DERBY NOTES (4/24-25): 'Spell' to Oaks only..

[Kasept]

Originally Posted by booner

What do you think about him not getting one work over the CD surface?

Not a big issue really. Giacomo and Funny Cide didn't have works here as recent examples that come to mind.

Bigger issue for the horses that aren't 'dirt' experienced.

As an example, Colonel John and Adriano both were on track today and looked good. Adriano cantered lightly and I only saw the Santa Anita Derby winner stand, but he makes a grand impression. Their works on the CD strip will be more important than Big Brown not working over it.

[booner]

Originally Posted by Kasept

Not a big issue really. Giacomo and Funny Cide didn't have works here as recent examples that come to mind.

Bigger issue for the horses that aren't 'dirt' experienced.

As an example, Colonel John and Adriano both were on track today and looked good. Adriano cantered lightly and I only saw the Santa Anita Derby winner stand, but he makes a grand impression. Their works on the CD strip will be more important than Big Brown not working over it.

I knew Giacomo didn't work @ CD, but didn't realize Funny Cide had not.

Very interested in Colonel John's work this weekend. This from the DRF caught my eye:

Colonel John had his second opportunity to try the Churchill Downs strip on a warm, sun-drenched morning shortly after the renovation break on Wednesday. And while the gallop went without incident, Colonel John, a well-made son of Tiznow, gave the appearance he still might not be completely comfortable over the surface. He strode along more like he was still testing and acclimating himself to the new footing rather than reaching out, as one would expect he usually does over familiar ground back home.

[Kasept]

Now that he's here, watch for Mike Welsch's workout patrol reports. Few can tell us how a horse is handling the surface better then Mike.

[Cajungator26]

Originally Posted by Kasept

Not a big issue really. Giacomo and Funny Cide didn't have works here as recent examples that come to mind.

Bigger issue for the horses that aren't 'dirt' experienced.

As an example, Colonel John and Adriano both were on track today and looked good. Adriano cantered lightly and I only saw the Santa Anita Derby winner stand, but he makes a grand impression. Their works on the CD strip will be more important than Big Brown not working over it.

Thanks for the info, Steve ... I'm hoping Colonel John takes to the dirt surface.

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by Cajungator26

Thanks for the info, Steve ... I'm hoping Colonel John takes to the dirt surface.

He that lives upon hope will die fasting.~benjamin franklin.


i like col john, have him in my rttr....but .....

[slotdirt]

Thanks for doing all of this, Steve. I love reading Haskin's reports on TBH, but I don't know if you always get the greatest of evaluations in those articles as nearly every horse moves well and has a great looking coat.

[mac attack]

where can i find mike welsch's patrol reports? i think they will give me a good idea on the horses i would like to eliminate in my tri for the derby. thanks

[Kasept]

Originally Posted by mac attack

where can i find mike welsch's patrol reports? i think they will give me a good idea on the horses i would like to eliminate in my tri for the derby. thanks

DRF in the Derby Section..

[hockey2315]

Here's the link: http://www.drf.com/tc/kentuckyderby/...r/clocker.html

[ateamstupid]

Originally Posted by Danzig

He that lives upon hope will die fasting.~benjamin franklin.


i like col john, have him in my rttr....but .....

One more mention of your RTTR, Zeig. One more..

Is there really that big a difference between dirt and synthetic surfaces?? I have walked the tracks at Turfway and Keeneland and they seem predominately dirt with carpet and tire fragments mixed in. Obviously these substances would lessen the concussive shock but they still seem pretty similar to a dirt surface in terms of footing. Big Brown 5F in 58. Pretty fast but Hard Spun worked 5F in 57 last year and ran a bang up race. Was BB ridden by a jockey or a larger ex rider???

[Thunder Gulch]

Originally Posted by inquiry

Is there really that big a difference between dirt and synthetic surfaces?? I have walked the tracks at Turfway and Keeneland and they seem predominately dirt with carpet and tire fragments mixed in. Obviously these substances would lessen the concussive shock but they still seem pretty similar to a dirt surface in terms of footing. Big Brown 5F in 58. Pretty fast but Hard Spun worked 5F in 57 last year and ran a bang up race. Was BB ridden by a jockey or a larger ex rider???

ENORMOUS. The racing evidence has shown some synthetics to be as different from dirt as grass is. Keenland used to get 40% wire jobs in routes but the first spring on poly delievered less than 5%. That doesn't mean all synthetics are the same and it doesn't mean a horse can't handle both, but you can't consider them the same.

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by inquiry

Is there really that big a difference between dirt and synthetic surfaces?? I have walked the tracks at Turfway and Keeneland and they seem predominately dirt with carpet and tire fragments mixed in. Obviously these substances would lessen the concussive shock but they still seem pretty similar to a dirt surface in terms of footing. Big Brown 5F in 58. Pretty fast but Hard Spun worked 5F in 57 last year and ran a bang up race. Was BB ridden by a jockey or a larger ex rider???

there isn't a bit of dirt in a synthetic mix. it's silica sand mixed with fibers and such. you have to consider it as a separate surface. it's not comparable to dirt, other than it isn't green!!

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by ateamstupid

One more mention of your RTTR, Zeig. One more..

sorry...wasn't trying to be tiresome, just wanted to point out i guess that i do like the horse.
but for the derby? maybe not so much, especially if he's not showing he's comfortable on what is to him a very foreign surface.

[Kasept]

Rich Migliore will now ride Bob Black Jack if he gets in with David Flores jumping to Behindatthebar.

[2Hot4TV]

Originally Posted by Kasept

Rich Migliore will now ride Bob Black Jack if he gets in with David Flores jumping to Behindatthebar.

When did they decide to wreck Behindatthebar by running him into the ground? Sad the way Derby fever helps make bad decisions.

[justindew]

Originally Posted by Kasept

Rich Migliore will now ride Bob Black Jack if he gets in with David Flores jumping to Behindatthebar.

Good chance Migliore will be watching the Derby on TV. BBJ needs three defections from the following list:

Massive Drama (probable defection)
Salute the Sarge (probable defection)
Proud Spell (50-50 i'll bet)
Eight Belles (going)
Behindatthebar (going)

....or, he needs two from the above, plus an injury.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by Kasept

Rich Migliore will now ride Bob Black Jack if he gets in with David Flores jumping to Behindatthebar.

Arcaro could rise from the grave and it wouldnt matter on these 2