2012 Fountain of Youth

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12thCrown · Wow, I didn't realize all these horses ran in FL this year. I think Take Charge Indy could be a nice play in the Derby to run into exotics - he doesn't have to have the lead. But the Borel factor will have him bet down after Friday's 'Louisville day at the downs" · 25 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · The Florida runners are strong this year. Other than Creative Cause, they include all my top picks. · 25 days ago ·

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Capper · Hope Union Rags brings it home for the Sunshine State! · 24 days ago ·

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The Fickle Always Look Foolish

Derby Fever makes for fickle fans....Don't let Hansen's second place finish in the Blue Grass fool you or the commentators sway you. Hansen ran a much bigger race than he is getting credit for.Read More

Posted 42 days ago ·

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tonykelso · Your entire premise is laughably absurd. · 42 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Interesting analysis. No, I don't think Hansen was disgraced on the track Saturday, although I do think this helped to show that he can't set fractions like that and win the Derby. He can't have any more of the insane interruptions to his daily routine, to say the very least about that situation. He won't be my win pick, that goes to Creative Cause, but Hansen will be part of a very fast pace set up., and if he helps burn out Bode, I'll be thankful. Can't rule out that Hansen has a win at C.D., although the surface was so odd on BCJ day, and we don't want a repeat of that · 42 days ago ·

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AmbitiousD · Laura, very interesting analysis. I agree that Hansen ran a great race, and he did nothing wrong, he was just second best. The result of this race just shows the level of talent in this year's 3yr old crop. · 42 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · tony, would you be so kind as to elaborate, we would all love to hear an expert's opinion. Mary, I do think he can set that type of pace and still kick home, and I'm not so sure it will be as fast as many think. TCI doesn't need the lead, neither does Bode or Hansen, and the latter two are easily the fastest in the field. I think it will be a good pace, but not out of control. One thing that should help Hansen or Bode should they clear the field is that anyone midpack or closing will most likely have traffic issues. · 42 days ago ·

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likin sparks · Hansen needed more distance, Dullahan was spent at the line. Hansen kept running like the race wasn't over at the same pace for awhile. No worries, just got beat by a horse with a better trip and didn't have to set the pace as Hansen did. · 42 days ago ·

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El Kabong · Likin, Dullahan wasn't spent, Kent pulled him up right away. Take a better look at the replay. This guy runs 9F's for fun. He'll go 12, easily. If Hansen didn't get the better trip by controlling the pace, he'll never get a better one. No one pressured him, and he'll have alot more talent on his tail in the derby, not matter what color it is. It's pretty clear that you not only cannot correctily viesw a race, but you must not have any idea what a classic distance pedigree looks like. · 42 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · El Kabong, Hansen has a Derby winner, a Belmont winner and two Triple Crown winners in his pedigree, that is a classic pedigree, yet nobody pays attention to it whatsoever. Kent did pull up Dullahan, but was it because of a bad step, he was completely spent, what? Also, what makes you say Hansen was not pressured when his own stablemate pushed him along, never letting him build up to big a lead. He even made a run at him and was repulsed. If that was your definition of an easy frontrunning trip, I would hate to see what is hard. It is not like he went 25, 50, 1.13. · 42 days ago ·

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El Kabong · Likin, I was refering to Dullahans superior breeding for classic distances. I did not say Hansen didn't have one. You suggested that Dullahan was caughing up a long at 9F's. You couldn't be more wrong about him or what I said. read slower. · 42 days ago ·

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El Kabong · Likin, stay tuned for a difficult front running trip. With Bode, Secret Circle, and Take Charge Indy in the race, it's going to get worse on the front end. · 42 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · I don't know if Hansen has shown that he can rate very well. He just way outclassed the Gotham field, so he could take over the lead when his jockey felt like it. I think the idea of both Baffert and Maker will be to try to win on the lead and we are going to see a battle early. 1:10 6f. would be no surprise at all. Remember this later. I'll eat my words. lol Hope the last letter doesn't get cut off again. That has been happening. · 42 days ago ·

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brooklyn.steve · Did Hansen disgrace himself? Not at all, he ran a good 2nd. But is he where most thought he would be at this point? Probably not. After his win in the BC Juvi last year, he was certainly the horse that most people thought would be the top 3 yo in 2012. That hasn’t happened. He has lost 2 of 3 this year, and while his record is still pretty good, it is fair to wonder if other 2 yos have developed more over the winter. Add that to the fact that he is always forwardly place, which is not where you want to be in the Derby as closers almost always take the top 3 spots, and there is plenty of reason to think Hansen will not hit the board in the Derby. In fact, in the last 7 running's, only 1 horse, Hard Spun, has come in the money when being in the top 3 at the 6f marker. Doesn’t look good for Hansen. · 42 days ago ·

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El Kabong · DHD(laura) did we lose my original comment when you fixed the header? :) · 42 days ago ·

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amberflash · I still like Hansen in the Derby and beyond. He doesn't have the physical form of Dullahan, but in his eyes is a fighter. With a good ride I think he can get the distance. · 42 days ago ·

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El Kabong · DHD,nevermind, I see more than just header edits were made. It's all good. · 42 days ago ·

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likin sparks · El Kabong, I will definitely stay tuned no doubt and remember without knowing the placement order I hope Hansen gets the outside position, let the speed horses burn themselves out...there could be a real shocker in this years Derby but I'm sticking with Hansen. If you noticed each time he has raced at a distance over a mile his fractions have been faster, now at 1 1/4th I'll be shocked if they let him set the pace but feel very confident he would be in the money regardless. @Mary he doesn't rate, that's the problem they let him run and run and run...hoping for a change. · 42 days ago ·

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El Kabong · Likin, I had Hansen singled on top in my BCJ tri(with the right two under-right 3- shoulld have gone super). I am a huge fan of Tapit, he was my derby horse that year, and I really like watching Hansen run, he kinda looks like my namesake. I hope he runs off the pace in the Derby and I will have him in my mix, but as far as getting faster goes, I don't think anyone yet has run two 9F races and posted 11+ fractions in his last 3F's the way Dullahan has. I said a month ago after watching him in the Palm and I'll say it again after the Bluegrass, Dulllahan is the most improved 3 year old in the bunch. He is coming on strong physically and showing the maturity in how he races. He has also been consistent. Toss in that pedigree and fastest prep race to date over a surface that normally runs a full second or two slower than dirt venues, and you can see why I think Desormeaux gets his 4th Derby. · 42 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · El Kabong, he may be most improved, but i have a feeling he will do better over turf/poly. We will have to see how he works at CD, but he finished well behind the top three on dirt last year. · 42 days ago ·

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El Kabong · He finishe well behind after a very poor start but he finished up very well to get 4th all things considered, and that would not have happened if he did not like dirt. But the point about his improvement is that even with a good start, I will concede he may not have won.......at 1/1/16th. He is a far better horse who will enjoy the distance and the dirt. Don't let the dirt be your reason to dismiss his achievements it's unfounded. I don't know of a closer who can take the kickback of poly who can't take the spray of dirt. It is so rare that it is not a reasonable conclusion and I won't use it as an excuse if he loses. If Romans had any, and I mean any questions, his preps would have included a dirt race as he did not need earnings. His path was smart and it will leave him more sound to run big especially on dirt, IMO. · 42 days ago ·

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driveon · "The fact is..." many of the "fans" you refer to wager on these races and are looking closely at who will be peaking at the right moment, who figures to have the most beneficial pace/trip scenario and who will offer value at the wsindows. One of the reasons I don't pick a "Derby horse" in Jan, Feb, March or even April is because I want to see how things shake out in the preps first, then I want to see the post position draw, track condition, bias (if any) last-minute rider switches etc and the post parade to see how the horses react to the huge crowd. I'll be picking my "Derby horse" at about 10 minutes to post. I couldn't imagine doing it any other way when I'm investing my hard-earned money. · 42 days ago ·

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SallyWatanabe · He did not get the experience he needed. How is showing Hansen that its ok to take the lead and not have to rate help him in the kentucky derby? Espicially with a lot of speed horses. · 41 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Sally, did you miss the Gotham? He rated well in that race. If I were Maker, my only concern for him in the Blue Grass would be to make shure he got enough conditioning out of it. · 41 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · I don't pick a derby horse until I know the jocks. · 41 days ago ·

