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It's No Sham: A Rivalry Builds

posted by Mac McBride on March 03, 2008 Tags: , , , ,
Colonel John: (Photo by: Benoit)Colonel John: (Photo by: Benoit)

Funky day at Santa Anita Saturday. That’s talking weather. Felt like Northern California, not Southern, what with a split between mist and rain droning in and out throughout the afternoon and a bit of chill in the winds. Hardly unbearable, but hardly the sunny and mild the So Cal folk come to almost expect.

It was a little bit funky out on the racetrack, too, at least in regard to the race we all wanted to see – the nine-panel Sham, which started out with seven sophs, ran with five and unfolded in a fashion that left more room for extrapolation than conclusions.

Colonel John, long of body, long of bloodlines and nicely handled by Mr. Money Rider, Garrett Gomez, hung a half-length defeat on El Gato Malo, short in stature, possibly short in distance pedigree and handled as best as one could hope for given the circumstances by the rider-too-few-realize-is-so-good, David Flores. The little guy was coming, but the big horse beat him fair and square, no bones about it. True, the big horse might have gotten a bit better trip, but that’s horse racing. They played it as the race came up and – Saturday – the best horse won. Amen.

Some additional thoughts:

• You want to say that these two horses are really light on experience. Here they are coming up to their next-to-last prep race prior to the Kentucky Derby (they are slated to reprise this soon-to-be-growing rivalry in the Santa Anita Derby at the same nine furlongs on April 5) and they’ve only raced five (Colonel) and four (Gato) times. How can they possibly be ready to go a mile and a quarter in a 20-horse field with that little seasoning? But then you realize that they aren’t a whole lot behind any of the “salty” ones pointing toward Louisville. They’re just part of the new wave -- Racing Lite – that worries more about fragile legs, not-so-sturdy constitutions and a don’t-dare-get-beat mentality much more than the “bottom” that old-time horsemen (say all the way back to the time of a slightly younger Bob Baffert) used to value so much. It’s different now and the sense here is that it is probably harder on the horses because of it and it is definitely harder on the handicappers.

• Colonel John’s “Beyer” was a so-so 86, while El Gato Malo’s was 85. Both these less-than-sizzling numbers were due to a dawdling pace that came about when two horses – notably Coast Guard (who you’ll see next week at Bay Meadows in a softer spot in the El Camino Real Derby) – came out in the morning and left “the pace” to anyone who couldn’t take enough hold.

•Both horses went quickly through the stretch, running their last furlong in a shade under :12 seconds – commonly known as “motorin’” at the end of a nine-furlong exercise. Coming home, both horses also shifted out and out and out toward the middle of the track and Gato wound up closer to the outside fence than the inner one. It almost appeared that the smaller horse was running away from the bigger one, and maybe there’s something to that. Gomez said afterwards that he shifted his colt out to try to engage his closing rival. It appears that was a good tactic.

•Both horses galloped out nicely afterwards, but the Colonel was a fair bit longer recovering his breath following the race. Gato’s chest stopped heaving well before his chief rival’s as he (Gato) walked in circles near the winner’s circle waiting for the Colonel to take care of that picture business and join him at the test barn. The Colonel, one suspects, slept very well Saturday night.

•Talking to one of the well-connected connections involved with the West Point Thoroughbred crew afterwards, the slightly unsettling thought was relayed that Gato is just a bit of a “goof.” Not that that was spoken or meant in a mean or negative way, but rather stated so in the realization that he is merely still very green and not very savvy around other horses. Word was he’s been known to do the jitterbug when a stable pony comes near, so this growing teenager of a racehorse could well be one of those who may find Derby Day and a large field a challenge, to say the least. He could get some good schooling in the Santa Anita Derby, which with its $750,000 purse and Grade I status is eligible to draw a bigger-than-average field. But when you look back at his three stakes efforts you see he faced only four, five and seven rivals. Now go look at the size of the fields the preps in the midwest and east have been drawing. Still, as we all know, teenagers grow up very fast these days. And, as you should know, you can teach them out of greenness, but you can’t teach them into talent if they don’t have it and, most assuredly, Gato has mucho of that.

• Both horses “ate up” and were doing fine Sunday morning. The Tijuana native Flores will be back aboard Gato come SA Derby time, but Gomez – who has more suitors than a prom queen at a chess club social – might not be locked on to the Colonel. If that proves so, one Corey Nakatani would seem like the logical Plan B.

