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Gio Ponti
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Gio Ponti

7 year old Horse | Retired

10 fans

37 favorites

[Edit]

Owner(s):

Castleton Lyons

Trainer:

Christophe Clement

Bred:

Kentucky (USA) by Kilboy Estate Inc.

Pedigree:

Tale of the Cat - Chipeta Springs by Alydar

Rating:

8.28/10


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Progeny

Siblings

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What the Horse Racing Nation is saying about Gio Ponti...

Gio Ponti’s little sis makes a splash on the turf

As one of America’s most consistent and popular horses over the last several years, Gio Ponti not only racked up more than $6 million in earnings, but he also collected a legion of loyal fans who appreciated every race he ran. As we all know, all good things must eventually come to an end, and so di...Read More

Posted 17 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · Tom Durkin said, "Sister, sister". What an exciting run she made and in her first start! Saratoga is next??? · 17 days ago ·

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AnnaK · Truly wonderful! You hit every nail on the head, yes legions of fans missing him, and the "sister sister", so great. · 17 days ago ·

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likin sparks · Got a feeling in the near future she will be added to the undefeated list. · 17 days ago ·

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AnnEastman-Kerchner · I believe a star is born! · 15 days ago ·

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Gio Ponti

Oh, Gio Ponty! For me it is the most gorgeous stallion. Too bad he ended his career, I would like at least one more jump to it * - *! And how is it now? :) You have already started to think about his offspring, or even sooner?))

Posted by Rasta · 28 days ago ·

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Gio Ponti to Shuttle to Australia

Three-time Eclipse Award winner Gio Ponti will shuttle from Castleton Lyons near Lexington to Arrowfield Stud in New South Wales, Australia in 2012. The 7-year-old son of Tale of the Cat out of the Alydar mare Chipeta Springs entered stud this year. His U.S. fee is $20,000. Read More

Source: bloodhorse.com · Posted 34 days ago ·

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colonialtom · I love the competitive spirit of Gio Ponti and wish him well. I remember the Va. Derby win as a highlight as long as the near BC Classic win when Zenyatta overtook him at 12 to 1. · 34 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

Posted 43 days ago ·

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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. · 43 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 · 43 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. · 43 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. · 43 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! · 43 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. · 43 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. · 43 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. · 43 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. · 43 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? · 43 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 · 43 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. · 43 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. · 43 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. · 43 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. · 43 days ago ·

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BrianAppleton · Agreed Dani! · 43 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. · 43 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-- · 43 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.. · 43 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. · 43 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. · 43 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 ;-) · 43 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. · 42 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 · 42 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · They might have been held like it, but it doesn't mean they are. · 42 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 · 42 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. · 42 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.. · 42 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · They physically were simillar, but I think it stopped there. · 42 days ago ·

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TimSmith · What if it happened in the Goodwood> Would it be the same as winning the Belmont? · 42 days ago ·

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CraigBradshaw · considering the tapeta surface, the final time for this race on tapeta was very good. · 39 days ago ·

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Eclipse Award Selections - Of the 21st century!

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

Posted 121 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · Monarchos? · 121 days ago ·

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zatt · Sorry, but Point Given was superior to Monarchos in the 3yo male class of 2001. · 121 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Curlin not among the top older horses? DWC, Stephan Foster, Woodward, and JCGC? Zapper raced four times as a 4yr old, Tiznow was out most of the year. Inasor had a heck of a year as an older male, had a DWC and BCC. I can get not wanting to count Curlin's BCC. However, did win a total of 5 grade ones in 2008, while Invasor only won 4 in 2006. The amount he traveled during that time was unbelievable. He did lose twice, however they were on turf and synthetic, I don't remember Invasor ever trying those two surfaces. If one is willing to overlook Curlin's BCC win as a three year old then you must Tiznow. As an older Horse he was awesome in his three wins, but he lost three times, on his own surfaces. Curlin had the better older season there. Zapper was brilliant no doubt, but raced four times total and twice in sprints. Obviously brilliant and that gets him in, but Curlin nails him on durability and strength of schedule. Top four here should have been Invasor, Curlin, Mineshaft, and Zapper. · 121 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Bernardini won the Preakness, Dandy, Travers, and JCGC...pretty good if you ask me. · 121 days ago ·

