Street Sense to skip Belmont

[The Indomitable DrugS]

Originally Posted by Cardus

The biggest "sport" of this year's Triple Crown is Larry Jones.

I'd actually cast my vote for the impossible to root for Steve Asmussen.

IMO, Larry Jones wasn't being a "straight-shooter" with some of the things he'd said after the Southwest Stakes with Hard Spun. I realize he trains for an owner who seems like a pest, and he's not a "big name" trainer---but, that wasn't straight-talk coming out of LJ's mouth. He may have "cowboy" as his nickname...and may try to act like he's not the sharpest tool in the shed...but I've heard other quotes from him that suggest to me that he has a racing IQ above the average trainer.

To Asmussen's credit....he's stayed the course with Curlin. He didn't go out of his way to make a case that his horse ran as well as Street Sense in the Derby inspite of the 8 length margin of defeat---and believe me, it wouldn't have been hard to make that case. And, he was also the only trainer who took the heat and allowed HBO's Real Sports to interview him in the story they did about top trainers and their bad tests.

While Nafzger may not win any awards for "best sport" --- I'm sure he's doing only what he believes is right by the horse...and how much can you really fault him for that?

[ArlJim78]

Originally Posted by The Indomitable DrugS

I'd actually cast my vote for the impossible to root for Steve Asmussen.

IMO, Larry Jones wasn't being a "straight-shooter" with some of the things he'd said after the Southwest Stakes with Hard Spun. I realize he trains for an owner who seems like a pest, and he's not a "big name" trainer---but, that wasn't straight-talk coming out of LJ's mouth. He may have "cowboy" as his nickname...and may try to act like he's not the sharpest tool in the shed...but I've heard other quotes from him that suggest to me that he has a racing IQ above the average trainer.

To Asmussen's credit....he's stayed the course with Curlin. He didn't go out of his way to make a case that his horse ran as well as Street Sense in the Derby inspite of the 8 length margin of defeat---and believe me, it wouldn't have been hard to make that case. And, he was also the only trainer who took the heat and allowed HBO's Real Sports to interview him in the story they did about top trainers and their bad tests.

While Nafzger may not win any awards for "best sport" --- I'm sure he's doing only what he believes is right by the horse...and how much can you really fault him for that?

Good post, I agree with you.
The moment that Curlin crossed the wire first in the Preakness I assumed that Street Sense would not run in the Belmont. Without a TC on the line, sporting or not it just doesn't seem like a race that you just have to attend at all costs.

[ARyan]

Originally Posted by The Indomitable DrugS

I'd actually cast my vote for the impossible to root for Steve Asmussen.

IMO, Larry Jones wasn't being a "straight-shooter" with some of the things he'd said after the Southwest Stakes with Hard Spun. I realize he trains for an owner who seems like a pest, and he's not a "big name" trainer---but, that wasn't straight-talk coming out of LJ's mouth. He may have "cowboy" as his nickname...and may try to act like he's not the sharpest tool in the shed...but I've heard other quotes from him that suggest to me that he has a racing IQ above the average trainer.

To Asmussen's credit....he's stayed the course with Curlin. He didn't go out of his way to make a case that his horse ran as well as Street Sense in the Derby inspite of the 8 length margin of defeat---and believe me, it wouldn't have been hard to make that case. And, he was also the only trainer who took the heat and allowed HBO's Real Sports to interview him in the story they did about top trainers and their bad tests.
While Nafzger may not win any awards for "best sport" --- I'm sure he's doing only what he believes is right by the horse...and how much can you really fault him for that?

Take the heat!!! By not answering for anything!!

HBO: "How do you explain these test results?"
Assmussen: "I don't explain them."
HBO: "What do you mean you don't explain them?"
Assmussen: "Do you know how successful I am? Don't you think people are out to see me fail?"

Wow! What a great defense! He is simply so logical in his statements!

I can't stand him...

I feel bad for the horse. I think he is a great horse, but the fact he is in Assmussen's care sickens me.