•We all want to be the trainer when we start following this wonderful business of horse racing; we all want to call the shots. Just ask any trainer about that. So let’s suppose Gato’s trainer asked for some, ah, suggestions, here’s what someone might volunteer for him: Try your horse with blinkers – big, full ones. It just might help with the “other horse” biz. You could do it in the mornings, perhaps teaming him with a horse or two from the barn. Check, and good luck. See, everyone wants to get into the act.

•Colonel John is by two-time Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Tiznow out of a Turkoman mare. He is bred to run very far, period. El Gato Malo is by a nifty middle-distance horse named El Corredor out of a mare by Mountain Cat, who is a son of Storm Cat. He well could have enough in the genes to get a mile and a quarter in competitive time, though you might be able to start a debate around the old bloodstock library about that. That aside, the way the “Bad Cat” runs, and especially the way he closed going nine panels last Saturday, there only small doubt at worst that he won’t get 10 furlongs. Don’t wager against him for that reason.

•Finally, both the Colonel’s guy, Eoin Harty, and Gato’s, Craig Dollase, have been down the Derby Trail before. Dollase ran a Derby horse (Wilko in 2005) and has been there with his dad, Wally, when he had roses on his mind. Harty, of course, rode shotgun for Bob Baffert for a bunch of years and if you go back and look at those Triple Crown win pictures, you’ll see the smiling Irishman off to the side of his silver-haired boss. Which means it won’t be rookie week in Lousiville when these boys and their horses come. And, barring something untoward on the soundness front (touch wood), they’re coming. You can bet on that.

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Geronimo2123

03/03/2008 7:14 am

Mac,

Nice post, very insightful. A couple of thoughts:

El Gato Malo has raced in a field of 10 when breaking his maiden race. He showed tactical speed at Hollywood, and won at 6 furlongs at 109.1. There is no reason to hold such a horse off of a slow pace. None.

El Gato Malo can be excused for goofing off, as he is young. IMO a jockey is goofing off when he pulls his horse back off a very slow pace and allows a closer to get in front to his outside. EGM probably figures the rider is goofing with him, so he will goof back. There is no reason to sit your horse on the rail, off of the pace, when your horse broke second and was just off the lead until Flores pulled the horse back.

El Gato Malo has more tactical speed than Colonel John. Gomez rode CJ very well, but Flores actually backed EGM off of those crawling fractions. The last time I saw I rider back a horse off of very slow fractions was Gomez on Hard Spun. Not a good move, and a nice way to make a 3 year old rank. There is no reason not to use EGM's tactical speed and keep him forwardly placed IN FRONT of Colonel John. He was well in front of the Colonel when Flores pulled him off the pace.

I agree with Jay Privman and others who say that was a tactical error. That slow pace and small group made sure the rail was not the place to be. Of course Smith pinned EGM in behind the pace, it was in Reflect Time's best interest to jam the odds on leader back. Flores could have put the horse anywhere else and there would have been no traffic, and if he used EGM's tactical speed to sit just off the leader, maybe the horse would not get so bored and would stop hamming it up in the stretch (which is what he is doing). He wants the lead, at that slow pace, give it to him sooner. If you cannot hold the lead with those slow fractions, hang up your Derby Dreams. Remember, Hard Spun beat Street Sense twice by getting in front of him and controlling the pace.

Lastly, El Gato Malo is not as long as Colonel John, but he is 16 hands high. That is not a small 3 year old, Colonel John has just gotten larger. But I agree, this may be a rivalry, and a good one. But EGM does look short next to CJ.

eaoa89

03/03/2008 11:23 am

The SA Derby is sure shaping up to be an interesting race. For some reason, I've got a "gut feeling" that Colonel John is the real deal and will be a force to be reckoned with come Derby Day.

CAMCHLOE

03/03/2008 11:38 am

Face it , El Gato Malo , is not the next great triple crown winner, Westpoint always finds sweet spots for their horses. For when they wins they get a few new wallets to open up.

barryrmitchell

03/03/2008 12:08 pm

We'll Mac, I have been reading various comments concerning race tactic's and how the jockey's should handle their colts and the slow pace of 1:14 is below competitive racing.