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SallyWatanabe · Yes, i did watch the gotham. I agree, he rated beautifully there. But it was his first time not being on the lead in 6 starts. He cant get away without rating in the derby if he is going to win, so they might as well show everyone he can rate while being pressured. · 41 days ago ·

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El Kabong · Hey Tony, order up! bada boom bada bing this time. · 41 days ago ·

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EdF · The biggest negativethat I see about Hansen has nothing to do with whether he can win gate to wire or from a stalking position. What I don't like is that he had a clear lead at the stretch call in the Blue Grass and lost the race. I've followed the Kentucky Derby since 1984, and since that time only one Derby winner lost the lead in the stretch of his last prep. That was Silver Charm in 1997. Even so, the '97 Santa Anita Derby was very different from this year's Blue Grass. Silver Charm was fighting for the lead all the way around and in fast fractions. By the stretch call, he had a head in front, and lost at the wire by a head to Free House. Hansen, on the other hand, had a clear early lead with moderate fractions, a 2 1/2 length lead at the stretch call, and lost by 1 1/4 lengths. No excuse for that when you're preparing to run 10 furlongs at Churchill Downs. · 41 days ago ·

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KendallHansen · Nice post....I have very similar thoughts. Mike and I thought he was too fresh and eager to get back to racing after 6 weeks. The three weeks not to the Derby will help him relax. I agree he has to relax and ease his high cruising speed a bit. He can only get away with these tactics if everyone is afraid to go with him and let him get away at 47 or 48 seconds for the first half. · 41 days ago ·

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arazi · Hansen is a very classy horse and even with his front-running style, I think he would be right there in many Derby runnings. Whether this is one of them is the question. If he can rate a bit, he can be even more dangerous. · 41 days ago ·

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likin sparks · Doc, I'll say it again he has the distance just hope he gets the outter position for the Derby, he'll take down the speed horses after 1 1/16th. P.S. no blue paint ;-) · 41 days ago ·

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drayton.nay · www.heismovinglikeatremendousmachine.com will give you the Derby winner before the race. Just ask Draynay ! · 41 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · What an adorable midlife crisis thing to do. Now you just need to live to be 96?. · 41 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Surprising that a Secretariat reference is used when I read at bh that he towered over a sub par group of 3 yos, including my fav, Sham. Or did I not read all of those comments correctly? · 41 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · :) your faithful follower. · 41 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · drayton.nay, giving tips. lol · 41 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Thank you for your input Dr.Hansen, it's an honor to have you comment. He does seem to be the type of horse that is not bothered by a large amount of racing, and it may in fact benefit him. I believe he got just what he needed out of this race, plus, history is on his side. More often than not it is the second place finsher in this race that goes on to do well in the Derby, not the winner. Before Bode, I would say most others may be afraid to go with him, but Bode has that same high cruising. However, after the Gotham, I am confident in Hansen's ability to rate if need. Ed F, 2007 Blue Grass...couple strides before the wire, SS had his nose in front, before getting nailed on the wire by Dominican. He had the lead in the stretch and lost it. · 41 days ago ·

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winwinwin · If my $ 1000 show bet on Union Rags gets me $ 5.00 x 500 , I'll be delighted . It usually does in a huge Derby field · 41 days ago ·

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wilkins631 · I agree that all hope is not lost and that he didnt need to win this race. But, other than conditioning, this seems like a wasted race to more for Hansen. If he were going to lose, I would rather it be like Union Rags where he got boxed in. If he is going to have Derby success, hes going to have to rate and shoot through holes when they open. Id rather he get some experience being boxed in and working his way out of it, even if he loses the BG because thats one thing hes never had to deal with. We already know he can run out front at freakish paces. Just seems like, while the sky didnt fall, he really didnt do anything new to help him in the Derby. Hes still my Derby horse, but now its more on rooting for him that confidence. · 41 days ago ·

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jimclem · Dr. Hansen, How long do you plan on waiting for Ramon to make a decision? Considering the amount of money he has made from riding Hansen and the fact that he hasn't ridden a winner since suffering his injury, I think Ramon's behavior is both unprofessional and disrespectful. If his inability to make a decision continues for much longer, you should strongly consider making a move to Johnny V. He is a much more accomplished rider in big races. · 39 days ago ·

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nawaytheyG0 · At what point in the race did Gung Ho "hound" hansen?!? He did not even pull within a length of him until after 6 furlongs into the race. Gung Ho was not even in 2nd place until they hit the 3/4 marker. Hansen set those fractions on his own terms not because anyone forced him to do so. · 39 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · The fact is fans read your blog so it probably is a good idea to avoid insulting fans. Hansen came short in the Bluegrass, but Mr.Hansen · 38 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · 's tail stunt probably affected him some too. Why bet a horse who MIGHT be able to get 10f when there is a horse who CAN get 10f? · 38 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · cocoa, there was not insult. Would you not agree that there has been a lot of bandwagon jumping this year? I'm stating an obvious fact, not uneducated insult. Hansen's pedgree has TC winners, Derby winners and Belmont winners. He is bred to excel at distance. That is a fact. We know he can rate well, that is a fact. The 3 weeks will most likely help take any issues of being too fresh away from a horse who obviously likes to run, meaning the likelyhood of him relaxing off the lead is very high. If he rates, and the likelyhood of that is high, then the likelyhood of him getting 10f is high. Right now, likelyhood is all we can go by, which is why when you say a horse that "CAN" get 10f, baffles me. How do you know they can when they have yet to do so. You can't know. · 38 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · I consider "fickle" an insult, I know that someone would not advertise themselves on their resume as "fickle" if they are looking to get a job. I think there has been a good bit of bandwagon jumping, yes, but that is only to be expected when every race another powerful race is run. Daddy Long Legs CAN get 10f, we know that because in the UAE Derby he was galloped out WAY WAY WAY past the finish line. Can he get in on dirt, no, but he CAN get 10f. I can adjust my statement to accept your likelihood. The likelihood of Hansen getting 10f is less than Bodemeister and Take Charge Indy. · 38 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Learn to provoke debate like the blog author, cocoa. Girl's got game. lol. Love the love for DLL, cocoa. Future DWC winner? That gallop out was gorgeous. You're right. · 38 days ago ·

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HorseDynasty · This is not a job resume cocoa2, and I don't seee fickle being used as an insult, but rather the definition of fickle in this instance. · 38 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · Fine, I'll drop it. · 38 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · There's HD. How are ya? · 38 days ago ·

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HorseDynasty · Doing ok Mary Z, and you? Looks like you have been busy with the Kentucky Derby and analysis! · 38 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · You know I'll smile and say, "Just fine." : ) Yes HD, my goal for this Derby is to pick one of those supers. I have my future wager on my fav, now to narrow down from the 20 horses after the post positions come out(I have a few tosses, but you know how it is, always something to re-think with it being 10f. for the first time), final workouts, a gazillion bits of info and opinion, but trying not to be swayed too much. Don't you love this time of year? · 38 days ago ·

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MariahFan · Hansen didnt fade in the Blue Grass. He can take the Derby. Remember the Kentucky Derby that Holy Bull ran in? The horse stayed in front the whole time. Hansen can do the same. Hansen will win! Go Hansen! · 38 days ago ·

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travel_vic · Holy Bull faded in the Derby · 38 days ago ·

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sabbie · My pick is still Hansen. He's a special horse, and he'll prove it soon enough. · 38 days ago ·

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gocashking · The addition of Trinniberg to the mix GREATLY reduces both Hansen's and Bodemeister's chances of winning the Derby. They will now be either contesting or closely tracking a hot pace. Closers will be closing if Trinniberg is in. · 37 days ago ·

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winwinwin · My Derby/ Breeders Cup bets are simple . $ 1000 show hoping to pick up $ 5 x 500 or $ 2500 . In 11 days Churchill Downs gets my $ 1000 on Union Rags and I either get $ 2500 or I get very very drunk that night . Wish me Luck ! · 34 days ago ·

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winwinwin · Reveron's trainer said earlier today bad foot keeps him out of Derby · 34 days ago ·

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winwinwin · OK, I'll share my Triple Crown Betting secret. $ 1000 Show on Union Rags ( Derby shows usually pay $ 5 ) · 29 days ago ·

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winwinwin · OK, I'll share my Triple Crown Betting secret. $ 1000 Show on Union Rags ( Derby shows usually pay $ 5 ) · 29 days ago ·

