmed would win, and if he did, he'd have to make my bed for a month. But, if Alydar won, I would have too do the lawn for the next three months. Affirmed wouldn't let the monster get by him. I remember watching the entire stretch drive, and they were head to head! I was privileged to be able to see Spectacular Bid's Belmont in person, and another one of his 4 yr old races. He was great., but the pinhead ride just diminished his cchances. I think at this point many people, if they even have experienced it, have forgotten how fun it is to watch a monster sweep the series. For crying out loud, we have seen many great horses since '78. Lure, Cigar, Real Quiet, Sunday Silence, Easy Goer, Afleet Alex, Curlin, Big Brown, Rachel Alexandra, Havre de Grace, Zenyatta, I'll Have Another, etc... But, we have yet to see a TC in a while, and I want one soon. It will have a definite positive affect on racing, and on top of that, I want to see a horse who is strong enough, has the heart, and talented enough to sweep it. The idiotic inbred breeding, the ridiculous training methods, and the medications all play a role in making this already difficult sweep, much, much harder. · 54 days ago ·

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MjHawk · Great piece, Brian, and I, too, was lucky enough to see Secretariat on TV and that was an amazing run. Rafirox, I enjoyed your reminiscences as well. "Too fast, too fast!" I was just a teenager, but I thought the same thing. · 54 days ago ·

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rafirox · LOL, Mj. I was so little I barely comprehended what was occuring. Despite that, the memory of seeing that monster romp the stretch. Generally, when we see a horse win by 8-10 lengths, we are blown away. Usually, that is a result of the pace in favor towards them. The fact Secretariat kept the pace of 23 and change, 46 and change, 1:09 and change, 1:34 and change and finishing the 12 furlongs in 2:24 was just incredible. As t_v has noted, the '73 Belmont surface distributed 15 track records that year, but nonetheless, it was the best race run I've ever seen. Usually, when a horse beats the track record, it is by 1/5, maybe 2/5 or 3/5 of a second... He shaved 2 full seconds off the record!!!! Just a monster... · 54 days ago ·

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EvanAnouna · the triple crown will be won agian as long as racing continues. it may not be in our lifetime but it will happen · 54 days ago ·

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Jay S. · IMO, Risen Star (Possibly the most underrated horse of the last 50 years) is the one that really had it in him. Bad racing luck in the Derby for him and Eddie D. · 54 days ago ·

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rafirox · He was deserving, Jay. I think, to me, the most devastating was Real Quiet. He was my first Derby killer, so he has sentimental value. I nailed him big time that year at 8-1. I saw something in his stride no one else did. He came SO CLOSE to sweeping it with a broom, but he just missed. Smarty Jones was also sad. I've seen that race 100 times, and everytime I hope Smarty holds him off, but he never does. · 53 days ago ·

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rafirox · Afleet Alex definitely had the talent to sweep it. I remember the rail was dead that day, as it is many big days, and Jeremy Rose dumped him on the rail... He should have had it. · 53 days ago ·

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Jay S. · So true rafi...so true to both posts. · 53 days ago ·

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zxswordxz · @JayS - Agreed with you about Risen Star. BTW...Eddie was very upset after the race because he was instructed by Louie to keep the horse at the back but Eddie realize that the horse wants to be near the leaders. After the Derby he make the adjustment and the rest was history. · 53 days ago ·

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zxswordxz · Just adding: Afleet Alex and Point Given also was unfortunate horses. Eskendereya was a horse that I pick to win the triple crown but never had the opportunity to strut his stuff. · 53 days ago ·

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Jay S. · Excellent story zxswordxz! Yeah, that's really too bad. I bet Eddie D. was disappointed about that. · 53 days ago ·

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kaitlinefree1 · I'll Have Another was stalker like / closer. i think had he not been injured, he would have had a real chance in the Belmont. · 53 days ago ·

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UnionRagsRules · No matter how much I love Union rags, I would have wanted I'll Have Another to win. On the bright side, I might have picked out the exacta! · 53 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · I'm even older than Zipse, so the 70's was more golden for me. The lack of a TC winner since then makes the 70's seem even more rare and precious, maybe even the platinum era of racing! · 53 days ago ·

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ScottDick · Disappointment is the only word that comes to mind when I think of my triple crown experiences. I've yet to see one in my lifetime. Hopefully this will be the year! · 53 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · Very true, Jay S. (I wrote about my feelings on Risen Star just a few weeks ago http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/zatt/Louisiana_Derby_Legend_Risen_Star_123), but for this piece, I stuck with only horses that made it to the Belmont in position to win the Triple Crown. · 53 days ago ·

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rafirox · Great points and story, Sword. I was also thinking about predicting his Triple Crown, but I talked myself out of it. He had an amazing stride, it was 2x the other horses! His backstretch stride was "determined" as Tom Durkin put it. He was a true monster and I honestly think he could have done it. I also believe Barbaro could have done it. After seeing him romp races, but then having the heart in the Florida Derby, I predicted his Triple Crown. I hit over $1,800 on the KY Derby that year. After his breakdown, and what Bernardini went on to do, I still think Barbaro would have done it. I even donated all my winnings on him to research for that dreadful disease. I think I'll Have Another could have done it, if not for the injury. I don't think he would have, I was prepared to bet Union Rags $20 Across, but his odds detreated after the I'll Have Another scratch. I think Union Rags would have beaten him, to be honest, but I think he would have challenged, and maybe won. Dr. Fager didn't run in the Triple Crown, but he would have won it. Those are four that couldn't finish or didn't run that may have done it. But, than of course, you have horses like Alydar and Sham. Those two talented horses would have done it, especially Alydar, in most any other year. Alydar is one of the most underrated horses of all time. If you rank Affirmed in top 10, he should be top 15. With all these "Could have been's" it really shows how hard this task is. First, the 20 horse field, ten furlong distance, quirky surface, humongous crowd, you face 19 other of the best 3 yr old's in the country. In the Preakness, you face the best again, sharp turns. Than the Belmont, a testing 12 furlong distance, big turns, sandy surface. That's three tough races in five weeks, three G1 races, three different tracks, three different distances. Name a horse who can accomplish those 3 races? It is a very difficult task, so when a horse wins it is very, very special. The idiotic inbred breeding, the ridiculous training methods and the overuse of medications all play a role in making this tough task all the more difficult. I think the next Triple Crown winner will come from an old school trainer and willing to stick to better, older training methods. The breeding hubub makes it even more difficult. A colt with value gets $$$$$$, so we won't even see thhem after the TC!!!! · 53 days ago ·

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CauseForConcern · The one that I thought was deserving, but a (I think) safety pin? A.P. Indy looked to be a man among children, but, he was scratched the day of the Derby, and prevailed impressively in the Belmont. · 53 days ago ·

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rafirox · Oh, yes, CFC. I forgot him. He definitely would · 53 days ago ·

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rafirox · 've done it, IMO. · 53 days ago ·

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Jay S. · Brian, unfortunately I missed your article on Risen Star and the link you put-in your comment doesn't seem to be active. I sure would like to read that one for sure. I'll hunt around for an archive or look under Risen Star's profile. Thanks. · 53 days ago ·

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zxswordxz · http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/zatt/Louisiana_Derby_Legend_Risen_Star_123 · 53 days ago ·

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zxswordxz · http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/zatt/Louisiana_Derby_Legend_Risen_Star_123 · 53 days ago ·

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Jay S. · Brian, the link did work. (I was initially including the parenthesis at the end). OUTSTANDING portrait of Risen Star. Really took me back. People always say Secretariat couldn't reproduce himself. I say that would've been impossible. But Risen Star really wasn't far off. · 53 days ago ·

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zxswordxz · That was a wonderful article Brian. I love it. I was very young when he run and I was super pump that the son of my favorite horse is going to make his daddy very proud. I remember screaming when I see him at the back and yelling at the TV for the jockey to urge him to move closer to Winning Color. One of the first rule I learn, a uncontested horse on the lead that can relax will win most of the time. · 53 days ago ·

