Originally Posted by Kasept

Mark Allen press release relenting on additional entry...

For immediate release (Sunday, May 10, 1015 p.m.)

Indy Express out of Preakness

Mark Allen, owner of the 135th Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird, will not enter Indy Express in the 2009 Preakness Stakes.

Early this morning Allen was delivered a message to contact another owner “Our conversation consisted of congratulating me on our win in the Derby and talking about a rematch, wanting a chance to hook us on a fast surface. We laughed and joked about what a race that would be,” said Allen.

“When it comes to Rachel Alexandra, I personally don’t think any filly should be in a race against colts at this stage of their careers. I don’t believe in running fillies against the colts. But Rachel Alexandra is a superior filly and could be the exception. Mr. Jackson has a great trainer in Steve Asmussen and I’m sure they will make the right decision and Lord help us all if she does get in.”

“And yes, it’s true that I would like to have my jockey back. Calvin Borel is great and did a great job for us. I also respect him and I completely understand his love for Rachel Alexandra. If the filly gets in we have a commitment from Mike Smith. We have a lot of confidence in Mike, he’s from our part of the country and he’s got some Cowboy in him too, I’ve seen his boots,” said Allen.

“Additionally, my decision to enter Indy Express in the Preakness was strictly business but after consulting with my Dad and Doc Blach, I have decided to withdraw Indy Express to prevent any further miss understandings. They’re advice to me was just to do what’s right, because arrogance and greed isn’t right. Indy Express is a good colt and showing a lot of potential. I’ll just have to look forward to running him later on down the road. The bottom-line for me is that we came here to race and enjoy our win here in Louisville. So, we’ll meet everyone in Baltimore, ready to run,” said Allen.

Originally Posted by randallscott35

So with Mike Smith they go from a rail trip to 5 wide 5 wide. That should work.

Originally Posted by brianwspencer

Oh good, now we can all talk about what a great and sporting guy Zayat is for being above all this and not doing it. What a piece.

This would be one of the saddest moves in recent history if she gets left out because people fill the field because they're afraid of losing to her. What happened to good, old fashioned, ducking races you couldn't win?

Can't win the Preakness because your horse is no good? Turn it into a tough NW1X...good thinking. I hope MTB's connections and Whitney get all the terrible misfortune and bad racing karma they possibly can if they do this.

And without General Quarters in the race, I needed someone to root home for last. Now at least I have an idea who I'd prefer to see cross the wire last...who knew I'd ever say that about a Derby winner?

BF, that's what I think about this.

Originally Posted by Kasept

Mark Allen press release relenting on additional entry...

For immediate release (Sunday, May 10, 1015 p.m.)

Indy Express out of Preakness

Mark Allen, owner of the 135th Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird, will not enter Indy Express in the 2009 Preakness Stakes.

Early this morning Allen was delivered a message to contact another owner “Our conversation consisted of congratulating me on our win in the Derby and talking about a rematch, wanting a chance to hook us on a fast surface. We laughed and joked about what a race that would be,” said Allen.

“When it comes to Rachel Alexandra, I personally don’t think any filly should be in a race against colts at this stage of their careers. I don’t believe in running fillies against the colts. But Rachel Alexandra is a superior filly and could be the exception. Mr. Jackson has a great trainer in Steve Asmussen and I’m sure they will make the right decision and Lord help us all if she does get in.”

“And yes, it’s true that I would like to have my jockey back. Calvin Borel is great and did a great job for us. I also respect him and I completely understand his love for Rachel Alexandra. If the filly gets in we have a commitment from Mike Smith. We have a lot of confidence in Mike, he’s from our part of the country and he’s got some Cowboy in him too, I’ve seen his boots,” said Allen.

“Additionally, my decision to enter Indy Express in the Preakness was strictly business but after consulting with my Dad and Doc Blach, I have decided to withdraw Indy Express to prevent any further miss understandings. They’re advice to me was just to do what’s right, because arrogance and greed isn’t right. Indy Express is a good colt and showing a lot of potential. I’ll just have to look forward to running him later on down the road. The bottom-line for me is that we came here to race and enjoy our win here in Louisville. So, we’ll meet everyone in Baltimore, ready to run,” said Allen.

Originally Posted by Danzig

jocks leave horses for others all the time. in this case, the owner went overboard about it. most just call other short guys til they get a rider. it's the first time in 30-odd years of watching racing that i've seen someone actually attempt to keep another horse out of the gate so they can keep their jock.
running a rabbit is to help out your second horse, not to keep another completely out of the race. there absolutely is a difference. this isn't a matter of may the best horse win regardless of race tactics, this is may the best horse not even be entered.
i'm glad it's all settled now.
and you mentioned about jackson buying a horse for the preakness--allen also dug deep to buy MTB. not as deep, but they both did the same thing.