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winwinwin · Triple Crown Bet : $ 1000 show parley on Union rags KD gets me $ 5 x 500=$ 2500 Preakness bet gets me $ 5 x 1250= $ 6250 and Belmont bet gets me $ 5 x 3125= $ $15625 . You must maintain patience to win . Triple Crown races usually return at least $5 show bets despite the odds . · 29 days ago ·

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zuzuzpetals · For those of you that like to play the exoctics, there is always at least (1) Horse that makes it in the exotics that has a "Blue Hen" mare within their tail pedigry lines (5 generations) 2009 and 2011 was the 4th place finisher all other years going back to 2002 were in the top three. I have not done any research past 2002. · 29 days ago ·

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Derby Dark Horses: News Pending and Windsurfer

It’s getting to be that time. The 2012 Kentucky Derby is finally within sight. Five more weeks, one more prep for the contenders, and not to be forgotten … one final Future Pool offered by the good folks at Churchill Downs. With all this in mind, it’s time to start looking for those horses that migh...Read More

Posted 58 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · I heard Elliot Walden of WinStar on the radio. He and Pletcher are very excited about Windsurfer. They love how he has been training and that they have taken their time with him. · 58 days ago ·

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animalk1060 · if he can catch Cigar Street · 57 days ago ·

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larooski · Advice, Hold Me Back, Endorsement. Watch out for Winstar always. · 57 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · A winning weekend, or a losing weekend ... it all depends on Windsurfer. · 57 days ago ·

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Time for Some Florida Fireworks

The Florida Derby may have had a couple of uncharacteristically dull years, but in 2012 it looks to get back up on its feet, delivering one of, if not the best Kentucky Derby Preps this season. Read More

Posted 60 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · If Union Rags is 1-5, as I fear he will be, it's hard not to look at El Padrino at 3-1, or perhaps News Pending at 15-1 in the Florida Derby. · 61 days ago ·

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Floridaf · Great minds think alike! You and I have the same Top 3 for the Florida Derby. And at odds of 12-1 on the morning line, I'll happily take Reveron in my trifecta. · 61 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Florida, we always seem to like the same ones, only this time I didn't even know you liked Reveron beforehand lol. He seems to be the most proven out of the three longshots, never out of the top three also helps inspire confidence. Though, I don't think anyone is getting to Union Rags. · 61 days ago ·

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Floridaf · That was exactly my line of thinking, DeadHeat. For the most part, the field is not very deep, but Union Rags, El Padrino, and Reveron look really good to me. I'll go ahead and say that they'll finish 1-2-3. · 61 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · I think Union Rags is ready for a MONSTER performance. If he is 1-5 then I don't bet and enjoy a great Derby prep race. · 61 days ago ·

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b1ueeyes03 · El Padrino a son of Pulpit... · 61 days ago ·

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alison.stahelin · Pulling for Union Rags! · 60 days ago ·

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DougLogan · pulling for El Padrino · 60 days ago ·

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DougLogan · Go Rl Padrino · 60 days ago ·

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brett529 · lets roll rags · 60 days ago ·

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ochslori · Go Rags go! Love this horse! · 60 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · I want Union Rags to win. What's wrong with having a few more heroes? I'd like the best horses to not fall victim to distance limitations. It will make for a much better Derby and Triple Crown. · 60 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · I would love to see Union Rags do well in his career thus shining the light on much deserving trainer. I personally feel he has a chance if he maintains his health to win the triple, no easy task considering how many good 3yos there are this year. · 60 days ago ·

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Capper · Its going to be tough to defeat Union Rags & El Padrino, but don't forget that Take Charge Indy ran a winning race when 2nd to El Padrino and will be laying it all on the line as he needs this race to get enough earnings to make the race, whereas the other 2 are safely in the field. · 60 days ago ·

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shadowno · Take Charge Indy probably in a now or never situation after passing on Tampa so he needs to/has to come up big. UR=Take Charge Indy . · 60 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Capper the only problem I have with his race is that it was run in the slop. He did run a winning race, but with his record over a dry track, I can't help but be skeptical. If that race had been over a dry track he would be right there with Reveron for me. · 60 days ago ·

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Top 10 Kentucky Derby Bubble Contenders

A rundown of the top 10 horses on the earnings bubble which could be heard from on the first Saturday in May.Read More

Posted 67 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · As a guy who has spent too much time "on the bubble" I appreciate your article. Time is starting to slip away for those horses. · 67 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · Clearly the Mizzou get no love on this blog ... What a strong group of horses currently on the outside looking in. My favorite of the bunch is Bodemeister, who I think will be very tough to beat in the Arkansas Derby. · 67 days ago ·

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yukichan · Lucky Chappy --does the Derby trail run through Dubai? · 67 days ago ·

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travel_vic · It was calcualted in an article a few years ago, that Maktoum has spent around 300 million to try to wint the Derby....SO FAR · 67 days ago ·

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Cardly Knot · @yukichan, I believe UAE Derby is a G2. Desert Party and Regal Ransom made to the Derby · 66 days ago ·

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Floridaf · Glad to see my two (Empire Way and Ever So Lucky) are still getting some love, though Empire Way needs to figure himself out in a hurry if he wants an invitation to the Big Dance. · 66 days ago ·

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2012 Fountain of Youth (...

was not impressed, small field and lack of competition in field. need to see better

Posted by redskinrob · 75 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · Union Rags doesn't run to impress you. · 75 days ago ·

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travel_vic · UR was not even challenged the last time out. · 75 days ago ·

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likin sparks · I like UR but don't see much hope for him as a Triple Crown winner, maybe he'll get one of them, we'll see. · 75 days ago ·

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My Run to the Roses Stable Needs Your Help!

Week three of the Run to the Roses contest is upon us and I don’t know about you, but I have a very big decision to make with my stable. Read More

Posted 80 days ago ·

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scottbenson · Creative Cause & Bodemeister. If Empire Way gets there, you'll still get the non-power points and a good chance not many people will know much about him. · 82 days ago ·

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Floridaf · Ever So Lucky, Empire Way, and Creative Cause · 82 days ago ·

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ajump08 · ROAD TO THE ROSES! Made an HRN League. League Number - 882193636 Act Code - 2913889727 · 82 days ago ·

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ajump08 · and i'd stick with the power horses you've got in place right now. No way Bodemeister will duplicate his maiden win, especially against such stout company, · 82 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · ajump08 -- Thanks for the advice and I will definitely join the HRN league. Great idea. · 82 days ago ·

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TerryDickens · bodemeister did not run with any class horses when he won this time he will be stepping so far up in class that its not funny · 82 days ago ·

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sallyeastman · I'm in the same boat as Scroggins with my power horses decision for this Saturday. I have a whole lot of them in three different barns and I do not know which ones to power up. That's why the Roses game is so much FUN! · 81 days ago ·

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Capper · Andy, I'd kick out Empire Way. Go back and look at his last race. He had a dream trip on the rail the entire way & just kind of clunked along. I think CC & Bodemeister are better than he & so does Rosario, as he picked to ride CC over Empire Way. · 81 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · One thing I know for sure with this game is I am excellent at picking horses that will soon be injured and off the trail ... Good luck, Matt! · 79 days ago ·

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The Bid · I would leave your power horses just the way you have them, I just joined HRN RTTR leaugue and landed in 2nd place, I plan on being first tomorrow......... · 79 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · The Bid--Good luck in RttR. Be sure to check my blog at the beginning of the week. There will be an article that THE BID should like! · 79 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · Thanks everyone--CC and Bodemeister ran one, two as my power horses and Ever So Lucky got third in the Swale. · 79 days ago ·

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ajump08 · My stable aJampers is on fire! · 79 days ago ·

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b1ueeyes03 · Irish flower is mine stable name... I did alright this weekend thanks to Creative Cause and Bodemeister :D but the next weekend Rebel Stakes is going to Kick my butt! There are a few nominations DRF named earlier last week but since Gemologist is out, Im screwed lol ...I regret putting Saber Cat and/or Castaway =/ · 77 days ago ·

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Hansen, Time to Go Big or Go Home

Which Hansen will we see in Saturday's Gotham Stakes?Read More

Posted 89 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · Unless the track is a sea of slop, I agree that this will be a paramount test to see if he should point to the Derby. · 89 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · From what I have heard it should be raining on Sat, but I don't think the slop is what bothered him in the Holy Bull and I don't think it will here. · 88 days ago ·