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Jay S. · One thing I really like about your articles is that you and I are almost the exact same age, and you've very talented at articulating the "Feel" of the time about those horses. · 53 days ago ·

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rafirox · I think we are near the same age, Brian and Jay. I was born on 12/14/68..... How 'bout you guys? · 53 days ago ·

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Jay S. · Just the greatest year model ever...1967. :) · 53 days ago ·

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the bid · I started following racing in 1977, The Bid was the most deserving, but for that damn safety pin, The seventies was a very specail decade of racing. I know in my lifetime we will never witness that era of greatness again..... · 53 days ago ·

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rafirox · The safety pin excuse was never proven. The only pin was the pinhead riding him... Spectacular Bid is one of the best I've ever seen, and if not for the ill-timed ride, he would have won the Belmont. Even after, Frankling admitted he was trying to show the world how good 'Bid was, and he was trying to prove he was better than Secretariat (or, downgrade his Belmont, in other words)... Either way, Spectacular Bid went on to have a spectacular 4 yr old season, and it stamps him, to me, as a top 5 or 6 all time horse. He was a perfect example of portraying dominance race after race, day after day. I know some older gentlemen who claim the 'Bid was better than Secretariat, and if 'Bid won the Belmont, we'd all be making that discussion, as it is somewhat justified, if he had won. But, IMO, Secretariat was the best horse of all time. I even met him when I was 17. It was an incredible experience. Just him, my dad, the groom, some other spectators, and me. We fed him peppermints, and he gave me evil stares... That arrogant son of a bitch. For any new fans to the sport, I recommend watching the Secretariat feautre on ESPN Sports Century. It gives you some excellent fact you'd probably wouldn't know. I'll post a link if anyone is interested. · 53 days ago ·

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rafirox · the Bid. I agree completely. The 70's was a fantastic decade for the sport. It shows how much fans love watching Triple Crowns. Those were the days where Secretariat, the big chestnut from Virginia, the smartest horse of all time, maybe the prettiest, so good he should be called G-d Disguised as a Horse. Then came 1975. Foolish Pleasure, Aviatar, Ruffian, etc. Ruffian's amazing front end speed, never before seen. I remember one time, I saw a feautre where they were showing her first work. Frank Whiteley said "Go nice and easy three furlongs. Gallop out easy for a half. I want a 37 or 38. Nice and easy.".... When the rider came back, Whiteley chuckled and asked: "How fast did you think you went, son?"... The young rider responded: "I don't know maybe 37. Why?" Whiteley: "No. Try 33 and change!" Rider: "No way, I would have felt it!".... Her stride was so long and effortless, she was just unstoppable. With her excellent speed, which is key for a match race, I believe she would have left Foolish Pleasure, a HOF horse, in the dust. If the Battle of the Sexes had a positive outcome, it would have been positive for racing. Than, we all watched Seattle Slew dominate the 1977 Triple Crown. We than saw Affirmed vs. Alydar, and that brought fans. So, with all this said, the 70's was definitely a golden era for racing, and we will never, at least in my life span, see another decade like that. On the flip side, the bid, while I agree with your points, the 40's racing was also great. In the Fab' 40's, horse racing was the second most popular sport in America. Whirlaway, Coal Town (right name?), Citation, etc. · 53 days ago ·

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UnionRagsRules · rafi... you really feel Union Rags would have won? I wanted him to race him so bad, and see what we got with the trips both of them want. It would have been a good race, for sure. I love Rags, but he pretty much got lucky with his size and stride. He had some heart, but not a lot, JMO. · 53 days ago ·

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rafirox · For crying out loud, the 40's had Noor and Bewitch!!!! · 53 days ago ·

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Sullivan · Rafi, Coaltown is one word. The 40's was the deade of Calumet, yes, but the 30's was when Horse Racing was uncontested. TV killed the sport as track officials actually opted out of having races be televised... if not for the few like Alfred Vanderbilt, it could've been lost altogether · 53 days ago ·

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rafirox · URR. It's not that I am bagging I'll Have Another, but I believe many people don't understand how hard it is to win The Triple Crown. Silver Charm, Real Quiet, Smarty Jones, Barbaro, Big Brown and I'll Have Another were all "sure things" to win the TC after the first two jewels. But, the third jewel is not an easy task. In between the 1948-1973 drought, 11, count, 7 horses won the first two jewels on the Triple Crown. In between 1978, there have been even more! Spectacular Bid in '79, Alysheba in '88, Sunday Silence in '89, Silver Charm in '97, Real Quiet in '98, Charismatic in '99, War Emblem in '02, Funny Cide in '03, Smarty Jones in '04, Big Brown in '08, and I'll Have Another in '12.... These are KY/Preakness Doubles, but you could add the fact that A.P Indy could have done it, Risen Star could have done it. Many were pegging Barbaro's Triple Crown Afleet Alex could have if not for having a bad trip in the '05 Derby, the list goes on and on. My point, there have been so many "sure things" heading in to the thrid jewel, what makes people think I'll Have Another would have become the one colt to overcome the third jewel? Sunday Silence was great, he couldn · 53 days ago ·

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jonah5110 · Of these near misses, how many have been inducted into the Hall Of Fame? · 53 days ago ·

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Sullivan · What on earth makes you think people don't understand how hard it is to win the Triple Crown? · 53 days ago ·

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rafirox · 't do it! The list goes on and on... The Test of the Champions takes down so many champions, and it takes a true champion to do it. Was IHA that champion? I'm iffy on it. Union Rags had talent and had the right trip. There are so many factors. What if IHA didn't like the surface? Had a premature ride? got boxxed in? We have no idea. He had the talent, but MANY horses have had the talent but didn't do it. Afleet Alex, Barbaro, Smarty Jones, etc are recent examples. I wouldn't be saying he would have... it's not easy to say so. Also, this shows how much a Triple Crown is good for racing. As previous stated by me, the 40's (Whirlaway in '41, Count Fleet in '43, Assault in '46 and Citation in '48) and the 70's (Secretariat in '73, Seattle Slew in '77, and Affimremd in '78) Shows how good a tc is for racing. Also, I'd like to point out, the 40's racing had more than mentioned. Whirlaway, Alsab, Count Fleet, Assault, Noor, Bewitch, Citation, etc. · 53 days ago ·

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Sullivan · Union Rags was very simply overrated. · 53 days ago ·

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rafirox · I believe this is my best thread ever. I love my posts on it. @jonah. Great question, I'll try to find the answer (as I don't know off hand). · 53 days ago ·

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Jay S. · Ever notice how enjoyable this site is until the two multi-account Butt Pirates show up? See y'all tonight. · 53 days ago ·

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Sullivan · Multiaccount butt pirates? Care to elaborate Jay S.? As far as I have seen today tcglory has not been a pain in the butt · 53 days ago ·

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rafirox · See ya tonight, Jay. This is my favorite thread ever. I lvoe my comments on it. Re-reading, pretending I'm someone else, my posts sound so knowledgable and informal! My posts on THIS THREAD sound almost as ggood as, dare I say, the experts like Buckpasser and LAZ write on a REGULAR BASIS. @Jonah. What is your definition of a near miss? I assume you mean 2 out of thhe 3 jewels? Please clarify. · 53 days ago ·

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rafirox · Sullivan, please don't ruin this thread, I beg of you. · 53 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Buckpasser and Laz have nothing to worry about. · 53 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · And, they don't brag about them selves*. · 53 days ago ·

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rafirox · Great, now you said I insulted them. That was not an insult, but a compliment. Notice how I wrote "Re-reading, pretending I'm someone else, my posts sound so knowledgable and informal! My posts on THIS THREAD sound almost as ggood as, dare I say, the experts like Buckpasser and LAZ write on a REGULAR BASIS. " Notice how I wrote how they post this golden stuff on a REGULAR BASIS. Rather just one thread. I'll try to dodge all the arguments coming up, like jay. I think I'll just log-off and wait for Mary and Cocoa to leave... Site is usually more fun that way. · 53 days ago ·