From a racing fans chair in the corner of thoroughbred racing world. I would say, you are all right to question what just occurred!

But on the other hand. Here is the reality, The horse have been training since the better part of their two-year old career to engage in the running of the race, just off the pace. Better known as come from behind.

Any trainer/owner knowns you don't train your athlete one way and ask them to perform another. This is a sure way of un-train your horse, very quickly!

Therefore, you run your horse the same way, all day, in each race. This is call consistency and your best way to win each day, while racing at the track.

After years of watching, betting, and walking the back stretch in the stables area with thoroughbreds, trainers and owners, you see the preparation put into the colts and fillies.

Thoroughbreds, when they learn what racing is all about (better known as "do what the trainer has taught you")

Thoroughbred simply are following the lesson learn. I have seen horse get pushed to the lead and finish last 20 lengths out as the favorite, because the racing style was change to benefit the race devoid of speed.

The race was ran remarkably well, and all horses kept to their training perfectly.

Both colts are rated 4-5 on my derby list after this performance. They both have learn their morning lesson well.

Colonel John appears to have been taught to race closer to the pace since his Cash Call loss. It was clear from the loss, it was due to running to far behind the pacesetters (Into Mischief), El Gato Malo is completely opposite, I agree with the writer here (Geronimo2123), but the horse is not a true 1 1/4 horse classic horses.

If EGM has to race on the front end (which he could as any thoroughbred). EGM will likely tire from pressing the pace. So EGM has been train to make one run to the wire 2f out. Street Sense had a 4f out move! as well as Curlin, Most great one's do!

The only difference in the Sham, was training and horses character. Based on what they have learn, the winner was Colonel John, because of racing position. Not jockey's racing tactics. The LITTLE delay by EGM in the stretch, should have been overcame if the talents was there to do so. Losing ground is normal for horse racing. I'm sure CJ was waiting on the turn a little longer than normal as well.

It not always the most talented horse which get the money in distance races, but the most well instructed horse, the race make up itself, the horse character when engaged and the size of the horse nose on the wire.

Character points went to Colonel John (Tiznow class), Both colts showed their morning training very well. They were extremely professional at work in the Sham stakes.

mike barker

03/03/2008 12:23 pm

Thats exactly why i root for War Pass to stay healthy and keep winning, because without him who knows what the pace would be like..He is unrateable and i dont think Zito is gonna try and do that to him..The best thing he can hope for is pooring down rain when they go into the gate, thats the only way i think he could ever hit the board..

Calvin Carter

03/03/2008 2:36 pm

Mac,

I like Colonel John over El Gato Malo. They are both good horses but I believe that El Gato Malo will come up short at 1 1/4 miles and that distance should not be a problem for Colonel John.

On another topic, I was wondering if you knew anything about Smarty Deb. I heard that she was transferred to a new trainer in Southern California. Do you know who the trainer is and are they going to make a Kentucky Oaks bid?

mac

03/03/2008 3:03 pm

Thank you one and all for your input on this. Geroniomo -- right back at you with a "good post" comment. I don't agree on the Flores knock for his ride, but then opinions are the reason horse racing exists. Good for you for having yours and races to come will tell the tale about El Gato Malo and his proper style.
Vowel Person -- I'm with you on the SA Derby. Could come up very competitive. Would love it if they'd send an eastern/midwestern horse or two, but that one rarely happens.
Camchloe -- The West Point boys aren't thinking Triple Crown at this point. I think they'd like to win the SA Derby and then go from there.
Barry -- Your massive missives are amazin'. It's just that I'm not sure if I agree with you or not.
Mike B -- I hear you. And it's been known to rain in Kentucky in May. Ask Smarty Jones.
Calvin -- Can't argue with your Colonel vs. Gato logic. On the other issue, which we should be discussing over on the poor, forgotten Oaks site, Santa Anita put out a list of nine likely Oaks starters yesterday and Smarty Deb wasn't on it. That's not to say that she wouldn't be tried in the Ky Oaks but, with no works showing since her start in the Juvenile Fillies at Monmouth last October, she's way, way behind the eight ball.

mike barker

03/03/2008 4:05 pm

http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=43882

horsewatcher

03/03/2008 7:31 pm

Mac, I love reading what people are thinking about a horse after a race. It certainly appears as if you and your readers are the most informed of the bunch. The responses to your blog are insightful and educational. I do not agree with them all but, at least they are well thought out and clear. Keep it up!!!!

mac

03/03/2008 8:29 pm

Horsewatcher -- We're glad you're on board. And if you can catch an insight or two along the way, then it's all good.