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zatt · Curlin was a tough call, but notice he is on the 3yo male list, and the Horse of the Year list. I thought Curlin was better at 3 ... here are the horses who finished 2nd or 3rd in his three wins in the U.S at 4: Einstein (not as good on dirt), Barcoloa, Past the Point, Wandering Boy (twice), and Merchant Marine. Blame it on the surface or not, but the best horses Curlin faced as an older horse, he lost to. Don't get me wrong, Curlin was a fantastic horse, but his credentials as only an older horse are not quite as strong as a few others of the decade in my opinion, including Tiznow, who won some big stakes in California early in the year, and then came back from health problems to win an amazing BC Classic, his second straight. No horse has done that. And by the way, Curlin won 4 graded stakes (all grade 1) in 2008, not 5. · 121 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Wanderin Boy also was beaten by Invasor. Invasor beat Wild Desert, West Virginina and Sun King, all of those are not exactly World beaters. His Donn win against Hesanoldsalt? Brian, the competition card can go both ways. Both faced some nice horses in their big races, but in their other grade ones the horses that lined up against both were less than stellar. I would actually say Einnstein was a better horse than Sun King. Tiznow lost as well, so that card can also be played. Anything that can be said against Curlin can be said against at least one of the other horses on the list. · 121 days ago ·

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zatt · With all due respect, several horses that Invasor beat in the BC Classic, were better than any horse Curlin defeated as an older horse ... just look at the fields, there is absolutely no comparison. · 121 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Brian, as i state, both faced very good horses in their "big races." DWC and BCC are what i'm counting as big races. In the DWC Curlin faced several top horses, and not ony beat them, but decimated them. · 121 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Also to be fair, if you do not count Curlin's 3yr old Classic win then Tiznow's should not either. Both horses faced a lot, Curlin won some pretty big stakes back east his year too. Tiznow did have some good wins as a 4yr old, but if we are only counting 4yr old seasons in that vote then Curlin gets him. Both lost, but Curlin's season overall was better. He took the DWC, and came back to campaign an entire season, when many typically are knocked out for half the season. Not only did he come back he won 3 more grade ones. · 121 days ago ·

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dubby30 · Have to agree with DeatHeat on this one, all respect both ways to the argument though, when looking at the whole of the seasons, Curlin's should be the last we are debating, he would be on the older list quicker than the Zap and Tiznow, the Zap is especially questionable due to the 4 starts he made at 4 he made a start in a G2 and a G3, certainly not the schedule of an all time horse or one to be ranked up with a horse starting exclusively in Grade 1 races as an older horse. DWC, SFoster, WoodWard, Jockey Gold Cup, far out weigh the Tom Fool, Iselin, Woodward & BCC. But thats just my opinion. A horse like Curlin was tested in ways Ghostzapper never knew, and should be respected for that, so if there's anyone that should be debated, it should be Ghostzapper and Tiznow. · 121 days ago ·

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dubby30 · Also remember 2 year old filly – Sweet Catomine, 3 year old male – Summer Bird, Smarty Jones, Afleet Alex & Barbaro who i feel was twice the horse Bernardini ever was. · 121 days ago ·

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stevebiscuit · No Ginger Punch? Blasphemy! · 121 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Once again, truth, realism and actual facts should never be in the same sentence as Dubby. · 121 days ago ·

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zatt · I just posted my choices for each division ... can't wait to hear your opinions. · 121 days ago ·

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curlin.bandwagoneer · Curlin or Invasor for HOTY..........Curlin is my pick. · 121 days ago ·

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curlin.bandwagoneer · Invasor barely edges out Zenyatta.....really? · 121 days ago ·

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zatt · Hey, at least your boy got best 3yo male of the decade ... and by the way, if Curlin had won the BC Classic in 2008, he would have won the biggest award going away. · 121 days ago ·

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curlin.bandwagoneer · i am thrilled he got 3yo male! But Zenyatta never ran in the DWC, which Curlin and Invasor won. Curlin beat I believe two future DWC winners, Gloria de Campeo and Well Armed, by a huge margin. He also beat Premium Tap, who finished second to Invasor in the year prior. Both were amazing race horses. But Curlin's DWC and winning margin against two future winners, makes him winner in my book. I get that the loss in the 2008 BCC was a downer, but at least it was "off" his normal surface. If he had lost on dirt, i would understand. But do you really think Raven's Pass would have won on dirt? LOL · 121 days ago ·

