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Mott Still Holding a Strong Hand

posted by John Pricci on March 25, 2008 Tags: , , , , , ,
Court Vision Wins The Iroquois (GIII) (photo by: Reed Palmer/CDI)Court Vision Wins The Iroquois (GIII) (photo by: Reed Palmer/CDI) Majestic Warrior Upsets in the Hopeful (Photo by: Adam Coglianese)Majestic Warrior Upsets in the Hopeful (Photo by: Adam Coglianese) Bill Mott at Payson Park: (Photo by: Toni Pricci)Bill Mott at Payson Park: (Photo by: Toni Pricci)

Using the leeward side of the viewing stand that overlooks the Payson Park training track to brace himself against brisk winds and 53-degree temperatures, the horseman stood trackside beneath a high sky awaiting the final horse in his second set of the morning to come into view.

On foot or astride his pony, Bill Mott never takes his eyes off the prize.

Extending my hand, I gave my standard wiseguy greeting to anyone who hadn‘t returned a recent phone call. “You must have me on your pay-no-mind list.”

“I’ve been a little busy,” said the youngest trainer ever inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame, now moving away from the concrete windbreaker and ducking under the outside rail onto the Payson surface, stopwatch in right hand.

Almost at once, a gorgeous, long-striding chestnut came flying into view. “Here comes a horse that won the Sunshine Millions and finished second in the Big ‘Cap,” the trainer said.

“Go Between?” After Mott nodded yes, what I left unsaid was that Garrett Gomez gave him a brilliant ride in the Sunshine Classic, and that 5-1 was a square price.

In the next instant Mott was gone. “Going back to the barn. I’ve got one more set to go out. See you over there,” he motioned, pointing in the direction of barn 3-B.

I climbed the steps of the viewing stand to get a better view of the deepish, one mile oval. I asked Shug McGaughey if the gloves he was wearing were for sale. He smiled to acknowledge the not so facetious question but clearly never entertained the notion.

We chatted, lamenting the current quality of the day-to-day fare at Gulfstream Park. McGaughey worries that if present decline of top class racing at Gulfstream is allowed to continue another few years the track might never recover. His is not a minority view.

Returning to the stand’s leeward side where I first encountered Mott, Nick Caras and Humberto Chavez, both of the New York division of Race Track Chaplaincy of America, were informing horsemen there would be a worship service at 7:30 p.m. at the dorms by the basketball court.

Moving 20 feet in our direction, Christophe Clement walked over, extended a greeting, smiled, and said: “This looks like a good place to be, a handicapper on one side and a chaplain on the other.”

A regular kidder that Clement.

Back at Barn 3-B, Mott was making sure that Court Vision--a strong-finish Fountain of Youth third and who runs next in the Wood Memorial a week from Saturday--was comfortable, that the blanket was comfy snug but not too tight. “I thought he ran good in the Fountain of Youth. He was just too far back [for Gulfstream]. But if he wants to give us a reason to go to the Derby with a good chance, he needs to run a strong race in the Wood.”

Majestic Warrior, who runs in Saturday’s Florida Derby, ”is doing very well.” On its face that would be trainer speak, but from Mott it’s high praise. “He made a big move in [the Louisiana Derby], got something out of it, and came back good. The race took nothing out of him, didn’t set him back.”

There’s no added pressure on Mott or the horse even if Majestic Warrior was bred by George Steinbrenner, who retains a major interest in the colt. “He would love to be in the [Derby], but not just to be in it.

“When I ran Blue Burner, it was my choice. He was second in the Florida Derby and fourth in the Wood and thought he earned his chance. We’ll see where we’re at with [Majestic Warrior] on Saturday and go from there. I‘m still learning about him, still trying to figure him out.”

In the stall directly adjacent to Majestic Warrior’s is Z Humor, Mott’s third Derby hopeful, who runs next in the Illinois Derby, same day as the Wood. “His effort will determine his [Kentucky Derby] status. We need to see where he fits.”

When conjuring up Bill Mott, what comes to mind is a deliberate demeanor that doesn’t offer more than is asked, probably the South Dakota in him. His words are measured, as if carefully thought through the instant before speaking. He gives the impression of a man constantly playing a game of chess with himself.