Originally Posted by philcski

No, actually that would be a good strategy by Hoss since he has the lead, but he's too classy for that.

Me, I might do that

Originally Posted by hi_im_god

you'd never be as pissed at him if he does as i will if he doesn't.

Originally Posted by herkhorse

Hoss, I'll send you five bucks if you use his picks.

Originally Posted by 3kings

I'm in for $20.

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

There are no rules in a knife fight.

Originally Posted by DaHoss9698

:D

1. 4 Laureldean Gale
2. 7 No Lien here
3. 6 Coach Butts
4. 1 Knock Around Guy
5. 10 Bullara
6. 1 Entry
7. 7 Broadway Producer
8. 7 Ichabod Crane
9. 9 Body Blows


When this thing first started, people were telling me if I got a lead, to just take his picks on the final day, and it would be over. I thought about it, but most of the time, that's just not my style.

It's been a tough week, one which I am glad is over and while I'm not blaming my poor performance on anything, my mind has just not been in this contest. I think my results speak volumes to that.

Around Friday, after days of watching him talk sh.it I decided that when I came back to get the lead, I would use his picks on Sunday and here they are. I figure it's a pretty appropriate way for him to leave here. I'm sure many will look at me as taking the easy way out and I am. I haven't been into this all week and I wanted no part of handicapping last night. So I didn't.

Sorry to anyone who was looking forward to tracking something today. And I'm really sorry for the spectacle this whole thing has become. In the end, I did what I wanted to. And I'm totally fine with the way it's ending.

Originally Posted by TheSpyder

I got dibs on the movie rights for this.

No shame Hoss, it's a contest and you play to win. That's what it is all about.

It's been a hell of alot of fun to watch.

Originally Posted by 3kings

Congrats Hossy, thank you for making the welfare of us all a top priority.

Originally Posted by Kasept

Originally Posted by MaTH716

Congrats Hoss!



As for you HR
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwnqqj5Q1BU

Originally Posted by fpsoxfan

Given the situation, I think I would've played it the same way. Way to go Hossy!

Originally Posted by Danzig

congrats on the win hoss. we knew there was no way you'd let that clown beat you.

Originally Posted by docicu3

Seems somehow like you did...





Fair and square......

Originally Posted by ArlJim78

what a disappointment. I would say $5 penalty against DaHoss for unsportsmanlike conduct, and repeat final round.

Originally Posted by Payson Dave

Lotta talk about Sportsmanship in this current thread.... however in reviewing "The Big Contest Thread" (http://www.derbytrail.com/forums/sho...=26156&page=19) it would seem that in at least some horseracing contests it is apparently ok for "Sportsmanship" to take a back seat to "Do Whatever It Takes To Win"....seems that Hossy insured his win by using hrfans picks to insure that he would not lose the contest ... he certainly was not lacking in support in that less than sporting decision...

Originally Posted by Payson Dave

In the future, rest assured that I'll be sure to ask for your opinion as to when sportsmanship is appropriate and when it's not!!...;)

Originally Posted by brianwspencer

.....But if you need clarification in the future, I'm here every day and would be happy to help, so just let me know.

Originally Posted by DaHoss9698

Lol....

Originally Posted by Payson Dave

Why thank you soooooo much... I really don't know how I have survived in life thus far without your divine guidance..:rolleyes:

Originally Posted by brianwspencer

It's never too late for some soul-searching. Best of luck.

Originally Posted by Payson Dave

While realizing that your opinion and those that share your opinion are the only opinions that count.... I can only hope that you will forgive me for having a differing opinion...:rolleyes:

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

One thing you are omitting, Dave, is that DaHoss's " competition " hardly acted in a sportsmanlike manner throughout the contest while DaHoss held his tongue. If someone sets the tone throughout there is hardly a right to complain when someone else follows suit.

Originally Posted by brianwspencer

I beg to differ.

Ask Justin Dew. I bet he can count on one hand the number of times I have said anything about a posted opinion of his with which I disagreed, despite the fact that the number of times I have vehemently disagreed with him numbers easily in the hundreds.

So it's not really a matter of attempting to stifle your opinion because it's not the same as mine. I'm generally a pretty big fan of people saying what they want to, whether I agree or not.