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curlin.bandwagoneer · BTW, i agree with your other picks, if that is any consolation ;) · 121 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · For me, HOTY is Invasor and Curlin, not Zenyatta. Two big races doesn't do it for me, not when she could have dominated open races in Cali just as easily she did females in 09 and 2010. Curlin lost after a hard hard hard season. If he won the Classic that year, then he would have been one of the top 100 TB racers of all time, not just this century. · 121 days ago ·

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zatt · Like I said before, Curlin was a fantastic horse, but frankly his five races in the U.S. in 2008, or after returning from Dubai, include two losses and three weak fields. I just didn't think he was quite the same as he was before going to Dubai. · 121 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · I love this idea! But you know me, I have to go with Midnight Lute. · 121 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Two losses taking risks not many other top horses are willing to take. How often do we see a to dirt or turf star try and switch surfaces? Invasor faced some weak field in 06 too. · 121 days ago ·

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andiggs · You should give Blame some kind of award to make up for last year's travesty. · 121 days ago ·

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slteam17 · I know this is from the what could have been category, but still Barbaro deserves a mention for his win in the '06 Derby and his undefeated campaign up to that point. · 121 days ago ·

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shadowno · Curlin was pronounced steroid free in 2008. It makes perfect sense his races as a 4yo did not equal his steroid enhanced 3yo campaign. · 121 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Well Armed, a winner of 7 or 24 lifetime races, won the DWC by 14 lengths. Volponi, a winner of 7 of 31 races lifetime, won a BCC by 6 lengths. I guess that makes them real all time favorites, certainly a better horse than Zenyatta. Too bad Zenyatta never got to face Macho Again and Flashing and Persistently. Then maybe we could mention her in the same sentence as all these greats. · 121 days ago ·

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12thCrown · Afleet Alex was a pretty strong 3YO and never considered Invasor the best of that bunch. He ran in an era of "who-dat's" as well... · 120 days ago ·

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cugel the clever · Afleet Alex's Preakness victory was the most astounding and impressive recovery from near disaster I've ever seen in 50 years of watching racing. This race alone should place him in the top 100. Check this video of the race which includes super slomo of the incident. I get a sick feeling every time I see it - a reminder of the razor edge between tragedy and triumph. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfFzODoD7YY · 119 days ago ·

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cugel the clever · Afleet Alex's Preakness victory was the most astounding and impressive recovery from near disaster I've ever seen in 50 years of watching racing. This race alone should place him in the top 100. Check this video of the race which includes super slomo of the incident. I get a sick feeling every time I see it - a reminder of the razor edge between tragedy and triumph. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfFzODoD7YY · 119 days ago ·

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zatt · Afleet Alex was fantastic, and his Preakness was unbelievable, hard to keep him off the list ... Invasor was a champion in three continents, and beat an excellent BC Classic field. · 119 days ago ·

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travel_vic · another potential monster we were robbed of seeing mature · 119 days ago ·

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stevebiscuit · Zenyatta would've smoked Curlin. · 119 days ago ·

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Winplacsho · Though all were great, I think Ghostzapper was the most freakish (and just as dominating) of the group and would be my pick for HOY. · 119 days ago ·

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GregRiessland · i don't think zen could beat curlin and zen hasn't smoked anyone she nips you at the wire. runs hard enough to win. she should have smoked all the washed up girls, nope runs hard enough just to win. · 119 days ago ·

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1satmay · really havre? Did we forget about rags to riches ! · 111 days ago ·

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1satmay · sorry! missed her in 3yo · 111 days ago ·

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racingrooter · I'm with winplaceshow. I think Ghostzapper is the best horse of the 20th century thus far. There are some other great horses mentioned here, but GZ would have left them all eating his dirt. · 111 days ago ·

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racingrooter · Oops, meant 21st century. I'm only 12 years behind. :-) · 111 days ago ·

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Chicago Dark Horse 2011 Year in Review

Here ends the first year of the Chicago Dark Horse blog. Let’s recap what happened in 2011 and find out what we can expect in 2012...Read More