[hockey2315]

Originally Posted by ARyan

Take the heat!!! By not answering for anything!!

HBO: "How do you explain these test results?"
Assmussen: "I don't explain them."
HBO: "What do you mean you don't explain them?"
Assmussen: "Do you know how successful I am? Don't you think people are out to see me fail?"

Wow! What a great defense! He is simply so logical in his statements!

I can't stand him...

I feel bad for the horse. I think he is a great horse, but the fact he is in Assmussen's care sickens me.

He had a point, though. . . Why would he use 750 times the legal limit of a substance that's easily detectable?

[ARyan]

Originally Posted by hockey2315

He had a point, though. . . Why would he use 750 times the legal limit of a substance that's easily detectable?

Why?

Maybe because he uses these types of drugs on many of his horses, and someone got sloppy. Who knows the truth, but the fact is he has been suspended multiple times, and does use these types of drugs on his horses.

He has no point, he is a liar, and a cheat. I hope someday, when he is caught again, he has his license revoked in every state.

I hope PA sets an example with Vaders and other states follow PA's lead.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by hockey2315

He had a point, though. . . Why would he use 750 times the legal limit of a substance that's easily detectable?

Maybe because he has got away with it for a long time and the labs finally were testing for it? The defense is the oldest trick in the book. The "I'm not possibly that dumb to do that" trick?

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by hockey2315

He had a point, though. . . Why would he use 750 times the legal limit of a substance that's easily detectable?

which of the 22 times are you referring to?

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by The Indomitable DrugS

And, he was also the only trainer who took the heat and allowed HBO's Real Sports to interview him in the story they did about top trainers and their bad tests.

Actually he had no idea what they were going to ask him. They told him it was going to be about Curlin.

[Cannon Shell]

I understand that most of the year turf writers have little to write about that anyone outside of diehards and people like us care about. I also understand that Street Sense being in the Belmont would make it a more interesting race. But the degree to which these guys are howling about this horse not running is stupid. It is one race in a 365 day schedule. Sure it is a classic but the problems of horse racing have almost nothing to do with the Triple Crown. The people who wont watch the Belmont because SS isn't in it aren't real fans anyway and probably wont be regardless of what happens. The people who support the game will be betting it despite his absense.

The guy made a choice to pass a demanding race with decreased relevance in the modern thoroughbred world. His horse may be lightly raced in the minds of some but the races are all tightly bunched and this would be his 4th race in 8 weeks. Which may not be a demanding schedule for a horse of past times but it is now. He doesn't wear front bandages because Carl has an endorsement deal with Vetwrap.

As a trainer I understand why he is doing this. And I think it is the right thing to do. I'm quite confident that his instincts are telling him to pass more than some possible stallion deal. As for the hysterical prophets of doom, What do you think they would have said if Frank Whitely would have passed on the match race?

[fpsoxfan]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

I understand that most of the year turf writers have little to write about that anyone outside of diehards and people like us care about. I also understand that Street Sense being in the Belmont would make it a more interesting race. But the degree to which these guys are howling about this horse not running is stupid. It is one race in a 365 day schedule. Sure it is a classic but the problems of horse racing have almost nothing to do with the Triple Crown. The people who wont watch the Belmont because SS isn't in it aren't real fans anyway and probably wont be regardless of what happens. The people who support the game will be betting it despite his absense.

The guy made a choice to pass a demanding race with decreased relevance in the modern thoroughbred world. His horse may be lightly raced in the minds of some but the races are all tightly bunched and this would be his 4th race in 8 weeks. Which may not be a demanding schedule for a horse of past times but it is now. He doesn't wear front bandages because Carl has an endorsement deal with Vetwrap.

As a trainer I understand why he is doing this. And I think it is the right thing to do. I'm quite confident that his instincts are telling him to pass more than some possible stallion deal. As for the hysterical prophets of doom, What do you think they would have said if Frank Whitely would have passed on the match race?

Excellent Points Chuck......By the way, Phonsie and the boys are in the B-Finals on Saturday...Good Luck Spa Catholic!!