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yukichan · Reminds me that Ramon will soon have a decision to make--Hansen or Alpha? · 88 days ago ·

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Floridaf · It is definitely supposed to rain on Gotham day. I don't believe the track surface was an issue in the Holy Bull. Everything else that happened was his downfall. I hope these changes help him. · 88 days ago ·

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brooklyn.steve · On paper, he should beat this field easily. I doubt anyone else in here will be in the starting gate Derby Day. That being said, the built in excuse is there as it should be a sloppy track again. Do we know what happened for sure last time? Was it the pace, the track condition, or a combination of both? Can't give a positive answer on that. Let's just hope he wins this race and looks good doing it, or there will be many more qustions than answer. · 88 days ago ·

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drayton.nay · I wouldn't be a dime on this horse. Changing the bit and taking off the blinkers? Sounds like a lot to me. It may come up wet too and there is nothing in his racing past that tells me he can handle that. Pass on Hansen. · 88 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · I think this race will probably make that decision. Honestly, should Hansen learn to relax, I would go with him. Alpha didn't run a good race in the Juvenile and has been beating up on weaker. Dray, nothing says he can't handle mud either. He actually didn't run up the track in his only start over much, and that was after throwing down a pretty quick second quarter. · 88 days ago ·

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travel_vic · With a full field, his connections did not scare off too many. · 88 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · People want the graded earnings and NY is the place to get them. Its early in the year, I would not take the fact that there is a full field, as a bad thing. · 88 days ago ·

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Jinlie01 · the 12 post and weight doesn't help his cause but looking forward to see if he does progress with the equipment change and have a better run since it would be his 2nd start off a layoff. Can improve but still looking at My Adonis and others in this one. · 88 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Jinlie, being on the outside of horses can actually be a benefit to a horse as headstrong as Hansen. Being on the inside of other speed can make a speed horse feel pressured and make them become even more stubborn. Being on the outside, there is less pressure, it may be a wider trip, but it can make it easier for a horse to relax. · 88 days ago ·

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Jinlie01 · DeadHeat...that makes sense. My concern is the wider trip along with the weight assignment might not be the best scenario for him. The big question is if he does not have to be in the lead will the mud/dirt in his face, how will he react? With that being said...it is his 2nd start off a layoff and this isn't the stronget KY prep race to date. · 88 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Depends on how wide, but with how the track favors speed I don't think that will make much of a difference. Also, I don't necessarily have to see him behind horses so much as show that he can rate on the front end and get into a good comfortable beat, and not panic. · 88 days ago ·

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notobsessed · Unlike most of you, I don't think he likes a sloppy track, he looked like he was really struggling with it in the Holy Bull in the stretch. . · 87 days ago ·

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Jinlie01 · with all being said..I believe My Adonis and Tiger Walk have a good shot on an upset in the race. · 87 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · notobsessed, you think that was because he had just thrown down a 22 and change second quarter? Any horse, wet, dry, or cement, being the surface they are running on, would have been struggling after that. · 87 days ago ·

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travel_vic · Side Road has a good shot in this as Hansen may be too early, but the front end will be all Hansen. Ramon knows how to control a pace · 87 days ago ·

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travel_vic · One should give Derby hopefuls two less than stellar races before abandoning their Derby hopes · 87 days ago ·

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jmcleav · Still believing in Hansen, I still think it did take a big effort to defeat Union Rags, we all know a champion is built on his heart, I don't think his will has been broken yet. He still believes in himself. · 87 days ago ·

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the bid · Pretension in a huge upset · 86 days ago ·

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ruhlmann · Sloppy track, post #12, this will be a good test for Hansen. On paper he definetly looks like the best horse & he did not run a bad race in the Holy Bull after a 3 month layoff. In the BC Juv he was all heart, but I still question if he's really that good & if he wants any part of 10 furlongs, I hope he does. · 86 days ago ·

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dirojo · Hansen struggled because he went to hard early , if fit today an rated right he will easily handle this field · 86 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · After Hansen it's a crapshoot, paid 320K for the #2 jarrod likes and he was the buzz horse at the spa last summer, touted as being another super horse back then. · 86 days ago ·

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travel_vic · Caleb's Posse looks vulnerable too · 86 days ago ·

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travel_vic · Alone on the lead he is gone. Pushed and the duo of 4 and 10 have a shot · 86 days ago ·

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hshfarms · Rated well right off the lead, the pace was fairly soft, but he pulled away to win in fine order. Good luck to him in the future. · 86 days ago ·

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AnneShaw · Hansen won but not sure how the race went. · 86 days ago ·

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ruhlmann · I was having my doubts about Hansen, but he proved me wrong. I guess he's not a one dimentional horse after all, love the way he proved he could sit right off the pace & still win. Maybe 10 furlongs won't be a problem. · 86 days ago ·

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Floridaf · He went big! · 86 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · He went very big :) So proud of him today, that was a perfect, perfect race for him. He looked like a pro out there and also looked like he could have kept going for another quarter or so :) · 86 days ago ·

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cpsoren121 · Well it looks like he went big! And he can rate! · 85 days ago ·

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travel_vic · Until he gets 9 frulongs, the jury remians out · 78 days ago ·

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Hansen, Hansen, Hansen!

Social Media platforms have been atwitter ever since the Great White Hope crossed the finish line yesterday...Read More

Posted 85 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · @AndyScoggin says that Hansen will move up to the #2 spot in his Derby Top 10. · 85 days ago ·

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Floridaf · Union Rags may need to watch his back. · 85 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · That was impressive. Honestly, he wins by 7 if he gets a clear trip and not parked 5-6 wide on the turn. That was such a professional race by him. · 85 days ago ·

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cpsoren121 · He looked great! And he raced well too! · 85 days ago ·

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annmatt · He displayed some new weapons....Look for many to duck him in the Wood...but, they can't duck him in the Derby! Will be fun to watch what is shaping up to be a match-up with Union Rags and Hansen...maybe another great rivalry will come out of the TC races this year. · 85 days ago ·

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joseph.r.direnzo · a super ride an rate for jockey an horse , the horse needed to be rated an outside post shows he has the right stuff, · 83 days ago ·

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tktile · Great Trainer, Great Jockey, Great Horse, Great White Hope! · 83 days ago ·

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theetopthree · Hansen preformance was a good showing and I like his chances but the horse has yet to convince he is a horse who can continue to improve the Wood will tell alot about his class. I myself think he needs not a win in the Wood but a gutsy preforamance that shows his real ability to compete in my opinion Good Racing to all · 82 days ago ·

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shoppegirl4081 · Honestly, he has been my favorite since The Breeder's Cup going into the Derby! He's who I am rooting for!!!! · 82 days ago ·

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latoniakid · I love to watch Hansen and Ramon race, "it's magical" !!!! · 81 days ago ·

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How high should we be on Union Rags?

Watching yesterday’s Fountain of Youth Stakes was a pure joy. Union Rags looked every bit the way an early Kentucky Derby is supposed to look. After recent years, where our top three-year-olds disappointed on the track, fell off the trail due to health reasons, or were victims of tough trips, it was...Read More

Posted 91 days ago ·

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b1ueeyes03 · Well said! He ran great, especially fixing the green down the stretch, but where was the competition? With Algo out, we were only left with DD and even then we all had doubts he would like the added distance. Both El Padrino and Union Rags were amazing but I was more impressed with EP. Plus nobody can have doubts on him running on a fast dry track :D · 91 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · Can't help but hope, the Derby is a closer's race. You get a good trip and close well, you win. If you don't, no win. It's hard for anything BUT a closer to win the Derby. The Preakness is a speed horse's race, if you control the pace you control the race. The Belmont all you need is stamina. We won't know if UR can hold off EP at 10f, 9.5f or 12f until they hit the wire. · 91 days ago ·

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slot33 · Respect your opinions Brian. The Derby road is tough, sometimes treacherous. Now to the first Saturday in May an eternity for horse(s), trainer(s), owner(s). Union Rags if he can stay healthy may be a super star. And with Dixie Union on the topside will have his doubters. I believe he's the real deal if he can stay healthy. As a bettor though, I'll always wait til I see the field and post positions before putting down the big bucks. · 91 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · Union Rags has separated from the rest of the pack with that impressive win off the Breeders' Cup layoff. · 91 days ago ·