“I’m sitting on some nice horses,” Mott admitted. “I’ve been excited all winter. You get up in the morning thinking about what you‘re going to do that day. You need to do it right, and you’ve got to do it right for everybody. You have to figure out the best way to get them there.”

Then he allowed himself this. “I’d just like to be on the lead at the eighth pole in the Derby.” Then he threw his head back and laughed.

John Pricci's full "Racing to the Kentucky Derby" blog can be found at www.horseraceinsider.com

Join the Discussion

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barryrmitchell

03/26/2008 2:36 am

Okay not sure if there was a questions for the bloggers in the story line! but, I guess we should all use our imagination "now and then"

I simply don't understand why Mott elected to run Court Vision in the Wood instead of the Florida Derby. Was there any reason given for the change?

I see Majestic Warrior in the Derby trial, it's a one turn mile race for a one turn horse, should be perfect for his racing style.

eaoa89

03/26/2008 7:48 am

Barry-
I'm guessing the reason that Court Vision is going to the Wood is so that Mott can keep his horses separated with Majestic Warrior running in Florida.

Speaking of Mott, don't count Z Humour out yet- 4 of the last 15 Derby winners hadn't won a race during their 3yo season, and if this one runs respectably (top 3 unless he has excuses) he'll certainly be in the field (Plenty of graded earnings) and may peak at the right time

Cdpotato4

03/26/2008 9:22 am

eaoa,

agree. think z humor should be given another shot to prove himself. He did compete against War Pass and Pyro as a 2-year old.

You could make a case to toss the Sam F. Davis, first start off layoff and some don't like tampa. And considering he came back a week later to finish 4th in the FOY that isn't so bad.

On the other side of the spectrum, you could view his poor performance in the Sam F. Davis as evidence to the class of Fierce Wind, Big Truck, and Smooth Air.

No matter which side you take, it definitely has an effect on evaluating the Florida Derby field.

BOBBY

03/26/2008 10:35 am

Mott is sending Court Vision to Aqu to get away from GP. It's very simple. Even with the new surface at GP it will always favor speed. Court Vision has already showed that he likes Aqu. To me, it's a easy decision. Hopefully a top 3 finish will send him to Louisville...

Stacey-Jo

03/26/2008 11:07 am

I like Court Vision and his closing style. I think he ran a very good race in the Fountain of Youth, and I remember reading that Mott didn't want him to run his "best race" in February. He's one of my top picks for the Derby, and I can't wait to see him in the Wood. I'm sure he'll do well.

mike barker

03/26/2008 12:59 pm

I agree with bobby its an easy decision...Gulfstream is a nightmare for closers this year..

derbyme

03/26/2008 2:00 pm

I don't think Court Vision has to come from that far back. I think Mott had him take back in the FOY because he was coming back at 9f and only wanted him to run the last 3/8ths in order to move the 80% colt forward rather than back.

"His" decision to run in the Wood may also have something to do with IEAH stables owning morning line fave Big Brown, who they might well think is unbeatable in there. War Pass falling from the top of the ugly tree and hitting every branch on the way down probably played a role as well. Note, AQ is as notorious for favoring speed as GP.

Big Brown, Good luck with post 12!

Cdpotato4

03/26/2008 5:58 pm

If anyone has any inside info on Prado, I would love to hear it.

He's going to Dubai and leaving some "talent" behind. Tomcito? Hey Byrn? Is he not confident in their abilities? Does he feel they can be true derby contenders? Who would he have been riding had he stayed here?

Any and all input would be greatly appreciated.

barryrmitchell

03/26/2008 6:01 pm

It sounds like every agrees Court Vision is sitting on a top performance which will earn him a spot in the Derby. I personally believe whether he runs his race or not, Court Vision goes to the Kentucky Derby then skip the Preakness but finish up in the Belmont. He looks like a 1 1/2 mile is a good race for him. I pick Court Vision to finish in the top 4 place in Kentucky.

Interesting comment on the DRF about Big Brown. No horse has won since 2005 from the 11-12 slot at Gulfstream Park. I don't see this statistic changing this weekend. So looking inward, E-Field appears best from post 8. Even though his opening odds are 5-1 to B-Brown 3-1, E-Fields will probably go off favorite because of the unlucky draw to BB. The pace has change significantly due to the outside post. Big Brown will not force the issue from the outside, maybe a strong move around the turn while racing wide the entire trip. The pace should be slow enough for the middle pack horse to have a good run at the leaders. Traffic problems for the closer. 4-5 horses should remain consistent during the stretch run.