[estreetposse]

Originally Posted by fpsoxfan

Excellent Points Chuck......By the way, Phonsie and the boys are in the B-Finals on Saturday...Good Luck Spa Catholic!!

He'll buy me a vodka yet damn it!!

[fpsoxfan]

Originally Posted by estreetposse

He'll buy me a vodka yet damn it!!

Buy you one....Heck I would've made you one last night. The Vodka Tonics were flowing like...uh....well....Vodka Tonics. Might stick to the Coors Light tonight.

[estreetposse]

Originally Posted by fpsoxfan

Buy you one....Heck I would've made you one last night. The Vodka Tonics were flowing like...uh....well....Vodka Tonics. Might stick to the Coors Light tonight.

Lord I'm Thirsty...Might have some Spritzas!!! or maybe just some "33's"

Nothing like an Ice Cold Rolling Rock on 90 degree day!!

[brianwspencer]

Originally Posted by fpsoxfan

Buy you one....Heck I would've made you one last night. The Vodka Tonics were flowing like...uh....well....Vodka Tonics. Might stick to the Coors Light tonight.

Last night in Ann Arbor shall be hereby declared Margaritas With Friends Night.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by fpsoxfan

Excellent Points Chuck......By the way, Phonsie and the boys are in the B-Finals on Saturday...Good Luck Spa Catholic!!

If you see him tell him I said whats up!

[fpsoxfan]

[quote=Cannon Shell]If you see him tell him I said whats up![/QUOTE

Will Do!!

[estreetposse]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

I understand that most of the year turf writers have little to write about that anyone outside of diehards and people like us care about. I also understand that Street Sense being in the Belmont would make it a more interesting race. But the degree to which these guys are howling about this horse not running is stupid. It is one race in a 365 day schedule. Sure it is a classic but the problems of horse racing have almost nothing to do with the Triple Crown. The people who wont watch the Belmont because SS isn't in it aren't real fans anyway and probably wont be regardless of what happens. The people who support the game will be betting it despite his absense.

The guy made a choice to pass a demanding race with decreased relevance in the modern thoroughbred world. His horse may be lightly raced in the minds of some but the races are all tightly bunched and this would be his 4th race in 8 weeks. Which may not be a demanding schedule for a horse of past times but it is now. He doesn't wear front bandages because Carl has an endorsement deal with Vetwrap.

As a trainer I understand why he is doing this. And I think it is the right thing to do. I'm quite confident that his instincts are telling him to pass more than some possible stallion deal. As for the hysterical prophets of doom, What do you think they would have said if Frank Whitely would have passed on the match race?

I was hoping you would give us your viewpoint. Thank you!!

[AeWingnut]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

I understand that most of the year turf writers have little to write about that anyone outside of diehards and people like us care about. I also understand that Street Sense being in the Belmont would make it a more interesting race. But the degree to which these guys are howling about this horse not running is stupid. It is one race in a 365 day schedule. Sure it is a classic but the problems of horse racing have almost nothing to do with the Triple Crown. The people who wont watch the Belmont because SS isn't in it aren't real fans anyway and probably wont be regardless of what happens. The people who support the game will be betting it despite his absense.
The guy made a choice to pass a demanding race with decreased relevance in the modern thoroughbred world. His horse may be lightly raced in the minds of some but the races are all tightly bunched and this would be his 4th race in 8 weeks. Which may not be a demanding schedule for a horse of past times but it is now. He doesn't wear front bandages because Carl has an endorsement deal with Vetwrap.

As a trainer I understand why he is doing this. And I think it is the right thing to do. I'm quite confident that his instincts are telling him to pass more than some possible stallion deal. As for the hysterical prophets of doom, What do you think they would have said if Frank Whitely would have passed on the match race?

I seldom bet 5 horse fields in any race especially when it is essentially a 2 horse race. Other than that, I agree with you. There is no real reason for SS to run in the Belmont. and it seems like NY has more short fields of any track.

endorsement deals ? really?