YAY!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by dellinger63

Not wanting to take anything away from Collmus or the spectacle but man I wish Durkin had waited one more year to retire!!!

Collmus is as boring as they come. 37 years and thats all he could come up with? I have no clue why he gets the top gigs. Durkin was a master at his craft and he would have given a more memorable call.

Collmus reads the manual. Durkin tells the story

[DonGuido]

Originally Posted by helicopter11

Collmus is as boring as they come. 37 years and thats all he could come up with? I have no clue why he gets the top gigs. Durkin was a master at his craft and he would have given a more memorable call.

Collmus reads the manual. Durkin tells the story

Yah, yah, yah . . . it's not about the call . . . it's about the horse. Perspective?!? Point of reference?!? Hello . . . MacFly!!!

[Kitan]

Originally Posted by helicopter11

Collmus is as boring as they come. 37 years and thats all he could come up with? I have no clue why he gets the top gigs. Durkin was a master at his craft and he would have given a more memorable call.

Collmus reads the manual. Durkin tells the story

This is just how things have become over here. Most callers just tell it how it is, they call what they see. The best of the best aren't callers, rather commentators that describe the action to tell a story. Unfortunately, other than Durkin very few North American callers learn how to announce this way. That's just my perspective, as I've heavily followed international racing and much prefer that style. The problem with saying he shouldn't get the top gigs is who here would be better? He used to be one of my favourite callers over here, although I've been critical of him recently, but his Belmont call still sent gave me chills.

Back to the topic, congrats to the champ. What a moment for the sport. Can't take anything away from AP and have to give him credit---I know I'm going to be absolutely berated for this---but the difference between him and others that have tried and failed is that he was able to work out three perfect trips. To be honest, with the way he struggled to the line in the Derby I'm not sure he would have even won that prior to the points system. Take nothing away, but that's the reality. However, at the end of the day he won all three and did humongous things for the sport on this continent.

I'll still bet against him next time though...

[Indian Charlie]

Originally Posted by Kitan

Can't take anything away from AP and have to give him credit---I know I'm going to be absolutely berated for this---but the difference between him and others that have tried and failed is that he was able to work out three perfect trips. To be honest, with the way he struggled to the line in the Derby I'm not sure he would have even won that prior to the points system. Take nothing away, but that's the reality. However, at the end of the day he won all three and did humongous things for the sport on this continent.

I'll still bet against him next time though...

I'm not going to berate you, but you are wrong.

Firstly, he's a great horse with great speed. Great speed horses have a huge advantage over others because they can make their own trip, and are much more adept at avoiding trouble.

As to the point of the other horses not getting perfect trips, off the top of my head, I would say, real quiet, silver charm, Sunday silence and funny cide. Ill agree on war emblem, chrome and charismatic, ill have another too.

I'm not sure what the point system has to do with him winning the derby, but yeah, it was his weakest showing.

[Port Conway Lane]

Originally Posted by Indian Charlie

I'm not sure what the point system has to do with him winning the derby, but yeah, it was his weakest showing.

The current points system favors 3yo form in the 1 1/8 mile preps.
In the "unrestricted earnings eligibility system" Trinniberg was eligible from his earnings in sprint stakes. (I don't know what horse this year was denied eligibility that would have quickened the pace.)
When you break down the previous derbys Spanish Chestnut and Going Wild in the 2005 derby may not have been eligible under the points system. This is the prime example of a pace meltdown that may have not taken place under the new system.

[Indian Charlie]

Originally Posted by Port Conway Lane

The current points system favors 3yo form in the 1 1/8 mile preps.
In the "unrestricted earnings eligibility system" Trinniberg was eligible from his earnings in sprint stakes. (I don't know what horse this year was denied eligibility that would have quickened the pace.)
When you break down the previous derbys Spanish Chestnut and Going Wild in the 2005 derby may not have been eligible under the points system. This is the prime example of a pace meltdown that may have not taken place under the new system.

Oh, I understand what you mean now. Thanks.

[Kasept]

Was the most joyous and satisfying sporting event I've witnessed and that includes the '85 World Series 7th game in Kansas City, 1980 PGA Championship (Nicklaus) at Oak Hill, Habs 1993 Stanley Cup clincher at the Forum, the '88 NCAA basketball final at Kemper Arena, and more.

Being in attendance for all 3 races an added pleasure..

Creating recorded annals of it all for posterity with the principals on ATR a privilege and honor.