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Mission Impazible
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Mission Impazible

5 year old Horse | Active

2 fans

1 favorite

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Owner(s):

Twin Creeks Racing Stables, LLC

Trainer:

Todd A. Pletcher

Bred:

Kentucky (USA) by

Pedigree:

Unbridled's Song - La Paz by Hold Your Peace

Rating:

7.59/10


	Lou Hodges, Jr.


	Eclipse Sportswire

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What the Nation is saying about Mission Impazible...

Mission Impazible

Mission Impazible continues to gear up for the G1 Donn. He breezed 5f in 1:01.78 (12/24) at Palm Meadows on Feb 5.

Posted by mdracing69 · 2 days ago ·

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Fair Grounds: Napravnik to Return Friday

Defending Fair Grounds jockey champion Rosie Napravnik took off her mounts for the second consecutive race day Wednesday, but should be accepting mounts Friday, according to her agent Derek Ducoing. “She’s still a little sore,” Ducoing said Wednesday, “but I expect her to be back to riding by...Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 13 days ago ·

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Mission Impazible

Worked an easy 4 furlongs in 50.60 at Palm Meadows on 1/8.

Posted by Floridaf · 30 days ago ·

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mdracing69 · He loves Fair Grounds. Hope they ship him there in the near future. · 30 days ago ·

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Floridaf · That would be the smart move. What do you think would be the best race for him there? · 30 days ago ·

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mdracing69 · A couple of graded routes come to mind. The G3 Mineshaft on Feb 25 and the G2 New Orleans 'Cap on April 1. I know Pletcher said that he wanted to win a G1 with him this year so he'll probably shoot for the Feb 11 Donn at the Gulf. · 30 days ago ·

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Floridaf · The Donn would be an ambitious move for MI and Pletcher. Ruler On Ice, Shackleford, and Flat Out are all possibly pointing toward the same race, and MI would have to run big to beat them. MI has been so inconsistent recently, but he did seem to be improving in the Clark. · 29 days ago ·

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Wise Dan Over Mission Impazible in Clark

Mort Fink’s homebred Wise Dan achieved Grade I glory when he kicked clear of Mission Impazible in the final furlong to easily win the 137th running of the $572,500 Clark Handicap presented by Norton Healthcare by 3 ¾ lengths on Friday at Churchill Downs. Wise Dan gave Fink and trainer Charlie...Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 73 days ago ·

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Flat Out, Ruler On Ice Square Off in Clark

Preston Stables LLC’s Flat Out and George and Lori Hall’s Ruler On Ice, two major players from the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (Grade I) run at Churchill Downs on Nov. 5, will be searching for Eclipse Award championship momentum when they face 11 rivals on the famed Louisville track in Friday’...Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 77 days ago ·

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Wise Dan Pummels Fayette Foes

Wise Dan came away with the lead coming off the turn and ran away to a four-length victory in the $150,000 Fayette Stakes (gr. II) on closing day of Keeneland Oct.29.The 4-year-old son of Wiseman’s Ferry recorded his third stakes win in his last four starts. The chestnut gelding is a Kentucky homebr...Read More

Source: bloodhorse.com · Posted 101 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · Huge performance by the underrated Wise Dan! · 100 days ago ·

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Mission Impazible Stuck Outside in Fayette

New York-bred Future Prospect and 2009 Toyota Blue Grass (G1) winner General Quarters finished one-two in the WinStar Kentucky Cup (G2) on September 24 at Turfway Park and will meet again on Saturday in the 53rd running of the $150,000 Fayette (G2) on closing day of Keeneland’s 17-day Fall Meeting. ...Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 104 days ago ·

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Aikenite Might Go in BC Sprint

The Todd Pletcher-trained duo of Mission Impazible and Aikenite breezed a half-mile together over a fast Churchill Downs track Sunday morning. Mission Impazible stopped the clock in :48.20 and Aikenite finished about a length behind in :48.40. The two 4-year-old colts ran evenly through fractions o...Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 106 days ago ·

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General Quarters Targets Fayette

Future Prospect and General Quarters, 1-2 finishers in the WinStar Kentucky Cup (G2) at Turfway Park on September 24, will likely meet again in the 53rd running of the $150,000 Fayette (G2), a 1 1/8-mile race for three-year-olds and up on closing day at Keeneland. Those two horses, as well as...Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 107 days ago ·

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Can Havre de Grace Beat the Woodward Boys?