Posted 141 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · Great review of Chicago racing, Chris ... Glad I was able to spend several great days at the races with you! · 141 days ago ·

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RobertPotter · Good job Chris....and to echo Brian....Glad we met and spent some fun and profitable days at both Arlington and Hawthorne! · 141 days ago ·

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Floridaf · Great review. I really didn't know much about Chicago racing, but I've learned alot from your blog. Looking forward to reading more of your work, and now you have me really excited about the upcoming spring meet. · 141 days ago ·

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MichaelArndt · Great piece, Chris! Look forward to playing the ponies with you in 2012 at Arlington AND getting you and BZ down to Kentucky Downs, America · 141 days ago ·

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darlene · Nice recap and great site to hear about Chicago racing which I didn't really know much about except the Arlington Million Looking forward to more in 2012 · 141 days ago ·

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driveon · Nice job, Chris. I've always been a fan of Hawthorne and have made some big scores there in the past. I prefer dirt to synthetic for handicapping/wagering as well-so I prefer Hawthorne to Arlington. My fondest memory of Chicago racing was making a PILE of money on a horse called Rocket Twenty One who was given to me by a Facebook friend who goes by the handle "Mike Saratoga". We keyed him in the late pick 4 that day and connected for $1,800 as well as win bets @ 16/1! · 141 days ago ·

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dave.zenner · Well done young master Chrsitopher · 141 days ago ·

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Chicago · The "finance committee" gave a luke-warm smile to that comment on this blog... · 141 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · One day I'll have to make it to the track in Chicago. You make it sound like a must for me! · 141 days ago ·

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Chicago · It is a must, Matt! You're welcome anytime! · 141 days ago ·

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cardsbymarcy · Great Blog (where have I been?) · 141 days ago ·

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ChrisTaylor · great work · 141 days ago ·

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isabella.izzy · Never met Jim Miller but when a race was MIA on their website I friended him on FB and told him I wanted to watch that race. It was up pretty quickly. Great job Chris! · 141 days ago ·

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passthebucktalkinghorses · CoHosting with Buck on Pass The Buck Talking Horses. lol · 141 days ago ·

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EricSlora · Chris, you've done a great job all year...and this is a great summary of the year. · 141 days ago ·

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EricSlora · Hey Chris, one other thing...big thumbs-up especially for your list of learnings - item #3! Jim Miller for President! Hawthorne has the best ambassador they've ever had with Jim...knowledgeable, friendly, whip-smart...good guy. · 141 days ago ·

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AliceReynolds · Great job Chris; maybe we will get to meet up sometime! I know Tim is smiling about his shout-out and I love watching that video. Hey, the next video that popped up was shot by me of Tim visiting Curlin. I had never actually seen it before. Love the close up of Tim & that's me talking in the background. Love it Chris; thanks!! · 141 days ago ·

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jasen.mangrum · Hey Chris, job well done! I agree, Arlington Park is still the nicest track I've been to. I'm planning on coming up there in August for the Arlington Million. We'll have to plan another HRN assualt, just like at CD, but without any car troubles. =) · 141 days ago ·

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cpsoren121 · I love my tracks of Chicago! · 141 days ago ·

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christysontheweb · Epic blog post CDH!! Way to wrap 2011...I'm going to AP next year if its the only track I get to!! Agreed on "people of racing" that they are the best ever and yes what a tremendous loss....Tim Reynolds. We also have the same fave blog...Tim Ice!! Look forward to following him in 2012 along with that CDH blog ;) Aside from those I also look forward to seeing how the 2012 3 y.o. crop turns out! · 141 days ago ·

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paulie0265 · Love reading you all the time "" · 141 days ago ·

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paulie0265 · Love reading you all the time "" · 141 days ago ·

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RyanBrady · Great Stuff Chris, and You are invited into my stable anytime at The Big T (Thistledown) · 138 days ago ·

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Breeders’ Cup Recap: Chicago Style (no ketchup)

This last weekend I visited for the first time Churchill Downs and experienced my first Breeders’ Cup! It was an amazing experience that I will never forget. I am grateful that I got to meet in person so many of the friends I have been talking to for a very long time. I got to see world-class equine...Read More