SoCalAl

03/04/2008 12:18 am

Hi Mac,
Nice to be reading again this year as you always make it much easier to digest.
Colonel John I am sure will be ridden by Nakatani if he gets back to racing. This is the colt that Naka was very high on. I like this colt as well and I am sure this is not his best race by far. I believe he is the best as far as California.
I can't wait to see Dennis of Cork, Colonel John, War Pass, Pyro and the other up and comers hook up, YEAHHH..
As far as El Gato Malo, I think that in his next race, where ever that may be and I have a feeling it may not be the SA Derby, will have theft on the agenda. As far as the Classic, El Gato would have to pull a War Emblem to win it and I just can't see that happening this year with War Pass and others...

Have a great day,
SoCalAl

mac

03/04/2008 1:04 am

SoCalAl -- Thanks for your input, amigo. The "Bad Cat" on the lead and maybe somewhere other than SA. My man, you must have some good sources. Let's keep on going down that Derby Trail and see if you are right. Carry on!

barryrmitchell

03/04/2008 12:42 pm

Mike, I know you, got it all figure out! War Pass to the lead, and Pyro runs him down! Ching! Ching!

Why are are you still posting? Go to the window quietly, the more you post, the more your odds depreciate.

State your case and go my friend. Ha Ha Ha

Mac, long with the words, short with the cash. I am on lasik pills, treatment for the bloody noses I get from writing at high attitudes. Ha Ha Ha

L-Derby is next and the winner is BLACKBERRY ROAD.

Mike I like my Hot Dogs with Hot Mustard and Onion.

Mac is this short enough. I feel like I am being restraint down the back stretch,

Let me go!

mike barker

03/04/2008 1:41 pm

Whos gonna get the mount on BBR?

mac

03/04/2008 3:08 pm

Barry --
It's useless trying to hold back a wild horse. Go on with it, my man.
Mike -- Robbie Albarado.

Calvin Carter

03/04/2008 3:45 pm

Mike,

Here are the free Brisnet past performances courtesy of Barclay Tagg:

http://www.brisnet.com/bris_link/pdfs/barclaytagg_104076.pdf

Barry,

Check out the pedigree information I posted about War Pass on Dan Shapiro's blog: Death, taxes and War Pass.

horsewatcher

03/04/2008 4:42 pm

Mac, I would like to know your thoughts about El Gato Malo. First, where did you think he stood as far as the KD is concerned before the Sham? Where do you think he stands now? You appear to like this horse as a contender. You also appear to be giving every horse its just dues. I like your style and your tone about racing.

Thanks.

mac

03/04/2008 9:26 pm

Horsewatcher -- Thanks much for your kind words. El Gato Malo is a Kentucky Derby contender, absolutely. His race in the Sham was helpful from a conditioning standpoint, and also answered the question about his ability to travel distances beyond the mile to mile and a sixteenth range. Got to believe he'll get the Derby distance now, too. Is he talented enough to win the Derby? Yes. He's a runner. Is he going to be seasoned enough? There's the question. The Sham and his way of handling a pressing rival made me wonder about his apparent greenness. The people around him admit he's not a professional horse at this point, but rather a bit of a skittish kid learning as he goes. Here's hoping he does some fast learning and serious schooling in the Santa Anita Derby -- hopefully butting up against a big field and lots of competition in the race. His ability to handle stress, a big field and serious competition will be maxed out come Kentucky Derby day. Sheeer talent has won Derbies in the past. But -- more often -- sheer talent has gone down in flames when all the other Derby factors take their toll.

barryrmitchell

03/05/2008 3:46 am

Thank Calvin, outstanding post and full of GREAT information.

Your the man.

What does Blackberry Road and Robbie Albarado have in common with me!

Look closely!

BARR is the initials for the Horse and Rider

and my name is BARRY.

What an omen!

Mike your up against my name. You can't possibly win with Pyro

Mac how is that for picking a winner. By name baby! it always been about the name!

mac

03/05/2008 9:50 am

Barry, you continue to amaze.

derbyme

03/05/2008 1:16 pm

Anyone else excited to see Ready's Echo return today at GP? If not, check the replay of his debut behind Z Humor. May not stretch, but will probably be a top turf-miler if they can get him past whatever injuries he's been plagued with.