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

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 160 days ago ·

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medlocke · IMO, Havre De Grace winning the G1 Woodward Stakes will be a much tougher ask for her than it was for Rachel Alexandra back in 2009. Because frankly, Havre De Grace will be facing a much tougher group of males than Rachel Alexandra did. When Rachel won this race in 2009, she raced against a Macho Again and Bullsbay that were without question at the end of their racing career's. Because if you check their records, neither Macho Again or Bullsbay came anywhere remotely close to winning another race after they ran in that 09' Woodward. That's definitely not case here for Havre De Grace. She's facing a field of males that many of them are still racing at the top of their game!! TJMO. · 160 days ago ·

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dubby30 · I've heard Brian Zipse repeat over and over that the males that ran in the Woodward in 09 were just coming off of Grade 1 wins in Macho Again and Bullsbay, the fact is these were horses that had excellent form. The fact that you dont recognize that that race took a great deal out of all of those horses is not surprising. · 160 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · medlocke : It may not have occurred to you but neither Macho Again or Bullsbay came close again to winning as Rachel ran them into the ground. However prior to that race they were the dominant older males beating the like of Einstein , Gio Ponti, etc. Until this post I used to respect your opinion, tho's days are gone!!!!!!! · 160 days ago ·

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AnneShaw · Unfortunately was also the swansong of Rachel's great career. She was too young to race those after the campaing she way she did that year. I will always love and admire her and think this is exactly what Mr. Hollendorfer is trying to prevent with Luck. · 159 days ago ·

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timgsmith10 · Its Because of that Grueling campaign that she became the Superstar we all loved.. I dont know why people cant see that.. · 159 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · OF course HDG can beat this group. The truth is, if I had two more legs I could probably bet them also. In fact even if I had one more leg. · 159 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Icyhotboo. I’m not tying to be the negative on this issue on who Rachel beat, but the fact is, Macho Again defeated Einstein in the Foster only after Einstein had repeated trouble in the stretch and got clear too late. Check it out on YouTube. To show you how far out Macho’s win over Einstein was, check out the Clark at the end of the year when Macho was nine lengths behind him. You might say that Macho was rung out by Rachel. I say that Einstein was rung out by Zenyatta. I do not have any recollection of Macho ever defeating or finishing ahead of Gio Ponti. As for Bullsbay, he won his G1 in the Whitney against that same Macho Again and Commentator, who was well over the hill and was retired after the race and who, in his prime won this race twice, defeating Pacific Classic winner Student Council and eventual Woodward and BCC winner Saint Liam, both these horses on a different level when it comes to measuring class. Commentator also received 123 and 120 Beyers in these races. Other than that, it might surprise you to know that outside of Summer Bird, the horses that Rachel defeated never won a G1 route race again until I believe this year. · 159 days ago ·

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dubby30 · Laz, Rachel is retired and comfortably in foal to Curlin, let your disdain of the filly go, no one really cares about your uninformed opinion on the matter, if they were so awful a group Zenyatta should have come and taken down that race, instead they felt it more important to get another Grade 1 on paper but allowance optional claimer on paper in the Lady's Secret defeating Lethal Heat, the ever powerful 2/12 Lethal Heat, and barely got that job done, so Finishing a neck in front of a proven G1 caliber horse in MA, compared to a horse that never won a race of consequence in Lethal Heat kinda gives us all indication of your lack of common sense. You seem obsessed with running down a filly that faced and defeated males 3 out of 3 times. Your fav horse is 1/2 against males, and couldnt run down a horse that never won a 10f race before. Let it go man, you are over the top. And that's putting it nicely. · 159 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Oh shame on me eh Dubby. Maybe you should practice what you preach. · 159 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Dubby You seem obsessed with running down a mare that won a BCC and lost a second BCC by a few inches. · 159 days ago ·

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dubby30 · Fact is they are both retired, let them go from the convo, you let Rachel go, I'll let Zen go, until then I'll continue to point out that one finished perfect against males and the other lost to the best horse, the one that won the BC in a hand ride, while you're mare was hit almost 30 times with the whip. That Other Gear was, um lacking, lost, any word you want to use. · 159 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Dubby. I’m glad to see that you turned over a new Zenyatta bashing leaf, since when, about five hours ago? How long will this one last, another five hours or so. This “you let Rachel go I’ll let Zen go” statement, didn’t you make that same olive branch statement a while back. It lasted all of about two days if I recall. In any event, my post wasn’t about Rachel (who I am not trying to denigrate) and which I thought I stated in a round about way. It was mainly about Macho Again and Bullsbay. · 159 days ago ·