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rafirox · @Buckpasser and LAZ. Please realize that post was a compliment, not an insult like Mary was wrongly suggesting. Have a good one! · 53 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Douche is an insult to the actual product. I didn't use any insults in my two previous posts. · 53 days ago ·

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Sullivan · Ruin this thread? I think "wait for Mary and Cocoa to leave... Site is usually more fun that way" did the trick. · 53 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Countdown to the early return in whichever form. · 53 days ago ·

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Buckpasser · No problem Rafi. I don't take offense easily. Have been a lawyer for too many years. I would just like today here that I understand the fans' frustration with the drought in TC winners, but I also look back and remember the the drought between Citation and Secretariat and all the might have Beens as well. That prior to Secretariat and with so many failures, racing writers asked was the TC too hard to win. And then of course came Secretariat and Seattle Slew and Affirmed in fairly rapid succession with a near miss by Spectacular Bid. Then the writers asked was the TC too easy to win and shouldn't changes be made to make it harder. Now we have a long drought and the question becomes is the TC too hard to win? The TC will come and may well be an extremely memorable victory like Secretariat's Belmont. · 53 days ago ·

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rafirox · Good, Buckpasser. As I said, if I'm not mistaken, 7 horses won the KY/Preakness before losing the Belmont in between '48-'73. Since Affirmed won it in 1978, as I posted: Spectacular Bid in '79, Alysheba in '87 (please disregard that I accidentally said '88 in my original post), Sunday Silence in '89, Silver Charm in '97, Real Quiet in '98, Charismatic in '99, War Emblem in '02, Funny Cide in '03, Smarty Jones in '04, Big Brown in '08, and I'll Have Another in '12 all failed to win the Belmont. Than, of course, horses like A.P Indy in '92 who won the Belmont, but was unraced in KY and Preakness due to injury, Point Given could have done it if not for the poor trip, Risen Star could have done it if not for the trip. Afleet Alex in '05 missed out on the Derby, where despite the rail being dead, Rose dropped him onto the rail. In '06 Barbaro won the Derby in scintillating fashion, but was injured in Preakness. The list goes on and on. So many come so close, but it's that final step to get by which is truly difficult. As I said, three G1's, three different distances on three different tracks in five weeks is difficult. There are long droughts, and then, as you said, TC's that come in somewhat rapid fashion. I think that's the art to it. But, as we continues towards this downward spiral, the TC is getting more and more difficult for an abundace of reasons. Terrible training methods (We've had several discussions about that). Horses are inbred like crap. Overuse of medication... It's ust adds to the obstacles a horse must overcome to win the Triple Crown. The Triple Crown will eventually happen, but the longer it's nonexistent, the more fans will stop waiting for it to happen. As I said, the 40's (Whirlaway, Count Fleet, Assault, and Citation's) and in the 70's (Secretariat, Seattle Slew, and Affirmed's) were the golden ages for racing. There is no doubt that a TC would have a definite positive affect on racing. · 53 days ago ·

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Buckpasser · I believe England's drought is longer with Nijinsky 1970. · 53 days ago ·

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rafirox · Yes, Buckpasser, it is. The St. Leger makes the English Triple Crown extremely difficult, even more difficult than the Amercan Triple Crown. · 53 days ago ·

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Buckpasser · Definitely as Camelot's failure proved. I remember when Nijinsky won the St. Leger the British papers reported that he lost over 44 lbs. during the race. · 53 days ago ·

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rafirox · Yes. The 1 13/16 distance is very testing. That's what allowed Encke to nip by Camelot in the late stages of that run. I've heard that about Nijinsky. Nijinksy (or in America known as Nijinsky II) was quite the horse. He broke a 36 year drought of the English Triple Crown, and since his victories, not horse in 33 years has done it. So, based on there has only been ONE English Triple Crown in the past 98 years, I would assume that the English Triple Crown is harder. Especially the St. Leger. · 53 days ago ·

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Sullivan · It's not hearing when you read it on Wikipedia · 53 days ago ·

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rafirox · Troll. Plain out troll. I actually only know that from Buckpasser's posts about it (he has mentioned it several times).... Buckpasser, i apologize. I'm logging off. I'll talk to you later today on this thread. · 53 days ago ·

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Sullivan · You know you don't have to lie for people to like you, rafi, right? · 53 days ago ·

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CauseForConcern · One that is usually omitted, and probably hardly ever thought of. And, came around the backside of the Triple Crown winners of the '70's. Pleasant Colony and Johnny Campo. · 53 days ago ·

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Sullivan · Another omitted is Bold Forbes · 53 days ago ·

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travel_vic · I saw three of them I am glad to say, many misses too....Thought Swale would have done it. · 53 days ago ·

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CauseForConcern · The list is many, but, how about Hansel? · 53 days ago ·

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Collecting Horse Racing Memories

Monmouth Park’s biggest day of the year is the Haskell. There is great racing and a really big crowd. A lot of the crowd comes to increase their collection of racing memorabilia with the traditional Haskell Hat giveaway. Monmouth has been giving hats away since at least 1988.Read More

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skipaway2000 · I collect stuff too! I am very envious of your pinbacks, I love those. I have every program from my time at Del Mar last summer (I interned there, so that means I have every single day, eek!). I also have 12 years of The Blood Horse in my attic (yikes). I am fond of the bobbleheads, too and snagged Secretariat, Zenyatta, Chip Wooley, Ron Turcotte and my ultimate prize: Bob Baffert. I've got so much stuff, ya'll, but I have yet to swipe a saddle towel ;) · 722 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · skipaway2000, make me an offer. I am happy to trade, even a Secretariat. Memorabilia is like having a little piece of racing history. · 722 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · I have a bunch of good stuff as well, Matt, but believe or not, my favorites are the old racing forms. Nothing better than opening an old form with pp's of Forego, Slew or Bid! · 722 days ago ·

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micetic · I'm a serious collector of horse racing programs. Have almost 900 Hall of Fame horse programs dating back to Parole in 1882, a couple of Man o' War's, 7 Exterminator's including his maiden, War Admiral's maiden, 17 Stymie's etc. I also ahve a couple thousand DRFs from the 1950s and 1960s. If you Brian, or anybody else is interested I'll make you a good deal on Racing Forms. · 721 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · Great stuff ... we will have to talk more, micetic! · 721 days ago ·

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mary.schweitzer · Ooooh.......I have a bunch of collectibles. Pins (Ruffian/Foolish Pleasure; Secretariat; Twenty Grand (yes, *that* Twenty Grand), programs (BCup, Derby, etc.). My most treasured.....a complete set of racing programs from Easy Goer's races. Mint condition, all signed by Pat Day. :) · 720 days ago ·

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rockybudgeboa · I have several Racing collectables. I collect mainly though Stallion Registers and other books. Hey, Micetic, I think I sold you my collection of American Racing Manuals several years ago, To this day, I am kicking myself for doing that ;) · 720 days ago ·

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citronnade · I have one saddle cloth (which I missed on eBay - the buyer got a great deal, as I contacted them privately and offered over 3x their winning bid!) - I also collect older glasses and coffee mugs. My rule is to stay away from the "popular" races, otherwise I'd be constantly spending. I justify the expense by actually using them, and only buy from eBay - there's a bit of a thrill when you find something new and unique! · 720 days ago ·

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AnthonyAndrews · I'm so excited to get in touch with other collectors of racing memorabilia....I have an original Secretariat stamp, and the last program from Bay Meadows last day of racing. Meager in comparison to others, but it is a good start. · 720 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · Hey, there quite a few of us collectors out there. Do we need to start a support group? LOL! · 719 days ago ·

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rockybudgeboa · Yes, a Support Group would be a great idea. If anyone here is on FB, Please add me as a friend :) · 719 days ago ·