Posted 190 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · Really enjoyed this, Dark Horse, and absolutely, positively mustard ... no ketchup! · 190 days ago ·

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ScottDick · Onions! This was great, great summary about a great experience. You were excellent on Pass the Buck. nice selections also. Look forward to many more experiences at the track with you and Jason. · 190 days ago ·

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HeatherSeiden · Great recap!! Loved meeting you and Jason, aka Vin. You guys were awesome to hang with. · 189 days ago ·

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RobertPotter · Nice job Chris! I enjoyed following your action-packed weekend odyssey. Agree about Caleb's Posse...well derserving of the 3 yr old champion title. I'll take extra relish on mine please! · 189 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Okkk...where's my Klondike Bar! lol. I would say my two faves were the Dirt Mile and Juvenile. Behind them are the Juve Filly and L. Classic. I was very cool to get to meet you and everyone else. The dinner was awesome....thank god we didn't park where you did lol. Hope to see you and the rest of the gang soon :) · 189 days ago ·

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travel_vic · The horses are the only reason to go · 189 days ago ·

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travel_vic · I hear now from a friend who was there that the locals moved the gate far from the inner rail and did not have a horse inside Goldikova and play favortism from the outset. They sure as heck turned a blind eye to interefernece that would have DQ's any other horse at any other track any day of the week!! · 189 days ago ·

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darlene · best part for me would have been meeting the great A P Indy Bucket list item for me · 189 days ago ·

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christysontheweb · My fave of all your blogs so far CDH!!! It was great to hear about your Lou-A-Ville experience after going there for the 2010 Derby. This blog makes it final. I'm absolutely going to be in attendance for KY Derby 2012! Can't wait to go back and this time visit the breeding farms too :) PS- You owe me a Klondike! · 189 days ago ·

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travel_vic · The adjunct bleeder med debacle will soon it ugly head and many were not aware of how Kentucky allows f separate antibleeder meds and did not report the many who raced on the adjuncts · 188 days ago ·

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cpsoren121 · Still loved this trip!!!! · 145 days ago ·

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Gio Ponti

Gio Ponti has had a great race career. Now it is time for him to leave, as his best times are far behind him. Leave it to the new fresh horses to do it now.

Posted by kaless · 164 days ago ·

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yukichan · Umm...he's been retired since mid-November to Castleton Lyons--enjoying droves of visitors and fans I hear. Castleton Lyons. Castleton Lyons. Read: "Gio Ponti retired to Castleton Lyons www.brisnet.com" · 164 days ago ·

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Gio Ponti

Gio Ponti was a great competitor

Posted by LarryDickson · 172 days ago ·

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travel_vic · retried at the correct time as his best were far behind him · 171 days ago ·

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Wise Dan is a Horse for all Courses

Dirt, Turf, or Synthetics ... the surface makes no matter to the Clark Handicap winner.Read More

Posted 173 days ago ·

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atamulonis · Big win for Wise Dan. I knew he was one to watch in this race, but I wasn't sure that he could pull it off against Flat Out and Ruler On Ice. I was wrong, and I will gladly admit it. Much the best. · 173 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Great race for Wise Dan. We need more handicap males like him. · 173 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Of course not all geldings though. · 173 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · I think this win has to at least put him in the best older male discussion. · 172 days ago ·

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shores · I think the nominees for older male should be Flat Out, Wise Dan, and Game On Dude, and Amazombie. · 172 days ago ·

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shores · Also, what about Cape Blanco? · 172 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · Shores, personally I would say Acclamation and Cape Blanco are more in the Turf Horse and Horse of the Year races than the older male. After yesterday, I lean towards Game On Dude as the Older Male of the Year, but I think Wise Dan just earned himself a spot as a finalist. · 172 days ago ·

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travel_vic · multi surface animals are rare birds · 172 days ago ·

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Grace & Glory.. Havre de Grace and Gio Ponti

Most days you just have to work with what comes your way. "Havre de Grace" was trotted out at Vinery on a beautiful Fall afternoon.And "Gio Ponti" was featured at Castleton Lyons the next day, a very blustery day in the 100 acre woods. Wendy and I ended up getting a few good shots each day. He...Read More

