"Oaklawn set for 'greatest stakes race' announcement"

[NTamm1215]

Originally Posted by slotdirt

Yeah, Charlie Cella would never do something like this. That would be like giving a $5 million bonus to a horse that can win the Rebel, Southwest, Arkansas Derby, and Kentucky Derby in the same year. Who would be crazy enough to do that?

Exactly. I think that promotion and what it did for Oaklawn will never really be appreciated for its ingenuity. The Arkansas Derby has had considerably better fields in the last four years and many of the horsemen who run in it also prep at Oaklawn. Give me Afleet Alex, Curlin, and Lawyer Ron over Sir Cherokee, Private Emblem, and Balto Star.

NT

[The Indomitable DrugS]

Balto Star was a total freak during the Derby preps. That's a seriously underrated horse by the way. A millionaire on both surfaces - quality victory on dirt over Mineshaft the year he won HOTY and gamely fighting off The Tin Man to win a Grade 1 on turf.

But yeah, I like how some people will try to credit the Arkansas Derby by attatching Saint Liam's name to it .. he was only beaten by about a pole to the mighty Sir Cherokee and Eugene's Third Son in that race.

[tector]

If it is the Apple Blossom, I see almost no chance of RA making that race. Personally I'd give her one "easy" race before facing Z anyway. It will have been a long layoff.

This reminds me of the BIG TVG announcement, which amounted to zip. In this game you have to get used to a lot of sound and fury, signifying nothing.

[Oaklawnfan]

I was wondering what promo Mr. Cella might come up for Oaklawn as the Fairgrounds changing their stakes schedule this year seemingly could have an impact on who ships in to Hot Springs for prep races. Mr. Cella has made some pretty smart business decisions in the past. Oaklawn's success in these tough times is a testament to that.

[tector]

Originally Posted by Oaklawnfan

I was wondering what promo Mr. Cella might come up for Oaklawn as the Fairgrounds changing their stakes schedule this year seemingly could have an impact on who ships in to Hot Springs for prep races. Mr. Cella has made some pretty smart business decisions in the past. Oaklawn's success in these tough times is a testament to that.

I agree 100%--smart guy.

[cakes44]

Originally Posted by The Indomitable DrugS

Balto Star was a total freak during the Derby preps. That's a seriously underrated horse by the way. A millionaire on both surfaces - quality victory on dirt over Mineshaft the year he won HOTY and gamely fighting off The Tin Man to win a Grade 1 on turf.

Which G1 did he win on the turf?

[The Indomitable DrugS]

The 2003 United Nations was his Grade 1 turf win. He beat The Tin Man by a half length. I think With Anticipation and Denon were also in there

He also won a pair of Grade 2 stakes on turf - and was twice 2nd in a Grade 1 turf race.

He won 4 Graded Stakes races on dirt.

[ArlJim78]

I agree about Balto Star, kind of underated that one. He was freaky at times on dirt or turf.

[cakes44]

Originally Posted by The Indomitable DrugS

The 2003 United Nations was his Grade 1 turf win. He beat The Tin Man by a half length. I think With Anticipation and Denon were also in there

He also won a pair of Grade 2 stakes on turf - and was twice 2nd in a Grade 1 turf race.

He won 4 Graded Stakes races on dirt.

Yeah I forgot about that one. Wasn't Jose Velez on him and he paid like 40-1?

[The Indomitable DrugS]

Yes

[Patrick333]

Originally Posted by The Indomitable DrugS

The 2003 United Nations was his Grade 1 turf win. He beat The Tin Man by a half length. I think With Anticipation and Denon were also in there

He also won a pair of Grade 2 stakes on turf - and was twice 2nd in a Grade 1 turf race.

He won 4 Graded Stakes races on dirt.

Here's the chart from that race. It sure was a shocker..

http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbP...ry=USA&race=10