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jasonike · I have a lot of memorabilia as well.... One of my favorites is the 1972 Blood Horse with Secretariat on the cover after winning the Laurel Futurity. This is in mint condition and being that this was before the triple crown chase there can't be many around. · 713 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · Hey, jasonike, that sounds like a great Secretariat item, a rare one, too! What else do you have? · 713 days ago ·

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Mike in SB · Hey I am trying to get all of Spectacular Bid's racing programs, does anyone have his maiden race program? · 713 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · Mike in SB, have you tried Derby Doug's Horse Racing Collectibles? He has a very large quarterly auction. · 713 days ago ·

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Mike in SB · Thanks Andy, I will try Derby Doug · 713 days ago ·

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micetic · For what it's worth I'm not a big fan of Doug Felkins. have dealt with him in the past and will never do so again. Inmo, Jim Settembre who is bigred51 on eBay is the best horsracing dealer around. dealer in · 712 days ago ·

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micetic · @ Mike in SB...have never heard of a Spectacular Bid maiden program. I think it was at Jefferson Downs, and will be a hard one to find. Actually think it may be easier to find a War Admiral maiden (at least of seen 2 of those) than Spectacular Bid's. @rockybudgetboa, the only large collection of ARMs I recall buying was from a very nice lady in Toronto. Was that you?The only large group · 712 days ago ·

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ruffian75 · Mike in SB - I've got the 1977 Keeneland September Yearling Sale book, in which Spectacular Bid was listed. · 712 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · Spectacular Bid had his maiden win at Pimlico. Mike in SB, Derby Doug does not do his auctions anymore, sorry. · 712 days ago ·

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ruffian75 · Anyhow, I thought it was a nice piece of memorabilia. I find my posts to be bothersome to some, so, I'll bow out. I've been out of work for 2 years, and, the end is near. I really did enjoy rapping about horses, and sometimes being defensive over my beliefs. I hope you all enjoy nothing but success. Hope you make it to the Winner's Circle. · 712 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · Micetic, thanks for your insights about those sellers. Bigred51 must have an amazing collection. · 711 days ago ·

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micetic · @andyscoggin...I was thinking of John Henry's maiden. Getting old is not all it's cracked up to be. · 709 days ago ·

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micetic · Bigred51...(Jim Settembre) is more of a dealer than a collector, however, it brings up an interesting thought to who has the best collections. I can really only speak to program or glass collectors. I think the best program collection is probably a family of lawyers in NYC. It was started by a judge who use to send his baliff out to the track everyday to pick up a program. They have 20 of the 22 races Man 'o War ran in. That's a pretty good start. ;) · 709 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · John Henry broke his maiden at JnD-Jefferson Downs??? Is that right? It was May 20, 1977. · 709 days ago ·

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12thCrown · Good stuff - Every time we move my wife "asks" that I consolidate my # of boxes. I'm 38 (born in the year of the great horse) and started collecting around 1990 with Lil E. Tee/Pine Bluff programs at Oaklawn Park. I occassionally find a winner's trophy from a quarter or T'bred race at antique shops. · 537 days ago ·

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ray.klausmeyer · I have several collectable pieces from The Horse of the year 1967 Damascus , trophy from the Belmont, pictures, saddle, helmet, boots,whips from exercise boy,if interested please contact me ( raven99227@aol.com) · 272 days ago ·

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Buckpasser · I collect glasses and have at least one glass or other item from every track in North America. My Derby glasses start from 1940. I also have racing programs starting with MOW and Upset. · 272 days ago ·

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Buckpasser · One of my favorite items is a bronze plaque commemorating the building of Aqueduct Race track and a stall plaque from Armed, Calumets great champion of the 40s. I also have a large collection of card decks with famous race horses pictures, like Citation, MOW, Ponder, Capot etc and also from racetracks like Tanforan, etc · 272 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · I’ve got an absolute mint condition $2 winning ticket bet on Secretariat in his last race, the Canadian International Championship. In those days they had separate win, place, show and cash windows. The ticket is blue and in honor of Secretariat the Ontario Jockey Club printed Bid Red across the top of it. I’ve also got tons of forms and memorabilia going way back. · 272 days ago ·

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ray.klausmeyer · I have several collectable pieces from The Horse of the year 1967 Damascus , trophy from the Belmont, pictures, saddle, helmet, boots,whips from exercise boy,if interested please contact me ( raven99227@aol.com) · 267 days ago ·

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illhaveanothertriplecrown · I have a couple of items from lesser claimer horses and everything else autographed pictures or tshirts from derby winners or other major stakes horses. If anyone has anything from any of this years derby crop i would be very interested. · 267 days ago ·

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shannonsaltz.peabody · I have a small collection of stines (John Henry, Ferdinand, Chris McCarron: all limited edition, Oak Tree, Santa Anita)1988-1997 if anyone's interested, e-mail me: shannon_saltz@yahoo.com · 214 days ago ·

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Good God, Good Geldings!

Did your favorite make the list? Read More

Show All 24 Comments
AndyScoggin · Great piece. You have to love those warriors of the track! · 677 days ago ·

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zxswordxz · Great compilation with these power horses. You don't see horses ran the amount of races these horses ran. These are the type of horses that make me love the sport where they give it there all day in and out. Not horse that campaign all year to run one big race and expect to be crown champion. · 677 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · Fantastic list, Melaina ... It was nice to see Prairie Bayou make the cut. Unlike most geldings, he never got the opportunity for a long career, but he was a smart, loveable, and extremely talented horse. · 677 days ago ·

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Winplacsho · Great article, I was also a fan of the old West Coast gelding, Best Pal. Also, even though he's a Kentucky bred, Perfect Drift grew up right here in Kansas City on Dr. Reed's farm just south of the city. · 677 days ago ·

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ChristineDix · Exterminator... · 677 days ago ·

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Mike in SB · Great list, one of my favorite geldings was Creme Fraiche, winner of the Belmont Stakes, Donn and twice winner of the Jockey Club Gold Cup. · 677 days ago ·

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skipaway2000 · One of my faves was General Challenge. And of course, Mine That Bird :) · 677 days ago ·

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mdracing69 · Speaking of Mine That Bird, his 2YO half-brother Dullahan is stretching out and trying turf in the 7th race at Saratoga on Saturday. · 677 days ago ·

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sunstarmoon · A great list! Thanks for compiling all of this so that people who enjoyed these horses could relive their glory days and those who may not have known about them could learn more about them! · 677 days ago ·

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mdreynolds1 · Thanks for the list......however, you did forget that gusty little gelding, Mine That Bird! · 677 days ago ·

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shadowno · Hard to believe a list of top geldings could not include Ancient Title. I believe he is one of only five or six cal-breds in the Hall of Fame · 677 days ago ·

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Zenyatta-Perfection Personified · Mine That Bird is one of my favourite geldings. His two year old season was fantastic and his races in the 2009 Triple Crown were far above average for any horse. 1-2-3 in the three biggest races for 3 yr olds is pretty awesome. I wish he had not lost interest in racing. He had the talent, but his heart was not in it after the TC. I hope he has a long and happy retirement. · 677 days ago ·

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Zenyatta-Perfection Personified · Mine That Bird is one of my favourite geldings. His two year old season was fantastic and his races in the 2009 Triple Crown were far above average for any horse. 1-2-3 in the three biggest races for 3 yr olds is pretty awesome. I wish he had not lost interest in racing. He had the talent, but his heart was not in it after the TC. I hope he has a long and happy retirement. · 677 days ago ·

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KyOaksRunner · Phar Lap....incredible! · 676 days ago ·

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KyOaksRunner · Phar Lap....incredible! · 676 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Exterminator……100 starts, 50 wins, 17 2nds and 17 3rds, racing from 1917 to 1924. Ran in distances from 5F to 2 ¼ miles (7-5-1-1 at that distance). A Kentucky Derby winner who won races carrying up to 137 lbs. · 676 days ago ·