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NickGunritz · Finally, somebody puts things in perspective. I was beginning to think I was the only one that saw things this way. Sometimes your eyes can be deceived, and taking nothing away from Union Rags, who was impressive, but people seem to be blowing it way out of proportion. I think you're right, it's more about having been let down lately with two-year olds coming back in there three-year old years. · 91 days ago ·

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JohnBravo · What happens now doesn't mean all that much. It's no different than the NFL, you want to be the hot horse at the end. These races might earn you money to the starting gate but the Classic distances turn contenders to also rans. · 91 days ago ·

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mark.moran · Of course it's not yet time for a coronation; we need only look back to Eskendraya (and all the other recent pre-Derby favorites who got hurt just before the race) for proof of that. I think many - including me - believe, or at least hope, that the difference this time is Matz, who professes not to be squeezing the lemon dry on this one, just as he did not with Barbaro, and that there is plenty of room for improvement from him. Clearly if he moves forward off that effort, and stays healthy, he'll be a formidable force at CD, and possibly through the Triple Crown races. When I see a horse trained by Pletcher, Baffert, Dutrow, etc. I know they are due to run out of luck soon. When I see a horse trained by Matz, I think the horse could keep going for the foreseeable future. · 91 days ago ·

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jetrider331 · Was abosultely devasted when Algorithms scratched, was so looking forward to that showdown. Without him there I think UR did just as you said, he did was he was supposed to do, no more, no less · 91 days ago ·

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AmbitiousD · Brian, I agree with all of your statements. UR did exactly what he was supposed to do. However, I'll also ask this question: When was the last time a 3yr old on the derby trail did what he/she was supposed to? I think that causes more excitement than anything else. · 91 days ago ·

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Floridaf · I'm trying to keep my opinion of Union Rags in perspective, personally. Yes, he looked good, but he did not face top level competition. In fact, he likely will not face any of his biggest threats until the Big Day. It is what it is. But AmbitiousD poses a good question: When WAS the last time a 3yr old on the Derby trail did what he/she was supposed to? My answer would be Big Brown despite his short record. Barbaro, Street Sense, and Big Brown all did what they were supposed to on the TC trail and won. · 91 days ago ·

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tonykelso · People who study pedigree might like Union Rags more at a distance of ground than a mile and one sixteenth. Union Rags probably does not have significant distance limitations. · 91 days ago ·

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gocashking · I'm glad to see some people are thinking with common sense instead of the typical hyperbole in this game that drives me nuts. Yes, the horse looked very good. So have many others before him that did not win the Derby. Long way to go folks... · 91 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · Absolutely, AmbitiousD ... we've become somewhat starved for a crackerjack juvenile coming back and doing "what they are supposed to do" at three, thus when it happens, hyperbole follows. · 91 days ago ·

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anita.xanax · I have loved this colt since his maiden, and respected Mike Matz for more years than I'll admit to. He is a true horseman. If he says the horse can stay, can stay, can stay... · 91 days ago ·

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cpsoren121 · How high? Very high!! · 91 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · When he wins the Derby I will praise him. Until then I'll be quiet. · 91 days ago ·

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angie kj · I say don't give up on Hansen Union rags you are great but I love the grey ghost!!!!!! · 91 days ago ·

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likin sparks · Still think we are going to be in for a surprise when SHE wins the derby. · 91 days ago ·

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terri.zeitz · All weekend long the horses felt the tension in the air in the ring at Gulfstream. It was at Calder and Gulfstream where Barbaro's legacy began. Union Rags looked like a monster; it was a thrilling race. And I couldn't be happier for his ower, Mrs. Phyllis Wyeth, and his trainer, Michael Matz. · 91 days ago ·

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Floridaf · likin sparks, which filly are you referring to? On Fire Baby? Disposablepleasure? My Miss Aurelia? · 90 days ago ·

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sidechoke13 · i have a question. does anyine think exothermic will be entered in any of the coming up stakes races like the arkansas or illinois derby? · 89 days ago ·

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The Freak is Back

Freak is a term thrown around way to often in the sport of horse racing…..after Sunday’s Fountain of Youth, any doubts about a certain Michael Matz trainee and his “freak” status, should have been erased. Union Rags, only a head away from an unbeaten season, a champion season, made his return to the...Read More

Posted 91 days ago ·

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Floridaf · Most impressive race from Rags. He now has me almost entirely convinced that this is his year. Very professional looking stretch run. I, nor anyone else it seems, has a bad thing to say about his FOY win. · 91 days ago ·

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cpsoren121 · Leparoux rode him prefectly. Union Rags had a lot left in the tank after that stretch run. · 91 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · Great race of Union Rags. I am a big fan of Matz! · 91 days ago ·

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gore323 · what freak? who did he beat? · 91 days ago ·

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Ann Maree · I'm still skeptical, although I do hope he is the "real deal". Without Algorithms in that race, he didn't have much of a test, but he did look great and he gave a very professional performance. Hope we get to see him in at least one more race before the Derby. Last year's run up to the Derby with Uncle Mo and all the hype that surrounded him, I'm still reluctant to jump on board with this horse. Just not ready to "fall in love", yet!! · 91 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Using logic has and will serve one well, but it's okay to get excited now and then, and in this case, how could you help yourself? So far so good on getting the distance. I hope he continues on his path to meet up with Creative Cause in the Derby. Impressive move as described in this blog, and winning i a hand ride, plus he's quite the magnificent physical specimen. Really showing maturity in the F.O.Y. The jockey change turned out to be no problem and would you say a plus? If he repeats this kind of performance against a larger tougher field in the 9f. Florida Derby, you might put freak in all caps. I hope Algorithms can meet him there. · 91 days ago ·

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ruhlmann · LOL, Who did he beat? What's out there? It's still to early to say. It's the way he did, it was effortless. · 91 days ago ·

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NickGunritz · I think he was impressive, but I really everybody is going way overboard about their praise of yesterdays performance. I you want to compare apples with apples, look at El Padrino's allowance win at the same distance on the same track and tell me that's not as impressive if not more. By the way, EP came home his final 2 and a half furlongs in 29 4/5 in that race while also in hand, while beating a top quality horse that was running a good race. Your eyes can be deceived and the fact tgat discreet dancer was backing up made this performance look way more impressive than it was. I guess I'm saying lets slow down on handing him the derby. · 91 days ago ·

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Mike in SB · Union Rags looked great and Leparoux seems to fit the horse perfectly. My guess is the Florida Derby will not be a very exciting race now, the other top horses will look elsewhere for graded stakes money, since that is the most important thing in Derby preps today, but Union Rags is certainly the Derby favorite now. · 91 days ago ·

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El Kabong · He sured looked good at 1 1/16 and he should, most Dixie Union's do but there are only a small handfull of Dixie Union's offspring who are accomplished at 9F and none that I know of at 10F. But one son, Grasshopper, did stretch out to finish second to Street Sense in the Travers(10F). While they do not share the same mare, their tale female line is extremely simiilar. Tempo and Grass Skirt both share influences of Mr. Prospector and Nijinsky so there is hope for Union Rags to get the classic distance. I suspect he will do well at 9F but there is still that quesion of success at 10F lurking in his pedigree. You may be sticking your neck out a little early with the tag of freak but lets see how he handles 9F's with better company. · 91 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Nick, EP was all out in a stretch duel while UR was being wrapped up in the final sixteenth. EP felt the whip, UR barely saw it. EP was running the entire length of a very long and straigh FG stretch, while UR ran for about three strides on the turn, made the lead then cruised. EP should have finished faster considering he was all out and had a longer length of straight stretch to run over. · 91 days ago ·

