I hear you.. I was making the point that it seemed ridiculous that NJ officials thought there was a chance he would be caught using EPO. As I said, if he's taking an edge, he's doing it 'conventionally'...

The worst thing that could have happened was the stumbled onto those idiots at the meadowlands. Now that is all they care about. EPO, EPO, EPO...
Where were they in 1998?

Testing for sublimaze.

Respectfully at some point you will need to clarify your position in racing, because sometimes you seem like a journalist and some of the time you are the leader of the "Good" good ole boys club.

If by conventional you are suggesting pure and simple great horsemanship then I suggest you thought the same about Rick Violette's barn when his horses were in super form.. Both stables are full of good owners with great resources and both stables have two outstanding trainers at the helm. Both stable's above normal success were or are of from anything conventional. In due time the Levine machine will calm down, as what works today doesn't work as well tomorrow. Unfortunately, its an arms race just with undectectable elixirs and there isn't the money or comprehensive agencys to maintain the peace or worse balance of power.

You need me to clarify 'taking an edge conventionally'? The term is meant to suggest that Levine may well be doing the kinds of things you suggested in terms of taking liberties within the confines of the rules.

As to what I try to do 'in racing', my first instincts are journalistic having been brought through my training early on as a newspaperman. But I will say that the radio show is designed to be entertainment first and foremost. As such, I try to deliver the news and hard factual elements of the game without turning it into an inquisition.

The show is designed to celebrate and promote the game as opposed to work to expose its' most seemly elements and act as an agent provocateur for change. I trust the ability of a good portion of the game's leadership charged with making the necessary adjustments in the industry. I encourage it as best I can, and don't believe I am in a position to act as the arbitor of who is good/bad or right/wrong in every circumstance. I try to bring the facts forward by providing access to as many people in the game as I can reach and let the fan/listener decide for themselves.

Personally, it's not necessarily relevant whether I care for Rick Dutrow, Steve Asmussen, Jess Jackson, etc., or not... But fans want to hear from them when appropriate, and I feel I have an obligation to be in position to bring them to the listeners. I can't do it if they refuse to come on the show.

Andy Serling and I had this discussion last year. If the show tends to make me come off more as Mike Douglas than Mike Wallace, I can live with that...

Actually closer to Merv..lol

I understand... it's hard to do both well..

OK.. now I'm annoyed...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kasept If the show tends to make me come off more as Mike Douglas than Mike Wallace, I can live with that...

Classic...

Not that Steve needs me coming to his defense, but he is in a much more delicate position than most of us, the results have come back and they have declared Levine was clean as far as his N.J barn is concerned. He has to go on the what the results say. As a show host the adjective "alledgedly" will only get you so far, but unlike most of us that can look at the negative tests to much chagrin ;) I don't think it's Steve's job to tell us that. Anyone with half a brain of horseracing knowledge can draw their own conclusions.

So based upon this I can conclude that Michael Ivarone doesn't have half a brain since he acts shocked and appalled when his trainers test positive ...

Or he deserves an Oscar nomination...;) :tro: Best supporting owner..

I really wasn't attacking Steve I have no reason to do as such. I am hoping for a racing advocate to come about in the media who has the current exposure that Steve has on ATRAB. A strong daily voice is powerful, racing sure could use a public advocate.. If Steve wishes to run his show as such he is certainly entitled to. Racing needs some help and sometimes media can be a powerful vehicle!

We need a person who is willing to piss off the ole boy network, not take peoples BS without knowledgible rebuttle and truly be an advocate for bettors and horses.. You know like .............

I hear you, I don't disagree in principle. But as a public figure you have to understand you really have to tightrope facts from opinions. It's a slippery slope.

Steve would lose quite a few guests if he took that route...

And they would lose a platform on which to promote themselves. That being said, I fully appreciate Steve's position.

That is why we have Mr. Serling, he has an opinion and isn't afraid to say what is on his mind.

I'm not sure I have ever heard Andy call out a trainer as being dirty, of course I can be wrong. He too as a journalist has to be careful with what bridges he nukes...

yep he certainly fits the bill

Journalists cross bridges they need not nuke them. Tim Russet didn't nuke bridges but he exposed BS and demanded integrity from his guests. I would rather listen to a "meet the press" format on racing then the current listens available.. But that is just me and I don't suggest there is anything wrong with Steve's show as it is what it is...Basically late night TV radio without the top ten list.. which is HIGHLY entertaining for many and serves as an good listen.

I could never put my finger on what that show was missing until now.....


A BAND!!!