Source: turfanddirt.blogspot.com · Posted 183 days ago ·

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Gio Ponti Will Stand at Castleton Lyons

Gio Ponti, the three-time champion who finished fourth in Saturday’s Breeders’ Cup Mile, has been retired and will stand at Castleton Lyons, the Lexington farm that also raced him. He will have a fee of $20,000 in his first stud season.Castleton Lyons will make Gio Ponti, a 6-year-old, available for...Read More

Source: drf.com · Posted 190 days ago ·

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3:27 PM

Gio Ponti has been retired and will stand for $20,000 at Castleton Lyons.

mdracing69 · 190 days ago ·

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Gio Ponti

I think that maybe this year Gio Ponti just wasnt how he used to be but im gld he was actually race fore six year instead of endiing at two, three or even four year olds people just want the money from retiring them even though the horses could be at the top of there game but i understand horses who are injured to be retired not just to be retired just for the money purposes

Posted by Firehorse21 · 191 days ago ·

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Court Vision Shocks Goldikova in BC Mile

Court Vision came from nowhere to nose fellow closer Turallure in a roughly run renewal of the Breeders' Cup Mile.Goldikova, seeking an unprescedented fourth Mile win, had to settle for the show. Jeranimo, Get Stormy, and Sidney's Candy took the early initiative with Goldikova neatly tucked in at th...Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 193 days ago ·

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oldfallgal · I can't believe Goldikova wasn't taken down. Peslier oughta to be set down for two weeks, after launching a six-horse demolition derby. This wasn't a maiden claimer at Cahokia Downs. This was a major, multi-million-dollar race, and the Churchill Downs/Breeders Cup stewards brought shame to themselves and the game. Added to the ridiculous Thursday morning turf course closure which wrote finis to the chances of at least four strong European contenders, the display of arrogance and pettiness by officials turned the event into a tawdry exhibition instead of the sport's showcase, as it is intended to be. · 193 days ago ·

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travel_vic · When I worked out the fractions for the Woodbine Mile two years agao, Court Vision had the best closing fraction of any horse I have charted since Secretatiat but it seemed that this one was in decline..Obviously not · 193 days ago ·

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bigfootmauler · yeah that bumper car thing was a dumb idea! that was a huge wreck waiting to happen! · 193 days ago ·

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Cigar16 · The debacle that occured on Thursday from the fallout of CD's decision to not open the turf course for training has become a situation that I now find to be just as humorous (somebody please take Michael Stoute's deplorable trackside rant and make a comical YouTube video of it!) as it is shameful! Shameful for both entities. Despite CD's effort to make trainers aware by broadcasting on several occasions via the PA system the possibility of grass course training closure due to a threat of precipitation, a mess still ensued. WHY, did CD close the course a nanosecond before the scheduled opening? HELLO? I get that it was for legit reasons, but making that decision without facilitating your freaking public/horsemen relations department etc in preemptive coordination with the Euro's was appalling. This is not a normal event. Sorry, but CD definitely dropped that ball! But on the flip side is who the hell does John Gosden, and the most obnoxious, self entitled jackass Michael Stoute think they are in that they feel they can remedy their inconvenience by doing as they please in disregarding the closure, attempting to DISMANTLE the railing, and helping themselves to the course as if they were at home and having a backyard BBQ??? OMG! I was embarrassed for them! We can only hope that this will be at the very least a learning experience for the future.. All of that being said, and being one of the last people to look the other way as protocol is not adhered to, I do not speak lightly when I say that in the grand scheme of things, 10, 20, or a 100 years from now as an American racing fan I DO NOT WANT the unpleasant stigma that would have been ours FOREVER had the stewards DQ'ed Goldikova to LAST, therefore forever tarnishing her image. I am so glad the stewards proved diplomatic, thought of the consequences, and made the RIGHT DECISION! · 192 days ago ·

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likin sparks · Hey, what better way to entice more foreign horses to complete in the BC races, no harm nor foul for bumping. Also CD should have had all the PR and grounds crew out after the rain subsided drying the track off with hair dryers it wasn't good enough! · 192 days ago ·

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Gio Ponti

I think it's about time Gio Ponti got retired. What do you think?