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kaless · My favorite is... John Henry! · 601 days ago ·

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buckpasser · Interesting that you include Roamer and Old Rosebud but forgot one of the greatest geldings of all time Exterminator · 601 days ago ·

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TampaBayDowns Fan · Yes buckpasser is right! How on earth do you forget Exterminator? Haha fluke? · 449 days ago ·

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AnnaK · Is Game on Dude gelded or not, I keeping reading horse, but Equibase has him as a gelding. · 449 days ago ·

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yukichan · He's a G. · 449 days ago ·

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wantwoman100 · Clean - up !! 228 days ago..Wow..History.. I guess that's why everyone is on twitter,and is killing good site..because you can get update info all the time.I like this site,and the people on here.but i don't have all day and night to go thur all history..Dubai,LA Derby ECT: · 449 days ago ·

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switch360 · kingston town is not on this site but has a doco on you tube he is right up there · 412 days ago ·

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profile.php?id=1000008574456991 · Native Diver also! · 283 days ago ·

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Top 10 All-Time Champions of Saratoga

NY State of Racing's Matt Shifman ranks the Top 10 Saratoga Champions!Read More

Show All 40 Comments
TampaBayDowns Fan · i love it how Affirmed and Alydar share the 3 spot · 343 days ago ·

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Mike in SB · What a great group of horses. All racing fans should go to the races in Saratoga at least once, and eat at Hatties while you are there. · 343 days ago ·

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ref2929 · No problem with that Top Ten......Awesome list.....Might have put Ruffian before Rachel !!!!! · 343 days ago ·

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buckpasser · I really think Damascus should have made your list. He won the Travers by 22 lengths · 343 days ago ·

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buckpasser · Also Exterminator won four Saratoga Cups at 1 3/4 miles carrying top weight. He certainly should of had a shot at your list · 343 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · This continued infatuation for Rachel Alexandra sometimes amazes me. IMO She might have made the list, but not 4th. In saying that, everyone has their opinions and I respect that. To me this list is like a Time Form Rating, based on one race, not necessarily all the races that these great horses ran at Saratoga. One that I’m surprised that isn’t on the list considering that he is such a high profile horse is Dr. Fager’s 1968 Whitney run in 1.48 4/5, a race where he could easily have smashed the track record as he won by 8-L and while carrying 132 Lbs. Another was Runaway Groom’s 1982 Travers when he defeated the winners of all three Triple Crown races that year (Gato Del Sol-Derby, Aloma’s Ruler-Preakness, and Conquistador Cielo-Belmont). The difficulty with a list like this is that there are so many greats to choose from, and only ten spots available. · 343 days ago ·

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Dressage3295 · Considering RA was the first and only filly to win the Woodward, I think she's well placed on this list. If there would have been more old time greats in the list, then she would have been further back. · 343 days ago ·

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ruffian75 · I was infatuated for the end-result that Rachel provided. Another horse that is omitted from the list, was Four Star Dave. He ran til he was around ten. Won every year on the turf. Set track records. Had a race named after him. This Top 10 is a good list, though. · 343 days ago ·

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buckpasser · I agree Laz it's hard to make a list of top tens, but the inclusion of Tea maker over Exterminator, Damascus, Dr. fager is not right. Exterminator won 4 cups and started in at least one or two more. If you need to include a steeplechase horse who broke records, Bon Nouvel who won the top steeplechase at Saratoga under 170 and by over 10 lengths or even Neji who was top chaser for several years would have been better choices · 343 days ago ·

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shadowno · top 5 Saratoga modern era females: Shuvee, Ladys Secret, Go For Wand, Desert Vixen, Ruffian, Ta Wee, Personal Ensign. · 343 days ago ·

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shadowno · Make that top 7. Could not leave PE and Ta Wee out. · 343 days ago ·

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CharleneWerden · Surprise!! wouldn't be my top 10 but we all have our opinions! · 343 days ago ·

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RonMicetic · Colin, Exterminator, Sysonby, Discovery......Seriously there has been horse racing at Saratoga for almost 150 years · 343 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · I am such an idiot for reading these lists again. · 343 days ago ·

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TampaBayDowns Fan · Yes, IK cocoa. · 343 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · Just crazy that I would ever expect this list to be unbiased and true. If the majority of race fans had not seen Secretariat as a child he would be no where as close to as famous as he is now. Count Fleet'd be ranked better and Slew would never be higher than Dr. Fager. Sadly my generation will think Zenyatta the greatest of them all, and it won't be Man O' War vs Secretariat, it will be Zen vs. RA. · 343 days ago ·

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travel_vic · Saw Secreatriat as a child? Listened to the Belmont on a small radio in the clubhouse of Golden Gate Fields while in professional school. Egocentricism has you in its spell. · 343 days ago ·

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Junebug719 · Secretariat # 1 then, number 1 now.. maybe forever............. · 343 days ago ·

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TampaBayDowns Fan · Hey its a word TV used that I know what it means! Woohoo! And because of the movie · 343 days ago ·

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Junebug719 · I was happy to see Go for Wand recognized. She is not given the credit she deserves for her record breaking time! She was a very fast horse. · 343 days ago ·

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larooski · In '73 it wasn't children saying Secretariat was the best ever. It was adults. His list of accomplishments speaks for itself. I'm not even going to begin to list them all. The times he ran and the margins he won by and the championships he won are facts not opinions. · 343 days ago ·

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buckpasser · Shadowno. Ah Desert Vixen, wonderful Shuvee who won 2 two mile JCGC over boys and one of my absolute favorites TA Wee. A nice walk down memory lane · 343 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · And the weights he won them with compared to his opposition scream "oops" · 343 days ago ·

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travel_vic · Fort Marcy was another not mentioned · 343 days ago ·

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CharleneWerden · I was going to let this go, that Secretariat is #1 and Man O' War is #2 at Saratoga, but let's look at the facts. Secretariat raced a few times there as a 2 year old, nothing spectacular, at 3 he lost the Whitney. Now, Man O' War at Saratoga carried 130 pounds as a 2 year old and as a three year old won his 2 starts and carried over 130 in one of them. SO, tell me NOW who was the better horse at Saratoga??? Just had to instigate a debate, author. · 342 days ago ·

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travel_vic · NOTHING SPECTACULAR? he easily beat the then number one ranking two year old in training Linda's Chief. as a two year old he had only TWO speed rating lower than 90, one in his abortive initial maiden race and his troubled Garden State Stakes handily with no pressure. LEARN the game before you expose yourself as ignorant. a · 342 days ago ·

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LorraineLloyd · I have to say, this is an interesting list. · 342 days ago ·

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LorraineLloyd · I love Secretariat, but his fans are rude, sarcastic, and have their heads in the sand. I agree with the comment below, first, Man O' War carried 130 pounds as a 2 year old as CharleneWerden said. It is reported that he ran the fastest time of the meet, he ran under restraint, and set an unofficial record. As a 3 year old he won both races at Saratoga. One he carried 131 pounds and the other he set an American record. HOW DOES SECRETARIAT GET #1 WHEN HE LOST HIS ONLY START AT AGE 3 AT SARATOGA, the Whitney. How can anyone dispute this in their right mind? Plus, my comment is twice because my computer is SLOW LOL!!! Unbelievable are Secretariat fans. It's ashame because I think the horse would have more fans if his existing fans were not so blankety blank and didn't feel threatened by the mighty Man O' War. · 342 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · Linda's Chief, wow that horse was good, we heard a lot about that one. MAN O WAR FRICKING DESTROYED Upset (who beat stakes winners), the good filly Cleopatra, Golden Broom and D · 342 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · onnaconna, the only horse to challenge Man O' War, John P. Grier, King Albert the foreign invader · 342 days ago ·