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dubby30 · Well let's say you're referring to MA and Bullsbay, how are you knocking two horses that were in form and coming off of Grade 1 victories when they tested her and were repelled. Your horse racing knowledge or lack is glaring. But I'll say this, you keep your opinion on this horses and i'll listen to the editor of this website in Zipse who has stated over and over again both of those horses came into the 09 Woodward in great form, and she ran them into submission. · 159 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Dubby. Don’t waste your time questioning my horse racing knowledge Dubby. What you should question is your understanding and interpretation of the true meaning of facts, not the supermarket tabloid manner of twisting the facts that you always try to do and then shove down everyone’s throat. Simple question. Where would you rank Macho Again and Bullsbay in G1 history, and where would you rank them in Woodward and Whitney history? My ranking on all counts would be right down near the bottom. Where would you rank Gio Ponti, Summer Bird (the 10F version, not the9F version), Twice Over, etc.? I would rank them much, much higher than the G2 males Rachel played with. · 159 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · The field in the Woodward Stakes of 2009 in the manner it was run was as good as any ever. Each horse at its best time took their best shot at RA who was ridden by the moron who set her up to get beat. D'Tara, was not much but had sprinters speed took her the first quarter in 22:8.0.Past The Point who gave Curlin all he could handle in the 2008 Woodward Stakes was next to take his shot followed by Bullsbay and finally Macho Again.Calvin (the moron) gave her one of the worst ride's in racing history. Finally instead of tearing her down you should appreciate what she did because its going to be a long time before you see her likes again. · 159 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Horses run differently when they run against horses that have an abundant of class. That is why claimer may set track records that even G1 horses can’t approach, but put those same claimers in with those G1 horses and the G1 will most likely to be victorious. The 2009 Woodward was a superbly run race, but where Rachel, Macho Again and Bullsabay finish if it included the likes of Quality Road, Saint Liam, Ghostzapper, Curlin, Lawyer Ron, Cigar, etc. Time is impressive, but it in no way supplants class. Class is the number one characteristic in horse racing. · 159 days ago ·

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footlick · You are fighting a losing battle Laz. Class is not something that seems to be considered here. Even if each horse was at his best, nobody is taking into consideration how good that actually proved to be. You are beating your head against the wall. · 159 days ago ·

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ruffed grouse · LAZMANNICK. You are correct in regards to the class factor. There is always the occasional freak, but I have worked stake horses with a lesser caliber horse and even if they want to and are capable of staying alongside they just drop back. There is always a pecking order from the paddock to the track. · 159 days ago ·

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timgsmith10 · R.A in 2009 was amazing case closed. · 159 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · Any elementary fan knows about class. However horses determine their class not us. Take a top allowance horse and put him in with a mediocre grade 3 and the graded hore will win. That was a real tough one. As for Ghostapper, Quality Road, Curlin, Lawyer Ron, Cigar, unfortunately they didn't show up for the 2009 Woodward Stakes but Macho Again and Bullsbay did so I am dealing with the reality instead of the fiction because in anything you do "you play the hand your dealt" and Ladies and Gentlemen I'm talking about the real year 2009 when it happend not when you wanted it to happen and who you want to add to the list of entries. Make valid argument and I'll give consideration to your threads but as of now I choose to live in the real world not some virtual race that never happened. On the other hand you pick a race you think was strong and others think was weak then proceed to make an argument for the winner and after taking your time to do this someone runs out of left field and yells "but Secretariat, Citation, Spectacular Bid, etc. weren't there. This is exactly whats happening. · 159 days ago ·

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footlick · icyhotboo- but by that definition you cannot ever compare any horse unless they raced in that race in that year. That is a rather existentialistic point of view in regards to horse racing. The only way you can measure the strength or weakness of a field is to compare it to the stellar horses who have won it in the past. They do that for every major race in the world. It has nothing to do with the real world. It has to do with the ability to evaluate the class of horse running. If you really believe what you said then you cannot make any statements regarding any horse other than in the context of the specific race you are talking about. You cannot compare Secretariat to Man O War because they never raced in the same race. You cannot compare Sea-Bird to Ribot because they never raced in the same race. So then there would be no way to evaluate greatness because you are only judging by that particular race without bringing in past standards to compare it to. You have to evaluate by the past to be able to rank the present, imo. · 159 days ago ·

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mrsmaryzinke · Icy, This might be an icy-lated time, but I agree with you. · 159 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · footlick : you know I respect your views but the point I have been constantly trying to make only to be met with criticism is that Rachel Alexandra faced the best available older horses. I admit they weren't great but as a group they formed a perfect team to put her to the ultimate test and she passed. I really resent when a horse of her caliber isn't given their just due. I would make the same case for any horse of her caliber who was stuck facing the opponent's that were available but not really worthy in the eyes of some. As for speculating on the greatness of horses who never faced each other, especially from different eras well that can be a lot of fun but not very realistic due to track changes, equipment changes, etc. I guess I'm kind of an oddball as I was a fervent fan of both Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra and I can relate to the antagonism between the two camps because back in the 60s it was that way with Dr. Fager and Damascus, both truly great horses as I believe these two contemporaries were very special and should have raced against each other a few times.Can you imagine what that would have done for this sport.You were right when you said you needed passion to even post because horses evoke a passion in me that could be called insanity. Have a nice day all and I appreciate your input, pro or con. · 159 days ago ·