Cdpotato4

03/05/2008 1:24 pm

What about Winstar Farm's Old Ninety Eight.

mac

03/05/2008 5:08 pm

Derbyme --
Your Ready's Echo clicked at Gulfstream with a nice late run. He's obviously got talent. But breaking your maiden at seven eighths in March and the Kentucky Derby in May seem a long way apart. Do you remember that Ready's Echo's trainer (Pletcher) saddled his daddy to finish fourth in the 2000 Derby?
Cdpotato4 --
Old Ninety Eight scratched out of Ready's Echo's winning race. Is your question why? He's wonderfully bred (you know the stud and his mommy was a big, strapping fanny kicker), but -- as a current maiden with only one 2007 start under his belt -- really can't be considered Derby timber, can he?

mike barker

03/05/2008 6:01 pm

Big Brown today at Gulfstream looked like a SUPERSTAR WOW

Cdpotato4

03/05/2008 6:49 pm

Mac,

Obviously not anymore.

Mike,

Your absolutely right. We gotta keep our eyes on this guy. Real potential.

barryrmitchell

03/06/2008 3:40 am

BLACKBERRY ROAD
BLACKBERRY ROAD
BLACKBERRY ROAD
BLACKBERRY ROAD
BLACKBERRY ROAD
BLACKBERRY ROAD
BLACKBERRY ROAD
BLACKBERRY ROAD
BLACKBERRY ROAD
BLACKBERRY ROAD

My typewriter is stuck!

BLACKBERRY ROAD
BLACKBERRY ROAD
BLACKBERRY ROAD
BLACKBERRY ROAD
BLACKBERRY ROAD
BLACKBERRY ROAD
BLACKBERRY ROAD
BLACKBERRY ROAD
BLACKBERRY ROAD
BLACKBERRY ROAD
BLACKBERRY ROAD
BLACKBERRY ROAD
PY??

Sorry Mike, hit the wrong key

BLACKBERRY ROAD
BLACKBERRY ROAD
BLACKBERRY ROAD
BLACKBERRY ROAD
BLACKBERRY ROAD

barryrmitchell

03/06/2008 4:09 am

Mike I agree with the BIG BROWN analysis after two starts consecutive 90+ beyers.
The fourth and fifth place runners were 84 and 83 beyers runners. Clear the field by 12 to 22 lenghts, maybe top 100 beyers?

Oh CALVIN, am I reading this correctly, Big Brown has the great NORTHERN DANCER (DANZIG 77 and NUREYEV 77) blood line on both side of the breeding. The blood line in prone with early injury though..

I hope this colt last. But till then, the index say DIRT and TURF.

b. C, 2005 DP = 4-7-23-2-0 (36) DI = 1.67 CD = 0.36

This colt maybe something special more so from a breeding point.

Owner: Pegasus Holdings Group Stables
Breeder: Monticule
State Bred: KY
Winnings: 2 Starts: 2 - 0 - 0, $62,700

$190k KEEAPR'07
Updated 03/5/08

Will they race BB in the Florida Derby is the Big Brown question since clearing the allowance ranks today.

simvida

03/06/2008 12:14 pm

I agree with a few of the comments here. I was at Santa Anita and saw the Sham. I believe that El Gato Malo can take Colonel John (and others) and win the Kentucky Derby. There is only 1 reason that The Bad Cat lost in the Sham and that is the jockey. Flores did not perform on any horse well that day. There wasn't any reason for him to take the Cat outside. He had the rail and should have stayed on it. The pace was slow - he should have challenged the lead right away.

Blinkers are an idea but I don't believe The Cat needs them. The jockey should control the horse. The reason I claim that The Bad Cat will win the Derby is that in the San Rafael he covered 14 lengths to win the race. He was off the lead by 7 maybe 7 1/2 and won by 6 maybe 6 1/2. The horse can move and loves to run. You want a good bet - Put your money in the Bad Cat. Lucky I don't own the horse because I would have had some words for Flores before he made it to the final weigh in after the Sham.