Across the sea's Premium Tap is racing against Curlin. Of course, Curlin should win, but this time it won't be so easy. So how about A-Boy (Winner), He dislikes the soft turf, but love the firm dirt. I always thought he was equal to Curlin's ability.

I have been eagerly waiting for these two to engage, Premium Tap adds suspense to the outcome and Jalil opening second choice with a 9.7 million price tag. This will be the race of the year. Asiatic Boy is my pick for the upset as Curlin runs second again.

My long shot play will be Massive Drama. Night racing is his best, he flourish at Hollywood Park during night racing. 1 1/8 would be a stretch, but at 10-1 and on the front end is where I would like to be.

Benny the Bull (6-1) should run hugh. Very sharp and appears wiling to increase his bankroll.

Sad to hear Rags to Riches has retired. It for the best!, I was extremely surprised by the commitment of the owners to attempt the return. But she will be bred to Giant Causeway this fall and produce, hopefully an instant winner the class of 2010.

?????? Shug M has a three year old named Cosmic which broke maiden at Gulfstream 1 1/8, before the running of the FOY. Does anyone know the colt status. Breeding is classic and should surface in some prep races down the road. Shug may have decided to point for the summer classic.

Will the filly (Eight Belle) try the boy in the Ark Derby. I believe the Jones will certainly keep us all on suspense right up till the last moment. I believe one filly thus far has ran down the boys from behind. The colts and the fillies are not separated by much.

Cdpotato4

03/26/2008 6:03 pm

He also left Face the Cat and Coll Gator behind.

DerbyFan78

03/26/2008 6:58 pm

Barry,

I believe Cosmic is running Saturday at Gulfstream against Wise Answer.

DerbyFan78

03/26/2008 11:47 pm

Nix that. I must need glasses, as he isn't even in that race or at Gulfstream on Saturday. Although, I do remember seeing his name mentioned as an entry somewhere today.

derbyme

03/27/2008 1:12 pm

Big Brown's in tough, but Elysium Fields (post 8) did not draw much better. Out of 29 9f races at GP this meet, post 8 out has won exactly 0. Posts 1-3 have won 75% of these races. Mathematically, Fierce Wind, Smooth Air, and Da Tara have a 175% better chance of winning than they should (compare with about 200% when Cool Coal Man won the FOY from post 1). This reflects that the track has evened out slightly since then, which I've observed and attribute to recent rains. Nevertheless, if the favorites outside can't get over, they might be done. Elysium Fields took the overland route last time and was a much the best 2nd, but this field seems to be of higher quality, at least in my mind.

Jamie21

03/27/2008 9:37 pm

Court Vision... LOL

rimott

03/28/2008 4:11 pm

whats funny about Court Vision?

barryrmitchell

03/28/2008 4:34 pm

Thanks DerbyFan, Interesting Wise Answer has 471k in earning and not chasing the Derby trail. Shug has chosen not to try the Florida Derby with Cosmic ouyt of Heavily Prize mare. Cosmic maiden WIN his last outing was much improved and Shug keeps running his horses on the undercard events. In my book, Shug is way to conservative with his horses these days. Cosmic races would have placed him in the top 5 horses of the FOY, the same day.

Jamie, I believe Court Vision is at least in the top 4-5 three year olds racing. Will see a major improvement next out. Just don't like who he has chosen to race? (War Pass).

In my book, his best chance at any triple crown race would be the Belmont, along with Blackberry Road.

rimott

03/28/2008 6:08 pm

yeah Court Vision is a very quality horse with a great derby pedigree and the graded earnings. He is proven around two turns and in graded company (2 wins and a 3rd). He should improve dramatically off of his last race. Respect

phil_cayla

03/28/2008 10:28 pm

I agree Court Vision should be well suited for the Belmont as it takes a little while to get the train rolling down the stretch. I hope the long CD stretch will give him a great chance at a run for the roses. There is a reason why he is on virtually all professional handicappers top 10 and many top 5's...Not to mention a strong 2nd in the wood will put him at a GREAT price, and perhaps setup a peak on May 3.