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travel_vic · poor old Linda's Chief. Saw Baeza do everything he could to just last in the Cal Derby at GGF and then, after being sold for about 2 mill, this one broke its back in the gate at Hollywood. Unlucky horse. · 342 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Linda’s Chief humbled Ancient Title three times in a row before losing the SA Derby when running 2nd to Sham as the 3 to 5 favorite. He then won that GG race, The Californian, by less than a length after leading by 8L at one time. For his next race he returned east to Belmont and won the Withers by three lengths defeating Stop The Music with Forego third. He won 15 of 24 races ( 10 stakes) through his three year old year but went zero for 8 at four before that injury that cost him his life at Hollywood. · 341 days ago ·

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roy.wilkinson.75 · First off, no Kelso makes no list. He won the Whitney three times at 130. Second, no love for Commentator and the Beyers he put up? · 341 days ago ·

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Buckpasser · Roy. Couldn't agree more. No Kelso no list. I like that. · 341 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Roy, I totally agree with your points about both Kelso and Commentator. However, Kelso’s first Whitney win in 1961 was at Belmont (by DQ). He won his last two Whitney’s at Saratoga as well as two allowance races on turf making him undefeated in 4 starts. Commentator was well past his prime when he lost the 2009 Whitney to Bullsbay, but his other two Whitneys were spectacular with 120 and 123 Beyers. · 341 days ago ·

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LorraineLloyd · We are talking about horses that ran at Saratoga, correct? Then Man O' War's record is WAY better than Secretariat, I mean, it's a no brainer. See my comments!! I'm sure other great horses actually won their races at 3 at Saratoga. Didn't Secretariat lose the Whitney? And, I'm glad Ruffian and Go For Wand are getting mentioned. When I mentioned Kelso compared to Secretariat, someone mentioned the age difference, so I was going by horses that were 3. Then there was Ruffian. · 341 days ago ·

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shadowno · Buckpasser, I dont think the author is one of ours. Maybe he is from New Jersey? · 341 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Lorraine, this seems like it is based on a single race, not necessarily a career. But then again who ran the better race at Saratoga, Secretariat when he dominated the top two year old at that time in Linda’s Chief, winning the Sanford, the only career race where he was not the favorite, by three; or Man o’ War at two when he won three stakes in the month of August and lost another to Upset when he was turned the wrong way at the starting line. In each of those races he was assigned 130 lbs., ridiculous for a two year old by today’s standards and in Secretariat’s time too. To me any one of MOW’s wins that month overshadowed Secretariat’s win. It’s kind of like asking if Frankel’s Queen Anne against basically one horse (who I believe is zero for four against him) and getting a 147 Time Form Rating is better than Seabird’s Arc against one of the strongest Arc fields ever, a race that he totally dominated and yet only receive d a 145 TFR. · 341 days ago ·

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buckpasser · Shadowno. Good one. I think you're right. Definitely from NJ · 341 days ago ·

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buckpasser · Tv I forgot what happened to Linda's Chief. Thanks for reminding me · 341 days ago ·

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Funny Cide

If you could choose, who would you rather own: Big Brown or the gutsy gelding Funny Cide?

Show All 17 Comments
TampaBayDowns Fan · My choice goes to Funny Cide · 359 days ago ·

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SteveHerron · Are you saying as just racehorses? Or stallions as well? Because I'd take Big Brown for his stud value. As a racehorse, I much prefer Funny Cide. · 359 days ago ·

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TampaBayDowns Fan · Careers at stud as well as racing. · 359 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · I'd take the money from the"brownies coming out of the oven". Funny Cide looks happy at his retirement farm, but I do like him better than BB. So, BB, but only for his income. · 359 days ago ·

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TampaBayDowns Fan · Ok, lets say money didn't control the votes. Who would be your pic? · 359 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · I have to re-think that now with the money off the table. · 359 days ago ·

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Dressage3295 · Big Brown is one of the most beautiful thoroughbreds I've ever seen, so if we're cutting out money, I say big brown · 359 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Beauty contest ? Funny Cide. · 359 days ago ·

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railbird33 · TampaBayDowns Fan- Funny Cide is a gelding and my pick. The peoples' horse. · 359 days ago ·

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travel_vic · Friend had a great idea that the TRA should have purchased this gelding and have him make "personal appeareances" at tracks all over to promote the game...WOuld have been good for the sport. · 359 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · I really don't have any opinion, I suppose Funny Cide as he was *probably* drug free. · 359 days ago ·

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AnnaK · Funny Cide. Although I'll share my 2004 Pinot with any mercenary pragmatist with a sense of humour and a love for racing. I'll even cook. Bring chocolate. · 359 days ago ·

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AnnaK · Oh dear, how did that happen? TampaBay, down here, good question. Wha?? racing high. · 359 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · There are some issues with the javascript for me as well. · 359 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · You're going to get offers now, Anna. · 359 days ago ·

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AnnaK · Good. The garden is coughing it up, and our corkscrew is a tank. · 359 days ago ·

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TampaBayDowns Fan · So big brown for money and funny for racing career? · 358 days ago ·

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Belmont 2012: Special Is What You Make It

Is the Belmont any less special with I'll have Another out? Clocker Molly Jo Rosen says, "Of course not!"Read More

Show All 0 Comments

Eleven Triple Crown Dreams Dashed - Part 2

Part 2 of Tony Bada Bing's analysis of the last 11 horses to come to the Belmont Stakes with a Triple Crown on the line ...Read More

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Funny Cide

Is the triple crown fever like this every year a horse wins the preakness and the ky derby? Excuse me, I don't really know much about it being I hadn't followed horse racing until the previous year

Show All 29 Comments
cocoa2 · Yes. It pretty much is. Don't expect a TC, it hurts a lot more if you do. · 383 days ago ·

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TampaBayDowns Fan · ya thats what I've been told. It sorta hard to not expect one, with everyone talking about pedigree, distance and what not and how's he's perfect for the Belmont · 383 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · Just don't listen. Everyone said UR was going to win the Derby. I didn't listen. I made a few bucks. · 383 days ago ·

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TampaBayDowns Fan · did you bet IHA? · 383 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · No, I'm not that good. I stuck to my trust show bet on Dullahan. · 383 days ago ·

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TampaBayDowns Fan · me too, haha. Didn't make much, but at least I didn't lose any. And now that Alpha is outta the belmont, now they're saying he has more chance. I honestly think some people say this just to comfort themselves into thinking he is absolutly surely going to win · 383 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · IHA could pull the win off, it depends on how Belmont is. Sometimes closers just fall down the stretch to win, sometimes the battle their hearts out and only make up a length. I want to see how it is, then I'll put my picks down. · 383 days ago ·

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TampaBayDowns Fan · what would benefit him; fast or sloppy? · 383 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · Depends on how he runs. If it's fast Dullahan has a shot to close and IHA has to wait a bit longer and keep something in the tank. If it is deep and slow Union Rags will be the competition. I honestly have no idea what the other horses will do, but I expect John Velasquez to make IHA earn his finish. Johnny V. won't be surprised by Belmont's big turns like Gutierrez, at Belmont you just want the stretch to end. · 383 days ago ·

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TampaBayDowns Fan · whose johnny ridin? · 383 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · He took over for Leparoux on Union Rags I believe. · 383 days ago ·

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TampaBayDowns Fan · why? Thought Leparoux was the main rider for UR> · 383 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · Not anymore. Because of his last two rides on Rags. · 383 days ago ·

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AnneShaw · Does anyone know if Mario G is already at Belmont? I know the rest of the team is. If so has he had any mounts? · 383 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · I read he was going up June 4th(?) and riding the 7th? But his longest race is 1 1/16? · 383 days ago ·

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Dressage3295 · yep something like that cocoa. I also heard he was only riding in turf races and not dirt · 383 days ago ·

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TampaBayDowns Fan · I heard he was scheduled to land on the fifth. And if his longest race is 1 1/16, oh gosh we're in trouble · 383 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · He is a smart jock, but if Rosario is riding Dullahan and Velazquez makes it up on Union Rags there is a lot of time to get IHA stuck far, far, far out on the turn. · 383 days ago ·