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footlick · icyhotboo- I would have never criticized you if you had just stated that. All she could do is face what lined up to race against her. That doesn't mean that you cannot compare fields to determine the strength of competition. I will give you an example of another three year old filly who ran in the Woodward. Her name was Summer Guest. She had battled Susan's Girl all year in her division. When she lost the Beldame to Susan's Girl, that field included the older fillies/mares Typecast and Manta. Birch felt he had to run Summer Guest in the Woodward to try to get the championship. That year, the Woodward was at 12 furlongs. The field in included Key to the Mint, Riva Ridge and Autobiography. She finished second in the race, but was placed third because she crossed over on Autobiography on the first turn. She is never mentioned, basically forgotten. But consider the quality of competition she had to face in her division, in the older filly/mare division and the horses she had to face in her Woodward and a distance of ground that most say is more difficult for females to beat males. Is it fair to say that Rachel, who was a brilliant horse, faced the same caliber of horse? That is all I am trying to point out. It isn't a slam on Rachel because she was a brilliant horse. But racing cannot be a vacuum where one race is isolated and cannot be compared for strength or weakness. I respect your opinion also, and this is just my opinion. No criticism of you is meant or intended. This will be my last post abut it, also. Just wanted to give you an example of where my thinking is coming from. · 158 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Icyhotboo. You are correct when stating that the 2009 Woodward field was what it was. However, the field that competed in the 2009 Woodward and the manner in which they competed in no way can be compared to some of the great fields that contested the Woodward in the past. You could take a field of 5K claimers, have them run within a second of the track record, have a great stretch long battle with one of them prevailing by a nose, and that would be considered a great race. And we have seen this scenario play out so often in the past. However, at the end of the day the race was still a 5K claimer. Put the two horses that hit the wire noses apart in a good quality allowance of in a 20K claiming race and they would perform entirely differently. We have seen that scenario play out many times in the past also. Some people think that time is the most important element in handicapping. Beyers are based solely on time. In how many races does the horse with the best Beyer win? Class is so important, much more important than time. That’s why we have so many level claiming races and a graded stakes system. So, without trying to knock Rachel, if you think that the 2009 Woodward was anywhere near the quality of so many other Woodwards in the past, sorry, but you are wrong. In my estimation, the only weaker Woodward was the 2010. · 158 days ago ·

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mdelmatt · Based on my figs, Havre de Grace is the most likely winner Saturday and Flat out a clear second most likely winner. Then Rule and Mambo Mesister. Giant Oak is next most likely but he is much more apt to get a piece than win the whole thing. If you want a live longshot on the card, try Golddigger's Boy (15-1 on ML) in the Forego (Race 9). · 158 days ago ·