Let's just cut to the chase and admit that it's more a matter that your attempt to make DaHoss and others out to be some sort of hypocritical a-holes was a gigantic failure. Not so much an opinion on my part as it was simple, common sense observation of that failure.

Originally Posted by Payson Dave

Perhaps Steve can change your name to "Hi I'm God...Just Ask Me"...if he does then please discontinue begging...it is sooo beneath a deity such as yourself (do feel free to continue preaching however)

Originally Posted by Payson Dave

My post was not a poke at Hossy (nor yourself) but rather a poke at those who choose to get up on the soapbox and preach about the principle of sportsmanship or lack thereof...

Originally Posted by horseofcourse

ARe you honestly comparing a jock leaving a Ky Derby winning horse running in the Preakness to a jock leaving a 7k claiming race?? Seriously?? Jackson and Allen did the same thing?? Seriously?? I was under the impression Allen bought a gelding last year and his horse has no problem entering the Derby or Preakness, his horse is not a future mate for Curlin and was actually nominated to the TC. He did not buy a horse mid TC that wasn't nominated for the races.

You're doing some serious reaching.

Originally Posted by brianwspencer

I beg to differ.

Ask Justin Dew. I bet he can count on one hand the number of times I have said anything about a posted opinion of his with which I disagreed, despite the fact that the number of times I have vehemently disagreed with him numbers easily in the hundreds.

So it's not really a matter of attempting to stifle your opinion because it's not the same as mine. I'm generally a pretty big fan of people saying what they want to, whether I agree or not.

Let's just cut to the chase and admit that it's more a matter that your attempt to make DaHoss and others out to be some sort of hypocritical a-holes was a gigantic failure. Not so much an opinion on my part as it was simple, common sense observation of that failure.

Originally Posted by justindew

I'm just curious. Please name five things I've said that you're disagreed with. It shouldn't be hard since the examples number in the hundreds.

And you can't use the following:

"Zanjero will win a Grade I."

"Nobiz Like Shobiz will ultimately prove to be the best of this crop."

"Bittel Road offers value in Derby Futures at 150-1."

Originally Posted by brianwspencer

Oh settle yourself down, it was clearly hyperbole. Point being I don't make a habit out of chastising other people's right to have opinions just because I don't agree with them.

You were just the best example I could think of off the top of my head of someone who I don't always agree with. However, I did love your POTN manifesto/post-Derby wrap up, but you know since that didn't fit the paradigm I've so carefully crafted over these years, the one where other opinions should not be shared unless I agree with them, I chose not to say anything postitive about it even though I read the entire thing.

Though if the "hundreds" portion were actually true, taking out the Zanjero thing would have been way unfair to me, since the sheer lunacy of it almost counts for hundreds on its own merits.

Originally Posted by justindew

You ARE aware that he came within half a length of winning a Grade I, right? And I got 10-1 odds.

Originally Posted by brianwspencer

And Colonial Colony actually DID win one....let's not get carried away here about what that all may or may not mean.

Originally Posted by Kasept

Not to mention poking at some that haven't even commented on "the principle of sportsmanship or lack thereof" to this point...

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

I understand, Dave, which is why I pointed out the flaw in a perfect analogy. I suppose one could say that Jess Jackson bought his way into the Preakness, but I don't buy that one bit.

Frankly, I wouldn't even get into the whole " sportsmanship " debate on this issue. I happen to find the entire episode amusing.

Originally Posted by justindew

I try to avoid being one of those people who makes tons of predictions and then never mentions them again unless they prove to be correct. Thus, below I have listed a few of mine from this spring:

1) Street Sense will never race again.
2) Nobiz Like Shobiz will ultimately prove to be the best horse in this crop.
3) Zanjero will win a Grade I someday.

Laugh away, but I think I will hit 2 of 3.

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

Unfortunately this post was made after Zanjero came close to winning a Grade I. The exact date was July 4, 2007. So, after your prediction, Zanjero never came close to winning a Grade I.

NT

Originally Posted by justindew

So?

I got 10-1 odds that a horse who had almost won a Grade I would ultimately win Grade I someday. I'd hardly call that a bad bet. Especially since there are enough Grade I races in America these days for everyone.

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

So the point is you're touting how close you came to predicting he'd win a Grade I when he never, ever came close to winning one after you made the prediction. You got 10-1? Great.

If I were to say to you today that I think Chocolate Candy will win a Grade I some day and we fast forward 2 yrs and he never does, I definitely wouldn't say "well, look at me, he came within a length!"

NT