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.