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dubby30 · I don’t think that anyone would make the statement that the Woodward was a strong field of horses that lined up in 2009, only 3 grade 1 winners. But if you take into consideration the field that lined up in the 2009 Breeders Cup you could certainly say the same thing, that field was comprised of: Gio Ponti, Twice Over, and Rip Van Winkle, all turf horses of those only Gio had synthetic experience and by means of his 5th place and up the track performance previously you would have to say it was not a surface he relished. Summer Bird, Regal Ransom, MTB and Girolamo were unfamiliar with the surface and Summer Bird detested it so much that his owners sent him from John Sadler’s barn out at SA to Tim Ice to get him away from the surface, so he showed great class by finishing in the same position Curlin did in 08. Richard’s Kid, Colonel John, Awesome Gem and Einstein were all horses that had run previously on the surface but certainly were as inconsistent a group as you’d ever see, but the uninformed try to pretend as if this was some stellar group. And if you put the dirt horses back on dirt, and add Zenyatta to that mix you will probably see what you saw in 2010, her losing, when you put the turf horses in that mix, its not a stretch to say she would have probably found it difficult to win anything on turf with the way that most good turf horses run exactly like she ran. On top of that is the fact that very few horses are bred to stay the 10 furlong trip and do it competitively leaves one wondering and speechless why Zenyatta wasn’t entered in more 10furlong races instead of staying in 8.5 furlong races over 50% of her career. Or why if these races that include the Woodward and Whitney and JCGC and SA Handicap and HWGC and Pac Classic and Goodwood are so awful why is it that Zenyatta never stepped into those starting gates not one time. Hmm So while some connections want their horse to be campaigned as a champion all year long, the Moss’s only wanted to be called champion on BC day, and that my friends is what is ruining the sport, QR and Blame went their separate ways after the Whitney. The same happened with Flat Out and Tizway this year, protecting records to be able to be in line for yearend honors, unlike the way they campaign in Europe in facing the best all year long. You can't be considered great by taking on the supposed best 1 time per year in an attempt to get honors thru the back door. your campaign has to be worthy, ala Curlin 07/08, Rachel 09, Blame-Blind Luck-goldikova 2010. Im just saying. · 158 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Dubby this isn’t about Zenyatta, it’s about the 2009 Woodward. The 2009 Woodward was what it was. For the most part it wasn’t a race filled with top class horses. Sure Da’ Tara and Macho Again and Bullsbay were grade one winners, but once again why don’t you examine their G1 wins. Da’ Tara won 2 races in 19 tries, one a maiden, the other a Belmont when he was the longest shot in the race and basically inherited the win when Big Brown was pulled up and the others, including Macho Again, couldn’t get the distance. He also made zero boards in five other graded stakes races. Macho’s win in the Foster was against a deeply trouble Einstein who, the next time they met, finished 9 lengths in front of him. Bullsbays’ was gained against that same Macho Again and an over the hill Commentator, a two time winner of the Whitney with Beyers of 123 and 120 and who, on even a fairly good day would have trounced both him and Macho. All three of their G1 wins were “tainted” to some degree. If Big Brown doesn’t pull up, Einstein doesn’t get into serious trouble and Commentator was even a remote version of himself, then the 2009 Woodward would basically be the same as the 2010, a race with only the favorite being a G1 winner. Regarding class in this race, Rachel had it, no doubt about it, because she refused to lose even when whipped 20 or so times (a lot of horses would have quit with that much abuse). However, Bullsbay showed a distinct lack of top level class when he made a big move on the turn, looked like he was going to go right on by, and hung. Macho showed his lack of top level class when from the 16th pole home, and with a ton of momentum, he had every chance to win, but couldn’t gain the desired foot or two needed to get past Rachel. My question is, do you think Rachel would have gotten close to just about every other winner of the Woodward in the past and do you think she would have prevailed if a real, bona-fide G1 horse would have been nose to nose with her in that last 16th? · 158 days ago ·

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shadowno · I will always have a fondness for Bullsbay due to a nice payday in the Whitney, but in all fairness he was a wildly inconsistent horse. · 158 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · LAZMANNICK : please read my prior thread where I give a brief explanation of class because for you to post your thread you either didn't see or didn't understand it! dubby30: I didn't post my thread about RA for you to use as a springboard to degrade Zenyatta's accomplishments, as you seem to have a mental disturbance about that. How do you sleep nights knowing she got horse of the year because EXPERTS agreed even though she lost one race she was in fact the best.A precedent was set for that in 1954 when Native Dancer only raced 3 times and won HOTY.PLEASE give us a rest from that drivel.I don't mind honest criticism but I do mind cheap shots! · 158 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · footlick: I appreciate your responses and the fact you do so without sarcasm. I realize many times Woodward fields have been assembled who with the exception of Rachel were much better than this. The point I obviously failed to make was the race was run in such a way as she got no breather as they came at her relentlessly. I was there and felt both elation and sadness knowing she would need at least six months to recover.As an aside at the distance of 1 1/8 mile I would put her in with any of the great ones as I would Zenyatta at 1 1/4. Your point to me that racing isn't fair was not lost as I've owned horses(all standard bred) and on two occasions they were hit by lightning. On another the driver while leading in the stretch with a 10 length lead in a race in which I had a big bet fell out of the sulky , dead drunk. Your comment are always welcome as it seems you enlighten me about many things in racing of which I had no prior knowledge. Have a nice day. · 158 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · I am a little late to this discussion, but please allow me to add my two cents ... At ages 3 and 4, Macho Again won the: Stephen Foster, Jim Dandy, New Orleans Handicap, and Derby Trial. He was also was 2nd in the Preakness, Whitney, Super Derby, and of course, the Woodward. The fact that he was never the same after Rachel defeated him in the Woodward, in a race that could not have been better set up for him I might add, should in no way be held against Rachel. At the time of the Woodward, he was a very good horse. · 158 days ago ·

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CauseForConcern · I wanted to make reference to those that constantly refer to Grade 1 competition. I don't know who rates the quality of the races, but, for the longest time they would ignore the Arkansas Derby as a Grade 1, despite the fact that it was a $1 million dollar race, and had the likes of Curlin, Smarty Jones, and Afleet Alex in successive years. They finally got that honor. And yet, Santa Anita can create a new race, and it automatically gets Grade 2 level, without ever having a race run. As much as we discuss horses, every horse has to start somewhere, and it wasn't Grade 1 competition. Let the best horse win, and he/she doesn't know what level of competition they are beating. · 158 days ago ·