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TampaBayDowns Fan · and then there go their TC hopes. dashed for another year · 383 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · Don't be too quick to say that, Guittierez learns quick and a good horse can do a lot. Just watch how the track is. · 383 days ago ·

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TampaBayDowns Fan · he's proven that. I'm just hoping for a sloppy track so the deep closers like UR and Dullahan don't eat him up · 383 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · UR won't be far from the pace so if he can get 12f don't expect slop to kill ihim. · 383 days ago ·

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TampaBayDowns Fan · really? I thought he was more of a deeep closer · 383 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · No, most people do, that is the issue. He likes to hang around where IHA tends to, about 5 off the pace. · 383 days ago ·

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TampaBayDowns Fan · Really? I didn't konw that, haha · 383 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · Watch his races. That is why he performed like he did in the Derby, he broke 2nd to last, only behind El Padrino. · 383 days ago ·

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TampaBayDowns Fan · Ya what happened at his Derby brake? Did he trip or something coming out of it? · 383 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · He did get bumped a bit, but he is not known for his speed out of the gate. · 383 days ago ·

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TampaBayDowns Fan · Ya , that is true · 383 days ago ·

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2012 Triple Crown: I'll Have Another's Career After Belmont

A look at the recent trend of horses who had a successful career after winning the Belmont Stakes. Read More

Show All 1 Comments
sabbie · I think the key difference would be that if IHA wins, he'd be a Triple Crown winner. He's won big already. Other horses that have won lately have the Belmont as one of the only big wins on their record. · 389 days ago ·

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Triple Crown Fever – I’ll Have Another

“No kidding around ... I have not had a case of Triple Crown Fever this bad since 1989.” Read More

Show All 14 Comments
AndyScoggin · And to think on June 9th we will be at Belmont to witness history in the making! That will be a first for me. · 394 days ago ·

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rechelle.dorsey · Brian, I agree with you. This horse, when crossing the finish line, was still moving forward & away from the tiring pack. The only horse I think might have a chance with him is Alpha (I can't not include him, seeing how Bernardini is his sire and Bernardini has a lot of successful foals racing now). I love Union Rags, but I think the distance will be too far for him. As for your Big Brown comment, I don't think it was the horse himself that made you root against him, I think it was his obnoxious connections (Ivarone & Dutrow), as well as his horrible hooves. · 394 days ago ·

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rechelle.dorsey · Sorry stupid computer glitched on me. · 394 days ago ·

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anita.xanax · Genetically he's as legit as they come. He has the heart and desire you can't train in, and the level head needed. I didn't see him for the Derby either, much to my dismay. Now if the genes prevail, Cookie can do it!! I'LL HAVE ANOTHER!! · 394 days ago ·

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arazi · Awesome! Can't wait for IHA to do it... · 394 days ago ·

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nother · IHA will get it done ;; he is a spicial horse ;; the doubters dont realize the ability required to run down a super freak like bode;; what puts iha over the top is 3 thinigs;; relaxed temperament to stalk iin the most perfect spot re the pace;; killer tactiical speed;; and last but not least distance breeding;; he holds the aces in alll three;; jmo · 394 days ago ·

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amberflash · 1989 was the first Derby I ever watched and the first time I ever fell in love with a racehorse was with Sunday Silence. Since then, although I've loved both Cigar and Zenyatta, none of the other Derby runners have ever had my heart... until now. IHA isn't just good, he has HEART, and it's so inspiring to watch him run that I can see him bringing in new fans. Like Mario Guitierrez, he's humble in victory but humility does not necessarily exclude greatness. Speaking of Mario - have any column inches been spent on his bond with this particular horse? Jockeys are usually seen as "hands for hire" but is it possible that there's something special between Mario and IHA that has made all of this possible so far? IHA didn't seem to perform this way for any other rider.... · 394 days ago ·

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jmcleav · I have to admit Easy Goer had my heart in 1989, and Big Brown majorly had my attention even though I never choose him for the Derby. But IHA is bringing the dream alive, and I for one believe in him. · 394 days ago ·

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Bucky · I saw ill have another win the kentucky derby live,and won some good greens on him that day I watched him race the preakness on tv and won some greens that day as well I will also watch him at the Bellmont and win some greens that day as we honor him the tripple crown what a awsome horse and jocky they also should win horse of the year hats off to you ill have another · 394 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · Potential nightmare subjects: Union Rags, Dullahan, Paynter, Alpha... · 394 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Brian, that would be a scarier nightmare if one with the breeding of Paynter(Awesome Again out of Tiznow's full sister) had stakes wins to his credit. But then, no one has told him he is out-classed at this point. · 394 days ago ·

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Tony Bada Bing · Brian. love the enthusiasm...the fact of the matter is recent and long-standing history is not on I'll Have Another's side. Don't get me wrong, his Preakness proved, at least to me, how special he and his rider are. The problem is Belmont - the sandy surface, the distance, the configuration of the track, the difference in timing. If I'll Have Another is a true champion he will mitigate all that and win. If not, who are we left with · 393 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · I think IHA is a much better horse than any of the others and the added distance of the Belmont will suit him best of all. · 392 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · "Velazquez picks up mount on Union Rags" lethal combination. This is a definite threat. · 392 days ago ·

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Triple Crown 2012: Comparison of Odds

A comparison of the odds with the last three Triple Crown Hopeful horses to I'll Have AnotherRead More

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Will I’ll Have Another Sweep Triple Crown?

I’ll Have Another will try to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978 when he runs in the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 9. Since Spectacular Bid in 1979, eleven 3-year-olds have won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness only to fail in their Triple Crown quest at Belmont Park. Spec...Read More

Show All 5 Comments
Lord of Belmont · Dullahan is lying in wait and bred to win the Belmont. Asking I'll Have Another to repeat this feat again in another 3 weeks may be asking too much. Dullahan will have had a nice 5 week rest going into the Big Sandy 1 1/2 mile monster. · 395 days ago ·

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spoons · I agree. Dullahan and also Union Rags are both going to make him have to fight for it. · 395 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · Dullahanis an Allowance horse at best, came the last quarter in 27. gimme a break. · 394 days ago ·

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AnnaK · Would love a Triple Crown, mostly because it would pull people in to the races, (already started I like to think), plus IHA is such a strong red engine and Mario is excellent, that it just might be. Can't see Dullahan doing it, 27 in the last q good to know, that fancy inefficient leg work, so IHA and UR and anyone else can duke it out. · 394 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · Icy, Dullahan is the best Allowance horse I have ever seen, especially since he has won graded stakes. Or was I not to take you literally? · 394 days ago ·

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Patience pays off in Kentucky Derby Zen

The art of Zen allows one to tap into an inner calm while crisis ensues all around. Of course, it is almost impossible to recreate chaos, so Zen must be practiced in more peaceful times. For our Kentucky Derby purposes this means measuring one’s self in small, weekly increments known as “the Derby p...Read More

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BrianZipse · "Incredibly, despite historical information to the contrary, too many of us – handicappers, gamblers, fans, reprobates – put too much stock in the most current form of Derby contenders." - Fantastic advice! · 447 days ago ·

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travel_vic · many real condtenders did not have their last prep up to par: Unbridled, Alysheba and Giacomo could be capped by theri thrid contest back · 447 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · And remember how the Preakness TV audience was warned that Shackleford was terribly washed out yet he went on to run the best race of his life! · 447 days ago ·

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Waya · Donna Barton Brothers said Shackleford looked horrible before the Preakness. I will not listen to her again. · 447 days ago ·

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notobsessed · I agree that Derby prep races must be watched live...or at least recorded in their entirety for playback when convenient. I really need to see how the horses are behaving prior to the race. For example, Dale Romans was so excited prior to Shackleford's first race of 2012, saying how unusually calm he was in the paddock and I was thinking OH NO that's not good,no "Victory bucks" and he didn't run well. I wish they had more cameras behind the scenes so we could get a better look at whats going on back there! · 447 days ago ·