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gocashking · Do you really think there is a huge difference between a horse that felt the whip and one that was "wrapped up" for the last 4 or 5 strides of the race? Is a 1,200 pound thoroughbred moving at top speed THAT easy to slow down? It's not like UR stopped on a dime. Leparoux roused him on the mid-point of the turn and entering the stretch, then eased up just inside the 1/16th pole when he looked at the infield big screen. You yourself noted in your blog that he ran 6.4 seconds in the final 1/16th. I don't buy that horses move much quicker at all when "feeling the whip" vs. not being whipped. In fact, some sulk and stop running when whipped. This "Cruising" business is over-rated in my opinion. How much faster do you think he'd run if presses the final 5/16ths? 2,3 4 seconds??? I'd say MAYBE a couple of fifths. Remeber some horses do NOT run faster when challenged (although I am not suggesting that would be the case with this horse). I just don't buy that horses who "cruised" the last 1/16th can run way faster when challenged longer as you seem to suggest. I've seen way too many in the past 35 years who did not. · 91 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Gocash, he was wrapped up well before 3/4 strides, at least 1/16th out, which if a horse has a 25ft stride, a pretty good sized stride, is right about 13 strides. The average stride is right around 20ft or so, calculating to over 16 strides. UR also had a shorter, much much shorter stretch run, meaning more of his final quarter mile was spent turning than El Padrino. Based on physics, it is a lot easier to run quicker while running straight than it is while turning. El Padrino was also a sharper horse, already having a 8.5f allowance win this year, before the Risen Star, compared to UR, who was coming off a 17 week layoff, and was nowhere near fully cranked. Your question of is a 1,200lbs animal moving at top speed being that easy to slow down, well ask the commentators and Leparoux. Ask him how easy it was to drive UR from the gate to get position then switch off and relax, then asking him to accelerate on the turn, then finally wrapping him up. Obviously, with a horse that listens as well as UR, it would seem fairly easy compared to most other racehorses. The point is one horse was all out, running straighter for longer, while being asked for his best, while the other wasn't even being ridden hard, was even wrapped up well before the wire, and had a much shorter length of straight ground. EP should have run faster, that is the point. · 91 days ago ·

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driveon · I'm not sure why I get logged in as different usernames (I am also gocashking-just to be transparent). My question was to you; not the "commentators or rider". How much faster than 6.4 do you believe the horse would have run "if asked"? I don't need commentators to tell me what I am seeing - I've been watching a lot longer than most of them. I've also seen MANY of these "under wraps" types go down in flames when faced with a faster pace or different race dynamics - go watch Bellamy Road's Wood or Sydney's Candy's SA Derby and you'll see for yourself. The point is - and I believe it to be valid - there is not THAT great a difference between the speed a "wrapped up" winner is travelling at then one who finishes under a drive because you can't slow a speeding thoroughbred down that quickly, and, there is NEVER a guarantee that when faced with a stretch duel in a subsequent race the "wrapped up" winner will run faster or succeed. · 91 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · driveon, the rider is the best one to ask to get your answer, and Leparoux was able to get this horse to switch on, off, then on, then off again. With a horse that listens to you that well, yes it is easy to slow him down, especially when he was never running full bore down the stretch. He was never asked the was taken back in hand. Look at RA's Mother Goose, that is a prime example of a horse that could have run much faster had the jockey not eased her back. Last year's Donn, is more towards your example, JV let QR keep running, didn't bring him back he let him keep going. UR and RA were both geared down considerably. You also fail to acknowledge the fact that one had a much shorter strech of straight ground to run over, during the final quarter mile. That makes a difference as well. When the horse is geared down and runs more time turning than straight, than the horse he is being compared to, then yes, it makes a difference. · 91 days ago ·

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driveon · If you watch the replay, you will notice Leparoux stopped moving his hands exactly 6 strides from the finish - I stand corrected. It is DEFINITELY not 13 strides and the horse did not slow considerably in those last 6 strides, either. Very impressive run, yes. Was there a ton more in the tank if needeed? Unknown and not measurable. · 91 days ago ·

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driveon · So, when a rider pumps his hands and shakes the reins and shows the horse the stick as Leparoux did inside the 1/16th pole, that's not "asking"? What is then? Actually after heving watched the race again, it was just outside the 70 yd. pole that the rider stopped moving his hands. I suggest you watch the replay a time or two. The horse was CLEARLY asked to run just inside the 1/16th pole. · 91 days ago ·

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travel_vic · When a race has been won, the trainer will have a fit if the rider continues to prompt him. Over exertion, when it is not required is a big No No · 91 days ago ·

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driveon · I get that, Vic - that has nothing to do with the point I'm making... · 91 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · driveon, Have you ever heard of keep the horse's concentration? Something UR is known to lose very easily. From the top of the stretch, down the lane, he did slow down. And again, what about the physics of running straight as compared to turning. Answer that please. That is pure science. UR had a much shorter stretch, do you deny that? One horse had a full head of momentum, a target, and a longer stretch. EP should have run faster, all things considered he should have run much faster than UR. · 91 days ago ·

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driveon · I not once mentioned El Padrino. My point is this "under wraps" business is WAY overplayed in the media, including here, and, he was not "wrapped up" for the entire final 1/16th of the race. Go take a look at the replay. · 91 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · I thought MV had the best run considering EP kept boring in (tired) and ran at FG which has a one second variant slower than GP. · 90 days ago ·

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Cardly Knot · Distance shouldn't be a big deal for U.R. - Northern Dancer, Mr. P, Native Dancer top⊥ 2 of the top TC winners Slew top& Secretariat bottom. With Algorithms scratched, there was only 1 high ranked horse Discreet Dancer to make the race even interesting, while News Pending was way overlooked, IMO. We all know UR wouldv'e beat Hansen granter the wire were a few more strides further down the stretch. Vic, were you referring to all trainer pushing past the wire? I know Baffert prefers them ridden out consistently past the wire. · 90 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · Cardly Knot, once you find yourself looking past the Grandsire and Great Grand Dam you are looking horses with little no impact or simillarities to the original horse. · 90 days ago ·

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Cardly Knot · Cocoa2, No secret, every pedigree snob goes 5 generations back, and uses inbreeding crosses and dosage to gauge possible outcomes, which also inturn lean much towards the dam's side. Rule of thumb is: every 3rd generation is apt to regenerate esp on the top. I admit, I'm no expert, but statistics and patterns often clarify. Discreet Dancer proved this, as did Uncle Mo. Correct me if I'm wrong, Union Rags isn't NOT the first foal out of Tempo? Yet first mating of Dixie Union/Tempo? UR turned to be a hybrid from the mating - you can tell by his eyes and coat, no less. · 90 days ago ·

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hshfarms · I am high on Union Rags... but the comparisons between him and Uncle Mo are getting old. We will never know if Uncle Mo could get 10F, he was sick before derby time. Then he was rushed into Breeder's Cup off an 8F race. How is that building a foundation? He was mishandled worse that any horse in the recent history. We won't know until at least the Florida Derby if Union Rags can get the distance, my bet is he can. But the comparisons between him and MO are trivial. · 90 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · Cardly Knot, I'm no expert on breeding either but I do like Dixieland Band in the mix. He has done well as a broodmare sire and had two very good turf horses. · 90 days ago ·

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Cardly Knot · TRIVIA: How many other Indian Charlies and Discreet Cats won going 10f? HINT: You could've tossed Mo and DDancer just from the Pletcher factor. · 90 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · Okay, there was never anyway Mo was going 10f. He struggled a lot at just 9f, 10f was out of the question. Second, saying 4th and on generations matter is like saying, "This horse goes back to the Godolphin Arabian, he must be amazing! · 90 days ago ·

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Cardly Knot · icy, Dixieland band top or bottom did well; worked for Street Sense as broodmare. I agree. Union Rags looks much like Dixie Union, who was one heck of good looking sire. I hope we all get to see Union Rags carry that on, regardless the TC outcome. · 90 days ago ·

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Winplacsho · I don't think there's any doubt Union Rags should be at the top of the heap right now, but a freak? I'm just not sure he really beat anything. He beat Discreet Dancer, who never routed before & was loose on the lead in both his starts sprinting. Other than that I think the field had mainly allowance horses at best. · 90 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Winplacesho, there has not been a race, except for possibly the Holy Bull, that anyone can say that the winner beat a field of top flight horses. Even that race has things that people can nit pick, like Hansen needed the race/was too fresh, etc, or that some of the others didn't enjoy the sloppy going. Also, remember that UR was coming off a 4 month layoff and had every right to not turn in that type of eye catching performance. He sat off of slow splits and came home quick enough to make a decent time out of it. · 90 days ago ·

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A Psychologist’s Dream Come True

After seeing the excitement of Union Rags’ effortless win in the Fountain of Youth, I have come to understand a simple fact about horse racing fans: We are a fickle mob… Part of what makes this sport so great is that these animals are not machines. It seems as if its easily forgotten by many that al...Read More