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kincaidd · What # race is the Woodward? · 158 days ago ·

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footlick · icyhotboo- thanks for the compliment. I enjoy yours as well. I don't want to belabor the point, so I won't. If you just take Susan's Girl, Typecast, Key to the Mint, Riva Ridge and Autobiography, you can see what level of horse she ran against as a three year old filly. And she held her own. And she is forgotten. This is why I have to go by something more than time and open length wins. That is how I learned to evaluate relative strength of races and relative strength of the horse. I could be totally wrong, but it is how I was taught. That is why I talk about class and strength of field and that is why I feel they are important. Rachel ran a gutsy race. It isn't her race that I am criticizing. Anyway, I have had enough of this topic. Have a great day too. And thanks again. · 158 days ago ·

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4everZenyatta · I truly don't undertsnad what ehr connections are trying to prove. If she wins this, I highly doubt it will prove anything, except that her fan will try to make her seem like super horse. Yes, I agree that she is an amazing mare, the 4th in recent years, (Rachel Alexandra, Zenyatta, Blind Luck, Harve de Grace) I think she is great, but in my opinion it would have been smarter for her connections to sharpen her up for the Classic if they really want to run her against the boys. If she wins this, yes she may be eligable for Horse of the Year, but it might also burn her out. Running against this type of competition is hard on a filly/mare. (Not that they are weaker than colts/stallions/geldings, but the fact is that they are more used to racing agaisnt their own sex, and it is just easier for them to sharpen.) I think that this was a mistake on the connections part and shouldn't be trying to prove their amazing mare so much when she is so easily doing it on her own. · 157 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · The bit about Macho was not about Rachel, but was in answer to someone saying that Macho was a top colt. Overall he won 6 of 24 races with a win in a maiden and another in an allowance. His record at three and four was good, but the competition in most of those races didn’t have much success in G1 races later in their careers. Who was the best horse that Macho Again ever beat when winning a race. The answer has to be Einstein, and perhaps Kodiak Kowboy, who when Macho beat him in the Derby Trial stakes was basically an unheralded winner of a G3 and G2 in its first nine races and wouldn’t come into its own until after switching barns to Steve Asmusseen and then Larry Jones. The victory against Einstein was because of Einstein’s constant trouble in the Foster as noted in the DRF note at the end of his line: “bobbled, checked, bumped” and the race caption: “bobbled at the start to get away a bit slow; checked off heels near the seven-eights marker; was bottled up between horses down the backstretch and through the second turn; shifted out a bit and found a seam entering the stretch; was bumped and shuffled behind rivals with three-sixteenths to run; got through on the inside late but was left with too much to do”. That was Macho’s lone G1 win with Einstein finishing third and Asiatic Boy, a world trooper, but never the winner of a G1 or Group One race, finishing second.. Yes he won a few graded races, but he could never be considered a top colt because of his inconsistency. He was one for seven in G1’s, was 6th in the G3 LaComte; 7th in the G2 Lane’s End; 2nd in the G1 Preakness at 39-1; 5th in the G1 Belmont to Da’Tara; 8th in the G1 Travers; 2nd in the G2 Super Derby; 6th in the Woodchopper; 7th in the Sunshine Millions; 6th in the G3 Alysheba; then he had his summer of 2009 with the G1 Foster, G1 Whitney and G1 Woodward). His career after the Woodward was uneventful: 4th in the G1 JCGC; 9th in the G2 Clark (Blame, Misremembered and Einstein the top three a neck apart); 7th in the G3 Alysheba (Bullsbay 9th); and 10th to Blame in the G1 Foster in 2010. Rachel beat him and Bullsbay when it looked like she was finished and they were going to go by because she had superior class, which was the point I was trying to make. · 157 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · Macho Again- Record 24: 6-6-0- Earnings $1,825,767. Not bad for a second stringer. · 157 days ago ·

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RamonDimas · theres a lot of diffrence between RACHEL and GRACE!! · 157 days ago ·

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Beauty and the Angel

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

Posted 157 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · Looks like a pretty wide open field, you picked out the two to beat in here, but who knows how good And Why Not is? Have fun, Brian ... say hi ti Kelly for me! · 157 days ago ·

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BrianAppleton · Georgie's Angel has a slight class edge I think and I'm rooting for her to win, but as you say, it's a pretty even field. Juvenile races can be the toughest to handicap I think, they improve so quickly sometimes. · 157 days ago ·

