They bought King of the Roxy before he was established - not like he is any world beater.

Did they buy Captain Bodgit before or after the Lrl Futurity?

No knock on Team Valor
 

I was only knocking Jeff's apparent over-reaction to Big Brown's easy victory over suspect competition. I happen to think Barry and Jeff are very good judges of horseflesh and their overall record in syndicating profitable runners is an admirable one. To a certain extent West Point's recent success has eclipsed the other major racing partnerships in terms of getting press.

That said, Visionaire looks like the latest in a series of solid syndications for Team Valor.

It appears that Jeff is no longer a player in the Team Valor venture. Can anyone shed some light as to why?

DMM

I think they got Capt. Bodgit after the Laurel Futurity.

They certainly have won big races like the Big Cap, Atto Mile, Santa Anita Derby, etc. but a lot of those were one-hit wonder-types. Prized and Star Of Cozzene were the only horses I recall that held Grade 1-calibur form for several races.

Oh, They've Had More Than That.....
 

....Golden Ballet, Cashier's Dream, Irridescence, etc. etc.

They have them listed at their website:

http://teamvalor.com/famous.htm

DMM

I couldn't stand FuPig. I don't care for him as a sire either... agree with others that he typically throws a bunch of headcases.

When i worked in the race office, if i had a buck for everytime a jockey told me he loved a horse he worked or that it was like driving a ferrari, i'd be a rich man. the problem is i would have bet on the horses they talked about and lost.

oh....i thought this was a gary stevens thread.

Speaking of Stevens.. Whatever happend to him?

I have always thought that we need more threads that include giant pictures of statues.

I particularly enjoy when they are quoted so they get to load twice (or more if others follow the trend).

Didn't Desormeaux guarantee that Imperialism would win the Preakness and Belmont after he clunked up for 3rd in the Derby?

I don't think that kent is over-reacting with this particular horse. I also think this horse is that good, but I think that I've said that enough since his last win that everyone should know my opinions about the horse by now...

Some in this business don't have to see a horse win a GI to know how good they are...

Yes, Big Brown is a monster.

Big Brown worked a bullet 5 furlongs in 59.20 at Palm Meadows training center earlier this morning.

It was the best of 40 to work the distance by a full second (stable mate Shaggy Mane was 2nd fastest)

Dutrow is playing catch up in a big way with this horse.

Desormeaux really did make an ass out of himself if he did say this is the best horse he'd ever ridden.

Here is Kent on Formal Gold in his 126 Beyer win in the '97 Woodward. 2nd place finisher Skip Away would romp in the JCGC and BC Classic in his next two races - I believe this was FG's final race of his career.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrbWUTwnKNY

I saw Formal Gold break his maiden at Mth. It was leaps and bounds above even Holy Bull's maiden winning debut.

''With a clean trip in the Derby, I would have absolutely challenged Smarty Jones,'' Desormeaux said. ''He was up there by himself. Would he have found another gear? I don't know. I can assure you when we corner for the Preakness, Imperialism will be at his throat and he'll have to hold me off.''

It's good that BB worked long and fast. He's apparently fit, over his problems, and will have no excuses. The work itself isn't that intimidating. Fierce Wind worked 4 f in :46.80 yesterday. Looks to be a good race, maybe the best prep yet. Wouldn't be surprised if, after this weekend, Desormeaux is quoted as saying, "That Tomcito is the best horse I've ever ridden...behind."

oops

I have no problem with Siegel saying he thinks Big Brown is the best 3yo colt in the country. Seriously, after War Pass' flop in Tampa, is there anyone else to talk about?

Kent D, on the other hand, has hit his head a few too many times obviously. Drugs' assertion of Formal Gold being his career best mount is very accurate. That horse was pretty damned special. First time I saw him was the '96 Meadowlands Cup and he ran 2nd as a 3YO to the excellent gelding Dramatic Gold.