Posted 91 days ago ·

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Ann Maree · Matt, I think you got inside my head and said exactly what I have been saying, to myself and to others: Don't fall in love just yet! Wait until a few more "facts" are in. I remember last year...every hyped up minute of the frenzy with Uncle Mo. Love the horse...wasn't his fault "mob mentality" took over....then the TC races with a different winner each race, and favorites were out the window most of the Derby prep season. Not that I don't have favorites, this year I do, and I hope they will do well in their quest and stay safe. But, I wish the so-called experts would listen to you, Matt, and take your advice, and stop regaling about the second coming of Secretariat in Union Rags!! There are many horses vying for the spotlight, very good bloodlines, and just maybe there is a TC winner among them. If Union Rags is it, wonderful, but let's see him in a couple more races and then maybe we will have enough evidence to put both feet in his bandwagon, but until then, I'm enjoying ALL the great races and the run of seeing some really great horses "do their thing"! Even the undercards and the Older Division are providing some great excitement this year. Let's savor every minute this year being a stark comparison and much the better over last!!! Let’s keep some perspective. · 91 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · Nice pic, Bob Newhart! · 91 days ago ·

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nancyalis · gGreat blog. Very true, especially when listening to all the "professional" handicappers who write for the trades. (love the Bob Newhart photo-funny show!)) · 91 days ago ·

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notobsessed · Yes, there is a little demon deep inside me that smirks when I handicap correctly! · 90 days ago ·

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HorseLover98 · Haha:) So True!! · 90 days ago ·

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Floridaf · Great blog, Matthew! You have captured the mob mentality perfectly, and we're all guilty of it whether some of us want to admit it or not. · 90 days ago ·

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AnnaK · Bob Newhart has a bit of a smirk of his face. But I can't quite make out which horse he's predicting is going to wipe that TC floor Clean. Guesses? · 90 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · Newhart (Dr. Robert Hartley) is a huge Take Charge Indy fan. · 90 days ago ·

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Florida Stakes Races Redefine Divisions

Stakes races on both coasts of Florida leave a lot of food for thought.Read More

Posted 92 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · Union Rags and Awesome Maria were both fantastic ... now I have to pick one for the Star of the Week ... not fun! · 92 days ago ·

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dubby30 · Totally agree that Awesome Maria was impressive yesterday, but I dont put alot of stock in a true classic distance horse prepping in a 8.5f race. Bill Mott has a plan for RD and she gets stronger as the races get longer. She was very much up against it yesterday, lightly trained and cutting way back in distance from her best trip. I believe she will get a piece of it in Dubai. · 92 days ago ·

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Floridaf · I'm sure Mott does have a plan for RD, but a whipping at the hooves of Havre de Grace and Awesome Maria does not exactly bode well for a victory in Dubai. But we shall see. · 92 days ago ·

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cpsoren121 · Impressive runs at your track Ashley. Union Rags looks like the real deal! · 91 days ago ·

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wantwoman100 · Union Rags and Awesome Marie ,you can't pick a winner out of either of these horse for the horse of the week..They just both just went out for a training run.. · 91 days ago ·

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Floridaf · Union Rags looked very impressive, Chris, but I was SUPER impressed with Awesome Maria coming in off that long layoff. · 90 days ago ·

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Grading the 2012 Kentucky Derby Preps: Fountain of Youth

Union Rags was the Kentucky Derby 2012 favorite going into the Fountain of Youth Stakes and proved his mettle with a facile score at Gulfstream Park under Julien Leparoux on Sunday.Read More

Source: horseracingnation.wordpress.com · Posted 90 days ago ·

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Horse Racing Week In Pictures - Feb. 28

Eclipse Sportswire was at all the big races last week and captured some great moments at the Fountain of Youth, Risen Star & more - it's the best week yet!Read More

Posted 91 days ago ·

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HorseLover98 · Great Pics:))!! · 90 days ago ·

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Castellano to ride Algorithms, not Union Rags

Leparoux benefits from the decision that left a vacancy on Union Rags for the Fountain of Youth...Read More

Posted 106 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · Castellano has been riding more and more horses for Pletcher (like El Padrino and Gemologist) and you can't minimize how that must have impacted his decision. · 106 days ago ·

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zatt · Certainly the decision to ride for the Pletcher horse was part of the equation. · 106 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · I would most certainly say the amount of horses has been riding for Pletcher affected his decision. Racing has become a business, and even if UR is the more talented individual, Castellano could lose a lot in other races if Pletcher decided not to use him as much, had he chosen Union Rags. · 106 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Do jockeys give up the mount on a horse they believe can win the Derby? Will he be able to gain the ride on UR back for the Derby if his Pletcher hopefuls don't make the field and UR does? Does he exercise both colts in the a.m.? Maybe he can't give all the reasons behind his decision. · 106 days ago ·

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zatt · Hard to say if Pletcher would have given him less opportunities if he chose to stick with Union Rags. · 106 days ago ·

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HorseLover98 · Like both horses, both jocks, looking to be a good race! :) · 106 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · I don't believe he would have Brian, but the jock and agent probably wouldn't want to risk that, espicially when Pletcher has so many horses that he is riding right now. Personally, as a trainer, I would not fault a jock for taking a horse that he believes is better. · 106 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · The decision isn't about now only, think about all of the stakes horses Pletcher has in his barn. · 106 days ago ·

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feistyred77 · Oh well... I think Leparoux is a way better jockey anyway. Michael Matz is one of the worlds most incredible horsemen, and I would never doubt his decisions. Ive been a fan of Union Rags since his first race, and with a horse like that and a jockey like Leparoux, I only see success. · 106 days ago ·

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MikeRullo · brian your dead wrong this time, algorithms is a better race horse. I cant wait when this horse proves you wrong · 106 days ago ·

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derbysailor · If he stay's with Algorithm he also keeps el padrino and gemologist, at least until they run on the same day and Todd isn't going to run any angainst the other until he has to. Personally I think el padrino and gemologist will be the better horses by May. Just sayin... · 106 days ago ·

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NickGunritz · He made the right choice. Eventually he will choose el padrino over algorithms. · 106 days ago ·

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GregRiessland · i say union, but this is good everyone is jumping on algorithms after hansen ran him self dead in the slop. algorithms is good but that beat down was on mud. now people doubt union rags a little because he lost to hansen and algorithms beat hansen. i wont be swayed so easy by thrashing on slop. algorithms is a good horse, but i think union rags and creative cause are better at the moment. i remember when union rags had trouble before the jv and found a hole right at the end and won by 5 in a a simple tap, he covers lots of ground its hard to throw out a horse who doesn't depend on the pace to win. up front hes tough, in the middle hes tough and trailing hes tough. but that's me. and i know with this hype union may not be the chalk coming up. but then again the public is chicken and will still make him favorite out of fear he may be the real deal. · 106 days ago ·

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GregRiessland · i say algorithms is 3rd best right now till we see this next race. · 106 days ago ·

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kedez2012 · I still believe Union Rags is the better horse and will maintain that belief until I see Algorithms around two turns · 106 days ago ·

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Floridaf · It's too difficult to say right now whether or not this was the best decision for Castellano. A lot can change between now and May, and hindsight is 20/20. He may end up regretting the decision, or it may be one of the best decisions he's ever made. We'll find out soon. · 106 days ago ·

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zxswordxz · Now...put Johnny V on the back of Union Rags and let the show begin. · 105 days ago ·

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Winplacsho · I think he picked Pletcher over Algorithms, no doubt. · 105 days ago ·

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ivanlsardi · I think that a mistake is fatal that change of riding, Union Rags is best foal will demonstrate in this race! · 105 days ago ·

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commatothetop · Wrong choice, if it was my decision I'd ride Union Rags. · 104 days ago ·

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starlightinv · Hi has picked the horse he feels will win. Yea Pletcher has the most stroke, but when you have a potential great three year old- that is a career choice. He has rode each horse and made a decision- it not a matter of questioning- it is a matter of wagering wisely based on this information... · 103 days ago ·

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flybeek · Castellano had one of the hardest decision a jockey can ever wish for and at the same time its a great position to be in if you pick the right horse, I personally like Gemologist over both union rags and algorithms in the derby... He have a couple good races over the churchill surface and even though its early i believe he can do it... · 103 days ago ·

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Mike in SB · I remember an interview with one of the top trainers who had just won his first kentucky Derby, I can't remember who it was but he had won all of the best US races. Anyway he said when he meets people at the airport or at a party and they learn he is a race horse trainer the first question they always ask is "Have you ever won the Kentucky Derby?", he was very excited to be able to tell them now--Yes I have won the Kentucky Derby! I think this shows how important the Derby is to people in racing, owners, trainers and jockeys, not to mention fans. I know picking up Pletcher mounts helps business, but I can't believe a jockey would give up his best chance to win his first Derby if he didn't believe he was getting on a horse with at least an equal chance of winning. · 103 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · I hope Javier Castellano really likes El Padrino! · 93 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · Union Rags is the real deal. · 92 days ago ·

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shadowno · As of this afternoon it looks like Castellano opted to win a bunch of races no one will remember instead of having a shot at the one race everyone remembers. Union Rags may not ultimately win the Derby but he is all racehorse. · 92 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · I'll wait and see how Algorithms does against UR in the Derby if it so happens before I jump to conclusions. · 92 days ago ·

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travel_vic · If the "A" colt does not improve, SAIGNIFICANTLY, in his ability to overcome a decent pace, his future in the Triple Crown this year will be severly limited · 92 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · He could still take the Preakness, if he can run on lead. · 91 days ago ·

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travel_vic · How can you make that prediction without knowing a single other runner? · 91 days ago ·

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2012 Fountain of Youth (...