Posted by kaless · 192 days ago ·

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shores · I believe the Mile was his last race. · 192 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Another 3 yo dad? What about the "promise" he would run next year? · 192 days ago ·

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shores · He MAY go to the Hong Kong Mile next, which is what I read, but he will retire to Castleton Lyons at the end of the year regardless, and will begin a stud career in 2012. And Mary, Gio Ponti is 6. · 192 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Shores, lol, that was supposed to be an Uncle Mo comment. I put it at the wrong thread. · 192 days ago ·

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shores · Funyy, Mary :) As for Mo, I just don't know... I think he should come back so we can see a full year out of him, but I think they need to keep him at a mile. · 192 days ago ·

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Windy City Wonders Blow into Louisville for BC! - Day 2

About a week from now, I will be making my very first trip to Louisville to make my very first visit to Churchill Downs to see my very first Breeders’ Cup! Joining me on this pilgrimage are equine champions that in some way have a connection to the Windy City. Whether they are based in Chicago, have...Read More

Posted 199 days ago ·

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driveon · Nice job, Chris. So far, the only bet (other than Rocket Twenty One) that I am sure I will make is a fairly large double bet on Royal Delta/Flat Out in the Classics. I hope their tremendous workouts today don't depress the payout:) · 199 days ago ·

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szulcc · I'm looking forward to all the BC races and am not going to take TOO much of an opinion until I get the Ragozin "Sheets" and handicap but I really like Caleb's Posse in the sprint. He loves the distance and will close into a likely fast pace. Very honest horse who I think will be able to get it done on Saturday. · 199 days ago ·

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Winplacsho · Nice piece Chris, I love AU Miner in the Marathon (as much as anyone can love a horse in that race I suppose). You think they could've found better connect four players for that commercial, those kids sucked! · 199 days ago ·

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Winplacsho · driveon, Do they really have a bet for that, because that crossed my mind as well. · 199 days ago ·

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KyOaksRunner · I Gio Ponti runs big again this year, and I like all three of the Turf Sprint horses with a chance to at least his the board. · 199 days ago ·

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Chicago · Brian, let's see how he does against Goldikova... · 199 days ago ·

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driveon · @ Winplacsho - yes, there is a daily double bet you can make on Friday on Ladies Classic/Classic. · 198 days ago ·

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Protagonist · The Windy City has already sent its #1,Northside home grown kid to Louisville 7 months ago. He's doing fine,now there is more of an invassion and may they do just as well! Hello to everyone back home ,and to · 198 days ago ·

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Protagonist · OOPs( and I don't mean OOPs The Gray) I Keyed to soon, All my friends at Trackside and The Mud Bug! · 198 days ago ·

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Protagonist · Hey Chicago Dark Horse,I'd love to meet you ,come to Barn 37 CD! Another fellow Chicagoan, who Loves this Great American Tradition of Thoroughbred Racing! By the way say Hello to Ray at Mud Bug,along with Stan the Teller! · 198 days ago ·

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Protagonist · When you say hi to them tell them Ed says Hello! · 198 days ago ·

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cpsoren121 · Thanks Protagonist! Send me an e-mail with more information csorenson2@att.net!! · 198 days ago ·

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RobertPotter · Nice job again Chris...its always fun to follow the "locals". Wow, Protagonist, I too remember Oops The Gray winning at the "old" Sportsmans Park with juvenal diaz aboard....must have been what, 1982-83? · 197 days ago ·

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gabriel · www.youtube.com/user/cpsoren12 for my dad's video's and me with his phone making videos and my dad posts them online! · 197 days ago ·

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gabriel · http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JkIs37a2JE...Dad you like this song!!!PEOPLE...WATCH THIS VIDEO. · 193 days ago ·

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Gio Ponti

He's my favorite horse because he wins a lot of races...