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Woodward Preview

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

Posted 161 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Let’s see. HDG might assume leadership of the HOY race if she would have won four races in a row starting with a G2 and then consisting of three consecutive G1’s against top competition and at the classic distances of 12F, 10F and 10F again (you can also throw in a 9F effort). It seems to me that HDG will have a lot of catching up to do. Maybe it’s time to give Acclamation some of the credit he deserves. · 161 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Acclamation is has one grade on in his outside of his division. His connections are not seriously considering the Classic, but more turf races. If turf were America's premeir surface he would hold a distinct lead, but it is not. If he were considering the Goodwood and were to win he would be in the ring, but he is not. HDG is considering the Classic and is looking to build a season that will lead her to HOTY shall she win here. · 161 days ago ·

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TimSmith · Going into the Delaware it was a toss up between HDG and B.L/ B.l prevails ok she is ahead now the WOODWARD g1 open company 100 year old race or the ladys secret? Its very easy to see why people would respect HDG assuming she wins it. Acclamation is a candidate as well he is on fire right now. Same for Tizway. · 161 days ago ·

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brooklyn.steve · It sure looks like it will be Flat Out chasing home HDG. Can he get to her? I don't think so. A win here, and HDG has a rock solid lock on HOY. She already beat up on Blind Luck earlier in the year, so beating the boys Saturday, and a top notch showing in the BC will wrap it up. If she falters, a win by Tizway or Stay Thirsty in the Jockey Club Gold Cup will give them a major advantage for HOY. Will just need to follow up with a win in the BC, or at least a strong finish. · 160 days ago ·

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dubby30 · The only horses in the HOY discussion right now are Tizway, Cape Blanco, & Acclamation, HDG is on the outside looking in with a bridge being the Woodward. With a win she probably vaults to the to 1 or 2 spots. On the other hand, we can stop talking about BL, with 3 losses and not much of a summer/fall campaignn, she would need to win the Classic to be in the mix. There is a 0% chance of that happening. · 160 days ago ·

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timgsmith10 · Dubby what about Stay thirsty . Wins the Dandy/Travers and will be in the JCG and BCC I wouldnt count him out of the mix.. · 160 days ago ·

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zxswordxz · I'm I the only one that think that this year Woodard has a very weak field for HDG? I don't see how this one race with put her in contention for HOY. Right now it is Stay Thirsty, Tizway, Cape Blanco and Acclamation. Unless HDG win the Woodward and the BCC she has zero change of winning HOY. · 160 days ago ·

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stevebiscuit · Be still my heart, a grade 2 winner is the favorite in this year's Woodward. HDG's HOTY campaign has thus far been pretty sad. She can't win races outside of her comfort zone and even when she runs in a race that her connections have been pointing to as a main summer goal, she loses. If she wins the Woodward then maybe HDG will be back in the discussion for HOTY. I really hope she and Blind Luck meet up again. That satisfying feeling I get when Blind Luck crosses the finish line ahead of HDG is one I'd like to re-live just one more time! · 160 days ago ·

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ruffed grouse · I would not call it very weak but these are not the best of the bunch. A small field and good post, she has to win this to stay in the running. · 160 days ago ·

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dubby30 · I always get a chuckle when the uninformed put both feet in their mouths and hit that comment button. SteveBia, which horse is the Grade 2 winner that is the fav in this year's renewal of the Woodward Stakes. Just wondering. Let me know if you can figure out the riddle. Laz may need to come to your defense. All in all though I believe you've given us all an indication as to your knowledge of the current state of affiars in horse racing that you dont seem to know much about. Thanx for playing the game though. · 160 days ago ·

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dubby30 · Tim - believe me i've been all about Stay Thirsty since he broke his maiden, but his credential are just a tad bit weaker than Acclamations, Acclamation with a 10 th and 5th place finish and thirsty with a 12th place and 7th place finish in two races this year. Both would have to win the next prep and a BC race, more of a chance of Thirsty doing that as there will be many pretenders entering their 8 and 9 furlong horses in the 10 furlong Classic, unfortunately Acclamations people are balking at the BC, scared of the Euro's much, I would be two, their 4th or 5th stringer in Cape Blanco is embarrassing all of US turf racing. Therefore he has no legit shot at HOY as he wont even enter the BC. Who are we left with, a horse with 3 losses and a miler in Tizway, he'll be exposed in the JCGC. Mark that down. · 160 days ago ·

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ruffed grouse · I stand corrected, did not know Rule would be in there and I am glad he is as there should be some pace. I would rather have seen Sidney's Candy, then you would have race. Also didn't know Phil's horse was coming in so the field is larger than I gave credit for. · 160 days ago ·

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Burton'jonBlackwell · I have Flat Out & Havre de Grace as a boxed exacts in the Woodward · 159 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · Rule, should not be counted out here. · 158 days ago ·