There was never any way UR would loose.

Posted by Cocoa2 · 92 days ago ·

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DiegoVol · He looked like a Monster compared to the rest of the field.Nice burst of speed to take the lead. · 92 days ago ·

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travel_vic · pace was tepid and he still moved on it. Lets see what happens when soemoen goes 46 1:10 3/5 in front of him · 92 days ago ·

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cugel the clever · unlike Mo, Rags is the real deal and is the clear KD favourite now. DD had no excuses. I boxed 1 5 6 7 in the superfecta. I liked the closing efforts of 1 and 6 in their last races and thought they'd get a piece. No excuses for Casual Trick - he's not in the class of these. His last race was no fluke. · 92 days ago ·

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cugel the clever · the slow pace should have worked in DD's favour. the fact that UR could smoke the pace setter and still finish in a good time only makes his victory seem even more impressive. · 92 days ago ·

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Cocoa2 · What was the track condition? It wasn't soup, but it seemed to be a bit wet. · 92 days ago ·

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GregRiessland · that is what i like about union rags he doesn't depend on the pace to win. he adjusts to the conditions of the race. · 92 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · You mean lose, my sweet, hot beverage. :) · 92 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · " I boxed 1 5 6 7 in the superfecta" post it instead of all that other junk..BTW: I won 43 million playing poker yesterday. MMMMMMM Who's not upfront, Cocoa2, Icyhotboo, BOTH! · 92 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · Nice. What are you doing on HRN when you've got 43 mil. to blow? · 92 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · What's mike repole doing with 10k claimers when he has 4,000 million? · 92 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · cocoa2, you have to be young. Rich or Poor you still have problems and need entertainment like Mike Repole fooling with 10k claimer and is worth 4,000 million. I didn't win 43 million just as you didn't box 1/5/6/7 because a box is illogical with two horse like UR and DD as one of them was going to win at that short distance in that small field. Your not a rookie and only a rookie would box that race, right? · 92 days ago ·

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likin sparks · I thew $2.00 on UR to win, won $2.40 on this race and loved it, wasn't about to invest anything on it...competition was lacking and prices to low. · 91 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · I'm 13, I'm male and I've been watching races since I was 5 and visited Suffolk Downs. My grandfather got me into racing really, when I was 6. Mike Repole's looking for the next Seabiscuit. · 91 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · When your the lone speed in the race you should be at least 3-4 lengths in front. When I saw 48. half and he wasn't I knew he was a loser. A good example of how to run loose on the lead was when haynsfield beat Blame. Backing a race off and staying with the pack makes no sense as it means every other horse has the same amount of energy as you, a lead is essential plus a tepid pace, that was not the case with DD. · 91 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · 13? Okay, no more hot beverage comments. LOL !!!!! · 91 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · I wish I was older. I regret not having seen Easy Goer, Affirmed, Go For Wand, Secretariat, Seattle Slew, note even Tiznow really. · 91 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · "cocoa2 · I wish I was older." The day will come when you won't. lol · 91 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · cocoa2, you saw Zenyatta she could run with any of them. This from a biased east coast fan of Rachel. · 91 days ago ·

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Derby Favorite Union Rags Wins For Fun

Union Rags shows no signs of rust with an emphatic four-length tally in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes...Read More

Source: horseracingnation.com · Posted 92 days ago ·

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AmbitiousD · The best lesson learned from this race was that Union Rags has learned to run straight down the stretch. He was my derby favorite after winning the Champagne, and I'm glad I never left the UR bandwagon after the BC Juvy. · 92 days ago ·

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travel_vic · One wavering race is not a habit one has to overcome · 92 days ago ·

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PatPatterson · He raced "green" more than once, which made it something he needed to figure out. Sure looks like he did so in the FOY, looked very professional, changed leads smoothly and powered away, straight as an arrow. · 92 days ago ·

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Mike in SB · Union Rags is the clear favorite for the Derby now. Lets hope he makes it to the race, the last few years has not been too good for favorites even getting to start in the Derby. · 91 days ago ·

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WITTEGAIL · HE'S OFF TO A GREAT START, WITH A HEART LIKE HIS,ONE OF THOSE THAT GO DOWN IN HISTORY. · 91 days ago ·

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b1ueeyes03 · I don't feel like he was tested very much in the FOY.. He ran beautifully, don't get me wrong but with Algo out of the picture his next rival was DD and we all knew he wasn't going to enjoy the distance. Looking forward to both, El Padrino and Union Rags next start! :) · 91 days ago ·

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Cardly Knot · Union Rags 2012 schedule(:sponsored by Satire Ale and New World Derby LLC ;) FL Derby(1st) KY Derby(1st)Preakness(1st)Belmont(1st)Long-deserved RnR drinking brews by the seaside daydreaming of Black Cavier + 2012 KY Oaks winner; return @ SA in Oct Goodwood S.(1st)Nov.BCClassic @SA(1st)Retired; more beer/ expensive hotel room paid Havre De Grace. · 91 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · Cardly Knot - I hope he runs as a 4, maybe a five before they retire him. He looks like he has skill. · 91 days ago ·

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Cardly Knot · Cocoa2, in a perfect world, I'd agree with you. If he really did go on and pull off that heist, he'd be worth way too much(insurance wise to race after 3. And honestly, what more would there be to prove if one could do all that as a 3 yr old, nowadays? UnionRags had 3yr old form at 2, looks and talent. I'd rather see his offspring down the road, than see him crippled and put down at 4 or 5. Its all hypothetical per say - as Julio Escalante Canai would say, "Who Cares?!?!" · 91 days ago ·

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2012 Fountain of Youth (...

Going to be the Derby favorite! He pulled away easily! Going to be tough to beat.

Posted by Mr. Thirsty · 92 days ago ·

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Cocoa2 · I hope he can carry over distance. · 92 days ago ·

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Big Weekend in store at Gulfstream Park

Royal Delta is set to face Awesome Maria in each excellent mare's 2012 debut...Read More

Posted 96 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · Royal Delta and Awesome Maria are great, but I would not discount Groupie Doll in the Sabin. · 96 days ago ·

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Floridaf · With two prep races under her belt, Groupie Doll should be fit and raring to go in the Sabin. She just might sneak past the top two and pull off an upset, but I think I will have to stick with Royal Delta and Awesome Maria. · 96 days ago ·

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hshfarms · Union Rags is my favorite in the FOY, but he isn't undefeated as stated. Although he probably should be. · 96 days ago ·

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Floridaf · Thanks for pointing out that oversight, hshfarms. I like Union Rags, too, but I think Algorithms will prove tough to beat, too. · 96 days ago ·

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AnnaK · Sick with envy okay? THE place to be this weekend. Union Rags, Perfect Shirl, Grace, and deadheat between Delta and Maria · 95 days ago ·

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cpsoren121 · Union Rags v Algorithms! Hmm, could Discreet Dancer surprise??? · 93 days ago ·

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Floridaf · AnnaK, I was sick with envy, too. I wish I could have been down at Gulfstream for yesterday's card (Feb. 25), but I'm looking forward to the March 10 card, which I WILL be at Gulfstream for. · 92 days ago ·

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