Posted by gabriel · 197 days ago ·

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Goldikova Lands Rail in Breeders' Cup Mile

Goldikova, shooting for a fourth Breeders' Cup Mile triumph, drew the rail and has been made the 7-5 morning line favorite for Saturday's turf test. Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 198 days ago ·

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AmbitiousD · Does anyone else think that 15-1 is a good value for Sidney's Candy? I think he is the most likely longshot that has a chance in this field. · 198 days ago ·

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ghelguera · Mr. Commons is at a great price 20-1, my pick for upset. · 198 days ago ·

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alonso12929 · I like Mr.Commons and Zoffany to upset @20-1 · 198 days ago ·

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Uncle Mo Tops Record 193 Breeders' Cup Pre-Entries

Led by Havre de Grace, Uncle Mo, So You Think (NZ), Gio Ponti and Goldikova (IRE), a record 193 horses—including 29 from overseas—have been pre-entered for the 2011 Breeders’ Cup World Championships.Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 203 days ago ·

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aj.mindiola · Im so glad that this years breeders cup is in Kentucky..Im not wasting my time flying out to watch this BC Classic..This is the worst list of entries Ive seen in years... · 203 days ago ·

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travel_vic · where is Mo entered again? he can't really be effective long · 203 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · travel_vic He had a lot left in the tank after brushing off Jackson Bend who at a mile is a formidable horse. His dam's side screams out, Distance. For U M I believe the farther the better. The internal fractions of his last race show that in his second quarter energy burst. · 203 days ago ·

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RamonD · aj.mindiola i agree with u!! · 203 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · @aj.mindiola Take the flight. You'll never see another horse like Uncle Mo in your lifetime unless he runs as a 4yo. It's not a matter of if he wins it's what will the track conditions be and if they are good will they take a shot at Secretariat's record. · 203 days ago ·

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yukichan · Wow... a waste of time? Here is sit envious of all the thousands of folks who are lucky enough to attend the BC live. While the rest of the world, me included, will be camping out next to the TV. There will be at least ONE if not more "magical moment" that you will say "I was there when _____" (you can fill in the blank come 11/6). Mo, HDG, Goldie, SYT, Big Drama, Sarafina, Flat Out, and so on and so on...some kinda magin will happen. And you will watch it unfold live..Count yourself lucky! · 203 days ago ·

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cugel the clever · Mo will be lucky to hit the board. He's a miler. Havre, Stay Thirsty, Game On Dude will all beat him. · 203 days ago ·

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SkiptheCountry · A waste of time? Perhaps you are just "casual" horse racing fans? Who knows if this years Juv. holds the next triple crown winner? What about another historic run in the BCC by a female trying to out run the males? Not to mention the many Europeans making the trip. Then there is just the fact of seeing the magnificent animals in action. You are entitled to your opinions, but a day at the track is never a waste of time for me. · 203 days ago ·

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likin sparks · Hey!!! two words for you GO MO!!!!!! · 203 days ago ·

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ghelguera · Hey!!! One word for you, BUST!!!!!! Most overrated horse in horse racing! One more week to be a fact!! · 203 days ago ·

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likin sparks · Let us see... · 202 days ago ·

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joseph.c.legeza · MO has overcome alot of adversity this year.Reading comments like"he's a bust,"he will be lucky to hit the board"just makes me smile.I hope there are more people out there that feel the same way.Please put your money where your mouths at and I'll be laughing all the way to the bank.GO MO !!!!!!! · 202 days ago ·

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travel_vic · laughing to the bank? he will be ahuge underlay, count on that · 202 days ago ·

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joseph.c.legeza · underlay only because of illness.if he did not get sick the word underlay and MO would never be in the same sentence. · 202 days ago ·

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ghelguera · Mo will be the BC Classic favorite. If the fans don't make him the favorite the Ropole will. That's the best thing about it, Flat Out all the way!! · 202 days ago ·

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rossington · So You Think to win, Flat Out to place, Havre De Grace to show, and box the tri-fecta!! JMO. · 202 days ago ·

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crc1858 · @rossington many duplicates,slow down check before you save what you insert !! · 202 days ago ·

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aj.mindiola · icyhotboo ·...I was there last year and staw a great horse in Zenyatta..I would not call Uncle Mo a great horse... · 198 days ago ·

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CraigBradshaw · game on dude will get a little money love from me. chantal just might pull off a first. · 198 days ago ·

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Gio Ponti - Pedigree

[Edit]

Tale of the Cat	Storm Cat	Storm Bird
		Terlingua
	Yarn	Mr. Prospector
		Narrate
Chipeta Springs	Alydar	Raise A Native
		Sweet Tooth
	Salt Spring	Salt Marsh
		Jungle Mythologic