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jinlie01 · I'm locking in on Flat Out...Rule would be in my exotics. HDG is a solid horse but not sure against the boys..even though this group is not "world beaters". · 158 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · I will be honest, I did not know Rule was in this race until the entries came out. Now that I know he is one that scares me. He is in good form and when he is in form he can be very very tough to beat. This is one horse that is tough and gritty that you will probably have to roll by on his outside to past, instead of outgutting him. · 158 days ago ·

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GoTexas · Well, I don't bet on the horses but do have a list of favorites. I like HDG just because she's the only girl in the race and that's pretty gutsy to run with the boys. Yup...I too remember Rachel's amazing performance in the Woodward and actually her whole career. Did and still do love that lady. Good luck to all the runners! · 158 days ago ·

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Pletcher Makes Plans for Stay Thirsty, Uncle Mo

Todd Pletcher said that the Kelso and Pennsylvania Derby are among the options for Uncle Mo. Pletcher also said Stay Thirsty would most likely head to the Jockey Club Gold Cup.Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 162 days ago ·

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Uncle Mo, Stay Thirsty Ready to Rumble

Uncle Mo and Stay Thirsty led a parade of stakes-bound workers for trainer Todd Pletcher this morning, with Uncle Mo covering five furlongs in 59.95 and Stay Thirsty going the same distance in 1:01.73.Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 170 days ago ·

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This is Why I Love Horse Racing

If today's 84th renewal of the Whitney Handicap does not get your blood pumping, best have the closest available person check your vitals...Read More

Posted 184 days ago ·

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tiznow · Great great historical race! I'm sticking with my gut...Morning Line/Headache/Mission Impazible · 185 days ago ·

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mmidland · Agree. It's a great race with actually 11 legit horses in a field of 11. How often do we see that? Not often enough. I can't believe I heard someone on TVG say it was not that strong of a field. There are Grade 1 winners up and down this field, and almost every other horse is either knocking on the door to be at that level. · 185 days ago ·

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JohnBravo · This race has me changing my opinion every time I look at the PP's. I will stick to Duke of Mischief if it comes up wet. On dry he has a good chance as others. Going againt some of the favorites since they havent done it on a consistent basis. Tizway looks best at a mile and Flat Out just has to show me he can repeat his last. Looks like enough speed to keep the front runners honest so I'm looking for a midpack type horse. Duke, Mission and Apart looks the part. But I have a gut feeling in this one. Rodman for some reason was put on the lead in his last and I think he prefers a target. I'm using Rodman back and forth. · 185 days ago ·

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RobJones · I'm seriously looking forward to this event! · 180 days ago ·

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RobJones · www.bridgetimberstables.co.uk · 180 days ago ·

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Tizway Passes Whitney Route Test

Tizway handled a deep and talented field, two turns, and 1 1/8 miles with aplomb Saturday afternoon at Saratoga Race Course, rolling to an emphatic three-length victory over Flat Out in the 84th running of the Grade 1, $750,000 Whitney Invitational Handicap. Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 185 days ago ·

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Mission Impazible, Her Smile Work

Twin Creeks Racing Stables’ Mission Impazible and Bobby Flay’s Her Smile, who are respectively pointing toward starts in next Saturday’s Grade 1 Whitney Invitational Handicap and Grade 1 Test, turned in separate four-furlong breezes at Saratoga on Sunday morning. “Her Smile went [four furlong...Read More

Posted 191 days ago ·

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Mission Impazible Hits the Big Apple

He’s won two graded stakes. He’s trained almost exclusively at Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course since mid-May. And yet Mission Impazible has yet to race in New York. That is all expected to change when Mission Impazible competes in the Grade 1 Whitney Invitational on August 6. Trained by...Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 193 days ago ·

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American Lion, Endorsement on Comeback Trail

Where are they now? American Lion, Endorsement, and others from Kentucky Derby 2010 are currently in training and on the comeback trail. Read More

Posted 228 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · Interesting info here ... Noble's Promise could be the sprint champ this year. · 228 days ago ·

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KyOaksRunner · I think I'm most excited about seeing Dublin and Ice Box coming back. Noble's Promise looks great so far this year! · 228 days ago ·

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mdracing69 · I was fond of American Lion and Endorsement last year. American Lion has worked six times and is up to 6f so he should be running soon. · 228 days ago ·

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Ladies look lovely; Foster faves fail to fire

There were 3 Grade I stakes races run on Saturday, one at Belmont, one at Churchill, and one at Hollywood. While the winning performances of Awesome Maria and Blind Luck stamped each as major contenders in the older female division, Pool Play’s upset score in the Stephen Foster threw an alread...Read More

Source: nicktammaro.wordpress.com · Posted 233 days ago ·

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