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notobsessed · Last year everyone was so excited about Dialed In's Florida Derby performance and look what happened! · 447 days ago ·

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notobsessed · Every time a horse had a big win in an allowance race this spring everyone went crazy and put them in their top ten and I'm thinking · 447 days ago ·

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ScottBowerman · It will all come down to the trip in a 20 horse field. To much emphasis on the horse and not the Jock. I try not to pay to much attentin to how a horse acts prior to a race unless they are mine and I know how they act normally. I left out Shakleford on my super ticket after getting sucked into the washing out story last year. It is hard enough with all the printed info and numbers assigned to each past race to digest only to have the final grade or body of work to be determined by a pre race Dr Phil and Dr Oz segment. I do agree with watchinghow they warm up on the track as that is different. · 446 days ago ·

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Pinning My Hopes On Pletcher

“Tis no sin to be tempted, but to be overcome.” William PennRead More

Show All 12 Comments
Floridaf · I am still upset about Eskendereya. I just *knew* he was going to win the Kentucky Derby (maybe even the TC). Uncle Mo missing the Derby may very well have been for the best. Given his performance in the BC Classic, he might just have been embarrassed in the Derby. Not that I have anything against Mo. I actually adore the colt. As for El Padrino...he has had some nice wins, but I really liked what I saw from Union Rags yesterday. · 478 days ago ·

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NickGunritz · I'm with you on El Padrino. I've liked him since his maiden run at Saratoga and I have $50 on him at 100/1. And I have the same concerns as you since Pletcher has had so many unlike · 478 days ago ·

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NickGunritz · Union Rags effort yesterday was impressive but it was no more impressive than El Padrino's allowance win. First of all, Discreet Dancer was the only graded stakes caliber horse in that field and he was backing up bevause he wants nothing to do with two turns. Secondly, when El Padrino won his allowance race he beat a horse that was better than anybody else in the FOY and that horse was firing a big race. Las · 478 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · Liked the Godfather's gutsy win in the Risen Star. There is still a long two months until the Derby. Lots of STUFF will happen. · 478 days ago ·

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skipaway2000 · how did you not have Smarty Jones? I thought everybody had him that year! ;) I think Isn't He Clever might surprise us on the TC trail. · 478 days ago ·

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b1ueeyes03 · I LOVE El Padrino! He is my derby pick... Union Rags raced beautifully but he was not tested in the FOY. I'm looking forward to both El Padrino and Union Rags next start! :) · 478 days ago ·

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HorseLover98 · I have started to feel like this too, in the past three years 2 of my big favs (mentioned above) were pletcher trainees, and both never ran in the derby or a single TC race, I think he's a good train, but I don't like his record with top 3-yr olds. Still I hav to love EP:)) · 478 days ago ·

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AnnaK · Good luck with that. El Padrino the horse is just plain damn fine and I wish him the best of luck. And you're right, don't get into the Life at Ten fiasco. · 478 days ago ·

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pozzulirulz · great post, pletchers bad news,, his horses peak once mayby twice, then there dragged off the course injured or never to run the same,, its so easy to see,, this man should be investigated big tyme to straighten up the game!! · 477 days ago ·

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Winplacsho · I think the best part about El Padrino is that he's already shown that he can take his show on the road. Usually Pletcher horses peak in Florida, but he seems to be improving. Hopefully Pletcher won't jinx it by bringing him back in the FL Derby & just run him back in the LA Derby instead! · 477 days ago ·

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kedez2012 · El Padrino and Union Rags are my top two at the moment, but I'm not sure which is #1. They both took such huge steps in the right direction in their last races--UR finally behaved himself down the lane and EP won a gutsy duel over a dry track. I'll have to wait and see their final preps before making a decision! · 477 days ago ·

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MikeRullo · the problem with el padrino, he lacks a quick turn of foot. the belmont might be a better race for him. on big race days pletcher horses have not shown up.I would be more worried keeping this horse sound in the pletcher barn. · 477 days ago ·

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Is Game On Dude our next Great Gelding?

How does Game On Dude stack up against America's greatest geldings of recent years...Read More

Show All 11 Comments
Floridaf · Based on the percentage of how many times they hit the board during their career, it's hard to argue with Da Hoss (95%), Prairie Bayou (83.3%), and Commentator (79.2%). In terms of that percentage, they're the top three on this list, but numbers only tell half the story. What Well Armed accomplished in Dubai was nothing short of amazing, and Funny Cide and Lava Man were immensely popular. John Henry is the gold standard for great geldings, but based on what Well Armed overcame, I would have to say that Game On Dude is the best gelding since Well Armed. · 499 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · Hes no Kelso, but he is good. · 499 days ago ·

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Mike in SB · He could be the best since Lava Man if his connections can resist the temptation to send him to Dubai. This is the year to keep him in California with the Breeders Cup at Santa Anita. He doesn't have the running style for the Gold Cup, he is better on dirt and that race takes a lot out out of a horse. A win in the Big Cap and the Breeders Cup Classic probably makes him Horse of the Year unless a three year old does something spectacular. · 499 days ago ·

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timgsmith10 · I was just commenting on GOD earlier , I believe he could take up to 4 G1 races in 2012.. Only time will tell I understand but he is very dangerous from 1 mile to 1 and a quarter. IMO · 499 days ago ·

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Floridaf · Mike in SB, I hope they don't send him to Dubai, either. He's great over dirt, but he really has not run poorly over synthetics either. He lost the HGC by a nose and the Pacific Classic by about 4 lengths, so he definitely is not terrible on the surface. With that being said, I agree that his running style does not suit the World Cup. I'd like to see him stay in the States and dominate here. · 499 days ago ·

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Firehorse21 · I believe he is an amazing horse and im glad that i will get to see him for another few years and i believe Chantal is perfect rider for him · 499 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · Add me to those who would rather see him in stay in California rather than a trip to Dubai. As you've said the BC is at Santa Anita this year, plus I believe he is better on dirt than on synthetics. Mike, I would argue that if he is this year's HOTY, he would overtake the record/accomplishments of Lava Man. · 499 days ago ·

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GlennTiongson · dude why did you not include cigar as one of the great geldings · 499 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Cigar was not able to sire any offspring, but he's not a gelding. · 499 days ago ·

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ILuvTurfRacing · Before I say what I'm about to say, I'd like it noted for the record that I'm a huge fan of Game on Dude, and admire this horse a ton!! That said, I'm not sure the word "Great" actually applies to Game on Dude? I think he probably has as much heart and pure desire to win as any gelding racing in America, or any horse period for that matter. But 6-wins, 4-places, and 1-show in 15 lifetime starts is a long way from being labeled "Great" in my view. TJMO. · 498 days ago ·

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xmango93x · Could be the best since Lava Man, but I am so biased toward Better Talk Now that I'm probably ineligible. I don't think I'll ever love a racehorse as much as I love that old gelding. Of course, that's because he was "THE horse" for me - the one who got me into racing when the most beautiful black horse I'd ever seen won the 2004 Breeders' Cup. This sport needs more great geldings that stick around and build fan bases. I don't think he was ever as popular as a horse like Lava Man, but to me Brass Hat was another one of those geldings that just stole my heart. The old, classy type that doesn't always win but always gives an honest account of himself. Evening Attire also comes to mind. Right now, I'll say Game on Dude is the best since Lava Man, but it'll take a lot to out-do that. Well Armed was a terrific horse on his day, also, but I'll put GOD above him based on consistency. · 494 days ago ·

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Fact or Myth: Can Talented 2's Become Terrific 3's?

Over the past few years one of the biggest angles a horseplayer uses in order to figure what horse could become a potential Derby horse, or even a top three-year-old, is to discount any obvious two year old stars. Is this angle legit or is it a myth? Read More

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Funny Cide

What the Horse Racing Nation is saying about Funny Cide...