Dollase is a genius and West Point has some great horses and insight on great horses.
My money is going to on The Bad Cat to win!!!

mac

03/06/2008 2:14 pm

Simvida --
Sounds to me like you like The Bad Cat.

Barry --
What can one say, other than you're surely something.

simvida

03/06/2008 3:09 pm

Hey Mac,

I love The Bad Cat - I have seen him run all his races. I guess what I am really saying is I question Flores ability in certain instances. He made the same move with The Bad Cat in both his last races and he lacks ability to adapt to changes while the race is ongoing.

He should have loved the rail position and recognized that they scrathed all the speed out of the race. I would have moved him out to the front and enjoyed the lead all the way. Was a perfect race to quiet the naysayers.

He will win the Santa Anita Derby and I am going to put at least $1,000 on him to win. I take shorter strides over longer strides. The thing we need to look at is after Colonel John took the lead by a full length over The Bad Cat as they were driving to the finish The Bad Cat closed to within a head of him. Enjoy this win Colonel John but enjoy 2nd place in Santa Anita Stakes!!!

Oh and by the way I feel that due to that bad ride Flores cost the team $80,000.

Calvin Carter

03/06/2008 3:20 pm

Barry,

I like Big Brown. He has a good pedigree out of Northern Dancer line on top and bottom and I'll be keeping an eye on him. I read that he was going to be pointed to the Toyotya Bluegrass at Keeneland.

Take a look at my post about Blackberry Road on Dan Shapiro's blog: Zzzzzzzzzzzz...Sham stakes reveals little.

mac

03/06/2008 4:33 pm

Simvida --
You are not alone in liking El Gato Malo; but from the sounds of it you like him more than most. Other folks have knocked the Flores' ride, too, but I'm not going there. Let's hope for a good trip and a fair shot in the Santa Anita Derby, which could come up a very interesting race.

treymaker

03/06/2008 9:17 pm

Simvida, I like EGM as much as you, if not more. You may want to watch replays of the race. This time, keep an eye on the 7 horse to see what the rider did, or more importantly what he didn't do with his horse. Sometimes riders build favors for trainers and owners that they would like to ride for in the future by helping them in certain races. Mike Smith's horse was cooked and yet he did everything in his power to stay with the leaders for as long as he could. Hence, EGM could not do what he loves to do and that is explode to the outside and fly home. By the time he got to top speed so that he could eat up CJ, they hit the wire. Remember, the rider has to do as told by the trainer. Most likely Craig told David, "hit the stretch off the rail". It makes you wonder what would have happened had there been, let's say, another 1/8 of a mile. It very much looked like EGM could have done that with ease. Mac, I look forward to your thoughts on my post.

mac

03/06/2008 10:20 pm

Treymaker --
Well, you could be right with your thoughts about Smith and Reflect Times. All things are possible in horse racing. But let me offer you a different opinion. Mike Smith was outside from the start and at the half-mile pole he looks over and sees the heavy favorite (The Bad Cat) down on the rail with a pair of horses in front of him. So Mike does something that he doesn't have to be in the Hall of Fame to do or know: he race-rides David Flores for all he's worth. If he can keep the favorite trapped down inside, he's doing himself and his horse a big favor. Sure, he's got to beat them all to win, but most of all he's got to worry about the favorite (which is why he's the favorite). So Mike keeps David pinned for as long as he can, but when they hit the quarter pole and the front pair separate (Colonel John going forward and the Pete horse backing up), David sees his chance to get out of the box Mike has put him in and hits the accelerator. The Bad Cat kicks into gear and Mike's horse can't match him. David all but pushes Reflect Times out of the way and goes after The Colonel, who has about a length and a half jump on him. As we know, The Bad Cat cuts into that lead, but can't cut it all the way down. That's horse racing. What Mike Smith did happens every day at every racetrack in America. And there isn't a steward in a stand anywhere that would penalize a rider for it. Race riding is part of the game. The really good riders make it a big part of their kit. Angel Cordero, Jr. was one of the most feared race riders in the biz. And he was wonderfully successful with it. Young riders were absolutely intimidated by him because of it and -- no doubt -- he won many a race on a lesser horse because other riders knew it was either happening, or about to happen.
All that aside, you and Simvida are backing a good horse. And you've also got a very good money rider in David Flores. David will win a whole lot more for you than he'll lose. It was what it was in the Sham. There are other battles yet to come.

horsewatcher

03/06/2008 10:59 pm

That's not fair Mac, I'm trying to open up a can of worms and you go and bring logic and facts into the fight!!!! That's a low blow!!! I agree with what you are saying about Mike keeping David scraping paint, but I was specifically talking about when the pack entered the backstretch. If you watch the 7 horse, you will see him hit the gas then the brakes then the gas again. He seemed ready and able to move up along side CJ but, realized that that tatic would open the door for EGM to move out a lane or two into smoother waters. So, Mike tapped the brakes, and kept David pinned. When they reached the far turn, Mike was actually riding the horse from 3rd and the other jocks were stretching their legs. Mike was riding as if the 1/4 pole was the wire. He knew he couldn't win and yet he influenced the outcome of the race. I know those guys are all friends, for the most part but, David had to say something to him in the jock's room. There appeared to be no logical good reason to pin EGM unless he was hoping for something in the future. This is only my opinion. Please Mac, from now on, deal with me on a level playing field. Bring in a lot of maybes and what ifs. Let me hear your ideas on why horse will win or lose. Anything, just don't use facts and logical, there is no room for that kind of nonsense here. Thanks.

mac

03/06/2008 11:07 pm

So Horsewatcher you are also Treymaker. A many of many talents, no doubt. And you're a horse racing fan with an opinion, which means we're going to let you in to play the game. And welcome to the good ship Derby. Good luck.

horsewatcher

03/06/2008 11:17 pm

I guess you can tell, I have become a fan of your articles and blogs. I have been on this site nearly every day since the new year. I like most of the bloggers. There seems to be one that is not as keen on EGM as we are. I, like you, try to look at the positive of a situation and run with it. Not all of your compatriots are of the same ilk. One in particular just can't seem to find a nice word for EGM. She will remain nameless. Don't even try to get her name out of me, because there is no way I will ever write her name in this or any other blog. Her identity is safe. She can write all the article she wants and I won't even give you a clue as to who I am talking about.

mac

03/07/2008 12:09 am

Like a good sprinter, you're a shifty one, Horsewatcher.

barryrmitchell

03/07/2008 1:50 am

Mac, are you kidding, I counted 23 lines of text in your blog above.

I thought we had an agreement, "NO KENTUCKY DERBY FIELD WRITING"

Nothing ever wins from the outside post position.

Keep it in the main gate my friend. Post 1 -12 lines only.

Have a great weekend. I see you in the winner circle.

Your going to love this slogan; "HORSE AND JOCKEY IS ON THE AIR"

Remember this from the AM radio 1280.

Your the best of the best.

mac

03/07/2008 9:17 am

Want to be with you, Barry; just not sure where we're going.

patbateman

03/07/2008 9:35 pm

I hit Monarchos and he came from post 16

patbateman

03/07/2008 9:35 pm

just kidding

mac

03/07/2008 10:40 pm

Of course horses win from the outside, Barry. You know that. Please don't make me go into the Derby stat book and trot them all out for you. Just know that the outside is plenty good if your horse is the same way.

barryrmitchell

03/08/2008 4:20 pm

Yea, I know. Anyone can win from the outside post.

I am a outsider! I like risk, greater rewards!

I like "Roman" in the Gotham, good price if can win

Blackbery Road in the L-Derby,

Let's see if I eat steak tonight or the usual, Mc Donalds and a coke!

Wish me luck!, Time to build the capitol for the K Derby

50 across the board on each.

mac

03/08/2008 7:19 pm

Ask for extra cheese on the Big Mac, Bary.

merv

03/08/2008 7:26 pm

Be sure to super size it Barry.

barryrmitchell

03/09/2008 1:45 am

I did all the above my friends, right from the dollar menu. Taste Great when your poor!

Hold On! Down to my last french fry, at least I have my Pocket PC to write to you guy's. I am mobile and homeless. The clerk as me? Excuse me sir, you have ketchup on your shirt, "that okay" I replied ,

It's a little cut, I received today at the races.

Anyone need a tax deduction, I am available. Maybe pass for being blind for an extra deduction. Can't see a winner these day's.

mac

03/09/2008 1:27 pm

Hang in, Barry. There are more races and more hope coming.

barryrmitchell

03/10/2008 3:33 am

Hope in the voice of the Big Mac.

Thanks, a true American.